Minutes of a meeting of the STANFORD IN THE VALE PARISH COUNCIL held on Wednesday 2nd November 2005 in the URC Millennium Hall

 

 

Questions/Comments from Parishioners

 

Mrs. Clemency Fox stated her concern regarding speeding in Bow Road. She asked that consideration be given to installing an illuminated sign in order to “ slow down” vehicles. The Clerk informed the council that the item was due under correspondence but that as a parish council we were not authorised to erect or place any highway signs, this being the responsibility of the County and police. The County Councillor also stated that there was discussion regarding the over use and possible removal of road furniture ( signs). Council suggested that possibly a narrowing of the road at a designated point would slow vehicles down. Clerk to ask County highways for advice.

 

Present:          Cllr.P.G.McMorrow(Chair)               Cllr.S.Bambury(Deputy Chair)

                        Cllr. P.Gill                                           Cllr.B.Burls

                        Cllr.M.Isaacs                                     Cllr.Mrs.G.McMorrow

                        Cllr.M.Mullen                                    Cllr.L.Miles

                        Cllr.F.Shires (2015)

 

                        Cllr. M.Tilley(County Council)         D.M.Dew(Clerk)

 

                        2 Parishioners

 

1/11/05 Apologies

 

                        Cllr.G.Hughes   Cllr.F.Shires ( Attended @ 2015 Personal)   Cllr.R.Sharp (District Councillor)

 

2/11/05 Declarations of Interest by Councillors on any Agenda Item

 

Cllr P.G.McMorrow Item 7 Correspondence – Millennium Trust

 

3/11/05 Minutes of meeting 7th September 2005 to be received and signed as a true record

 

                        Page 4 last para delete  “littet” add  litter. Following this change

 

                        ON THE RESOLUTION OF Cllr ISAACS

                        SECONDED BY Cllr. BAMBURY

                        IT WAS RESOLVED that the minutes be approved and signed as a true record

 

4/11/05 Report of County Councillor

 

·  Housing allocation – county supported the majority of houses to be in Didcot/Bicester areas. City council had wanted 8000 in City on green belt on basis that housing was more sustainable in city. A review of green belt has been requested. The county recommendations have to be approved by South East England Development Agency.

·  Primary Care Trust (Health Auth ), 5 in Oxfordshire, are being reorganised with a leaning towards more privatisation. All parties felt to many things were being changed at  too fast a rate and that there should be no privatisation yet.

·  The City Council had applied to become a Unitary Authority although it was considered to be too small

·  Westgate is to be redeveloped

·  County considered that a reduction in road furniture(signs) produced better driving

·  New flight path – the 10500 feet quoted was a base height for light a/c other commercial flights will be above 28000 feet.

 

5/11/05 Report of Clerk

 

 

·  Social problems – Report on youths from other areas coming to Stanford  “ because nobody bothers us here”- there is an obvious alcohol related problem ( Bottles/cans left behind) and a possible drug problem if the youths are to be believed. The matter has been reported to the police

·  Dogs – There have been several instances of dogs being exercised in the rec areas, owners denying knowledge of ban despite signs on gates. District Council Dog Warden has placed more signs out and will take action against anyone he finds. He has issued warning letters to an owner who allowed a dog to run free in the village without supervision or collar – Villagers should note that this can lead to a hefty fine or  IMPRISONMENT

·  County Council has asked if the Parish Council wish to sign further agreements for highway maintenance – Clerk has asked for further details

·  Replacement of existing play equipt. – Clerk to obtain quotes inc swings

·  Future projects – Asked that consideration be given to non-playarea projects – paved seated areas etc to enhance village life – Cllr Gill asked about a Parish Plan to gauge parishioners requirements. Clerk and Chairman stated the cost of Parish Plans. It was suggested that suggestion boxes be placed around the village for the same purpose starting with the Forum due to be held on 5th November.

·  Mr.Sid Maskell wished to give up his position as Transport Representative due to ill health. The Council wished to thank him for the work that he had done in that role

·  Council employees – It was considered that this item should be discussed in confidence

 

6/11/05 Report of Chairman

 

·Reported on regional judging Village of Year. Results will be known late/Nov/Dec. In competition with 7 other counties, judges included a Calor Gas rep.

·Church wall – quote awaited to root out ivy which is destroying this wall. Chair to contact WREN for grant application

·Dog Bin obtained free and suggested it be placed in Marlborough Lane. This will need volunteer emptying as District will not collect from there. Cllr.Gill asked about moving the dog bin from outside the playarea, but to where ?

·Due to growing season verges to be mowed March – October monthly

·New Road Crossing High Street to be installed in November

·Had applied for Drop Verges (5 Sites) for disabled/prams

·10 trees to be planted by District Council, mainly oaks

·Quotes obtained to repair playarea gate

 

7/11/05 Correspondence

 

·        Audit Commission - It was decided that this item should be classed and discussed in confidence

·        ORCC –Retirement of Chief Executive John Hardwicke – In view of the valuable help and support given to this council by John the Chairman suggested that a donation be sent to the presentation fund.

ON THE RESOLUTION OF Cllr.P.G.McMORROW

SECONDED BY Cllr.SHIRES

IT WAS RESOLVED that £10 be donated

·        Oxfordshire CC – Notice of adoption of proposals Structure Plan 2016

·        Oxfordshire CC – Highway Management Agreements – Extension of grass cutting contact and weed/vegetation control if required – Clerk obtaining further details

·        Oxfordshire CC – Temporary road closure High St. 6 days from 7 November 2005

·        Oxfordshire CC – Installation of Bus  Timetables by Heyfordian Travel

·        Oxfordshire CC – Temporary road closure – Church Green for approx 12 months

·        Oxfordshire CC – Notification of  installation of Zebra Crossing High St – 21 Nov

·        NHS (Ambulance) and Fire Service – response to Council/Village thank yous

·        Stanford Millennium Green Trust – Offer of mower for £2600 -  Cllr.P.G.McMorrow declared an interest and left the meeting – Cllrs while taking note of the ongoing free storage were unsure about the market value of the machine. Cllr Bambury will contact Handy Garden Machinery to determine the value. The matter will be reported at the Finance (Bills) Committee and if proved to be an acceptable price

ON THE RESOLUTION OF Cllr BAMBURY

SECONDED BY Cllr.SHIRES

IT WAS RESOLVED that the mower be purchased

 

·        Stanford in the Vale Pre-School Playgroup Assoc – Fenced area  - Decision required after Cllr Mrs. McMorrow had visited. While Council felt that the regulatory body were “over the top”

ON THE RESOLUTION OF Cllr. MULLEN

SECONDED BY Cllr.Mrs.McMORROW

IT WAS RESOLVED that permission be granted to erect the fence as per plan and quotes

 

8/11/05 Planning Applications

 

·        STA/8417.6 – CM Bowling Green Farm – Change of Condition 30 on original plan. This is with regard to storage and reuse of top soil

Council were not happy with reasons given for change and Cllr.Isaacs will investigate further and if satisfied will inform the Clerk. It is suggested that the area be open to the public after work has finished

Clerks Note: Following Cllr. Isaacs investigation there were valid reasons for the application

for change and allowing for this and the recommendation of public access

ON THE RESOLUTION OF Cllr.P.G.McMORROW

SECONDED BY Cllr.MULLEN

IT WAS RESOLVED that the application be supported

 

·        STA/19324 – 22 Spencers Close – Erection of rear porch

ON THE RESOLUTION OF Cllr SHIRES

SECONDED BY Cllr BURLS

IT WAS RESOLVED that the application be supported

o                   STA/19331 – 50 Hunters Field – Erection of three storey side extension –

ON THE RESOLUTION OF Cllr BAMBURY

SECONDED BY Cllr.MULLEN

IT WAS RESOLVED that while Council did not object they requested that the following issue be given consideration – That the third floor window is intrusive

 

9/11/05 District Councillors report

 

                        Nil

 

10/11/05 To approve monthly statement of accounts

 

                        ON THE RESOLUTION OF Cllr. BAMBURY

                        SECONDED BY Cllr.GILL

                        IT WAS RESOLVED that the monthly statement of accounts be approved

 

11/11/05 To authorise accounts for payment

 

                        M.Dew                        Salary & Expenses                               830.24

 

                        J.Northcote                  Salary                                                   124.80

 

                        OPFA                          Membership Fees                                   35.00

 

                        Village Hall                   Hall Hire Village of Year                         17.00

 

                        P.Gerring                      Mowing/Hedging                                  141.00

 

                        D.Rolls             Salary                                                     70.88

 

                        P.G.McMorrow           Hospitality Village of Year                      10.94

 

                        Audit Commission        Audit Fees                                          3158.50

 

                        P.Gill                            Casual workers wages                            50.00

 

                        ORCC                         Donation                                                10.00

 

                        Cllr.P.G. and Mrs G. McMorrow declared an interest in item 7

 

                        ON THE RESOLUTION OF Cllr.ISAACS

                        SECONDED BY Cllr.MULLEN

                        IT WAS RESOLVED that the accounts be paid

 

12/11/05 To receive and approve minutes of Planning and Finance(Bills) committee 5 Oct 2005

 

                        The Chairman commended the minutes to Council

                        ON THE RESOLUTION OF Cllr.Mrs G.McMORROW

                        SECONDED BY Cllr.BURLS

                        IT WAS RESOLVED that the minutes be approved

13/11/05 Budget and Precept 2006/2007

 

Following discussions and inspection of accounts it was decided that the precept should be set at £23200

 

                        ON THE RESOLUTION OF Cllr BURLS

SECONDED BY Cllr.Mrs.G.McMORROW

IT WAS RESOLVED that the precept be set at £23,200

 

14/11/05 Recreation and Leisure.

 

  • Dog Fouling and Dog Warden. The new Act. Requests in the Newsletter for Dog and Litter wardens have prompted no replies as yet.
  • Regular checks should continue by all councillors to ensure all areas of the village are in good order.

.

  • The Clerk has delivered the paint from the sponsor ready for next painting of the skate ramps.
  • Fearless Ramps have been contacted and will be sending us further quotes for other ramps. 
  • The floodlights are functioning for evening activities.
  • One other activity we could consider for next year could be Pertanque. Perhaps we could construct gravelled areas in both the Village Hall Play Area and the Recreation Ground.
  • PG agreed with replacement of equipment in the Village Hall Play Areas and would apply for grants as soon as the Clerk has obtained estimates of costs

 

 

15/11/05 Date of next meeting

 

                        Council  Wednesday 4th January 2006   - Planning & Finance Tuesday 7th December 2005

 

                        ON THE RESOLUTION OF Cllr.BURLS

                        SECONDED BY Cllr SHIRES

                        IT WAS RESOLVED that the meeting be closed

 

                        Comments/questions from Parishioners

 

                        Mrs Greenwood asked on behalf of village youth, where the Youth Shelter had gone ?  It has

                        Been removed for modification  ie more weather proof.

 

                        ON THE RESOLUTION OF Cllr.MRS.G.McMORROW

                        SECONDED BY Cllr.MULLEN

                        IT WAS RESOLVED that the meeting be reopened in confidential session

 

                        Confidential minutes attached

 

 

 

 

IN CONFIDENCE

 

To be read as part of Stanford in the Vale Parish Council Meeting 2nd November 2005

 

5/11/05 Clerks Report

                        Point 6 Council Employees

                        Clerk detailed irregularities regarding the tax situation of the proposed new employee and in                   view of the work involved tax/nat.insurance wise, an apparent unsuitable attitude and the

                        upset caused to a present staff member he did not think it wise to employ this person on a

                        regular basis. Cllr.Gill said that this person had done some excellent work and there was a

                        vacancy and that some hours had been worked which council had agreed would be paid.

                        It was revealed that the person had legally lost his driving license and would therefore be

                        unable to use mowers.

                        After considering this item Council decided that the person in question could be offered work

                        as and when needed.. It was proposed  that he be made a one-off payment of £50 to cover

                        work already completed.

                        ON THE RESOLUTION OF Cllr BAMBURY

                        SECONDED BY Cllr.P.G.McMORROW

                        IT WAS RESOLVED that £50 be paid

 

7/11/05            Correspondence

                        Audit Commission – Clerk reported that the Audit Commission had summonsed the Parish

Council for non-payment of audit fees. Clerk stated he had spent some considerable time talking to Audit Commission and the County Courts in an effort to delay or stop the proceedings. He had been informed that despite the appeal which he and the Chairman had attended the legal action would continue. Having enquired about the next steps Clerk was informed to sit back and wait for court’s instructions . The commission and court are in no doubt aware of our anger and displeasure over the whole affair and the defence has been entered …” The amount claimed (£3158.50) is disputed and this has been recognised by the Audit Commission who instigated a Board of Appeal held in London on 26th September and attended by Stanford in the vale Parish Officials. The result of this appeal is not yet known.I spoke to M/s J.Farrell  Audit Commission Finance Control regarding the threat of legal action at which time she agreed to pass this information to solicitor M.Lewis. At no time has the Parish Council disputed that it owes fees for audit the amount is in dispute ,especially as we are complainants of the Commissions failure to execute their duties. The Parish Council is amazed that this summons has been issued especially as members of the appeals board are also based at Westwood House Bristol”

It was agreed that payment should not be made until appeal result was known.

 

Clerks Note:

The day following this meeting a further legal notice was received stating that the case would be heard within the next three working days and as the Council had not entered a defence the Judge would take that into consideration and “ any defence and any counter claim would be struck out” ie we would be guilty. On contacting the court to say that a counter claim had been submitted as I had not sent £200 to lodge the counter claim it was not admissible. Not finding anything to state that £200 was required  only statements that the claimant was responsible I find that in a counter claim we suddenly become the claimants. In view of these events and the threat of baliffs looking at the Responsible Finance Officer ( The Clerk) after discussions with the Chairman the Clerk has paid the amount requested with the proviso from the Audit Commission that any fees reduced by the appeal would be refunded.