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MINUTES OF MEETING OF
HARDINGTON MANDEVILLE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 16th FEBRUARY 2016
IN THE VILLAGE HALL
|
Members are reminded
that the Council has a general duty to consider the following matters
in the exercise of any of its functions - Equal Opportunities (race,
gender, sexual orientation, marital status & any disability); Crime
& Disorder, Health & Safety and Human Rights.
Nancy Chapman, Parish Clerk |
PRESENT
Andy Webb (Acting Chairman), Paul Vallis, Clare Middleton, Bill Turner,
Ernest Kong, and Gina Seaton (District Councillor).
IN ATTENDANCE
Nancy Chapman (Parish Clerk) and 6 members of the public.
Before the meeting commenced there was an opportunity for the public to
speak:
A parishioner reported that the Mandeville Arms Community asset nomination
had been submitted to SSDC. Although during their previous discussion on the
subject, to the disappointment of the parishioner, the Parish Council had
decided it was unnecessary to be involved, the Parishioner has since been given
further information which changes the situation. While 21 members of the
Community are able to nominate the asset, it requires an official body, such as
the Parish Council or Village Hall Committee to make the bid. The Parishioner
therefore asked the Parish Council if they would consider writing a letter in
support of the Community asset nomination. The Parishioner has spoken to many
villagers who support this nomination and feel that both pubs are highly valued
village assets.
Speaking on behalf of St.Mary's PCC, Peter Bysouth stated that the annual PC
donation towards St.Mary's insurance cost has been at £120 for several years
and asked if the PC would consider increasing this given a considerable amount
of money is needed to be raised by the Church at this time.
Mick Clark, the Chairman of Stoford and Barwick Parish Council spoke to
invite Councilors to the first Coker Councils' Forum event, to be held at
Pavitt Hall, Church Lane, Barwick on Thursday 10th March 2016 from 7:30pm. The
event will be a chance to discuss shared issues, opportunities for cost saving
& co-operation between neighbouring Parish Councils and a way to share best
practice and local success stories. Councilors across all divisions are being
invited and Mick hopes representatives from Hardington will also attend.
- APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
.
Apologies were received from Andy Webb, Clare Middleton, and Marcus Fysh
(County Councillor).
- MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON
19th JANUARY 2016 (Already Circulated)
The minutes for October were approved and signed by the Chairman as correct
records of the meeting.
- DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
None
- MATTERS OF REPORT ARISING FROM
THE PREVIOUS MINUTES.
The Chairman summarised a further letter from Ric Pallister (SSDC Leader)
regarding the Westlands Sports and Leisure Complex (WLC) rescue package. In it
he apologized for not approaching the PC in person so that they could consider
the principle of a contribution before being approached with a detailed
request. Mr Pallister offered to speak to the Parish Council should they still
like the opportunity of having a stake in the project. The Clerk agreed to
write to Mr Pallister asking him to contact the PC when the time is suitable to
arrange this.
- DISTRICT AND COUNTY
COUNCILLORS' REPORTS (BY INVITATION)
Cathy Bakewell summarised her previously circulated report, giving details
of two presentations on the Local Housing Needs and the Health and Leisure
Service, and various grants to local projects including Sutton Bingham Canoe
Club. The proposed school at Wyndham Park will not be ready for September 2016
and has been reduced to a 7-class school, which should be ready by September
2017. There is an expected rise in Council Tax for the district of 1.95%
(£2.88) on a Band D household.
Gina Seaton gave further details on some of the above subjects from Cathy's
report. Gina also reported that the appeal for a housing development on land
behind Yeovil Court had been refused.
- PLANNING AND PLANNING
APPLICATIONS
- There were no planning applications received after publication of the
agenda.
- There were no results of previous applications received after publication
of the agenda.
- There were no other planning issues.
- HIGHWAYS
- Neil's report for February contained several potholes and areas of water
erosion. The PC discussed the flooding problem, caused by the inadequate
drain near the Community Field Pedestrian entrance. SCC highways originally
promised to replace the drain, but have neglected to do so. The drainage
plan agreed with the potential developers of the nursery site will improve
things for the bottom of Moor Lane, but increase the load on this drain by
the Community Field. The Chairman's opinion was that it needs to be
replaced with a drain not less than 2 x 400mm. It was agreed that the clerk
would write a letter to Simon Fox asking him to make it a condition of any
planning application approved for the Moor End Nursery site, that the
developers renew this drain also.
- The Chairman stated that the pothole outside the entrance to Lime Kiln
Farm was now very large and potentially dangerous. Neil agreed to report
it.
- The Chairman raised the issue of surface water on the road at Pig Hill,
on the bend above the shop, which causes a potential ice hazard when
frozen. When it rains there is a steady stream of stony water from the
gateway of the quarry field. He believes that if a drainage chamber is
placed inside the field to channel the water away from the highway, this
could be prevented. The Clerk agreed to write a letter to the field owner
requesting this work is carried out.
- PARISH PLAN
- The subject of the Mandeville Arms Community Asset nomination was
discussed. The Parish Council agreed to support the nomination given that
the majority of parishioners viewed the pub as an asset of community value
to the village. The clerk agreed to write to Natalie Ross to inform her of
this.
- A resolution was passed to donate £150 towards St Mary's Church insurance
costs.
- The Clerk reported that an email has been sent to Mr Henry
Siebert-Saunders of Underhill Cottage to ask him to consider being the main
speaker at the Annual Assembly in April, but a reply has not yet been
received. The Chairman agreed to follow this up.
- COMMUNITY FIELD
- A letter had been received from SLL giving details of a quote for the
Community field Ground Maintenance work for the next year. The price
increase was £4.50 a month (£54 a year). It was viewed that SLL to a great
job of the field maintenance and a resolution was passed to continue the
agreement for a further year.
- The Chairman reported that certain areas of the bike track had become
very muddy. It was agreed that the Chairman would purchase a bag of gravel,
the same as that already used, in order to repair it.
- The Chairman thanked Heather Ivory and her Family for donations to the
Community field totaling £574 received in memory of Alan. The Donations
were split between the Community Field and the Air Ambulance. Suggestions
for an item of equipment or similar in memory of Alan are being
considered.
- The Chairman reported that he and Rob White would be planting some
hedging plants in order to fill the gap in the hedge where the new
pedestrian entrance was being considered.
- RISK MANAGEMENT
- There were no issues arising.
- FINANCE
- The Clerk's hours for January (21.5 hours) were confirmed.
- A Resolution was passed to pay the following invoices:
- SSDC Parish Ranger Scheme Qtr 3 (£382.50+ VAT £76.50) £459.00
- The Information Commissioner - Data Protection Registration Fee
£35.00
- Brian Dodd had contacted the PC giving details of the potential costs of
the website signposting system which is due to expire on 29th July this
year. Brian proposed that buying 10 years worth of credit is the cheapest
way. The prices are due to increase on 10th March and asked if the Council
will reimburse him if he renews early to save money. The council passed a
resolution to reimburse Brian £107.10 for the 10 year credit.
FOOTPATHS
- The Chairman reported that the Ranger had made a good job of repairing
the stile at the bottom of Lyatts.
- The muddy area of path, on the bridleway between Moor Lane and North Lane
was discussed. It was viewed that the mud has simply been caused by lots of
rain combined with lots of pedestrian use. As SCC are responsible for
maintaining the footpath, the chairman agreed to contact Les Braunton to
ask if they could supply some coarse stone to improve the surface.
PARISH RANGER
SCHEME
- The Chairman reported that the Sleeper had been removed from the stream
alongside the Community Field. He agreed to contact Stephen Fox to determine
how many tasks were outstanding from the list of Village Hall maintenance
jobs.
CORRESPONDENCE
- A letter had been received from SSDC asking for information on burial
space within the parish and also for information on any proposed site for
the Yeovil Area Cemetery Project. Peter Bysouth agreed to complete the form
on behalf of St.Mary's Church.
- Coker Councils' Forum Event (Thursday 10th March 7.30pm). None of the
Councillors present were able to attend and so the Chairman agreed to
contact Andy and Claire to ask if they are available.
- The next South Somerset Together Assembly is being held on Thursday 17th
March 9.30am - 13:00pm and the main topic is changes to the welfare
system.
- An email had been received from East Coker Parish Council asking for a
contribution towards a gift for the outgoing Ranger. The Chairman agreed to
arrange collection and deliver the contribution.
- A courtesy letter has been received from the MG Car club informing the PC
that MG Car Club - Kimber Classic Trail will be taking place on Saturday
9th April and will pass through Hardington between 9.20-10.30am.
MATTERS OF REPORT & ITEMS
FOR NEXT MEETING
- Chairman. The Chairman reported that he had been in contact with Mrs
Hall's son regarding the potential flood problem at Honeysuckle Cottage on
Rectory Lane. They were rather disappointed that while waiting for
contractor quotes for the necessary work, the funding had run out once
again. The Chairman informed Mr Hall that the PC are still willing to
support the application.
The Chairman reported that he had attended the recent Community Forum
Meeting and heard an interesting presentation from Somerset
Micro-Enterprise project. This involves supporting people who are willing
to provide care into homes at a local level. The presenter has said he
would be willing to provide a presentation to the PC if they wished. The
dates for the next two Community Forum meetings are Monday 16th May 2016
and Monday 17th October 2016 at the SSDC Council Offices (9.30 am - 12
noon).
An email has been received from Mr Whitsun-Jones asking if the PC would be
willing to support a campaign calling on South Somerset District Council to
establish a Green Belt around Yeovil. It was agreed to agenda this for
discussion at March's meeting.
- Councillors: Paul Vallis reported that several people had asked him why
the Village Hall is always so cold. Peter Bysouth replied that the current
system has been recognised as inadequate and the VHC were in the process of
identifying the best solution for a new system.
Paul also reported that there is a significant amount of dog faeces around
the village shop area and asked if signs could be obtained to remind owners
to clear up after their dogs. The Clerk agreed to put another note in the
Messenger regarding this issue and contact the Environmental Health
Department to determine if they have any signs available..
- Clerk: Nothing to report.
DATE AND TIME OF NEST MEETING
& CLOSURE
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 15th March 2016 at 7.30 p.m. in the
Village Hall. The meeting closed at 9.00pm.
After the meeting closed there was an opportunity for the public to
speak:
Peter Bysouth reported that following the recent heavy rain it is thought
that water has got under the lead flashings and run down the internal walls,
causing some paint damage. Barry Knibbs will be investigating this in the next
few weeks.
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