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Present |
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Councillor B Krige in the chair (items 1 to 4.3)
Councillor P Sheen (Rowlstone) in the chair (from item 4.4)
Councillor R Weaver
Councillor Mrs J Webb
Councillor G James
Councillor Mrs M Bradley
Councillor Mrs E Overstall (Dulas)
In attendance:
The Clerk
1 member of the public
|
1 |
Apologies for Absence
Councillors Mrs M Williams, W Preece, P Jinman, R Baker, D Harries
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2 |
Declaration of Interests
Councillor Mrs E Overstall declared an interest in item 7.22
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3 |
Minutes
The minutes of the ordinary meeting of the council held on Tuesday 4th August 2009 were approved with the following amendment:
Item 13 “Nature Conservancy Area” should read “Herefordshire Nature Trust”
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4.1 |
Green Waste
Green waste bags are available from Herefordshire Council (minimum order £150).
Resolved
That the Clerk should place an order for 250 bags.
That Councillor B Krige would reimburse the GPC and hold the stock for resale at cost in the Village Store/Post Office.
ACTION CLERK
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4.2 |
EH Village Notice Board
Supplier agreed to leave an example of composite boards with Clerk for inspection but date has still to be confirmed.
Possibility of having a dedicated wall mounted notice board in a central location was discussed. Councillor B Krige indicated that he would be prepared to consider one being installed outside the Village Store/Post Office.
Resolved
That the Clerk should obtain sizes and costings for suitable lockable boards.
ACTION CLERK |
4.3 |
Quality Council
Certificate has now been frame mounted
Resolved
That, with the agreement of Councillor B Krige, this would be displayed within the Village Store/Post Office.
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4.4 |
Twinning with Segonzac
A wine and cheese party has been provisionally arranged for Tuesday 15th September at 7-7.30pm in the pavilion. The aim of the evening is to provide feedback to those people who have already expressed an interest and to discuss the way forward. Given the likely visit in November of 3-4 couples from Segonzac, it is important to confirm the level of interest and if possible form a twinning group.
Resolved
That this is noted
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4.5 |
Letter Heading
Examples of new letter headings (incorporating the Quality Council logo) were viewed. Feedback is required on the design required.
Resolved
That the Clerk would send electronic versions to Councillors for them to consider for the next meeting.
ACTION CLERK |
5 |
Recreation Ground |
|
5.1 |
Monthly Audit.
- Perimeter fence – parts have rotted and consideration should be given to
replacement or repair.
- Box of rubbish outside football showers needs removing.
- Cricket mat –rotting cricket mat by the cricket pavilion needs removing.
Resolved
That the Clerk should request that these items are removed.
ACTION CLERK
- Toilet – still waiting for replacement stainless steel pan as the Clerk has
been unable to get a quote for this work. Councillor R Weaver will pass on
details of a suitable local plumber.
ACTION RW
- Hedges – These require cutting.
Resolved
That Clerk should look into this contract
ACTION CLERK
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5.2 |
Pavilion
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Pavilion Rail
A replacement for the rotting rail has now been purchased and is awaiting installation.
Resolved
That this is noted.
ACTION CLERK |
|
5.3 |
Play Area
5.3.1 |
Play Area Gates
These have been adjusted and now appear to be closing satisfactorily.
Resolved
That this is noted.
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5.3.2 |
Roundabout
The movement in the seating/bearing has been inspected by Hags and they have arranged for fitter to visit the site.
Resolved
That this is noted.
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|
5.4 |
Youth Facilities
- Shelters - Dave Rowley does not have any published information on shelters and their ideal location but has personal experience and is happy to give advice at any suggested sites.
- St John Kemble - Request has been made to Father Nicholas for consideration to using as a meeting centre. Still waiting reply
- Demographics for Area (estimates for 2007)
Herefordshire is an aging population and youth numbers are predicted to fall further
|
Total |
Under 5 |
10-15 |
0-15 years |
15 -29 |
Pontrilas Ward |
3,364 |
168 (5%) |
118 (3.5%) |
584 (18%) |
386 (12%) |
Golden Valley South |
3,038 |
150 (5%) |
105 (3.5%) |
514 (17%) |
295 (10%) |
Resolved
That this is noted
That the EH Air Cadets should be asked to make a presentation (see 7.28)
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5.5 |
Grass Cutting Contract
The grass is still actively growing and weekly cuts outside of the contract will be needed until the end of September.
Resolved
That weekly cuts should continue through September and review again at the next meeting.
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5.6 |
Pavilion Bookings
All outstanding charges have or are being settled.
Resolved
That this is noted.
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5.7 |
Dog Control
Several approaches have been made to identify the problems and what actions might be effective in controlling the behaviour of the minority of dog owners who are behaving irresponsibly.
- A forum has been set up on the HALC website – no feedback as yet
- Herefordshire Council are undergoing a consultation process on the
implementation of Dog Control Orders for Herefordshire.
- Mr Dave Gladwin has written in defence of the behaviour of dog owners
using the Recreation Ground and his letter was read out in full.
- A draft article has been prepared for inclusion in the next Newsletter and for
posting on the notice board on the playing fields.
- It has been confirmed that the GPC owns the Recreation Ground free from
restrictions and the Land Registry have been approached to proceed with
voluntary registration.
- Under Dog Control Orders 2006 the GPC are free to set up restrictions to
control dogs within areas of open space. This would require consultation
and notice as identified under the Act.
Resolved
That an article highlighting problems and possible actions is included in the next Newsletter.
ACTION EO
That a public meeting be scheduled for October to allow all views to be heard.
It was noted that following on from the complaints last month, other areas (including verges of the B4347) are being used as a dog lavatory without the dog owners clearing the faeces.
Resolved
That as the main time and location for this occurring has been noted the Clerk requests the Dog Warden to visit and carry out a prosecution if appropriate.
ACTION CLERK
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|
6 |
Local Security Matters
No items raised
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7 |
Correspondence
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|
Date received |
Sender |
Content |
7.1 |
NALC |
Invitation to subscribe to Direct Information Services (keep up to date with relevant publications for £105 per year) |
7.2 |
Anthony Bush |
Notice of Herefordshire Funding Fair 2009 at Whitecross School, Hereford on 28th October 2009 |
7.3 |
Anthony Bush |
West Midlands Rail Development Plan (www.centro.org.uk/consultation/rail development plan.asp) respond by 11/9/09 |
7.4 |
Anthony Bush |
PACT dates – Golden Valley at Community Centre, Peterchurch at 7pm on 15th October 2009 |
7.5 |
Anthony Bush |
August Funding Update |
7.6 |
Dave Rowley |
Newsbeat –August 2009
Copies to Councillors |
7.7 |
HC Environment |
Temporary Closure Notice – Rowlstone Lane (C1219) from 7th September 2009 for BT duct laying.
Resolved
That this is noted
|
7.8 |
Rural Services |
Weekly Rural Focus – 12th Aug 09 |
7.9 |
Shaw + Sons Ltd. |
Publications catalogue for Local Councils. |
7.10 |
Jesse Norman |
Directory of Small Shops in Herefordshire.
Resolved
That Clerk should request extra 50 copies.
ACTION CLERK
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7.11 |
Rural Services |
Weekly Rural Focus – 17th Aug 09 |
7.12 |
NALC |
Leadership Academy at Warwick University 15th – 18th September 2009 |
7.13 |
Rural Services |
Information requested on access to Council services by ICT |
7.14 |
HALC |
Information Corner 10.7.09
Copies to Councillors
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7.15 |
HALC |
Strengthening Local Democracy Consultation – Respond to HALC by 18/9/09 or directly by 2/10/09.
Resolved
That this is noted
|
7.16 |
HALC |
Legal Topic Note (LTN 6 - NALC) – Meetings of Parish Councils |
7.17 |
HALC |
Legal Briefing (L18-07 – NALC) – Parish Polls |
7.18 |
HALC |
Clerks’ pay claim 2009/10 update – Employers’ offer of 1% is being debated. |
7.19 |
Rural Services |
Parish Newsletter August 2009 |
7.20 |
Mazars |
Audited Annual Return for 2009
Resolved
That this was noted in item 9.4
|
7.21 |
Rural Services |
Action for market towns – October 13th + 14th 2009 |
7.22 |
Liz Overstall |
Community First Responders (CFR) – Training Program
A request has been received from Councillor Mrs E Overstall in her following capacities:
Ewyas Harold CFR co-ordinator
WMAS co-ordinator for SW Herefordshire
Trustee of Hereford and Worcester CFR Charitable Fund
Ewyas Harold CFRs are making applications for Grant Aid to enable a three-year project to train and equip 15 new Community First Responders (five each year) to work in Ewyas Harold and the surrounding area.
The total cost of the project is £43,410.00 but this will be spread over three years, working out at £14,470.00 each year.
The money will fully equip five CFRs each year and provide for minor expenses related to village meetings and local advertising. The West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) will provide all training.
When setting next year’s precept the GPC are being asked to consider making provision for a grant to this project, and to maintain this grant for the following 2 years therefore covering the 3 years of the project.
The benefits to the local community include:
- Potentially life-saving help to anyone waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
- Training community members in resuscitation and first aid
Resolved
That the Clerk write to confirm that the GPC is happy to offer financial support to this project and will be making provisions within next year’s precept.
ACTION CLERK
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7.23 |
Dave Rowley |
Youth Shelters
Resolved
That this was noted in item 5.4
|
7.24 |
Anthony Bush |
National Highways and Transport Survey
Resolved
That the Clerk should complete and return this questionnaire.
ACTION CLERK
|
7.25 |
HC Environment |
Dog Control Consultation update
Resolved
That this was noted in item 5.7
|
7.26 |
Martin Wood (Hags) |
Roundabout inspection
Resolved
That this was noted in item 5.3.2
|
7.27 |
Rural Services |
Weekly update – 28 August 2009
|
7.28 |
Richard Baker |
E H Air Cadets – request to make presentation with regards to support for their work with young people
Resolved
That this is agreed and that the Clerk should write to confirm the invitation.
ACTION CLERK
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7.29 |
Glasdon |
Equipment catalogue |
7.30 |
Dave Gladwin |
Dog Fouling? at Recreation Ground
Resolved
That this was noted in item 5.7
|
7.31 |
Peter Overstall |
PFO Report for September 2009
Resolved
That this was noted in item 12.1
|
7.32 |
Liz Overstall |
Newsletter item
Resolved
That this was noted in item 5.7
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|
8 |
Lengthsman Scheme |
|
|
8.1 |
Lengthsman work undertaken in August.
To be advised
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9 |
Financial Report |
9.1 |
Payments for approval |
|
|
Clerk salary |
£ |
535.58 |
Stationery/Office Expenses (including replacement printer £59.18) |
£ |
59.18 |
Clerk postage |
£ |
10.56 |
Clerk travel |
£ |
28.18 |
HM Inland Revenue (PAYE £8.80 NI £8.45 employee £9.83 employer) |
£ |
27.08 |
Amey Wye Valley – Road sweep Aug |
£ |
69.00 |
Brian Ball – Maintenance of flower beds (6/5/09 +10/8/09) |
£ |
70.00 |
Brian Ball – Hang 3 x gates (P3 Scheme 2008/9) |
£ |
258.00 |
Brian Ball - Install finger post EH18 (P3 Scheme 2008/9) |
£ |
80.00 |
Brian Ball – Install finger post DU10 (P3 Scheme 2009/10) |
£ |
30.00 |
Brian Ball – Strimming (P3 Scheme 2009/10) |
£ |
60.00 |
Advance Joinery – Pavilion handrail |
£ |
51.75 |
Mazars – Annual Audit 2009 |
£ |
155.25 |
Herefordshire Council – Parish Freighter (November 09) |
£ |
40.00 |
Herefordshire Council – Green Waste Bags (250) |
£ |
150.00 |
Martin Roper – Waste collection Aug |
£ |
78.29 |
Martin Roper – Grass cutting Aug |
£ |
223.37 |
|
|
|
|
9.2 |
Balances as at 1st September 2009 |
|
NatWest Current account |
£ |
2,007.13 |
Unpresented cheques |
£ |
348.00 |
Cheques/cash to be credited |
£ |
nil |
NatWest Business Reserve |
£ |
5,867.10 |
Alliance + Leicester Current account |
£ |
624.45 |
Alliance + Leicester Deposit account |
£ |
6,522.01 |
Total cash assets
Consisting of: |
£ |
14,672.69 |
Precept funds |
£ |
12,278.77 |
Lengthsman Scheme
Balance available but not yet claimed |
£ |
1,910.25 |
Administration charge outstanding |
£ |
169.80 |
Available funds for remainder of financial year
(annual allocation £2,547.00) |
£ |
2,370.22 |
|
£ |
629.77 |
Parish Path Funds |
£ |
1,310.40 |
Parish Plan Funds |
£ |
453.75 |
|
|
|
|
9.3 |
Payments Received
|
|
Lengthsman Scheme (1st quarterly payment) |
£ |
636.75 |
|
£ |
|
|
|
Resolved
That the monthly financial statement is accepted and that payments should be made.
|
9.4 |
Annual Audit 2009 |
|
Mazars have returned audited accounts for year ending 31st March 2009 and confirmed that the relevant legislation and regulatory requirements have been met. Annual Return and Notice of Conclusion of Audit need to be displayed for a minimum of 14 days.
Resolved
That this is noted
ACTION CLERK
|
9.5 |
Finance Regulations
|
|
Regulations were reviewed
Para 3.4 Suggested inserting clause to cover emergency spending of over £200 so that paragraph would read:
“The Clerk may incur expenditure on behalf of the Council which is necessary to carry out any repair replacement or other work which is of such extreme urgency that it must be done at once, whether or not there is any budgetary provision for the expenditure, subject to a limit of £200. For such expenditure over £200 this can be allowed with agreement of Chair or Vice Chair. In all cases the Clerk shall report the action to the Council as soon as practicable thereafter.”
Para 5.3 It was noted that, given the fact that the Clerk and RFO positions were held by the same person; cheques drawn under 6.4 could be signed by that individual in the absence of a second councillor in his capacity as RFO, as long as it was identified in the minutes.
Para 6.4 Conflict in this paragraph as Clerk and RFO are one and the same, therefore would be appropriate to include Chair or Vice Chair so that paragraph would read:
“If a payment is necessary to avoid a charge to interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. and the due date for payment is before the next scheduled Meeting of Council, where the Clerk/RFO and Chair or Vice Chair certify that there is no dispute or other reason to delay payment, the Clerk may (notwithstanding paragraph 6.3) take all steps necessary to settle such invoices provided that a list of such payments shall be submitted to the next appropriate meeting of Council.”
Para 6.6 Ability to set up direct debit should be pursued for electricity supply
Para 10.1 (a) (vi) (c) Level of contract to be increased to £500
Resolved
That Finance Regulations (with these amendments and others identified by Councillors before the next meeting) should be brought to the October GPC Meeting for approval.
|
10 |
Planning |
10.1 |
Application number DCSW2009/1608/F
|
|
Site: |
Bramble Tye, 4 Glebe Close, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire.
HR2 0EG |
Description:
|
To create two additional bedrooms and bathroom facilities in the unused loft space; to extend the ground floor to create an extended kitchen dining area; to create a utility area within the existing floor area (re location of existing en suite bathroom). |
Application Type: |
FULL |
Applicant: |
Mr David Campbell, 63 Halkingcroft, Langley, Slough.
SL3 7AZ |
|
|
Resolved
That EHGPC has no objections to this application (plans viewed prior to meeting)
|
10.2 |
Application number DCSW2009/1259/F
Notification of Planning Permission |
|
Site: |
Land adjacent to Hazelwood, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire.
HR2 0EU |
Description:
|
Construction of one pair of semi-detached four-bedroomed houses, with integral garages and associated parking. |
|
|
Resolved
That this is noted
|
10.3 |
Application number DCSW2009/1599/S
Agricultural Building – Prior Approval Not Required |
|
Site: |
Lodge Farm, Walterstone, Herefordshire. HR2 0DT |
Description: |
General purpose agricultural storage building |
|
|
|
|
Resolved
That this is noted
|
11 |
Road Maintenance and Related Matters
|
|
11.1 |
Public Telephone
It was noted that the public telephone in Ewyas Harold was out of order.
Resolved
That the Clerk should report this to BT
ACTION CLERK
|
11.2 |
Road Markings
Despite being reported on several occasions, the markings at the end of Prill Road had still not been repainted.
Resolved
That the Clerk should re-report this through the Parish Initiative Scheme.
ACTION CLERK |
11.3 |
Ewyas Harold Village Centre
It has been reported that the centre requires a general tidy up.
- Weeding
- Some areas of the railings need repainting.
Resolved
That the Clerk arranges for this work to be undertaken
ACTION CLERK
|
|
|
|
12 |
Footpaths
|
12.1 |
Footpaths Officer’s Report
EH 19 The bank of the Dulas brook next to the bridleway leading to Walk Mill farm has now been repaired.
EH31A The path through Cae Newydd wood is passable but is very overgrown. We should
ask our contractor to clear it.
EH33 A gate has now been installed in the field behind the Westwood Industrial Estate where
the path joins the track leading to Paradise cottage.
Recently installed kissing gate is to have hoops added.
Peter Overstall – September 2009
|
13 |
Parish Newsletter
The next Newsletter is due for publication in September.
All items to editor as soon as possible
Herefordshire Council have complained that the contact details for pothole reporting are wrong and should be amended to:
Email streets@herefordshire.gov.uk or phone switchboard (01432 260000) and ask to be transferred.
Resolved
That this is noted
|
14 |
Parish Website
Nothing to report
|
|
The Meeting closed at 9.00pm |
|
Chairman
Date
NEXT MEETING October 6th 2009 at Rowlstone Village Hall
Future Meetings :
November 3rd 2009
December 1st 2009
January 5th 2010 |
