JRW/407

TODWICK PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in Todwick Village Hall
at 7.00 p.m. on Tuesday 29th September 2015

Present

• Councillor Carter
• Councillor Ferris
• Councillor Greer-Waring
• Councillor Gregory – Chairman
• Councillor Newbold
• Councillor White
• J R Walker – Clerk & Financial Officer
• Borough Councillor Beck
• Shaun Howe
• John Hewitt
• Laura Howe
• Eileen Northall

15/58 APOLOGIES

An apology had been received from Councillor Jeffrey

15/59 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Ordinary Meeting 28th July 2015

There were no amendments and the minutes were signed as a true record.

15/60 MATTERS ARISING

1. 15/57(1)

   Gregory and Ferris had met with Richard Pett from RMBC who had advised that the issue was a planning matter. Simeon Leach from RMBC had subsequently informed that the Planning Enforcement Officer would investigate the situation.

2. Borough Councillor Beck reported on a fruitful meeting he and Borough Councillor Watson had with First. He had subsequently sent a letter to the SYPTE suggesting that the 20 and 26 Services be funded through subsidy to pick up passengers in Todwick to be subsequently taken to the Dinnington Transport Hub where they could then to travel to numerous destinations.

3. Borough Councillor Beck reported that Gulliver’s Theme Park was considering developing the Pit House West Site as a theme Park. This would provide some 120 to 150 jobs principally in retailing and catering.

4. White thanked Councillor Beck for his assistance in highlighting the matter to RMBC when Philip Bagshaw had tripped on the unfinished footway surfacing on Kiveton Lane.

5. Gregory reported that the two picnic benches at the recreation ground had been moved. One of these was now being well used but the other was not and suggested that it be re-sited at the Children’s Playground off Church View. Members agreed with this proposal.

6. Gregory had been informed that the Cross Roads Mission had been a huge success and the Rev. Vicky Camber had been delighted. He had given a commitment to the Parish Council working more closely with the Church in the future.

15/61 DECLARATION OF MEMBER’S INTERESTS

Carter has an interest in land recommended for development potential by RMBC and also owns a property on Rayls Rise.

Greer-Waring is Vice-chairman of the Village Hall Management Committee. She is a friend of the applicant of planning application RB2015/0661 and would not be commenting on this when discussed.

15/62 URGENT ITEMS FOR LATER CONSIDERATION

1. Christmas Tree

15/63 CLERK’S REPORT

Clerk had undertaken all the duties placed on him at the last meeting

15/64 FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REPORT

Clerk reported that

1. The external audit had been satisfactorily completed and immediately prior to the meeting he had placed the Notice of Completion of the Audit on the village notice board.

Resolved to approve and accept the Annual Return for 2014/15.

	£
Monies received
1. Barclays Bank – Interest	1.97
2. RMBC – Half-year Precept	22200.00
Un-presented cheques
	Nil
Payments made since last meeting
1. Todwick Village Hall – Rent	12.00
2. M Rogers – 3rd Prize Best Front Garden Prize	20.00
3. Rotherham MBC – Election Charges	153.02
4. Todwick Parish Rec. Grd. – July Grounds Maintenance	963.48
5. Rotherham MBC – July Grounds Maintenance	44.33
6. J R Walker – August Salary/Expenses	552.02
7. Hi-Tec Print – “Informer” Printing	95.00
8. HMRC – August Tax/NI	331.84
9. Mark Archer – Village Maintenance Works	142.83
10. Todwick Parish Rec. Grd. – August Grounds Maintenance	963.48
11. Rotherham MBC – August Grounds Maintenance	44.33
Payments to be made
1. Yorkshire Water – Allotment Water Bill	137.26
2. Hayward Horticulture – Grounds Maintenance at Allotments	235.00
3. J R Walker – September Salary/Expenses	632.35
4. HMRC – September Tax/NI	332.24
5. BDO – Audit Fee	516.00
6. Mark Archer – Village Maintenance	142.83
7. David Gregory –	60.18
8. Danlec Electrical Solutions Ltd. – Electrical Work at Pavilion	30.00
9. Bryan Ferris – Cup Engraving	8.45
10. RMBC Mega Active Summer Camp	143.34

Bank statement balances
Business Saver (Gratuity)	Business Saver (Cheque Feeder)	Community (Cheque)
£5,264.20	£28,182.65	£1.00
Bank balances after all payments completed
Business Saver (Gratuity)	Business Saver (Cheque Feeder)	Community (Cheque)
£5,264.20	£25,945.00	£1.00

15/65 CORRESPONDENCE

Written correspondence received and passed to Members:

1. RMBC – Waste Bins

2. RMBC – Payment re 2015 Parish Council Elections

3. RMBC – Publication of Sites and Policies Document

4. BDO LLP – Annual Audit

Correspondence had also been received via E-mail and forwarded by the Clerk to Members on their receipt. The Clerk had replied where appropriate.

1. Various Councillors – Meeting Minutes

2. Voluntary Action Rotherham – Various Email Bulletins

3. Rural Action Yorkshire – Various Email Bulletins

4. RMBC – Various Weekly Planning Lists

5. RMBC (Various) – Parish Councillor Confirmation

6. YLCA – White Rose Update

7. Norman Anderson – Neighbourhood Watch Issues

8. YLCA – Woodland Management Plan

9. Jean Leah/Eileen Northall/Stephen Hill/Various Councillors – Farewell at the Tea Rooms

10. Norman Anderson – Invoice

11. Rural Action Yorkshire – Good Neighbours Schemes

12. Councillor Greer-Waring – Informer Delay/Waiting for Information

13. RMBC Various – Reports by Clerk

14. Various Councillors – Co-option

15. Various Councillors – Draft July Minutes

16. RMBC – Future of Rotherham – Online Consultation

17. Sheila Pantry – Cheques for Todwick Best Gardens and Scarecrow 2015

18. Jean Leah – Sport England Final Payment Claim

19. Sheila Pantry – Picnic Table and Benches in the Mary Gregory Swing Park

20. Marie Dabell/Various Parish Councillors/Borough Councillor Beck – Road Works at Anston/Bus Service Diversions/X5

21. YLCA – Request for Information on Venue Hiring Charges

22. Jean Leah – Sport England Final Payment Claim

23. Councillor Ferris and RMBC (Various) – Fencing off of Land at The Pastures

24. Various Councillors – Local Plan

25. Councillor Greer-Waring – Informer Collection/Delivery

26. Chesterfield Canal Trust – E Newsletter Number 81

27. Ray Sykes/Various Councillors – Local Development Plan – re-issue 16 September 2015

28. Maltby Town Council – Internal Audit

29. Harthill and District Garden Association – 70th Show: September 2015

30. YLCA – Request for Information: Developing Your Skills as a Councillor Training

31. RMBC/Hellaby Parish Council – “My Mind Matters”: Emotional Health and Mental Wellbeing

32. RMBC – Report re Osborne House

33. RMBC – Approach to Managing and Maintaining the Highway Network

34. Marie Dabell/Various Councillors / Borough Councillor Watson – Transport Meeting

35. RMBC – Bank Holiday Closure Notice August 2015

36. Councillor Ferris – Mark Archer August Wage

37. YLCA – Ballot to Select Eight Parish Representatives to the RMBC/Local Councils Joint Working Group

38. YLCA – Efficiency North’s : Able Community Investment Fund Now Open for Applications

39. YLCA – Election of Parish Representatives to RMBC/Local Councils Working Group

40. Councillor Ferris – Village Maintenance Cheque

41. YLCA – Public Contracts Regulations 2015 / Amendments to a Council’s Standing Orders

42. YLCA – Understanding the Planning System Training Events

43. Councillors Ferris and Gregory/Sheila Pantry/Reeds Rains Estate Agents – Land Ownership at The Pastures

44. Rural Action Yorkshire – Consultation into Proposed Doncaster Project

45. SYPTE – Have Your Say –Public Consultation 4 September to 4 October 2015

46. Chesterfield Canal Trust – E:Newsletter Number 82

47. Rural Action Yorkshire – ‘Rural Matters’: Annual Conference and AGM

48. Dalton Parish Council – Knotweed

49. YLCA – Request for Information – Passage of Travellers Though the Town of Mirfield

50. RMBC – Area Assembly

51. Councillor Ferris – Postal Collection in Todwick

52. Claire Pilson – Objection to Planning Application Number RB2015/0661

53. YLCA – Smaller Authorities Transparency Fund: Applications Open

54. YLCA – Autumn Training Programme 2015

55. Councillor Greer-Waring – Mega Deals Open Days at Gala

56. Various Councillors and Borough Councillor Beck – Pavements in Todwick

57. Various Councillors – Presentation on the LDF

58. YLCA – Information: Companies Providing Building Design and Specification Service

59. YLCA – Help Exempt Public Toilets from Business Rates

60. YLCA – Cost and Installation of a Defibrillator

61. YLCA – Request for Information: Companies/Groups to Perform at 1940’s Gala

62. YLCA – South Yorkshire Branch Meeting

63. Ray Sykes and Various Councillors – Problem Parking at Mortains/Kiveton Lane

64. RMBC – Bonfire and Fireworks Displays 2015

65. YLCA – Planning Training Events

66. YLCA – RMBC/Local Councils Working Group

67. Borough Councillor Beck and Marie Dabell – Todwick Buses Update

68. YLCA – Article from Dr Billings (South Yorkshire PCC)

69. Councillors Gregory and White – Feed-in-tariff (FIT) Meter Reading Pavilion

70. RMBC – Rotherham Local Plan: Publication of the Sites and Policies Document

71. SYPTE – Have Your Say: Public Consultation

72. Councillors Greer-Waring and Ferris – The Informer

73. Councillors Gregory and Ferris – Cheques

74. YLCA – World War 1 Commemoration Project: Centenary Fields

75. Liz Wainwright(VHMC) – Christmas Fayre

76. Chesterfield Canal Trust – E:Newsletter Number 83

77. Councillor Ferris/Mark Archer – Village Maintenance Works.

78. YLCA/RoSPA – Basic Half-day “Routine Playground Inspection Course for Volunteers”

15/66 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

1. RB2015/0661

   Erection of dormer bungalow on land adjacent 1 Paddock View for Mr T Higson, 310 Herringthorpe Valley Road Rotherham S65 3AG.

   Resolved to offer no objection but to inform RMBC that any further development of this area would exacerbate the flooding problems already prevalent in that area of the village.

2. RB2015/1032

   Single storey side extension at 8 Rectory Gardens for Mr. and Mrs Hammer.

   Resolved to offer no objection.

3. RB2015/1157

   Replacement windows and doors and repainting of windows and render at 44 Kiveton Lane for Mrs. J Dawtry

   Resolved to offer no objection.

4. RB2015/1253

   Erection of bungalow and detached garage at land to rear of 5 Horbiry End for Mr D Simpson.

   Resolved to offer no objection.

15/67 COMMITTEES

Allotments

Ferris reported that the Pest Control Officer had attended at the beginning of September but had not observed any increase in activity. Mr. Hayward had carried out various maintenance works and in October would be cutting the hedge at the eastern boundary.

Village Hall Management

Greer-Waring reported that the AGM would be held in October. One trustee would be resigning but TVH had recruited a replacement to fill the vacancy. Some work was proposed at the main hall including defused lighting and a PA System. Redecoration had been carried out at various points.

Recreation

Gregory reported that Eileen Northall would be attending to report on the Children’s Summer Camps.

He had taken the opportunity in the break between the cricket and football seasons to re-paint the sports pavilion floor. There had been a disappointing amount of damage to the floor as a consequence of the spikes on cricket boots and consideration was being given to purchasing some more rubber mats.

There had been problems with the electrics and he had had to obtain the services of an electrician to trace the fault. This had been found to be attributable to the fridge which had now been removed. It would now be necessary to provide a new one. Some work to re-connect two cables was also to be undertaken by the contractor who had worked on the pavilion re-build.

A group had paid £10 to be allowed to camp on the ground overnight and for access to the toilets etc. in the pavilion.

15/68 CLERK’S GRATUITY/PENSION

Clerk left the meeting room whilst this was being discussed and did not re-enter until invited to do so by Councillor White.

Gregory advised Councillors that impending legislation meant that the Parish Council needed to consider the pension arrangements for the Clerk. The Automatic Enrolment Scheme meant that employees must have a pension plan provided by their employers. There were two elements one being a salary level and the other state retirement age which, in this case, make the role a “non eligible role holder” Nonetheless the Clerk has the right to ask the Council to make provision. The current arrangement was imposed upon the Clerk, and did not act in his best interest. He proposed that, having established the opinion of the Clerk, the following action be taken:

Transfer the value of the ring fenced gratuity into the pension plan that currently exists in the Clerks name. Also bring contributions up to date. Finally pay pro rata 2% of the Clerks salary into the same account. This payment to be by direct debit on a bi-monthly basis.
Gregory advised that to date all legal requirements have been complied with in regards to registering with The Pensions Regulator.

15/69 CO-OPTION OF FURTHER MEMBER

Gregory reported that Stephen Hill had expressed his willingness to re-join the Council.

Resolved to co-opt Stephen Hill onto the Council.

Gregory would inform Stephen Hill.

Clerk would arrange the signing of the declaration of office and for submission of the member’s interest forms.

A further vacancy remained but no other applications had been received.

15/70 STRATEGIC PLAN

Gregory suggested that this be re-visited once the issues around the Local Development Plan had been resolved.

15/71 MEMBER’S ACTIVITY REPORTS

1. Gregory had attended the Area Assembly where there had been two presentations. One had been on the Dementia Action Alliance and the other on “Lifeline” the drink intervention organisation. The Police had advised on the proposed re-structuring which would inevitably result in fewer officers present in the community. A complaint was made about the lack of response to a disturbance at the Lyric Theatre in Dinnington and intimidation of those attending the village hall at Wales. The next meeting may be on the 7th December but this was subject to when the attendance of the Crime Commissioner or the Chief Superintendent could be arranged.

2. Gregory and his wife together with many others had undertaken a significant amount of clearance at the Church Yard which many had expressed their appreciation of.

3. Greer-Waring expressed her thanks to Councillors Gregory and White for their helpful comments with the preparation of “The Informer”. She would be collecting the copies from the printers that Friday for delivery at the weekend. She would send a text to inform when collection could be made from her home.

4. Greer-Waring had also attended the Area Assembly meeting where she took the opportunity to speak to the South Yorkshire Police representative about the parking situation around Kiveton Lane and Mortains.

5. Ferris reported on the AgeUK Rotherham sponsored coffee afternoons now renamed as Grey Matter in Todwick. Attendance was encouraged from anyone over 55 years of age. A committee of four had been formed and a bank account was being opened. The group would be seeking grant aid and some assistance from the Parish Council. It cost £2.50 to attend a session but these were extremely interesting and enjoyable with numerous activities available.

6. Ferris reported some delay in the printing of the Todwick Circular Ramble Leaflet because of the need to add the new layout of the A57.

7. White had received an enquiry from a Mr. Green who wished to quote for the grass cutting etc. at the recreation ground but had heard nothing since.

8. White had helped with the clearance work at the Church Yard.

9. White had confirmed with Mr. Howe that his daughter Laura was still interested the setting up of a youth council and then, together with Councillor Carter, had met with Laura and her friend to set the ball rolling. The next step would be a meeting of pupils with the headmaster at Wales High School to see if there were possible other interested parties.

The meeting was suspended at 8.00 p.m.

OPEN SESSION

Gregory gave the criteria for any representation to be made by the public.

1. Shaun Howe expressed his concern that sufficient objection had not been made to the present proposals contained in the Local Development Plan. The six weeks consultation period was quite clearly completely inadequate bearing in mind the complexity of the arguments put forward by the Borough Council. He asked that the Parish Council get further involved in obtaining professional advice before making any formal representation.

   Gregory advised that the Parish Council had arranged a public meeting at 2.00 p.m. on the 10 October inviting all parishioners to attend and would be acting based on the outcome of that.

2. John Hewitt advised Councillor Ferris that Gavin Shawcroft at RotherFed would give funding and other advice and also provide public liability insurance.

3. Eileen Northall gave details of the successful Children’s Summer Camp at the recreation ground between the 21st and 24th July. Attendance had averaged 20/day. For this year she had negotiated a reduced fee from the Parish Council in the sum of £143.34 but in future years the full cost would have to be borne and for this year that would have been £735.

The meeting was re-convened at 8.15 p.m.

15/72 VILLAGE MAINTENANCE

Ferris gave details of the report given by the maintenance contractor, Mark Archer:

He had covered all the litter picking areas as usual throughout September but due to attending a funeral he had missed a regular pick on the week commencing 14th. He had made up for it last week by carrying out an extra round on the main areas i.e. The Pastures, recreation ground and Church View playground.

He had recently decided to alter his routine slightly and would now be litter picking The Pastures and the recreation ground twice a week and Goosecarr Lane and Kiveton Lane up to the Red Lion just every couple of weeks or so. Concerns have been raised to him recently by a couple of locals about the amount of litter accumulating on the recreation ground so he had decided to pay more attention to the more visible and commonly used areas. Sometimes he found articles of rubbish that are too large for the litter sacks. He had recently found what appeared to be a tool drawer and a large dustpan which he had left next to the bin outside the kebab shop. He would monitor and inform Councillor Ferris if RMBC failed to collect them.

He had expressed his thanks to Etta Gregory and Carol White for tidying up the war memorial in time for the Bishop’s visit last week. He had cut the grass as normal and was still watering the plants on a regular basis. He was more than willing to attend to anything else the Council brought to his attention.

15/73 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION MATTERS

1. Greer-Waring had been unable to open the video sent to the Council by Ray Sykes but she was aware of the problem. She had spoken with Sue Oakes the School Head-teacher who would write to parents and ask them to park their vehicles with more consideration. She had also spoken with the Police who would try to arrange a presence on occasion. Consideration might be given to ticketing offenders. Unfortunately the problem was evident at practically all schools with the problem being worse in an afternoon when pupils were being collected. She had e-mailed Andrew Lee at RMBC who had replied re-iterating what has been said previously and advised that extending the waiting restrictions was not supported as this would just move the problem to another point.

2. Greer-Waring reported that people had commented that they had observed and appreciated bus drivers being particularly helpful to one older resident of the village, often stopping closer to his house so he had less distance to walk. She had passed on thanks and appreciation to SYPTE.

3. Greer-Waring together with others such as Marie Dabell, had made representation to the SYPTE concerning the lack of bus services through the village. She was aware of a proposal to ask that the Parish Council fund a server service to transport passengers to the Dinnington Transport Hub.

   Gregory suggested that the Council await any proposal before discussing further.

15/74 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

No recent report had been received.

14/75 URGENT ITEMS

1. Christmas Tree

   White would obtain quotations for the fabrication of a housing for the tree in consultation with Councillor Ferris. A tree some 15 feet in length was required to be in place before the village hall fayre on the 28 November.

   Resolved to ensure a tree was in place by the 28 November and ascertain what options were available for obtaining in the most cost effective way.

The Meeting Closed at 8.40 p.m.

The next Council Meeting will be in Todwick Church Hall at 7.00 p.m. on Tuesday 20th October 2015.