|
|
Council Meetings
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF CHARMOUTH PARISH COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELMS ON 17th JULY 2007
PRESENT: Mrs J. Bremner Mrs H. Cledon
Mr M Hayter (Chairman) Mr K. Lander
Mrs J. Morrow Mr M. Osbourne
Mr J Prosser Mr M. Whatmore
Mr R Wyatt
Col Brierley, County Councillor
4 members of the public
1 member of the press
Apologies were received and accepted from Mr Newson (personal) and Mr Hendrick
(ill).
The Chairman reminded Council members not to talk amongst themselves during the
meeting and not to interrupt others.
117/07 DECLARATION OF INTEREST
The Chairman reminded the Council of the need for individuals to declare an
interest on either of the two types of interest as set out below.
(a) In items on the agenda – there were no declarations of interest.
(b) Of gifts greater than £25 in value – there were no declarations of gifts
greater than £25 in value. The Chairman stated that new “Declaration of
Interest” forms were now in operation in connection with the new Code of
Conduct, which allowed for any gifts/hospitality over £25 received in the last
three years. Any Councillors who had any items to declare should obtain a new
form from the Clerk.
118/07 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 19 JUNE 2007
It was proposed by Mr Prosser, seconded by Mr Whatmore and
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 19 June 2007 be approved as a
true record and signed by the Chairman.
119/07 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
1. Mrs Morrow asked for clarification on a couple of the accounts paid in June.
120/07 FORESHORE COMMITTEE (Meeting held on 3 July 2007)
In Mr Hendrick’s absence, Mr Wyatt led the report from the Foreshore Committee.
1. The introduction of a seasonal Fossil Warden was highlighted.
2. Following discussion about the request from the RNLI for parking permits for
their lifeguards during the season, it
was proposed by Mr Whatmore, seconded by Mr Wyatt and
RESOLVED that the lifeguards be given one parking permit for the sand car park
to be used on a private vehicle whilst on duty (this would be collected and
returned to the Beach Office daily). Official RNLI vehicles would not be
expected to pay parking charges.
3. Following the ongoing review of the Foreshore Risk Assessment it was proposed
by Mr Hayter, seconded by Mr Wyatt and
RESOLVED that it is accepted by Council that the Foreshore Committee have and
are continuing to review their risk assessment on a monthly basis.
121/07 PLAYING FIELD AND CEMETERY COMMITTEE (Meeting held on 3 July 2007)
1. Following representation from the Bowls Club as set out in the Playing Field
minutes, it was proposed by Mrs Cleden, seconded by Mr Lander and
RESOLVED that the rent on the Bowls green mower be reduced from £129.25 to
£17.50 per annum including VAT for the remainder of the three year agreement or
until the mower is replaced whichever is the sooner.
2. Following discussion at the Committee regarding the Risk Assessment documents
for both the Playing Field and Cemetery it was proposed by Mrs Cleden, seconded
by Mr Whatmore and
RESOLVED that it is accepted by Council that the Playing Field Committee have
reviewed their risk assessments for the Playing Field and Cemetery.
122/07 PLANNING COMMITTEE (Meeting held on 10 July 2007)
The minutes of the Planning Committee had been circulated to all Councillors
showing the comments made on the applications received.
In the absence of Mr Newson, Mr Hayter stated that the following had been
received since the Committee Meeting:
1. Amended plans for original application at Little Hedges (1/W/05/002388) – for
information only.
123/07 BALANCE OF ACCOUNTS
Balance at Bank as of 30.06.07 11705.23
Business Deposit Account 103931.21
(Represented by: Working 37609.73
Contingency 6304.42
Earmarked Reserve) 60017.06
Income for June 11167.71
Expenditure for June 18220.97
124/07 ACCOUNTS FOR APPROVAL
Graham Vickers 150.00
Inland Revenue 1524.03
WDDC 268.19
Travis Perkins 102.36
Prospect Garage 136.93
EDF Energy 12.46
Western Power Distribution 1895.63
Mole Avon 12.25
Fowler Hire & Sales Ltd 31.05
John Bright Fencing Ltd 69.12
Towergate Risk Solutions 276.64
Cowling Agriculture 4700.00
Zurich Municipal 280.52
Morgans 22.46
M Wickenden 539.56
A J Supplies 67.03
HM Customs and Excise 2876.36
12964.59
It was proposed by Mr Prosser, seconded by Mr Hayter and
RESOLVED that the above accounts totalling £12964.59 be approved for payment.
125/07 FINANCE COMMITTEE (Meeting held on 10 July 2007)
1. Wages expenditure for June amounting to £3946.13 was noted.
2. Following circulation of the monthly spreadsheets it was proposed by Mr
Prosser, seconded by Mrs Cleden and
RESOLVED that the June 2007 accounts be accepted.
3. Following circulation of the risk assessments for the Elms (Fire and Health &
Safety), following minor additions as set out in the Finance minutes it was
proposed by Mr Prosser, seconded by Mrs Cleden and
RESOLVED that it is accepted by Council that the Finance Committee have reviewed
the risk assessments for the Elms.
4. Following the need to spend money from the Car Park earmarked reserve as set
out in the Finance minutes it was proposed by Mr Prosser, seconded by Mrs Cleden
and
RESOLVED that the amount transferred from the car park takings monthly to the
Car Park earmarked reserve should be raised from 5% to 7.5%.
5. After weighing up the pros and cons of advertising in the West Dorset Holiday
Guide, on balance it was proposed by Mr Prosser, seconded by Mrs Cleden and
RESOLVED that advertising in the WD Holiday Guide was more suited to individual
businesses than resorts and therefore an advert would not be placed this year.
6. Following a quote from Martin Taylor Landscaping it was proposed by Mrs
Cleden, seconded by Mr Lander and
RESOLVED that his quote for £613 plus VAT to construct a bin compound at the
rear of the Elms be accepted. This would be taken from the remainder of the
06/07 general budgets for Loan Repayment and Insurance Valuations amounting to
£219.84 and the remaining £393.16 to be taken from the Elms Repair Fund
earmarked reserve.
It was also agreed that the Council was using local tradesman where possible and
as such only one quote had been sought.
126/07 AUGUST MEETINGS
It was proposed by Mrs Cleden, seconded by Mr Lander and
RESOLVED that no meetings be held during August. Mr Hayter and Mr Prosser were
given authority to approve the invoices and sign cheques.
127/07 FLOOD WARDEN SCHEME
Mr Whatmore stated that he had studied the document and proposal to implement a
Flood Warden Scheme for Charmouth, which had been identified as having 4 areas
of risk from flooding. There should be a Flood Warden and a couple of deputies
who identify the houses at risk and advise on action to be taken in the event of
a flood. The Wardens are not responsible for rescue. The scheme is about
prevention and does not involve cost, only time.
Mr Whatmore confirmed that he was happy to lead the scheme and Mr Wyatt agreed
to help. It was therefore proposed by Mr Whatmore, seconded by Mr Wyatt and
RESOLVED that a Flood Warden Scheme for Charmouth be implemented.
128/07 REPORTS FROM NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVES OF ORGANISATIONS
1. Mr Lander reported that he attended a POPP seminar in Verwood and had learned
more about the scheme. In particular, that it applies to people over 50, rather
than over retirement as assumed. This obviously increases the number of
organisations able to participate and Mr Lander is holding a meeting at the Elms
next week with a Project Leader from POPP and various local organisations for
them to learn more about funding etc. Mr Lander would continue to steer this
initiative and the Chairman thanked him for his enthusiasm in setting this up.
129/07 WEST DORSET DISTRICT COUNCIL ISSUES
There were no West Dorset District Council issues.
130/07 DORSET COUNTY COUNCIL ISSUES
It was proposed by Mr Prosser, seconded by Mrs Cleden and
RESOLVED that Standing Orders be suspended to allow Col Brierley to speak and
reinstated again afterwards.
1. Col Brierley raised the situation with regard to the proposed shared SID and
confirmed correspondence received, that Lyme Regis Town Council now propose to
purchase the device and rent it to parishes. Mr Osborne confirmed that at the
meeting held recently the idea was definitely for all Parishes to share the
initial cost of the device and the Chairman was very concerned that it appeared
that Lyme Regis had changed the rules without consultation or permission. The
Col confirmed that DCC will draw up a programme of when sites will use the
device and individual parishes will be responsible for collecting the device
from Lyme and erecting it.
2. Col Brierley stated that he was impressed with the new PC for the area (Chris
Forshaw) and was sure he would continue to be high profile. Col Brierley stated
that he was still relatively new to the Police Authority but he would report
more information as and when it was available.
3. Col Brierley gave an update on the Fire Authority. In particular, procedural
changes to make life easier for the retained fire fighters and the moving
forward again of the co-responder scheme.
843
4. Col Brierley would be arranging to meet Mark Osborne in September for the
annual highway inspection.
5. Col Brierley and Mr Whatmore updated the Council on the situation with regard
to the library. The proposal is to lease the building to the Parish Council at a
peppercorn rent, using volunteers to supplement the hours of the librarian (set
at 6 per week) and possibly using the building for other uses to supplement the
running costs. The County Council will continue to fund the IT as well as the 6
hours of librarian cover. They will also provide the books and training for
volunteers. It may be that Char Valley Parish Council would be prepared to
contribute towards running costs.
The Chairman stated that keeping the library is a priority for the village and
sacrifices may have to be made when budgeting to ensure this happens. He
confirmed that the public need not worry about the Parish Council’s commitment
and thanked Col Brierley and the Committee for their hard work in achieving this
outcome.
6. Col Brierley stated that by the next meeting of Council in September, he
would be a resident of Charmouth!
131/07 CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. A thank you letter has been received from Sister Ann-Marie following the
baptism carried out in the sea on Sunday. All went extremely well.
2. A letter has been received from Paul Leivers, Dorset Library Service
regarding the future of the library – progress reported above.
3. An e-mail has been received from Lyme Regis Town Council regarding the Speed
Indicator Device. Passed to M Osborne. Discussed in Col Brierley’s report above.
4. An e-mail has been received from DAPTC regarding a commission on the role of
local councillors by the Department for Communities and Local Government. They
are debating the question, “Is it possible to be a Councillor and have a life?”.
They are seeking views from current and past Councillors. Website link
available.
5. Information has been received from WDDC regarding the new changes to the
Registration of Interests in conjunction with the new code of conduct. A
revision notice to the registration of interests form needs to be completed by
any Councillor who has received a gift or hospitality with an estimated value of
at least £25 in their capacity as a Councillor in the last three years.
6. A letter has been received from WDDC regarding Smokefree England. The Parish
Council has complied with the legislation.
7. Official minutes of the meeting with Terry Sweeney regarding the clearance of
the footpath to the bridge have been received from Mr Sweeney. He feels this was
a positive meeting. Col Brierley was asked to continue to put pressure as the
elected member for more regular clearance of this path.
8. A press release has been received regarding the refloating of the Napoli
which was undertaken on Monday 9 July together with two more regarding its
grounding again and future action.
9. The Highway Maintenance programme for 2007/2008 has been received and does
not include any works affecting Charmouth.
844
10. Annual Report on Project Road Performance has been received from Connect
A30/A35 Ltd. This is available to read.
11. Various information has been received from DAPTC including the Newsletter
for May 2007 which has been circulated to all Councillors.
12. The Agenda for the Bridport Local Area Partnership has been received and is
available to read.
13. Dorset Coast Forum E-Newsletter for July2007 together with the Report of the
Spring Meeting entitled, “The Napoli Incident – Lessons Learnt” have been
received and are both available to read.
14. WDDC Standards Committee Agenda for 19 July 2007 has been received for
information and is available to read.
15. Local Council Review Magazine for July 2007 has been received and is
available to read.
16. Clerks and Councils Direct Magazine for July 2007 has been received and is
available to read.
17. DCC’s Your Dorset Magazine for Summer 2007 has been received and is
available to read.
132/07 EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
1. The Chairman reminded Councillors to collect their papers for Council on the
Friday prior to the meeting to save the Clerk having to deliver these. If this
is not possible, an arrangement should be made with the Clerk.
2. The Chairman mentioned the abandoned car which had been on the Coastguard
Footpath. He stated that it had been very frustrating trying to get authorities
to take responsibility for the disposal and reinstatement following disposal. He
felt there had been some “sloping of shoulders” by organisations.
3. Mrs Bremner asked if her apologies could be given for the visit of the
children from Asnelles to the Junior Watch Group on Friday. She would be pleased
to hear about the next Twinning event.
4. Mr Osborne stated that he had seen the new policeman twice in the last month
which was very encouraging and Mrs Bremner stated that she had had dealings with
him when he had been very helpful.
5. Mrs Morrow asked if staff could now remove the brown tourist signs from the
trunk road. The Clerk confirmed that a response was still awaited from the
Highways Agency as to responsibility but she suspected that they would not allow
anyone to remove signs from the highway due to H&S. It would be more likely that
they will charge the Council for removal.
6. Mrs Cleden remarked that the footpath adjacent to the school was in need of
clearance, particularly the debris from the middle property on the other side of
the path.
The Chairman closed the meeting and asked for comments from the public.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC – FOR REPORT ONLY
6/8
845
(a) Mrs Smith commented that the recycling centre was looking much better now
that it had been cleaned up.
(b) Mrs Stapleton pointed out that multi-use of the library could have insurance
implications.
(c) Mr Mike Davies reported that having been involved in the Library
Sub-Committee he was much encouraged by the developments. Mrs Cleden stated that
the County Council should be applauded for taking the comments on board.
(d) Mr J Whatmore mentioned issues relating to weeds at the playing field,
change of title of the Queens Armes and declaring of gifts over £25.
The public left and it was proposed by Mr Whatmore, seconded by Mr Wyatt and
RESOLVED that the meeting be re-convened and that the Council go “in Committee”.
|
.jpg)
