MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, WIXFORD
9th March 2010 AT 7.30 P.M.
Present: Councillor Jack Fryer (in the Chair)
Councillors Angela Ballard, Colin Hales and Mark Sullens
Clerk: Karen Parnell
In attendance: District Councillor Daren Pemberton
County Councillor Peter Barnes
Plus twelve members of the public
Apologies: Cllrs Jon Haworth and Kim James
*Co-option of a councillor - To fill Casual vacancy for a parish councillor.*
Due to the resignation of Peter Terry the council advertised the vacancy. One application was received by the clerk and the council decided to appoint Mark Sullens: Proposed by Cllr Fryer and seconded by Cllr Ballard. Cllr Sullens completed the acceptance of office and declarations of financial interests. The Chairman welcomed Cllr Sullens to the parish council.
Comments from the Public
Damage to the telephone box was reported and Karen will ensure it is repaired. A future use for the box is still to be decided and suggestions would be useful. Lorries in Grafton lane, Exhall remain an issue and their PC will be approached for input on what can be done.
Traffic calming was again discussed and it was suggested siting the speed cameras at the other end of the village i.e. towards Moor Hall farm may have a greater effect. Two or three more posters from WCC for this end of the village will also be requested.
Cllr Barnes noted it was better to have the camera on rotation than one at a static location. He also explained that although twelve offenders had been caught, no action could be taken as the 30 signs within the village were put in the same positions as the previous 40 signs making prosecution impossible as the distances involved when siting these were incorrect. Cllr Barnes is pursuing this matter with WCC on behalf of the PC.
The applicant for the Stone House planning permission was present and offered to answer any questions. This was deferred to the end of the meeting but a site visit was offered and will be taken up by councillors.
Daren Pemberton will chase up a new dog poo bin for the village with SDC.
1) Apologies
Cllrs Jon Haworth and Kim James conveyed apologies to the Clerk in good time.
2) Disclosures of Interest
There were no disclosures of interest.
3) Minutes
Minutes having been circulated were confirmed as an accurate record of the meeting in January 2010 and were duly signed by the Chairman.
4) Matters arising therefrom
All matters are covered elsewhere on the agenda.
5) District and County Councillor's reports
In response to the ongoing issue of traffic calming, Cllr Peter Barnes suggested looking to Barton as an example where the 30 signs have been moved back from the village. Although Bidford PC opposed and the police had concerns, this appears to have worked. The Chairman said he would go and look at Barton. It was also noted that street lighting contributes to decisions on signage.
Peter said the county's element of the council tax will be 2.45% saving £ 16 million. The music service may be saved by working with Solihull for a period of five years. Staffing will be decreased by 16%. The police have now moved into Shire Hall and since doing so enquiries to them have trebled. As Chairman of WCC Cllr Barnes invited the PC to his civic service on 21st March 2010 at 2.00pm at Bidford Church and also to his Chairman at home event on the 17th of April in Warwick, noting this may be the last time to see the courts and jails before they close.
Cllr Daren Pemberton talked about the new council tax figures: 1.5% for SDC, meaning a band D property in Wixford will now cost £ 1534.28 per year. There will be no increase in Councillors allowances and travel has been brought in from 48p per mile to 40p in line with HMRC scales. SDC Staff have taken a pay freeze.
A business case is being looked into involving joint working between Warwick and Stratford DCs. This could potentially fill the £ ½ million shortfall by merging management teams and sharing a chief executive.
The 'Core strategy' is out for consultation until 8th April 2010. Wixford is not earmarked for development but may want to comment on the document.
6) Village maintenance
Potholes and the condition of roads remain an issue after the adverse weather.
7) Planning
Planning inquiry regarding Moor Hall Farm of 3rd and 4th March at SDC.
Application(s) reference: 10/00132/LBC
Proposed: Timber repairs to front (road side), replacement of window frames and doors and internal work to repair and make safe the cottage.
At: Horseshoe Cottage, Wixford, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6DA
For: Mr Mark Kent SUPPORT
Application(s) reference: 10/00242/FUL
Proposed: Two and single storey rear extensions and glazed canopy on side elevation
At: Stone House, Wixford, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6DA
For: Mr Stanley Russell OBJECT The PCs reasons for objection were read out.
The applicant said an error in the information put out from SDC described slate tiles as being concrete, accepted boundary lines were not clear and said lighting issues had been reduced to an extent, showing examples at various times of the day.
8) Environment and Safety
Newsletter - Progress report
Cllr Haworth had conveyed apologies. Cllr Fryer asked for input from the village hall committee and any other relevant news from residents for the newsletter and website.
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9) Finance
To adopt the 2010 Model Standing Orders for Parish Councils
The model standing orders had been circulated to all Councillors prior to the meeting. The adoption of this updated version of our constitution was proposed by Cllr Fryer, seconded by Cllr Ballard and agreed by all present.
Insurances - Were reviewed and are correct.
10) Accounts for payment
Cheque No 333 Clerks Salary/Expenses £ 451.71
Cheque No 334 Village Hall Committee £ 160.00
Accounts authorised for payment:
Proposed: Cllr Ballard - Seconded Cllr Hales
Cheques Signed: Cllr Hales - Countersigned Cllr Ballard
11) Correspondence
13/02/10 WCC Road Safety Pack
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.15 pm
Signed Chairman Jack Fryer 11th May 2010
14th April, 2010