PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS
Minutes of the Meeting held in the John Ross Suite
on Tuesday 20th September 2011 at 7.30 p.m.
Present: Cllrs Brian Metcalfe (Chairman), David Allison, Michael Gauntlett,
County Councillor Michael Heseltine
Maureen Howarth
Jon Rutherford – Parish Clerk
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Cllr Paul Metcalfe.
2. Confirmation of the minutes of the meeting of 24th May 2011
It was agreed by all that the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 24th May 2011 were confirmed as a true record and were signed by the Chairman.
3. Matters Arising
It was agreed by all that a site meeting be arranged with Shaun Hillary to agree the location of the new notice board.
It was agreed by all that Cllr Allison would organise the cutting of the hedges and the removal of the dead tree stumps in the millennium field. Cllr Allison advised that he would try to utilise local people for these works.
4. Police Update
The clerk advised that PC Wilbor, whilst unable to attend the meeting, had provided an update as follows:
- A number of suspect vehicles had been reported in the area and people were asked to remain vigilant and report any such instances to the police.
- The speed gun continues to be used in the village with no reports of excessive speeding recorded.
- Obstructive parking continues to be monitored and dealt with in the high street.
5. Planning Applications
The clerk issued a new planning application for the re use of a dwelling for residential use along Sedbury Lane.
It was agreed that the clerk to contact RDC for a reply concerning the issued raised with the recent planning application at Gilling Lodge.
6. Broadband Project Update
Cllr Gauntlett advised that the names had been submitted and the council were now awaiting a further update on the status of the project. It was agreed that Cllr Gauntlett to continue to pursue this matter and advise all at the next meeting.
7. Flood Defence Works
The Chair advised that concerns remained regarding the beck and the build-up of vegetation under the bridge arches. The Chair advised that the Parish Council had continued to lobby the County Council concerning these matters.
Cllr Allison advised that the beck de silting works had been completed for this year, commenting that there is uncertainty whether these works will be funded by the Environment Agency in future years.
8. RDC Play Parks
The clerk advised that three letters had been received from the District Council regarding the future of their play parks and playing fields outlining a number of proposals geared to handing the responsibility and cost of these facilities to the Parish Council.
It was agreed by all that the Parish Council could not accept any such proposals without carrying their own consultation with the parishioners. It was agreed that the Clerk to reply to the District Council advising this position.
9. Participatory Budgeting Projects
The clerk advised that all the agreed projects had been either funded or were in the stages of funding and in any event should be completed by the end of the year.
10. Correspondence
The following correspondence was received:
- Email from Richmondshire Cricket Club (RCC) concerning a funding opportunity from Sport England to develop the facilities at the village cricket field. Cllr Gauntlett advised that further information to be supplied by Andy Barlow (RCC).
- Thank you letter from a resident concerning the renovation works on the seating along Waters Lane.
- Letter from Richmond Town Council concerning a £10 fee payable for a recent car boot sale. It was agreed that the Clerk to contact the Village Hall Committee to ascertain who held the event.
- Email from RDC confirming that new dog fouling notices had been placed within the village.
- Letter from the Yorkshire Local Councils Association thanking the Parish Council for contributing to the Participatory Budgeting Project.
- Letter from RDC concerning the Local Development Framework Consultation,
11. Accounts & Cheques to Pay
The Clerk issued an updated statement of accounts, a year end forecast and cheques to pay. It was agreed by all that the Parish Council make payment of £25.00 for the internal audit of the accounts.
12. Any Other Business
Maureen Howarth provided an update on the Anteforth Way Sub Station:
- Subject to a number of legal formalities it is anticipated that the upgrade of the Anteforth Substation will be completed by the Summer of 2012.
- Once the new substation is built and fully tested, the old land will be reinstated and returned to the playing field.
- The new substation will contain the most up to date switchgear and will also offer a three phase capacity should it be required.
The Chair thanked Mrs Howarth for the update on this project and for all her hard work in progressing this project to the benefit of all in the village.
It was agreed that a provisional date of 12th December be set for the turning on of the Christmas lights and that the Clerk to contact Lynn Lincoln (Oswin Grove) to confirm this date. It was agreed that the Clerk to contact Shaun Purkiss regarding the Christmas Tree.
13. Date of next meeting
The next meeting to be held on 7th December 2011.
The meeting closed at 9.15pm
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Minutes of the Meeting held in the Village Hall
on Tuesday 24th May 2011 at 7.00 p.m.
Present: Cllrs Brian Metcalfe (Chairman), David Allison, Michael Gauntlett,
County Councillor Michael Heseltine
Paul Metcalfe
Maureen Howarth
Jon Rutherford – Parish Clerk
All elected Councillors signed their declaration of acceptance forms at the start of the meeting.
1. Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman
It was proposed by Cllr Allison and seconded by Cllr Gauntlett that Cllr Brian Metcalfe continues to act as the Chairman of the Parish Council. Cllr Metcalfe accepted.
It was proposed by Cllr B Metcalfe and seconded by Cllr Gauntlett that Cllr Allison act as the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council. Cllr Allison accepted.
2. Parish Council Vacancies
It was proposed by Cllr B Metcalfe and seconded by Cllr Allison that Paul Metcalfe be co-opted onto the Parish Council.
It was agreed by all that the Clerk to display a poster on the notice board advertising the remaining vacancy on the Parish Council.
3. Apologies for Absence
None received.
4. Approval of the minutes of the meeting 13th April 2011
It was agreed by all that the minutes of the Parish Council meetings held on 13th April 2011 were confirmed as a true record and were signed by the Chairman.
5. Matters Arising
It was agreed that further consideration would be given to displaying the dog fouling notices in the Millennium Field, Green Lane, the phone box opposite Water Lane and next to the Football pitch.
It was agreed by all that treated softwood would be used for the new notice board.
6. Approval of the End of Year Accounts 2010 / 2011
It was proposed by Cllr B Metcalfe and seconded by Cllr Allison that the accounts be approved.
7. Planning Applications - None
8. Broadband Project Update
Cllr Gauntlett advised that this project was still in progress and advised that he would seek further details and advise all.
9. Flood Defence Works
Cllr Metcalfe advised that the local farming community continued the valued work in clearing the ditches.
It was agreed that the Clerk would request a survey to be carried out on the bridge in light of the recent issues experienced with the bridge showing signs of “bulging”.
10. Participatory Budgeting Projects
It was agreed by all that the Parish Council would issue the funds (£1050.00) to the Village Hall Committee for them to purchase the approved items from phase two of the Participatory Budgeting project.
It was agreed by all that the Parish Council accept the quotation (£175 plus vat) from NYCC for the replacement of the Village Road sign.
11. Correspondence
The following correspondence was received:
Email from Feasby’s concerning the hedge in the far side of the Millennium field. It was agreed by all that Cllr P Metcalfe would cut the hedge.
Final Report from the Scrutiny Review into Physiotherapy Services.
Email from PC Wilbor advising that 1) Police notices were to be prepared for Oswin Grove and 2) that it was the intention to use the speed guns on a more regular basis within the village.
A thank you letter from the Wharton Bowls Club for the funding received from the Parish Council.
12. Accounts & Cheques to Pay
The Clerk issued an updated statement of accounts and cheques to pay. The Clerk issued all with the Insurance quotations and it was agreed by all that Zurich Municipal be accepted. The Clerk presented all with the available savings rates. It was agreed by all that Flood monies be transferred into the Barclays Base Rate Reward Account.
13. Any Other Business
None
14. Date of next meeting
The next meeting to be held on 14th September 2011.
The meeting closed at 8.05pm
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Minutes of the Meeting held in the John Ross Suite
on Wednesday 13th April 2011 at 7.00 p.m.
Present: Cllrs Brian Metcalfe (Chairman), David Allison, Michael Gauntlett, Paul Metcalfe.
Jon Rutherford – Parish Clerk
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies received from County Councillor Michael Heseltine & PC John Wilbor.
2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
It was agreed by all that the minutes of the Parish Council meetings held on 15th March 2011 were confirmed as a true record and were signed by the Chairman.
3. Matters Arising
The Clerk presented all with the dog fouling posters as supplied by the District Council. It was agreed that the Clerk to liaise with Cllr Gauntlett re the locations (Millenium Field / Mill Gate / Green Lane / Village Hall / The Angel).
The Clerk advised that he would seek a further update from Shaun Hillary re the new notice board.
4. Broadband Project Update
Cllr Gauntlett advised that over 150 signatures had been gained with more to follow. It was advised that a further meeting was to be held between NYCC & NYNET to decide the next stage in the process.
5. Participatory Budgeting Project
The Clerk advised that the phase two monies had been received.
It was agreed that the Clerk to:
1) contact the Village Hall committee to seek an update on their agreed projects.
2) Enquire with NYCC regarding the proposed village road sign.
It was advised that the printer / photo copier for the church would be sourced later in the year when the current contract expired.
6. Planning Applications
It was reported that the Parish Council had submitted their responses to two planning applications:
- Planning permission for provision of a landscape buffer at the proposed employment park at Scotch Corner.
- Outline planning applications for the proposed employment park at Scotch Corner.
7. Correspondence
The Clerk issued an email re the new legislation concerning the employment of Clerks and the need to be paid via PAYE. It was agreed by all that Needham, Chipchase & Manners be instructed to administer the Clerks wages
It was agreed by all that the Clerk to reply to PC Wilbor, advising that the obstructive parking on Oswin Grove appears to be local traffic, with some persistent offenders
It was agreed by all that the Clerk to acquire further Insurance quotations pending receipt of the renewal quotation from the current supplier.
8. Accounts & Cheques to Pay
The Clerk issued an updated statement of accounts and cheques to pay.
It was agreed by all that the Clerk to investigate a better interest rate for the “Flood Account” monies.
9. Any Other Business
None
10. Date of next meeting
The Annual Parish Council meeting and the Annual Parish Meeting to be held on May 24th 2011.
The meeting closed at 8.15pm.
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Minutes of the Meeting held in the John Ross Suite
on Tuesday 15th March 2011 at 7.30 p.m.
Present: Cllrs Brian Metcalfe (Chairman), David Allison, Michael Gauntlett, Paul Metcalfe.
Jon Rutherford – Parish Clerk
District Councillor William Heslop
Maureen Howarth (RDC Scrutiny and Richmondshire Area Committees)
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies received from County Councillor Michael Heseltine & PC John Wilbor.
2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
It was agreed by all that the minutes of the Parish Council meetings held on 25th January 2011 were confirmed as a true record and were signed by the Chairman.
3. Matters Arising
None
4. Police Update
The Clerk advised that PC Wilbor had provided an update that patrolling and a drop in surgery had taken place using the mobile police office. PC Wilbor also advised that a speed gun session had yet to be scheduled.
5. Flooding
Cllr Allison advised that a comprehensive report had been submitted to Mark Young (NYCC) summarising the flooding issues within the village. Mr Young had also confirmed that the Environment Agency would be carrying out the desilting of the bridge again this year but that they were reviewing their maintenance programme and that no guarantees could be given for future years.
6. Broadband Project Update
It was advised that the Parish Council were continuing to gather signatures from those parishioners who were interested in an improved broadband service. A further update to be provided at the next meeting.
7. Grass Cutting Contract
M Feasby services had provided their quotation for the forthcoming season. After the success of the previous year it was agreed by all that M Feasby’s would remain as the grass cutting contractor.
8. Participatory Budgeting Project
It was advised that the funding had been provided to the successful phase one projects (Village Hall & Bowling Club) and that these works were now in progress.
It was agreed that the phase two works would be not be started until the funding was received.
9. Discussion on the new notice board
The Clerk advised that confirmation had been received from NYCC re the funding for the new notice board. It was agreed that the notice board to have three pains (Parish Council / Village Hall / Church) and that it would erected on the wall outside the church. The Clerk distributed a sample picture of the proposed notice board to which all agreed.
It was further agreed that Shaun Hillary be asked to construct and erect the notice board.
10. Scrutiny Committee Update
Cllr Heslop advised that the Physiotherapy scrutiny report was to be concluded and that copies would be distributed for comment.
11. Planning Applications
None
12. Correspondence
The Clerk issued all with the correspondence received since the last meeting.
A letter was received from a parishioner re the use of the green by vehicles. It was agreed that the Clerk to issue a letter in reply.
A letter was received from some of the residents of Oswin Grove re parking problems. It was agreed that the Clerk to raise the matter with PC Wilbor.
It was agreed that the Village would enter the Rotary Club Best Kept Village.
13. Parish Council Accounts
The Clerk issued an updated statement of accounts and cheques to pay.
12. Any Other Business
The Clerk advised that RDC were now reviewing the situation re the play parks and that further correspondence is expected.
A complaint had been received re dog fouling. It was agreed that the Clerk would ask RDC for more posters.
It was advised that the rose bushes on the Millennium field would be cut shortly.
The Clerk reminded all concerning the forthcoming Parish Council elections.
13. Date of next meeting
To be confirmed.
The meeting closed at 9.30pm
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Minutes of the Meeting held in the John Ross Suite
on Tuesday 25th January 2011 at 7.30 p.m.
Present: Cllrs Brian Metcalfe (Chairman), David Allison, Michael Gauntlett.
Jon Rutherford – Parish Clerk
County Councillor Michael Heseltine
District Councillor William Heslop
Maureen Howarth (RDC Scrutiny and Richmondshire Area Committees)
Mark Young (Flood Management Officer – North Yorkshire County Council)
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies received from Cllr Paul Metcalfe
2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
It was agreed by all that the minutes of the Parish Council meetings held on 8th December 2010 were confirmed as a true record and were signed by the Chairman.
3. Matters Arising
a) Councillor Vacancy
The Chair advised that a vacancy remained on the Parish Council and that this position will continue to be advertised.
4. Flooding
The Chair welcomed Mark Young to the meeting and invited him to outline his role within the County Council.
Mr Young explained that his role is predominantly based around flood related policy and strategy with a requirement for local authorities and stakeholders to work together to address flood related problems. Mr Young advised that new guidelines were in development and were planned for release in April 2011.
It was advised that funding for flood related works would be subject to the strict scrutiny as per all other areas of government funding and that it was felt that local people and community groups would be expected to contribute in part to any required works.
Cllr Allison advised that the silt on the bridge arches remained a problem to which Mr Young stated it was still the responsibility of the Environment Agency but that he could make enquiries to ascertain the latest situation.
The Chair thanked Mr Young for his presentation and wished him well in his role.
5. Police Update
The Chair advised that PC Wilbor intended to employ a speed radar gun to help address the vehicle speeding within the village.
6. Precept 2011 / 2012
It was agreed by all for the precept to remain at £3250.00.
7. Participatory Budgeting (Rural Action Yorkshire)
The Chair updated all with the results of the recent meeting at which a number of projects were agreed and at which the precept was discussed.
The Clerk advised that the funding of £2000.00 for the first phase of this programme had been received from Rural Action Yorkshire and so all agreed for the Clerk to write to the winning entries (Bowling Club & Village Hall committee) to confirm that this funding was now available.
8. Scrutiny Committees Updates
Cllr Gauntlett advised that a meeting of the broadband review was to be held on 19th February and that he would report back at the next meeting.
9. Planning Applications
The Clerk issued a summary of all Planning applications received and responses since the last meeting.
10. Correspondence
The Clerk issued all with the correspondence received since the last meeting.
* Cllr Allison confirmed that he would attend the Local Development Framework workshop held by the District Council.
* The Clerk read out the letter from the District Council concerning their proposal to hand over responsibility of the play parks to Parish Councils. It was agreed by all that the Clerk to write to the District Council to establish the responsibility for the football field adjoining the play park before replying in full to this proposal.
11. Parish Council Accounts
The Clerk issued an updated statement of accounts and cheques to pay.
12. Any Other Business
Maureen Howarth provided an update from CE Electric UK concerning a short interruption of supply on the 21st January 2011 which was likely caused by a goose flying into the line. A delay, which, prior to recent investment in the network would have been around three hours was reduced to less than one hour. The village in the short term was fed from an alternative connection to allow engineers time to affect permanent repairs to the faulty supply. The whole process and the resulting repairs were carried out seamlessly and without impact to anyone within the village, once again proving the benefits of the CE Electric investment programme.
13. Date of next meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting would be Tuesday 15th March 2011 at 7.30pm in the John Ross Suite.
The meeting closed at 9.30pm