Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday 12^th December 2006 at Barnston Village Hall

Present:

Mr R. Burlend (Chairman)

Mr G. Ball

Mrs S. Sellens

Mr R. Townsend

Mr M. LeMasurier

Mrs D. Jackaman (Clerk)

Mrs H. Rothwell

Apologies: Cllr E. Hicks, Mrs S. Tuttlebury and Mr C. Brooks

1.0

ROAD SAFETY

ACTION

Mr R. Townsend reported that the High School Bus has been seen going too fast.  Councillors to look into this.

Mr R. Townsend reported that that the repairs to the A120 Buttles Hill were not properly completed – Clerk to contact Highways and seek their opinion.

Clerk

Pedestrian Refuge Island – The Clerk has been in contact with Highways numerous times but has had no response as yet.  Clerk to continue chasing.

Clerk

Clerk contacted Highways again to repair potholes near 20 Rayfield Close – awaiting a response.

Clerk

Email sent to ECC advising that the Parish Council supported Option D for the Chelmsford North East Study.

Clerk chased UDC again to clear the ditch of tyres and rubbish opposite 5/6 Rayfield Close.

Clerk

Clerk contacted Highways about the cracks in the pavement next to the kerb as you enter Barnston Green on the left hand side of the road.  Highways advised that after inspection they felt that no action was required at the present time but would inspect the area again in a month or so.

Clerk

Variable speed signs – no new information has been received.

Part Night Street Lighting, ECC – This was discussed at the meeting and the Council unanimously agreed to switch the Parish Council owned lights to Part Night Street Lighting funded by ECC.  Clerk to write and advise ECC.

Clerk

2.0

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 9^th October 2006 were approved and signed.

3.0

CLERKS REPORT

3.1

Play Areas:  Thank you letters were sent to two residents and George Bruneau for their help at the Watts Close Play Area.

Thank you letter written to Barnston Football Club for the loan of the football posts at Watts Close Play Area.  These posts have now been painted.

Clerk

It was unanimously agreed to accept the tender submitted by Mr R. Newcombe to erect a gate and small piece of fence at the Watts Close Play Area at a cost of £496.00.

Leases – Clerk received completed leases on Friday 8^th December.  Clerk to investigate grant options.

Clerk

3.2

It is understood that UDC are proceeding with planning enforcement action against the owners of the Bushel and Sack Pub – ongoing.

3.3

5 Mill Field – A query regarding the field at the back of the property has been raised and UDC is investigating to see if any planning regulations have been violated.

Clerk

3.4

Clerk emailed Chelmsford Borough Council requesting that they do not send huge documents through the post.

4.0

FINANCIAL  POSITION

The financial positions as at 30.11.06 were as follows: £9,565.78 in the current account and £726.44 in the NSB account.  Totalling: £10,292.22. 

4.1

It was noted that the Precept request for £14,000 for next year had been posted.

4.2

Thank you letters for receipt of donations have been received from the Poppy Appeal and Uttlesford Citizens Advice Bureau.

4.3

It was unanimously agreed to send the Clerk on two short courses (Book keeping and Election Training) at a cost of £30 and £50 respectively.

4.4

It was unanimously agreed to purchase a copy of the book by Charles Arnold Baker – Local Council Administration – 7^th Edition at a cost of £49.

4.5

It was unanimously agreed not to give a donation to the Heritage Quest Centre.

5.0

It was unanimously agreed to give Mr R. Townsend and Mr G. Bruneau a donation of £50 each for their contribution to the village throughout the year.

6.0

Minor Matters for immediate attention

6.1

Bowls Club – the Council unanimously agreed to donate some money towards the purchase of a carpet roller for the carpet.  The amount to be donated will be decided once the Bowls Club have found out whether they can obtain a grant.

6.2

Water leak near 20 Rayfield Close – the Council were advised that this has been reported to the local Water Company and that they consider that it is not their responsibility to repair.  Mr LeMasurier to contact owner of house opposite leak.

MLM

7.0

ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA Relevant Matters Arising from this meeting would be put on the Agenda for next month’s meeting.

8.0

Planning Results:

UTT/1404/06/FUL – Single storey rear and side extension incorporating a garage and 2 No. new front bay windows.  Demolition of existing single storey rear extension and garage/workshop.  Fairmead, The Chase, Barnston.  It was noted that this application has been REFUSED.

9.0

CORRESPONDENCE

Review of mobile library – It is understood that that ECC are planning to withdraw this service.  Clerk to visit mobile library and try to find out how many people use it before Council writes to ECC

Clerk

Consultation on Council Budget – The Councillors filled in the questionnaire at the meeting which will be returned to UDC.

Clerk

10.0

CHEQUES

The following cheques were agreed and signed at the meeting:

EALC

£ 80.00

Barnston Village Hall (Hall Hire)

£ 50.00

Travis Perkins

£ 28.18

Mr G. Bruneau

£ 50.00

Mr R. Townsend

£ 50.00

Direct Debits/Standing Orders

UDC – Garage Rent

£ 36.66

Virgin Mobile – Parish Council telephone calls

£   0.58

Just Lamps

£ 45.53

E. On Energy (August payment)

£ 66.51

E. On Energy (September payment)

£ 66.51

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.45pm.  The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 8^th January 2007 at 7.45pm

The dates for the Parish Council Meetings next year are as follows:

Monday 8^th January 2007
Monday 12^th February 2007
Monday 12^th March 2007
Monday 2^nd April 2007
Monday 14^th May 2007
Monday 11^th June 2007
Monday 9^th July 2007
Monday 10^th September 2007
Monday 8^th October 2007
Monday 12^th November 2007
Monday 10^th December 2007