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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
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Chairman of the meeting, Cllr Stuart opened proceedings at 7.30pm. Cllr Messenger (CDC) had apologised through Cllr Bennett (CDC) for his absence. Cllr S. Parsons (GCC) apologised for his absence as he was attending the Water Park Annual Meeting. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13th MAY 2009 It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Mrs Chubb that the minutes were a true and accurate record. Members of the Parish Council were all in favour. YOUTH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT Michael Brown, Sinead Peare and Jasmine Tresadern of the Youth Parish Council attended the meeting. Sinead requested that a reminder to attend these meetings be sent to her. The Clerk pointed out that his last instruction was to inform Joe Lodge and to this end had emailed him an agenda and draft minutes six days prior to every meeting. He would now let Sinead know instead. Sinead reported that recent business of the YPC included a debate on what sort of equipment should be installed on the old basketball court at Upper Up. The YPC had shortlisted three items of which a wheel chair roundabout was preferred. Cllr Jay suggested that a piece of equipment which could be used by disabled youth would attract publicity for the YPC and possibly be easier to acquire grant aid from funders. Cllr Mrs Land suggested that a “birds nest” swing should be considered as it would suit children and adults with disabilities. Cllr Mrs Land volunteered to help with the specification and Cllr Jay will help with any grant application. Sinead reported that more publicity material was needed. Cllr Jay offered to print the black and white items free of charge and the YPC should email the Clerk with details of the colour work and quantities required so that he could obtain a competitive quote. Cllr Stuart thanked the members of the YPC for coming to the meeting. There being no further business the group then left the meeting. MATTERS ARISING Cllr Stuart reported that three further incidents had occurred at the Cricket Club’s pavilion since the fire in April. The Police had been informed and Sgt McIntyre told Cllr Stuart that he had briefed the PCSOs to keep a watch on the area. CLERK’S REPORT The Clerk reported that on Wednesday 20th May he had attended the Annual Parish Meeting of the Parish Council in the Village Hall. On Thursday 21st May he accompanied Cllr Mrs Tunbridge to the RIAT briefing at Bader House, RAF Fairford. The Air Show will take place on the Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July. The theme this year will be the 60th anniversary of NATO. This year more than 300 aircraft will partake in the gala including Vulcan XH558, the legendary V-bomber. The various traffic routes were comprehensively explained with the closest to South Cerney being the “Brown” route which will take traffic from the south and west after leaving M4 junction 17 to the B4696 Spine Road and merging with the “Green” route from the M5 to the A417/A419 to the “Green” car park area. After last year’s cancellation it was interesting to learn than although the insurance had cost £100,000, more than £4.3million had been paid back in compensation. Through the astuteness of the organisers the premium would be discounted by a further 12% this year as part of the agreed package. On Friday 5th June he returned a call to Richard Robinson from Moore Stephens Accountants who are carrying out the audit on the Parish Council’s accounts. Mr Robinson had enquired if the Parish Council had sought a competitive tender for the MUGA and what consultation had been carried out. He believed that the auditor was satisfied with the explanations given. During May of the 19 available working days he had averaged 4 hours 15 minutes per day which is more than 3 hours a week in excess of his contract. May is a particularly busy month for any Parish Clerk. In addition to the usual Parish Council meeting there is the added work associated with the Annual Parish meeting. Cllr Nicholas enquired if the Clerk was content with the extra time involved. The Clerk replied that he was happy with the situation. REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAYING FIELDS & VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 8th JUNE 2009 Cllr Caunce, Cllr Mrs Chubb, Cllr Harris, Cllr Nicholas, Cllr Stuart and Cllr Mrs Tunbridge had attended the meeting. Cllr Caunce had opened the meeting at 7 pm. Election of Chairman Election of Vice Chairman Apologies Matters Arising from previous Minutes Youth Parish Council. It was noted that the YPC was actively researching play equipment to replace the old basketball post and net at Upper Up. The Committee agreed that it was important to take into account how user friendly any new piece would be to less agile children in the community. Bow Wow Trees. Cllr Stuart reported that three Poplars had now been cut down. Cllr Harris reported that the Ash tree had been removed. Shorncote Path. Cllr Stuart stated that there had been nothing further to report on the completion of the outstanding work since last month. Cllr Stuart had met with Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP and discussed the completion of the sewerage system. Mr Clifton-Brown MP intimated that he would be willing to attend an opening ceremony. It was proposed that the MP is requested to persuade Thames Water to settle its outstanding account for professional fees and complete the reinstatement work after which the Parish Council would welcome an opening ceremony. Cllr Stuart had discussed this plan with Chris Graham of Moore Allen and Innocent who was in favour of the approach. Grass Cutting. Cllr Stuart described the latest grass cutting as first class. He asked Cllr Caunce if there had been any complaints about Cerney Wick but there had not, as far as he was aware. Cllr Mrs Chubb asked that the contractor be requested to strim the sides and bottom of the ditch in Station Road sometime after the middle of next month (July). Meeting with Mr Neudegg, Chief Executive Officer Cotswold District Council. Cllr Clive Bennett (CDC) offered to arrange a day time meeting with Mr David Neudegg. The suggested timing of such an event would not be ideal as most Parish Councillors are at work. The Clerk was to enquire from Cllr Bennett, if Mr Neudegg could be persuaded to attend an evening event. There are slots available before Parish Council meetings for such discussions, starting at 7pm and lasting no more than 30 minutes in total. A list of probable topics for discussion could be supplied beforehand. Current open dates are the following Wednesdays at 7pm: 8th July; 9th September; 14th October. Recycling Bins at Upper Up. Cllr Stuart complained that personnel in the waste department at CDC were reluctant to meet with him on site to inspect the surface damage caused by the removal and installation of the recycling bins and the extra overt material being left there. The Clerk was asked to contact the portfolio holder Cllr Mark Tufnell to see what assurances can be given in finding a solution to the problem. Youth Shelter. Cllr Stuart reported that no work had been carried out to the damaged surface of the Youth Shelter. The Clerk stated that he had received a telephone call from an employee of Park Leisure agreeing that the surface was not up to standard and that resurfacing work would be carried out. Meanwhile the recommendation to withhold payment continues. Aggregate Industries Contact. Cllr Stuart reported that the meeting arranged for 20th May with Aggregate Industries surveyor had been cancelled at the last moment. Another arrangement will be planned soon. Cricket Club Pavilion. Cllr Stuart reported that the reinstatement of the recent fire damage had been virtually completed. Three further damage incidents had occurred to the front door. Cllr Stuart suggested to Peter Wheeler from the Cricket Club that a steel outward opening door plus steel shutters to the windows should be installed. Cllr Stuart will enquire from GPFA if there is any advice on such matters or if there are grants available to provide the necessary protection. Upper Up Car Park. Whilst attending the Malvern Spring Show with Cllr Jay, Cllr Stuart saw a system of interlocking plastic squares filled with gravel, which seemed ideal for resurfacing the Upper Up car park. Cllr Stuart invited colleagues to join him at a meeting in the late morning of Monday 15th June when he would discuss the possibilities with a company representative. ANNUAL INSPECTION The Clerk had emailed a copy of the report to all members of the Committee. Cllr Stuart had not yet seen the one sent to him so the Clerk will email him another. Members of the Committee were asked to read the elements of the report relevant to the playgrounds they inspected. Anything of particular concern could be discussed at the next Committee meeting. Generally the report was not critical about the state of the play areas. INSPECTION REPORTS Cerney Wick Robert Franklin Way Upper Up ERECTION OF BUS SHELTER RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE The Committee recommends that the Finance Committee agrees to contract Tim Bryant to remove the redundant basketball post from the Upper Up playground. The Committee, including Cllr Jay, recommends that the Clerk enquires from Mr Curtis if he would be prepared to pick up litter in Cerney Wick on a regular basis or when instructed to do so by Cllr Caunce. The Clerk was to offer him £35 per quarter for the service. COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS Cllr Harris reported that the reinstatement of the old railway line from the Spine Road through to Cricklade by the electricity company was of a poor quality and he was very disappointed with the result; Cllr Nicholas added, especially for cyclists. The route is a valuable part of Sustrans 45 and should be in better order. The Committee agreed with Cllr Harris who suggested that the Parish Council should write to the Water Park Society supporting any action it wishes to take against the contractor responsible for the reinstatement of the disused railway line. Cllr Harris noted that some of the coir rolls in the river Churn in Bow Wow which were washed out had been removed and asked the Clerk to enquire from Gloucestershire Highways when they will be reinstated. Cllr Harris also noted that the stop-boards at Fanshawe weir had been interfered with and the Clerk was asked to inform Lady Fanshawe and Dave Ludford of the Environment Agency. Cllr Harris asked the Clerk to inform Lady Fanshawe that the evergreen hedge and other branches on the north side of Bow Wow, between Lower Mill and the bridge over the river Churn, needed to be cut back as it was overgrowing the carriageway. The Clerk was asked to write to the occupants of Broadway Court to inform them that the hedge overgrowing the pavement on Broadway Lane needed to be cut back. Cllr Harris volunteered to cut back the branches of the Lime trees outside the new development in Station Road. TASK LIST Cllr Webb and the Clerk will attend a meeting of the Gloucestershire Charter group on 25th June to enquire into the reason for the delay in the assessment being carried out by Gloucestershire Highways on the implementation of the planning condition to provide a cycleway opposite the Four Pillars hotel. INCREASED PARKING FACILITIES IN BERKELEY CLOSE Cllr Mrs Land and Cllr Jay joined the discussion. Cllr Caunce had spoken with Gordon Stratford a resident of Berkeley Close who was concerned with the lack of parking in the area. Mr Stratford volunteered to join a group to discuss proposals and to seek interested parties who wished to have the grassed area in Berkeley Close converted into a car park. Cllr Caunce counselled caution as a mandate should be sought from those in the area for such a scheme. Cllr Mrs Land suggested that a meeting could be arranged in the Scout Hut and she would circulate a letter to neighbouring residents inviting them to attend. Cllr Jay queried who would pay? Cllr Caunce agreed that it would be a big challenge but first of all it had to be determined if there was a willingness to go ahead with the plan. Cllr Caunce welcomed Cllr Kimberley who had asked to join the group. Drop Kerbs MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 8th JUNE 2009 Cllr Jay, Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb attended the meeting. Cllr Jay had opened the meeting at 8.30pm. Election of Chairman Election of Vice Chairman Matters Arising The Clerk reported that the auditor Richard Robinson from Moore Stephens Accountants had enquired if the Parish Council had sought a competitive tender for the MUGA and what consultation had been carried out. The Clerk believed that he was satisfied with the explanations given. Spread Sheet Analysis Cllr Jay noted that the expenditure detailed on the spread sheet for period 2 was in order. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE FROM THE PLAYING FIELDS AND VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE The Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee recommended that the Finance Committee agrees to contract Tim Bryant to remove the redundant basketball post from the Upper Up playground. The Playing Fields and Village Maintenance Committee recommended that the Finance Committee agrees that the Clerk enquires from Mr Curtis if he would be prepared to pick up litter in Cerney Wick on a regular basis or when instructed to do so by Cllr Caunce. The Clerk was to offer him £35 inclusive of travel per quarter, for the service. The Finance Committee did not object to any of the above recommendations. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Land and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council agrees to the recommendations of the Finance Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Kimberley declared a prejudicial interest in this next item as he was involved in the provision of the bush craft sessions and left the room. Increase to agreed contribution to the Gloucestershire Youth Service Mary Mychaleckyj had informed Cllr Jay that increasing numbers of children were showing an interest in attending the bush craft sessions. Originally the budget had estimated that about 11 youths would attend but there now could be up to 18 and if applicants were not to be turned away further funding would be necessary. Cllr Jay proposed and Cllr Nicholas seconded a proposal that the Parish Council should be minded to provide up to an extra £200 to support the extra attendance. The Committee was in full approval. The proposition will now seek approval from the Parish Council. It was proposed by Cllr Caunce and seconded by Cllr Harris that the Parish Council agrees to the recommendation of the Finance Committee to provide up to an extra £200 to the youth group. The Parish Council was all in favour. Cllr Kimberley returned to the room.
Cllr Jay had inspected the invoices and the Clerk’s travel expenses for May. The Committee had recommended that the Parish Council agrees to make the above payments. It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Webb that the Parish Council agrees to make the payments recommended by the Finance Committee. The Parish Council was all in favour. Redistribution of Reserve Funds Members of the Finance Committee agreed to hold the meeting on Wednesday 24th June at 7.30pm in the Committee Room of the Village Hall. The Clerk will inform Mr Scott. There being no further business Cllr Jay had closed the meeting at 9pm. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 8th JUNE 2009 Cllr Mrs Chapman, Cllr Mrs Land, Cllr Nicholas and Cllr Webb attended the meeting. Cllr Nicholas had opened the meeting at 9pm. Election of Chairman Election of Vice Chairman Matters Arising The Clerk reported that Yvonne Poole CDC Enforcement Officer had investigated the unapproved advertisements on Lake 11 and the agent for Watermark would submit an application as part of another already being done. Cllr Caunce informed the Parish Council that as up to five properties were now occupied on the Waters Edge development (Lake 10) the conditions relating to the opening of a pathway and improved parking facilities should now be implemented. The Clerk will ask the Enforcement Officer to investigate. PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY COTSWOLD DISTRICT COUNCIL 08/02833/FUL (RETROSPECTIVE) Cllr Caunce and Cllr Harris both declared prejudicial interests in the next two applications as they had professional involvement with the applicant and left the room. 09/01069/FUL 09/01111/FUL The Parish Council agreed with Cllr Stuart who suggested that the Parish Council should contact the applicant asking for his cooperation in providing the “missing link” footpath from Lakeside car park to Kingfisher Place. It was proposed by Cllr Stuart and seconded by Cllr Jay that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was in favour. Cllr Caunce returned to the room. Cllr Harris remained outside as he was also declaring a prejudicial interest in these next two applications because of his professional involvement with the applicant. Cllr Mrs Tunbridge declared a prejudicial interest as a close neighbour and left the room. Cllr Nicholas had also declared a personal prejudicial interest in the following applications as the applicant was a client of his firm and left the room. Cllr Webb took over as Chairman for the following two applications. 09/01294/FUL (Part Retrospective) 09/01295/LBC (Part Retrospective) It was proposed by Cllr Jay and seconded by Cllr Kimberley that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations of the Planning Committee. The Parish Council was in favour. Cllr Harris, Cllr Mrs Tunbridge and Cllr Nicholas all returned to the room. Cllr Nicholas resumed as Chairman of the Committee. PLANNING APPLICATIONS APPROVED 09/00456/FUL CT.2648/4/E 09/00457/FUL CT.2648/4/F 09/00598/OUT CT.2853/B 09/00811/FUL CT.3887/3/R 09/00839/FUL CT.8802 09/00866/FUL CT.3930/K There being no further business Cllr Nicholas had closed the meeting at 9.37pm. RECYCLING BINS AT UPPER UP Cllr Jay had requested that a proposition on the removal of the recycling bins at Upper Up be considered. Cllr Jay opened the discussion stating that he would now like to temporarily withdraw the proposal with the option to reopen it after proper due notice. Cllr Stuart described the recycling facility as well used and of benefit to the community and the waste management operation of the District Council. He continued that there is a growing problem with fly tipping and general untidiness of some users which was not being regularly attended by the waste collection contractors. Further he complained about the lack of cooperation from the waste department at CDC. Another problem was the gouging of the car park surface when the bins were replaced. The skips were tearing up the ground, leaving a scar on the site and a very uneven surface. Caroline Ballinger at CDC had ignored his request for a site meeting to discuss these problems. He appealed to Cllr Bennett (CDC) to use his best efforts to solve the communication problem before the Parish Council debate the removal of the bins from Upper Up. Cllr Bennett had spoken to Scott Williams (CDC) who informed him that site visits by environment wardens occur regularly and although he acknowledged that there was a problem there was no evidence as to who was responsible. Sita, the waste contractors are now visiting the site every day at 6.30am. Cllr Bennett (CDC) will ask members of the waste management team to arrange a site meeting with Cllr Stuart. Cllr Nicholas was also critical describing the response as lip service. He emphasised that there is an on going problem which needs to be addressed by the portfolio holder who should be more proactive. Cllr Bennett (CDC) stated that he would contact Cllr Mark Tufnell, the portfolio holder, immediately after this meeting to report the discontent of the Parish Council. Cllr Mrs Land enquired if Cllr Stuart had removed any of the rubbish. Cllr Stuart replied that there was too much of it for him to move. Cllr Harris suggested that if a concrete base was installed in the bin area it might relieve the gouging problem and placate residents. Cllr Jay was not impressed with Cllr Bennett’s (CDC) responses and asked that the proposal is included in next month’s agenda. CORRESPONDENCE
COUNCILLORS' REPORTS Cllr Caunce reported that Cotswold Hoburne had erected three large advertising signs on the north side of the B4696 (Spine Road). The Clerk was asked to inform Mr Bob Lawrence that he would need to make an application to the CDC planners for permission to advertise in this manner. Cllr Caunce also reported that on the south side of the B4696 (Spine Road) there was an unauthorised board advertising the café. The Clerk was to ask the Enforcement Officer to investigate. Cllr Harris had noted that a hessian bag of salt was leeching into the ground at the entrance to the Upper Up car park and killing off plant growth. The Clerk was asked to offer the salt bag to the Ann Edwards school, free of charge. Cllr Mrs Chapman reported that flooding had occurred yet again on the corner of The Street, outside The Barn in Cerney Wick. The Clerk explained that Chris Franklin, Gloucestershire Highways had informed him that natural drainage would eventually disperse the water when levels in the river fell. Cllr Mrs Chapman suggested that if the drain was cleaned the water would enter the system. Nevertheless Stephen Wrigley insisted that there was another solution to the flooding if a drain could be connected to the ditch on the north east side of the carriageway. The Clerk will try and arrange a meeting with Cllr Caunce, Cllr Mrs Chapman, Stephen Wrigley and Chris Franklin to find an answer to the problem. Cllr Jay reported that he had made a grant application to the GPFA on behalf of the Football Club. Cllr Jay reported that work had restarted on the property previously known as Greystones in Station Road. Cllr Stuart reported that Jeff Andrews was particularly pleased with his retirement gift. Cllr Stuart congratulated the organisers of the Street Fair on their excellent management of the event. CERNEY NEWS Request that residents report any fly tipping at Upper Up. If an agreement cannot be reached with CDC over the operation of the recycling area the Parish Council will seriously consider demanding that the bins are removed. There being no further business Cllr Stuart closed the meeting at 9.22pm. |
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