CHEDDON FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL

Transcription

1 CHEDDON FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of the Meeting of the Annual Parish Council held at 7.00 pm on Thursday 14 May 2015 in the Memorial Hall Committee Room Draft Minutes awaiting approval Present: Cllrs D Webber, Isaacs, Thompson, Woollacott, Durham SCC Cllr M Adkins, SCC Cllr D Fothergill, D Cllr Cavill, D Cllr Townsend, D Cllr Tucker Mrs T Cavill (Clerk to West Monkton). Two members of the public (part) Clerk: Mrs J Pearson 1. Election of Chairman: Cllr Webber indicated a willingness to continue. Proposed Cllr Isaac, Seconded Cllr Thompson. All in approval. It was resolved to elect Cllr Webber as Chairman. The Declaration of Office form for Chairman was signed by the Chairman and Clerk. 2. Uncontested Elected Parish Councillors: a. Cllrs Webber, Isaacs, Thompson, Woollacott & Durham were elected uncontested at the elections on 7 May The Chairman welcomed Cllr Durham to the Parish Council and thanked her for coming forward. Declaration of Office forms were signed, as were the Register of Members Interests forms which the Clerk will forward to TDBC Monitoring Officer. b. SCC Cllr Mike Adkins was welcomed as the recently elected County Councillor for Taunton North incorporating the Maidenbrook Ward of Cheddon Fitzpaine. Elected TD District Councillors Nick Townsend and Caroline Tucker were also welcomed representing Staplegrove incorporating Upper Cheddon, Rowford and Cheddon village. c. Co-option of Sixth Parish Councillor: Under election rules, the parish may Co-opt a parish councillor within 35 days of the election without further advertising. Mike Batsch from Nerrols offered to stand. After discussion it was resolved to Co-opt Mike Batsch: Proposed Cllr Woollacott, seconded: Cllr Thompson. The Declaration of Office Form was duly signed. Register of Members Interest to follow. - SALC Councillor Training: the next date for training is 16 June 2015 at West Buckland, and Cllrs Durham and Batsch to attend. It was resolved to approve costs of 20 per person unanimously. 3. Apologies for absence: Newly elected D Cllr R Parrish covering Maidenbrook Ward of West Monkton at a prior appointment. 4. Declarations of personal/prejudicial interests: Cllr Isaacs, CAB 5. Minutes of Parish Council Meeting on 12 March It was resolved to approve the Minutes unanimously. Proposed Cllr Woollacott, seconded Cllr Isaacs. Public Question Time No members of the public present at this time. 1

2 6. Roles of Parish Councillors Cllr Isaacs agreed to be Vice Chair: Proposed Cllr Woollacott, seconded Cllr Webber Chairman Vice-Chair Trustee of Hall Footpaths Officer Tree Officer Computer support Planning Applications Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer Denise Webber Rob Isaacs Mike Batsch Philip Boyce vacant Jason Woollacott Everyone via Jo Pearson 7. CHEDDON WARD: Including Cheddon/Rowford/Upper Cheddon: Annual Parish Meeting 16 April This was well attended and attracted different members of the parish. There was a good meeting of local representatives and feedback reports of good discussions throughout the hall. Cllr Woollacott expressed disappointment of no police presence; this was supported by all present. Clerk reported refreshment costs of Pastoral Care Group. The Community Skills training sessions in March/April 2015 were well attended. A meeting is planned with the Associate Vicar Tony Woodward. Cllr Thompson is looking for a network of people throughout the parish as contacts for their area to identify those in need. Flyers to go on notice boards. Newsletter: The second newsletter was well received. Cllr Woollacott and Clerk to produce third newsletter which will be distributed in the last week of May. The template has been obtained from Phil Thomas. Consideration was given to expand to A3 version on this occasion as some information could not be included for lack of space. Contact information of the new Councillors to be published. Print costs were obtained from TDBC Print Room. The Draft Newsletter to be ed to Councillors before printing. Lengthsman s report: Brian Keal arrived and reported that he estimated that 80% of the drains within the parish had been found in the past year. Maidenbrook Lane continues to be the biggest problem with getting water to disperse. Clerk asked to check with Highways that the drains by Field Cottage were jetted. BK estimates that three visits per year to keep drains clear, and for one visit to have drains lifted and emptied of the silt. Many drains have compacted silt that needs an iron bar to remove. Pitchers Hill has some drains that need digging out. The budget would be similar to 2014/15. There are no Plans of the drains currently. Highways/ Brian Keal/Clerk are compiling though Cllr Fothergill surprised as plans are available of the other parishes he covers. This is to be investigated and DF reported that SCC Highways are considering numbering the drains for maintenance purposes. Roadside strimming by lengthsman on C & D roads are to continue as and when required. Heritage Trail this was reported at the APM and it is expected that the council will be asked to review footpath signage in the future. Cheddon Fitzpaine Church School. Cllr Woollacott reported as Chair of Governors that an Ofsted Inspection had taken place. The result had been expected to be available but was currently restricted. The School understands that Ofsted are happy with the results and the Chair has drafted a letter to be sent to parents. Last year parents comments were 50/50 regarding the school, but this year the Parents Portal has favourable comments. Full admission to the school is expected in September 2015, though SCC has requested admission for a further three pupils. Accompanying this is an amended and reduced budget for 2015/16 school year. 2

3 8. MAIDENBROOK WARD: Waterleaze/Tudor Park - Update re DLO: The new DLO accounting system was causing problems and delays with invoices being issued with a lack of identifying information. Frustrations also continue with staff being absent or not responding to communications. Clerk has approached Eileen Ford, PA to Shirlene Adam, Director of Operations and a follow up is expected w/c 18 May A suggestion was made that Chris Hall, Director TDBC may attend the Parish Meeting on 9 July Grass cutting: Clerk instructed DLO in early April for three extra cuts for Maidenbrook Lane junction/nerrols Drive to take place monthly in April/May/June as per the budget. The first cut took place on 8-10 May This is now recorded on the Accounts Excel page as Committed expenditure. Grass cutting charges increased by 3% from 35 to 36.05, and 125 to vat per cut. Trees adjacent to No 5 Waterleaze: DLO reported this would be followed up. The first request was in autumn Replacement of Dog Waste Bin Waterleaze Play Area: This was approved for expenditure by the Parish Council in September 2014 and installed on 23 April Environment Agency Attenuation pond: Clerk reported two surveyors on site. A letter was given advising of Taunton Northern Tributaries Flood Risk Modelling Study Topographic & Channel Survey (23 March 2015) advising of Maltby Surveyors carrying out work. Cllr Cavill reported this need was to evaluate the water flow at Bathpool. NERROLS/SUMMERLEAZE Stoney Furlong White lines for football pitch. A quote from DLO was received of 85 + vat for the initial lining, and 50 per time subsequently at a 7-10 day interval. Knightstone Housing undertook the initial lining. Following discussion, it was resolved for the clerk to request the lines remarked for May half-term and the summer holidays 2015 up to the 400 budget available from the Health & Wellbeing fund. Proposed by Cllr Woollacott, Seconded Cllr Isaac, and all in agreement. Sports Afternoon on 10 April 2015 run in association with Knightstone Housing. This successful afternoon was well reported in the County Gazette. Further events are planned. Waste Bin adjacent to benches installed by DLO on 23 April 2015 Bus Shelter: Quotes have been obtained from TDBC regarding the cost of the shelter, and the installation of the base. A site meeting is planned in June to consider all aspects and will be reported at the next meeting. At present, costs are estimated to be within budget. 9. Crown Estate update: Nerrols Development: Lucy Back reports that an announcement is due shortly. Sale of Crown Properties: None are planned for Gadds Valley: The management of Gadds Valley has been taken back by the Crown from TDBC. Reviews are currently taking place to include the reinstatement of the silt traps. Meetings have taken place between the Crown/Forrester/SCC Highways. An update is expected shortly. The Clerk clarified by to the Crown that no Parish Council funds were available for maintenance in Gadds Valley as this is privately owned. All landowners are responsible for maintenance and repairs on their property. Drainage by Pump Station/Allotments in Cheddon: Lucy Back reports a useful meeting with SCC Highways who will be making a recommendation for the work required for improvements. 3

4 It is understood that this should be covered by grant funding if applied for by the Parish Council. The Parish will be informed when details known. 10. Hestercombe Gardens Trust Cllr Webber reported that NADFAS meet twice a month and an excess of cars has prevented HGT from working in the woods adjacent to the Hall. At other times the visitors to the hall do not generally cause a problem; the exception to this is school parents parking on the South Lodge drive at pick-up time. A Community Advisory Group meeting is being arranged to discuss parking issues. Cllr Cavill reported: that permission has been obtained to access Hestercombe Drive across the farmer s land (John Dill) to satisfy planning application 08/12/ Highways: Trees adjacent to Crown Roundabout: The Crown has sold the Industrial Estate to Legal & General. The area has had roadside trees felled and a higher standard of maintenance to promote the appearance of the estate. Reduction in speed limit (from national limit to 30mph): Highways Officer Garry Warren has confirmed the intention to move the speed limit to the bottom of Pitchers Hill, thereby making the junction at South Lodge 30mph. SIDs- The SID installed by Rowfords Heights on 5 May 2015 was vandalised within a day. It has been removed for repair. An extra SID was requested for the South Lodge-Goosenford section of road to reduce traffic speeds. The area near South Lodge does not currently qualify for a SID until the 30mph is in force. Accordingly, a SID has been placed near the Vicarage to protect the villaget-junction. A second SID is to be installed within the parish boundary on the Goosenford side approaching the village. Once data has been obtained, signage could be considered on a future occasion. The Camera Van had been noted at Nerrols Drive. Cllr Thompson requested information on installing Concealed Entrance signs. Highway Maintenance: Notification was received advising that highway verges, including junction visibilities will be cut once during the season, except A & B road junction visibilities which will be cut twice. This will begin early May, and mid to late August Planning applications 08/15/0003/T Application to fell one poplar tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Cheddon Fitzpaine No.2) Tree Preservation Order 1997 at 21 Hale Way, Taunton (TD708) 08/15/0005/T Application to fell one Ash tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Cheddon Fitzpaine No.2) Tree Preservation Order 1997 at 20 Hale Way, Taunton (TD708) Councillors have no objection to the above applications if David Galley, TDBC Tree Officer assesses on site and approves. 13 Decisions Received 0815/0001 Erection of ground floor extensions to the front (west) elevation and to the link extensions at Willow Barn, Upper Cheddon, Cheddon Fitzpaine- granted 14 Reports: SCC Cllr Fothergill reported stepping down as Chairman at County Hall but takes on the Highway Portfolio. Eric Pickles has been replaced by Greg Clarke. 6m is being put into improving Children s Services which now has stability in its leadership although there is a shortage of Social Workers. 4

5 TDBC Cllr Cavill reported the sale of the Taunton Youth Centre site to Lidl in Taunton should be concluded with weeks. 250,000 to be given to the COACH project at French Weir improving water sports facilities. The remainder of proceeds are to be shared with SCC and TDBC. Reminder: the 1991 Local Plan identified Green areas to be protected for public use from Creech St Michael through Taunton to Longrun Meadow. The Tip site was allocated employment use in the Local Plan with the eastern half identified for parkland. Access from the parkland to the proposed country park would be via a new footbridge over the canal. Neighbourhood Plan: Cllr Cavill reported on the idea and need for a Neighbourhood Plan. It may be possible to work with West Monkton and Creech Castle s Parish Councils. This issue is to be discussed at a future meeting. Community Infrastructure Levy CIL: A training event is to be held on 2 July 2015 by TDBC. It was previously thought that the new Nerrols project will be built under the Section 106 agreement. This appears not to be the case so attending this training is advisable. Police: A report had been received after the APM. Police boundary changes have been rearranged, and new contact details will be displayed on notice boards, website and newsletter. Police mobile phone numbers are not being given out; instead it is requested 101 is dialled for non-urgent queries, and 999 for emergencies. Footpaths: Philip Boyce has completed the handover and all forms signed with SCC Rights of Way. No report received. Community Council: Clerk attended the Community Council Training in March 2015 held at Cheddon Hall. Cosmic receives funding to provide free internet training which is aimed at those working from home or running self-employed businesses. For example: farmers or painters and decorators who increasingly need to access forms on the internet, or submit forms to HMRC. It was agreed that dates in the autumn are identified and to share two sessions with West Monkton. 15. Approved: Documents Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Code of Conduct, Model Publication Scheme, Complaints Procedure, Risk Assessment & Management of Parish Council, Risk Assessment & Management of Clerks Work Place, Asset Register All documents were reviewed in 2014/15. For administrative ease they were reviewed and approved En-Bloc for 2015/16. It was resolved to approve unanimously. Any items for review may be brought to future meetings. 16. To Renew Insurance premium: Policy due for renewal on 1 June As per the Financial Regulations three quotes were obtained: Came & Co reduced LTA current provider Aon discounted by Manager to rejected Zurich reduced LTA Clerk requested to ask Came & Co if a more competitive price can be achieved compared to Zurich s quote. Once figure is obtained and Councillors approve, it was resolved unanimously for the clerk to authorise payment by the Parish Debit Card to a maximum of

6 17. Approve Bank Reconciliation: The year-end figures for 2014/15 had been reconciled and it was resolved to approve unanimously for the Chairman to sign the Spreadsheet and bank statements. 26-Feb-15 P J Pearson Clerks Salary SO Feb-15 Natwest Interest 0.39p Mar-15 Parish Council.net Website Mar-15 Natwest Postage Stamps Debit Card Mar-15 P J Pearson Clerks Expenses Mar-15 NS&I Reserves for Election contingency Mar-15 Mrs P Cavill Locum Parish Clerk Mar-15 Community Council for Somerset Subscription 2015/ Mar-15 Staples (Debit Card) Print Cartridges Debit Card Mar-15 Knightstone Housing Grant for sports equipment Stoney Furlong Community Box Cancelled error Mar-15 P J Pearson Clerks Salary SO Mar-15 Natwest BACS charge for Mar-15 Natwest Interest 0.41p 0.00 Balance at 31 March 2015 NatwestBusiness 8, Natwest Current NS&I 3, Total Funds 11, Approve Accounts. Clerk attended training at Grant Thornton, Bristol to be appraised of changes to the Audit Commission and Transparency Code. Year-end figures for 2014/15 were completed and verified by Brian Howe, Internal Auditor. The External Audit Green Form for Grant Thornton completed. It was resolved unanimously to approve figures and declarations correct and for the Chairman & Responsible Financial Officer to sign. 19 Transparency code: From 1 July 2015, all items of expenditure greater than 100 must be reported on a website. It was resolved unanimously to approve the uploading of the Excel accounts for 2014/15 to comply with this new regulation. 20 Payments for Authorisation. It was resolved to approve unanimously. Clerks Expenses: Mileage 87.10, Refreshments APM = Total SALC sub 2015/ Internal Auditor: TDBC DLO Grass cutting roadsides 2014/ , Bin Emptying & , 6

7 21 Matters raised: 22 Correspondence - Circulated The meeting closed at 9.30 pm.. Chairman 7