HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL

 

Hexham Burial Board

 

I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE THAT a Meeting of the Hexham Burial Board Committee will be held in the Council Office, St Andrews Cemetery, West Road, Hexham on 22nd May 2006 at 3.30 PM when the following items will be discussed:-

 

 

A G E N D A

 

 

1.       To elect the Burial Board Committee Chairman.

2.       Apologies for absence.

3.       To agree the Minutes of the Hexham Burial Board Management Committee meeting held on the 6th February 2006 enclosed, presented to Council on 6th March 2006.

4.       Matters arising, if any.

5.       Water supply. See attached confidential memorandum.

6.       Lodge central heating boiler. See attached memorandum.

7.       Greenhouse and machinery store. A report on the revised proposals will be given.

8.       Toilets refurbishment to dda standard. A report on the proposals will be given.

9.       To receive a report on the recommended replacement grass cutter for the existing Countax machine.

10.   To agree a date for the next Committee meeting.

11.   Any other business.

 

 

 

 

 

D Tiffin,

Clerk of the Council

18th April 2006

 

 

Hexham Town Council

Council Office, St Andrews Cemetery

West Road, Hexham NE46 3RR

Answerphone on 01434609575

Mobile on 07730647563

 

 

hagenda0506cemetery

 

HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF THE HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL BURIAL BOARD MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON THE 6th FEBRUARY 2006

 

459.PRESENT. Cllr. J B Jonas, Deputy Town Mayor in the Chair together with Cllrs. B Pickering the Town Mayor, Cllrs G C Ferguson, J M Lambert, Mrs I C Whale and M Way. Also present Cllr T Robson.

460.APOLOGIES. There were no apologies for absence.

461.MINUTES. It was AGREED to receive the minutes of the meeting held on the 5th December 2005, presented to Council on the 9th January 2006.

462.MATTERS ARISING. There were no matters arising.

463. GREENHOUSE AND MACHINERY STORAGE BUILDING. Cllr T Robson proposed that the existing greenhouses be demolished and on the site should be built a new storage building and greenhouse with cold frames as required alongside. The main justifications to carry out the proposal are that:-

a.       The existing greenhouses are dilapidated and on close inspection uneconomic to repair.

b.      They have no heating.

c.       The present storage of machinery in the old Chapel is not conducive to ease of working, the machines cannot be moved outside individually and the width of the entrance door restricts use of any machine larger than current stock. This is restricting purchase of larger and more efficient machinery.

Cllr T Robson considered the funding required could be by loan from Tynedale Council repayable over 10 to 15 years. After fully discussing a number of concerns raised it was AGREED and it is RECOMMENDED that

d.      Crawford Higgins Associates are instructed to proceed with discussions for planning approval and to complete the project in the usual manner, their charging rate to be agreed by the Council upon receipt of details.

e.       As the major concern expressed was the perceived height of the building, Crawford Higgins to be instructed to review their initial proposals and to endeavour to reduce the overall height of the building.

f.        The Clerk to contact Tynedale Council to ascertain if a loan would be made and if so the terms for repayment etc.

464.BURIAL FEES AND CEMETERY RULES ANNUAL REVIEW. Minute 454 refers. This matter had been deferred from the previous meeting to permit consideration of fees charged at other burial sites. The Committee Chairman and the Clerk had also redrafted the way the fees were listed and it was felt the new method showed the charges in a clearer manner. After further discussing the cost of running the Cemetery and the loss the facility makes against fee income received and noting the charges made at Morpeth, it is RECOMMENDED charges from 1st April 2006 should be in accordance with the attached fees and rules.

465.ANNUAL SALARY REVIEW. In view of the confidential matters to be considered under this heading it was AGREED the content remain confidential. After considering the confidential memorandum circulated it was AGREED the Clerks fee from 1st April 2006 should be at a rate equivalent to the Local Government Services National Joint Council SCP29, with travelling and staff supervisory addition. It is assumed the Clerk works an average of 18 hours per week but if there are any additional hours worked these should also be paid at this rate. It was also noted the increases from 1st April 2006 for the remainder of staff had already been agreed to by the NJC and confirmed by the Council previously at 2.95%.

466.CEMETERY LODGE CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEM. The present heating system is oil fired and the cost of oil is now so high the Superintendent can no longer afford the cost and requested the Council consider an alternative system to oil. It was AGREED costs be ascertained for a system based on solid fuel and also on propane gas. The Committee will consider this matter again when further information is to hand.

467.ALARM SYSTEM. The completion of the works to install an electric supply to the store chapel meant the building could now be fitted with a mains powered alarm system. In addition the present system to the Chapel and Office premises could be upgraded to bring it up to a similar standard. The cost quoted by the current contractor, Home Security Services was £596.00. It is RECOMMENDED the new systems should be installed.

468.STORE CHAPEL WIRING. Cllr T Robson had prepared a specification for installation of lighting and heating to the store chapel. It is RECOMMENDED the Clerk seeks quotations and when received a report is made to Council and the installation carried out thereafter.

469.TOILET ACCOMMODATION TO DDA SPECIFICATION. It was firstly noted this work was essential to comply with legislation and £6000 had been set aside in the 2006/7 Budget. It was AGREED to instruct Crawford Higgins Associates to prepare specifications and to proceed to completion of the works subject to Council approval as the project proceeded, in particular at the receipt of tenders’ stage.

470.NEXT MEETING. It was AGREED the next meeting would be held on a date to be advised.

 

 

 

---------------------------------------------Chairman

 

HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL

 

ADDENDUM TO THE MINUTES OF THE HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL BURIAL BOARD MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON THE 6th FEBRUARY 2006

 

471.FOLLOWING the meeting of the Burial Board the Clerk has been in discussion with the Superintendent and the Committee Chairman regarding the proposed purchase of a replacement vehicle for the existing Fiat van.

a.       It was suggested in discussions after the Committee meeting that rather than a second hand vehicle, purchase of a new vehicle should be considered instead and enquiries have been made of local suppliers. In the Budget £4000 was set aside for purchase of a second hand pick up truck. The reasons for a pick up are that transport of mowers/tractor etc will be possible and watering of plants in the town centre will be carried out using a towable water bowser [finance for a bowser was also included in the Budget].

b.      The vehicle would be a basic model single cab diesel, with tow bar and removable lockable canopy top. The models that fitted requirements and the prices quoted ‘on the road’ are:-

                                                               i.      Mazda B2500 by Tyne Mills Motor Co Ltd                  £9539

                                                             ii.      * Isuzu 4x4 3000 by Gilesgate Ltd                                £12764.63

                                                            iii.      Nissan 2.5 by Wylam Garage Ltd                                 £12129.71

* [The manufacturer deleted the model originally requested of Isuzu from the range before one could be sourced locally].

c.       The prices quoted are for delivery 1st April 2006 and include part exchange for the Fiat van. It is possible Corbridge Parish Council may be interested in taking the van over at the quoted px value of £800 and Council is asked to agree to this if Corbridge PC agrees. There is no difference in cost to Hexham TC if Corbridge PC does or does not agree to the transfer.

472.Council is asked to agree or otherwise to the purchase of a new replacement vehicle at the lowest quotation of £9539.00 [plus VAT, refundable in due course]. Finance to be from the 2006/7 budget without recourse to loan finance.

 

 

 

---------------------------------------------Chairman

HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL

ST. ANDREWS CEMETERY, WEST ROAD, HEXHAM, NE46 3RR. [on the B6531]

John R Thirlwell, Cemetery Superintendent, St. Andrews Cemetery Lodge, Hexham NE46 3RR. [Answerphone/Fax on 01434609575 or Mobile on 07710053732

 

F E E S  A N D  R U L E S - 2006/2007

 

48 hours advance notice must be given for all burials

The Standard charge is payable UNLESS the deceased was before [that is within 12 months of] death a resident living in Hexham Parish

 

PART 1: Burials [These fees apply if the burial takes place Monday to Friday]

 

 

Standard charge

Parish resident

1

Body of a stillborn child or baby not over six months old

NIL

NIL

2

Body or cremated ashes of a child

260

60

3

Body of a person whose age at death exceeded 12 years

1100

275

4

Cremated ashes of person whose age at death exceeded 12 years

360

90

5

For graves more than 5 foot deep a further fee for each additional foot depth of

180

45

 

PART 2: Rights granted

 

 

Standard charge

Parish residents

1

Right of burial for 99 years

140

35

2

Right to construct and to burial in a walled grave

Fee by prior arrangement

Fee by prior arrangement

3

Right to erect a memorial for 30 years

1100

275

4

Renewal of Right to Erect a memorial for a further 30 years

FOC

FOC

 

PART 3: Woodland section. Charge includes the casket, a flat stone marker and a tree planting apart from Item [4] which includes the casket only

 

 

Standard charge

Parish resident

1

Burial

2200

550

2

Burial of Ashes in the area set aside

1320

330

3

Burial of Ashes or Body of baby not over 6 months old in the area set aside

1320

330

4

Burial of Ashes in pre-purchased plot. N.B. No additional plaque is permitted

180

45

 

PART 4: Other charges

 

 

Standard charge

Parish resident

1

Search of burial register and for copy of the entry

10.00

10.00

2

Certified copy of entry of burial

10.00

10.00

3

Transfer of Right of Burial

50.00

50.00

4

Use of the Chapel

50.00

50.00

5

Brass memorial plaque in the Chapel with up to 70 letters engraved

150.00

150.00

6

Every additional letter over 70 engraved on a memorial plaque

At cost

At cost

6

Sale of memorial fixing saddle, each

50.00

50.00

8

Any item not described heretofore

Fee by prior arrangement

Fee by prior arrangement

 

PART 5: Pet Cemetery charges

Fee includes exclusive right of burial for fifteen years renewable on payment of an additional fee

1

Burial of a pet dog, cat or other pet animal or the ashes thereof

50.00

2

For the same including numbered flat stone marker

90.00

3

Renewal of right of burial for additional 15 year period

50.00

 

 

PART 6: Cemetery Rules

[1] These Rules must be read in conjunction with the Rules relating to the erection and maintenance of Memorials.

[2]. In all matters relating to the Cemetery, the Council's decision is final. The Council acts under the Local Authorities Cemeteries Order 1977 [as amended].

[3]. The Council may prune or remove any plants, pots, ornaments, shrubs, grass or trees anywhere within the Cemetery without notice or compensation, if the Council at its own absolute discretion considers it necessary for the good order and running of the Cemetery.

[4] After funerals all flowers and wreaths laid on a grave will be removed and disposed of but no earlier than 14 days after the funeral takes place.

[5] After Christmas all flowers and wreaths laid on a grave will be removed and disposed of on or after the 14th February.

[6]. Grave Spaces. No marking, delineating or decoration of a Grave space is allowed. Any ornamentation on a grave will be removed. Grave spaces must be kept in a tidy condition.

[7] Memorial headstones are not permitted unless a fee in Part 2 has been paid.

[8] Grave kerbs are no longer permitted anywhere in the Cemetery. Only existing kerbs may be repaired or renewed.

[9] In the Woodland Burial section:-

An alternate flat stone marker to that provided by the Council may be used provided it is in stone size 9” by 9” by 2”[depth]. Any wording must include the plot number.

Flower bulbs can be planted but only with prior permission from the Cemetery Superintendent.

All trees planted in this section, the site of, the type of, and the retention of, are at the sole discretion of the Council.

Woodland burial plots cannot be purchased in advance but an adjoining plot, if available, may be purchased by the partner of the deceased. No refund is made if the plot is subsequently not used.

The refund of a prepaid fee but only for a plot purchased before 31 March 2004 is permitted if the Reservation Certificate issued at purchase is returned with the request for a refund. 15% of the current fee [Part 3[1] will be charged and deducted from the original fee paid when the refund is made. No refund is permitted without the Reservation Certificate.

[10] Motor Cars are not allowed in the Cemetery without permission from the Cemetery Superintendent.

[11] Dogs, which must be held on a lead, are not allowed in the Cemetery without permission from the Cemetery Superintendent.

[12] The Pet Cemetery is open for burials between 3.30 PM and 4.30 PM, Monday to Friday.

[13]. The Cemetery is normally open between 9.00 AM and 6.00 PM [Dusk if earlier].

[14]. The Cemetery Superintendent is normally available for enquiries Monday to Friday [Bank Holidays excepted] between 9.00 AM and 3.00 PM.

 

By order of the Council

Derick Tiffin, Clerk of the Council,

Council Office,

St Andrews Cemetery, West Road,

Hexham. NE46 3RR

1st April 2006 [Burial Board 464]

 

HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL

 

MEMORANDUM TO THE BURIAL BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING ON 22 MAY 2006.

 

Cemetery Lodge central heating boiler. BB Minute 466 refers.

 

  1. Since the Superintendent began living at the lodge the cost of central heating oil has risen from 11pence/litre to 34pence/litre. He considers he can no longer afford to use oil as his primary source of heating and has asked the Council to replace the boiler with a solid fuel version.
  2. Two guide price estimates have been obtained from C Teasdale £4705.00 and from the Superintendents brother D Thirlwell £4855.00.
  3. Cllr T Robson also suggested the Committee consider subsidising the difference in cost of oil, retaining the existing boiler.
  4. However the existing boiler has been in situ since about 1989 perhaps longer. It has had to be repaired thrice in the last 12 months. In addition the oil storage tank is no longer up to current safety standard and should be replaced. For these reasons the suggestion in paragraph 3 is NOT RECOMMENDED.
  5. It is RECOMMENDED that tenders for a replacement solid fuel boiler and for an alternative propane gas boiler be sought from local firms of heating engineers including those in paragraph 2. It is also RECOMMENDED that the replacement work should be carried out before the start of winter 2006. As the finance was not allowed for in 2006/7 Budget, the repainting of premises on the Budget list should be postponed.

 

 

Derick Tiffin, Clerk of the Council

17 April 2006.