Minutes 23.04.08

Milton Parish Council

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting duly convened and held in the Community Centre, Milton Heights on 23^rd April 2008

Present: Cllrs P. Bradbury (Chair), N. Adderley, R. Fyfe, R. Liquorish, S Jenkins and K. Sadler.

Minutes taken by  Keith Sadler. Four Parishioners were present.

08/11 Public Participation

Mr Strange reported that he understood that work on the Milton Interchange would last for nine months. He requested that a letter should be written to the Highways Department to make it very clear that no HGV should travel over the railway bridge. Mr Strange outlined concerns about the Milton Charity’s allocation of funding to St Blaise for the purpose of helping to set up the new allotments. His concerns centred on the possibility of the church making a profit. Cllr Sadler said that the projected income from the allotments was about half the amount that the church have to pay each year to maintain the land. In addition, he pointed out that there is to be allotment society inaugurated and hence any funding would be paid by the Charity by invoice from the society directly. Mr Strange said he was in disgust of the Council for not precepting for Christmas Vouchers this financial year. The Chairman said that the Council had voted on this matter and it was passed and that policies do change. Mr Strange left the meeting.

Mrs Midwinter said that she was most concerned about the use of the community room. She pointed out that the room was for the general use of the parishioners. All councillors concurred with Mrs Midwinter’s concerns. The Chairman agreed that there were some changes, and he stated that the parish still has precedence over the school. He went on to say that the costs are such that the room is not financially viable and hence the school has had to take responsibility. Action: Chairman to scan and email copies of the agreement for use of community room.

08/12 Reports from County and District Councillors

A report was tabled by Cllrs Turner and Waite. Cllr T Fraser raised the issue of dumping of waste.

08/13 Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from District Cllr R. Waite and District Cllr M. Turner who were attending the Chilton Annual Parish Meeting, and the Parish Clerk.

08/14 Minutes of the Council’s meeting held on 26 March 2008

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed after Cllr Sadler apologised for the error of not correctly spelling Cllr Liquorish’s name. Cllr Liquorish also pointed out other minor factual errors and requested that all action points should be numbered and referred to in future meetings. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.

08/15 Matters Arising

a) Website. It was agreed that unapproved Minutes would be placed on the website.

b) Community Centre Access. It was agreed that the Chairman would seek further clarification from the Governors of the school. Action: Chairman to contact.

c) Playground Areas. The toddler unit at the Lambe Avenue playground needs to be repaired. .

d) Football Club. It was agreed that the Chairman and Councillor Sadler would meet with the Football Club. The Chairman said he would arrange a meeting.

e) Grass Cutting. Evergreen confirmed that they would continue with the grass cutting with a slight increase. Following a vote, it was unanimously agreed that this should be accepted. There was considerable discussion regarding a number of areas in the village. It was agreed that the hedge by the cemetery should be included in the Council’s contract and that various parts of the parish would require extra cutting. (Mr Strange had helpfully produced some maps. It was agreed that the triangle and front of the War Memorial need to be included.

f) Dividing of responsibilities. Councillors confirmed their acceptance of the list. Cllr Jenkins pointed out that as he was absent, his name was missed off the list. The Chairman said that he was missed! Cllr Jenkins agreed to act on behalf of the Parish Council on the Damascus committee but pointed out that work commitments limited his being able to be present on a Tuesday evening at the bus. He also confirmed his agreement to take on the Play areas. Cllr Jenkins said that he would contact Dr Atkinson.

g) Risk Assessments. Cllr Sadler reported the Clerk’s concern that these have not been completed. Action: Chairman to review and prepare draft assessments.

h) Speeding in Rowstock. Cllr Liquorish pointed out that the minute relating to this was erroneous and there were no action points stemming from it.

08/16 Planning and Development matters

a) Applications received from the District Council for consultation and considered by the Planning Committee.

b) Decision(s) of Local Planning Authority

08/17 Financial and Administrative Matters

The following accounts for payment were approved.

Revenue and Customs – PAYE  £57.27

P. Browning – Litter Picking November  £35.36

S. Devitt – Litter Picking November  £37.56

L.Dalby – Clerks Salary & Expenses November  £586.11

Milton C of E Primary School – hire of hall  £16.50

VenturPlay – safety inspection - December  £65.80

Culham Fencing – fencing at Cemetery  £581.63

Challenor & Son – Solicitors Fees  £396.56

Allianz Insurance PLC – Insurance £1321.93

K. Sadler – stamps for Christmas Vouchers  £25.92

08/18 Correspondence Received

The Clerk has passed all recent correspondence to Cllr Fyfe to review.

08/19 Matters raised by Councillors/Clerk for

i) Inclusion on the agenda by notice to the Clerk – there was none.

ii) Inclusion on the agenda for the next meeting. Risk Assessments would need to be considered.

 iii) Urgent action by approval of the meeting – there was none.

08/20 Future Meetings

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Council would be held on May 28^th 2008 at the Community Centre, Milton Heights commencing at 7.45pm. (later brought forward to 21^st May 2008).

There being no further business the meeting was declared closed at 8.55pm.