MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL

ON WEDNESDAY 7^th JANUARY 2009  

PRIOR TO THE MEETING PARISHIONERS WERE INVITED TO RAISE MATTERS OF CONCERN WITH CLLRS:

No matters were raised.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING  

PRESENT

Cllrs Alexander, Clifford, Greenfield, Howe (Chairman), M. Lewis, Price, and Wagstaff were present plus Lynn Ireland (Clerk).    

APOLOGIES

Cllrs K Lewis and Speed.  County Cllr Booth and District Cllr Smith.  

1/09        DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None received  

2/09        PREVIOUS MINUTES

Minutes of the Meeting held on 3^rd December 2008 were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.  

3/09        PLANNING

(a)        decisions made by the district council

(c)        planning applications taken by the planning sub group

 (d)       planning application taken at the meeting

 (e)       other planning matters

§          District Council Meeting

There is to be an Information & Consultation Meeting for Parish Councils at 7.00pm at Ebley Mill on Tuesday 17^th February.  There will be an  opportunity to meet with Planning Officers at 4.30pm before the main meeting. Full details will be circulated before the date.  The Chairman encouraged Cllrs to attend.  

§          Industrial Heritage Area

A printed copy of the report is awaited.  Cllr Alexander stressed the importance of checking the document carefully to ensure that comments made by Parish Council have been included.  

§          The Vicarage

Cllr Alexander reported it is rumoured that the Gloucester Diocese is planning to demolish the empty vicarage and build three houses on the site.  He considered it was essential that Parish Council have some input into what happens to the site for three specific reasons - (1) consideration should be given for affordable housing on the site,  (2) it would be an ideal opportunity to ensure the creation of an additional exit from The Old Vicarage Nursing Home for use in an emergency, and  (3) some of the funds created could be set aside for the St Mary’s Church Tower Appeal.

Council agreed the Chairman should write to the Dean with a copy to the FoS PCC to indicate that Parish Council has an interest in what happens to the site.  

4/09        ACCOUNTS

(a)           Invoices for Payment

(b)           Financial Update

Cllrs noted the contents of the Financial Update for December prepared by Cllr M Lewis.

(c)           Other Finance

§          Council Tax

The Chairman circulated a paper giving comparative council tax figures for local parishes showing that this parish is by no means excessive.  It was agreed to submit this as an item for the Community Association Newsletter.

At this point the Chairman adjourned the meeting to allow a presentation from Gloucestershire Constabulary:

POLICE REPORT

PCSOs Shane Reynolds and Tracey Wren presented crime figures for the last month which involved a small number of incidents.

            PCSOs Reynolds and Wren left the meeting  

§          Grass Cutting Contract

T.W. Hawkins have submitted a quote for the 2009 season of £698 plus £225 for the additional canal bank area.  After a full discussion Cllrs agreed, taking into account the principles of Best Value Contracting, it would be unnecessary to obtain an additional quote and the T.W. Hawkins quote was accepted.

Proposal               Cllr Alexander proposed accepting the quote from T.W. Hawkins

Seconded             Cllr Greenfield

Vote                       Unanimous

§          Insurance for Village Seats/Benches

Parish Council insurers have confirmed that the public liability cover provided in the policy does extend to the 6 oak bench seats and 2 circular custom-built oak seats, provided they are maintained to minimise the risk of harm to users.

Cllr Price confirmed she would inspect the seats and prepare a list of any repairs required.  Richard Knight would then be asked to carry out any essential work.

5/09        PUBLICATION SCHEME    

§          Model Publication Scheme

Cllr Speed had prepared a draft Publication Scheme in accordance with the requirement from central government.  Cllrs wished for a few minor amendments, following which the Chairman proposed the Publication Scheme be formally adopted. 

It is hereby formally noted that Parish Council adopt the Publication Scheme.

§          Standing Orders

The Chairman will present an updated version of Parish Council Standing Orders to the February meeting for adoption.  A copy will be emailed to Cllrs to enable consideration before the meeting.

§          Financial Regulations

Cllr M Lewis is to update the Financial Regulations and present a copy to the February meeting for adoption.  A copy will be emailed to Cllrs to enable consideration before the meeting.

6/09        CAR PARK AT FRAMPTON STORES

Cllr Alexander reported that the Sub Group had met on site and considered solutions to the problems with car parking:

§          Russell House and Russell Cottage

At times vehicles park blocking the entrance driveway to the two properties.  It was agreed to paint a ‘no parking’ sign in the space outside the entrance. Cllr Alexander will take this forward with County Highways.

§          Frampton Stores

The shop is very well used by villagers from Frampton and surrounding villages.  Members of staff at the two businesses use the car park for all-day parking and E.C. Merretts use the car park for their firms’ vehicles.  There are a total of nine cars using the car park for all-day parking.  The land is privately owned by Frampton Court Estate and is not part of The Green and there is insufficient land available to extend the car park.  Cllrs gratefully accepted Cllr Clifford’s offer to speak to Merretts about the parking problem.  

7/09        STOP THE DROP

Cllr Price had studied the toolkit provided by CPRE and reported that much they recommend is already carried out in this parish.  It was therefore agreed no action was necessary.

The Chairman said that the Village Society might be carrying out a ‘Litter Pick’ Event in the early summer.

Cllr Clifford said that there are many people throughout the village who regularly clear litter and it would be nice if they could be recognised in some way.

8/09        WAR MEMORIAL FENCING

Various options for renewing the broken post and chain fencing around the war memorial have been put forward – replace with same; replace with small staddle stones; leave without fencing.  The Chairman has spoken to Caroline Williams who cares for the Memorial and carries out grass cutting, and she would prefer to see something that would not obstruct the grass cutting.  After a full discussion it was agreed to remove all fencing on a temporary basis, subject to the Chairman first discussing this action with Caroline Williams.

9/09        COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

 No report.

10/09      DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

 No report.

11/09      CORRESPONDENCE

Council was invited to send representation to the following:

§          Industrial Heritage

Stroud DC formally adopted the Industrial Heritage Conservation Area Management Proposals and Conservation Area Character Appraisal in November 2008.  The document is available to view online and printed copies will be circulated in due course.

§          St Mary’s Churchyard Extension

The PCC have confirmed that two quotes have been received for fencing the proposed churchyard extension and if sufficient funds are received the work should be completed in the early spring.

§          Credit Crunch

GRCC has been asked by the Commission for Rural Communities to investigate the effects of the credit crunch on rural communities.  Cllrs were asked to pass the Chairman their comments and he would reply on behalf of Council.

§                 Miscellaneous

Various papers and publications were made available for Cllrs perusal.

 12/09     CHAIRMAN’S ITEMS

§                 Annual Parish Meeting

The APM would be held on Wednesday 25^th March 2009.  Cllrs were asked to let the Chairman know of any organisation they would like to make a presentation to the meeting.

§                 Emergency Plan Mitigation

There is to be full meeting of the Council on Wednesday 14^th January to discuss the Plan.

§                 Whitminster Lane

County Highways have confirmed they will carry out clearance to the ditch on the east side of Whitminster Lane when funding permits.

§                 Housing Stock

David Hagg, the Stroud DC Chief Executive, has been asked to let this Council know the situation regarding the improvements council houses in the parish and to advise on the installation of a system of ground source heat pumps.  A response is awaited.

13/09      ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Wagstaff reported that good progress is being made between the District Council and Mr Barron regarding proposals for affordable housing on the site in Lake Lane.

Cllr Greenfield reported that Mrs J. Harbott from Acers, 9 Glebe Close has been awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours List for her work with Stroud Volunteer & Community Action Ltd.  The Chairman will write on behalf of Parish Council to offer congratulations.

Cllr Clifford reported that FCE has investigated the ownership of the roadway along part of the east side of The Green and it appears to be a Class 4 Highway maintainable by the County Council.  It was agreed Cllr Clifford would ask the Estate’s Agent for precise details of the evidence for the status of the track.  Once this was done Cllr Alexander would discuss repairs with County Highways and then liaise with FCE on any works necessary.

Cllr Clifford declared a non-prejudicial interest in this item.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.00pm.