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 Mark Newton Designation Chairman Date 2nd December 2024 |