HATCH BEAUCHAMP PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Hatch Beauchamp Parish Council held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 9 July 2008 at7.30pm. (in the format to be submitted to the next meeting for approval as a correct record)
Present:- Mr Fowler (in the chair), Mrs Gould, Mrs P Kent, Messrs Downie, Green, Hounsell and Parsons.
Apologies:- Mrs H Scott, Mr Graham
In Attendance:- Mr Crossley (Clerk). Mr Grieg (TDBC)
1551 Apologies
RESOLVED that the absence of Mrs Scott for personal reasons, and Mr Graham on business be recognised as approved absences for the purposes of S185 Local Government Act 1972
1552 Declarations of interest
There were no declarations of interest
1553 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 14 May 2008 ( amended by the correction of the spelling of the name of Mrs Comer-Jones in minute no 1538) were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman
1554 Questions from Members under Standing Order 23
There were no questions from members
1555 Use of S106 monies on play/playing field (minute1537)
The Clerk reported that payment terms had now been agreed with the suppliers on the basis of payment in full within 14 days of satisfactory installation, but a last minute concern had been expressed by TDBC on its ability to meet the payment period. Mr Grieg offered to take the issue up on behalf of the Council
RESOLVED that if the issue cannot be resolved assistance be sought from Councillor Williams
1556 Ownership of highway signs (minute 1541)
The Clerk reported that information had been received from the Highway Authority that they accepted responsibility for all signs on the highway or highway verge other than village name signs, except when they were on a classified road
1557 Renewal of insurances (minute 1545)
The Clerk reported that action had been taken to accept the insurance quotation from Norwich Union
1558 Report of Planning Committee of 10 June and 2 July
The Planning Committee had met on 10 June to consider an application relating to a replacement dwelling at Hatch Green Bungalow, and on 2 July to consider proposals for an illuminated sign at Hatch Beauchamp Country House Care
1559 Condition of bus shelters – representations from bus company
Representations had been via TDBC about the condition of the bus shelters in the village. Various members had carried out inspections and some clearance had been done, and whilst it appeared that the shelter at Hatch Green was satisfactory, both the shelters in the village centre and at Capland had broken windows and an accumulation of rubbish.
RESOLVED a quotation be sought to both replace the glass and clear away the rubbish at the same time, and that thereafter the condition of the shelters be kept under review
1560 Member training by SALC – Wednesday 3 September at 2pm – Ruishton
RESOLVED that this invitation be noted
1561 Planning Obligations Supplementary Guidance and TDBC policy for
community halls – consultations on draft documents
TDBC were consulting on these two documents, which had previously been drawn to the attention of members.
RESOLVED that TDBC be advised that
1) whilst the Council welcomes the clarification brought by policies such as these, there is a concern that in a rural environment there has to be some flexibility in their application so as to suit local circumstances
2) whilst understanding the need for various formulas for calculating community provision there needs to be a role for the Parish Council in identifying local priorities and some scope for moving money between various heads to accord with local issues
3) clarification be sought as to which items will be “ring fenced” for spend in parish
4) support be given for the proposal to include maintenance costs in the calculations
5) given the problems experienced by the Parish Council with the improvements to the play facilities on the village playing field, the spending mechanisms need to be identified when the provision is to be made through a parish council or a voluntary organisation.
1562 Somerset CC Local Initiatives Budget for County Councillors
SCC had written to advise of the launch of the County Councillor Local Initiatives Budget which was designed to help deliver projects which benefitted local communities within Somerset. The proposal was based around the principle of making available £15000 per County Councillor and replaced the budgets of the Area Working Panels, which were to be disbanded in favour of the Community Partnership Meetings.
RESOLVED that the proposals be noted, and information on the relevant County Council web page be circulated to members
1563 Post box at Grey Lodge
Concerns had been expressed about the removal of the post box which had been in the wall outside this property, and the Chairman advised that he had seen a note on the box which said that it was to be re-instated when the wall was re-built as part of the ongoing development.
RESOLVED that the position be noted
1564 Accounts
The Clerk submitted a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation Statement showing £38.53 in the Current A/c and £4634.84 in the Reserve A/c.
RESOLVED that the following accounts be paid
1) Clerk’s salary - £340.66
2) Clerk’s expenses - £12.80
3) Clerk’s office and admin costs - £9.96
4) Parsons Landscapes Ltd - £121.38
5) Mrs J Pope (audit) - £50.00
6) Information Commissioner - £35.00
1565 Items of report
1) circulation sheet of 4 June and 3 July
2) TDBC had refused consent to the proposal to introduce retail sales of equestrian goods in one of the units in Hatch Mews Business Park
3) Mr Greig advised that Moore Stephens (our external auditor) had undertaken a number of intermediate audits in the past year with the emphasis on standing orders and risk assessments.
1566 Items for next meeting (10 September 2008)
1) Funding for the Village Hall, and the Trustees be asked to send a representative to discus how they feel the Parish Council might help
The Chairman closed the meeting at.8.55pm
Chairman