Parish Council minutes 18 September 2007

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

Status:

Approved

Present:

Minutes of a meeting of Barton Stacey Parish Council held on Tuesday 18th September 2007 at Barton Stacey Village Hall.

1. Public Participation: None

2. APOLOGIES

None.

3.APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Cllr Goodall proposed that minutes of the meeting of 17th July should be approved, seconded by Cllr James and agreed unanimously by those who had been present. It was however noted that the Transport report had not been circulated – Clerk to email to all

4. ROLLING ACTION PLAN AND MATTERS ARISING

Items discussed as detailed together with following matters arising:

a) Goalposts. It was reported that these had been bought and paid for by Football Club.

b) A response had been received from Lionel Hitchen re hole in fee filled with corrugated iron. The hole had been created for easy access forelectrical work, and the hedge had not re-grown as anticipated and som replanting would be undertaken shortly.

5. FINANCE

a) Monthly Financial Report was presented, showing a final balance of £21,535.64 following receipt of bank interest totalling £135.46 and 2nd half year precept of £7,875.00. The total included cheques written for councillor training, electricity at the pavilion, a presentation for work carried out on Internal Audit, and to HCC for website and cheques required for TVBC to cover election costs and grass cutting (996.49, 686.29) Southern Water (22.92) Playground inspection (52.88) rent for village hall (142.80) Chris de Cani for grass cutting (530.00) Clerk’s remuneration (535.64) and more training (40.00).

b) The Clerk reported that she had received confirmation that finally funds had been transferred from Alliance and Leicester to Unity Trust Bank and should be cleared by the end of the week.

c) Draft proposed budget for 2008/9 to be submitted for consideration at the next meeting, in preparation for setting the Annual Precept in November.

d) The funds ring-fenced against purchase of land were questioned – Cllr Lovell to speak with planning on feasibility of car park if land was obtained.

6. COUNCILLORS ISSUES

Cllr Eastman:

asked if there had been any requests within the parish for allotments. There had been none to date and Clerk to circulate relevant regulations. Cllr Coetzee suggested that anyone interest could assist with school gardens.

He noted that there were some overgrown footpaths and was requested to report these to the Clerk for further action.

Cllr Lovell:

had attended AGM of Test Valley Association of Local Councils and noted that the subject of one of the speakers had been footpaths. It had been stated that the quality of maintenance of Hampshire footpaths were among the top 4 or 5 nationwide. Notes on the meeting would be circulated in due course.

She had also been to the Testway Housing AGM who were introducing a new scheme of Grants for Small Projects which could be useful. She also raised the question of an award to be made for voluntary work carried out in the village.

She noted that a tent had been pitched on the top field for a brief period. Cllr Wreglesworth: Among issues listed in the Parish Plan was the publication of a Village Leisure Map and he circulated draft copies compiled by Peter Wood to be considered as an Agenda item in October. In the meantime Clerk to explore possible funding.

Cllr James

In response to a previous query he had checked the requirement for farmers to cut hedges according to the Code of Conduct and noted that once every two years is listed as good practice.

He reported that whilst Mr Malone had moved his vehicle from the grass by the garages off East Road, there were now 2 HGV vehicles permanently parked. Clerk to establish identity and write accordingly. Also write to Mr Malone to say thank you.

He noted that whilst some minor pruning had been undertaken on trees by Old School Building, this had not addressed those branches affecting the tiles on the roof. Clerk to write.

He asked for further information regarding storm drains on Roberts Road and Kings Elms. Clerk had been informed that Roberts Road storm drains were not adopted, and were only soakaways which led nowhere. She would pass details of contact to Cllr Lovell to follow up.

Finally he raised the poor state of the Pavilion Floor by the front door, the sink and the changing room, at the same time declaring an interest as a member of the Football Club committee. Cllr Gibson also declared an interest. Following discussion by other councillors Cllr Wreglesworth proposed that quotes were obtained for necessary repair work and agreed. Two people were nominated to undertake the work and would be asked to contact Cllrs Gibson or James to view.

Cllr Connor

asked that consideration of reduction or removal of recycling bins from their present site o be raised as an Agenda Item at the next meeting.

Cllr Gibson

was in receipt of a letter from Monica Austin regarding the benefit of a right of way in one direction together with appropriate signage. Clerk to respond noting that safety issues have been raised previously and the Parish Council were working towards a solution

7. PLAYGROUND

(a) The annual playground report had just been received and was being studied for any necessary action. It would also be used to influence any necessary painting of playground equipment. Together with new waste bins, all will be considered at the next meeting

(b) The new equipment funded by the Cygnets was due to be installed next week and there had been a request that the spare surface mats could be re-assembled by parents and helpers to form a hop scotch area. It was agreed that this work could only be carried out by professionals in order to meet the requirements of insurance and health and safety.

(c) Once equipment was installed and use a letter to be sent to Alex Harrison to congratulate the Cygnets on their success in receiving the necessary grant to fund this installation.

8. PARISH PLAN

Cllr Wreglesworth proposed that the parish council adopt the Parish Plan and asked approval for commencing implementation of 10 year plan as outlined., some of which was already underway.

Cllr Lovell asked why a draft had not been returned to the parish for approval prior to adoption. Cllr Wreglesworth outlined the public meetings held and the draft document distributed for comment. He agreed he would take aboard an annual revision of the Parish Plan and with help, encourage the village community to move forward with the 10 year plan

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Drinkwater and adopted by 7 votes with one abstention.

It was further noted that the web site address was incorrect and would be amended.

9. STREET LIGHTING

After consideration, it was agreed that Clerk should contact HCC to note agreement in principal to joining the Hampshire Street Lighting Finance Initiative, subject to final costs. Also to ascertain what definition of “apparatus on adopted highway” and maintenance of equipment which did not fall within the scheme.

10. COMMUNICATION

(a) It was agreed that Cllr Connor should put together a brief 1 side sheet following consultation with Cllr Wreglesworth on a Communication Plan which would be circulated in advance of the next meeting and form an Agenda item.

(b) Cllr Eastman suggested that Planning and Affordable Housing issues should feature early in the Agenda in case members of the public wished to listen to the discussion. To be considered when all New Councillor Training had been undertaken in light of advice received.

(c) The Clerk suggested that a Planning sub-committee should be formed for decisions on controversial applications. To assist, Cllr Lovell to produce a brief paper outlining planning issues which should be taken into consideration

11.PARISH MATTERS

(a) Tree planting. Sub committee of Cllrs Goodall, Lovell and Connor to present proposal regarding planting on The Green.

(b) Traffic calming. Clerk to obtain details of Longparish flashing sign

12.AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Plans still not to hand – but will be available shortly. Clerk to request involvement of Parish Council in preparation of 106 agreement to ensure housing used for benefit of local people.

13. PLANNING MATTERS

(a) 07/02018/OUTN The Clerk noted that the application regarding the workshop site in Grave Lane had been returned with a brief comment.

(b) Two further applications, 07/02556/FULLN and 07/02491/FULLN for erection to two dwellings on the site of Avoca and for erection of a single detached garage at 3 Newlands were passed to Cllr Lovell for circulation and consideration. Response required by 5th October

14. CHAIRMAN’S INITIATIVES/CORRESPONDENCE

(a) A request had been received from Natalie Cross for erection of a Marquee on the Recreation Ground for a wedding. Clerk to respond.

(b) A verbal request had been received for permission to hold the annual Firework Display on the Recreation Ground. Permission granted.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 10.15 pm

The date of the next Parish Council meeting will be Tuesday 16th October 2007.