Minutes of Past Parish Council Meetings
MINUTES
April 9th 2008
Minutes of the Ashwater Parish Council Meeting Wednesday 9 April 2008
Parish Participation - in items on the agenda - 7.30 pm
Parish Council Meeting - 7.30 pm
Present: Betty Batt, Pete Jennings, Steve Furse, Eric Burnill, Fiona Bull, Adrian Littlejohn, Mary Gliddon, Lawrence Langston. Sheila Myers (Clerk)
1. Apologies for Absence
- Trevor Moon, Barry Parsons
2. Declaration of Interest of any Agenda Items and Approval of the Minutes of the Last Meeting
- The minutes of the previous minutes from the March meeting were amended in paragraph 4 - (after the word hear insert "about a grant for this year") and (change TDC to "Devon District Council").
- The minutes were then approved and proposed by MG, seconded by PJ, and signed by BB.
- 2.1 Grass Cutting on Village Green
- The clerk has received a copy of Lesley Hughes’ public liability policy. She has already started to cut the grass.
- 2.2 Chief Executive of TDC to Annual Parish Meeting
- Unfortunately the Chief Executive of TDC is unable to attend the meeting. BB asked if anyone had an idea of an alternative speaker they should contact her. Two suggestions were Richard Reid from Ruby Country or Tom Dixon, the new Co-Ordinator. BB said that she would look into this.
- 2.3 Parish Recycling Pavilion
- BB had called Richard Haste who said that the Parish could keep the recycling pavilion at the Village Inn but that there will be a charge for this because of the amount of glass there was and the time that it takes to collect the glass. Councillors suggested that the large amount of glass could be due to bottles from the pub and therefore the new landlord could make arrangements to have the bottles recycled. With regards to glass in the lanes, it appears that the seals on the doors of the recycling van were not working and would need to be replaced, Richard Haste said that he would look into this.
3. Planning
- 3.1 The Old Farmhouse, Henford
- Planning for the lane has been refused in the past and the application has been submitted. The council strongly recommend approval as historically the lane has been used for many years. The meeting recommend that the certificate of lawfulness be granted.
- Proposed MG, seconded PJ. SM will email BP to see if he has any more information.
- 3.2 Holsworthy Hamlets
- Does not affect Ashwater.
- 3.3 Elm Cottage, Cross Lane
- It was felt that the neighbours might be concerned about the entrance and therefore the parish council recommended that the decision should be deferred until the matter has been discussed with the neighbours.
- Proposed LL, seconded FB.
4. Footpaths
-
4.1 Ashwater Parish Walks Guide
- EB once again thanked Ivan Buxton for designing the guide. LL reported that IB has changed the original and that he would bring a copy of it to the next meeting. IB is on holiday for a while and therefore there is nothing that can be done until he returns. IB has also suggested that he can produce other leaflets at a later date. EB suggested that 50 copies should be printed once the leaflet is finalised and that IB should be thanked in the Parish newsletter. A copy of the leaflet would be put on the notice board and additional copies in the post office and pub. The cost of printing could be taken from P3 money.
-
4.2 Muckworthy Chapel Farm
- Rubble has been heaped in the lane and it appears that a gap has been left for a stile. EB said that guidance should be sought from the Rights of Way Warden to see if the owners have had authority or are they blocking the highway. EB said that he would contact Tim Freeman.
5. Finance
-
5.1 Postage Stamps and Stationery
- £14.70 to be paid to the clerk.
- Proposed PJ, seconded SF.
-
5.2 Kirk Engineering Invoice
- An invoice has been received for £23.50. This was passed to MG to pay from the account that has been set up. MG said that they would like more advertising in the newsletter and/or sponsorship. A note will be placed in the newsletter.
-
5.3 Clerk’s Salary
- LL mentioned that this has to be reviewed but he does not have the current rate. SM said that she would email this to him and that the matter would be carried forward to the next meeting.
-
5.4 End of Year Audit
- LL said that he would undertake the end of year balance and audit before handing over to FB.
6. Correspondence / Communications
-
6.1 a) Parish AGM
-
BB mentioned about the regulations for holding an AGM and that the clerk should take the meeting until the chair is elected. MG said that she could see that it would make any difference who took the meeting. SM mentioned that reports have to be submitted by various officers, i.e. Chair, Finance and Footpaths and each officer said that they will give a verbal or written report at the meeting.
-
b) Annual Parish Meeting
- This item was covered above in 2.2.
-
6.2 Parish Plan
- BB said that MG had done sterling work so far.
MG/TM/BB will be meeting to get the plan together. BB produced a copy of the past survey results undertaken by Graham and Ann Sprat and it was agreed that this should be acknowledged and a letter of thanks sent to them. BB still has the survey forms and it was agreed that these will be destroyed in a secure way. Proposed EB, seconded MG. With regards to the Electoral Register, BB had spoken to TDC and they advised her that the old alphabetical method cannot be done anymore as it could lead to identification of voters. -
6.3 a) Lottery Bid - Parish Hall
- LL said that the committee had an interview with the lottery fund and the committee felt that they were extremely impressed. They were advised that only a few applications get through to the second round and that the lottery people could not find any weakness with the application, there was a desperate need for a new hall and this was a good case. The final decision will be made on the 22 May 2008. The committee have worked for many hours on the whole application and it was suggested that this should be put in the newsletter in acknowledgement of all their hard work.
-
b) Ashwater Parish Hall Committee
- The clerk had received an email in respect of the Parish Hall Committee’s AGM. TM is the council’s nominated member and will be asked if he wants to continue to stand on the committee. BB or MG will contact TM. If he does not want to continue to be the nominated member, PJ agreed to take over.
-
6.4 Holsworthy Area Advisory Group - Boundary Committee
- This committee is a forum for exchange of views where TDC meets the parishes. They will be holding their AGM on Monday 14 April 2008. BB and MG hope to attend.
-
6.5 Road Closure for Major Drainage Works
- A letter had been received from South West Highways regarding proposed road closure works, a copy of which to be placed on the notice board and also mentioned in the newsletter. However, since the meeting the date has been postponed until later in the year.
-
6.6 NALC Model Standing Orders and Chairmanship Publication Review
- BB read out to the meeting.
-
6.7 Play Equipment for Older People
- No information available.
-
6.8 Devon ProHelp in Action
- Information passed to LL.
-
6.9 Section 137
- The parish council do not know what Section 137 is and therefore the clerk will contact CCD in this respect.
-
6.10 ITV Great British BodyNot applicable to Ashwater as it is too far.
-
6.11 Holsworthy Area Advisory Group – AGM
- Covered in 6.4.
-
6.12 Affordable Village Housing Seminar
- Nobody available to attend.
-
6.13 Health and Social Care in Devon
- Nobody available to attend.
-
6.14 Health and Safety for Local Councils
- Book available to purchase.
-
6.15 Festive Lighting Spring Extravaganza
- Noted.
-
6.16 Transport Working Group PetitionNot applicable.
-
6.17 Aylesbeare Parish Council – Playground Equipment
- Not applicable.
-
6.18 DAPC Newsletter and other publications received
- The DAPC newsletter is available electronically and it was agreed that the clerk will email this to members monthly.
-
6.19 Devon in Touch Bus - Wed 23rd April 2008 - 10am – 12pm Ashwater – By the Green
- TDC had contacted BB in this respect. SM has since the meeting got information and this will be passed to Peter Capron for the newsletter.
-
6.20 Swingdon Farm
- It was reported that the state of the road in the area was bad and that Devon County Highways would be contacted in this respect. It was also mentioned that there are various other roads with pot holes that need attention. There is also a residential caravan now on the site.
-
6.21 Boundary Committee Meeting
- EB and BB had attended a recent meeting. Brian Greenslade Leader of Devon County Council and Phil Norrey the Chief Executive were also there. They gave a presentation that did not have any bias or views. Plymouth and Torbay are Unitary Authorities but could be enlarged as they do not have much parish structure, but they have little knowledge of rural communities. It appears that they are looking at three Unitary Authorities, as Devon as a whole is too big, but no recommendations or suggestions were given, it was just basic information. TDC had a meeting on 7 April 2008 and had to put forward their point of view. TDC are not happy to be associated with North Devon and it was proposed to go with Exeter but this does not mean anything. They had to say something but they have nothing to consult. However, they have to retain the name of Devon for tourism. At the meeting the voting was very close 17/16.
-
6.22 Computer for Parish Council’s Use
- BB advised that she had heard that J Arthur Rank Stoneleigh were providing computers and SM said that she would look into this.
The meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 14 May 2008 and the Annual General Meeting will also be held.
Minutes 04/08
Website designed by Anthony Williams and Henriette North.
Comments and Submissions to webmaster@ashwaterparish.org.uk
Last modified: Tuesday September 02, 2008
- EB once again thanked Ivan Buxton for designing the guide. LL reported that IB has changed the original and that he would bring a copy of it to the next meeting. IB is on holiday for a while and therefore there is nothing that can be done until he returns. IB has also suggested that he can produce other leaflets at a later date. EB suggested that 50 copies should be printed once the leaflet is finalised and that IB should be thanked in the Parish newsletter. A copy of the leaflet would be put on the notice board and additional copies in the post office and pub. The cost of printing could be taken from P3 money.
- Rubble has been heaped in the lane and it appears that a gap has been left for a stile. EB said that guidance should be sought from the Rights of Way Warden to see if the owners have had authority or are they blocking the highway. EB said that he would contact Tim Freeman.
- £14.70 to be paid to the clerk.
- Proposed PJ, seconded SF.
- 5.2 Kirk Engineering Invoice
- An invoice has been received for £23.50. This was passed to MG to pay from the account that has been set up. MG said that they would like more advertising in the newsletter and/or sponsorship. A note will be placed in the newsletter.
- 5.3 Clerk’s Salary
- LL mentioned that this has to be reviewed but he does not have the current rate. SM said that she would email this to him and that the matter would be carried forward to the next meeting.
- 5.4 End of Year Audit
- LL said that he would undertake the end of year balance and audit before handing over to FB.
- BB mentioned about the regulations for holding an AGM and that the clerk should take the meeting until the chair is elected. MG said that she could see that it would make any difference who took the meeting. SM mentioned that reports have to be submitted by various officers, i.e. Chair, Finance and Footpaths and each officer said that they will give a verbal or written report at the meeting.
- b) Annual Parish Meeting
- This item was covered above in 2.2.
- 6.2 Parish Plan
- BB said that MG had done sterling work so far.
MG/TM/BB will be meeting to get the plan together. BB produced a copy of the past survey results undertaken by Graham and Ann Sprat and it was agreed that this should be acknowledged and a letter of thanks sent to them. BB still has the survey forms and it was agreed that these will be destroyed in a secure way. Proposed EB, seconded MG. With regards to the Electoral Register, BB had spoken to TDC and they advised her that the old alphabetical method cannot be done anymore as it could lead to identification of voters. - 6.3 a) Lottery Bid - Parish Hall
- LL said that the committee had an interview with the lottery fund and the committee felt that they were extremely impressed. They were advised that only a few applications get through to the second round and that the lottery people could not find any weakness with the application, there was a desperate need for a new hall and this was a good case. The final decision will be made on the 22 May 2008. The committee have worked for many hours on the whole application and it was suggested that this should be put in the newsletter in acknowledgement of all their hard work.
- b) Ashwater Parish Hall Committee
- The clerk had received an email in respect of the Parish Hall Committee’s AGM. TM is the council’s nominated member and will be asked if he wants to continue to stand on the committee. BB or MG will contact TM. If he does not want to continue to be the nominated member, PJ agreed to take over.
- 6.4 Holsworthy Area Advisory Group - Boundary Committee
- This committee is a forum for exchange of views where TDC meets the parishes. They will be holding their AGM on Monday 14 April 2008. BB and MG hope to attend.
- 6.5 Road Closure for Major Drainage Works
- A letter had been received from South West Highways regarding proposed road closure works, a copy of which to be placed on the notice board and also mentioned in the newsletter. However, since the meeting the date has been postponed until later in the year.
- 6.6 NALC Model Standing Orders and Chairmanship Publication Review
- BB read out to the meeting.
- 6.7 Play Equipment for Older People
- No information available.
- 6.8 Devon ProHelp in Action
- Information passed to LL.
- 6.9 Section 137
- The parish council do not know what Section 137 is and therefore the clerk will contact CCD in this respect.
-
6.10 ITV Great British BodyNot applicable to Ashwater as it is too far.
- 6.11 Holsworthy Area Advisory Group – AGM
- Covered in 6.4.
- 6.12 Affordable Village Housing Seminar
- Nobody available to attend.
- 6.13 Health and Social Care in Devon
- Nobody available to attend.
- 6.14 Health and Safety for Local Councils
- Book available to purchase.
- 6.15 Festive Lighting Spring Extravaganza
- Noted.
-
6.16 Transport Working Group PetitionNot applicable.
- 6.17 Aylesbeare Parish Council – Playground Equipment
- Not applicable.
- 6.18 DAPC Newsletter and other publications received
- The DAPC newsletter is available electronically and it was agreed that the clerk will email this to members monthly.
- 6.19 Devon in Touch Bus - Wed 23rd April 2008 - 10am – 12pm Ashwater – By the Green
- TDC had contacted BB in this respect. SM has since the meeting got information and this will be passed to Peter Capron for the newsletter.
- 6.20 Swingdon Farm
- It was reported that the state of the road in the area was bad and that Devon County Highways would be contacted in this respect. It was also mentioned that there are various other roads with pot holes that need attention. There is also a residential caravan now on the site.
- 6.21 Boundary Committee Meeting
- EB and BB had attended a recent meeting. Brian Greenslade Leader of Devon County Council and Phil Norrey the Chief Executive were also there. They gave a presentation that did not have any bias or views. Plymouth and Torbay are Unitary Authorities but could be enlarged as they do not have much parish structure, but they have little knowledge of rural communities. It appears that they are looking at three Unitary Authorities, as Devon as a whole is too big, but no recommendations or suggestions were given, it was just basic information. TDC had a meeting on 7 April 2008 and had to put forward their point of view. TDC are not happy to be associated with North Devon and it was proposed to go with Exeter but this does not mean anything. They had to say something but they have nothing to consult. However, they have to retain the name of Devon for tourism. At the meeting the voting was very close 17/16.
- 6.22 Computer for Parish Council’s Use
- BB advised that she had heard that J Arthur Rank Stoneleigh were providing computers and SM said that she would look into this.
The meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 14 May 2008 and the Annual General Meeting will also be held.
Minutes 04/08
Website designed by Anthony Williams and Henriette North.
Comments and Submissions to webmaster@ashwaterparish.org.uk
Last modified: Tuesday September 02, 2008