DRAFT
Minutes of the Meeting of Denby Dale Parish Council held on Tuesday 2 October 2007 in the Civic Chamber, Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe
Members Present: Cllr G Turner (Chair), E Shaw (Vice Chair), C Barnfield, J A Barlow, M Barlow, J C Birdsall, J E Birdsall, R Brook, H Cole, A Heaton, M Mills, C Rimmer, T Sigsworth, S Simpson, A Stimson, A Tribe, K Waites
220 Declarations of Councillors’ Interests
No interests were declared.
221 Public Discussion Time
No matters were raised by members of the public.
222 Apologies for Absence
Reasons for absence were submitted by Cllrs D Kaye, K Thursby and N Wilson. It was RESOLVED that the reasons for absence from the above councillors be accepted as valid.
223 Minutes of Council Meeting
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the council meeting held on 4 September 2007 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
224 Minutes of Plans Scrutiny Committee Meeting
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Plans Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 25 September 2007 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Vice Chair of the Plans Scrutiny Committee
225 Youth Council
Members discussed the feasibility of the establishment of a Youth Council in the parish. Members agreed that a youth council run by young people with the assistance of a youth worker and with some funding from the Parish Council would enable young people to be consulted and to engage in their local community. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk pursue the matter by contacting appropriate schools in the area as well as the Kirklees MC youth service and that the matter be referred to the Finance & General Purposes Committee with a view to setting aside funds in the 2008-2009 budget to provide financial assistance.
226 Changes to Standing Orders
It was RESOLVED that the following changes be made to Standing Orders
a) amend standing order No. 33 a) to insert “3 July 2007”
b) amend standing order No. 57 to insert “3 July 2007”
c) insert new Standing Order No. 1c) “All meetings of the council shall begin at 7pm and end at 9pm or 9.30pm if there is a guest speaker.”
d) amend Standing Order No. 15 to read: “At each ordinary meeting of the Council, before the commencement of transacting the business of the Council, there will be a 15 minute open session, for members of the public to raise any issues of concern or ask any questions.”
227 Advertising Boards and Other Pavement Obstructions
In relation to Minute No. 182, the Clerk submitted correspondence from Geof Thorp of Kirklees MC stating that local traders had been advised that they were not permitted to place advertising boards on the pavement; however concern had been expressed about the difficulty of enforcing this action across the district. It was agreed that the advertisement boards about which members had complained were sited on narrow pavements representing a potential hazard to pedestrians and thus in conflict with government legislation controlling the siting of advertisements. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk write to Kirklees Council to ask that it comply with government legislation to control illegal advertisement boards.
228 Liaison with Local Businesses
In relation to Minute No. 183, the Clerk reported that she had been advised by the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry that there was no business organisation with the parish. It was RESOLVED therefore that the Council write to all businesses in the parish with a questionnaire asking them if they would be interested in cooperating with the council on issues of mutual interest, particularly by sponsoring hanging baskets, with a view to benefiting the whole community. Retailers would be asked if they would support the decision by the Parish Council to reduce or eliminate the use of plastic bags within the parish.
229 ROSS Helpline Targets
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees MC explaining that the corporate target for calls to the Highways ROSS free phone helpline is to answer 80% of the calls within 5 minutes. Over the period 20 July to 20 August, there had been 2868 calls answered on this line and of these 84% were answered within 3 minutes, 10% between 3 and 5 minutes and 6% took over 5 minutes to answer.
230 Emergency Planning for Flooding
Further to Minute No. 189, the Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees MC outlining the Council’s planning in the event of future flooding. Members discussed the correspondence and it was RESOLVED that Kirklees MC be asked
a) to confirm how often culverts and other water courses are cleared of debris and other rubbish, such as dumped supermarket trolleys.
b) whether the Council’s reply could be published on the Parish Council website
c) whether the Parish Council could send a representative to the meetings of the strategic flood prevention team.
231 Locations for Hanging Baskets
Further to minute No. 191, it was RESOLVED that Cllrs J C Birdsall, J E Birdsall and Cllr E Shaw accompany the Clerk around the parish to determine the best sites for locating hanging baskets. It was pointed out by members that there were some hanging basket brackets on street light columns in Upper Cumberworth and it was RESOLVED that the Clerk write to the Cumberworth Community Association to ask whether, if these brackets are not going to be used by the Association, the Parish Council could use them for its own hanging baskets.
232 Focus on the Dale
Cllr J E Birdsall reported that not all the promised articles had been received and it was RESOLVED that members send their articles to Cllr Birdsall as a matter of urgency.
233 Safety Improvements Outside Nortonthorpe Hall School
Further to Minute No. 195, the Clerk submitted correspondence from Ryan Kinder of Kirklees MC confirming that he would be providing some slow markings on red road surfacing on each approach to the school entrance. Members welcomed this development and it was RESOLVED that Mr Kinder be thanked accordingly.
234 Bus Service Cuts
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Stagecoach confirming that the proposals put forward by the Parish Council would be discussed with Metro. The Clerk also reported that she had written to Metro sending them a copy of the letter to Stagecoach asking them to pursue the matter further. It was RESOLVED that the correspondence be noted.
235 Flower Tub at Junction of Huddersfield Road/Station Road
In relation to Minute No. 180, the Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees indicating that if the Parish Council wished to it could provide a flower tub. Cllr J C Birdsall indicated that he was exploring a range of possibilities. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
236 Remembrance Sunday
The Clerk asked members to agree who would lay wreaths on Remembrance Sunday. It was RESOLVED that the laying of wreaths on Remembrance Sunday be as follows:
Cllr S Simpson at Clayton West
Cllr M Mills at Emley
Cllr J C Birdsall at Scissett
Cllr J E Birdsall at Skelmanthorpe
Cllr G Turner at Denby Dale
Cllr E Shaw at Birdsedge (9 November)
and that times would be confirmed at the November meeting.
237 2007 Polling District and Polling Station Review
The Clerk submitted the Returning Officer’s report of the 2007 Polling District and Polling Station Review. Members expressed their disappointment that the Council’s submission to the review was not taken into account, even though the report itself points out that the Emley Band Room is on a “blind bit” of road which, as councillors are aware is why a number local residents in Emley are now failing to vote because they regard the polling station as being in a dangerous position. It was RESOLVED that Kirklees MC be asked to reconsider their decision and to look at a more suitable alternative such as the Methodist Church. It was pointed out that the new Blue Hills development had been put into the Upper Cumberworth polling district when it is in fact in Lower Cumberworth and it was RESOLVED that Kirklees MC be asked to rectify this anomaly.
238 Car Parking Problems on Commercial Road
Cllr Cole raised the issue of problems caused by double parking on Commercial Road between Barrowstead and the Windmill. It was RESOLVED that Kirklees MC be asked to provide double yellow lines on one side of the road to resolve this problem.
239 Denby Dale Station
Cllr Sigsworth raised the issue of the appearance of Denby Dale Station and sought the council’s views on the possibility of providing a floral display. It was RESOLVED
a) that the Clerk discuss with the Countryside Officer the possibility of the embankment being cleared with a view to providing a display of wild flowers
b) Consideration be given to providing hanging baskets at the station and to seeking sponsorship.
Cllr Sigsworth also reported that he had been contacted by Rowena Chantler, the Partnership Officer of the new South Pennines Rail Partnership who was looking to develop partnerships with local organisations to develop station adoption groups.
It was also RESOLVED that the Clerk liaise with Rowena Chantler with a view to obtaining further information.
240 Cycle Lanes
Cllr Sigsworth sought the Council’s views on the possibility of promoting a cycle trail using existing bridleways and other byways. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk seek the assistance of the Countryside Officer to establish the feasibility of such a scheme and supported Cllr J E Birdsall’s request to take a role in this project.
241 War Memorial, Clayton West
Cllr Sigsworth expressed concern about the poor state of the war memorial in Clayton West. He pointed out that while the memorial itself was in an acceptable state, the surrounding area was in poor condition; part of the topping on the surrounding wall had dislodged and there was concern that though the wall itself is attractive and made of stone, the topping is made of concrete which spoils the appearance. In addition, the tarmac surround is dull and lifeless and could be vastly improved with some shrubs. It was RESOLVED that Kirklees MC be asked to take steps to remedy the problems identified.
242 Kirklees Public Rights of way Forum
Cllr J C Birdsall submitted a written report on the meeting of the Public Rights of Way Forum held on 13 September. Cllr Birdsall pointed out that due to other commitments, he was finding it difficult making the PROW meetings and councillors were asked to consider nominating an alternative representative. It was RESOLVED that the item be discussed at the November council meeting.
243 Joint Parish/Town Councils and Kirklees MC Meeting
Cllr J A Barlow and the Clerk reported on the joint parish/town councils and Kirklees MC meeting held on 19 September. Issues highlighted including locality management, the proposals that parish councils should no longer receive paper copies of plans which had now been put in abeyance with the decision that the paper copies would continue for the time being; and the government white paper /local government bill. It was RESOLVED that Cllr A Palfreeman be asked to give a presentation on locality management to the next meeting of the council.
244 Denby Dale Countryside Project Steering Group
Cllr Turner gave a report of the Steering Group meeting held on 20 September. Andy Wickham had presented an update of his work. The meeting discussed the possibility of developing a new woodland and though funding was available, no land had been identified as suitable. In addition the meeting concluded that there was a need for more allotments in the area. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
245 Public Transport Working Party
Cllr Barnfield submitted a report on the work of the Public Transport Working Party. One issue of concern was that of overcrowding on buses between Skelmanthorpe and Huddersfield and because buses used on this route are too small, some passengers had been left standing at bus-stops, unable to get on the bus. Other issues being dealt with by the working party were the Wakefield – Holmfirth service and the issue of improving bus/train links at Denby Dale Station. It was RESOLVED that the working party continue and that any correspondence should be sent by the Clerk.
246 YLCA Training Conference
Cllr Shaw submitted a written report on the training conference that he and the Clerk had attended the previous weekend. Issues highlighted included workshops on planning, budgeting and provision of affordable homes. In addition, there had been a debate about the government’s proposals to fill vacancies on parish and town councils with appointed councillors for up to 20% of the vacant seats. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
247 Picture of Kirklees Conference
It was RESOLVED that Cllrs J A Barlow and M Barlow attend the Picture of Kirklees Conference on behalf of the Council on 11 October 2007.
248 West Yorkshire Police District Consultation Event
Cllr Turner indicated that he would be attending the consultation with West Yorkshire police and it was RESOLVED that a report be given to the November meeting.
249 Supporting Larger Councils Forum
The Clerk submitted information about the YLCA forum on Supporting Larger Councils to be held on 8 November 2007. Cllr Shaw indicated that he might be able to attend and it was RESOLVED that if he is available, Cllr Shaw attend on behalf of the council.
250 Kirkburton Parish Council Public Meeting on Public Transport
It was RESOLVED that as many members as possible attend the public meeting on public transport to be held on 8 October 2007.
251 2008-2009 Budget
The Clerk invited members to suggest items for expenditure for possible inclusion in the 2008-2009 budget. It was RESOLVED that the following projects be considered: a youth council, purchase of a projector, floral displays at the entrance to villages, a Wheels2Work scheme, a cycle trail and reusable non-plastic shopping bags.
252 Internal Auditor
The Clerk reported that the other councils are currently seeking to reduce the cost of the internal auditor, Torrevell Dent and it was RESOLVED that the council should postpone appointing the firm until the outcome of these negotiations is known.
253 Orders for Payment
It was RESOLVED that orders for payment on schedule No. 459 totalling £6140.10 be authorised.
254 Budget Statement
The Clerk submitted a detailed budget report to 30 September 2007. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
255 Street Naming
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees MC requested suggestions for street names for three developments within the Parish. It was RESOLVED that the following proposals be submitted to Kirklees MC:
a) Development off Norman Road, Denby Dale – Nether Dale, Nether Carr or Kingfisher View
b) Development of Bank Lane, Denby Dale – Viaduct View
c) Development off Wakefield Road/Langley Lane, Scissett – Blacker Dyke
256 Items of Information
The Clerk submitted an information bulletin from the YLCA. It was RESOLVED that the bulletin be noted.
257 November Council Meeting
It was RESOLVED that the following items be placed on the agenda of the November council meeting: refuse bins left on pavements (Cllr A Tribe), dog fouling (Cllr C Rimmer), visit to Textile Museum (Clerk), presentation of cheque to Skelmanthorpe Youth and Community Centre.
258 Dates of next meetings
Plans Scrutiny Committee at 7.30pm on 30 October 2007
Council Meeting at 7pm on 6 November 2007
Finance & General Purposes Committee 13 November 2007 at 7.30pm
Signed……………………………………….
CHAIR
