Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council

held on Tuesday 5th May 2009

In the Memorial Hall at 7.45 p.m.

 

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council

held on Tuesday 5th May 2009

In the Memorial Hall at 7.45 p.m.

Present

Councillor P Sheen in the chair (Rowlstone)

Councillor R Weaver

Councillor R Baker (Llancillo)

Councillor D Harries

Councillor B Krige

Councillor G James

Councillor Mrs J Webb

Councillor Mrs M Bradley

Councillor Mrs E Overstall (Dulas)

Councillor W Preece (Dulas)

Councillor Mrs M Williams (Rowlstone)

In attendance:

The Clerk

1 member of the public

1

Election of Chairman

Councillor D Harries proposed Councillor P Sheen and this was seconded by Councillor Mrs J Webb. There were no other nominations.

Councillor P Sheen was unanimously elected as Chairman for the ensuing year.

2

Apologies for Absence

Councillor P Jinman

3

Declaration of Interests

None declared

4

Minutes

The minutes of the ordinary meeting of the council held on Tuesday 7th April 2009 were approved without amendment.

5

Election of Vice Chairman

Councillor Mrs J Webb proposed Councillor B Krige and this was seconded by Councillor Mrs M Williams. There were no other nominations.

Councillor B Krige was unanimously elected as Vice Chairman for the ensuing year.

6.1

Memorial Hall Report

Councillor D Harries attended the last Memorial Hall Committee meeting held on 28 April 09 and gave the following report:

“There are 12 people on the committee and seven of these attended on 28 April including Chris Bray (Acting Chairman) Gill Lewis (Secretary) and Ray Harris (Treasurer)

There was a printed agenda of 9 items and various relevant papers were circulated.

The meeting has a quorum of four members and meetings take place throughout the year on the last Tuesday of each month. Minutes are circulated between each meeting which record the specific tasks which members have undertaken to progress and report back on.

I was impressed by the conduct of the meeting and the active interest and involvement of all present.”

Resolved

That this is noted

Councillor D Harries also passed on a request for financial support of £300 for the upcoming photograph exhibition in the Memorial Hall.

Resolved

That this would unfortunately not be possible as funding for such events had not been identified at budget setting.

6.2

Quality Council

  • The Certificate is currently with HALC awaiting signature.

Resolved

That once returned the original should be displayed in the Village Store/Post Office.

That copies should be made for other sites around the Group Parish.

ACTION CLERK

  • The Clerk has written to NALC to request the return of the portfolio.

Resolved

That this is noted

 

6.3

Segonzac Twinning

  • Govilon will be holding a twinning committee meeting in May and it is hoped to get some information from them on twinning and the smaller community.
  • A meeting has been set up with Peterchurch PC on Tuesday 19th May at 7pm in the Golden Valley Community Centre, Peterchurch. The purpose of the meeting is to present the twinning idea and to discuss the possibility of a Golden Valley twinning.

Resolved

That this is noted

6.4

Freedom of Information Act (FoIA)

The information available under the model publication was reviewed and the following resolutions made:

  • That details of the Footpaths Officer should be added to the Who’s who list
  • That email addresses of Councillors should be published
  • That further discussion was required to agree process for publishing presented reports and responses to consultation papers.
  • That terms of reference for committees need to be better recorded.
  • That there was a need to review policies for - handling requests for information, information security and records management.
  • That there was a need to consider a disclosure log.
  • That there was a need to formally record services provided.
  • That an article explaining the FoIA and methods of obtaining information should be included in the Newsletter.

ACTION JW

  •  That an extra page should be purchased for the FoIA on the website

ACTION CLERK

  • That, when available, this webpage should be populated with extra information not already on the website and required under the FoIA.

ACTION CLERK

6.5

Sustainability Communities Act

Herefordshire Council have requested suggestions for new legislation to be enacted under this Act. Suggestions have to be with central Government by 31st July 2009.

Councillor Mrs E Overstall put forward two suggestions:

  1. Re-opening of rural train stations
  2. Protection of volunteers from exploitation by Public Sector organisations.

Resolved

That other suggestions are sought before deciding upon the Council’s response at the June meeting.

6.6

Parish Council Insurance 2009/10

The Council discussed the quotes received and compared both relative costs against cover offered. It was noted that both policies were underwritten by established insurance companies and as such could be considered as safe use of public money.

It was noted that the policy offered through Came + Company offered improved cover at a reduced cost and also had the added benefit of a no claims bonus of 5% (up to a maximum of 20%). Furthermore an extra 5% could be saved if a binding 3 year agreement was signed. (Post Meeting Note It has been confirmed that if the rates applied at the beginning of the agreement are changed this will allow the Council the freedom to seek alternative insurance)

The comparisons of the two quotes are set out in Appendix 1

Resolved

That the quotation from Came + Company should be accepted as a 3 year agreement running from June 1st 2009.

ACTION CLERK

6.7

Colour Printer Replacement

Based on a recent Which report, there was a discussion on the appropriate low cost colour printer to purchase.

Resolved

That the most cost effective option would be to purchase a Canon Ip4500 or Ip3500 depending upon availability and current offers.

ACTION CLERK

7

Recreation Ground

7.1

Monthly Audit

  • Cattle have been on field.
  • Bottom fitting on seat swing slack (this was tightened).
  • Sign by Brook has now been replaced.
  • Pavilion top rail of the fence type arrangement of the new pavilion on the left
    hand side facing it is beginning to rot away significantly at the one end.
    It could be filled but the proper job would be to replace at some stage.
    It looks as if it is only nailed down onto the rest of the assembly.
    The dimensions :- Three Lengths, 2 x 11 feet, 1 x 12 feet 6 inches, 3 1/4
    inches wide by 1 1/2 inches high with the top 1/2 inch sloped to a central
    apex.

Resolved

That the Clerk should obtain a quote for a replacement section.

ACTION CLERK

7.2

Play Area

No items were raised under this section

7.3

Car Park Barrier

Following a discussion it was decided that further information was required on various options so that a decision could be made at the next meeting.

Resolved

That the Clerk should contact Councillor P Jinman to see if he has been able to obtain costings for suitable boulders

ACTION CLERK

That the Clerk should contact Fownhope PC to obtain details of their barrier system

ACTION CLERK

That systems available from the Woodland Trust should be pursued.

ACTION JW

8

Local Security Matters

No items were raised under this section

9

Correspondence

9.1

Ewyas Harold Notice Board

The Clerk reported that it was becoming very difficult to find space on the village notice board for Council business and also to ensure that information was not removed.

Resolved

That a notice should be attached indicating that one side was for Council use only and that all other notices would be removed.

ACTION CLERK

That costings should be obtained for a lockable notice board, which could then be considered at 2010/11 budget setting

ACTION CLERK

Date received

Sender           

Content          

9.2

Community First

Newsline – April 09

9.3

Allianz

Parish Council Insurance 2009/10 – Invitation to renew

Resolved

That this was noted in item 6.6

9.4

Herefordshire Council

Postal voting (poster) plus preliminary notice of European Elections

9.5

Rural Services Community

Weekly Digest – 14/4/09 (email)

9.6

John Rogers

Response re report of damage to Ewyas Harold Common

Resolved

That this is noted

9.7

HALC

Information Corner – 14.4.09

Copies to Councillors

Awards for Bridging Communities – despite what it says the website states that unfortunately only available for established or completed projects.

Emergency Co-ordinators. Herefordshire Council would like to identify a co-ordinator within in each parish.

Resolved

That this is noted

(Post Meeting Note Councillor R Baker has indicated that he would be prepared to act in this capacity)

9.8

HALC

Southern Area Meeting 20th April 2009 – Agenda + Minutes (26/1/09)

9.9

Rowlstone Village Hall

Acknowledgement of £50 donation

9.10

Dore Community Transport

Acknowledgement of £50 donation

9.11

Liz Overstall

Suggestions for consideration under Sustainable Communities Act (email)

Resolved

That this was noted in item 6.5

9.12

Anthony Bush

Waste management (wheeled bins) (email)

It was noted that the introduction of wheelie bins is being planned for later this year. The public can request a smaller bin or assisted collection through www.herefordshire.gov.uk or by calling 01432 260051. The period for requesting alternative arrangements is due to close in mid- May 2009 but it appears that this information has not been sent to local residents.

Resolved

That the Council disseminates this information through Newsletter, website, notice boards and these minutes.

ACTION CLERK

9.13

Anthony Bush

PACT Meetings (email)

9.14

Anthony Bush

April funding update (email)

9.15

Anthony Bush

Walking for Health Scheme (email)

9.16

Anthony Bush

Biodiversity Action – April 09 (email)

9.17

Anthony Bush

Seminar - Hereford June 11th 2-5pm – Future of Pubs in the Community – Brockington (bookings being taken)

01432 260611  abush@herefordshire.gov.uk

Resolved

That this is noted

9.18

Local Works

Early Day Motions for Local Spending Reports and Green Energy Bill

Resolved

That the Clerk should ask the local MP to sign these EDMs

ACTION CLERK

9.19

West Mercia Police

Policing Matters - South Herefordshire 11th June 2009 (poster)

9.20

HC Regeneration

Grant enquiry follow-up (twinning initiative) – Clerk has responded

9.21

Herefordshire Council

European Elections – Thursday 4th June 2009 (posters)

9.22

Peterchurch PC

Twinning presentation 7pm 19th May 2009 (email)

Resolved

That this was noted in item 6.3

9.23

Caroline Price

Exercise classes – possible Newsletter insert.

9.24

Anthony Bush

Parish Freighter Service 2009/10 (email)

Following requests from users, this service is to continue for another year but as yet bookings are not being taking beyond June 2009.

Resolved

That this is noted

9.25

Anthony Bush

Information re grant applications under “Awards For All” and “Grassroots”

9.26

NALC

National Conference “Putting People First” – 4th + 5th September 2009 (email)

9.27

Hilary Crane

(Housing Needs)

Village walkabout Friday May 1st 10am  - Councillors informed through email

9.28

Anthony Bush

Disability in Herefordshire – On-line questionnaire (email)

Information needs to be posted on notice board

Resolved

That this is noted

9.29

Anthony Bush

Swine Flu Update – Dr Akeem Ali, Director of Public Health in Herefordshire (email)

9.30

Marie Curie

Notice and registration form for  “Blooming Great Tea Party” - June12th to July 12th 2009

9.31

Komplay

Play equipment catalogue

9.32

Peter Overstall

Footpaths Officer’s Report May 2009 (email)

Resolved

That this was noted in item 14.1

9.33

Clerks & Councils Direct – May 2009

9.34

Jesse Norman

Save Our Small Shops

Resolved

That this is noted

10

Lengthsman Scheme

10.1

Lengthsman work undertaken in April

Date

Work

Hours

2/4/09

Cutting verges Gilberts Wood and Priorsfield

30/60

11/4/09

Cutting verges Forge Garage and Roundabout

45/60

16/4/09

Cutting verges Gilberts Wood and Priorsfield

30/60

25/4/09

Cutting verges at A465 junction

60/60

25/4/09

Grass cutting around Church

40/60

30/4/09

Cutting verges Gilberts Wood and Priorsfield

30/60

TOTAL

235/60

Resolved

That this is noted and approved

11

Financial Report

11.1

Annual Financial Report

11.1.1

Analysis of Annual Expenditure

The Clerk presented the report attached as Appendix 2.

11.1.2

Internal Audit Report

The Internal Auditor’s report dated 18/4/09 did not identify any areas of concern. Resolved

That this is noted

11.1.3

Statement of Accounts

The Clerk presented the report attached as Appendix 3.

11.1.4

Bank Reconciliation

The Clerk presented the report attached as Appendix 4.

11.1.5

Annual Governance Statement

The governance items identified by the external auditor were discussed and approved including a review of internal audit procedures as identified below:

  • Two page audit programme drawn up in agreement with Governance and Accountability in Local Councils is followed by Internal Auditor
  • Six monthly audits are carried out by Internal Auditor + annual return statement
  • Regular reports are made to Council
  • All payments are approved through full Council
  • Auditor is approved through Council as competent and independent
  • Arrangements are in place to allow for inspection of books and accounts

Resolved

That the annual financial report is accepted and that the annual governance statement is approved.

11.2

Monthly Financial Statement

11.2.1

Payments for approval

Clerk salary

£

535.78

Stationery/Office Expenses

£

42.70

Clerk postage

£

12.18

Clerk travel     

£

18.78

HM Inland Revenue (PAYE £8.60 NI £8.45 employee £9.83  employer)

£

26.88

HALC – 2009/10 subscription

£

244.27

Amey Wye – Road sweep April 2009

£

69.00

Rowlstone Village Hall – Booking fee April 2009

£

18.00

Martin Roper – Lengthsman Scheme April 09

£

69.46

Martin Roper – Grass cutting  April 2009

£

232.24

Martin Roper – Waste collection  April 2009

£

97.85

Martin Roper – Application of weed killer around Rec. Ground paths

£

15.11

Came + Company – Parish Council Insurance

£

2,385.92

Paul Freeland – Extra webpage

£

30.00

11.2.2

Balances as at  5th May 2009  

NatWest Current account        

£

2,870.28

Unpresented cheques

£

700.00

Cheques/cash to be credited

£

58.28

NatWest Business Reserve

£

10,865.37

Alliance + Leicester Current account

£

2,286.43

Alliance + Leicester Deposit account    

£

5,764.64

Total cash assets

Consisting of:

£

21,145.00

Precept funds

£

18,482.47

Lengthsman Scheme

Balance available but not yet claimed

£

2,547.00

Administration charge outstanding

£

254.70

Available funds for remainder of financial year

(annual allocation £2,547.00)

£

2,862.68

£

570.38

Parish Path Funds

£

1,320.40

Parish Plan Funds

£

771.75

11.2.3

Payments received

Parish Paths payment  2009/10

£

990.00

Precept 1st payment 2009/10

£

8,421.65

Pontrilas + District WI – Seat repair in Ewyas Harold Village

£

58.28

11.2.4

Budget Adjustment (2008/2009)

Source of transfer

Sum to transfer

Budget code receiving payment

Reserves

£17.02

19 PF/Litter Control

16 Recreation Ground Maintenance

£36.30

26 Miscellaneous

Resolved

That the monthly financial statement is accepted and that payments and transfers should be made.

12

Planning

12.1

Application number DCSW2009/0813/E

Site:

Land east of Elm Green Farm, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire. HR2 0JA

Description:

Installation of new additional Tee pole and repositioning of the existing 11kv line with a tolerance of 30m either side of the route.

Application Type:

Electricity consultation

Applicant:

Central Networks West, Pegasus Business Park, East Midlands Airport. Castle Donington. DE74 2TU

Resolved

That EHGPC has no objections to this application

13

Road Maintenance and Related Matters

13.1

Black Poplar

Branches from this tree are growing back into the roof of the Fish and Chip shop and the owner has asked permission to trim these branches.

Resolved

That permission should be granted

ACTION CLERK

13.2

King Street –  (U74416) Grid Ref 3378 2287

Ditch alongside the road near to Golden Grove has become sheer and is quite deep. Lengthsman suggests piping to where the ditch is not so deep and further from the road (10 to 12 feet).

Resolved

That the Clerk should report this to HC

ACTION CLERK

13.3

Potholes and Surfaces

It was confirmed that the state of the roads, as discussed in the Parish Meeting, had deteriorated considerably. This was seen as being a common problem throughout the country owing to lack of funding, manpower and the increase use by heavy vehicles.

The Clerk reported that he had conveyed these concerns to Councillor J B Williams.

Resolved

That this is noted

13.4

A465 – Rowlstone Junction (Grid Ref 395276)

On the opposite side of the road (before the Pontrilas junction) there is a large bush which requires cutting back as it is obscuring oncoming traffic from vehicles leaving the Rowlstone junction. Councillor Mrs M Williams has pursued this long outstanding issue and the work has now been completed. 

Resolved

That this is noted

14

Footpaths

14.1

Footpaths Officer’s Report

EH 14/18 The Wye-Usk foundation has completed the fencing work around the Dulas brook and Hereford council has provided two new gates on EH 14 and one on the bridge. In theory this means that livestock can now be kept out of the area and the damage to the paths minimised. We are still expecting the path crossing to be stoned this summer.

EH14A A new metal gate has been installed at the south end.

EH4 A new metal gate has been installed on the east side of the bridge where it crosses EH2.

EH 32 A new metal gate has been installed to replace the third stile along from the Pontrilas road.

14.2

EH13 Church Road

It was noted that, as reported by the FPO in April, the rotten stile on this path at the end of Church Road will be replaced with a gate. This work will be completed as soon as the gate is delivered by Herefordshire Council.

15

Parish Newsletter

15.1

Items for Inclusion

Flicks in the Sticks

Parish Freighter

Potholes

Twinning Meeting

Freedom of Information

Wheelie Bins

Articles to Councillor Mrs E Overstall as soon as possible.

Resolved

That this is noted.

16

Parish Website

New page on Freedom of Information will be added over the next month.

Resolved

That this is noted

17

Items for Future Discussion

  • Review of Financial Regulations
  • Re-appointment of Internal Auditor
  • Risk Assessments
  • Sustainability Communities Act

The Meeting closed at 9.30pm

Chairman

Date

NEXT MEETING                              June 2nd 2009

Future Meetings

July 7th

Aug 4th

Sept 1st

Oct 6th

Appendix 1

COMPARISION OF QUOTATIONS RECEIVED

Insurance Quotations for EHGPC 2009/2010

Company

Allianz

Came&Company

Premium

£3,242.93

£2,511.50

Public Liability

£5m

£10m

Employers Liability

£10m

£10m

Hirers' Indemnity

not covered

£2m

Officials Indemnity

£250k

£250k

Libel & Slander

£250k

£250k

Money

non-negotiable

£250k

£250k

negotiable

£1000*

£1,000

neg in transit

£2,500

£1,000

Fidelity Guarantee

£50k

£100k

Legal Protection

£50k

£50k

Office Equipment

not covered

£5,000

Personal Accident

£50k

£50k

Loss of earnings/week

£100

£200

Property Damage

£125,261

£123,893

Play Surface

£19,346

£21,664

Policy Excess

£125

£250

* variable depending upon circumstances £350 to £1,000

Came + Company underwritten by Norwich Union (AVIVA)

More details available on website www.parishinsurance.co.uk

Appendix 2

ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE 

 2008-2009

 2007-2008

 Spend 

 Significant Variances since 07/08

 Spend

£

£

£

Fees/Subscriptions

1

                       1,024.73

                    247.75

                 776.98

Insurance

2

                      2,954.70

                  156.97

                 2,797.73

Newsletter

3

                          385.00

                     205.00

                   180.00

Training

4

                            300.00

                   245.00

                       55.00

Postage + Travel

5

                             510.96

                    538.23

Stationery/Office Equipment

6

                            184.63

                    230.00

 Office Equipment Reserve

7

                                    -  

                             -  

                             -  

Salaries

8

                          6,527.58

                     574.26

                  5,953.32

Members Expenses

9

                                    -  

                             -  

                            -  

Hire of Premises

10

                             226.00

                     236.00

Recreation Ground Grass Cutting

11

                            998.54

                     927.36

Hedge Laying/Trimming

12

                             210.00

                     201.00

Water

13

                             105.43

                       89.19

Electricity

14

                            390.68

                     381.15

Play Area Maintenance

15

                             411.30

                     224.83

                    186.47

Repairs

16

                             992.19

                   932.68

                      59.51

Maintenance of Flower Beds

17

                             80.00

                      55.00

                      25.00

Contingency/Signs

18

                             175.00

                     116.00

                       59.00

Parish Freighter/Litter Control

19

                          1,267.07

                 (198.75)

                  1,465.82

Village Halls

20

                             150.00

                             -  

                     150.00

Burial Grounds

21

                           600.00

                     550.00

Community/Youth Groups

22

                          1,015.00

                  1,015.00

                             -  

Charities

23

                               50.00

                            -  

                      50.00

Elections

24

                                    -  

                       50.32

Capital Projects

25

                          1,051.04

                  1,051.04

                             -  

Miscellaneous Expenditure

26

                             549.37

                   (164.40)

                    713.77

Lengthsman Scheme

27

                         1,734.20

                    (420.82)

                 2,155.02

Parish Footpaths

28

                             880.00

                    (150.60)

                  1,030.60

Parish Plan

29

                                    -  

                            -  

                             -  

Comments

Budget

1

Increase in HALC SUB (£50) Ext Auditor (£115) QC application (£50) Domain name renewal (£28)

2

Increased insurance premium

3

Extra printing costs (covered by increase in revenue)

4

CAPS training facility (covered by £300 Parish Talk grant)

8

Budgetted annual increment £183, pay rise £142 (not fully anticipated),

15

New gates for play area

16

Finish Pavilion redecoration and new picnic table top

17

Bark cost for flower beds

18

Part funding of new gates for play area

19

Reduction through fewer PF being available

22

Budgetted one-off support for Village Warden + First Responders

25

No capital project in 2007 because of Lottery funded new play area

26

Extra costs in 2007 - Artmarkers (£100), Play Area opening (£167)

27

Reduced road sweep costs

Appendix 3

Annual Return for the year ended 31st March 2009

Section 1

2007/8                                     £

2008/9                                     £

Variance   (+/-) £

Detailed explanation of variance

Box 1               Balances    brought        forward                                                                          

26,257

10,953

(-)15,304

Reduction following completion of playground development with payments of (£70,400)

Box 2               Precept                                                                          

16,960

18,804

(+)1,844

No capital expenditure planned in precept 2007/8 Planned capital expenditure in 2008/9 – Bus shelter contribution (£1,050) and Car park barrier (£950)

Box 3               Other           income

59,671

5,796

(-)53,875

Extra income in 2007/08 due to Play Area grant awards and associated VAT reclaims (£54,000)

Box 4                Staff costs

6,176

6,750

(+)574

Box 5             Loan  interest/capital  repayments

nil

nil

nil

Box 6               Other       payments

85,759

17,018

(-)68,741

Reduction in 2008/09 due to one-off payments in 2007/08 for Play Area development (£70,400)

Box 7              Balances       carried        forward                                                                      

10,953

11,785

(+)832

Planned carry over:                                                           Planned youth expenditure (£2,880)                     Office equipment replacement fund (£500)                   Election costs reserve (£1,450)

Minor Highways and Footpaths (£890)

Car Park Barrier  (£890)                                           Parish Plan funding (£772)                                        Bank reserve (£4,343)

Box 8               Total              cash and investments

10.953

11,785

(+)832

See explanation for Box 7

Box 9               Fixed assets        & long term           assets

129,939

136,610

(+)6,671

Box 10               Total borrowings

nil

nil

nil

Appendix 4

BANK RECONCILIATION for Financial year ending 31 March 2009

Prepared by A P Shipp, Clerk + RFO

Date

5th May 2009

Balance per bank statement as at 31 March 2009

£

£

Current account (NatWest)

1,880.28

Current account (Alliance & Leicester)

819.57

Reserve account (NatWest)

2,443.72

Instant Reserve account (Alliance & Leicester)

8,663.90

13,807.47

Cheque no

Amount

Less unpresented cheques

700319

(-314.00)

(Current Accounts)

700322

(-100.00)

700324

(-530.10)

bacs tx

(-32.53)

700325

(-76.39)

700326

(-600.00)

700327

(-50.00)

700328

(-102.35)

700329

(-80.00)

700330

(-50.00)

700331

(-100.00)

700332

(-50.00)

700333

(-50.00)

(-2,135.37)

Income to bank

Freighter payment received after 31/3/09

100.00

Bank interest paid after 31/3/09

0.74

Net bank balances as at 31 March 2009

11,772.84

Value of stock (stamps etc.)

12.00

Total cash and Stock 31 March 2009

11,784.84

Cash Book

Opening Balance 1st April 2008

10,953.00

Receipts in the year

24,600.09

Payments in the year

(-23,768.25)

Closing Balance per cash book 31st March 2009

11,784.84