Parish Council minutes 15 June 2004

These minutes are published for information purposes only, and are not an official record of the meeting.

Present:

Apologies:
None

Cllr Lovell opened the meeting and accorded permission to Cllr Wood to speak prior to commencement of business. Cllr Wood announced his resignation and retired from the meeting.

Minutes of a meeting of the Barton Stacey Parish Council held on Tuesday 15th June 2004

1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Following the resignation of Cllr Merison following the previous meeting, together with Cllrs Green, Hearn, Prideaux and Rippon, an election was scheduled to fill these vacancies on 29th July 2004. In the meantime, the post of Chairman was vacant. Following advice received from Executive member of HAPTC, it was agreed to defer election for this post until the September meeting when the council would be back to full strength, and in the meantime Vice Chairman, Cllr Lovell, would take aboard the duties of Chairman.

2.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Prior to commencing his statement, Brig Prideaux noted the sad death of Nympha Ashbolt and on behalf of the village offered condolences to Ian and his extended family. A one minute silence was held.

(i)Brig Prideaux. Noted the feeling of disquiet in the village on the future of the Parish Council and the consequent effect this may have on day to day management of its affairs which are important to the village. He was pleased that advice of HAPTC had been heeded in deferring election of new Chairman until new full Council is in place.

(ii)Alison. Expressed concern as to who would be responsible for the rubbish clearance, grass cutting etc. of the Children’s Playground and asked when the new gates were scheduled to be fitted. She was informed the new gates would be installed the following week and the Chairman said he would be available to address any issues immediately after the meeting.

(iii) Mr D Dewey. Expressed concern on behalf of many parishioners over the manipulative, devious and underhand manner in which the resignation of the Chairman had been brought about. Mrs Merison had many qualities which would be sorely missed; her drive and enthusiasm, her generosity, and her loyalty to the village to which she devoted so much free time.

3.APPROVAL OF MINUTES

(i) Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of 18th May 2004 were approved. Proposed Cllr Glenister and seconded by Cllr Sherwood.

(ii) Minutes of the Parish Council meeting of 18th May 2004 were approved following the addition of Cllr Wood’s name under apologies. Proposed by Cllr Lovell and seconded by Cllr Glenister.

2. ROLLING ACTION PLAN

Before considering the Rolling Action Plan, it was agreed that a letter acknowledging their input be sent to all councillors who had resigned, to say thank you for their hard work and contribution and behalf of the community and council and to wish them good luck in whatever they undertook in the future. The letters to be signed by Cllr Lovell.

All other matters dealt with as reported on Rolling Action Plan

3. FINANCE

(i) Renewal of Parish Council Insurance.

The Clerk had applied to AON for quotation for comparison but had been informed they were busy and had not yet worked out quote. As insurance was due for renewal on 16th June, it would be too late therefore proposed by Cllr Lovell and seconded by Cllr Sherwood and agreed by Cllr Glenister that quotation from Zurich Municipal be accepted at £1936.10 plus 5% tax of £96.81.

(ii) Monthly Financial report was accepted. There was a balance of £14,794.57 as at 18th May 2004. Cheques for Test Valley Gardencare to the sum of £563.20 and Zurich Insurance for £2,032.91 were presented for signature leaving a balance at 15th June 2004 of £12,198.46.

6. STANDING ORDERS

It was proposed that the Standing Orders as presented should be adopted as a working document. They had been well put together by Cllr Glenister, raising the status of the Parish Council. Proposed by Cllr Lovell, Seconded by Cllr Sherwood.

7. COUNCILLOR’S ISSUES

Cllr Sherwood.

(i) She reported that at long last the holes in the tarmac outside the Roberts Road garages was being repaired.

(ii) She reported that she had been asked about the cutting of the verge of grass between the road and pavement, on the triangle of land in Roberts Road in front of the Panhandle. It appeared to be a Highways responsibility and the Clerk would follow up.

Cllr Glenister

(i) The attention of the Council was drawn to the ongoing work by Dyno Road on the road outside Wades Farm.

(ii) He noted there was considerable noise on the previous Sunday from a Driving Control School event on Army land. The public should not any disturbance.

8. MAINTENANCE OF PARISH PLAN ASSETS

(i) There was discussion on the necessity for regular re-valuation of council assets to be used to update insurance cover on a five year basis to keep abreast of replacement costs. The years between would be covered by the usual index-linked increases imposed by the insurance company. Cllr Lovell to draw up a brief paper recommending the necessary action. A list of council assets and their current marked value to be passed to him by the Clerk.

(ii) Following a visit by the TVBC Building Inspector, notice had been received that a fascia board at the rear west facing wall, forming part of the roof of the gent’s toilet, was in need of repair. Clerk to contact Simbor Carpentry to arrange repair whilst on site for DDA compliance work.

9. PARISH PLAN FUNDING

It had previously been agreed that the Parish Council would donate to the Parish Plan Committee 5% of any grant raised, but in the event, the grant application made had been rejected. Expenses totally around £400 had been borne to date by the Committee and it was proposed that this sum should be felt that the sum outstanding should be covered by the Parish Council as a one off payment for the year , with nothing more to following. Mr Bearpark to be asked for total figure. However, presentation of a Budget Plan for a second year would be welcomed. Proposed Cllr Lovell, seconded Cllr Sherwood. Unanimously agreed.

10. PLANNING MATTERS

(i) 1 Roman Way. TVN 09115. Planning consideration had been delayed until July. Following discussion it was agreed that the Clerk should request a site visit as it was felt that plans did not give a true picture. There were no similar properties such as that proposed in the area, and the appearance was not in keeping with the street scheme.

(ii) 92 Roberts Road. No objection,

(iii)Church Farm – future Planning. Cllr Lovell had researched previous applications which had variously covered a Large detached house, A2 office use with a small storage content and Industrial use with attendant offices, which had been refused mainly on Highway conditions. It appeared that the authorities would be amendable to conversion of building for appropriate use but were concerned about traffic generation. The Parish Council would wish to have details of any proposal prior to giving support and as they were committed to support the Borough Plan, any proposal should fall within acceptable lines. The Clerk to write to Middleton Estates on this matter, requesting no rebuilding or traffic generation.

Proposed Cllr Lovell, Seconded Cllr Sherwood. Unanimously agreed.

(iv) Planning Committee. Cllr Lovell to draft brief remit for consideration which would contain necessary authority for Planning Committee to make decisions with out further reference to Parish Council. They would look at internal and external applications which fell within the Barton Stacey Parish boundary. Suggested panel of 3 people for appointment in September.

11. RE-SITING OF BOTTLE BANK

This matter had been looked at 5 years ago – a move to the bottom of Robert Road was not considered appropriate, and would be expensive. Experts should be asked how to overcome problems of broken glass where children play through more frequent emptying, or larger bins. A copy of emptying schedule to be requested before next meeting.

12.CHAIRMAN’S INITIATIVES/CORRESPONDENCE

(i) Perpetual Affordable Housing. Consideration of the letter will be given after receipt of result of Barton Stacey Housing Needs Survey. Contact should be made with Cllr Lovell. At the same time an approach could be made to Testway Housing to gain their views on the local scene. To be considered as an agenda item.

(ii) Cllr Lovell would attend the TVBC Civic Service on Sunday July 11th.

(iii) Traffic survey information to be passed to Mr Terry Dewey. Cllr Lovell will assist if requested.

(iv) In conclusion Cllr Lovell suggested that in light of comments and criticisms received during the evening, which were erroneous and based on fiction, the Parish Council should make a brief statement to clarify the situation. However it was decided that as the attacks had been on individuals rather than the Parish Council this would not be an appropriate course of action.

13. VILLAGE HALL

As the meeting was closed, Mr Gibson reminded the chairman that he had been requested at the last meeting to attend and report on the proposed constitution for the VH&PC. With an apology, the Chairman lifted regulations so that Mr Gibson would make a report.

He stated he had distributed copies of the document which members of the committee had read and studied, responding to him in writing. There was strong feeling that the present constitution could have been updated, changes were not wanted, and the Pavilion should not be included.

Cllr Lovell responded that in principle the idea was to give the committee the power to make decisions and run village hall. In giving them that power the Parish Council were delegating responsibility but not abdicating it. The document could be looked at, unpicked and put back together again to meet the responses made, which were welcomed.. Ideally the power of management would remain with the Village Hall committee, but it was not possible to ignore the fact that ownership was vested in the Parish Council.

In conclusion it was suggested that Cllr Lovell and Mr Gibson should jointly look at the document and try to make amendments to meet all requirements.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.05 p.m.

The Next Parish Council Meeting would be held Tuesday June 20th, 2004