MINUTES OF A MEETING OF STRETE PARISH COUNCIL

HELD AT STRETE PARISH HALL ON THURSDAY 21 JUNE 2007 AT 7.30 PM

 

1727     Present; Cllr Simon Buckler (Chairman), Cllrs Tony Crawford, Ian Cumberlidge, Kate Gill, Val Phillips, Vicky Tanner-Tremaine, County Cllr Julian Brazil, District Cllr Ian Longrigg, Inspector Paul Morgan, Mrs Andrea Phillips (Clerk) and three members of the public.

 1728     Apologies;  were received from Cllr Pam Wills and PCSO Ashley Hawkes

 1729     To Sign the Declaration of Registerable Interests and the Acceptance of Office and Undertaking to Observe the Authority’s Code of Conduct Form by newly Co-opted Councillors:

            The above two documents were each handed out to Cllrs Ian Cumberlidge, Kate Gill and Val Phillips. The former to be returned to SHDC (with a copy, if wished, held by the Clerk) within 28 days of co-option.  The latter was signed in the presence of and witnessed by the Clerk and returned to the Clerk.

 1730     To Approve the minutes of the Previous Meeting:

             The Minutes of the meeting held on 17 May 2007 and the Extraordinary Meeting held on 31 May 2007 were discussed, with two amendments agreed, namely, the addition of “two members of the public attended to learn of the co-option policy” added to the end of line three of 1710, and, “The meeting was reconvened” removed from the top of 1730 and replaced to follow the eleventh line of 1730, the remainder of the two sets of minutes were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

             The meeting was closed to allow members of the public to raise any points they wished to bring to the attention of the Parish Council and the invited attendee, Inspector Paul Morgan.

            Inspector Morgan, based at Totnes Police Station, began by introducing the role of PCSO Ashley Hawkes (Police Community Support Officer).  This is a new role to the force but unfortunately, due to a training course, PCSO Hawkes was unable to be present this evening. PCSOs don’t have the powers of a Police Officer but they are high visibility and they do not have a public order role, one of the benefits of such are that they would not be seconded to other areas to provide cover.  They have common law powers, as would a member of the public, but with instant access to fellow officers to provide assistance.  Sergeant Ian Simmons is in overall charge of community resources and is based in Dartmouth Police Station. There are two Neighbourhood Beat Managers, one for the lower town and PC Jane Jerrard, whose area is Townstal and rural areas, including Strete.  There are two PCSOs the other being Anna Gerwinat.  There are between 2 – 5 response and patrol officers on 24 hour cover available for this area, but they are not confined to Dartmouth, together with one Special Constable and the PCSOs who are.

             There were four crimes reported in this village from January 1st to date and three for the whole of last year.  Speeding traffic and indiscriminate parking seem to be the top issues.  All these issues can be dealt with by the community team and will be reported to Sergeant Simmons, perhaps with the aid of Farm Watch.  Speed strips were promised to the village some two years or more ago and this will be reminded to the traffic officer for the area.

             It was suggested that these officers become involved in village activities and make themselves known to the parishioners; this was agreed once any particular issues and concerns were recognised.

             There were 55 crimes reported this year so far (4 more than last year) for Townstal and rural areas.  It was reported and recognised that sometimes the Police call centre does have problems in busy times, but this is monitored.

             Inspector Morgan said the PC would be given contact numbers which will link directly to PCSO Hawkes and Sergeant Simmons, so as to work closely together on local concerns and perhaps prevent crime occurring.

             The Chairman thanked Inspector Morgan for attending the meeting.

             The Parish Council meeting was reconvened

             In order to help a parishioner present who has particular involvement with the play area, the order of the meeting was amended and minute number 1737 iii)  was discussed next, but is recorded in numerical order.

 1731     To note Declarations of Interest;

             None were declared.  The clerk outlined the importance of this issue and reminded councillors that if this opportunity to record an interest was passed and it later became evident that a councillor should have recorded an interest, be it personal or prejudicial, then it should still be declared and noted as soon as it becomes evident.

 1732     To deal with matters Arising from the minutes of the previous meeting not covered on the agenda:

             No matters were raised.           

 1733     County Councillor Report

             Cllr Brazil reported that DCC are making plans to sell off nursing and retirement homes and some services to a charitable company who are to invest £100m in the whole sector.  Any concerns for care for the elderly as a result of this should be directed at DCC, who will continue to monitor the situation.

             The new Children’s Centre in Dartmouth is now up and running, although the new building has not been built yet.  It covers all child issues from pre-natal to rising 5s.

 On Friday 5 July, County Cllr Brazil has a meeting at DCC concerning Exeter’s unitary authority status bid.  If Exeter City Council gets unitary status, then SHDC may be merged with Teignbridge and Torbay Councils as a cost saving measure.  If this is a likely outcome, then DCC would strongly oppose the unitary bid from ECC.

                        The meeting was closed for a refreshment break during which time, Inspector Morgan and County            Councillor Brazil left the meeting.

.            The meeting was reconvened.

 1734     District Councillor Report

             Cllr Longrigg reported that SHDC are also likely to oppose Exeter’s unitary bid due to an expected            financial loss to Devon as a whole.

             Cllr Longrigg is now the Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee at SHDC and a board member           of Tor Homes.

 Cllr Longrigg reported on the still outstanding retrospective planning application 54/1824/06/F at 14 Crestway. The matter was postponed from the June meeting to July’s to allow Environmental Health and Planning to co-ordinate their policies and recommendations.  He said it will be necessary to allow a temporary approval for a period of one year, after which, if the noise reduction measures are successful, the heat unit can remain, if it is not, the heat unit must be removed.

 1735     Chairman’s Report

             The Chairman tabled a report concerning the proposals and aims of his Chairmanship and possible new ideas for the forthcoming term.  This was discussed.

 1736     MCTi Report

 Cllr Tony Crawford requested and was granted leave to make his report.   It is proposed a temporary Ice Skating Rink be obtained for a Christmas feature in Dartmouth town centre, an MCTi meeting to further discuss this is due to be held on 9 July.  Having been provided no prior information, the Council was unable to offer an opinion.

 Lidl UK GmbH are proposing to have their new store up and running in Dartmouth for Regatta 2007 (end-August) and J Sainsbury plc were proposing their new Dartmouth store be opened by Easter 2008, both of which were welcomed.

             Cllr Tony Crawford left the meeting.

 1737     Agenda Items;

             i)          Introduction - the Chairman invited all council members, together with the clerk, to give a brief introduction of themselves with a little on their involvement in the PC and in the village.

             Cllr Longrigg left the meeting.

             ii)         New Model Code of Conduct - It was agreed unanimously to a) include paragraph 12(2) in the code, and, b) to adopt the Code of Conduct as recommended for Parish Councils including para 12(2).  The clerk is to notify the Standards Board for England of this decision.

             iii)         Play Park – The Chairman prepared a brief outlining the project and actions to date.  This             brief was circulated to all councillors with the agenda. 

             The meeting was closed.

             The meeting was reconvened.

             The topic was discussed (earlier in the meeting, see 1730) in full again and various scenarios set. 

             The question arose as to whether SHDC would take on any further equipment for insurance and   maintenance. 

            The meeting was closed.

             The meeting was reconvened.

             The clerk had originally telephoned SHDC when the project was first started a year ago and was assured at that time that SHDC would be willing to insure the proposed new equipment, but    nonetheless it was not in writing.  The reclamation of VAT was discussed fully and following advice    obtained from: Awards For All obtained by the Chairman, Lesley Smith, DAPC, VAT public notice         749 and Cllr Longrigg, it was agreed that the reclamation of VAT would be forthcoming.  The clerk     is to approach HMR&C to see if the money donated by the ”Mums Group” may be deemed ‘public          money’ and so VAT reclaimable thereon.  It was      unanimously agreed that the "Mums Group” would          fund the difference between the grant monies and the ex-VAT total, the PC would pay (and reclaim)   the VAT element, thus:

                   Total cost proposed play equipment (excl VAT)                                            10,837.00

                  less: Awards for All grant                                                                             9,324.00

                  Balance outstanding – funded by “Mums Group”                                          £1,513.00

                  VAT (£10,837.00 @17.5%) – funded by Parish Council                               £1,896.48

            This decision however must be dependent upon SHDC agreeing in writing that they would take on the insurance and maintenance of this proposed additional equipment.  The clerk is to source this and upon receipt, the order would go ahead.

             iv)        Clerk’s Contract of Employment and Job Description – These documents have been circulated to all councillors and the clerk and have been amended to include NALC’s recent recommendations.  However, the pay award due on 1st April 2007 still has not been set and when announced will be backdated along with an annual increment.  It was agreed unanimously to a) accept the amended documents and, b) to be signed by the clerk and chair as approved and accepted.

             v)         Bus Shelter – the condition of this structure and maintenance were discussed and was agreed that the ivy should be removed, the shelter needs repainting, the guttering needs replacing, and the ridge tiles need repair.  The Chairman has therefore requested a nominated councillor to inspect and   prepare a schedule of works in order to put the work out for tender and also to prepare / obtain a rebuilding valuation for insurance purposes.  It was further agreed that the previously proposed creation of window or opening to allow approaching buses to be seen from inside the shelter was not feasible.  An opening on either side does not sufficiently align with the direction of approaching      buses and may also cause a draught or ingress of rain.  This would therefore not now be included in    the refurbishment programme.  Mike Jones from DCC Highways is to meet the Chair and two councillors by the pump bus stop, to ascertain whether a boarder step could be constructed for Dartmouth bound buses, on Monday 25   June at 1.45pm.  These items will be discussed again next month.

             vi)        Weather Vane and Strete Sign – The condition and possible refurbishment of this item was discussed briefly and a site meeting has been arranged, following the bus stop meeting above, to agree possible action.  This will be carried forward to next month.

             vii)        Regular Maintenance Items and Grounds Upkeep – It was reported that several areas in the village are very overgrown and need attention and was therefore agreed that the clerk should chase the contractors concerning Prideaux Lane, the Tannen Land and Old Hill. It was noted that the contractor who previously strimmed around the benches and the well head in Tannen Land would not be carrying this out   in future.  It was therefore agreed that as an interim measure, two councillors would carry this duty out until a replacement can be sought.

             viii)       Signs and Information Boards at Strete Gate Car Park and on Strete Sands – It was reported that these signs, and also the interpretation board, are in poor condition and some are defaced.  The Chair is to investigate funding etc. This will be discussed again next month.

             ix)        Exeter Council’s Unitary Bid – A prepared detailed report containing a summary of this    proposal, monetary outcomes and possible consequences, together with opinions from SHDC and DCC was circulated with the agenda. It was discussed briefly and agreed by 5:1 that the Council write to Communities & Local Government to oppose the creation of a single-tier Unitary authority for Exeter

             x)         Chairman’s Training DAPC Course @ £45 – it was unanimously agreed to fund this course          for the Chairman.

             xi)        New Councillor’s Training DAPC Course @ £45 – it was unanimously agreed to fund this            course for one councillor.

             xii)        Strete Sewerage Farm Meeting with SWW -  Three councillors met with Nick Murch from           SWW at the reed beds where they were shown the workings and had a site tour.  It was evident that   sludge in the reed beds was caused by build up of dead and rotting reed debris, which needs   removing and there was a broken inlet chamber leaking effluent which will be repaired.  All else was     deemed to be in good working order.

             xiii)       South West Coast Path – The Chairman wrote to Neil Constable, Natural England to chase          progress on the second phase as mixed progress reports had been received.  It would appear that the County Valuer is still acting on their behalf, but there are some prolonged negotiations.  Some             agreements regarding compensation have been reached but not all.  The process will continue.

             xiv)       Possible Breach of Covenant at 2 Severns Cottages – a reply received from the SHDC  Solicitor was read out to the effect that as far as they are aware, the owner stated the tenant complies with the covenant although they have no proof of this, SHDC state it is up to the PC to prove otherwise.  The clerk replied to say it surely is up to the owner / tenant to prove they are eligible concerning the three year occupancy ruling.  We await a reply.

             xv)       Report of SHDC / Ivybridge Town Council Training – Stephen Munday (Head Planning & Building Control), Lesley Smith (DAPC) and Delyth Jenkins Evans, (SHDC Deputy Monitoring     Officer), chaired this training event which three councillors attended.  It also covered the Model Code of Conduct, with various workshops including planning and waste.

             xvi)       Coleridge Association Report – Cllr Pam Wills prepared a report on this meeting which was read out by the Chairman. Subscriptions are to be paid.

             xvii)      New Councillor’s Pack – This was discussed and requested that any items for inclusion    should be e-mailed to Cllr Vicky Tanner-Tremaine.  Further copies of the reprinted Good Councillor’s Guide have been ordered for all councillors via DAPC.  The Standing Orders will be reprinted shortly to encompass the new Code of Conduct.  It was agreed new copies would be purchased after this time. 

1738     Planning Matters

             54/0705/07/LU– removal of condition 5 of planning consent 54/0270/03/F to allow B&B accommodation in studio above garage, Frogwell.  An update was given; a site meeting is to be arranged for the parking and turning area to be demonstrated.

            There have been no further applications or consents granted.

 1739     Accounts;

             Cheque 883       £30.03              South Hams Newspapers Limited – advert for co-option

            Cheque 884       £1.00                Stratton & Holborow – play park rent

            Cheque 885       £177.98                        Clerks salary (£169.99) and items purchased

            Cheque 886       £12.00              Coleridge Association – annual subscription

             It was mentioned by the clerk that the invoice for the hall rental had not been included and so two accounts would be due for payment next month.

            1740     Correspondence;

             DCC                                        acknowledgement of Minerals & Waste Consultation reply

            DAPC                                      re; County Committee

            SDHC                                      LDF Consultation events

            Village Green

            SH CVS                                   AGM 27 June

            SDHC                                      Executive Forward Plan

            SHDC                                      Draft Licensing Policy  

            Western Power Distribution       Quality of Supply Report for 2006

1741     Matters to be Raised;

             It was reported that another Trafalgar Oak, donated by the Strete and Stoke Fleming Royal British Legion had been planted (opposite Skerries) to replace the original which died.

             The clerk was asked to arrange for self-seeded trees growing very close to a garage and the street light on DCC ground, aside the A379 at Smithy’s Corner to be removed.

 1742     The date of the Next Meeting was confirmed as Thursday 19 July at 7.30pm.

 1743     The Chairman closed the meeting at 11.10 pm.

            ____________________________________

            Chairman                                   19 July 2007