Council Minutes
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Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held at the Cathodean Centre on Thursday 4th December 2008 commencing at 8 pm
| Present: | A Gore (Chair), Ms E Cornell (Vice Chair), Mrs E Bald, Dr B Cox, S Daly, R Hickford,
T Krarup, G Potter, Dr J Rossiter; |
Mrs K France (Press) was in attendance together with one member of the public.
Public Forum
No member of the public sought to address the Council.
182 Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Gee, Hammett Linsdell and Urwin.
183 Declaration of Interests from Members:
Cllr Hickford declared a personal interest under item 192, Stanton’s Lane hedge.
184 Approval of the Minutes of the meeting held on 20th November 2008:
Cllr Hickford proposed that the minutes be adopted as a true record of the meeting. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Rossiter and agreed by the meeting.
185 Matters arising from the minutes of the meeting held on 20th November 2008:
Under item 169, it was reported that electrical work on the skate ramp had been completed but was not yet working due to major problems with the electricity supply from the Village College.
Under item 170, Cllr Gore reported that the meeting of Parish Council representatives from the area with Inspector Savage, regarding the proposed closure of the police station had been well attended. Alternative sites suggested at the meeting had included the Cathodeon Centre, Village College, Fire Station, Health Centre and Village Hall; the importance of ease of public access had been raised. It appeared from Inspector Savage’s observations that there had been no consultation between the police authority and the local police. It had been agreed that a further meeting should take place early in the New Year. It was agreed by the Parish Council that Cllr Gore draft a letter to Inspector Savage outlining the Council’s views. AG/RH
186 Consideration of minutes of the Planning committee meeting held on 20th November 2008: These were noted.
187 Consideration of minutes of the Finance committee meeting held on 16th October 2008:
These were noted.
188 Reports from Co-ordinators:
i) Open Spaces: There was nothing to report
ii) Recreation Ground: Cllr Krarup reported the presence of litter on the bank leading to the stile.
iii) Cemetery: A meeting with the District Council’s tree officer regarding the cemetery trees had been arranged for 15th January at 9.30am. It was agreed to invite Mrs Anderson, village tree warden, to the meeting. Clerk
iv) Rights of Way: Cllr Rossiter reported that she had walked FP25 to Mark’s Grave following the work undertaken by the community service group. Cllr Cox reported that FP9 had not been kept clear by the landowner. JR to check
v) Venture Playground: See Agenda item 198, no. 18
vi) Leadwell Meadows: Cllr Rossiter asked that the offer of free wood chippings by Acacia Tree Surgery be taken up. Clerk
vii) Glebe Land: Cllr Rossiter asked that the Council write to the diocese declaring their interest in the purchase of the Glebe land should it be offered for sale. This was agreed. JR/AG
viii) Churchyard: Cllr Cox reported that due to delays by the Diocese, who had eventually advised that no Faculty was required for the repair of the gate posts and adjacent walls, he had requested a revised estimate from Mr Cahill.
ix) Communications: The new timetable for Parish Matters articles had been distributed.
x) Cllr Cornell reported that a day of action by the County Council and the police had taken place last week resulting in 21 fixed penalty notices being issued. The county council has started consultations regarding the S106 monies to be generated by the building of 755 dwellings which include a school and recreational facilities in Haverhill. Their initial request includes junction improvements along the A1307 corridor to aid safe access and egress due to the increased traffic flows this development would have on the A1307 - engineering measures for the implementation of a 50mph speed limit along the route - a cycle path along the A1307 and possible bus service contributions. Cllr Cornell was very pleased that CCC were now recognising the effect that growth is having on village junctions and noted that this was a major step forward.
xi) Allotments: A response from the District Council was still awaited. It was agreed that the Clerk contact the planning department and seek a response. Clerk
189 Consideration of establishment of working party to discuss noise concerns in the community: Cllr Bald proposed that a working party be formed to address noise and environmental issues in the community. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Hickford. There were six votes in favour of the proposal and two abstentions. Proposal carried
190 Consideration of Wish List:
The wish list was considered and it was agreed that several items should be deleted. It was also agreed that it be divided into a wish list and an actions list, the division to be determined by Cllrs Cornell and Rossiter. EC/JR
191 Consideration of continuing affiliated membership of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Association of Local Councils for the next financial year:
It was agreed that Cllr Rossiter should raise the Council’s dissatisfaction with the service currently offered by the Association and wish for an improved service at its forthcoming AGM. JR
192 Consideration of quotations to reduce height of hedge in Stanton’s Lane to six feet from recreation ground southwards for approximately 60 yards:
Cllr Cox proposed that the quotation from Cambridge Tree Surgery for £390 + VAT be accepted. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Krarup and agreed by the meeting. Clerk
193 Written reports from Council representatives:
Cllr Rossiter had issued a report on the meeting with Cambridgeshire Together. It was agreed that ACRE be asked help with the review of the Parish Plan. JR/Clerk
194 Report from Youth Working Party:
Cllr Hickford proposed that quotations be sought to raise the base of the youth shelter to a comfortable level when seated and to provide concrete bases for the benches on the recreation ground. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Bald and agreed unanimously by the meeting. Proposal carried Clerk
Cllr Hickford proposed that a questionnaire be issued to all Years 6 to 11 students to ascertain their opinion on various youth issues in the village. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Bald. In response to Cllr Rossiter’s doubts about the usefulness of the questionnaire, Cllr Cornell stated that specific questions would be asked in order to receive specific answers. There were seven votes in favour of the proposal and one against. Proposal carried
It was agreed that suggested alterations to the questionnaire should be sent by other councillors to Cllr Cornell by 7th December so that it could be circulated before the Christmas break. All
195 Staff appraisal:
Cllr Cornell proposed that Councillors Daly, Gee and Krarup be appointed to undertake the clerk’s appraisal. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Cox and agreed by the meeting.
Proposal carried
196 Update on Stanton’s Lane bridge modifications:
Cllr Bald reported that she would be meeting with Newmech Engineering during the week following the Council meeting. Scaled drawings would be produced.
197 Payments due:
Cllr Daly proposed that the payments listed below be paid. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Krarup and agreed by the meeting. Cllrs Cox and Gore signed the cheques.
| Gross | Excl VAT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Wages | bacs and 1109, 1110, 1111 | 3398.99 | |
| Herald Contract Services | bacs | 1697.18 | 1444.41 |
| Linton News | bacs | 90.00 | |
| SCDC (cemetery rates) | D/D | 75.86 | |
| Protec Direct Ltd (safety gloves) | 1112 | 76.72 | 65.29 |
| G Potter (McAfee renewal) | 1113 | 46.99 | |
| BT | 1114 | 83.29 | 71.56 |
| Linton Granta Football Club | 1115 | 450.00 | |
| P&C (Electrical) Contractors Ltd | 1116 | 1081.00 | 920.00 |
| Bailey & Son Ltd | 1117 | 294.93 | 251.00 |
198 Correspondence received and for discussion:
Item 7- Cambs ACRE membership upgrade. It was agreed to upgrade the Council’s membership. Agenda 8/1
Item 11-Landmark Restoration revised quotation of £9872.34 + VAT for reconstruction of flint wall in churchyard. The quotation was noted
Item 18- Anglian Playgrounds quotation for repairs to play equipment (rope bridge) £420 + VAT and £75 + VAT for removal of graffiti by sanding. It was agreed to accept the quotations. Clerk
Item 19- Linton Granta Football Club reimbursement for blocking up of external door for security. It was noted that payment of the sum requested had been considered and agreed under Item 197.
199 Reports from Councillors:
Cllr Potter reported that the police had been conducting speed checks in Balsham Road.
The meeting closed at 9.45pm
Signed ……………………………… Date …………………………………..
Note: Copies of reports and documents referred to above can be inspected at the Council’s office.