Council Meeting – 17th February 2010
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
on 17th FEBRUARY, 2010
Present: Cllr S. Barton [Chairman], Cllr S Mason, Cllr H. Wright , Cllr G Frankland, Cllr Mrs. W Long, J. Derricott [Clerk] and the UTE Editor plus 2 other members of the public.
Public Questions and Comments
The Council heard comments from Mr. John Poulter concerning the public enquiry on 15th and 16th of February into off roaders. Mr Poulter thanked members for the personal support he had received and talked to a paper he had submitted to the meeting asking that it form a record.
It was noted that Mr Poulter would brief all present on the enquiry and the action taken at the Crispin on 2nd March, at 8.00pm.
17/10 Apologies for Absence
Cllr Mrs. S Barton and Cllr P. Thompson.
18/10 Minutes of the Meeting held on 20th January, 2010
The minutes were approved.
19/10 Declarations of Interest
Cllr H. Wright declared an interest in items involving Derbyshire Council.
Cllr G Frankland stated he would not vote in respect of the tender for the Recreation Ground.
20/10 2010 Village Day/Week Arrangements
There were no issues raised but the Chair pointed to the need to take decisions at the March meeting in respect of the Village Day. There is to be another meeting about the Village Week for interested parties in the Crispin on 10th March, at 7.30pm.
21/10 Village Developments
It was agreed that this matter be deferred until the next meeting. However, it was noted that there had been a fund raising initiative in the Village by the Bridge Club which had raised in excess of £900 towards funding play equipment. It was agreed that the Parish Council could hold this money in the Council’s bank account subject to confirmation by the auditor.
22/10 LDF Core Strategy – Consultation
Members agreed the comments circulated at the previous meeting. Clerk to write to PPPF as requested expressing the Council’s support.
23/10 Police matters and Neighbourhood Watch
No matters were reported.
24/10 School Matters
Cllr Long raised the issue of the School Travel Plan.
The issue of the installation of a safety barrier on Grisedale Road was discussed. It was suggested that the School through its Governors should first make representations to the Chief Executive of Derbyshire County Council on this issue as this was clearly an issue of pupil safety within the remit of the school.
The School were also seeking a reduction in traffic speed in the village and improved crossing facilities.
It was noted that these comments be added to the representations made to the County Council as part of the data collection exercise to be undertaken during the spring months.
25/10 Planning Matters
[1] Planning Application NP/DDD/1109/1034 – Amended plans ‘Change of Use of Unit 4 [B1] and ancillary car parking areas to bus depot for community transport use with associated elevational alterations to unit 4
No objections were raised.
26/10 Financial Matters
(a) Members noted the balance of the current account and the deposit account was not yet to hand.
(b) The following payments were approved:
[1] W.J. Derricott [Salary] £ 358.29
(c) Members noted that £30 had been received in respect of Allotment Rents and that all rents had now been paid.
(d) Members noted that the Trustees of the Holme Meal Charity had agreed a payment of £100 to the Senior Citizens Club. The Clerk was asked to ascertain who
the cheque should be made payable to and the cheque would be approved at the next meeting of the Council.
(e) The issue of the Tenders was deferred to the end of the meeting as it was to be considered in private session to enable to Council to consider legal advice and in view of the Commercial nature of the issue.
27/10 Maintenance
RECREATION GROUND
(a) Play Equipment Inspection Report
Cllr. Mason reported that a check had been made and all was satisfactory.
(b) Mole Infestation
It was reported that mole(s) had again been active on the lower part of the Recreation Group. The Council was mindful of the fact that this is a public area frequented by children and any solution should take this into account. Cllr. Frankland is to obtain information from contacts about potential solutions and, if there is no risk involved, implement a solution. Cllr Barton will check with Tony Hood what happened in last year’s attempt at controlling them.
ROADS AND FOOTPATHS
(a) Scheme for the Resurfacing of Footpaths
The Council asked the Clerk to write specifically again on this issue as it had not had a response to a letter sent to Derbyshire County Council
(b) The Council noted that action was to be taken in respect of the request to introduce a new road sign ‘SLOW’ on the road leading into the village as requested.
(c) The issue of Scheduled Footpath Maintenance was deferred to the next meeting.
28/10 Correspondence
The matters on the Agenda were noted by Members. Members noted the DALC circular relating to payment of salaries to employees and asked the Clerk to make contact with the Inland Revenue and take advice.
The Clerk also indicated that requests for reimbursements would be submitted to Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council. A letter prompting this was from Derbyshire County Council was noted by members.
29/10 Late Correspondence
Non Reported.
30/10 Date and Time of Next Meeting
Wednesday 17th March, 2010 at 7.30pm.
31/10 Tenders
This matter was considered in private session.
The Clerk reported on the Tenders received in respect of:
(a) Appointment of Auditor/Accountant to the Council.
It was noted that Mr. Tony De Wynter the current Auditor/Accountant had decided not to tender. The Parish Council wished to express its thanks to Mr De Wynter for all his hard work and assistance.
The Council resolved to appoint a Ms. Helen Daniels, the only tenderer, to the position at an annual price of £85. Ms Daniels has previous experience with other Councils and it was felt likely that she understood the work involved.
(b) General Maintenance Contract.
The Council considered all tenders thoroughly. There was considerable discussion on the issue of quality and village presentation. The Council also considered the likely effort for each tenderer based on the tender price and hourly rate. It was decided to appoint Mr. Bruno Cardona to undertake this work at an annual price of £4600. Although the price was not the cheapest, it was felt that it represented best value for the village based on information available and past experience.
(c) Recreation Ground
The Council again considered all the tenders thoroughly. Again the discussion centred on the issue of quality. It was noted that the Recreation Ground was a well loved and used space. The Council also considered the likely effort for each tenderer based on the tender price and hourly rate. It was decided to appoint the Cricket Club to undertake this work at an annual price of £2450. Although the price was not the cheapest, it was felt that it represented best value for the village based on information available and past experience.
The Clerk was asked to action these decisions.
WILLIAM JOHN DERRICOTT
CLERK TO THE PARISH COUNCIL
