22 February 2011

Last updated: Tuesday, 22 February 2011, 07:07 PM

Meeting held on Tuesday 22 February 2011 in the School at 7.45 pm

Present: Cllrs I Storr (Chairman), J Stewart, A Freeman, J Bowen, A Gill, P Joslin and T Bachu.

In attendance: Mrs K Baptie (Minutes Secretary, LGS Services).

Open public session including reports from the County and District Councillors
Cllr Whelan is unwell and sends her apologies; she will email her report to members
Cllr Stewart drew the Parish Council’s attention to the ‘Summary of Affordable Housing’ which had been emailed to members. In particular the paragraph headed ‘Allocating homes – who decides?’ The Parish Council agreed that it was not happy with the Choice Based Lettings system as it doesn’t give the Parish Council’s views sufficient weight. A letter is to be sent to the District Council.

1. Apologies for absence and declarations of interest
Apologies were received from Cllrs Chamberlain (out of parish).
There were no declarations of interest.

2. To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 25 January 2011 and 1st February 2011
The minutes of the meeting on 25 January 2011 were unanimously approved (Prop JS, 2nd PJ) and signed by the Chairman, following a spelling correction in item 8.0.1 which should read ‘the Parish Council’.
The minutes of the meeting on 1st February 2011 were unanimously approved (Prop JB, 2nd PJ) and signed by the Chairman, following and amendment to item 2. 4th bullet point, the deletion of ‘any’.

3. Matters arising and carried forward from the last or previous meeting
The Clerk’s report was noted.
3.1 Millers Way – to report on any update
Mark Kemp’s letter of acknowledgment was noted.
3.2 Clerks review
The Clerk’s appraisal was carried out this afternoon by the Chairman, and the Parish Council was pleased with the work that she does for the Council.
3.3 Admin support review
The Parish Council agreed unanimously that it is very satisfied with the service provided and that the contract should be extended on the 3 year fixed term as offered. (Prop JS, 2nd AF)
3.4 Litter picker’s review
This will be carried out by the Clerk.
3.5 Advisory Services
The Parish Council agreed to subscribe to the Local Councils Advisory Service (LCAS), at a cost of £305 per annum. (Prop JS, 2nd JB)

4. Correspondence/communications received
4.1 NHS Foundation Trust – consultation
Noted.
4.2 CCC Library Services Review
The Parish Council was very concerned about the possible closure of Comberton Library, as there are a number of pupils in the village who attend the Village College and a number of residents who use the library. The concerns are heightened by the fact that the next nearest library at Bar Hill is also on the list of possible closures.
4.3 Pavilion changing room plans
The plans received from Mr Harrington were reviewed and it was agreed that the Parish Council was satisfied with the plans and that they could be submitted to the District Council as a planning application on the Parish Council’s behalf.

5. Planning applications and decision notices
5.1 Planning applications received
None
5.2 SCDC Decision and appeal notices
None
5.3 Tree works applications
5.3.1 Tree works to the rear of the Blue Lion
The Parish Council is happy for the trees to be cut down. (Prop AG, 2nd PJ, all in favour)

6. Members reports and items for decision
6.1 P3 report and inclusion in the Newsletter
Cllr Joslin reported that she is arranging to meet with the Comberton P3 co-ordinator and walk the Millennium Path.
6.2 Recreation Ground drainage
Cllr Storr reported on his meeting with Richard Ward from Hugh Pearl Land Drainage to look at the problem of water sitting in the middle of the smaller football pitches. He noticed that at the entrance to the car park, a manhole cover was broken and he feels that there is a problem under there which is causing the water to back up.
It was agreed to set up a working group to meet with the football and cricket clubs, to decide what needs doing and when and who will pay. Cllrs Storr and Stewart will represent the Parish Council and report to the next meeting. (Prop PJ, 2nd AF, all in favour)
6.3 Hardwick School
Cllr Joslin read her report of the school liaison meeting on 1st February which included proposals to apply for planning permission for a new mobile classroom to accommodate increasing numbers of children from Cambourne. The school had requested a copy of the monthly Parish Council minutes as the website is not always up to date. In response to the School’s request for a second salt bin for the path from the school to Limes Rd the Parish Council felt that it had already purchased one salt bin following a request from the school and was unable to assist further.

7. Finance, risk assessment and procedural matters
7.1 To receive the financial report and approve the payment of bills
The financial report was received and considered and invoices and bank statements were checked. The payments as listed in the report, plus Signworks £60, were approved for payment (Prop AG, 2nd PJ). Credits received since the last meeting were noted.
James Bowen (website hosting costs)
£38.71
Comberton PC (SLCC shared membership)
£34.75
Grounds by Rounds (grounds maintenance)
£294.01
CCC (streetlights)
£1872.22
LGS Services (admin support)
£1216.79
LG Stoehr (salary)
£176.80
J Dyer (salary)
£110.24

Victoire Press (printing)
£480.00
Ian Lawson (car park shrubbery clearance)
£460.00

Following confirmation from James Fisher S106 Officer at SCDC that the S106 money is not required to be spent within 10 years, the Parish Council decided not to make any changes to its reserves and these will remain as decided at its recent budget meeting.
7.2 Play area inspection reports and skatepark inspection report
Play inspection reports were received. No work is required at this time.

8. Members items for the next agenda and for the Clerk’s information and Closure of meeting
8.0.1 The streetlight near the skatepark has still not been repaired. There is also one out at Grenadier Walk. CCC is to be informed.
8.0.2 The road sign at Merton Walk at the end of Limes Rd is broken and needs repairing – the wooden bit has fallen off the back of the sign, but the name plate is intact.
8.0.3 Cllr Gill reported that the 2 replacement trees ordered some time ago from SCDC are to be planted on 18th March. It was agreed to check that the 3 replacement trees which have been requested along the edge of the Recreation Ground at Limes Rd are to be planted also this season.
8.0.4 Mrs Faruq has been in touch re derelict site on St Neots Rd to say her husband is currently in Bangladesh but she will ask him to get in touch on his return.

There was no further business and the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 8.51pm.