A meeting of the Parish Council was held on Monday 23 rd September 2013, Sandford Village Hall at 7.30 p.m.

Transcription

1 A meeting of the Parish Council was held on Monday 23 rd September 2013, Sandford Village Hall at 7.30 p.m. Present: Mrs M Ballard, Mrs A Brading, Mr S Bridges, Ms J Corry, Mrs S Kent, Mr G Luckett, Mr G Lloyd, Dr G Rider, Mr C Sampson (Vice-Chairman), Mr J Westlake & Mr M Williamson (Chairman). NSC Liaison Officer: Police: Ward Councillors: Members of the public: Mr J Foster PCSO Wright Cllrs A Harley & A Lake Four Clerk: Mrs. L Rampton Deputy Clerk: Mr D Woolley Press: Ms B Parker, NS Mercury 74. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE (Agenda item 1) were received from Parish Councillors C Ballard, C Boase, M Boddy & A Forbes. 75. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (Agenda item 2). Cllr M Williamson declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 14 as the recipient of a pension from HSBC. Cllr J Westlake declared a pecuniary interest in agenda item 17 as a landowner of one potential site for a dog bin and Cllr S Kent declared a pecuniary interest in agenda item 19 as a Director of a company making a bid for the old street lighting column. 76. TO CONSIDER & DECIDE UPON ANY REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATION FROM MEMBERS TO ALLOW THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN A DISCUSSION OR VOTE ON A MATTER IN WHICH HE/SHE MAY HAVE A DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY OR NON-PECUNIARY INTEREST (Agenda item 3) Dispensations are granted to Parish Councillors under section 33 of the Localism Act 2011 and the Parish Council delegated the power to grant dispensations (s 101 of the Local Government Act 1972) to the Clerk or appointed Deputy (see PC meeting min 52 iv.) A request to speak and vote on a matter concerning future parish council banking arrangements was received from Cllr Williamson as the outcome of the discussion was unlikely to impact on payment of his pension from HSBC. In response to the request received, dispensation was permitted by the Clerk for this meeting only to allow the member to be included in the debate and voting on this item. No further requests for dispensation were received with Cllrs Kent & Westlake to withdraw from the meeting at the relevant time. 77. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 22 ND JULY 2013 (Agenda item 4) The minutes to the meeting were approved as a correct record. Proposed: Cllr J Westlake Seconded: Cllr S Bridges All members present at the last meeting were in favour. 78. MINUTE UPDATE FROM THE JULY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES & CLERK S REPORT FOR AUG & SEPT Annex 1 (Agenda item 5) There was none 79. CRIME REPORT 22 ND JUL TO 23 RD SEPT 2013 Annex 2 (Agenda item 6) Beat Team no It was reported that efforts are being made to substantially increase the number of Neighbourhood Watch coordinators in the parish with police cadets carrying out letter drops to recruit volunteers and raise awareness of the scheme. PCSO Wright is to submit an article for circulation in local publications including the next Parish Council Occasional newsletter due December RESPONSE TO MATTERS RAISED DURING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT THE PREVIOUS MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL (Agenda item 7) There were none. 81. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Agenda item 8) Members of the public present were reminded that this would be the only opportunity within the meeting to address members of the Council. The Chairman suspended the meeting to allow public participation. Two parishioners spoke in support of additional dog waste bins in the parish with a letter in favour of this from Winscombe Primary School being referred to. Additional signage to raise awareness that it was acceptable for dog waste to be placed in usual litter bins could potentially help alleviate some of the waste bags seen at the end of popular dog walk routes. P.C Meeting

2 A Sandford resident spoke of difficulties caused for vehicles exiting the village shop due to parked cars in this area and of the congestion caused to the flow of traffic. The parishioner was advised that a review of parking restrictions for Sandford has been requested by the Parish Council with the Clerk to raise this matter again with the relevant department in NSC. The meeting was reconvened. 82. TO SET COMMUNITY POLICING PRIORITIES FOR THE PERIOD TO 28 TH OCT 2013 (Agenda item 9). It was advised that PC Bailey had been targeting speeding traffic since the last PC meeting and PCSO Wright will obtain and forward a report of this to the Clerk. The local speed-watch team has been active with over 120 letters being issued to motorists speeding through the parish. Members discussed a spate of petty theft along the route of the Strawberry Line Walk. Local Police Priorities for the period to the next scheduled Parish Council meeting were considered by members present and it was proposed that they should be set as: 1) Visible presence and regular checks to deter anti-social behaviour and vandalism at the Strawberry Line, Millennium Green and Recreation Ground. 2) Visible patrol in the Parish which in turn will deter illegal parking issues especially on Woodborough Road and inconsiderate parking in the vicinity of Winscombe & Sandford Primary Schools. 3) Speeding traffic with particular attention to Station Road, Greenhill Road & Sandford Road. Proposed: Cllr S Bridges Seconded: Cllr A Brading All in favour a. Neighbourhood Watch funding for parish signage required. This matter will be reconsidered when the campaign to recruit more co-ordinators is underway and the number of signs required at each is known b. To consider sponsorship of a police pedal bike for use by our Beat Officer in this parish. In the absence of PC Bailey, the matter was deferred to a future meeting when more details would be available. 83. WINSCOMBE FIRE SERVICE guest speaker Jonathon Brown, Station Manager, Winscombe Fire Station (Agenda item 10) A brief presentation was delivered to the meeting that outlined the workings of our local retained fire station and how this best fits with the local community. Parishioners are encouraged to visit the local fire station that serves the surrounding villages as well as our parish. Members praised our fire fighters for the works they carry out, often taking an interest in and attending local events without pay. In response to a question, it was confirmed that although fire fighters will try to get to the fire station as quickly as possible when on call, they must abide by road restrictions with the need to travel and arrive safely being emphasised. The Chairman thanked Mr Brown for attending the meeting and for the interesting insight into our local fire service. 84. WARD COUNCILLOR & NSC PARISH LIAISON OFFICER UPDATE(Agenda item 11) NSC continues to battle budget cuts for 2014/15 with reductions in government funding being far worse than originally anticipated. NSC has no option but to accept those government decisions with DCLG likely to take control of the authority if any council were unable to manage their finances. A discussion took place regarding the services that must be provided by NSC as opposed to those that the council chooses to provide. 85. TO AUTHORISE BILLS FOR PAYMENT Annex 3 (Agenda item 12) Cheques along with direct debit and standing order payments detailed were authorised for payment Proposed: Cllr J Westlake Seconded: Cllr A Brading 10 in favour, Cllr G Lloyd abstained from voting as a named recipient on the cheque listing 86. NORTH SOMERSET ELECTORAL REVIEW - DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS PUBLISHED (CONSULTATION UNTIL 18TH NOV 2013) (Agenda item 13) Banwell, Winscombe & Sandford will become a 2 seat ward, rather than the current 3 with members being satisfied with this outcome. Councillors were invited to submit individual responses to the consultation should they so choose. 86. MEMBERS TO CONSIDER FUTURE BANKING OPTIONS FOR THE PARISH COUNCIL - response following closure of local HSBC bank (Agenda item 14) Three options for future banking arrangement for the parish council were outlined by the Clerk, with one of these being discounted at this stage due to bank charges being incurred. It was proposed that a bank account in the name of the Parish Council be opened at Unity Trust with an initial nominal amount (amount to be decided at the discretion of the Clerk) being deposited. Current banking arrangement with HSBC should continue until such time as the council directs closure of those accounts. Proposed: Cllr C Sampson Seconded: Cllr A Brading All in favour P.C Meeting

3 a. To consider safekeeping of Shipham & Winscombe Award document It was proposed that the Award document should be removed from safekeeping at HSBC and deposited at the Somerset Archive Centre in Taunton along with all Parish Council and Assembly minute books save the last 6 years records. Proposed: Cllr S Bridges Seconded: Cllr S Kent 9 in favour, 2 against Councillors wishing to view old records should make immediate arrangement with the Clerk. 88. THE OCCASIONAL NEWSLETTER MEMBERS TO CONSIDER FUTURE DELIVERY OPTIONS & COSTS Cllrs S Bridges & S Kent (Agenda item 15) A number of delivery options were outlined to the meeting. It was proposed that future delivery of The Occasional newsletter for this parish is carried out by distributors of The Cheddar & Axbridge magazine at a cost of 35 per 1,000 newsletters delivered. Current delivery coverage is 1,350 of the 2012 homes in this parish. Proposed: Cllr S Bridges Seconded: Cllr G Rider 10 in favour, 1 abstention A request should also be made that the C&A delivery coverage be extended to our entire parish, but efforts will be made to ensure those areas not included in the delivery at this time will still be covered by parish volunteers. Cllr Kent was thanked for her work in this matter. 89. CEMETERY & ALLOTMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM MEETING - Cllr G Luckett (Agenda item 16) Annex 4 a. To reconfigure fence opening for soil pile and to plant Elaeagnus Ebbingei along new fenced area at a cost not exceeding 260. Proposed: Cllr G Luckett Seconded: Cllr A Brading All in favour b. Preservative to be applied to pagoda by our Village Orderly Proposed: Cllr A Brading Seconded: Cllr J Westlake All in favour c. The method of pouring ashes/interment of ashes into a hole within a designated area of the cemetery with the turf then to be reinstated was agreed. Proposed: Cllr G Luckett Seconded: Cllr A Brading All in favour 90. TO CONSIDER REQUEST FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF THREE NEW DOG BINS (Agenda item 17) Annex 5 item revisited from July meeting at the request of Cllrs S Kent, M Williamson & M Ballard on the grounds that costs of installation may not have been clear at the last meeting. Having previously declared a pecuniary interest, Cllr J Westlake left the meeting. Empty costs will be charged at 2 per empty per bin. a. Site 1 footpath AX29/47 junction with Greenhill Rd, next to Sandford Primary School A further of support from a parishioner for a bin in this location was read to the meeting Proposed: Cllr S Kent Seconded: Cllr S Bridges All in favour Cllr Westlake returned to the meeting b. Site 2 Nye Road/Sandmead Road junction Proposed: Cllr S Kent Seconded: Cllr G Lloyd All in favour c. Site 3 top of Well Close, next to Winscombe Primary School pedestrian entrance Proposed: Cllr S Kent Seconded: Cllr G Rider All in favour 91. ATTENDANCE OF CLERK & DEPUTY AT LCAS SEMINAR, MELKSHAM 15TH OCTOBER 30 PER PERSON (PLUS VAT) (Agenda item 18) It was proposed by Cllr S Bridges, Seconded by Cllr G Rider, all members in favour that the costs for attendance by the Clerk & Deputy Clerk at this Risk Assessment seminar be deducted from the Parish Council Training budget. 92. MEMBERS TO AGREE DISPOSAL OF FORMER PARISH STREET LIGHT COLUMN TO HIGHEST BIDDER (Agenda item 19) Having previously declared a pecuniary interest in this item, Cllr S Kent left the meeting. Two bids for the lighting column have been received and were considered. Bid 1-75 & Bid 2 80 (both figures inclusive of vat) P.C Meeting

4 It was proposed that bid 2 at 80 for the sale of the cast iron former street light column be accepted with the column to be collected from storage by the successful bidder, R J B Landscaping Ltd. Proposed: Cllr G Rider Seconded: Cllr C Boase All in favour Cllr Kent returned to the meeting 93. CEMETERY BURIAL DATA - OFFICE COVER BY DEPUTY CLERK WEEK COMMENCING 7 TH OCTOBER TO ALLOW CLERK TO CONTINUE WORKS ON COMPLETING ELECTRONIC SYSTEM (Agenda item 20) It was proposed that the Clerk should continue works to collate and input the 35 year backlog of data onto the electronic burial system with the Deputy Clerk to cover usual responsibilities at the office for a one week period commencing on 7 th October Proposed: Cllr S Bridges Seconded: Cllr J Westlake All in favour 94. AWARD LAND ISSUES Cllrs J Westlake (Agenda item 21) a. To consider additional signage for the land. It was proposed that no additional signage is installed. Proposed: Cllr J Westlake Seconded: Cllr A Brading All in favour b. To approve schedule for regular inspections reports of trees and vegetation close to footpaths. It was proposed that regular quarterly inspections by a Councillor continue with additional inspections taking place after a heavy storm. An annual inspection by a professional should be instructed when other such inspections are carried out on behalf of the Parish Council. Proposed: Cllr J Westlake Seconded: Cllr G Lloyd All in favour c. Protection of Badgers Act 1992 Health and Safety assessment of measures taken to protect users of the footpath. As instructed at the July PC meeting, an inspection by Parish Council Health and Safety Advisors of the repair to the sett roof has taken place with this being found to be in order. It was proposed that modifications to the current sett cover take place in the autumn so this fits better with the local terrain after applying for the necessary consent. Proposed: Cllr J Westlake Seconded: Cllr A Brading All in favour d. Footpath cutting as agreed at July PC meeting to authorise 350 expenditure. Proposed: Cllr J Westlake Seconded: Cllr G Lloyd All in favour 95. PLAY AREA & SKATE PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING 16TH AUG 2013 recommendation Cllr A Brading (Agenda item 22) Annex 6 a. Put up notice on Basketball Post in Winnowing End as recommended in the ROSPA report. Do not climb on the framework, nets or hang on the ring. Do not wear rings or jewellery as these can get caught and cause injury b. Maintenance on Skate Park including the Acoustic fence; wood repaired where necessary and preservative being reapplied. 3 horizontal wood struts to repair the fence between the Tennis Club and the Skate Park. c. One ball park figure tender for replacement of surface and rotten substrates for the panels 1,2,3, 26,27,28. Also the missing foot? On 22 and 23. The side of panel number 25 needs spot welding as ROSPA report suggests. d. Missing and proud screws to be replaced on skate park when works carried in (3) above 2014/15. Items a d as outlined above were approved for action unanimously by the Parish Council Proposed: Cllr A Brading Seconded: Cllr G Lloyd All in favour e. To consider Smoke free zones for parish play areas & installation of appropriate signage. This item was deferred for future consideration and recommendation by the Working Group. 96. WAR MEMORIAL RECREATION GROUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM MEETING - Cllr S Bridges (Agenda item 23) Annex 7 The memorial bench as noted in point 8 of the ground inspection report has been removed and Cllr Bridges made contact with family members to advise of the situation. A replacement seat is to be donated by those family members with a new plaque acknowledging the contribution to sports in the parish of Mr & Mrs Venn. P.C Meeting

5 a. To consider request from Winscombe Football Club for permission to hire tractor shed at WMRG With the Clerk and Committee Chairman entering into discussion with the football club regarding detail of the rental, agreement in principle to the hire of the tractor shed was given with the matter to be considered further at the October Parish Council meeting. Proposed: Cllr S Bridges Seconded: Cllr G Rider All in favour 97. CHANGES TO 121 BUS SERVICE BRISTOL TO WESTON-SUPER-MARE VIA WRINGTON, SANDFORD & BANWELL (Agenda item 24) It was agreed that a letter be sent on behalf of the Parish Council regarding the limited bus service available in this parish, especially during evening hours. Concern should also be expressed regarding the lack of consultation with the parish over the subsidised element of the service. Proposed: Cllr S Bridges Seconded: Cllr C Sampson All in favour 98. THE NEUMANN REPORT INTO NATIONAL GRID PYLON PROPOSALS (COMMISSIONED BY WRAXHALL & FAILAND PARISH COUNCIL) & A REQUEST FOR A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE REPORT COSTS OF 15,000 (Agenda item 25) An approach in January 2010 from Wraxhall and Failand Parish Council for a financial contribution before the report was commissioned was refused by this Parish Council. It was proposed that this retrospective request for a financial contribution towards the Neumann Report is refused by the Parish Council Proposed: Cllr C Sampson Seconded: Cllr G Lloyd 7 in favour, 1 against, 3 abstentions. Cllr M Ballard abstained from voting due to her interest with National Grid 99. ACQUISITION OF WOODBOROUGH ROAD PUBLIC CONVENIENCES PROGRESS REPORT (Agenda item 26) There is little progress to report in this matter due to on-going issues between NSC and the Millennium Green Trust regarding land ownership. This matter must be resolved before the toilets can be transferred to the Parish Council and the much needed repair works instructed. It is hoped that a meeting of the Trust members will take place within the next month with Parish Council representatives on the group reporting back to the next council meeting ELECTRICAL WASTE AMNESTY EVENT - WINSCOMBE AND SANDFORD PARISH EVENT TO BE HELD AT WINSCOMBE THURSDAY MARKET 26TH SEPTEMBER (Agenda item 27) Members were reminded that an event is to be held at Winscombe Community Centre to which all unwanted small electrical items could be taken for recycling MATTERS FOR INFORMATION (Agenda item 28) Agenda item request for the October meeting works to update the Parish Council website. Michaelmas Fair Cllr Westlake thanked Cllr Kent and the Clerk for assisting with the Parish Council stall on 14 th September. Many favourable comments have been received regarding this. With no further business, the meeting concluded at pm Signed... (Chairman) Date... Winscombe and Sandford Parish Council acknowledge the general duty placed upon it by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act The Council will continue within its functions and policies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and promote racial equality of different racial groups. P.C Meeting