The Minutes of the previous meeting (August 2011)

MINUTES OF MEETING OF HARDINGTON MANDEVILLE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 20th SEPTEMBER 2011 AT 7.30PM AT THE VILLAGE HALL
Members were reminded that the Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions - Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status & any disability); Crime & Disorder, Health & Safety and Human Rights.
Jessica Vale, Parish Clerk

PRESENT

Robin Carpenter (Chairman), Peter Bysouth, Malcolm White, David Beckley, Rose White and Bill Turner.

IN ATTENDANCE

Jessica Vale (Parish Clerk), Gina Seaton (District Councillor), Cathy Bakewell (County and District Councillor) and one member of the public.

Before the meeting commenced there was an opportunity for the public to speak.

  1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
    - received from Vanessa May.
  2. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD ON 16th August 2011 (Already Circulated).
    1. The minutes were approved and signed.
  3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
    None.
  4. MATTERS OF REPORT ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES.
    None.
  5. DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLORS' REPORTS (by invitation)
    Cathy Bakewell said that Somerset County Council is currently deliberating the potential effects on its services of the Social Care Bill, through a Health and Wellbeing Shadow Board. She reminded those present that the boundaries of the present Coker Division of Somerset County Council, which she represents, may change under the current review – public consultation is available up to the 14th of November. It is hoped that the local roadworks will be finished and the road re-opened by the end of the month.

    Gina Seaton informed the meeting that she has been elected to the Yeovil Regeneration sub-committee of South Somerset District Council (SSDC) Area South. She alerted us to Somerset Art Weeks, an annual countywide event currently underway, and to SSDC’s new countryside website which is www.southsomersetcountryside.com.

  6. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
    1. Planning Applications received.
      1. Application no. 11/03365/FUL Erection of rear and side single storey extensions, Hill View Penn Lane. It was PROPOSED by Rose White and seconded by Peter Bysouth that the Parish Council supports this application, and all agreed that the proposed works include substantial environmental considerations and will enhance the appearance of the house.
      2. Application no. 11/03166/FUL Change of use of land to community recreation ground and provision of football pitch, car park, new access and associated works (revised application). There were no objections.
    2. Any planning applications received after publication of this agenda. None.
    3. Results of previous applications; Application no. 11/02843/OUT Lime Kiln Farm. The Parish Clerk reported on the response received from SSDC about the Parish Council’s query at the previous meeting.
    4. Councillors asked the Parish Clerk to contact SSDC to ask for clarification on permitted usage of premises at the Stables, Partway Lane.
  7. HIGHWAYS
    1. Report from Highways Representative. No report received from Rob Lloyd. Robin Carpenter observed that the Parish Council has been asked to take part in a national survey about communications with local Highways authorities.
  8. PARISH PLAN
    1. Recreation Ground at North Lane –
      1. Peter Bysouth produced copies of a fuller draft of Terms of Reference and it was AGREED that these will considered at the October meeting.
      2. There were no further plans forthcoming at this stage.
      3. PROPOSED by Rose White and seconded by Robin Carpenter, it was RESOLVED to purchase goal posts with nets and sockets to a maximum cost of £900.00, SUBJECT to these being of the standard dimensions specified by the Football Association for five-a-side football.
      4. The Chairman reminded Councillors of the need to budget for regular mowing and planned maintenance and inspection of the Ground, and described costs/plans obtained from other Parish-run facilities in the local area. Maintenance of mounds and banks was discussed.
    2. Certain measures are needed to update the Parish Plan;
      1. The Webmaster to be asked to ensure that there is a link to the Nippy Bus website.
      2. Robin Carpenter agreed to put an item in the Messenger about computer classes.
    3. Litter-picking; it was AGREED that the next date for this should be Saturday the 12th of November, volunteers to gather at 10 a.m. outside the Village Hall, Parish Clerk to obtain equipment from SSDC and ensure publicity is placed in the Messenger in October and November.
  9. RISK MANAGEMENT
    1. Freedom of Information - Model Publication Scheme; a Risk Management Schedule was discussed. The Parish Clerk will be responsible for checking and reporting the noticeboards. An initial check of the Recreation Ground has been carried out. Regarding the Village Hall, reference was made to a risk checklist provided by the Health & Safety Executive.
    2. Insurance of Village Hall contents; a list of equipment with valuations was considered, and further correspondence is to take place with the insurers. List from Preschool still awaited.
    3. No further progress on PAT testing of appliances reported.
    4. Forthcoming SALC Parish Clerk Training for New Clerk – it was PROPOSED by Rose White and seconded by Robin Carpenter that the Clerk should attend 2 courses, also look into training opportunities in Dorset if these are similar and nearer.
  10. FINANCE
    1. Clerk's hours for July and August were CONFIRMED as submitted (42.5 hours).
    2. PROPOSED by Peter Bysouth, seconded by Bill Turner, RESOLVED to make payment to Parish Clerk of £503.13 plus expenses £56.01, total £559.14 subject to deductions as may be required by HMRC under PAYE for salary and expenses July - September 2011.
  11. FOOTPATHS
    1. Report from Footpaths Representative; Robin Carpenter has received some spare footpath signs. A sign at 10/41 will need re-setting (see item 12 below). It was noted that some quad-bike riders had been seen incorrectly using a public bridleway in the southern part of the Parish on the previous Sunday.
    2. A new sign is needed for 10/19, where there have previously been problems in defining the path. It was AGREED that Robin Carpenter should approach an adjacent landowner to ask for the new replacement sign to be positioned in a new location less liable to damage.
  12. PARISH LENGTHSMAN SCHEME
    1. Robin Carpenter reported on a recent meeting for members of the Parish Lengthsman scheme which he had attended. Councillors noted with concern that SSDC have not yet confirmed their funding contribution to the scheme in 2012-3; without this funding, the cost to members of the scheme will rise. Parish Clerk to write to this effect to District and County Councillors.
    2. NOTED Work carried out in August, including a temporary fixture of sign at Prospect Farm.
    3. Work for September
      1. Outstanding from August; dig out concrete to make secure fixing of sign at Prospect Farm.
      2. Hardington Moor - Check drains from road into Brook at east side of bridge – big spread of water on road when it rains.
      3. Recreation Ground – collect and remove grass clippings.
    4. The Parish Clerk reported on potential availability of 2 new grit bins and it was RESOLVED (proposed D Beckley, seconded Robin Carpenter) that this be accepted, the purchase price likely to be £235.48 excluding VAT. The Parish Clerk will check that the dimensions are suitable for the prepared bases and that the Lengthsman is instructed to use secure fixings. Parish Clerk also to find the relevant County Highways officer to contact about replenishment of bins and pass this to Robin Carpenter.
    Rose White left the meeting.
  13. CORRESPONDENCE
    1. Correspondence to be circulated was presented.
    2. Correspondence received
      1. from SALC for their forthcoming AGM – noted.
      2. from SSDC inviting representatives to their Draft Core Strategy event – noted.
      3. invitation to SSDC Annual parish meeting with information about Housing, 10th October – Robin Carpenter to respond directly.
      4. Boundary Commission Review – no further correspondence yet received.
  14. MATTERS OF REPORT & ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
    1. Chairman; none
    2. Councillors; none
    3. Clerk; asked for clarification about budget headings for 2012-3, so that work can begin on preparation of precept demand for the year.
  15. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING & CLOSURE
    The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday the 18th of October at 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall. The meeting closed at 9.50 pm.