OPEN SESSION:

There were two members of the public present who wished to speak (see attached notes).

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF RINGWOOD TOWN COUNCIL

Held on Wednesday 14th December 2011 at 7.00pm

PRESENT:                

Cllr B H Terry (Town Mayor)

Cllr S Burgess-Kennar

Cllr N J Chard
Cllr J D Heron
Cllr G J O’Reilly
Cllr W S Rippon-Swaine
Cllr M A Steele
Cllr S M Stokes
Cllr J Terry                 
Cllr M H Thierry
                                                                                                                       

IN ATTENDANCE:  

Mr T Simpson, Town Clerk
Mrs J Stannard, Deputy Town Clerk

Prior to the meeting, the Town Clerk reported that apologies for absence had been received from Cllr L C Ford,  Cllr R Frampton, Cllr A C Wiseman and Cllr B Woodifield.

The Town Mayor introduced Inspector Simon Tribe, who had been in post for two months.  Inspector Tribe hoped that he could establish a close working relationship with the Town Council and encouraged Members to contact him with any concerns.

C/5225 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were none.

 

C/5226 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the Meeting held on 23rd November 2011, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record.

 

C/5227 POLICY & FINANCE COMMITTEE

Cllr Heron presented the minutes of the Policy & Finance Committee meeting held on 7th December 2011.

 

F/4789 – It was agreed that this item should continue to be dealt with in private session.

 

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the Policy & Finance Committee meeting held on 7th December 2011, with the exception of F/4789, be received.

F/4728 EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC & PRESS

RESOLVED:  That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted, it was advisable in the public interest that the press and public be temporarily excluded and they were instructed to withdraw (Annex A attached).

C/4729 YOUTH PROVISION

Members considered the recommendation at confidential minute F/4789 of the Policy & Finance Committee meeting held on 7th December 2011.

 

RESOLVED:  That the recommendation in confidential minute F/4789 of the Policy & Finance Committee meeting held on 7th December 2011, and additional recommendations agreed at this meeting, be approved.

C/4730 RE-ADMISSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS

RESOLVED:  That the press and public be re-admitted to the meeting.

 

C/5231 PLANNING, TOWN & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

Cllr Steele presented the minutes of the Planning, Town & Environment Committee meeting held on 9th December 2011.

 

It was noted that there were several planning applications considered at this meeting for which the comments of the Conservation Officer were not available.  This made it impossible for Members to make an informed judgement.  The Deputy Town Clerk reported that this issue would be taken up with the District Council by a Focus Group of the Association of Local Councils in New Forest District.

 

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the Planning, Town & Environment Committee meeting held on 9th December 2011 be received.

C/5232 SIGNATORIES

Following the resignation of Cllr Woodifield from Policy & Finance Committee, Members considered whether Cllr Thierry should be authorised as a signatory to the Council’s bank accounts. 

RESOLVED:  That Cllr Thierry be authorised as a signatory to the Council’s bank accounts.

C/5233 COMMUNICATIONS TO BE RECEIVED

The Town Mayor reported the following:

1)   A thank you letter had been received from Bisterne Village Hall for the grant of £350 for renovations to the facilities.

2)   The office would be closed for Christmas and New Year from 3pm on Friday 23rd December 2011 until 9am on Tuesday 3rd January 2012.  The groundsmen would also be on leave, but the Grounds Foreman would be ensuring that dog bins and litter bins are emptied during the holidays.

3)   Evidence of public liability insurance had now been provided by Jim Stride for Santa’s arrival by helicopter on the Bickerley Green on 15th December at 3.55pm. As Mayor, he was looking forward to having tea with Santa!

4)   A letter had been sent to Ringwood & Fordingbridge News to clarify the position regarding staff parking in the Furlong car park, when the Gateway Building opens next spring. Staff will not have reserved parking places, and nor will Councillors.

 

5)   Many thanks to Pola Brown for donating a bench for the Raymond Brown Nature Reserve, which had now been installed. The Interpretation Board, to include information on responsible behaviour expected of dog owners, should be in place by Christmas.

6)   Finally, he wished everyone a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Healthy New Year.

C/5234 REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

District Councillor Woodifield had submitted a written report (Annex B).

 

District Councillor Heron reported on the provision of supported services in assisted homes.  As a result of Hampshire County Council revising its funding, the District Council could no longer provide this service under contract.  The service would in future be provided by a different provider, although there should be no effect on the quality of service.  This decision would affect residents of Clarks Close in Ringwood, although the building would continue to be owned by the District Council.  The residents had been notified.

 

County Councillor Rippon-Swaine reported that, following concerns raised at the last meeting, he had spoken to the Principal Engineer at the District Council and had been assured that the proposal for a pedestrian crossing in Christchurch Road would be given consideration.

C/5235 FORTHCOMING MEETINGS

There being no further business, the Town Mayor closed the meeting at 8.00pm.                          
           
APPROVED
25th January 2012

TOWN MAYOR