Index of Minutes

Parish Council Minutes

EVERTON PARISH COUNCIL


Minutes of a meeting of the Council held in the
Methodist Church Schoolroom on Monday 9th January, 2006

Present: Councillor J. Dunn, Chairman. Councillors Bacon, Bardsley, de Bel, Jefferies, Maclagan, Marsh and Martin, together with District Councillor Martin


05/06/240 APOLOGIES

An apology for absence was submitted by Councillor Woods (family commitment).

05/06/241 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Jefferies declared a personal interest at agenda item 21 (Urgent Business – Minutes of a meeting of the Northern Area Committee)

Councillor Bacon declared a prejudicial interest at agenda item 23 (Planning Applications – 19/05/39 Erect two-storey extension at 15 Long Meadows, Everton), being a next-door neighbour. When declaring his interest he enquired as to whether he could make a point about the application. District Councillor Martin left the meeting during the ensuing discussion. Councillor Bacon then explained that he wished to draw attention to details regarding the plans, but not to comment on them. Later in the meeting, prior to consideration of the application, he was allowed to make his point about the plans, and he then left the meeting.

05/06/242 MINUTES OF THE LAST ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

The Minutes of the last ordinary meeting of the Council, held on 5th December, 2005, were approved as a correct record.






Councillor Bardsley drew attention to an enquiry he had made towards the end of the meeting about progress on a requested housing needs survey. The Clerk replied that he had not minuted that enquiry, but was able to confirm that Ms. Carole Turner, Rural Housing Enabler at Nottinghamshire Rural Community Council, was to attend the March meeting of the Parish Council to discuss this issue.

05/06/243 MATTERS ARISING

The Clerk referred to Minute No. 05/06/230, and reported that he had been informed by the Officer in Charge at Harworth Fire Station that, on the night in question, the local fire crew had been called out to a fire in Worksop, and that the Misterton crew had attended to the incident at Harwell. The Clerk was assured that the Service did have adequate local knowledge, and the Officer in Charge would check with the Misterton crew as to the nature of the problem on the evening in question.

05/06/244 PUBLIC DISCUSSION

No members of the public were present.

05/06/245 ACCOUNTS

Resolved: That the January Accounts be approved for payment.

05/06/246 BANK RECONCILIATION

Members received the bank reconciliation statement to 30th November, 2005.

05/06/247 BUDGET MONITORING

The Clerk submitted the January budget monitoring statement, which showed an estimated year-end balance of £4,901.

05/06/248 RISK REVIEW AND ASSET INSPECTION

The Clerk suggested that, in line with external audit advice, fidelity guarantee insurance cover should be increased to £9,500.

Resolved: That cover be increased accordingly.





05/06/249 PARISH PATHS PARTNERSHIP

(a) Pursuant to Minute No. 05/06/194 of November, 2005 regarding the possibility of creating a public footpath from Nutcroft Way to Barrow Hills through The Shroggs, the Clerk reported firstly that he had not had a reply to his letter making enquiries about a permissive right of way being granted on land at the end of Nutcroft Way, and secondly that he had received advice from Nottinghamshire County Council about the status of Nutcroft Way.

Resolved:

(i) That the Clerk pursue his enquiries about a permissive right of way being granted on land at the end of Nutcroft Way, not in the ownership of the Thornely Taylor Estates Company.

(ii) That the process be begun of obtaining evidence of 20 years’ use of this walk by members of the public.

(b) The Chairman reported that certain residents of Pinfold Lane, Harwell had suggested that, if the Parish Council located a second dog waste bin on Pinfold Lane (at its junction with Harwell Sluice Lane), they were prepared to empty it in the same way as the bin at the western end of Pinfold Lane.

Resolved: That a bin be provided.

(c) The Clerk reported that the new waymarker had been erected on Path 1 at Croft Farm, Tethering Lane.

05/06/250 CPRE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION 2006

The Clerk agreed to assign to each Member of the Parish Council a discrete part of the Parish, with a view to Members being responsible for their own part for competition purposes. The first job for Members would be to report to the February meeting on signage, street nameplates, etc. in need of attention.








05/06/251 TUNNELTECH NORTH

Pursuant to Minute No. 05/06/229 of December, 2005, Email correspondence from Mr. Chris Booth, of Bassetlaw Environmental Health Department, was discussed. Councillor Marsh repeated her complaints regarding the continuous, intolerable stench emanating from Tunneltech, and indicated that she intended to press the issue in the strongest possible terms at the next meeting of the Liaison Group, to be held at Misson on 12th January, 2006. Councillor Bardsley intended to be present at the meeting too.

05/06/252 AUDIT OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH, 2005

Letter was submitted from UHY Hacker Young, the Parish Council’s External Auditor, confirming that the audit was complete. There were no matters to report.

05/06/253 LOW FLYING OVER EVERTON

Pursuant to Minute No. 05/06/231 of December, 2005, an Email was submitted from Ms. Claire Wilson, Environment Co-ordinator at Robin Hood Airport, making the following points:

· Aircraft conducted training circuits to the east of the airfield which affected Everton. This was made clear at the public inquiry.

· Procedures were detailed in the UK AIP, a document for all pilots about each aerodrome.

· The procedures required aircraft to operate at a minimum of 1,500 feet, and they were restricted to social operating times during the day, with respite periods required.

· Aircraft departing to the east had a noise-preferred corridor to operate within, to minimise noise disturbance as best possible. The corridor was 3 km in width, and outer edges did to some extent affect Everton.

· 70% of aircraft attained a path towards the centre of the noise-preferred corridor, which should not affect Everton, but, owing to wind conditions, aircraft performance, aircraft weight, etc., aircraft could drift to the outer edges of the corridor, thus affecting Everton.



· Noise workshops were to be organised, to enable people to visit the airport and view noise data, planning conditions, planning policy, etc. Details would shortly be available.

05/06/254 SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES BILL

Letter was submitted from Local Works, thanking the Parish Council for supporting the Sustainable Communities Bill. It requested a copy of the Parish Council’s latest newsletter, and also requested a few sentences about the problems the Parish Council was aware of in Everton in terms of community decline, e.g. local service and facilities closure and knock-on effects such as increased traffic and less community involvement.

The Clerk undertook to furnish Local Works with the requested newsletter and the Chairman undertook to provide the requested information.

05/06/255 PARISH COUNCILS LIASION GROUP MEETING

(a) Letter was submitted from Bassetlaw District Council, enclosing a copy of a presentation paper by the Head of Financial Services to the meeting of the Parish Council Liaison Group Meeting held on 23rd November, 2005. The letter also sought to consult parish councils on certain matters relating to funding and service delivery.

District Councillor Martin had already confirmed at the December meeting that Bassetlaw District Council had agreed to make no further reductions in concurrent grant beyond the 2005/06 reduction.

Resolved: That Bassetlaw District Council be informed that the Parish Council was in agreement with cemetery grant being based on population as opposed to expenditure.

(b) Letter was submitted from Bassetlaw District Council, drawing attention to the next meeting of the Group, to be held at Retford on 22nd March, 2006. Any items or questions needed to be submitted by 3rd March, 2006. District Councillor Martin reminded Members that there was a public discussion period at meetings of the Group. He also referred to proposals for the Group to meet three-monthly, as opposed to six-monthly.

(c) The minutes of the meeting of the Group held on 23rd November, 2005 were submitted.


05/06/256 PERSONAL PROPERTY REGISTRATION

Pursuant to Minute No. 05/06/236 of December, 2005, consideration was given to an open letter from Chief Superintendent Johnson regarding property registration at a new website recognised by the police service and the Home Office: www.immobilise.com.

Resolved: That the Clerk write an article for HEDS Together, drawing the attention of the public to this facility, and suggesting that anyone without Internet access should contact him for advice.

05/06/257 CE ELECTRIC UK – VEGETATION AND TREE CLEARANCE

Pursuant to Minute No. 05/06/204 of November, 2005, a letter was submitted from Bassetlaw District Council, stating that statutory undertakers and utility companies were exempt from the regulations that would normally apply to trees in conservation areas and those subject to tree preservation orders.

05/06/258 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT IN ENGLISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT: THE FUTURE

The Clerk drew attention to the above discussion document, issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. The Clerk had studied the document and considered that the majority of suggested alterations to the code of conduct, etc. were sensible.

The document would be circulated amongst Members, prior to consideration at the next meeting.

05/06/259 CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED NEW PRIMARY CARE TRUST ARRANGEMENTS: ENSURING A PATIENT LED NHS

This consultation document would be circulated prior to consideration at the next meeting.

05/06/260 BASSETLAW LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK – CORE STRATEGY: PREFERRED OPTIONS CONSULTATION/ NOTTINGHAMSHIRE STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY ENVOLVEMENT PRE-SUBMISSION DRAFT – NOVEMBER 2005

These planning consultation documents would be circulated prior to consideration at the next meeting.






05/06/261 COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP SEMINAR

Letter was submitted from Nottinghamshire Association of Local Councils, inviting the Parish Council to be represented at a seminar being run in partnership with Nottinghamshire Rural Community Council, at Southwell on 1st March, 2006. A faith group representative was also invited to attend.

Councillor de Bel offered to attend the seminar, and to make enquiries about the possibility of a faith group representative also attending.

05/06/262 A631 – INTERACTIVE SIGNS

Email correspondence between District Councillor Martin and County Councillor Bullivant was submitted, in which County Councillor Bullivant advised that he had been informed that, although budgetary provision was made for the signs in 2005/06, the budget was overspent and the signs would not now be provided. County Councillor Smedley, the Cabinet Member concerned, was now looking at all the outstanding applications throughout the County and was to prepare a priority list.

Members were appalled to hear this news.

Resolved: That the Clerk raise the matter with the Highways Department, and County Councillor Smedley if necessary.

05/06/263 A631 – FOOTPATH WEST OUT OF THE VILLAGE

Email correspondence between District Councillor Martin and County Councillor Bullivant was submitted, in which County Councillor Bullivant confirmed that the footpath would be examined and that he was hopeful that remedial work would commence in the near future.

05/06/264 NALC NORTHERN AREA COMMITTEE

The minutes of the meeting held on 21st November, 2005 were submitted.

05/06/265 LAND OFF STONEHILL LANE, EVERTON

Pursuant to Minute No. 05/06/211 of November, 2005, concern was expressed about industrial activity at this site.

Resolved: That the Clerk report the matter to Bassetlaw District Council, and also enquire as to progress regarding the enforcement issue..


05/06/266 CRIME STATISTICS

The crime statistics for December were noted.

05/06/267 THE BASSETLAW PLANNING PROCESS

District Councillor Martin left the meeting at this point and did not return.

Pursuant to Minute No. 05/06/238 of December, 2005, the Clerk reported that he had received a letter from the Executive Director of Professional and Customer Services of Bassetlaw District Council. The Executive Director stated that he had reviewed the correspondence, with particular reference to the questions raised in the Parish Council’s letters of 7th June and 30th July, 2005. He was satisfied that the District Council’s responses to the questions were contained in letters from Sara Goodwin dated 24th June, 2005 (covered issues raised in the letter dated 7th June, 2005) and from Richard Fidler dated 1st September, 2005 (covered the issue raised in the letter dated 30th July, 2005).

In conclusion, he remained satisfied that the District Council had followed the correct policies and procedures in both determining the planning matters in question and replying to the Parish Council’s correspondence.

He said that he had contacted the Leader of the District Council regarding the Parish Council’s request for a meeting with the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Planning, and would write further to advise of the outcome.

The Clerk had responded to that letter, stating that he was prepared to accept that the letter from Richard Fidler partly dealt with the issue raised in the Clerk’s letter of 30th July, 2005, but not fully as it did not comment on development outside settlement areas only being allowed in exceptional circumstances. As regards the letter from Sara Goodwin, it failed to address any of the eleven points raised in the Clerk’s letter of 7th June, 2005. Furthermore, Richard Fidler’s letter was in summary form only, and did not address all eleven points raised. Comment was still outstanding on points 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 11.

A letter had since been received from Councillor Quigley, Leader of the District Council, confirming the opinion of the Executive Director of Professional and Customer Services. He said that he had discussed the matter with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Councillor Isard, and they felt that they could not add anything further to the responses previously made by Officers. Therefore, a meeting between themselves and representatives of the Parish Council would not be appropriate.


Councillor Quigley then said that, as the issues raised in the Parish Council’s original complaint had been fully investigated at Stage 2 of the District Council’s complaints procedure (and beyond), he could only suggest that an individual member of the Parish Council might seek recourse through the Local Government Ombudsman if the Parish Council wished to pursue the matter.

The Clerk had summarised the above in a report to all Members.
He asked Members if they remained of the opinion that the requested information had not been provided, and they confirmed that that was the case.

Resolved unanimously:

That the Clerk inform the Acting Chief Executive at the District Council as follows:

That the Parish Council expressed concern and disappointment that a partner organisation should act in such a manner. Members had concluded that there was no possibility of the District Council voluntarily providing the requested information, with the reason being seemingly apparent.

A copy of the investigation file was requested, in order that the Parish Council could study the reasoning behind the decision not to provide the requested information. If there was any reason why the requested file could not be provided within two weeks of request, the Parish Council should be informed.

If the Parish Council remained dissatisfied, it would reluctantly submit complaints to the Standards Board for England against Councillors Quigley and Isard under paragraphs 2b, 3b and 4 of the Bassetlaw District Council Members’ Code of Conduct.

Members were saddened over this state of affairs, but found themselves with the alternative choices of simply being fobbed off or pressing the issue on behalf of the residents of the Parish. These alternatives were debated, as the Parish Council wished to enjoy an excellent relationship with the District Council, but the conclusion was really inevitable.








05/06/268 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

19/05/29
Mr. & Mrs. M. Torr
Erect detached house and garage on land to the south-east of Pear Tree Farm, Gainsborough Road, Everton

The Clerk reported that this application, to which the Parish Council had already objected, had been withdrawn.

19/05/37 & 19/05/38L
Mr. & Mrs. Sleight
Demolish and rebuild garage at Wisteria Cottage, Old Post Office Street, Everton

Resolved: That no adverse comment be made.

19/05/39
Mr. D. Underwood
Erect two storey extension at 15 Long Meadows, Everton

Resolved: That no adverse comment be made.

05/06/269 PLANNING DETERMINATIONS

19/05/23
Teamport t/a Everton Nurseries
Erect polytunnel at Everton Nurseries, Gainsborough Road, Everton

Permission Refused

19/05/34
Mr. D. Hunter
Erect first floor extension above existing garage at 24 Long Meadows, Everton

Permission Granted

19/05/35
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Erect two storey side extension at 21 Long Meadows, Everton

Permission Granted



05/06/270 BUDGET 2006-07

The Clerk furnished Members with a set of Budget proposals.

Resolved:

(a) That no action be taken with regard to a request for financial assistance from Victim Support Nottinghamshire.

(b) That the Budget be approved in accordance with the statement to be circulated.

(c) That the precept be set at £9,000.

05/06/271 ANNUAL AUDIT REQUIREMENTS

(a) Members were satisfied that the Parish Council’s Risk Assessment Policy was working efficiently, and required no amendment.

(b) Members were satisfied that the Parish Council’s internal controls, financial systems, financial regulations and standing orders were all satisfactory.

(c) Members were satisfied that the Parish Council always endeavoured to ensure compliance with legislative requirements

05/06/272 CLERK’S CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT

The Clerk submitted a report drawing attention to the fact that a new contract of employment was required following implementation of the National Agreement by the Parish Council in 2005.

Recommended: That new contract of employment of the Clerk to the Council, now submitted, be approved.

05/06/273 THE CLERK’S SALARY

A review took place of the work carried out by the Clerk to the Council.

Recommended: That the Clerk’s salary remain unaltered.






05/06/274 CLERK TO THE COUNCIL’S ANNUAL APPRAISAL

Following implementation of the Clerk to the Council’s new contract of employment, a discussion took place about the requirement for an annual appraisal. For current purposes, both the Parish Council and the Clerk to the Council indicated their satisfaction with matters.

05/06/275 DISCIPLINARY AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

The Clerk submitted a report advising Members of the statutory requirement for the Parish Council to adopt both Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures. He submitted draft documents for consideration. He had already submitted these draft documents to the Human Resources Section of Bassetlaw District Council, and was awaiting their final comments.

Recommended: That, on receipt of comments from the Human Resources Section of Bassetlaw District Council, and following amendments now proposed, the two documents, as amended, be submitted to a future meeting for approval.