Minutes of meeting held on 18 May 2009 in the Village Hall

NEWNHAM PARISH COUNCIL

PRESENT:     Councillors    Mr D Cooke

                                                Mr H Ferguson

                                                Mr J Lawrence

                                                Mr D Messenger

                                                Mr W Nunneley

                                                Mr T Regan

                                                Mr A Wade

Clerk               Mrs M R Money

1031.09 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

On a proposal by Cllr D Cooke it was unanimously RESOLVED that Cllr D Messenger be re-elected Chairman for the coming year.

The Chairman reported that Mr Cyril Broom, immediate past Chairman, and Mrs Iris Broom had passed away recently.  A minute’s silence was held as a mark of respect.

1032.09 ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN

On a proposal by the Chairman it was unanimously RESOLVED that Cllr D Cooke be re-elected Vice-Chairman for the coming year.

1033.09 TO RECEIVE AND APPROVE APOLOGIES

Cllr N Shepherd, District Councillor T Scott and County Councillor R W Brown.

It was intimated to Council by Cllr T Regan that Cllr N Shepherd intends to resign and a letter of confirmation is awaited.

1034.09 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

No interests were declared.

1035.09 TO SIGN AND APPROVE MINUTES OF MEETING OF 6 APRIL 2009

On a proposal by Cllr W Nunneley it was RESOLVED that the Minutes be approved and signed as a true record.

1036.09 PUBLIC TIME

No members of the public were present.

1037.09 TO APPOINT RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER

On a proposal by the Chairman it was RESOLVED that the Clerk, Mrs M Money, be re-appointed Financial Officer for the coming year.

At this point the Chairman reported that he had received formal notification from the Clerk that she had taken up the post of Clerk to Newnham School Governors Resource Committee.

1038.09 TO REVIEW FINANCIAL REGULATIONS

No alterations were required to the regulations.

1039.09 TO REVIEW STANDING ORDERS

a) The Chairman advised that an alteration was required to the clause relating to planning

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the additional wording will be considered at the next meeting.  The additional wording will appear on the agenda for the next meeting.

b) APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES TO VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS

On a proposal by Cllr J Lawrence it was RESOLVED that Cllr D Cooke be re-appointed as Council representative on the Village Hall Management Committee  and Cllr D Messenger be re-appointed as the representative on the Daventry Villages Together group.

Cllr A Wade confirmed that he had not resigned as a Trustee of Newnham Amenity Association and would continue in office as the Parish Council nominated Trustee.

1040.09 TO REVIEW ASSET REGISTER AND VALUES

No alterations were required to the Register.

1041.09 TO REVIEW PROCEDURAL POLICY INCLUDING RISK ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE

No alterations were required to the Policy.

1042.09 WNDC ENQUIRY

The Chairman reported that the Highways Agency and NCC Highways Department had published their evidence in support of their view that the infrastructure is not adequate to cope with the proposed developments.

1043.09 VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT

Cllr H Ferguson asked to be released from this commitment for personal reasons and this was agreed.  The Chairman thanked Cllr Ferguson for his work on this project.  Efforts will be made to find another project leader from the people who have expressed interest.

1044.09 CORRESPONDENCE

a)         MGSWP – Local farmers contact details – Cllr W Nunneley agreed to take this on.

b)         To approve headstone for Mrs J Harding – It was unanimously RESOLVED that

            this be approved.

c)         DDC Parish and Town Council Meeting 17 June 2009 – The Chairman asked if anyone was able to attend.  Cllr T Regan intimated an interest and will let the Clerk know.

d)         Music and Pig Roast on The Green – Permission was sought by the Amenity Association for this event to take place on 27 June 2009.  It was unanimously RESOLVED that approval be granted.  The Clerk reported that the Council had received confirmation that the Amenity Association has public liability insurance in place and had carried out their own risk assessment.

1045.09 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

No report was available.

1046.09 PLANNING

a)         DA/2008/0896 – Planning Appeal re Checkleys Barn – The Clerk advised that an appeal had been lodged.

b)         DA/2009/0343 – Alteration to porch – Wren Cottage – It was RESOLVED to support the application on the grounds that it enhanced the visual amenity of the area.

c)         DA/2009/0347 – Single storey extension – 2 School Hill – The Council had no comments to make.

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1047.09 HEALTH and SAFETY

Churchyard - J Lawrence had obtained on quote from M J Parratt Ltd in the sum of £595 plus VAT for the work to the steps to the tower.  It was RESOLVED that another quote be obtained prior to any decision being reached.

Play Area – The annual inspection by RoSPA will be held in June.

1048.09 HIGHWAY MATTERS

Street Doctor – The Clerk read a letter from Street Doctor advising on the action taken following the complaint about the lack of work to the road surface on Newnham Hill since the original report in October 2008.  (Attached).

The matter of gully cleaning had also been raised and this work has subsequently been completed.

1049.09 WAR MEMORIAL

The Clerk advised that she will now be progressing this matter as quickly as possible.

1050.09 FINANCIAL

On a proposal by the Chairman it was RESOLVED that the following accounts be paid:

b) Financial Statement – The bank statements and bank reconciliation statement were available for inspection.

c) Monies Received - £60 re: headstone for Mrs J Harding and £496.08 VAT rebate.

d) Internal Audit – The Clerk reported that this had been successful and the only point raised was the level of Fidelity Guarantee Insurance.  On checking the level included in the insurance policy is £100,000. 00 which is more than sufficient.

e) Annual Return – The Clerk presented the Return to the Council and it was unanimously RESOLVED that it be approved.

1052.09 ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THE NEXT MEETING

No items were raised.

1053.09 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Monday 8 June 2009 at 7.30.p.m.