4 Jun 2006 - PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
DRAFT MINUTES: SHENINGTON WITH ALKERTON PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council met in the Village Hall on Wednesday 10th May 2006.
Present: Mr K Hainsworth, Ms G Crabb, Ms M Coles, Mr K Adams, Mr S Mitchell, Mr T Dowdeswell
Apologies: Ms J Walters
In attendance: Mr C M H Gibson (the Clerk)
1. Election of Chairman & Vice Chairman
1.1 Ms G Crabb noted that it was possible for there to be a rotating Chairman.
1.2 Ms M Coles proposed Mr K Hainsworth as Chairman, this was seconded by Mr T Dowdeswell and was agreed by 4 votes to 1 (with 1 abstention).
1.3 Ms G Crabb objected to Mr K Hainsworth as Chairman and asked for her objection to be noted.
1.4 The Chairman welcomed the new Parish Councillors, and proposed Mr T Dowdeswell as Vice Chairman, this was seconded by Ms M Coles and duly agreed.
2. Chairman?s Opening Remarks
2.1 The Chairman decided not to respond to the issues Mr Wright raised at the Annual Parish Meeting, but was happy to answer questions in private.
2.2 The Chairman noted that he was a reluctant Chairman and did not like politics, or bureaucracy and hoped that his chairmanship would not be for too long.
2.3 He thanked Mr M Hartz, Mr R Bryan, Mr J Thompson, Ms C Ramsay, Mr J Hutchison, Mr P Kopp, Mr N de Silva, Dr K Heron, Mr R Treadwell and Mr M Wright, Dr C Anson, Mr M Heron for their contributions to the village and it was agreed that a standard note should be prepared informing them of the public show of thanks.
Action: Clerk
3. Declarations of Interest
3.1 There were no declarations of interest.
3.2 The Clerk had previously circulated the Code of Conduct for Parish Councils. Parish Councillors present and the new Chairman signed their Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
3.3 The Clerk circulated a document explaining the General Principles of Public Life (Selflessness, Honesty and Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Personal Judgement, Respect for Others, Duty to Uphold the Law, Stewardship, Leadership)
3.4 The Clerk circulated the paperwork relating to the General Notice of Registerable Interests. To avoid disqualification this needs to be completed and stamped by the Cherwell District Council Monitoring Officer within 28 days.
Action: All Parish Councillors
4. Minutes of the previous meeting held 9th March 2006
4.1 GC noted that in minute 4.1 that some correspondence had been received relating to power cables at the tip.
4.2 KH noted that that the Village Green would be discussed at a future meeting.
4.3 With the above amendment the minutes were duly agreed and signed.
5. Bank Mandate
The chairman proposed that the Vice Chairman, Ms Coles and the Clerk became signatories to the bank. This was agreed.
Action: Ms G Crabb
6. Actions from the previous meeting held on 9th March 2006
6.1 It was noted that there could be a need for social housing particularly for the elderly, and the Clerk was asked to invite the Rural Housing Enabler to a future public meeting, subject to his availability.
Action: Clerk
6.2 The agenda was circulated by e-mail to those who requested it and displayed on the parish website.
6.3 A response has been received which places the proposal to devolve Highway Management Arrangements on hold.
6.4 The Clerk had provided Parish Councillors with the draft list of consultees for the Conservation Area Referendum and added names and addresses from Parish Councillors local knowledge.
6.5 No VAT reclaim has yet been pursued.
Action: Mr T Dowdeswell & Clerk
6.6 Draft accounts have been prepared for the Annual Parish Meeting.
6.7 The Clerk has raised the issue of litter in the vicinity of the school with the head (there was no litter visible on that particular day).
6.8 The Jitty issue is being progressed. The Clerk has written, indicating the Parish Council?s concerns, and the Clerk will progress the issue in due course.
Action: Clerk
7. First Open Forum
7.1 It was noted that Ms G Crabb notified the Shenington Green of Parish Council Meeting Times. It was agreed that this should continue.
Action: Ms G Crabb
7.2 Ms Coles noted that the Open Forum was only successful when questions were answered in full by the Parish Councillors.
7.3 The timing of the open forum was discussed, it was agreed that the Open forum should be held at both the beginning and end of the meeting and that questions should continue to be answered.
Action: Clerk
7.4 One member of the public asked if sporting events for children could be organised. The Chairman supported this.
7.5 Ms G Crabb noted that the Village Hall Social Cttee was organising ?Rounders Evenings? on Wednesday 24th May 2006 and Wed 31st May 2006 at 5:30 on the School Field. The Chairman urged colleagues to attend this event.
8. Conservation Area Status
8.1 The Chairman summarised the status of this item. There was an electorate of 315 of which there were 199 valid returns, with 141 against, and 58 votes in favour.
8.2 The Parish Council wished to uphold the wishes of the village and it was agreed that CDC should be informed that the matter rests for at least the current term of office (barring any change of circumstances).
Action: Chairman & Clerk
9. Financial Report
Current Financial Position
9.1 It was agreed that the key financial transactions be stated in the minutes instead of occupying time at the meeting.
9.2 The bank statement showed a current balance of £7343.67
9.3 Cheques required signature for the following amounts:
Parish Council Phone Line £ 37.02
Hire of the Village Hall £ 15.00
Insurance £583.50
Clerk?s Salary £423.66
Conservation Area Referendum £309.25
10. Allocation of Portfolios
10.1 It was agreed that Mr T Dowdeswell should be responsible for financial matters.
10.2 It was agreed that Ms G Grabb should continue to hold responsibility for planning portfolio. Ms G Crabb outlined the relevant process, noting that CDC required responses within 21 days.
10.3 The Chairman questioned whether the Parish Councillors were competent to comment on the aesthetics of planning applications. Ms G Crabb believed that it was important for the Parish Council to comment on aesthetic aspects.
11. Reports of Working Groups
Planning
11.1 Ms G Crabb noted that there was an application in for the Nook.
12. Matters Arising not referred to later on the Agenda
12.1 The Chairman asked the Parish Councillors what they would like to be discussed at future meetings.
12.2 Mr T Dowdeswell?s interests were in insuring that there is the minimum financial burden placed on council tax payers, that Alkerton?s interests are properly represented, and he had concerns about mineral rights.
12.3 Mr K Adams interests are in the general preservation of the village, ensuring that any development happens after careful thought and proper consideration. He was keen for there to be proper discussion with the village.
12.4 Ms M Coles? interests were in keeping down the parish precept, and keeping the village as rural as possible without any suburban developments (e.g. not mowing the grass by the school). She noted that a member of the public was concerned that satellite navigation was bringing a lot more HGVs through the village.
12.5 The Chairman noted that he had raised the HGV issue with Sugarswell.
12.6 Ms G Crabb noted that there was an error in the Chairman?s election literature in that the litter-bin was removed after consultation with the public, in line with public wishes. Ms G Crabb also noted that it was the previous parish council under Ms C Hawtin?s chairmanship that the curbing of the main part of the green occurred. The Chairman noted that Ms Crabb has previously expressed interest in Social Housing and traffic Management.
12.7 Mr S Mitchell would like to put something back into the village and is keen to keep an open mind about what people want to change in the village.
12.8 The Chairman is keen on preservation, conservation and restoration, for example trees knocking walls down onto the highway. He noted that stones on verges are technically illegal, and should be replaced by posts at the expense of the Parish Council if necessary.
12.9 The Chairman proposed that the next meeting cover highways (excluding verges), road safety, children?s facilities and planning. This was agreed.
Action: Clerk
12.10 The Chairman asked if a village e-mail address list could be created. Mr K Adams agreed to draft a paper on communications. It was noted that Ms V Abbot was compiling such a list for the Village Hall Social Committee.
Action: Mr K Adams
12.11 It was agreed that Planning, Minerals, the Tip and Conservation could form a future agenda.
12.12 The Chairman noted that the PC owned a small plot of land on Sugarswell Lane and suggested that the Parish Council dispose of it.
12.13 Ms G Crabb noted that this land might be of value to the Parish, perhaps to rent out as a site for a mobile phone mast.
12.14 It was agreed that the Clerk should explore with CDC the constraints on disposing of that land.
Action: Clerk
12.15 It was agreed that the Clerk and Chairman should discuss the style and mode of communications.
Action: Chairman & Clerk
13. Second Open Forum
13.1 The majority of members of the public who attended the meeting believed that the aesthetic impact of building development was a legitimate point of comment for a Parish Council, and that comments should be made concerning the appearance, and that the Parish Council was a guardian of the village in this respect.
13.2 The Chairman questioned whether the Parish Council should be the arbiter of taste.
13.3 One member of the public noted that HGV lorries frequently stopped in the village asking for directions to Sugarswell.
13.4 One member of the public asked if the stone pit could be used as a play area for children. Concern was expressed that it was too distant from the village and on a fast road.
14. Date of Next Meeting
14.1 The next ordinary Parish Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 12th July 2006 in the Village Hall at 8:00pm.
14.2 The meeting closed at 10:25 pm.
The Parish Council met in the Village Hall on Wednesday 10th May 2006.
Present: Mr K Hainsworth, Ms G Crabb, Ms M Coles, Mr K Adams, Mr S Mitchell, Mr T Dowdeswell
Apologies: Ms J Walters
In attendance: Mr C M H Gibson (the Clerk)
1. Election of Chairman & Vice Chairman
1.1 Ms G Crabb noted that it was possible for there to be a rotating Chairman.
1.2 Ms M Coles proposed Mr K Hainsworth as Chairman, this was seconded by Mr T Dowdeswell and was agreed by 4 votes to 1 (with 1 abstention).
1.3 Ms G Crabb objected to Mr K Hainsworth as Chairman and asked for her objection to be noted.
1.4 The Chairman welcomed the new Parish Councillors, and proposed Mr T Dowdeswell as Vice Chairman, this was seconded by Ms M Coles and duly agreed.
2. Chairman?s Opening Remarks
2.1 The Chairman decided not to respond to the issues Mr Wright raised at the Annual Parish Meeting, but was happy to answer questions in private.
2.2 The Chairman noted that he was a reluctant Chairman and did not like politics, or bureaucracy and hoped that his chairmanship would not be for too long.
2.3 He thanked Mr M Hartz, Mr R Bryan, Mr J Thompson, Ms C Ramsay, Mr J Hutchison, Mr P Kopp, Mr N de Silva, Dr K Heron, Mr R Treadwell and Mr M Wright, Dr C Anson, Mr M Heron for their contributions to the village and it was agreed that a standard note should be prepared informing them of the public show of thanks.
Action: Clerk
3. Declarations of Interest
3.1 There were no declarations of interest.
3.2 The Clerk had previously circulated the Code of Conduct for Parish Councils. Parish Councillors present and the new Chairman signed their Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
3.3 The Clerk circulated a document explaining the General Principles of Public Life (Selflessness, Honesty and Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Personal Judgement, Respect for Others, Duty to Uphold the Law, Stewardship, Leadership)
3.4 The Clerk circulated the paperwork relating to the General Notice of Registerable Interests. To avoid disqualification this needs to be completed and stamped by the Cherwell District Council Monitoring Officer within 28 days.
Action: All Parish Councillors
4. Minutes of the previous meeting held 9th March 2006
4.1 GC noted that in minute 4.1 that some correspondence had been received relating to power cables at the tip.
4.2 KH noted that that the Village Green would be discussed at a future meeting.
4.3 With the above amendment the minutes were duly agreed and signed.
5. Bank Mandate
The chairman proposed that the Vice Chairman, Ms Coles and the Clerk became signatories to the bank. This was agreed.
Action: Ms G Crabb
6. Actions from the previous meeting held on 9th March 2006
6.1 It was noted that there could be a need for social housing particularly for the elderly, and the Clerk was asked to invite the Rural Housing Enabler to a future public meeting, subject to his availability.
Action: Clerk
6.2 The agenda was circulated by e-mail to those who requested it and displayed on the parish website.
6.3 A response has been received which places the proposal to devolve Highway Management Arrangements on hold.
6.4 The Clerk had provided Parish Councillors with the draft list of consultees for the Conservation Area Referendum and added names and addresses from Parish Councillors local knowledge.
6.5 No VAT reclaim has yet been pursued.
Action: Mr T Dowdeswell & Clerk
6.6 Draft accounts have been prepared for the Annual Parish Meeting.
6.7 The Clerk has raised the issue of litter in the vicinity of the school with the head (there was no litter visible on that particular day).
6.8 The Jitty issue is being progressed. The Clerk has written, indicating the Parish Council?s concerns, and the Clerk will progress the issue in due course.
Action: Clerk
7. First Open Forum
7.1 It was noted that Ms G Crabb notified the Shenington Green of Parish Council Meeting Times. It was agreed that this should continue.
Action: Ms G Crabb
7.2 Ms Coles noted that the Open Forum was only successful when questions were answered in full by the Parish Councillors.
7.3 The timing of the open forum was discussed, it was agreed that the Open forum should be held at both the beginning and end of the meeting and that questions should continue to be answered.
Action: Clerk
7.4 One member of the public asked if sporting events for children could be organised. The Chairman supported this.
7.5 Ms G Crabb noted that the Village Hall Social Cttee was organising ?Rounders Evenings? on Wednesday 24th May 2006 and Wed 31st May 2006 at 5:30 on the School Field. The Chairman urged colleagues to attend this event.
8. Conservation Area Status
8.1 The Chairman summarised the status of this item. There was an electorate of 315 of which there were 199 valid returns, with 141 against, and 58 votes in favour.
8.2 The Parish Council wished to uphold the wishes of the village and it was agreed that CDC should be informed that the matter rests for at least the current term of office (barring any change of circumstances).
Action: Chairman & Clerk
9. Financial Report
Current Financial Position
9.1 It was agreed that the key financial transactions be stated in the minutes instead of occupying time at the meeting.
9.2 The bank statement showed a current balance of £7343.67
9.3 Cheques required signature for the following amounts:
Parish Council Phone Line £ 37.02
Hire of the Village Hall £ 15.00
Insurance £583.50
Clerk?s Salary £423.66
Conservation Area Referendum £309.25
10. Allocation of Portfolios
10.1 It was agreed that Mr T Dowdeswell should be responsible for financial matters.
10.2 It was agreed that Ms G Grabb should continue to hold responsibility for planning portfolio. Ms G Crabb outlined the relevant process, noting that CDC required responses within 21 days.
10.3 The Chairman questioned whether the Parish Councillors were competent to comment on the aesthetics of planning applications. Ms G Crabb believed that it was important for the Parish Council to comment on aesthetic aspects.
11. Reports of Working Groups
Planning
11.1 Ms G Crabb noted that there was an application in for the Nook.
12. Matters Arising not referred to later on the Agenda
12.1 The Chairman asked the Parish Councillors what they would like to be discussed at future meetings.
12.2 Mr T Dowdeswell?s interests were in insuring that there is the minimum financial burden placed on council tax payers, that Alkerton?s interests are properly represented, and he had concerns about mineral rights.
12.3 Mr K Adams interests are in the general preservation of the village, ensuring that any development happens after careful thought and proper consideration. He was keen for there to be proper discussion with the village.
12.4 Ms M Coles? interests were in keeping down the parish precept, and keeping the village as rural as possible without any suburban developments (e.g. not mowing the grass by the school). She noted that a member of the public was concerned that satellite navigation was bringing a lot more HGVs through the village.
12.5 The Chairman noted that he had raised the HGV issue with Sugarswell.
12.6 Ms G Crabb noted that there was an error in the Chairman?s election literature in that the litter-bin was removed after consultation with the public, in line with public wishes. Ms G Crabb also noted that it was the previous parish council under Ms C Hawtin?s chairmanship that the curbing of the main part of the green occurred. The Chairman noted that Ms Crabb has previously expressed interest in Social Housing and traffic Management.
12.7 Mr S Mitchell would like to put something back into the village and is keen to keep an open mind about what people want to change in the village.
12.8 The Chairman is keen on preservation, conservation and restoration, for example trees knocking walls down onto the highway. He noted that stones on verges are technically illegal, and should be replaced by posts at the expense of the Parish Council if necessary.
12.9 The Chairman proposed that the next meeting cover highways (excluding verges), road safety, children?s facilities and planning. This was agreed.
Action: Clerk
12.10 The Chairman asked if a village e-mail address list could be created. Mr K Adams agreed to draft a paper on communications. It was noted that Ms V Abbot was compiling such a list for the Village Hall Social Committee.
Action: Mr K Adams
12.11 It was agreed that Planning, Minerals, the Tip and Conservation could form a future agenda.
12.12 The Chairman noted that the PC owned a small plot of land on Sugarswell Lane and suggested that the Parish Council dispose of it.
12.13 Ms G Crabb noted that this land might be of value to the Parish, perhaps to rent out as a site for a mobile phone mast.
12.14 It was agreed that the Clerk should explore with CDC the constraints on disposing of that land.
Action: Clerk
12.15 It was agreed that the Clerk and Chairman should discuss the style and mode of communications.
Action: Chairman & Clerk
13. Second Open Forum
13.1 The majority of members of the public who attended the meeting believed that the aesthetic impact of building development was a legitimate point of comment for a Parish Council, and that comments should be made concerning the appearance, and that the Parish Council was a guardian of the village in this respect.
13.2 The Chairman questioned whether the Parish Council should be the arbiter of taste.
13.3 One member of the public noted that HGV lorries frequently stopped in the village asking for directions to Sugarswell.
13.4 One member of the public asked if the stone pit could be used as a play area for children. Concern was expressed that it was too distant from the village and on a fast road.
14. Date of Next Meeting
14.1 The next ordinary Parish Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 12th July 2006 in the Village Hall at 8:00pm.
14.2 The meeting closed at 10:25 pm.