4 Jan 2008 - Draft minutes of Parish Council
DRAFT MINUTES OF A MEETING OF SHENINGTON WITH ALKERTON PARISH COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2007 2007 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall
Present:
K Adams arrived late
M Coles
G Crabb
T Dowdeswell Vice Chairman
K Hainsworth Chairman
S Mitchell
1 Chairman's Opening remarks
Last meeting lasted two and half hours hope to keep it short tonight
2 Apologies for absence
Jan Walters, Wendi Court
Apology for late arrival from K Adams
3 Declarations of interest - None at this stage
4a Minutes
The Minutes having been circulated to members for comment/correction were adopted and signed after amendments required by GC.
4b Matters arising:
Clerk to list letters of substance.
Renumeration of Clerk : Same basis as Colm There was some discussion but a vote was taken and agreement to pay the same rate as previous Clerk. GC wanted her dissent recorded.
OALC discussion to be asap.
5 FIRST OPEN FORUM
Dr and Mrs Heron raised point of procedure concerning the appointment of the Clerk, and delegated powers, which were discussed.
Dr Heron also questioned Minute 8g (24/09/07). SM read out the Kart Club secretary's minutes of his meeting with the PC on 30/08/05, which was attended by Dr Heron and two other then members. Dr Heron recalled that meeting and explained that he was anxious to restrain his then colleagues.
6 Financial Matters
B Stoy Hayward have approved Annual accounts. Accounts can be inspected by members of public.
£5130.32 on hand and £5000 plus some interest on deposit. No cheques written out.
Village Hall invoice outstanding at present.
The Stone Pit was discussed at this point but is summarised under "Portfolios" below.
7 War Memorial Repairs
OALC suggested this repair to be discussed publicly.
An offer was circulated to members from Court Ltd offering to repair the War Memorial in Alkerton at no cost to the Parish council.
KH had two other quotations, one for £400 and one for £360-£400 (both free of VAT)
TD proposed that Court's offer should be accepted.
Carried by majority 4:1. GC wanted her dissent minuted.
NB When KA arrived later he too said he would not have accepted Court's offer.
8 Affordable Housing Survey
Draft questionnaires.
It is current PC Policy to question parishioners every 4 or 5 years to assess need.
Firstly we have to establish whether there is a need for affordable housing in the village.
Some discussion ref draft questionnaire - two members thought this draft appeared too much like an application - needs to be a shorter one or two page questionnaire.
SM proposed and TD seconded, agreed that short document should be sent out.
Should we ask parishioners whether they would like to control who lived here i.e Exception sites.
SM, TD and GC to draft document.
9 Portfolio Reports
Finance: Already covered
Stone Pit
Draft agreement was circulated to members. (Agreement between the Nunneley family and the Parish Council.) Final approval from them is still awaited. KH is pressing. KH
The Chair went through the agreement.
The Chairman asked the Council for authority to sign this document. GC would have liked to have more time.
SM suggested we wait 5 days but it was pointed out that it has to be voted on at a public meeting. The issue has been on the agenda several times, without any conculusion and it was decided to make a decision now, especially as so much of the stone has already been stolen. It was felt it better to have funds in the bank from the sale of the stone.
Proposal is to sell the stone and credit the funds to the PC bank.
To sign the agreement
Carried by 4 to 1. GC wanted her dissent minuted.
Planning/LDF
Consent on Hillarys
Long Acre - change of cement to barge boards - retrospective
The Cranny - blocking up doors
Badger on the Heath - lighting
Barn House - internal alterations
Long Acre - retrospective letter drafted
Concern by GC about procedures. These to be sorted at meeting when discussing OALC report. All
GC to report on "Parish Plan" to the next meeting. GC
Letter from CDC reference LDF. To be dealt with by GC
George Reynolds said next stage in the Spring - report pending.
Meeting in Banbury on 27th November. KH GC to attend. KH/GC
Minerals/Tip Waste - nothing to report.
Highways etc
Grass cutting - SM has a plan of areas of grass currently mown by CDC. Most cut by residents outside their own property. Discussion regarding whether the Parish take over grass cutting or not. Plans to be checked by KH, SM and KA.
Letter to the school asking that parents drive under the speed limit was suggested by SM, several parishioners have complained. KA/SM
Reminder to slow down half way down the hill - brought up by residents. Two signs have been erected each end of the village child and adult sign. KA/SM
KA wondered if a lower speed limit was necessary through the village, 20 mph
Louise Harrison (County Highways) stated that she thinks she has erected all possible signs.
Repairs done to Stocking Lane, Mill Lane but not very satisfactorily. KA/SM
The chair said that Highways dept does not do their job properly. KA has had three meetings and is bringing up matters on a regular basis. KA/SM/KH
KA/SM/ KH to liaise on next steps.
GC said that bus time table is out of date in the bus shelter. KA/SM
Stones on verges Some have been removed. Other owners to be chased. KA/SM
Highways to be asked to quote for putting apost up next to the bus shelter. KA/SM
Karts - Calendar confirmed for 2008 - this will be posted on the Noticeboards in
Shenington and Alkerton.
Conservation and Restoration - Nick de Silva has looked at the lime tree on the green but he thought the tree was alright at the moment. To be monitored.
Police Liaison - Nothing to report
Recreation -- letters in bundles, general information.
Village Liaison -Editor of the Shenington Green, Isobel Hoseason has resigned.
KH/TD to meet the new editor. TD/KH
Correspondence:
Grass cutting - letter offering services - no action.
CDC - ref LDF
Road traffic closures - 23rd November for 5 days between Shutford Grounds and Epwell corner
11 AOB
KH laid a wreath at the war memorial for the PC, apparently this was an old one reused for many years.. KH proposed that the PC purchased two wreaths to lay each year - approximately £10 each, one for Alkerton and one for Shenington . Gerald Cashman now taken over the job of selling poppies each year. All in favour.
Register of interests forms - please return to The Clerk, the Chairman or CDC as soon as possible.
Communication problems. KA said apparently largely down to the age of BT lines and the exchange. MC and TD agreed.
Possibilities were discussed as to how the situation could be remedied.
SM and MC to draft a letter to BT complaining about the lines. GC suggested that villagers write to their own Internet Service providers to complain about poor line quality. SM/MC
Do we want to send out an information circular? It was suggested to send out with questionnaire.
GC disappointed that no-one responded with an article for the Shenington Green.
KA referring to War Memorial would also like to object to this free repair.
12 Second open forum
Member of the public asked how many responses would indicate that a need for affordable houses existed? Some discussion about this and we need to get the questionnaire checked by someone who is knowledgeable about the system.
New signs obscure existing signs. Too much signage has negative effect.
Village correspondent ref putting the date in the paper of meetings.
At the annual parish meeting all dates were published.
Meeting closed at 10 pm
The next meeting is on Wednesday 9th January 2008 at 7.30pm
Present:
K Adams arrived late
M Coles
G Crabb
T Dowdeswell Vice Chairman
K Hainsworth Chairman
S Mitchell
1 Chairman's Opening remarks
Last meeting lasted two and half hours hope to keep it short tonight
2 Apologies for absence
Jan Walters, Wendi Court
Apology for late arrival from K Adams
3 Declarations of interest - None at this stage
4a Minutes
The Minutes having been circulated to members for comment/correction were adopted and signed after amendments required by GC.
4b Matters arising:
Clerk to list letters of substance.
Renumeration of Clerk : Same basis as Colm There was some discussion but a vote was taken and agreement to pay the same rate as previous Clerk. GC wanted her dissent recorded.
OALC discussion to be asap.
5 FIRST OPEN FORUM
Dr and Mrs Heron raised point of procedure concerning the appointment of the Clerk, and delegated powers, which were discussed.
Dr Heron also questioned Minute 8g (24/09/07). SM read out the Kart Club secretary's minutes of his meeting with the PC on 30/08/05, which was attended by Dr Heron and two other then members. Dr Heron recalled that meeting and explained that he was anxious to restrain his then colleagues.
6 Financial Matters
B Stoy Hayward have approved Annual accounts. Accounts can be inspected by members of public.
£5130.32 on hand and £5000 plus some interest on deposit. No cheques written out.
Village Hall invoice outstanding at present.
The Stone Pit was discussed at this point but is summarised under "Portfolios" below.
7 War Memorial Repairs
OALC suggested this repair to be discussed publicly.
An offer was circulated to members from Court Ltd offering to repair the War Memorial in Alkerton at no cost to the Parish council.
KH had two other quotations, one for £400 and one for £360-£400 (both free of VAT)
TD proposed that Court's offer should be accepted.
Carried by majority 4:1. GC wanted her dissent minuted.
NB When KA arrived later he too said he would not have accepted Court's offer.
8 Affordable Housing Survey
Draft questionnaires.
It is current PC Policy to question parishioners every 4 or 5 years to assess need.
Firstly we have to establish whether there is a need for affordable housing in the village.
Some discussion ref draft questionnaire - two members thought this draft appeared too much like an application - needs to be a shorter one or two page questionnaire.
SM proposed and TD seconded, agreed that short document should be sent out.
Should we ask parishioners whether they would like to control who lived here i.e Exception sites.
SM, TD and GC to draft document.
9 Portfolio Reports
Finance: Already covered
Stone Pit
Draft agreement was circulated to members. (Agreement between the Nunneley family and the Parish Council.) Final approval from them is still awaited. KH is pressing. KH
The Chair went through the agreement.
The Chairman asked the Council for authority to sign this document. GC would have liked to have more time.
SM suggested we wait 5 days but it was pointed out that it has to be voted on at a public meeting. The issue has been on the agenda several times, without any conculusion and it was decided to make a decision now, especially as so much of the stone has already been stolen. It was felt it better to have funds in the bank from the sale of the stone.
Proposal is to sell the stone and credit the funds to the PC bank.
To sign the agreement
Carried by 4 to 1. GC wanted her dissent minuted.
Planning/LDF
Consent on Hillarys
Long Acre - change of cement to barge boards - retrospective
The Cranny - blocking up doors
Badger on the Heath - lighting
Barn House - internal alterations
Long Acre - retrospective letter drafted
Concern by GC about procedures. These to be sorted at meeting when discussing OALC report. All
GC to report on "Parish Plan" to the next meeting. GC
Letter from CDC reference LDF. To be dealt with by GC
George Reynolds said next stage in the Spring - report pending.
Meeting in Banbury on 27th November. KH GC to attend. KH/GC
Minerals/Tip Waste - nothing to report.
Highways etc
Grass cutting - SM has a plan of areas of grass currently mown by CDC. Most cut by residents outside their own property. Discussion regarding whether the Parish take over grass cutting or not. Plans to be checked by KH, SM and KA.
Letter to the school asking that parents drive under the speed limit was suggested by SM, several parishioners have complained. KA/SM
Reminder to slow down half way down the hill - brought up by residents. Two signs have been erected each end of the village child and adult sign. KA/SM
KA wondered if a lower speed limit was necessary through the village, 20 mph
Louise Harrison (County Highways) stated that she thinks she has erected all possible signs.
Repairs done to Stocking Lane, Mill Lane but not very satisfactorily. KA/SM
The chair said that Highways dept does not do their job properly. KA has had three meetings and is bringing up matters on a regular basis. KA/SM/KH
KA/SM/ KH to liaise on next steps.
GC said that bus time table is out of date in the bus shelter. KA/SM
Stones on verges Some have been removed. Other owners to be chased. KA/SM
Highways to be asked to quote for putting apost up next to the bus shelter. KA/SM
Karts - Calendar confirmed for 2008 - this will be posted on the Noticeboards in
Shenington and Alkerton.
Conservation and Restoration - Nick de Silva has looked at the lime tree on the green but he thought the tree was alright at the moment. To be monitored.
Police Liaison - Nothing to report
Recreation -- letters in bundles, general information.
Village Liaison -Editor of the Shenington Green, Isobel Hoseason has resigned.
KH/TD to meet the new editor. TD/KH
Correspondence:
Grass cutting - letter offering services - no action.
CDC - ref LDF
Road traffic closures - 23rd November for 5 days between Shutford Grounds and Epwell corner
11 AOB
KH laid a wreath at the war memorial for the PC, apparently this was an old one reused for many years.. KH proposed that the PC purchased two wreaths to lay each year - approximately £10 each, one for Alkerton and one for Shenington . Gerald Cashman now taken over the job of selling poppies each year. All in favour.
Register of interests forms - please return to The Clerk, the Chairman or CDC as soon as possible.
Communication problems. KA said apparently largely down to the age of BT lines and the exchange. MC and TD agreed.
Possibilities were discussed as to how the situation could be remedied.
SM and MC to draft a letter to BT complaining about the lines. GC suggested that villagers write to their own Internet Service providers to complain about poor line quality. SM/MC
Do we want to send out an information circular? It was suggested to send out with questionnaire.
GC disappointed that no-one responded with an article for the Shenington Green.
KA referring to War Memorial would also like to object to this free repair.
12 Second open forum
Member of the public asked how many responses would indicate that a need for affordable houses existed? Some discussion about this and we need to get the questionnaire checked by someone who is knowledgeable about the system.
New signs obscure existing signs. Too much signage has negative effect.
Village correspondent ref putting the date in the paper of meetings.
At the annual parish meeting all dates were published.
Meeting closed at 10 pm
The next meeting is on Wednesday 9th January 2008 at 7.30pm