NOT YET APPROVED Minutes of the Meeting 4th November 2024

 

Public Forum

 

3 members of the public attended.

A representative from the VHMC thanked the PC for the recent improvements to the WIFI coverage in the Village, with benefits to managing the heating already experienced.

A resident referred to item 8, concerned about the detrimental effect on local biodiversity if the hedge at the Memorial Garden was removed. It was confirmed that a decision had not been made and the agenda item was a discussion.

A resident mentioned a copper beech tree in the garden that overhangs the road. It was agreed to attend to the issue. ACTION CLERK

 

Meeting commenced at 7.08 pm

 

Present

 

Mark Newton (MN), Geoff Fearn (GF), Jane Bell (JB), Mick Walker (MW), Mick Brooks (MB), John Leventhall (JL), Carole Lee (CL), David Kelly (DK), Paul Wood (PW) and Jane Evans, Parish Clerk

24/184

Apologies for Absence

 

Daryl Walton due to work commitments. Apologies accepted

It was confirmed Ross Warman has resigned from the Parish Council and the required procedures are now being followed for replacement.

24/185

Declarations of Interest.

 

To receive Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in accordance with the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012.

None

24/186

Minutes & Matters Arising from Previous Meeting 2nd September 2024

 

Matters Arising

24/158 the meeting with Roseland is still to be arranged ACTION CLERK/Cllr MAUGHAN

24/164 Witham Meadow. Cut and CCTV investigations still pending. ACTION CLERK

It was RESOLVED that the minutes be signed as a true record.

24/187

County Council Report

 

No report at meeting. Autumn update email received prior to meeting and circulated to Cllrs.

AM confirmed he has requested some new signage for the Playing Field area highlighting children playing. Contact has been made with LCC regarding further conversations with the Co-op car park safety improvements and whether the data from a recent study can be shared.

Cllrs discussed the grading of Valley Lane in the assessment by LCC for any resurfacing and it was agreed that the PC needs to keep pushing for improvements.

24/188

District Council Report

 

It was confirmed the new SKDC Customer Service Centre near the cinema is now open Mon – Fri.

Cllrs were referred to the Valley Lane illegal traveller site and it was confirmed that the applicant has pleaded guilty at a recent court hearing but asked the court for an extension until January before a further decision is made. This was agreed.

PW advised that SKDC have now appointed a contractor to deal with maintenance for the 6000 approx. council houses, hoping this will improve the timescales for completing the work.

SKDC will be budgeting for new refuse vehicles next year.

24/189

Planning

 

Applications  - None

Planning Approvals – see agenda.

Planning Refusals – none

Planning Appeals/Withdrawals – none

Other planning issues – it was agreed JL will look at planning application consultations and present to the PC at meetings.

 

24/190

Village Hall Ownership and future funding – to discuss current position

 

JL confirmed the closure of the 1921 Trust has now been enacted and that part of the building is now vested in the CIO. An update on the further actions required was provided.

It was confirmed the requested financial forecasting was not received in time for the meeting  so further discussion is not yet possible.

24/191

Memorial Gardens - to discuss hedge removal on Main Road and possibility of installation of railings

 

Following discussion, it was agreed not to remove the hedge but lower it and improve maintenance. A Cllr suggested that the entrance could be improved and possible widened slightly.

24/192

Staffing Committee Terms of Reference and Staff Appraisal Policy – to approve

 

RESOLVED to approve the Personnel Committee Terms of Reference and Staff Appraisal Policy as circulated to Cllrs prior to the meeting. It was agreed the personnel committee would have a meeting at 6.30pm before next PC meeting.

24/193

Chairman’s and Clerk’s Report

 

Chairman’s Report

No report

Clerks Report

Councillors referred to the attached report.

Item 5 – Cllrs formally approved the instruction of Eden Tree Services to undertake work to the tree at the entrance of the Memorial Garden. Two quotes had been received and the one from Eden Tree Services represented better value.

24/194

Finance

 

Councillors were referred to the attached schedule of invoices for payment totalling £2237.58

RESOLVED – to pay the invoices. ACTION Clerk to arrange payment.

Monthly financial reports were provided – no questions raised.

Resolved to approve Community Cleaner hours worked and payment.

24/195

Reports

 

Playing Fields Management Committee – a meeting is taking place to discuss cost realignment of the Pavilion improvement project.

Village Hall Management Committee – no report

School Liaison – no report

Emergency Planning Group - no report

Road Safety – it was reported speed checks will be done this month.

Police Report – No report

Footpaths & Streetlights – None

Witham Meadow – No report

24/196

Correspondence

 

Councillors referred to attached list of correspondence received during the last month.

No further questions

Cllrs were referred to some late correspondence regarding road safety at the entrance to Rose Gardens. I was confirmed Cllr Maughan has been informed, it will be looked at as part of the planned overall review of parking restrictions in the village and PC Mark Barr has been informed about illegal parking on in this area on Main Road.

24/197

Items for next agenda and Parish News Report.

 

Next agenda – Pay review, precept

Parish News – Memorial Garden

24/198

Date of next meeting – 2nd December 2024

 

Meeting Closed 8.07pm

 

 

 

Signed………………………………….  Designation ……………………        

Date …………………….