MEPAL PARISH COUNCIL
Clerk: Barbara Green, Email: tel 07739 988736 or 01353 774711
Chairman: Mrs Elizabeth Stazicker, email , tel 01353 778129
NOTICE OF MEETING: Full Parish Council Meeting
TIME: 19.30
DATE: Monday 14th November, 2016
VENUE: Mepal Village Hall, School Lane, Mepal
All members of the Council are hereby summoned to attend for the purposes of considering and resolving the business to be transacted at the meeting as set out below.
MEMBERS 5
VACANCIES 2
QUORUM: 3
Members of the public and press are invited to address the Council at its Open Forum.
MINUTES
626/16 TO RECORD APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mr Paul Edmenson
627/16 MEMBERS’ DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Mrs Stazicker declared an interest regarding the application from Mepal Village Hall, concerning her relationship to the secretary, but this was not felt to be a pecuniary interest, so no dispensation required.
628/16 MEMBERS’ REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATIONS
None
629/16 TO SIGN AND APPROVE MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF:
a) Full Council meeting 10th October 2016 – approved and signed.
630/16 TO RECEIVE DISTRICT AND/OR COUNTY COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
· District Councillor Mike Bradley discussed various issues regarding drainage. He had submitted a report prior to the meeting and this is appended to these minutes.
Ø He also mentioned that housing development suggested in the Local Plan would actually fall into Sutton Parish rather than Mepal. This would mean that any CIL monies would be received by Sutton. This would clearly be unacceptable and a boundary review should be considered. Action: Clerk to look into process for requesting boundary review.
· District Councillor Anna Bailey reminded the meeting that roadworks are planned for Twenty Pence Road and High Street, Wilburton are planned for 21st November – 2nd December. Disruption can be expected.
Ø The Parish Council is advised to check the Local Plan to see if infrastructure and community facilities identified are accurate (page 109 of draft Local Plan, available to view on ECDC website)
Ø The provision of additional parking at Angel Drove, Ely is confirmed.
Ø The underpass to offer access to the new cinema complex on the A10 will be delivered before the cinema opens, probably in early April.
Ø Progress on the provision of Minor Injuries at Princess of Wales Hospital in Ely is encouraging. There are discussions with MOD to release land nearby which could offer provision of housing appropriate for elderly living. Outpatient services will continue, provided by Peterborough & Stamford Hospital Trust.
· County Councillor Lorna Dupre referred to her written report which is appended to these minutes. There was some discussion about the reduction in winter gritting, with only A and B roads being treated initially. There is however a secondary gritting schedule, which would come into force should there be exceptional conditions over 4 consecutive days.
631/16 OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
· There was some discussion as to the traffic congestion in Brangehill Lane, with concerns that emergency vehicles would be unable to pass. A question was raised as to whether there had been a Change of Use planning application. District Councillor Mike Bradley offered to check this and it was agreed that Mrs Stazicker would speak to the owner of the business about parking at the site.
· Despite reminders there has been no progress with our request for assistance with Third Party Funding to improve the one way system. Action: Clerk to write again, with copy to County Councillor Lorna Dupre.
632/16 HIGHWAYS IMPROVEMENT PLAN APPLICATION
To consider making an application – it was agreed that action is needed to reduce speed in Sutton Road and School Lane. An application would be made for funding for traffic calming measures under the Highways Improvement Plan. It was noted that time is short as the deadline for applications is the end of November. Action: Mrs Stazicker to work on application with Clerk.
633/16 MAINTENANCE WORK ON MEPAL RECREATION FIELD
Report on progress – we have signed up to the Cambridgeshire Football Association Pitch Improvement Programme. As several weeks have passed without any news the clerk contacted CFA and has been told that there is currently a problem getting a surveyor out to visit the site, but we hope to hear something more soon. We are advised not to take any action at present. Representatives from the Football Club reported that due to the bad state of the drain lines most matches have had to be moved to other pitches, incurring additional costs for the club. At the moment this extra financial burden is being covered by the club and not being passed on to members, but it may not be possible to continue this indefinitely. The club was asked to provide details so the Parish Council can consider the best way to support the club.
634/16 LETTER FROM VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT TEAM
Regarding replacement curtains. The secretary of the Village Hall management team has written to request assistance with financing replacement curtains, as the existing ones no longer meet health & safety requirements. After some discussion it was proposed and agreed that Parish Council would reimburse 2/3 of the total cost once the curtains were fitted. The curtains will hopefully be fitted before Christmas, with a total of £1573.72 being contributed by the Parish Council.
635/16 STREET LIGHTING
Update on request from resident to reinstate street light in New Road. Despite several reminders we have still not received a quote for reinstatement of the street light. District Councillor Anna Bailey supplied the clerk with a contact at Balfour Beatty, who may be able to move things along.
636/16 RECYCLING AREA
Update on provision of clothing bin – the clerk has been assured that the new clothing bin will be delivered shortly.
637/16 MEADOW WAY PLAYGROUND
Discussion re waste bin – there seems to be some uncertainty as to whether Veolia routinely empty this bin. Action: Clerk to check this.
638/16 INTERNAL AUDITOR FEES
To discuss fees for last three years. Mr Peter Smith had generously offered to waive his fees so the money could be spent to the benefit of the village. £300 had been put aside to support the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations but unfortunately these did not take place. A further £150 for the 2015/16 audit has now been added to the total, and Mr Smith has suggested the total of £450 is paid directly to him to put to any charity of his choosing. Action: Clerk to process payment to Mr Smith.
639/16 ARRANGEMENTS FOR COMMENCEMENT OF NEW PARISH CLERK
Interview held earlier today were very successful and we are awaiting references before announcing the successful applicant. The current clerk leaves on 30th November and Mrs Stazicker will hold the mobile phone and look after matters until the new clerk is in post.
640/16 FINANCE
To approve payment of the following outstanding accounts made between meetings:
(E=electronic, DD=direct debit, CH=cheque)
· Truelink Grass cutting £562.02 E
· HMRC Tax & NI £ 31.60 E
· B Green Oct wages £572.12 E
· S Batchelor Oct wages £126.48 E
· British Legion Wreaths £60.00 CH
641/16 ACTIONS completed and outstanding:
· Councillor Paul Edmenson visited Brick Lane following the October meeting and the Parish Handyman has been asked to take back the grass overgrowing the pavement. Check with Mr Edmenson regarding further concerns about the kerbs.
· Clerk to speak to Highways on the possibility of installing a “Children Playing” sign in Brick Lane.
· Thanks are due to the landowner who has carried out work to make the ditch near to The Pickerels safe. Confirmation is needed however to establish responsibility.
· Signs about parking safely at the Village Hall have been displayed and a conversation had with a couple of car drivers. It is hoped these measures will prevent further dangerous parking.
· Even though there is no quote yet for drawing power for Christmas tree lights it was agreed to go ahead and purchase the tree, provided Highways have no objection. If need be solar lights could be used.
· Laurel Close, fencing: quotations have now been received and it was agreed that the work should be proceeded with.
642/16 DIARY DATES
a) The provisional meeting on 12th December is NOT necessary. The Local Plan will instead be added to the January 2017 agenda.
b) The first meeting of 2017 will be on 9th January at 7.30pm
……………………………………………. Parish Clerk
7th November, 2016