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BLEWBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes
Of the Parish Council meeting of Blewbury Parish Council.
Held on Wednesday, 8th April 2009 in the Vale Room
Councillors present: Mr A Cooper (Chairman), Ms S Loy, Mr C Whatmore, Ms Jane Gibson, Ms C Duckett, Ms A Barclay-Watt, Mr M Brassell. Due to commitments elsewhere, Mr R Farrell joined the meeting later on.
Also present: PCSO C Johnson, Mr Colin Lamont (County Councillor), E Smit (clerk)
Matters resolved:
Actions arising from the meeting:
1. Clerk to investigate additional sign for the play area
2. Clerk to instruct Lengthman on cutting the branches from the tree in the play area
3. CD to investigate fundraising event for the Play area
4. JG to follow up with Ian Bacon
5. Clerk to contact Allianz re insurance cover for councillors
6. Clerk to contact BVS re Village of the Year competition.
7. JG to investigate overgrown vegetation.
8. JG to investigate overgrown hedges.
9. AC to circulate ICO DVD
10. CD to contact Anthony Stiff.
11. Clerk to contact Mrs Corderoy re memorial for ashes grave
12. Clerk to follow up with Jen McMaster re litter bin
Actions carried forward from prior meetings:
1. Response to cemetery plans to be drafted
2. AC & RF to investigate new investments complying with investment policy.
1. Apologies for absence: none
2. Declarations of interest. JG and RF both declared an interest as a member of the Recreation Ground Management committee. AC declared an interest as a resident of Bridus Way.
3. Minutes of the meeting held on the 11th of March 2009 were accepted and signed as a true record.
4. Police liaison. (Discussed after 7.3) PCSO Johnson reported on a break in at the stables on Pilgrim Way and criminal damage to a window in Dibleys, as well as criminal damage to the Village Hall. It was suggested that all incidents be reported so that a higher priority could be given to certain areas. CW reported that the damage to the Village Hall was due to kids playing football in the car park as they were discouraged to use the Playclose. It has now been confirmed that ball games are permitted in the Playclose and the PCC will put a note in the Bulletin to alert members of the public and children that they are welcome to play there. The PC informed the PCSO about the complaints received re the use of Bridus Way by cars. Although this is technically allowed, the road is not suitable for vehicles especially since it poses a danger to pedestrians and horses.
5. County Councillor’s report. Mr Lamont reported on where the waste would be coming from for the proposed incinerator. The idea was that the waste should only come from Oxfordshire but the Sutton Courtenay plant proposed that waste from West Berkshire instead of North Oxfordshire would be taken. Mr Lamont was concerned how this would be regulated. He also expressed concern that no restrictions on size of these plants were put in place. The planning applications for the incinerators were due on the 17th of May and both plants will be applying for Environmental permits. It is likely that both plants will go ahead.
6. Co-option & Acceptance of office of new councillor. Ms Sheila Loy was co-opted at the previous meeting and signed the acceptance of office in front of the clerk and the chairman welcomed her. She also completed the register of members’ interests to be sent to the Vale.
Following the resignation of Dr Paul Whitehead the Council has posted the necessary notices on the notice boards and hope to be able to co-opt a new member at a short special meeting on Friday the 17th of April provided that the necessary confirmation has been received from the Vale.
7. Matters arising.
7.1. 12/12/07 Future Didcot cycle links. ABW reported that no further contact with East Hagbourne has been made. CD reported that the main objections to the proposed link to Upton was security and the possible proximity to the land owner’s house to the proposed cycle path.
7.2. 13/02/08 Memorial seat and stone. Nothing to report.
7.3. 10/09/08 Play area. CD reported that she saw a group of teenagers in the play area climbing the tree previously discussed and throwing stones and gravel even though toddlers were also in the area and could be hit. As these children were not in the Blewbury School, they were already on holiday and disrupting lessons. It was proposed that a more strongly worded sign be erected in order that parents of children using the area legitimately have justification to confront and discourage them. The sign should also encourage the public to contact the non-emergency number for the Police. Action: Clerk to investigate additional sign for the play area. ABW & CW investigated the tree issue and recommended that the first 6 branches be lopped. Action: Clerk to instruct Lengthman on cutting the branches from the tree in the play area. The BVS contributions towards the Play area was also discussed. In the past there was an annual fundraising event and the transferred funds have been depleted. It was indicated that an event outside of the BVS might be held to raise funds. Action: CD to investigate fundraising event for the Play area. JG to follow up with Ian Bacon.
7.4. 11/02/09 BVS Village day. ABW mentioned that she was hoping to get the school involved in making posters to advertise the day. JG was asked to help to put the Village Day on the BVS calendar in the Bulletin.
8. Open Forum.
No members of the public were present.
9. Risk Management.
9.1. 10/12/08 Annual rabbit cull. Has taken place. Item closed.
9.2. 11/03/09 Review of investment policy and annual investment strategy. The Parish Council discussed the downgraded Barclays credit rating again and as no alternative has yet been found, it was decided that the Tennis Court funds should be kept in Barclays. Item closed.
9.3. 11/03/09 Review of insurance cover. On review of the insurance cover, AC discovered that “officials indemnity" and "Libel and slander” cover were not included in the current policy. The clerk was asked to add this cover as a matter of urgency. The fidelity guarantee was reviewed again, and the PC was satisfied that the current cover is sufficient given the level of risk and the huge additional cost to increase it. Action: Clerk to contact Allianz re insurance cover for councillors.
9.4. 11/03/09 Village Hall risk assessments due in April. Received. Item closed.
9.5. 11/03/09 BVGA annual risk assessment. Received. Item closed.
10. Planning & Housing.
10.1. 02/02/06 Planning Committee Report: Refer to monthly planning report for details of applications . CW reported that the Little Dibleys application was granted with some conditions.
10.2. 02/02/06 Exception Site. Nothing to report.
11. Ladycroft Park. It was reported that the drainage at the north end has been addressed which meant that the field at Chailey House would flood. Ladycroft management offered to help with the drainage if the owners provided the materials.
12. Finance & Administration
12.1. Committees and new signatory for bank accounts. The PC decided to act on this at the next meeting when the new councillor has been appointed.
12.2. Access to fire proof cupboard and scout hut. The clerk emailed Liz Farr but no response has yet been received.
12.3. Small Grants. No requests received.
12.4. Money received from ITV. Nothing to report.
12.5. New bond or investment. Nothing to report.
12.6. 2008/9 National final salary award for local council clerks. The council agreed unanimously that this scale be used which meant a 3p an hour increase in hourly rate for the clerk. Item closed.
12.7. Audit 2008/9. The clerk reported that an IAQ was sent to the Council but as income and expenditure was less than £200,000 the auditors would be contacted. The clerk was assured that it would then not be necessary to complete the IAQ. The audit date is set for the 31st of July 2009.
12.8. Payments for approval to be made under ancillary powers and within budgeted amounts.
|
Description |
Amount |
|
E Smit |
£488.89 |
|
K Pottle |
£57.60 |
|
E Smit (expenses) |
£17.28 |
|
Post Office Ltd ( PAYE & NI for clerk) |
£338.44 |
|
Post Office Ltd (PAYE for lengthman) |
£38.40 |
|
Ringrose Tree Services Ltd |
£230.00 |
|
Prokill |
£494.50 |
|
Thames Water |
£6.89 |
|
Blewbury Village Hall – Youth Club |
£143.00 |
|
Barclays bank charges |
£5.50 |
|
Didcot Calor & Paving Centre |
£280.00 |
|
TOTAL |
£2100.50 |
All payments were approved. MB proposed, JG seconded. All agreed.
13. Correspondence.
13.1. Items requesting a reply
13.1.1. OCC – Services for children. As the PC already publicises these services, no action required.
13.1.2. OALC email update – including Calor Village of the Year competition. Action: clerk to contact BVS
13.1.3. Dogs Trust. Information passed on to the Bulletin.
13.2. Items for information
13.2.1. Town & Country Planning. Submission of the Joint Minerals and Waste core strategy DPD. Noted.
13.2.2. Blewbury Energy Initiative notification. The BEI informed that they will not be carrying out more energy monitoring
RF joined the meeting.
13.2.3. Alliance & Leicester letter. This letter stated that the new interest rate was 0.1%. They also believed that their institution is safe.
13.2.4. Emails re overgrown hedges & vegetation overhanging footpaths. Two emails were received complaining about overgrown vegetation. Action: JG to investigate overgrown vegetation.
13.2.5. OCC – Primary Capital Programme. Emphasis of this programme will be focused on Oxford City Centre and Banbury.
13.2.6. Information Commissioner’s Office – informational DVD pack. AC recommended that all councillors have a look at it. Action: AC to circulate ICO DVD.
13.2.7. Email from VWHDC re free business seminar. Passed on to the Bulletin.
13.2.8. This item did not appear on the agenda. The locality primary school review – the view of stakeholder. Review of primary school education will take place and a meeting will be held in Didcot on the 7th of May. RF will attempt to attend.
14. Cemetery Development Plan.
14.1. Quotes and project management. MB handed over the notes on the project. CD to contact Anthony Stiff. The PC agreed that this project might have to wait due to the time the Recreation Ground Enhancement Project has been taking up. Action: CD to contact Anthony Stiff and to draft response re cemetery plans in due course. Following the interment of ashes next to where the new path will go, the clerk should write to the grantee of the ashes grave to make them aware that a memorial might have to be moved to align it with the new path. Action: clerk to contact Mrs Corderoy re memorial for ashes grave.
15. Parish Plan
15.1. Tree for the Pound. The clerk reported that tree has been planted. Item closed.
16. Recreation Ground
16.1. 28/11/06 Management Committee Structure. MB & JG discussed this issue and will be pursued in due course.
16.2. 09/07/08 Pavilion progress report. Progress on the design of the Pavilion and tennis hut has been slowed by the numerous changes requested by the clubs and added greatly to the workload of the committee. Although all the clubs signed up for the overall scheme proposed there has been much lobbying to revert to earlier more costly and not so desirable layouts of the recreation grounds when everyone’s interests have been considered. This also has placed more than planned heavy workload on the committee in diverting them from their main tasks.
Previously the Council said that it was “minded to spend £300,000” on a new pavilion but it is now recognised that the overall scheme is likely to cost significantly more than this. If some of the alternate plans were to be considered it could increase the overall cost by around £100,000 or more which the Council believe is an inappropriate use of Council funds, which could be spent on another substantial and worthwhile project for the village as a whole. The PC concluded that the planned village presentation would go ahead with the current proposed scheme. AC proposed, CW seconded, all agreed.
16.3. 14/01/09 Budget forecast for capital spend. Nothing to report.
16.4. 12/11/08 Memorial bench. Nothing to report.
17. Allotments. Nothing to report.
18. Footways, Footpaths and rights of way.
18.1. 02/09/05 Village upkeep review. The possibility of a litter bin at the London Rd entrance to Tickers Folly is being investigated. Action: Clerk to follow up with Jen McMaster re litter bin.
18.2. 03/03/07 Bridus Way. Discussed during police liaison. AC & clerk contacted various people to try to resolve this matter.
18.3. 12/12/07 Footpath 24. Nothing to report.
18.4. 09/07/08 Footpath 20 “Moreton Path”. Nothing to report.
19. Roads, Road safety and public transport
JG reported that she would attend a transport meeting on the 15th.
20. Village Hall Management Committee report
Nothing to report.
21. Environment
21.1. Hawthorn on Rumseys Lane. Ringrose Tree Services removed the tree. The replacement of the tree will be discussed at the next meeting.
22. District Councillors report. RF mentioned that the Vale’s officers have not been responding to correspondence regarding the new site licence. The question re the container was also not yet addressed.
23. Any Other Business: CW reminded the Council that as the next meeting was the annual parish meeting a new chairman should be elected as the current chair agreed to a year. CD asked that all councillors indicate if they are available for the public meetings. Details of the public meeting were discussed.
24. Details of the next meeting. The next Parish Council Meeting will be on the 13th of May 2009.
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The
meeting closed at 21.55