172/09

Public Question Time (1) - Standing Order 22 refers

None

173/09

Apologies and Reasons for Absence

Cllr N Fletcher (Ill Health), Cllr Mrs J Moss (Personal), Cllr P Sanders (Business), Cllr M Tufnell (District)

The Chairman expressed his regret on receiving Cllr Mrs Jenny Moss’s resignation for family reasons.

174/09

Acceptance and signing of Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 20 October 2009

Unanimously RESOLVED to confirm the Minutes as a true and accurate record and were signed by the Chairman.      

175/09

Declaration of Interests

None

176/09

To Discuss any Matters Arising from the above Minutes not included on the Agenda

·         Prison Clock – It is understood that CDC has the matter in hand.

·         Letter to GCC, Road Safety – The Chairman advised that he has written to the Road Safety Officer in reply to her letter to Mr S Chilton.

177/09

County Councillors’ Reports

Councillor Fiona McKenzie (County) advised:

·        She had attended a Group meeting to discuss Council Tax increases at County.   

·        Is trying to be proactive in how funds are spent at County.

·        Despite encouraging home care national government is not providing enough funding.

·        More children are being taken into care since Baby Peter incident. She suggested that parents should still have a financial burden even when child is in care.

·        Half of County’s budget is ring fenced for schools (£350m)

178/09

Police Report

Report from attending Police Officer

Not available

179/09

Finance

179.1/09

Draft Minutes from the Finance, Funding and Grants Committee Meeting held on Monday, 9 November 2009

Noted

179.2/09

Report from the Chairman of the Finance Committee

Cllr Mrs Lawrence presented the proposed budget for 2010-11 (attached) and advised that the Committee had recommended that the work of the Council should be better promoted when publicising the budget. 

179.3/09

Precept Request for 2010 – 2011

Cllr Mrs Lawrence proposed that on the Finance Committee’s recommended the Precept should be increased by 2% for the forthcoming year to cover grass cutting and to create a general reserve.  This was seconded by Cllr C Hancock and unanimously RESOLVED.

179.4/09

Budget Status up to 30 November 2009

Noted

179.5/09

Bills for Payment for October & November 2009 (Attached)

Proposed by Cllr C Hancock, Seconded by Cllr Mrs J Pullin and Unanimously RESOLVED to pay.

180/09

Planning and Tree Works

180.1/09

Schedule of New Planning Applications, Applications Responded to and Decision Notices Received

Noted

180.2/09

Report from the Chairman of the Planning Committee

Cllr Mrs Lawrence advised 2 new applications had been received since publication of the agenda and advice of determination of 2 other applications received.

181/09

Property and Premises Maintenance Committee

181.1/09

Report from the Chairman of the P&PM Committee

Cllr A Wellman advised that as only he and Mr White had attended last night it had not been possible to continue the meeting.  He advised that new salt/grit bins have been installed together with a new notice board in the Cemetery.

182/09

Westwoods Committee

182.1/09

Report from the Chairman of the Westwoods Committee

Cllr Blades advised that:

·       A meeting had taken place last night. 

·       It is planned to re-carpet the entrance hall in the spring when decorating has been completed.

·       Quotes are being sought for cleaning the remainder of the carpets and it is intended to have one room cleaned as a trial.

·       Bookings are good although some small hirers are struggling to pay fees. 

·       Outside lighting is to be renewed at the front of building with sensors /timers.  The installation of steps from Fortey Road to the Westwoods car park had been discussed but would not be pursued.  It was agreed to make the Surgery aware of the request.

183/09

Working Groups and Projects

183.1/09

Verbal Update on Emergency Planning

Cllr Mrs Lawrence advised that 3 sheds are being purchased and quotes being obtained for concrete bases at:  Cotswold Hall, Westwoods and Nangles Allotments.  They will have dual use to store sandbags and emergency supplies.

Marilyn Cox (GRCC) is keen to carry out an emergency exercise.  It will be necessary to have people with identified roles and this will be continued next year.

183.2/09

Minutes of the Development Group Meeting held on Wednesday, 18 November 2009 and a Report from the Chairman

Cllr Pezet advised that the Development Group recommended that the MUGA is developed on the Westwoods site.  He explained that he had met with Chris Stone of Quadra Bec and found him to be very professional.  A more detailed budget has now been developed (attached) and he requested that the Council support the project through to the planning stage for which a budget of £7,500 would be required.  It was agreed to take the proposal to the next Finance Committee meeting and, in the meantime, to use the existing MUGA budget of £4,000 and investigate grant funding for further seed money.  It was suggested that CDC may have useful information relating to the site from the development of the Doctors’ Surgery.

183.3/09

Updates on any Other Current Projects

None.

184/09

Correspondence

184.1/09

Report on Youth Work Activities in Northleach – Summer/Autumn 2009

Noted

184.2/09

Parliamentary Briefing from NALC re Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill – 13 October 2009

Noted

184.3/09

Gloucestershire Highways – To Note Revised Waiting Restrictions

Noted.  It was also noted that Gloucestershire Highways still needs to be consulted for alternative proposals for parking restrictions in West End.

185/09

Chairman’s Report

Cllr Hancock advised:

·       It was disappointing not to have been successful in the Playbuilder bid and the Clerk was requested to contact CDC for feedback.

·       It is also disappointing that we are still waiting for a Highways approved contractor to install the bus shelters.

·       Buses still don’t pull in to the Market Place, on the correct side of shelter.  Pulhams have suggested a meeting with GCC. 

·       CDC Planners have agreed in principle to the installation of a bridge at Eastington Road.  Measurements are being taken on Friday morning and drawings arranged.

·       The Primary School now wishes to have 2 cups for a poetry competition from the remainder of the Rose Miles Memorial fund.  Cllr Cotton suggested that a music competition could be considered.

·       The Christmas Tree and Lights have been very successful.

·       The Charter Fair Committee has advised that they will be donating £300 for the Council to distribute to local organisations.  It was agreed to invite small bids in the Parish magazine.

·       The Cricket Club Race Night raised nearly £1,000 and it is expected that around £500 will be forthcoming towards utility bills at the Pavilion.

Representatives on Other Bodies

186/09

Cllr Cotton advised that Nimbus Conservation has returned to continue cleaning stone and windows and that they have several months work.

There is a fault with the clock’s winder and repairers will be back next week.  This fault has no connection with work already carried out.

187/09

Any Other Business

Cllr Mrs Pullin advised that the shutters on the shelter in the Market Place are not being closed at night and it is being used by people relieving themselves as they leave the nearby pub late at night.

Members were also advised that the gate near to the School on School Hill is being used as an access to the Nursery although access is forbidden.  The Clerk was requested to advise the Head Teacher.

188/09

Public Question Time (2) - Standing Order 22 refers

None.