PC Meeting Minutes - 21st March 2023
PRESENT: Councillors A Wilson, (Chairman), Cllrs Mrs Penketh (Vice Chair), Mrs Patrick (RFO), C Richardson, C Campion, D/Cllr Jackson, and the Parish Clerk, Mrs S. McIntyre. One member of the public was present.
The member of the public asked about the Reservoir, Cllr Richardson updated everyone, the consultation has been published. He also gave a Flood Alleviation update.
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.45pm.
1.APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. Cllr N. Eaves – his apology and reason was accepted.
2.DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. Cllr Richardson – Item 6, Playpark Trees. Block Dispensation for Play park, Precept and Reservoir.
3.MINUTES OF MEETING, Jan 24th 2023. There were two amendments to item 10. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Penketh and seconded by Cllr Mrs Patrick that the amended Notes be accepted as Minutes. Resolution passed. They were signed by the Chairman.
4.REPORTS FROM VISITING REPRESENTATIVE(S). D/Cllr Jackson summarised his report. Reminders about Voter I.D. 195 solar panels are to be installed on NKDC’s roof. The advertising of Coronation events. School holiday activities and some funding opportunities and the revised District Ward changes. C/Cllr Key was unable to attend.
5.COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN MAY. Reminder as to various deadlines for nomination forms. Importance of checking the paperwork prior to final submission. There will be two council vacancies in May, it was hoped that there would be some interest. Councillors checked their nomination forms before and after the meeting.
6.PLAYPARK TREES. 3 Trees removed by the landowner without any notification. The Clerk has sent e mail and phone messages to various people in the Crown Estates since March 7th, with no replies by this meeting. There was some discussion about replacing these trees. It was agreed to wait for the Crown Estate's response and then decide on the way forward.
7.UPDATES FROM JANUARY.
(a)VOLUNTEER GROUP. From January. Has there been any progress? Cllr Wilson – the remit of the village circulation group. Cllr Wilson reported there was no specific remit for the group. He will try and increase the circulation list.
(b)ALLOTMENTS. Has there been any interest in pursuing additional allotments? Two replies had been received. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Penketh and seconded by Cllr Campion that the Crown Estates be contacted to say there was increased interest in the village and ask if any land could be available. All agreed, the Resolution was passed.
(c)SURGERY. Comprehensive reports have been submitted after each surgery. Item for the agenda:
(i) Community Internet Hub. The Hut now has an internet connection. An Internet Hub may be possible. Cllr Mrs Penketh said that the Hut Committee has already held an assistance session. D/Cllr Jackson said there may be funding/assistance available through NKDC for a Digital Hub partnership. Cllr Mrs Penketh will discuss this with the Hut Committee and report to the May meeting.
(d) OWNERSHIP/RESPONSIBILITIES ITEMS NOT PURCHASD BY THE PC. Cllr Wilson to report on the purchase/ownership and responsibility of various items – beacon, planter. Cllr Wilson had submitted a draft ‘Responsibilities’ document. He said there had to be further work to define the specific responsibilities. It was discussed alongside the draft Asset register (Item 8 below). Some amendments were made to the Asset Register. It was proposed by Cllr Richardson and seconded by Cllr Mrs Penketh that the amended Asset Register be accepted. All agreed, the resolution was passed.
8.FINANCE.
• Monthly report from RFO who explained the previously circulated report. It was proposed by Cllr Campion and seconded by Cllr Wilson that the report be accepted as a true record. The Resolution was passed. The following payments to be made: Clerk’s expenses of £23. Clerk’s salary for March and April, including back pay £347.95, LALC annual Training scheme (Paid after April 1st) 108.00.
The RFO said that a claim for £367.09 VAT had been paid.
• Draft end of Year. This had been previously circulated and was noted.
• Asset Register. See item 7 above.
9.PLANNING MATTERS. There were none.
10.CLERK’s REPORT.
• LALC bulletins circulated.
• LALC Training. The importance of Initial Training for new Councillors, and refresher training for returning Councillors was stressed. This will be discussed after the elections.
11. DATES OF NEXT MEETING. Remaining 2023 dates:
TUESDAYS: May 16th Annual Meetings. July 18th. Sept 19th. Nov 21st.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.40pm.
NEXT MEETING. Community Internet Hub. Allotments? Playpark Trees?