189/09

Public Question Time (1) - Standing Order 22 refers

Deer Reflectors

Mr G Green enquired when the deer reflectors promised by Gloucestershire Highways and the County Councillor would be installed on the A40 and the Hampnett Road and it was agreed to chase these up.

Bus Shelter in Market Place

Mr Green also enquired when the buses would begin using the bus stop correctly.  The Chairman advised that he has ongoing discussion with the Bus companies and Gloucestershire Highways to bring this matter to a conclusion.

190/09

Apologies and Reasons for Absence

Cllr P Sanders (Business) and Cllr F McKenzie (County)

191/09

Acceptance and signing of Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 8 December 2009

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

192/09

Declaration of Interests

Cllr Blades and Cllr Mrs J Pullin declared a personal interest in Ms R Leach’s grant application.

193/09

Action:

Any Matters Arising from the above Minutes not included on the Agenda

 Letter to Highways

The Chairman requested that Mrs Watkins’ reply to his letter is copies to Members and Mr S Chilton.

194/09

District  and County Councillors’ Reports

Councillor Fiona McKenzie (County) – Not Available

Councillor Mark Tufnell (District)

Cllr Tufnell wished everyone a Happy New Year ! He also advised that the waste collections had finally caught up today after the delays caused by the cold weather when it would have been dangerous to send lorries and staff out.  Members commented that SITA had done a good job in clearing up and Cllr Tufnell said he would be pleased to report back to the contractor.

195/09

Police Report -Sgt Martin Jones

Sgt Jones reported that it had been very quiet over Christmas and New Year with calls down by 20%.  Many pubs had also complained that business was very quiet.

Crime figures in general are down 12 % on the previous year with criminal damage considerably decreased.  Chief Constable Dr Brain has now left the Gloucestershire force for a position with the London Met.  His replacement has visited Stow Police Station.  Sgt Martin advised that there are unlikely to be any staff cuts in Stow but Officers who leave will not be replaced.

196/09

Finance

196.1/09

Draft Minutes from the Finance, Funding & Grants Committee Meeting held on Tuesday, 12 January 2010

Noted

196.2/09

Report from the Chairman of the Finance, Funding & Grants Committee

Cllr Mrs Lawrence wished everyone not on FFG Committee a Happy New Year.  She advised Members that the Administration Assistant’s hours have been increased and the Clerk’s have reduced.  She also advised that next year’s budget has been adjusted: £2,500 moved out of general reserve to support the MUGA and £500 to create a budget for the Allotments.  The remaining £3,500 will not last long.

196.3/09

Budget Status up to 31 December 2009 (Attached)

Noted

196.4/09

Bills for Payment for December 2009 (Attached)

Proposed:  Cllr M Gaut              Seconded:  Cllr C Hancock

And unanimously RESOLVED to pay.

196.5/09

Action:

Quotation for Clearance of the River Leach (Attached)

The quotation for the work was circulated.  There was some discussion as to whether the degraded material should go onto the flood plain or be compacted onto the bank.  However, it was agreed that the contractor should liaise with Cllr Wellman regarding disposal of the spoil.

Proposed:  Cllr Mrs J Lawrence                Seconded:  Cllr Mrs J Pullin

And unanimously RESOLVED to approve.

196.06/09

Action:

Grant Application from Ms R Leach (Attached)

Members felt that in view of the modest funds available donations should be made available to community organisations which would benefit a large number of residents rather than individuals and that Miss Leach should be directed to the Northleach Lions and the Hugh Westwoods funds.

197/09

Planning and Tree Works

197.1/09

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

Noted

197.2/09

Action:

Report from the Chairman of the Planning Committee

Cllr Mrs Lawrence reported that only one new application has been received relating to windows at Greendale House.

Members were asked if an application has been notified regarding the residential development of the Stables off All Alone and the Chairman agreed to check with CDC Planners and also to enquire about drainage off the stables into the River Leach.

198/09

Property and Premises Maintenance Committee

198.1/09

Draft Minutes from the Committee Meeting held on Monday, 7 December 2009

Noted

198.2/09

Report from the Chairman of the P&PM Committee

Cllr Wellman advised that additional salt bins were installed in time for use during the snow and icy weather and that FFG Committee has requested additional bins in the Nostle Road area.

199/09

Westwoods Committee

199.1/09

Draft Minutes from the Committee Meeting held on Monday, 7 December 2009

Noted

199.2/09

Report from the Chairman of the Westwoods Committee

Cllr Blades advised that decoration work has been continued and it is planned to trial the cleaning of one carpet to judge if it will be worth cleaning all of them.

200/09

Working Groups and Projects

200.1/09

Action:

Draft Minutes of the Development Group Meeting held on Tuesday, 12 January 2010 and a Report from the Chairman

Draft Minutes were noted.  Cllr Pezet advised that he has a meeting with Marilyn Cox (GRCC) to explore possible funding and is meeting with QuadraBec later this week to progress the pre-planning work.

200.2/09

Updates on any Other Current Projects

None

201/09

Action:

Action:

Chairman’s Report

Eastington Road Bridge

Cllr Hancock advised that the measurements of the proposed bridge have been received from Cotswold Conservation Board and Mr G Stock has been asked to overlay these on his drawings of the site. 

Snow Wardens

The Chairman expressed his thanks to the Town’s snow wardens, Messrs Mustoe, who had done a remarkable job during the recent heavy snow.  It was noted that Mr B Brazington clears the Fosseway from the Northleach traffic lights to the Cherry Tree Lane crossroads in Cirencester.  Cllr Tufnell explained that the ploughs are provided and maintained by Gloucestershire County Council who pay the snow wardens for the hours that they work.  It was agreed to enquire who is responsible for which roads.

202/09

Representatives on Other Bodies

Action:

Action:

Action:

An Opportunity for Members representing the Council on Other Bodies to Give Brief Verbal Reports.

·   Cllr Cotton advised that the 2^nd phase of church restoration is under way and that contractors have been able to continue work indoors when the weather has made other outdoor work impossible.  He also advised that he is waiting for the better weather to check the Churchyard lights on the roof.

·   Cllr Mrs Pullin advised that the youth workers are still working on the streets.

·   Cllr Hancock reported that the Market Place bus shelter shutters are still not being closed at night and the lights are being left on.  It was agreed to contact CDC.

·   Cllr Mrs Pullin reported that there is a considerable amount of dog mess in the Midwinter Road are and on the corner near to Coalyard Farm.  It was agreed to notify CDC dog wardens.  It was also agreed to request a supply of dog pooh bags and if unavailable to source ourselves.

·   Cllr Cotton complained about the state of the Farm Yard behind the Post Office and expressed concern that a gap has been left in the wall near to the traffic lights which could give access to travellers.  Members were generally concerned that the Farmington Trust does not appear to be keeping several sites around the Town in good order and the Clerk was instructed to make contact with the Trust.

203/09

Action:

Any Other Business-

Members enquired about the status of the wall around the Mill Pond and concern was expressed that the wall on the Church side could be on a footpath.  It was agreed to check the footpaths maps.

204/09

Public Question Time (2) - Standing Order 22 refers

None