MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, WIXFORD
11th November 2008 AT 7.30 P.M.
Present: Councillor Jack Fryer (in the Chair)
Councillors Colin Hales, Jon Haworth and Peter Terry
Clerk: Karen Parnell
In attendance:
District Councillors Kim James and Daren Pemberton
Plus two members of the public
Apologies: Cllrs Angela Ballard, Peter Barnes (WCC) and Brian Slaughter (SDC)
.
Comments from the Public
Concerns were expressed about the accessibility of the footpath between Shepherds Way and Church Lane.
It was questioned whether the telephone box was under threat of removal, although no plans to take out the box have been suggested.
1) Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllrs Angela Ballard, Peter Barnes (WCC) and Brian Slaughter (SDC).
2) Disclosure of Interest
There were no disclosures of interest.
3) Minutes
Minutes having been circulated were confirmed as an accurate record of the meeting in September 2008 and were duly signed by the Chairman, but with the amendment that the meeting took place in 2008 not 2007.
4) Matters arising therefrom
Cracks in road / Repairs on Wixford bridge
Kevin Blount WCC has inspected the cracks in the road, and as they do not warrant further action at this stage no repairs can be commenced.
The foundations to the fence have now been put in place by WCC.
5) District and County Councillor's reports
Cllr Daren Pemberton offered to help with any county issues due to Cllr Barnes being incapacitated. Cllr Barnes is likely to be signed off for a further fortnight due to illness. Cllr Fryer asked for the councils best wishes to be conveyed to him.
Cllr Kim James said the green waste collections were now suspended between 31/10/08 and 01/04/09. As the composting facility was yet to be built, there is nowhere to dispose of this but landfill. Bidford are providing a limited service for their residents and Salford Priors have looked into providing a limited collection service themselves.
The cabinet of SDC have ruled they will not impose parking charges in market towns for the foreseeable future. It is possible the parishes will be approached to implement charges at a later date.
Kim has raised an objection to the application for an outside kitchen at the Fish Inn. This will now go to committee if not rejected by officers.
6) Village Maintenance
Foundations for fencing on Wixford Bridge
Are now completed.
Floods and culverts/ Grant from SDC for £ 3200 - Progress report
Consideration to be given to Icknield House flood defence.
The council decided to obtain quotes for clearing both of the roadside bridges in the village, which Cllr Hales will oversee. When it is established how much these works will cost the Council will decide how much can be allocated to Icknield House, (which is a condition of the £ 3,200 grant provided by SDC).
7) Planning
Application No: 08/02429/FUL
Mr B White, Fish Inn: Erection of external staircase. OBJECT
Amendment to include 2m high timber screen along both northern and eastern sides of platform.
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
Application No: 08/02446/FUL
Mr B White, Fish Inn: Change of use for stationing of an outside kitchen. OBJECT
(This is likely to go before committee on 4th December 2008)
8) Environment and Safety
Meetings 2009
Were agreed.
Newsletter - Progress report
Cllr Haworth reported that no progress has been made. Cllr Terry will approach Mathew Smith to return the software for this. Consideration needs to be given to who will run the newsletter in future, as Cllr Haworth has work commitments preventing his involvement.
9) Finance
Budget - Precept 2009/10
The budget was expounded upon by the Clerk and the precept for 2009 / 2010 was agreed unanimously by the Council to remain at £ 5000.
Bank Reconciliation - Was produced by the Clerk.
Village Hall payments: It was agreed to pay £ 302.00 in rent arrears and to pay the Village Hall Committee on a yearly basis henceforth.
Payments between meetings
None
10) Accounts for payment
Cheque No 303 Clerks Salary/Expenses £ 394.55
Cheque No 304 Viking Direct £ 48.42
Cheque No 305 Village Hall Committee £ 302.00
Accounts authorised for payment:
Proposed: Cllr Haworth - Seconded Cllr Terry
Cheques Signed: Cllr Terry - Countersigned Cllr Haworth
11)
A) Correspondence
11/10/08 WCC Acceptance of public realm grant (Fencing £ 145)
20/10/08 SDC Flooding relief grant £3,200
08/11/08 Best Kept Village Silver Certificate
It was noted the criteria for the best kept village completion has changed.
B) Correspondence to table: None
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.10 pm
Jack Fryer - Chairman 6th January 2009
6th January, 2009