Todwick Parish Council Minutes
JRW/330
TODWICK PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held in Todwick Village Hall
at 7.00 p.m. on Tuesday 29th September 2009
Present
- Councillor Gregory
- Councillor Mathieson
- Councillor Northall
- Councillor Palmer - In the Chair
- Councillor Pantry
- Councillor White
- Clerk - J R Walker
- PCs Jones and Saul
- Mr. R Sykes
- Miss C Bennett
09/49 APOLOGIES
An apology had been received from Councillors Hill and Leah.
09/50 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - 28th July 2009
There were no amendments.
The minutes signed as a correct record.
09/51 MATTERS ARISING
09/39(8)
Mathieson was yet to meet with the representatives requesting a skate board ramp. He had spoken to RMBC who may have surplus equipment from Clifton Park
09/41 Recreation Committee
Mathieson reported that following further examination of the container a decision had been reached to scrap rather than repair.
09/39(9)
White The stile at the bottom of Mill Fields had now been replaced and he asked that the Clerk thank the RMBC Officer concerned.
09/43
Palmer referred members to a press article showing a photograph of a new village sign erected at Torworth and asked members to consider whether replicating this might be appropriate for Todwick.
White was of the opinion that this type of wooden structure might be prone to rotting in time, be a possible target for vandals and generally be high maintenance. The type of stone structure employed by neighbouring Harthill might be more durable.
Resolved:
- That the Clerk ascertain from Harthill Parish Council the company responsible for erection of the village sign structures at Harthill.
- That Councillor White seek quotations to provide something similar at Todwick.
Following Councillor Mathieson's suggestion it was agreed that he obtain quotations for the provision of new letterheads showing the new logo.
White commented that the Village Hall Management Committee had developed a letterhead for village hall use which included a simple coloured photo of the hall in addition to the motif.
09/48(1)
Palmer had spoken to Greenscene who had accepted that the hanging baskets had rapidly deteriorated after initial display and subsequent replacement planting had unfortunately also proved unsatisfactory.
Mathieson considered that Greenscene should give adequate financial compensation.
Resolved that the Clerk write accordingly.
09/48(2)
Palmer sadly reported the recent death of Mr. Harry Beat the recent winner of the first prize in the Best Kept Garden Competition.
09/48(3)
Mathieson reported that the hole in public right between Storth Lane and Wales had not been repaired.
Pantry had seen equipment being used in the area on that day and therefore it may be better to check whether the works had been completed before making a further report to RMBC.
09/48(4)
Pantry confirmed that an Area Assembly Meeting was to be held in the village hall on 22nd October. It was normal practice for the host parish to provide a chairman for the meeting.
Resolved not to provide a chairman since Councillor Pantry had declined and there was no other member with relevant experience.
Pantry would inform interested parties.
09/52 URGENT ITEMS FOR LATER CONSIDERATION
- Gate at Children's Playground
- Christmas Lights
- Councillor Skills
- Support for McMillan charity.
09/53 CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk had undertaken his routine duties and all the instructions given to him at the last meeting.
Following the 2009/10 NJC for Local Government Services Pay Agreement his salary had been increased from the 1st April 2009 to £8792.63/annum.
09/54 FINANCIAL OFFICER'S REPORT
£ |
|
Monies received |
|
|---|---|
1. Barclays Bank - Interest - July/August 2009 |
2.69 |
Payments made since last meeting |
|
1. H M Revenue & Customs - August Tax/NI |
203.47 |
2. BDO Stoy Hayward LLP - External Audit Fee |
327.75 |
3. J R Walker - August Salary/Expenses |
624.87 |
4. Todwick Village Hall - Rent |
18.00 |
Payments to be made |
|
1. Hi-Tec Print - "Informers" |
67.00 |
2. H M Revenue & Customs - Tax/NI |
228.25 |
2. J R Walker - September Salary & Expenses |
668.21 |
4. Ron Hull - Demolition of Cricket Pavilion & Toilet Block |
4671.30 |
5. Mr. Julian Marples - Village Maintenance |
497.55 |
6. Todwick Toddlers - Donation to Funds |
50.00 |
7. Todwick Ramblers Club - Donation to Funds |
50.00 |
Previously signed cheques not appearing on bank statements |
|
1. Mr. B White |
25.00 |
Bank statement balances including bank interest |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Premium | Business Premium | Instant Access Saver | Community |
£4,398.34 |
£18,999.02 |
£5,000.53 |
£1.00 |
Bank balances after all payments completed |
|||
| Business Premium | Business Premium | Instant Access Saver | Community |
£4,398.34 |
£12,741.71 |
£5,000.53 |
£1.00 |
09/55 AUDIT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2009
Clerk reported on the satisfactory conclusion of the external audit. There were no matters which had come to the attention of the External Auditor requiring the issuing of a separate additional issues arising report. The Notice of Conclusion of Audit had been displayed for the requisite 14 days.
Resolved
- To accept and approve the Annual Return for Year Ended 31 March 2009.
- To hold the October Council Meeting at 6.30 p.m. in order to discuss the 2009/10 Budget in detail.
The meeting was suspended at 7.45 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
PCs Jones and Saul were in attendance and gave details of crimes recorded in the village since 1 August including:
- Damage to the cricket pavilion between 5th and 12th August
- Theft from a motor vehicle at The Meadows on 16th/17th August
- Lead stolen from the church roof on 17th/18th August
- Burglary at Mill Hills on 25th August
- Burglary at The Meadows between 15th and 29th August
- Theft of a garden bench from Kiveton lane on 5th September
- Entry into premises and theft of motor vehicle and car keys on 8th September.
- Criminal damage at Kiveton Lane on 14th September
White thought the levels of crime were increasing generally
Mr. R Sykes of 41 Mortains had looked at RMBC's long term planning proposals and noted potential future intrusion into greenbelt land adjacent to the village.
Pantry gave details of national guidelines, the identified requirement to provide an additional 24,000 home in Rotherham within the next 17 years. Todwick Parish Council had consistently objected to any application made in the existing greenbelt and would continue to do so in the future.
Miss C Bennett of The Pastures referred to an incident at her home on 8th September when the back door was smashed whilst her, her partner and their five year old daughter slept upstairs. The thieves stole the house keys garage keys, mobile phones, wallets and cash. They then proceeded to steal her four week old car. Working for "Skills for Justice" she had experience of working with young people between the ages of 11 and 18 years. She saw the desirability of engaging with those in this age group and would be prepared to assist with any initiative the Parish Council introduced to help them.
Resolved: Northall would be contacting the young people who had expressed an interest in having a skateboarding area in the recreation ground. It was agreed that an effort would be made to get these and other young people together in the Village hall for a very informal but wide ranging discussion on what they would like to see in the village for them to participate in. It was agreed that Claire Bennett might play a leading role in this get-together.
Open Session Closed at 9.00 p.m.
09/56 CORRESPONDENCE
A copy of each item of correspondence had been circulated with the papers in advance of the meeting.
BDO Stoy Hayward - Audit for Year Ended 31 March 2009
South Yorkshire Police - Theft at Goosecarr Lane Recreation Ground
RMBC - All Parish Liaison Meeting
Pantry passed the documentation onto Councillor White who would subsequently pass on to other members.
Bryan Ferris - Council Vacancy
SAFE@LAST - Request for Donation
Resolved not to offer any financial assistance.
RMBC - Ethical Standards Self Assessment Survey
BT Payphones - Invitation to Adopt Telephone Kiosk
Resolved not to adopt the kiosk because of the future maintenance liability
RMBC - Parish Network Meeting
RMBC - Local Hearings Role Play Training Session
SY Fire & Rescue Authority - Monthly Briefing Note
Coalfields Regeneration Trust - Small Grants £500 to £5,000
RMBC - Standards Committee
RMBC - Landscape Assessment Workshop
RMBC - Change to Executive Arrangements
Groundwork Dearne Valley - Rotherham Environment Forum Walk
Local Works - Request for Financial Assistance
Todwick Toddlers - Request for Donation to Funds
Resolved to donate £50
Todwick Ramblers Club - Update on Public Rights of Way/Request for Donation to Funds.
Resolved to donate £50
SYPTE - Tram Strategy & Delivery Plan Consultation
09/57 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
RB2009/0877
New pitched roof to existing flat roof extension at 12 Tortmayns for Mr R Freeman
Resolved to offer no objection
RB2009/0897
Erection of 4 No. stables at land off Storth Lane for Mrs R Memmory, 68 Kiveton Lane, Todwick,
Resolved to offer no objection
RB2009/0903
Application to prune an oak tree protected by RMBC Tree Preservation Order No. 3, 1971 at 7 Horbiry End for Mrs N Beal
Resolved to offer no objection
09/58 COMMITTEES
Allotments
Mathieson requested that the Council agree to purchase rat poison at a cost of £50 and to cut part of the southern boundary hedge also at a cost of £50.
Resolved to agree to purchase rat poison for use at the allotments and pay for the cutting back of boundary hedging as required.
Mathieson reported that three half plots had been transferred to new holders. There were now five people on the waiting list.
Recreation Charity
Mathieson reported on the 15th September meeting. The cricket pavilion had now been demolished. A practice net, roller and other items awaited removal by the Cricket Club. The steel container had been found to be beyond economical repair and it was yet to be decided how best to provide an alternative. Various proposals were to be considered to utilize the area formally occupied by the pavilion following and various suggestions by the football and bowling clubs.
Village Hall
White referred to recent incidents at the village hall, including a break-in and theft of lead. Similar incidents at Aston had been virtually eliminated by the installation of a surveillance camera system. He requested that the Council agree to the purchase of a similar surveillance system for Todwick village hall in line with the approved budget for 2009/10. It was estimated that the cost would be £2,500 to £3,000.
Resolved to agree to the purchase of a suitable surveillance system.
White would seek competitive quotations on the Council's behalf.
09/59 MEMBER'S ACTIVITY REPORTS
White referred to the recent flooding at Goosecarr Lane and the commitment by RMBC to undertake a detailed investigation before the end of March 2010. He had informed the residents who had been affected.
White referred to a complaint from the owner of 14 Kiveton Lane about the condition of the footway fronting the property. The Clerk had notified RMBC who had subsequently undertaken a survey and repaired the pavement within a few days.
White thanked the Clerk for his speedy action and asked that the Clerk thank Andy Roddis of RMBC for his equally quick response.
09/60 ELECTION OF COUNCILLOR
Resolved to co-opt Mr. Bryan Ferris of 5 Guildway onto the Council.
Clerk would inform Mr. Ferris and RMBC.
09/61 VILLAGE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
Palmer reported on the activities undertaken by Mr. Marples during August and September.
Mathieson reported that in addition to more routine duties Mr. Marples had fitted a new valve to the water tanks in the football pavilion in order to eradicate a leak and potential loss of water.
09/62 KIVETON LANE PLANTATION
Palmer had no further information and it was necessary to receive the Chairman's report before taking any decision on returning the grant monies.
09/63 RISK ASSESSMENT REVIEW
Gregory and White would be undertaking the review within the next two weeks or so as previously agreed.
09/64 EMERGENCY PLAN
Resolved to consider at the October council meeting.
09/65 URGENT ITEMS
Gregory referred to an incident with the pedestrian gate at the Children's Playground during which Nigel Singleton of 7 Mortains had received a knock on the head. The provision of a block to prevent movement in the outward direction was required.
Palmer would arrange for the Maintenance Contractor to undertake the necessary works.
Pantry had become aware of restrictions on the erection of Christmas lights and handed a document on the subject to Councillor White.
Pantry brought to members' attention a document received on future training for councillors. Unfortunately none of these were to be held at a local venue.
Palmer congratulated all concerned with the coffee morning held on 25 the September when some £300 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The Meeting Closed at 9.40 p.m.
The next monthly council meeting will be in Todwick Village Hall at 6.30 p.m. on Tuesday 27th October 2009.