MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF BECKBURY PARISH COUNCIL
HELD AT BECKBURY VILLAGE HALL, BECKBURY, ON WEDNESDAY, 4TH MAY. 2016, AT 7.30 P.M.
17.PRESENT:
Councillors P.C. Gibbins (Chairman), M.S. Breeze, D. Tooth, D. de Courcy, Dr. H. Thomas.
18. APOLOGIES:
Councillor C. Steventon, D. Cummings and Shropshire Councillor M.L. Wood.
19. IN ATTENDANCE:
The Clerk and Mr. M. Spickernell (Beckbury Allotments Association).
20.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Mr. Spickernell referred to the visit to the Allotments by the Chairman to investigate the complaint made by Mr. D. Markworth regarding poultry on one allotment.
The Chairman stated that he had prepared a draft letter to Mr. Markworth which he would be discussing with Members under the Agenda Item. The Chairman also confirmed that Councillor Cummings would assist Mr. Spickernell in reviewing the allotments rules and regulations.
Mr. Spickernell stated that he was looking into the possibility of reshaping the allotments and referred to the plan on the Lease. Councillors Tooth and Breeze pointed out that this plan was not correct. Councillor Breeze informed members that he had an original plan and Members agreed to defer any further discussion to the next meeting.
The Clerk was asked to try to clarify the boundary of the allotments with Shropshire Council
ACTION LO
21. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
No Declarations of Interest were received.
22.APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN
Nominations were received for the appointment of Chairman for the ensuing year.
RESOLVED that Councillor P.C. Gibbins be elected as Chairman for the ensuing year.
23. APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRMAN:
Nominations were received for the appointment of Vice Chairman for the ensuing Year.
RESOLVED that Councillor C. Steventon be elected as Vice Chairman for the ensuing year.
24. MINUTES:
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 6th April, 2016, copies of which had been circulated to Members were taken as read, confirmed and signed by the Chairman.
25. BEKCBURY PARISH PLAN:
No items to bring forward this meeting.
Parking on footpaths the Chairman reported that he had prepared a note for the Newsletter informing the public that the Parish Council had received complaints particularly from parents walking their children to school, often with prams, and being forced out on to the highway at a busy time for traffic.
All drivers are asked to be more considerate and to avoid parking on the pavement wherever possible.
26.ACCOUNTS 2015/2016:
The Clerk presented the Accounts for 2015/2016 for approval. In presenting the Accounts the Clerk reported that the Internal Auditor had examined the Accounts and internal controls and was satisfied that the Accounts fairly represented the financial activities of the Parish Council and he had duly completed Section 4 – Annual Internal Audit Report on the Annual Return for the year ending 31st March, 2016.
RESOLVED that the Accounts for 2015/2016 be approved. The Chairman and Responsible Financial Officer duly signed the Accounts.
27. ANNUAL RETURN 2015/2016:
Section 1 Annual Governance Statement was completed and signed by the Chairman and Financial Responsible Officer.
Section 2 of the Statement of Accounts for 1015/2016 was signed by the Chairman and Responsible Financial Officer.
28. STANDING ORDERS, FINANCIAL REGULATIONS AND RISK ASSESSMENT:
Members confirmed the above.
29. POLICE MATTERS:
Nothing to report.
30. BECKBURY PLAYING FIELDS:
The Chairman reported that the RAF Warma Walk had taken place and the Playing Fields had received a cheque for £100.
The Chairman reported that the cutting of grass on this playing field was a problem as they were not keeping on top of the cutting. He stated that he had approached the contractor who carried out work for the School to see if he would be interested in cutting the playing field. The Chairman would report back further after his meeting with the contractor.
ACTION PCG
31.BECKBURY COMMUNITY SHOP:
Members reported that there would be a meeting on Thursday, 5th May, 2016 of the shop committee to discuss the way forward.
32. BECKBURY VILLAGE HALL:
No updates of this item.
33. ALLOTMENTS:
The Chairman outlined the contents of his letter to Mr. Markworth as follows:
The Management of the allotments has to be the responsibility of the Allotment Association and the Parish Council do not want to be overly involved in this process.
We do need to ensure that the Association is adhering to our agreed rules and regulations and in particular is not causing a ‘nuisance or annoyance to adjoining properties’.
We have agreed with Mr. Mark Spickernell that Councillor D. Cummings will assist him in reviewing and updating these rules to the satisfaction of all parties and we believe that this should include some constraint and control of keeping of chickens on the site.
Members agreed the contents of the letter.
34. VILLAGE MAINTENANCE:
The Chairman reported as follows:
Broadband – Mr. Ben Walker of Shropshire Council had indicated that this would be complete by the Summer. The bench would be put back in place
in the next few weeks.
Web Site – The Chairman reported that a meeting would be held within
the next week or so. The Clerk indicated that he would let the Chairman
know what would be required in respect of the Parish Council. ACTION LO
35. COUNCIL INSURANCE – LONG TERM AGREEMENT:
The Clerk reported that AON Ltd were offering a discount on the insurance premium in exchange for the Parish Council agreeing to a 3 year contract, The premium for the ensuing year would be reduced from £320.92 to £304.88.
RESOLVED that a long term agreement be taken up.
35. FINANCE:
The Clerk presented the following accounts for approval and payment.
Npower – £223.11 (Paid)
AON Ltd. – £304.88
Shropshire Council – £60.00
Salary – £178.54
Petty Cash – £30.00
N.H. Whyles – £50.00
RESOLVED accordingly.
Chairman
1st June, 2