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Parish Council: Meeting minutes 27 April 2010Last updated: Tuesday, 27 April 2010, 09:52 PM
Hardwick Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 27 April 2010 in the School at 7.45 pm
Present: Cllrs I Storr (Chairman), P Joslin, A Gill, T Bhachu and A Freeman. In attendance: Cllr Fiona Whelan, Mr W Maughan, Mr J Bowen and Mrs A Griffiths (Minutes Secretary, LGS Services).
Open Public Session Cllr Whelan reported on:
Cllr Whelan was thanked for her report and left the meeting.
1. Apologies for absence and declarations of interest 1.1 Apologies were received from Cllrs Atkinson, Chamberlain and Stewart (out of parish). There were no declarations of interest at this point. 2. To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 23 March 2010 The minutes of the meeting on 23 March 2010 were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman. (Prop AG, 2nd PJ) 3. Matters arising and carried forward from the last or previous meeting 3.1 Co-option to fill casual vacancy The two candidates for the casual vacancy were present at the meeting. They were invited to introduce themselves and members were given the opportunity to ask questions. The candidates then left the room while a secret ballot was held. The candidates rejoined the meeting and the Chairman declared that James Bowen had been co-opted as a parish council member. The other candidate then left the meeting. Mr Bowen signed the declaration of acceptance of office. 3.2 (7.4) Expenditure on small works, and procedure to put in hand between meetings The Clerk's advice was noted. It was agreed (Prop AG, 2nd PJ) to delegate to the Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman, the power to put small works, within the budget, in hand up to a maximum of £500 between meetings, being mindful of the standing orders and financial regulations, and report on actions taken to the next meeting. 3.3 Hardwick Pond Drainage The letter from residents was considered. It was agreed to find out who had carried out the original work and undertake an investigation with a camera to ascertain the cause of the problem, and obtain quotes to be brought to the next meeting. Other 3.4 (3.4.7) Village Maps It was noted that Sign Works would be altering the Village Maps next week and commencing work on the "No kite flying" sign. It was confirmed that the CCTV signs were still required, as was the third Village Map. The request to meet the increase of £100 in the price of wood was noted, but in view of the fact that the arrangement was entered into two years ago and the delay in carrying out the work had resulted in the increase, the Parish Council agreed that the contractor should meet the additional cost. 3.5 (3.4.8) The street light by the Church has still not been connected - to be chased. 3.6 (4.1) Dog bins - Cllr Storr has met with Ian Lawson to establish the locations of the dog bins. 3.7 (6.3) Briar Security - the report has not yet been received - to be chased. 3.8 (3.5) S106 agreements - the reply from James Fisher of SCDC was noted and the matter is now closed. 3.9. (3.5) Newton House - Gareth Jones of SCDC is contacting his colleagues and the outcome is awaited. Cllr Bowen offered to look into the position. 3.10 (7.1) Members are to check whether the tree overhanging the pavement at Ashmead Drive has been cut back. 3.11 (7.5) Cllr Joslin will check whether the hole in the grass near the tennis courts has been filled. 3.12 (7.7) Cllr Gill reported that a new tree has been planted on Limes Road by the spinney at the corner of the recreation ground. SCDC is to be chased regarding the sycamore trees required on Cambridge Road. Cllr Gill will contact the Clerk regarding trees in Sudeley Grove. 3.13 A request had been received from Gary Arber for the grass on the recreation ground to be cut twice a week. This will cost approximately £60 per week plus VAT. Mr Arber has also requested that fertiliser be applied at a cost of £354.40 plus VAT. It was decided to respond that the Parish Council has no objection in principle to funding the fertiliser, but before granting permission to proceed, needs answers to the following questions before the next meeting when this request will be an agenda item. Carried forward. 1. Would people and animals need to be kept off the recreation ground after the fertiliser was applied? 2. How would the necessary watering be carried out from the supply to the cricket square? 3. Who would be paying for the watering? 4. Is it proposed to fertilise the whole recreation ground or just the two football pitches? 5. If just the football pitches, which one is the preferred pitch?
As regards grass cutting, Mr Arber is to be informed that the need is noted, but the Parish Council has done all it can to help the Football Club. However it will provide contact details for Peter Round if the Club wishes to arrange cutting on its own behalf. Whilst the Parish Council would like to help, it cannot see that it can take on this expenditure at this time. 6.1 Tree at the corner of Limes Road and Ellison Lane On a proposition by the Chairman, it was agreed to vary the order of business to take item 6.1 next. It was agreed (Prop IS, 2nd PJ) to ask Ian Lawson to remove a damaged silver birch at the corner of Limes Road and Ellison Lane, and to plant a replacement later in the year. 4. Correspondence/communications received 4.1 Connections Bus Project summer visits It was agreed (Prop AG, 2nd IS) to contract the bus for two visits during the summer and place information on the website when the dates are known. 4.2 Hardwick Happenings honorarium It was agreed to write to the newsletter editorial team noting the fact that they did not wish to receive an honorarium and expressing appreciation and thanks for all the work they do. In response to the suggestion that the honorarium be put towards a project, it was decided to enquire first whether any piece of equipment used in the production of the newsletter required upgrading or renewal. 4.3 Fence to the rear of 23 Cambridge Road and fence at 154 Limes Road Request by resident to purchase a strip of land at rear of 23 Cambridge Road - it was agreed that members would take a look at the location - carried forward to the next meeting. Request for replacement of fence posts - It was confirmed that the fence belonged to the Parish Council and agreed to replace the three broken posts. 4.4 Hardwick FC Changing Room update It was suggested that members attend a forthcoming meeting at the Sports and Social Club to view the plans and ask that they be submitted to the next Parish Council meeting for formal approval - carried forward. 4.5 Parish Council liaison with Hardwick School It was agreed that Cllr Joslin would be the Parish Council's school liaison representative. 4.6 SCDC Strategic Flood Risk Assessment The production of a new Strategic Flood Risk Assessment was noted. The response to the questionnaire was discussed and replies agreed as follows: Question 1: No. Question 2: Yes - the village pond drain which goes under the road is causing flooding on Main Street. 5. Planning applications and decision notices 5.1 Planning applications received since the last meeting 5.1.1 S/0325/10/F - 5 Pippin Walk - Extension 5.1.2 S/0342/10/F - 114 Limes Road - Extension 5.1.3 S/0376/10/F - 35 Egremont Road - Extension 5.1.4 S/0533/10/F - Pet Paks, 175 St Neots Road - Erection of store room It was agreed (Prop AG, 2nd PJ) to recommend approval of the above applications. 5.2 Decision notices 5.2.1 S/1693/09/F - Victoria Farm, Cambridge Road - Change of use from agricultural to builders workshop and store (limited to 5 employees) - Approved by SCDC. Noted. 5.2.2 S/0016/10/F - Asplins Farm, Toft Road - Replacement of existing outbuilding to provide domestic leisure facilities and an office for home working (to extend the time limit for implementation) - Approved by SCDC. Noted. 5.2.3 S/0092/10/F - 7 Sudeley Grove - Extensions and carport - Approved by SCDC. Noted. 5.2.4 S/0112/10/F - 12 Pump Lane - Extension - Approved by SCDC. Noted. 5.2.5 S/0113/10/F - 10 Pump Lane - Extension - Approved by SCDC. Noted. 6. Members reports and items for decision 6.1 Tree at the corner of Limes Road and Ellison Lane Taken earlier. 6.2 Meeting with HSSC and Patio doors at the Pavilion - acceptance of quotation Cllr Storr and Cllr Bowen declared a personal interest as members of the Hardwick Sports and Social Club. The decision taken between meetings was confirmed and it was agreed (Prop PJ, 2nd TB) to accept the quotation from Polarglaze. The Sports and Social Club is to be invoiced for 50% of the cost of the doors. 7. Finance, risk assessment and procedural matters 7.2 To consider S137 donation requests - St Mary's Church and grasscutting On a proposition by the Chairman, it was agreed to vary the order of business to take item 7.2 next. The request from the Parochial Church Council for a contribution of £1360.21 towards the insurance for the Church, and a contribution of 50% of the bill for the grasscutting at the Church and graveyard, both under S137, was agreed. (Prop PJ, 2nd AF) In accordance with its powers under S137 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council agreed to make donations of £1360.21 and £529.23 to St Mary's Church, which in the opinion of the Council, is in the interests of the area and its inhabitants. 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, were approved: (Prop PJ, 2nd AG).
Credits received between meetings were noted.
7.3 Play inspection reports Reports received from Cllrs Freeman and Bhachu. It was noted that loose tiles in the see saw safety surface at Grenadier Walk require repair and this is to be arranged. Cllr Stewart is to be emailed that his report is required upon his return. 7.4 Quotations for the removal of telegraph pole Two quotations were considered. It was agreed (Prop IS, 2nd PJ) to accept the quote from CGM for the removal of the pole. 8. Members items for the next agenda and for the Clerk's information and Closure of meeting 8.1 Appreciation was expressed for the high standard of grass cutting on the recreation ground. 8.2 A resident had expressed concern that parked cars on the opposite side of the road from the cul de sac on Egremont Road were restricting visibility and creating a hazard. The resident had requested yellow lines but this is not considered enforceable. Cllr Joslin will convey this to him. 8.3 It was noted that a car for sale parked in a layby on St Neots Road was restricting visibility for motorists emerging from Cambridge Road. 8.4 It was noted that shoots were coming up from the first tree on the corner of Egremont Road and Cambridge Road, reducing visibility for motorists. Jim Rogers is to be asked to cut the shoots off at ground level. There was no further business and the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 10.10 pm.
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