MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 11TH MAY 2011, COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.
AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE
· Present: - Mr. I. Butterfield, Mr. S. Featherstone, Mr. G. Payne, Mrs. J. Staniforth, Mr. I. Swainston, Mr. G. Warrender. Mrs. J. Worthington
1. Election of Chairperson
Mr. Featherstone proposed that Mrs. Worthington be elected as Chairperson, this was seconded by
Mrs. Staniforth, and Mrs. Worthington was duly elected.
2. Election of Vice Chairperson
Mrs. Staniforth proposed that Mr. Featherstone be elected as Vice Chairperson, this was seconded by
Mr. Warrender, and Mr. Featherstone was duly elected.
3. Members to Sign Declaration of Acceptance of Office and Register of Interests
All the Members of council present signed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office and a Register of
Interests.
4. Co-Option of New Member of Council
Members of Council voted unanimously to co-opt Mrs. S. Platts onto the Council.
5. Public Participation – None.
6. To Receive Apologies – Received and accepted from Mr. J. Fletcher.
7. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interests
Mr. Warrender declared a personal interest in Item No. 22a) – Request for Under 8’s and 9’s
Branton footballers to train on the field during school holidays.
8. To Approve Minutes of the Last Meeting Held on 13th April 2011
The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.
9. To Make Appointments to Outside Bodies – The following Council Members were appointed:
a) PCJCC – Mrs. Worthington
b) Airport Community Sub-Committee – Mr. Swainston
c) Parish Centre Committee – Mr. Warrender
d) Hayfield Lane Recreation Project – Mr. Swainston
10. Community Police Report
No Police Officer was present, but WPC Julie Gibbon was earlier informed that several fires had been
started in the copse, and she had advised that PCSO’s and Community Wardens would monitor the area.
Crime statistics for Auckley:
March April
1 burglary dwelling 2 criminal damage
2 burglary other dwellings
1 criminal damage
It was reported that 7 caution letters were issued to drivers observed speeding in Auckley on 1st April.
11. District Councillor’s Report – No one was able to attend.
12. Matters Arising From the Last Meeting
a) Dyke at Public Footpath No. 7 – DMBC’s Footpaths Officer was informed some time ago that a ditch
had been dug across the line of P.Footpath No. 7. Peel Holdings were contacted and they arranged
for a sleeper bridge made from concrete to be placed across the ditch to allow pedestrians to cross.
She will arrange for the footpath to be inspected and inform Council of the results.
b) Repair of Toilets and Installation of Water Heater in Pavilion – RJ Electrical has quoted the sum of
£140 to replace the cistern in left-hand toilet and install new ball valve. However, the plumber found that the cistern did not fit the existing toilet unit and if the required size is not available the whole unit will have to replaced. The plumber will also fit a new seat and ball valve in the right-hand toilet and a new water heater without storage.
c) Request for Provision of Dog Bins – Neighbourhood Services Officer advises that the Authority is
currently being restructured and probably the new Neighbourhood Manager and Team Leader when appointed will be in a clearer position to give a definitive answer. The details have been added to their current list.
Page 2
12. Matters Arising From Last Meeting (continued)
d) Lights on Pumping Station Wall – Council was informed that Severn Trent staff have disconnected the sensors on the wall of the pumping station. This follows complaints from residents that the lights were going on and off intermittently during the night and disturbing their sleep patterns.
S.Trent has also agreed to trim the boundary hedge.
e)
Grass Verges,
re-seeding is a viable option.
f)
Unsightly Verge in Front of
Supermarket – No reply has been received from the
proprietor of store
RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and ask the proprietor what is the timescale for the renovation work on the area surrounding the new extension, e.g. path, verge, railings, etc.
g)
Potholes,
asked to inspect the lane on their next scheduled inspection to determine whether any work is required.
h) Parking on Yellow Lines Outside Shops – The clerk to write to write and ask Traffic Enforcement to address this problem.
i) Painting of BT Telephone Kiosk The painter to be reminded this work is outstanding.
j) Dumped Garden Rubbish in Copse – N. Services Officer has posted warning letters to residents living adjacent to the copse. It was reported that some of the rubbish has since been removed.
k)
Request to Trim Hedge
Branches at Car Park – No reply from owner of car
park. The Clerk to write again and
advise him that if there is no response it will be assumed that Council can go
ahead.
l)
Dilapidated Building,
m) Aggregates Quarry – Pending.
n)
13. To Receive Internal Auditor’s Report
Mr. Hutchinson, the Internal Auditor, has no matters to bring to Council’s attention, and he is therefore
happy to complete and sign Section 4 of the Annual Return. The accounts have been kept to an overall
high standard and he thanks the Clerk for presenting the accounts in an orderly manner.
Council accepted the Internal Auditor’s Report.
14. To Consider Plans and Quotations Submitted by Firms Supplying Play Equipment
Council had invited 3 play equipment firms to submit quotations to supply and install play items onto
a) Safety Grass Surface and b) a Wetpour Safety Surface as follows:
Wicksteed quotes – Equipment on Grass safety surface £69,000.00 On Wetpour £87,042.10
SMP Playgrounds – Equipment on Grass safety surface £69,000.00 On Wetpour £93,235.40
Sutcliffe Play - Equipment on Grass safety surface £68,713.20 On Wetpour £91,633.43
RESOLVED – Following examination of all 3 plans and lengthy discussion, Mr. Featherstone
proposed that Council accept the quotation from SMP Playgrounds, with the proviso that the firm gives
annual inspections free for 3 years. The proposal was seconded by Mrs. Platts, and the motion was
carried unanimously. The Clerk to request that SMP supplies a scaled plan with adequate detail for a
planning application.
The Clerk to contact Mr. Snowden and ask him to submit the planning application and undertake the
necessary work for this project.
Mrs. Sims to be asked to arrange for the Sect 106 funds to be made available.
15. To Consider Solicitor’s Fee to Undertake Conveyance of Land
The solicitor has contacted the land owner and has deemed it appropriate to avoid any conflict for the
landowner to use his own solicitor, and he will obtain an indication of costs.
The solicitor advises that his own fees will be £195.00 + VAT for each hour of work, and he does not
anticipate this will be more than 2 hours, plus disbursements of £77.70 Local Searches Fee and
£55.00 HM Land Registry Search Fees.
RESOLVED – It was agreed that the fees were acceptable. The sum of £77.70 to be paid forthwith.
Page 3
16. To
Consider N Power’s Response to Complaint Re. Standing Charges
N Power’s Senior Complaints Advisor has investigated Council’s concerns referred to in a letter of
complaint, and after careful consideration is willing to offer half the charges accrued from the standing
charges, i.e. £278.23.
RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mrs. Platts proposed that Council accept the offer. Mr. Warrender
seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.
The Clerk reported that the electricity was disconnected on 3rd May and will need to be switched back on
in early December. Both these procedures are free, however, if the power has been off for more than
3 months, an independent electrician is required to carry out an inspection and supply a certificate.
The Clerk to enquire whether N Power’s staff might be able to undertake the inspection, and at what cost.
N Power to be asked to provide Council with a contract to sign with terms and conditions.
17. To Consider Quotations to Replace Perspex Window in BT Telephone Box
Mr. Hargreaves of ‘Need a Hand’ quotes
a) The sum of £45.00 to fit frame and piece of Perspex found near the phone kiosk which he can clean
and polish, although the scratches will remain.
b) The sum of £70.00 to fit frame and supply new piece of Perspex.
RESOLVED
– Council agreed to accept the quotation of £45.00 to fit the old piece of
Perspex.
18. To Review Insurance Details
Came & Company, Council’s insurers, advise that the annual premium for 2011/2012 is £847.55 which
includes a 5% no claims discount and is due on 1 June. The Clerk has enquired whether the company
could provide public liability insurance
for the Senior Citizens’ Outing to
is organised by the Charity Trustees, and was informed that this could be achieved by adding the Charity
as a joint policy holder if acceptable to the Parish Council. There would be no extra charge for this.
RESOLVED – Council agreed to the Charity being added as a joint policy holder.
19. To Approve Council’s Financial Regulations and Assets Register
Council approved the Financial Regulations without amendment.
The Clerk explained that historically the Council’s Assets Register had valued all assets at their current
value, however, following amendments to the Practitioner’s Guide, the assets should be recorded at their
original price. The current value of Council’s assets is £37,574.00. The Assets Register was approved.
20. To Decide Items for Newsletter – It was agreed to feature the following items in the newsletter:
a) Information on Council’s plans for play equipment
b) Report of DMBC’s decision regarding the proposed Gating Order
c) Results of the election and a list of Council members and their email addresses
21. To Discuss Highway Matters
a) Gating Order Decision – It was agreed to write to YLCA and John Harker to enquire what steps are
required to change the lane into a bridleway.
b) Public Footpath No. 3 – Footpaths Officer to be informed that another hole has appeared on the
footpath in the same place as the previous one.
22. To Discuss Recreation Matters
a) Request for Branton Juniors to be allowed to train on football field
A resident has enquired whether Branton Under 8’s and 9’s would be able to train on the field on
Saturdays during the six week’s holiday.
RESOLVED – Council agreed with the proviso that they play away from the main pitch and do not
under any circumstances play in the goal mouths which have just been re-seeded. This is not an open
invitation for the other teams to come and train.
b) Rubbish
Dumped on
branches have
been deposited at the rear of a house on
garden of a dwelling at Sandhill Rise. It was agreed to ask if Neighbourhood Services could leaflet.
b) Riverside Grounds Maintenance - Council is disappointed with contractors, Veolia who have only
undertaken one grass cut in April, consequently the football team has had to employ ‘Need a Hand’ to cut the grass before their game on 1st May, otherwise they would have been fined by the referee. The Clerk is to write to Veolia with Council’s concerns.
Page 4
22. To Discuss Recreation Matters (continued)
c) Village Green – It was agreed to contact Neighbourhood Services regarding the untidy condition of
the area – tree branches need pruning and the grass requires strimming round the edges.
d)
Garden Rubbish at
23. To Nominate Parish Representatives to:
a) DMBC Standards Committee – Council nominated Mr. Michael Summers
b) DMBC Standards (Parish Councils) Sub-Committee – Mr. Michael Summers and Mrs. N. McCarron
nominated.
24. To
Nominate Parish Representatives Onto YLCA
a) Chairman – Mr. Derek Liddle nominated
b) Member of Joint Executive Committee – Mr. Michael Summers nominated.
25. Report
of Meetings:
a) Hayfield Lane Recreation Project – It was reported there are still issues of funding. Alternative
sources are being considered.
e)
Charity Meeting – Council was informed that the tenant of land at
Trustees are consulting with the Land Agent regarding the tenancy.
26. To
Consider Planning Applications:
a) No.
11/01271/OUT – Outline application for erection of 2 detached dwellings and
garages on
approx. 0.17ha of land (approval being sought for access and siting)
Council had no objections or comments to make in respect of the application.
27. To Report Decisions Made by DMBC’s Planning Committee – None reported.
28. To Sign Cheques
Cheque no. 002259 - Mr. J. Hutchinson (To carry out Internal Audit) £46.00
Cheque no. 002260 - Veolia ES (UK) (Grass cutting x 1 in April) £81.60
Cheque no. 002261 - ‘Need a Hand’ (Remove 110 fence posts + attached wire) £330.00
Cheque no. 002262 - Broker Network (Council’s Annual Insurance Premium) £847.55
Cheque no. 002263 - Mrs. M. Caygill (Purchase accounts book) £29.68
Cheque no. 002264 - Auckley Parish Centre (Hire room for May meeting) £24.00
Cheque no. 002266 - Mr. G. Warrender (Materials to construct ducting + weedkiller) £54.46
Cheque no. 002267 - Bridge Sanderson Munro (Search fees) £77.70
29. To Receive Corespondence
a) Minutes of PCJCC
b) Invitation to Members and Clerks to attend a seminar on The Code of Conduct
c) White Rose Update
30. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting
It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 8th June 2011, commencing at 7.00 p.m. at
the Auckley Parish Centre.
Chairperson ………………………………