MINUTES OF A MEETING OF HOLYWELL-CUM-NEEDINGWORTH PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 6th NOVEMBER2012 AT 7.30PM AT MILLFIELDS.
PRESENT:
Cllr M Williamson (Chairman)
Cllr J Neish (Vice-Chair)
Cllr C Border
Cllr J Carter
Cllr G Fisher
Cllr R Fountain
Cllr A Holloway
Cllr E MacPherson
Cllr J Neish
Cllr I Neve
Cllr C Norman
Cllr A Whyte
Miss J Bowd (Parish Clerk)
Mrs H Sirot-Smith (Assistant to Parish Clerk)
IN ATTENDANCE:
2 members of the public and Cllr K Reynolds.
Cllr Williamson spoke to inform the council of the death of Mr John Gray, who had previously worked as a groundsmen for the parish council. He advised them of the funeral arrangements.
107. APOLOGIES
Cllr Inman – work commitments.
108. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Prejudicial.
Cllr Fountain – Item 115.5 (iii) – grant application from VHT– member of VHT committee.
Cllr Macpherson – Item 115.5 (iii) – grant application from VHT – member of VHT committee.
Personal.
Cllr Fountain – Item 117.3 – request for permission to use playing field for Music Festival – member of VHT committee.
Cllr MacPherson – Item 117.3 – request for permission to use playing field for Music Festival– member of VHT committee.
109. MINUTES
Re: item 96.6 – amend to clarify that chairman would be meeting the full cost for the purchase of the Chairman’s chain.
RESOLVED:
Thatafter this amendment the minutes of the meeting held on 2nd October 2012 be signed by the Chairman as being a true and correct record. All in favour.
110. PUBLIC FORUM.
Mr Hill,of Park View, spoke to request that the council consider reducing the height of the trees adjoining his garden from the back of the tennis courts. He advised that his neighbour was also in agreement over this matter. Mr Britton felt that this might be a valid point in the longer term – as would cost considerably more. He would however be cautious about the effects of pollarding.
Mr Britton spoke in support of the request for donation from MAGPAS (Item 116.5). He reported on the emergency situations they had attended to recently in the local area.
Re: ash trees – he had walked through the Engineers’ Wood. Thought they mostly looked ok, though could be worth checking a few on the north side as hard to gauge accurately at the moment.
111. DISTRICT AND COUNTYCOUNCILLOR REPORTS.
DistrictCllr K Reynolds reported some success with Saturday bus service .Cllr Williamson thanked him for the comprehensive report which he forwarded through the Clerk.
Cllr Holloway asked who he could report bus drivers on the bus way to who drive without consideration of their more elderly passengers.
Cllr Pearce asked what would be done to prevent workers in St Ives parking at bus way for free. It would seem that high number of pedestrians crossing so frequently is causing major traffic jams. Cllr Reynolds said parking/pedestrian situation has been monitored. He thought with hindsight a footbridge should have been installed. He agreed that he would pass the comments on.
112. POLICING
112.1. To receive a Police Report.
Crime reported
Ecops–14th – 28th October – theft from boat at the Pike & Eel.
NHW Reports.
21-28 Sept- Theft from motor vehicles and 2 thefts of cycles all in St Ives.
There has been a high increase of burglaries & vehicle crime within St Ives over the last few weeks. Two men were arrested on Thursday October 4 on suspicion of burglary in St Ives.
Police request that you make sure that you empty all vehicles of any property at all times of day as thefts do not just occur overnight.
Please be vigilant at all times and report any suspicious activity.
POLICE UK
Total of 12 crimes recorded:– Burglary – 1; Anti-social behaviour – 4; vehicle crime – 2; shoplifting – 1; other theft – 4.
112.2. Neighbourhood Policing Team – Any Issues and Concerns.
There were none.
112.3 To note report on the break in at Millfields
The Clerk’s report was noted.Replacement items have been purchased and an insurance claim made.
112.4. To receive a verbal report on the NHW AGM and note minutes.
The minutes were noted.
113. PLANNING
113.1 To consider the following applications:
(i) 1201594FUL Demolition of existing and rebuild one and a half storey dwelling
18a Silver Lane Needingworth.
Clerk advised that no comments had been received from residents. Plans as previously considered except for a change to situation of dwelling on the plot.
RESOLVED:
That the council approve the application. All in favour.
(ii) 1201621S73 Variation of PP 0901112S73 to allow retention of water skiing toilets, changing rooms and rest room. Long Reach parsons Drove.
HDC clarified to the Clerk why this is a temporary planning application stating that a permanent facility would be more difficult to deal with in the event of a change of use in the future.
RESOLVED:
That application be approved. All in favour.
113.2. To note appeal re application: 1200575FUL 8 St Johns Close Needingworth.
Noted.
113.3. To note appeal decision re application: 1200210FUL Land north of Hillside View Somersham Rd St Ives, proposed erection of 2 eco homes.
Noted.
114. CLERK’S REPORT.
The following meeting dates were noted:-
18th December - Finance & Planning, Leisure Facilities, Consultation
4th December 2012 - Full Council
11th November – Remembrance Sunday
20th November – Budget meeting
Items to report
Anchor Cottage.
Clerk has been in touch with the owners regarding the damage to the bank and also drainage channel. The work is still ongoing so further skips are needed however owners will speak with contractors re disposal of waste and use of drainage channels.
With the Police Commissioner Elections being held in November a purdah
period will be observed by local authorities. Here is their advice for councillors and staff.‘Although this is a matter mainly for the Police and not a Council election certain purdah rules will still apply to the authority from Monday, October 8 and ending around 10pm on Nov 15.’
Chairman’s Badge.
A revised design has been approved by the Chairman and the badge has now been ordered. Expected delivery is 6-8 weeks
Christmas
Christmas Bazaar is to be held in the village hall on Saturday 1st December. The PC will be having a stall as usual - councillors’ support would be appreciated.
Office closure –20th December 2012 to 3rd January 2013.
The Chairman will have the Clerk’s contact details for emergencies.
Code of conduct training
Wednesday 7th Nov – 7pm at St Ives Corn Exchange.
Parish Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Cllr Holloway and Cllr MacPherson to attend.
Ramblers’ Association
Following a suggestion from Cllr Neve, the Clerk has been in touch with theRamblers’ Association about help with path maintenance. They have already responded and are currently speaking with CCC before coming back to us. Clerk is hoping to get some help with those paths which cause most concern/work
Insurance
WPS charged a cancellation fee of £107-39 when the fleet policy was switched to AON.
£97-39 has been refunded,
TalkTalk Telephone
Bill received 3/10/12 for £3-60 on investigation it relates to tel nos08458630509which is a ghost number was taken up on 14/08/07. Clerk has asked for this to be cancelled.
115. COMMITTEES.
To note minutes of following committees:-
115.1. Environment – 23rd October 2012
Cllr Border spoke on the need to maintain the condition of the Common Land by the riverbank.
Cllr Whyte asked what action had been taken so far regarding control of rats, etc. In his opinion
it was not desirable to use poison as affects the birds/animals which prey on them. Recommended that tenants make their compost areas more secure.
RESOLVED:
That the minutes of the Environment Committee be noted.
115.2. Planning and Finance– 23rd October 2012
Cllr Fountain asked how much of the cost of the cricket square renovation was recovered from the cricket club. He was advised that this matter had been discussed at Leisure Facilities committee.
RESOLVED:
That the minutes of the Planning & Finance Committee be noted.
116. FINANCE & RISK.
116.1. To approve accounts for Payment as at 6th November2012.
RESOLVED:
That the accounts for payment total of £6,844.10be approved. All in favour.
116.2. To note the Bank Reconciliation as at 30th September2012.
RESOLVED:
That the bank reconciliation be noted.
116.3. To receive and note the budget report as at 25th October 2012.
RESOLVED:
That the budget report be noted.
116.4. To ratify following expenditure under Clerks delegated powers:-
(i) Strimmer parts - £35RESOLVED:
That the amount be approved. All in favour.
(ii) C Harvey Outside lights at Millfields - £31.50
RESOLVED:
That the amount be approved. All in favour.
(iii) Projector bulb - £139.91
RESOLVED:
That the amount be approved. All in favour.
(iv) Padlock, Jerry can - £70.04
RESOLVED:
That the amount be approved. All in favour.
(v) Warning signs for riverbank - £48-00
RESOLVED:
That the amount be approved. All in favour.
116.5. To consider the following grant & donation requests for financial year 2013/14:
(i) Victim support
RESOLVED:
That the request be denied. All in favour.
(ii) MAGPAS
RESOLVED:
That the request be approved. A donation of £50 to be given. All in favour.
Cllrs Fountain and Macpherson left the meeting having declared prejudicial interest.
Cllr Fountain first outlined future expected expenditure and clarified the amount currently in the
various accounts. He advised that they wanted to keep the Reserve at £5,000.The VHT are concerned that number of bookings may be down in the next financial year which may need to be met by an increase
in fees
(iii) Needingworth Village Hall Management committee
Clerk advised that a letter had been received from the VHT since the agendas went out requesting that they have an advance for their Grant (if awarded) to pay for the deposit for the
Marquee for next year’s music festival.
There was a discussion over the need for the Trust to hold a reserve fund. The Chairman advised that the lease of the Trust expires in April 2015. Cllr Holloway reported that some members of the VHT feel that the VH should be financially self-supporting. Cllr Carter felt that the Trust should try to directly approach residents to help with the Music Festival, rather than pay out £2,000 to get someone in to organise the catering.
Cllr Pearce felt that the comment regarding a need to increase fees to make up any shortfall in income was inappropriate when the trust hold such significant reserves.
The accounts were felt to be unclear and misleading.
RESOLVED:
That the Parish Council would pay the year’s insurance for the building, but no grant be awarded. The Clerk would send a detailed letter to explain the reasons why and the Chairman would be willing to attend the next meeting of the VHT to explain the reasons directly if desired. All in favour.
Cllrs Fountain and Macpherson returned to the room.
(iv) To underwrite ‘The Villager’ to the sum of £300.
A letter has been received from the editor of the Villager requesting that a shortfall in production costs for 2012 be underwritten this year to the amount of £300.
RESOLVED:
That the amount be approved for payment. Clerk to write a letter to express appreciation for the
work undertaken to date.
116.6. To confirm the reinvestment of 6 month bond
RESOLVED:
That on maturity the amount of £10165.16be re-invested for a further 6 months. All in favour. / 5.96
117. VILLAGE HALL.
117.1. To receive a report from the representative of the Village Hall Trust.
Cllr Holloway reported that a successful fire drill had taken place. Committee is considering the setting up of a film club if a screen can be purchased. He advised that the annual quiz night is booked for the first Saturday in March 2013.
Curtains have now been tied back to meet fire-safety requirements.
Christmas tree and decorations going up on 23rd November.
117.2. To consider quotations for repair work to village hall car park.
Clerk advised that 2 quotes now received. Work specified differed slightly.
Contractor 1 - £2,010.50
Contractor 2 - £2,251.50 (+VAT) – additional work to pathway by village hall also quoted for sum of £1,780.50.
RESOLVED:
That Contractor 2 be appointed to carry out repair works to the village hall car park as specified but that the pathway work is not to be carried out. All in favour.
Cllrs Fountain and Macpherson declared a personal interest in the following item.
117.3. To consider request for the use of the Overcote playing field to hold the 2013 Music Festival
RESOLVED:
That permission be granted for the playing field be used to hold the Music Festival in 2013, so long as certain conditions are agreed to and met. (Conditions to be agreed at a later date.)
10 in favour, 2 against.
Agreed.
Cllr Fountain advised that a window in the village hall pavilion was damaged by several stones being thrown at it very hard, probably sometime on the afternoon/evening of 5th November. Clerk has not been able to find anything so far on the CCTV footage.
118. ENVIRONMENT.
118.1. To consider quotes and references for tree work contact.
As requested at previous meeting suitable references and qualifications for J Talbot now received. It was noted that the hazel trees in Millfields are no longer to be cut back only the conifer hedges at the cemetery.
RESOLVED:
That J Talbot appointed to carry out agreed tree works.
118.2. To receive an update on riverbank damage Holywell front.
The Clerk advised on the response received from the legal advisor at CPALC. Cllr Whyte advised that he had been in contact with DEFRA who were surprised that PC was responsible for the river bank.
Clerk confirmed that GOBA and The Ferryboat had been written to.
It was confirmed that erection of the orange fencing was to temporarily prevent public from approaching riverbank on health and safety grounds pending the repair work being carried out.
RESOLVED:
That Clerk to respond to legal advisor at CPALC and continue to proceed in attempts to get riverbank repaired. All in favour.
118.3. To confirm winter gritting volunteers for 2012.
RESOLVED:
Cllrs Fisher and Neve agreed to volunteer as gritters again.
118.4. To consider letter concerning dog behaviour.
Cllr Whyte confirmed that the dog warden had now been to visit property concerned.
RESOLVED:
Clerk to contact Dog Warden at HDC to see what progress had been made regarding the matter. Clerk to report back at next meeting.
118.5. To consider request for tree work to be carried out to trees over hanging Park View
The photographs were studied. Mr Britton advised that he had helped the resident to cut back overhanging branches a few years ago (in his capacity as Tree Warden). He thought that the District Council’s tree warden was unlikely to recommend that the trees be cut back/down – as with those on other side of the playing fields, adjoining Harris Crescent. He does have some concern that the trees may become more unstable in very windy weather though in the long-term.
RESOLVED:
That the Clerk contact HDC’s tree warden, Brian Ogden, to inspect and advise of suitable action. Clerk to write and advise the resident of this.
All in favour.
118.6. To consider any necessary actions in light of Ash tree disease.
Cllr Whyte advised that he had received a letter from DEFRA, stating that they would be inspecting all woodland and forest. Some trees were located on the golf course which came from Holland. No indication as to whether they were infected or not.
RESOLVED:
No action to be taken until any further advice is received.
118.7. To receive a verbal report on the Great Ouse Meadow Project.
The contents of the report from Cllr Williamson were noted. No action to be taken at this point in time but to be reconsidered at the next appropriate meeting.
119. MILLFIELDS.
(i) To receive a report on electricity supply to Millfields.
The contents of the report were noted. It was agreed to consider the report in more detail before any actions/decisions be made. The premises working party will be looking at this matter further.
(ii) To receive an update on rate review.
Clerk advised that VOA are now looking to see if the pavilion is to be included in any adjustment to rateable value awaiting written confirmation.
120. SCHOOL GOVERNOR.
To appoint a Parish Councillor Representative on the school board of governors.
RESOLVED:
Cllr Fisher agreed to stand as the Parish Council’s representative. All in favour.
121. CONSULTATION.
(i) Local Enforcement Plan for Minerals and Waste Development in Cambridgeshire.
RESOLVED:
That the document be noted. No comments to be made.
122. CORRESPONDENCE:-
To receive correspondence and agree any actions:-
(i) To note minutes of St Ives area road safety committee meeting 18th September 2012
Noted.
(ii) To note minutes of Hansen quarry liaison meeting September 2012.
Noted.
(iii) To note the CGB national award.
Noted.
(iv) To note the Huntingdonshire Matters morning workshop.13th November 2012.
Noted.
(v) To note changes to Stagecoach services from 4th November 2012.
Noted. Cllr Whyte advised that according to his contact at Stagecoach, Mr Paul Nelson had personally been responsible for cutting the budget for Service 21 – Ivo run at 8am.
(vi).To note the new Whippet timetable from 10th November 2012
Noted.
(vii) To note response from CCC regarding traffic problems on Harrison Way, St Ives.
Noted.
(viii) To note election information from Ansar Ali.
Noted.
(ix) To note correspondence regarding tractor shed.
Noted.Tractor Shed belongs to Parish Council.
The tables in question had been acquired for free. Mr Britton advised that Garden Club committee would be very interested to know who had disposed of the tables without their permission. There are now no suitable tables available for their use.
VHT confirmed that they had destroyed the tables. Parish Clerk to liaise with gardening club to see if alternative arrangements for tables can be made for the garden show.
123. ITEMS FOR REPORT ONLY.
- Cllr Fountain asked if any progress regarding broken fencing bordering Arnold Close. Clerk awaiting response to her second letter which was sent to the residents’ association last week.
- Cllr Whyte – heap of grit in middle of Ashton Close. Re: email about missing bollard on Ouse Valley Way, he believes it was taken down by HDC when grass cutting and not replaced. Assistant Clerk to contact Rights of Way officer about the matter.
There being no further business the meeting finished at 10.05pm.
CHAIRMAN
DATE
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