DRAFT MINUTES TO BE CONFIRMED
Minutes of the Meeting of Denby Dale Parish Council held on Tuesday 3 July 2007 in the Civic Chamber, Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe
Members Present: Cllr G Turner (Chair), E Shaw (Vice Chair), C Barnfield, J C Birdsall, J E Birdsall, R Brook, H Cole, A Heaton, D Kaye, C Rimmer, A Stimson, A Tribe, K Waites, N Wilson
107 Declarations of Councillors’ Interests
Cllr Tribe declared a personal interest in agenda item 21 Planning Application No. 2007/60/91982/E3.
108 Suspension of Standing Orders
It was RESOLVED that Standing Orders be suspended in line with Standing Order No. 79 to allow Mike Proud of Kirklees Council and members of the public to address the meeting.
109 Mike Proud, Bromley Farm Recycling Centre
Mike Proud was welcomed to the meeting and spoke about the Bromley Farm Recycling Centre. He indicated that at this stage it was not feasible to extend opening hours as requested by the council, and that he was still discussing with Sita the possibility of offering confidential paper shredding and electronic data destruction facilities. Further information would be given to the council on any progress made on this issue. He invited councillors to visit the Emerald Street Recycling Centre at a date to be decided in the near future. He answered a number of questions from councillors on plans for offering kerbside collections to outlying areas, on future government targets, on the energy for waste plant and on garden waste. It was RESOLVED that Mr Proud be thanked for his presentation and that the council accept the invitation to visit the centre.
110 Public Discussion Time
A member of the public addressed the meeting on Planning Application No. 2007/60/91982/E3; a second member of the public spoke about the serious impact of the withdrawal of the Stagecoach bus service to Barnsley and advised the council of the petition she had organised within the community which would be sent to Stagecoach.
111 Return to Standing Orders
It was RESOLVED to return to Standing Orders.
112 Apologies
Reasons for absence were submitted by Cllrs M Barlow, J A Barlow, M Mills, T Sigsworth, S Simpson and K Thursby. It was RESOLVED that the reasons for absence from the above councillors be accepted as valid.
113 Minutes
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 5 June 2007 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
114 Wind Turbines
Further to minute No. 521, the Clerk reported that Vicky Dumbrell of Kirklees MC would be attending the Plans Scrutiny Meeting on 31 July 2007 to discuss the issue of wind turbines in general and in particular to respond to the Parish Council’s request for more wind turbines on council buildings. In view of the fact that it was not possible for Ms Dumbrell to attend a meeting of the full council due to her impending maternity leave, it was RESOLVED that all councillors be encouraged to attend the meeting.
115 Bus Stop Opposite Triangle, Huddersfield Road, Skelmanthorpe
Further to Minute No. 35, the Clerk submitted correspondence from Alan Sykes of Kirklees MC confirming that he had contacted Metro again regarding this bus stop and their view was that it is in the safest position available, that it does not cause inconvenience to shops or householders and if it were moved, it would have be sited directly outside a business or residential property which would lead to further objections. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted, and that the Parish Council write to Kirklees MC asking for a pedestrian refuge to be installed
116 Junction Huddersfield Road/Station Road, Skelmanthorpe
In relation to Minute No. 31, the Clerk reported that no response had yet been received from Kirklees Council to the Parish Council’s request for a low level tub to be placed on the pavement at the junction of Huddersfield Road/Station Road in Skelmanthorpe. It was RESOLVED that the matter be pursued.
117 Shelley Woodhouse Lane Footpath
In relation to Minute No. 30, the Clerk reported that no response had yet been received from Kirklees Council to the Parish Council’s request for the resurfacing of Shelley Woodhouse Lane footpath. It was RESOLVED that the matter be pursued.
118 Traffic Problems in Clayton West and Scissett
In relation to Minute No. 37, the Clerk submitted correspondence from John Leach of Kirklees MC confirming that
a) The council agrees to introduce a 30mph gateway at Hill Top on High Street. The Council’s maintenance section will be doing extensive works on High Street later this year and the new markings will be introduced as part of that scheme.
b) The Council plans to look at Church Lane and Chapel Hill and come back with firmer proposals.
c) There are traffic signals proposed for the junction of Wakefield Road and Sunnymead. which will incorporate pedestrian facilities to be introduced later this year. These will satisfy the need to cross Wakefield Road in the vicinity of Scissett Baths.
It was RESOLVED that the report be welcomed.
119 Advertising Boards and other Pavement Obstructions
In relation to Minute No. 69, the Clerk reported that no response had yet been received from Kirklees Council to the Parish Council’s request for action to be taken against advertising boards and other pavement obstructions. It was RESOLVED that the matter be pursued.
120 Plastic Bags
The Clerk reported that to date, no response had been received from district councillors to the Parish Council’s request for action to be taken towards the reduction of the use of plastic bags in the parish and that only one MP, Mike Wood of Batley and Spen, had written supporting any moves made in this regard. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk should investigate further the options available and should contact those councils which had taken similar action, such as Modbury Council in Devon and Hebden Royd.
121 Flower Tower
Further to Minute No. 31, the Clerk reported that having agreed to install a flower tower in front of the Council offices, Kirklees Council had been unable to install the tower due to access problems and had installed it across the road instead. Members discussed the desirability of expanding the provision of floral displays across the parish and it was RESOLVED that the costs of hanging baskets or other displays be investigated and the issue discussed at the September council meeting.
122 Reduction in Bus Services
The Clerk submitted further correspondence from the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and from Stagecoach concerning the cuts in bus services. It was noted that the responses were disappointing and did not really take account of the impact of the cuts on local residents. The Clerk explained that no reply had been received from Arriva to the Parish Council’s letter which had been agreed at the June Council meeting and it was RESOLVED that a reminder letter be sent. The Clerk also submitted an invitation from Kirkburton Parish Council to an open meeting to discuss the impact of the bus service cuts to be held in the near future. It was RESOLVED that as many members as possible attend the public meeting.
123 Public Transport Working Party
In response to the issue of bus service cuts and other problems with public transport in the area, Cllr Brook raised the question of how the Parish Council can influence transport policy. It was RESOLVED that the Council establish a working party to look at the whole issue of public transport in the parish, including the recent cuts in bus services, with a view to developing a strategy to enable the Council to exert influence over transport policy. The working party is to be open to all councillors and members of the public with a particular interest/expertise in public transport. It was agreed to hold a brief initial meeting from 6pm to 6.45pm, immediately before the training seminar on Wednesday, 11 July.
124 Street Naming
a) The Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees MC confirming that the street on the development off Cumberworth Road in Skelmanthorpe was to be named Gardeners’ Walk. Members were disappointed that their preferred option had not been adopted and noted the irony of choosing the name Gardeners’ Walk when the development could only go ahead following the closure of the Cumberworth Road allotment site. It was RESOLVED that a letter be sent to Kirklees MC outlining the Parish Council’s views.
b) The Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees MC confirming that the development adjacent to Wakefield Road, Denby Dale was to be named Norman Croft which was the preferred option of the Parish Council. It was RESOLVED that the decision be noted.
125 Lengthsperson
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees Environmental Services department in response to the Parish Council’s request for a review of the role of the Lengthsperson arising out of the Parish Plan. the Council confirmed that service provision and frequencies vary but generally the streets in Denby Dale are attended at least once a week by the manual sweeper and monthly by the mechanical sweeper. In addition, a vehicle is deployed to empty all the litter bins.; Ten additional litter bins have been installed in Upper and Lower Cumberworth and Upper Denby and a further ten litter bins will be sited in Denby Dale and Scissett this year. Monitoring will be carried out in the parish to ensure that the best use of resources is being made. It was RESOLVED that the correspondence be noted.
126 Invitation to Mary Creagh MP
In relation to Minute No. 80, the Clerk reported that the only date Mary Creagh is able to offer to address the council before she goes on maternity leave is 31 July, the date of the Plans Scrutiny committee meeting. It was RESOLVED that all members of the council be urged to attend the Plans Scrutiny Committee meeting on 31 July and since there will be two guest speakers (see Minute 114 above), the meeting should start at an earlier time of 7pm to enable all the business to be transacted.
127 Traffic Problems on Station Road, Skelmanthorpe
Cllr Turner raised the issue of traffic problems on Station Road in Skelmanthorpe. In particular, he pointed out the difficulties caused to passing and turning traffic because of cars being parked on the corners of Station Road and Gib Lane. It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council write to Kirklees Highways requesting the provision of double yellow lines on the corners concerned.
128 Speed Limits on Barnsley Road, Denby Dale
Cllr Turner raised the issue of speeding traffic on the stretch of Barnsley Road in Denby Dale from the viaduct towards Nether End. It was pointed out that a petition had been presented to Kirklees Council some two to three years ago calling for speed restrictions on that road, but that no action had been taken. It was also pointed out that Kirklees MC is planning a programme of remedial works on the road and it was RESOLVED that Kirklees MC be asked to confirm the exact nature of the work to be carried out and whether it would include some form of speed restriction.
129 Highways Department Coordinator
Members discussed a proposal made previously by the Highways Safety Manager that the Parish Council nominate an individual to liaise with the Highways Department. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk fulfil this function. Members discussed the decline in service offered by ROSS Street Care and it was RESOLVED that the Parish Council write to Kirklees Council asking for a review of the ROSS service.
130 Denby Dale Centre Management Committee
The Clerk submitted an invitation from the Denby Dale Centre to nominate a representative to their Management Committee. It was RESOLVED that Cllr Brook be nominated to represent the Parish Council on the Denby Dale Centre Management Committee.
131 Model Code of Conduct
The Clerk submitted correspondence from the Kirklees MC Solicitor indicating that the Standards Committee had formally accepted the new Model Code of Conduct and recommended acceptance by the Parish Council. It was RESOLVED a) that the parish council adopt the Standard Board’s Model Code of Conduct for Parish and Town Councils 2007; b) that the limit for recording gifts and hospitality remain at £25 and c) that an item about the new code of conduct be inserted in the next newsletter.
132 Finance and General Purposes Committee
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting held on 19 June be signed by the Chair as a correct record.
133 Application for Funding
The Clerk submitted an application for £16000 from the Skelmanthorpe Youth and Community Centre towards the cost of developing the new youth and community centre in Skelmanthorpe which will offer sports and community facilities to residents across the parish. It was RESOLVED that a grant of £8,000 be awarded and that the issue be revisited at the end of the financial year and that the cheque be presented at a fundraising coffee morning which is due to be held in the council chamber on 15 September 2007.
134 Newsletter
The Clerk reported that she had received a quote from one print company for the production of 7000 newsletters a cheapest quote for distribution was £500 plus VAT. It was RESOLVED a) that further quotes be obtained; b)that the newsletter be prepared for delivery in November 2007; c) that ideas for articles be submitted to Cllr Jane Birdsall and that d) distribution be carried out by councillors.
135 Plans Scrutiny Committee
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Plans Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 26 June 2007 be signed as a correct record by the Chair.
136 NALC Conference
Te Clerk submitted details of the NALC conference due to be held in Bournemouth in October 2007. It was RESOLVED that the conference be noted.
137 YLCA Meeting
The Clerk submitted a written report by Cllr Shaw of the YLCA meeting held at Ripponden on 13 June 2007. The main items discussed were the Model Code of Conduct, the role of co-optees, the dangers posed by quadbikes and mini motorbikes; and the recent White Paper on planning which did not mention Parish and Town Councils. It was RESOLVED that Cllr Shaw be thanked for his report.
138 Forthcoming YLCA Meetings
a) The Clerk submitted details of the YLCA East Riding and Northern Lincolnshire Local Councils Associations and the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Training Partnership joint training conference to be held in Scarborough from 28 to 30 September 2007 It was RESOLVED that Cllr Shaw attend on the Saturday and provisionally, the Clerk attend the whole weekend.
b) The Clerk submitted information about the forthcoming joint meeting of the YLCAs to be held on 21 July 2007. Neither Cllr Shaw nor Cllr J C Birdsall was able to attend. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
139 White Rose Update
The Clerk submitted copies of the latest White Rose Update. It was RESOLVED that the document be noted.
140 Public Rights of Way Forum
Cllr J C Birdsall explained that he had been unable to attend the forum meeting held on 14 June 2007 and was unable, therefore, to give a report. It was RESOLVED that this be noted.
141 YRCC Rural Community Buildings Conference
In the absence of Cllr Sigsworth, it was RESOLVED that this item be deferred to the September meeting.
142 Appointment of Internal Auditor
The Clerk reported that she had now received confirmation that Holme Valley, Kirkburton and Meltham Parish Councils all use Torrevell Dent, an accountancy firm based in Bradford for their internal audit at a cost of approximately £300. It was noted that Cllr J A Barlow had indicated that he knew of a retired accountant who might be interested in acting as internal auditor and it was RESOLVED therefore that a decision be deferred until Cllr Barlow was able to give feedback.
143 Orders for Payment
It was RESOLVED that orders for payment on schedule No. 456 totalling £1835.29 be authorised.
144 September Council Meeting Agenda
It was RESOLVED that the following items be put on the agenda of the September Council meeting: flood assessment; operation of fire brigade during recent flooding; and parking problems on Commercial Road near the Windmill, Skelmanthorpe.
145 Dates of next meetings
Plans Scrutiny Committee at 7pm on 31 July 2007
Plans Scrutiny Committee at 7.30pm on 28 August 2007
Council Meeting at 7pm on 4 September 2007
146 Urgent Planning Notification
The Clerk submitted Planning Application No. 2007/60/91982/E3 outline application for temporary permission for warden’s cottage at Birdsedge countryside project, Birdsedge Lane, Birdsedge. It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council object to the application due to green belt policy.
Signed……………………………………….
CHAIR
