Minutes of a meeting of Gt. & Lt. Chishill Parish Council held on Wednesday, 22nd April 2009 in the village hall at 7.30 p.m.
Present: Cllrs. Gardiner (in the Chair) Brearley, Dibblee, Murgatroyd and Scott.
Dist. Cllr. Guest, The Clerk and the Financial Officer.
1.Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs. Cartwright and Erskine and County Cllr.McCraith.
2. Confirmation of Minutes. Minutes of the meeting held on 9th March last were taken as read, confirmed and signed subject to the following amendment:- Item 2 – Parish Clerk Recruitment 4th line down should read who had submitted an excellent CV, be recommended for the post of Clerk without conditions.
3. Matters arising
The Clerk had written to Mr. Cooper regarding the footway along Hall Lane and he has arranged for it to be “sided out” during the next 2 – 3 weeks.
Missing roof tile on bus shelter had been replaced.
Re “Works to the village lock-up”. Cllr. Murgatroyd had nothing to report.
Removal of road signs (Plaistow Way and May Street). The Clerk had been in touch with Diane Duncan (South Cambs. D.C.) who is dealing with the matter and advises that she will get in touch with Messrs. Dibblee and Brearley.
Re Horse Warning signs on the B.1039. Reply received from Steven Thullborn and circulated to the Parish Council and also to Mr. & Mrs. Brand to the effect that he does not feel the “site meets the policy for such signs to be installed”.
4. Status of Planning Applications
Two applications were received and considered at the meeting: -
Mr. & Mrs. A. Bowyer, 36 Barley Road for replacement of roof structure and internal alterations. Their neighbours have no objections subject to the raising or frosting of 3 windows which overlook the bedrooms of their bungalow. Returned “Approve”.
Mr. S. Akhtar – 3 & 4 Hall Farm –change of use from offices to holiday homes. The Parish Council has no objection as long as the planning policy conditions, which apply, are strongly enforced.
5. Financial Matters
a}. The Financial Officer presented the Annual Accounts for 2008/9 and asked if the Parish Council had any questions regarding the Accounts but there were none. Section 4 of the Annual Return had been signed and approved by the Internal Auditor. The Clerk then read Section 1 of the Annual Accounts and Section2 (Annual Governance Statement) was completed and approved as required by Messrs. Moore Stephens. The Chairman and Clerk then signed and dated the Annual Return for the Year ended 31st March 2009. The Financial Officer asked for formal approval of the
2
Accounts and on a proposal by Cllr. Dibblee, seconded by the Chairman, the Annual Accounts were unanimously approved.
The Chairman expressed his appreciation for the work carried out by Reg on the Parish Council accounts.
(b). To confirm Conditions of Employment for new Clerk.
(c). To consider gratuity for retiring Clerk.
The Clerk and F.O. were then asked to leave the room while these matters were discussed.
(b) The Chairman formally proposed that Mrs. Sarah A Scott,
having accepted the post of Parish Clerk, be paid at a rate of £4347 per annum,
with a formal time commitment of 8.5 hours per week. This was seconded by Cllr.
Brearley and agreed unanimously. The Chairman will agree a draft Contract of
Employment with Mrs.
Scott for the agreement of the Council over the next few weeks. Action A.G.
Cllr. Scott took no part in these discussions.
(c) .To consider gratuity for retiring Clerk. The Chairman explained that the Parish Council may confer a discretionary gratuity to a retiring clerk, and outlined the statutory rules governing such a payment. It was agreed to consider the matter further. Action Parish Council.
(d). Skateboard (see ROSPA recommendation.
Much discussion took place as to what exactly “Playsafety” (ROSPA) meant by “the conflict between the basket ball and skateboard activities” After discussion when various opinions were expressed, the F.O. again drew attention to the fact that no one was responsible for these activities and it would fall to the Parish Council if the area was not properly insured. It was agreed that the Clerk get in touch with “Playsafety” and request a meeting with their inspector when he visits the playground in May, so that he can be asked to explain the “high” risk etc. Action: Clerk
(e). Allianz Insurance – Renewal papers due 1st June.
The Financial Officer advised the meeting that the renewal premium had risen to £1245.96 i.e. an increase of £97.04. After a short discussion, it was agreed that Mr. Buckland should make enquiries of other insurance companies in an effort to get a better deal. This he would do Action: F.O.
6.Up-date on Chalky Walk.
Mr. & Mrs. Brand have already made some enquiries about improving the surface of Chalky Walk. Cllr. Brearley circulated an illustration of a special surface designed for cycling, horse riding and pedestrians and he would investigate further.
3
7.Correspondence
A letter from Mr. Simon Oughton, owner of The Pheasant Inn, Great Chishill regarding the constant increase in business rates and the viability of the business, was reported to the meeting. However Cllr. Brearley was now pleased to say that Mr. Oughton had had a meeting with the Valuation Officer and he seems very pleased with the result.
8.Any Other Business
Cllr. Brearley proposed that, whilst the retiring and new Clerk were meeting regularly, the focus of communications should be switched earlier rather than later, so that the new Clerk is clearly identified when she assumes full responsibility.
This was generally agreed by Councillors, and it was anticipated that the details would be resolved between the Clerk and Mrs. Scott. (Cllr. Scott took no part in these discussions.)
9. To confirm date of next Annual Parish Council Meeting, i.e. Wednesday, 20th May and the Annual Parish Village Meeting in June, i.e. Friday, 19th June. Both dates were confirmed.
There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed.
.