MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, WIXFORD
6th JANUARY 2009 AT 7.30 P.M.
Present: Councillor Jack Fryer (in the Chair)
Councillors Colin Hales, Angela Ballard, Jon Haworth and Peter Terry
Clerk: Karen Parnell
In attendance:
District Councillors Kim James and Daren Pemberton
Two members of the public were in attendance
Apologies: None
The Chairman opened the meeting by wishing all present a happy new year.
Comments from the Public
It was questioned what progress had been made regarding the 'Lengthsman Scheme', but as the works required are already the responsibility of WCC, Karen will ask for the area from Ford Farm to the Main Road to be cleared of debris and the drain unblocked. Also, a hole outside 'The Bungalow' needs to be attended to.
1) Apologies
None
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 November 2008 and were duly signed by the Chairman.
4) Matters arising from those minutes
All covered elsewhere on the agenda.
5) District and County Councillor's reports
Cllr Kim James commented on the forthcoming meeting due to take place at SDC in
Stratford as it is budget setting time for 2009/10. An increase of 3 to 4.5 percent on council tax looks likely and £300,000 of reserves used to meet the shortfall.
Cuts in office jobs at SDC are probable and 'Your Review' will be cut. SDC's cabinet are reviewing the current planning committee structure, with a view to forming one committee instead of the current two. Parish planning and greater dialogue between SDC and the parishes will be considered, however Kim noted 96% of planning decisions are by officer delegation.
6) Village maintenance
Allocation of flood defence grant from SDC and consideration of quotes for clearing of
bridges and donation to Icknield House.
We have a quote from Kevin Tustin and are waiting for a quote from Simon Woodhouse
before works can commence. Mr Woodhouse produced photographs to depict what
works he would be quoting on which included the two arches, car park and road.
7) Planning
Application No: 08/02446/FUL
Mr B White, Fish Inn: Change of use for stationing of an outside kitchen. OBJECT - Referred to committee 04/12/08 which Cllr Fryer addressed- Granted with conditions
Application No: 07/03056/FUL
Mr and Mrs White, Fish Inn: Outside catering and seating area
The enforcement for this is now complete and the structure removed.
To consider responses to SDCs consultation on the Draft Core Strategy:
All councillors had been provided with information on this, which will contribute to the planning structure over the next twenty years. Karen attended an event at SDC on 17th December on this.
8) Environment and Safety
Newsletter - Progress report:
Mathew had installed the Indesign software on the council laptop, so Colin will liaise with Jon to use the software. The Chairman will be the central point for collating articles for the newsletter, while councillors will seek articles.
9) Finance
A) Precept
We have requested this from SDC
B) Internal controls
Were reviewed and agreed to be sound
C) Financial regulations of 2006 / Risk assessment of 2006
Were both reviewed recently and are still accurate
D) Standing orders
Were reviewed and are still sound as per June 2008 advice from NALC, however we await new model standing orders from NALC
E) Interests / Assets register
Now sits at £ 2920
10) Accounts for payment
Cheque No 307 Clerks Salary/Expenses £ 414.05
Cheque No 308 Society of Local Council Clerks £ 72.00
Cheque No 309 Karen Parnell (Tax Refund) £ 370.55
Cheque No 310 Colin Hales (Broadband) £ 134.91
Accounts authorised for payment:
Proposed: Cllr Haworth - Seconded Cllr Terry
Cheques Signed: Cllr Terry - Countersigned Cllr Haworth
11) Correspondence
14/11/08 WCC Gritting Routes in Warwickshire 2008-09 X 6.
18/11/08 SDC 'Decorum' (Standards and Ethics) Magazine X 3.
19/11/08 Inland Revenue - Tax Refund for Clerk £ 370.55
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.00 pm
Jack Fryer - Chairman 3rd March 2009
3rd March, 2009