Parish Council Meeting Minutes
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30th March 2017
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
- Present: S. Marshall, B. Dunn, A. Lagden and Clerk Ms J. Kendall.
- Apologies: Cllr G. Spurdens. Absent: Cllr. S. Sykes
No member of the public attended the meeting.
- Minutes of the last meeting: These were accepted as read. Proposed: Cllr S. Marshall and Seconded: Cllr B. Dunn.
- Matters Arising:
- Missing stone on the bridge: no progress as yet.
- Transparency Code funding: £120 has been applied for, no news to report.
- Website compliance: as no information had been received from Cllr Sykes, necessary information was collated from members for uploading to the website.
- Drainage concerns: the work to unblock the gullies along Darrington road had been guaranteed to be completed by 31.1.17 but as yet is still on-going. This has been a problem since November 2016. Apparently the main drain has collapsed.
- Accounts: Cllr Lagden reported that the 2017 Precept was returned on 27th Membership of YLCA and the Domain renewal was paid.
- Highways: See Matters Arising above.
- Planning: No news.
- Correspondence: Clerks and Councils Direct, Weekly planning lists, Newsletters from YLCA, White Rose Newsletter, YLCA funding update, Register of Electors, Agenda for Town and Parish Council liaison group, Wakefield branch meeting details.
- Emails x2 asking about booking of village hall – referred to Mrs Anne Stark.
- External Auditor notification – to be given to Mr John Ransome.
- Charity event at St Giles Church on 16th May displayed on Parish notice board.
- Request for a memorial tree for Mr Patrick Cuthbert on Sandy Gate Lane – Clerk will reply to say this was agreed but as there is some confusion over Parish boundaries, to contact WMDC for further advice.
- Request for a memorial for Mr John Ashworth – proposal to place a seat at the entrance to Common Piece Lane and move the flower tub to make room for this – Cllr Marshall will oversee.
- Better Broadband notification – does not apply to our post code.
- Letter from YLCA requesting precept constraint. Our Precept request has already been sent and the committee felt that restraint had been made.
- Letter from YLCA giving information on 2015 uncontested election expenses.
- YLCA Good Councillor Guide booklets – members have copies already.
- Notification for website domain renewal.
- Any Other Business: None
- Date of next Meeting and AGM: Thursday 25th May 2017 at 7.00pm.
The meeting closed at 8.35pm.
26th JANUARY 2017
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
- Present: S. Marshall, B. Dunn, S. Sykes, A. Lagden and Clerk Ms J. Kendall.
- Apologies: Cllr G. Spurdens.
No member of the public attended the meeting.
- Minutes of the last meeting: These were accepted as read. Proposed: Cllr S. Sykes and Seconded: Cllr B. Dunn.
- Matters Arising:
- Missing stone on the bridge: no progress.
- Planning – drainage concerns: letters were written to both Yorkshire Water and WMDC. Replies were received stating that drainage is not a concern.
- Horse Chestnut tree by pump: no progress
- Land by 1 Northleigh: nothing further has been heard.
- Compliant re tipping on Common land with photos of damage to path and drainage: this was followed-up by Cllr Marshall who contacted both parties and has resolved the issue. A letter was written on 11th She suggested that the path is levelled and hard core is laid to ensure that the path is retained at the bottom of the Common.
- Accounts: Cllr Lagden reported on the current bank balance account. The Clerk informed the meeting that there are some outstanding expenses relating to the Transparency Fund.
- Highways: Missing countdown markers: Cllr Sykes had contacted WMDC but as yet no action has been taken. Cllr Sykes reported that the ground is sinking by the paddock. Cllr Marshall reported that the gully has been blocked and has been reported at least five times. The manhole cover is full of silt and she has been assured that this will be repaired within a month.
- Planning: See Matters Arising above.
- Correspondence: Clerks and Councils Direct, Weekly lists, Newsletters from YLCA, White Rose Newsletter, Register of Electors, Agenda for Town and Parish Council liaison group, Wakefield branch meeting details.
- Emails x2 asking about booking of village hall.
- Community defibullator notification – there is a first responder in the village.
- Buses: notification from Clerk of Thorpe Audlin and WMDC that the Stagecoach service is being discontinued. This will be taken over by M Travel but it was noted that there will be only 2 services to East Hardwick both running in the mornings.
- Auditor appointment – further details to follow.
- Notification of YLCA membership.
- Website Compliance. A guidance letter from YLCA was discussed. Further funding can be applied for from the Transparency Fund to run the website. Cllr. Sykes agreed to collate the necessary information required by the Transparency Fund to be displayed on the website. The Clerk will ensure that the required materials/ information is uploaded.
- Community Speedwatch Scheme – 8 volunteers have been recruited to use the Smiley face equipment to monitor speeding in the village. This equipment will come to the area for a limited time.
- Any Other Business: The Precept for 2017 was discussed and agreed. The Clerk will submit this.
- Date of next Meeting: Thursday 30th March 2017 at 7.30pm.
The meeting closed at 8.35pm.
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
24th November 2016
- Present: Cllrs. S. Marshall, B. Dunn, S. Sykes and Clerk Ms J. Kendall.
- Apologies: Cllrs. A. Lagden, G. Spurdens.
One member of the public attended the meeting.
- Minutes of the last meeting: These were accepted as read. Proposed: Cllr B. Dunn and Seconded: Cllr S. Marshall.
- Matters Arising: Missing stone on the bridge: Steve Collins had been asked to replace the missing stone and is searching for a suitable stone.
- Accounts: The Precept return will be due soon.
- Highways: Missing countdown markers: Cllr Sykes has contacted WMDC but no action has been taken. Cllr Marshall asked the Clerk to reply to Paul Potts re grit supplies. Cllr Marshall reported that new signage on Church Lane had been put up in response to her request and the hole in the road by the paddock where a cyclist had fallen was repaired on the same evening as it was reported.
7. Planning: Cllr Marshall reported that a letter had been written objecting to further proposals to further develop the paddock and build 2 more houses. The letter had been circulated to all residents but there had been no response. The PC recognises that the church is an integral part of the village and that the paddock is now in poor repair. Concerns are over the appearance of the development and the lack of communication with regard to changing of their plans. A letter had been received suggesting that the PC contacts the Water Board and WMDC to raise concerns about drainage in the village and the impact of new developments locally on the water treatment plant. The Clerk was asked to follow this up.
8. Correspondence: Clerks and Councils Direct, Weekly lists, Newsletters from YLCA, White Rose Newsletter, Register of Electors, Agenda for Town and Parish Council liaison group, Wakefield branch meeting details.
- Email asking about booking of village hall.
- Email asking about history of a local farm.
- Email asking about ownership of school.
- Pontefract and Knottingley Area Plan – will be added to website.
- Rotary Club Purple4Polio – two and a half thousand crocuses were planted by the village pump in October. Photos are on the website.
- Village hall notification of waste collection change of day.
- Email from WMDC re request to purchase allotment adjacent to 1 Northleigh – the Clerk emailed to say the land is not for sale. WMCD emailed in reply to say that this land is leased by the PC. Cllr Marshall will check.
9. Any Other Business: Cllr. Sykes raised concern that following the quick felling of the horse chestnut by the pump, complaints have now been made to WMDC by a local resident over the size of the remaining tree – he will follow up with WMDC and will tread carefully.
10. Date of next Meeting: Thursday 24th January 2017 at 7.30pm.
- The meeting closed at 8.20pm.
29th September 2016
- Present: A. Lagden, G. Spurdens, S. Marshall, B. Dunn, and Clerk Ms J. Kendall.
- Apologies: Cllr. S. Sykes.
No member of the public attended the meeting.
Minutes of the last meeting: These were accepted as read. Proposed: Cllr B. Dunn and Seconded by Cllr G. Spurdens.
- Matters Arising:
- Missing stone on the bridge: Steve Collins had been asked to replace the stone but was concerned that that he wold be unable to do the job properly.
- Transparency Fund: the Clerk reported that the website is being used. The grant for further funding would be applied for which this year covers time.
- Accounts: Cllr Lagden completed the renewal of insurance. The annual return from the external auditors has been received. There were 2 comments: a note about the value of computer assets for next year and incorrect postage. Cllr Lagden will display the notice of conclusion of audit. The clerk will return the satisfaction survey.
- Highways: Missing countdown markers: No progress has been made by WMDC. Cllr Marshall reported that there is sufficient store of grit.
- Planning: Cllr Marshall reported that the proposed development of the paddock was approved in June.
- Correspondence: Clerks and Councils Direct, Weekly lists, Newsletters from YLCA, White Rose Newsletter, Register of Electors, Agenda for Town and Parish Council liaison group, Wakefield branch meeting details.
- Eggborough power station consultation – notice was given on the website
- West Yorkshire Bus and Transport survey – notice placed on the website
- Email from resident about slow broadband in the village – the Clerk will answer referring to previous correspondence querying the poor service.
- Email from resident requesting grazing land for sheep – the clerk will reply to say that no PC land is available for livestock.
- Email from resident drawing attention to the transport survey – Clerk will reply.
- Email from the Water Board requesting information about PC boundaries. No-one is aware of a boundary map. The boundary runs this side of the Little Went. The Clerk had consulted and replied.
- NALC Developing Capacity Survey – it was decided that this does not apply.
- Any Other Business: Cllr Marshall reported that the council mower had broken the window on the phone box and Trevor Nichol had kindly repaired this free of charge. The clerk had written to thank him and added a note to the website. Cllr Dunn wishes to stand down. The implications were discussed and members of the committee will continue to ascertain interest.
- Date of next Meeting: Thursday 24th November 2016 at 7.30pm.
The meeting closed at 8.20pm.
26th May 2016
- Present: A. Lagden, G. Spurdens, S. Marshall, S. Sykes, and Clerk Ms J. Kendall.
- Apologies: Cllr. B. Dunn.
No member of the public attended the meeting.
- Minutes of the last meeting: These were accepted as read. Proposed: Cllr S. Marshall and Seconded by Cllr A. Lagden.
- Matters Arising:
- Missing stone on the bridge: Cllr Sykes has the stone ready. It was agreed that he would contact Steve Collins for an estimate for work to replace the stone.
- Transparency Fund: the Clerk reported that the website is now live. A flier had been delivered to parish residents. An offer of a grant for further funding had been received and it was agreed that this would be followed up.
- War Memorial Pointing: Cllr Sykes reported that this has been checked and there are no problems.
- Accounts: Cllr A. Lagden presented the accounts at the AGM.
- Highways:
- Missing countdown markers: Cllr Sykes will contact WMDC with regard to reinstalling the markers which are lying in the ditch.
- Reported blocked drains at Church Lane: Cllr. Marshall will contact WMDC with regard to necessary repair. In future, parishioners will be advised to ring WMDC if they have a concern.
- Planning: Cllr Marshall reported that we are still waiting to hear from the planning officer with regard to the proposed development of the paddock.
- Correspondence: Clerks and Councils Direct, Weekly lists. Newsletters from YLCA, White Rose Newsletter, Register of Electors, Agenda for Town and Parish Council liaison group, Wakefield branch annual meeting, YLCA annual review request for photos, New external audit regime, New Clerk’s training event. The address for the website was sent to YLCA.
- Any Other Business:
- Marshall reported that Roy Donaldson has contacted the British Legion through the website for a toolkit to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme at the war memorial on 30th June 2016.
- Marshall suggested a campaign to raise interest in membership of the committee. The Clerk will add this to the website.
- Date of next Meeting: Thursday 28th July at 7.30pm. The meeting closed at 8.00pm.
26th May 2016 AGM
- DRAFT MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
- Present: A. Lagden, G. Spurdens, S. Marshall, S. Sykes, and Clerk Ms J. Kendall.
- Apologies: B. Dunn.
No member of the public attended the meeting.
- Minutes of the last meeting: These were accepted as read and signed as a true record by Cllr S. Marshall. Proposed: Cllr S. Sykes and seconded by Cllr G. Spurdens.
- Election of Chairman: Cllr S. Marshall was proposed by Cllr S. Sykes and seconded by Cllr. G. Spurdens. Cllr S. Marshall accepted the position of chairman.
- Matters Arising:
- Accounts: Cllr A. Lagden presented the accounts.
Section 1: Annual Governance Statement was signed and dated by Cllr S. Marshall and Clerk Ms J. Kendall.
Section 2: Statement of accounts was accepted and signed by Cllr A. Lagden and Cllr S. Marshall.
The accounts were prepared by Mr J. Ransom. It was proposed by Cllr. S. Sykes and seconded by Cllr. A. Lagden that we continue with Mr Ransome as accountant. The accounts will be displayed on the Parish Council Notice Board by Cllr. Lagden who will also chase up an electronic copy of the accounts. The Clerk will then upload the finances to the website.
- Review of Rents for the allotments, garages and Common Piece: It was decided that there would be no change in rental.
- Any Other Business:
Cllr. S. Sykes thanked Cllr. S. Marshall and Ms J.Kendall on behalf of the Parish Council for their hard work and commitment as Chairman and Clerk. Cllr Sykes then thanked the committee for their hard work on behalf of the village over the year.
The meeting closed at 7.25pm.
31st March 2016
- Present: Cllrs. A. Lagden, S. Marshall, B. Dunn, and Clerk Ms J. Kendall.
- Apologies: Cllrs: S. Sykes, G. Spurdens.
6 members of the public attended the meeting.
- Minutes of the last meeting: These were accepted as read. Proposed: Cllr A. Lagden and Seconded by Cllr B. Dunn.
- Matters Arising:
- The missing stone on the bridge: deferred until next meeting
- The Transparency Fund: the Clerk reported that the application had been successful, a laptop had been purchased and the website was close to completion.
- Pointing on War Memorial; deferred until next meeting
- Accounts: Cllr Lagden led the committee in agreeing rates for the Precept for next year. The Clerk had submitted the Precept. Financial paperwork will be given to Mr John Ransome for auditing.
- Highways: Cllr Marshall informed the meeting that Mr Ralph Horn has asked her to investigate the possibility of hand held speeding monitors. She had contacted the police who said that these had not been successful and there are no plans to use them in this area. However, local community officers will arrange checks in the village.
- Planning: Following the letter objecting to the proposed housing development on the field in front of the church a local planning councillor had arranged to visit the meeting. However, unfortunately he did not arrive in time for the meeting. It was agreed that members would wait for his arrival.
- Correspondence: Clerks and Councils Direct. Weekly lists. Queen’s 90th birthday medal: it was decided not to pursue this. Hanging basket regulations: n/a Newsletters from YLCA Opportunities for funding bulletin White Rose Newsletter. Register of Electors Agenda for Town and Parish Council liaison group. Community Infrastructure Levy – the Clerk will write to say we wish to keep any monies.
- Any Other Business: Once the website is live, it was agreed to produce and distribute a flier giving the website address and new email address.
- Date of next meeting and AGM: Thursday 26th May 2016 at 7.00 and 7.30pm.
The meeting closed at 7.50pm.
28th January 2016
1. Present: Cllrs. A. Lagden, S. Marshall, S. Sykes, B. Dunn, G. Spurdens and Clerk Ms J. Kendall.
2. There were no apologies.
No members of the public attended the meeting.
3. Minutes of the last meeting: These were accepted as read. Proposed: Cllr S. Sykes and Seconded by Cllr G. Spurdens.
4. Matters Arising:
- The missing stone on the bridge: Cllr Sykes reported that he is waiting as was agreed until the spring to repair the bridge.
- Village pump: Cllr Sykes reported that he had arranged for Steve Collins a local builder, to repair the Pump. It was agreed that he had done a good job. Cllr Sykes will remove the soil and Cllr Marshall will collect the receipt.
- Repair of Common Piece Lane and rents: Cllr Marshall reported that rents of £186 have been collected. Cllr Lagden had received an enquiry for a garage. There are no spare allotments or garages and she is holding the waiting list.
- The Transparency Fund: the Clerk reported that an application had been made meeting the 14 th January deadline. A decision is expected in 2 months’ time.
5. Accounts: Cllr Lagden led the committee in agreeing rates for the Precept for next year.
ACTION: The Clerk will submit these when the paperwork has been received. The Clerk will submit expenses.
6. Highways: Cllr Marshall informed the meeting that there have now been 5 accidents on the corner by the bridge this year alone. She has again contacted WMDC but although they have a record of her previous call, no action has been forthcoming. It was noted that the ditch has been dug very close to the road which makes the situation even worse. The last minutes record that the Highways inspector was intending to visit but he has not contacted her, as was arranged.
ACTION: It was agreed that all members of the committee would contact the WMDC action line and try and raise the profile of this accident hotspot and the need for chevrons on the corner.
7. Planning: A letter was written and sent by the Clerk objecting to the proposed housing development on the field in front of the church. Nothing has yet been heard. There were no further planning issues.
8. Correspondence:
- Clerks and Councils Direct.
- Weekly lists
- An application was made to the Transparency Code for the January 14 th deadline.
- Queen’s 90 th birthday beacon: it was decided not to pursue this.
- Hanging basket regulations: n/a
- Procurement of Audit factsheet
- Newsletters from YLCA re. Change in auditing requirements: ACTION: Cllr Marshall will contact Mr Ransome for advice. Decision needed by 31.3.16
- YLCA membership subscriptions rise
- Opportunities for funding bulletin
- White Rose newsletter.
- Visit to waste disposal unit: Cllr Sykes informed.
- Wakefield Branch meeting
- Information on role of combined authorities
- Register of Electors
- WMDC residential design guide
- Agenda for town and parish council liaison group
- Business relief scheme
9. Any Other Business:
Cllr Sykes reported that Mr Roy Donaldson has asked that pointing work be arranged for the war memorial. Records were checked, and as work was undertaken in 2014, it was decided that Cllr Sykes will keep an eye on the memorial and will arrange for Steve Collins to repair if needed.
10. Date of next meeting: Thursday 31 st March 2016 at 7.30pm.
The meeting closed at 8.20pm.
21st May 2015 AGM
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
21st May 2015 7.00pm
- Present: A. Lagden, G. Spurdens, S. Marshall, S. Sykes, and Clerk Ms J. Kendall.
Ms J. Kendall accepted the position of Clerk to the Parish Council.
- Apologies: B. Dunn.
No member of the public attended the meeting.
- Minutes of the last meeting: These were accepted as read and signed as a true record by Cllr S. Sykes. Proposed: Cllr G. Spurdens and seconded by Cllr S. Marshall.
- Election of Chairman: Cllr S. Marshall was proposed by Cllr G. Spurdens and seconded by Cllr. S. Sykes. Cllr S. Marshall accepted the position of chairman.
- Matters Arising:
- Accounts: Cllr A. Lagden presented the accounts.
Section 1: Statement of accounts was accepted and signed by Cllr A. Lagden and Cllr S. Sykes.
Section 2: Annual Governance Statement was signed and dated by Cllr S. Sykes and retired Clerk Mrs M. Sykes.
The accounts were prepared by Mr J. Ransom. It was proposed by Cllr. S. Sykes and seconded by Cllr. A. Lagden that we continue with Mr Ransome as accountant. The accounts are displayed on the Parish Council Notice Board.
- Review of Rents for the allotments and garages and Common Piece: It was decided that rent of the allotments be raised by £1 to £7 and £8 for the small and large plots respectively, the garages to be raised by £5 to £20, and the Common Piece by £5 from £55 to £60.
- Any Other Business:
None.
The out-going chairman Cllr Sykes thanked the committee for their guidance and work on behalf of the village during the year.
Cllr. Spurden thanked Cllr. S. Sykes and Mrs M. Sykes on behalf of the Parish Council for their hard work and commitment as Chairman and Clerk.
The meeting closed at 7.25pm.
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