Present: Cllr. E J Derrick (Chairman)

Before the formal part of the meeting the Chairman presented the trophies to the first prize winners of the Peasedown St John in Bloom Competition. A photo shoot followed for the Newsletter.

Members were then invited to view a video film provided by the Police concerning a Community-run Hand-held Speed Gun Scheme already up and running in the village of Ash.

The formal meeting commenced at 7.20 p.m.

Cllr Mrs. Bevan asked to report on a meeting she had taken with Will Steel from the B&NES Footpath Department. He had agreed with her that some form of barrier was needed on the Foxcote Footpath (BA 19/25) between its junction with Wellow Lane and the new part of Laxton Way - it is possible to drive a small car along this path. Clerk warned Cllr. Mrs. Bevan that, if Mr. Steel did build barriers, they must be adaptable to allow the Clerk's contractor to access the path for the vegetation clearance paid for by B&NES.

1. Minutes of a Council meeting held on 28^th July 2003

These minutes, which had been previously circulated were taken as read, agreed a true record and signed by the Chairman. There were no maters arising.

2. Correspondence

a). B&NES. Parish Councils' Basic Allowance and Travelling Expenses

A letter was received which stated that the District Council Remuneration Panel was now willing to take on the Parish job and has asked all Parish Councils' for guidance on the amounts envisaged to be suitable for paying members.

The Chairman reminded members that the subject had already been well debated by the Finance Committee on 1^st September, the comprehensive minutes had been circulated several weeks ago and he hoped that all members had grasped the main features of the new legislation. Clerk reminded members that some form of formal resolution to adopt a scheme would have to be agreed before the end of the year or all allowances and travelling expenses would be illegal except for expenses paid to the Chairman.

A majority of members seemed to be against any payment being made to Parish Councillors although some did point out that it may be possible that some members of the public may be put off from standing if their circumstances required that they would need child-care etc. A basic allowance would help in cases like that.

Members were in general agreement that, if the make-up of the Council should change, the subject of allowances would be re-investigated.

All members agreed that travelling allowances should remain for attending courses, conferences etc and it was proposed that a scheme for that should be eventually formally agreed as soon as the Remuneration Panel had set the scales.

It was finally agreed unanimously:

"that the Council does not request the Remuneration Panel to advise on a level of participation allowance for the Parish Council, as the Council does not wish to pay such an allowance to members".

Furthermore: -

"that the Parish Council requests the Remuneration Panel to advise on the level of travel and subsistence allowances for the Parish Councillors, and submits views to the Remuneration Panel that it considers the level of such allowances should be identical to those advised for District Councillors and that the Panel should advise that the same level of such allowances should apply throughout the District".

The Clerk was asked to convey this resolution to B&NES.

b). B&NES. Diversion of Footpath BA19/1 through Carlingcott Mill

Clerk has received a report written by Mr. Will Steel to the Regulatory (Access) Committee that will meet on 16^th October 2003. The report shows that Mr. Steel and some B&NES members agree to the diversion as laid out by the residents of Carlingcott Mill. Members agreed that the Clerk should write to Will Steel to inform him that the objections from this Council still stand. Clerk will also obtain the views of Camerton Parish Council.

c). Mr. James Holland (Norton Radstock Ramblers)

Letter asking why there are no safe crossings on the by-pass. Clerk reported to the meeting that he had already sent a letter to Mr. Holland explaining the decisions of Avon CC in the planning of the by-pass and that recently B&NES have promised some warning signs. Noted.

d). ALCA AGM

Letter asking for two named delegates. Cllr. Butt said he would attend and the request was then left on the table for other volunteers.

e). Cllr. Chris Watt (B&NES)

Letter explaining that he is now Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny for Housing and Community Safety and would like to attend a meeting of this Council to hear our views on Community Safety. Clerk was asked to arrange for him to attend the next Council meeting, if available.

f). Mr. A Hastings, Morgan Way

A letter received concerning tree planting on the new POS. He is a little apprehensive that we might miss the next planting season. Refer to the next Environment Committee meeting.

3. Accounts

The following accounts were agreed for payment.

Fosseway Press Ltd. £26.09 & 400.10; Rev. V Bonham 2; SALC 55; M J Whittock (salary and expenses) 1450.22 & 1415.85; Inland Revenue 552.70 & 552.49; Chris Lilley 300; J Chiswell 1133; T&K Cook 236.04; ALCA 120; B&NES 1400; Southwood Waste Management 136.90; Trophies of Radstock 12.50; SWEB 9.67; Rev. R Farrant 2; Rev. H Bonsey 2; Peter Davies 124, 300.86 & 779.56; BT 144.78 & 35.25; J Barker 144 & 144; J Beck 42 & 14; Bath Road Service Station 7.69 & 11.38; Father D Ferguson 2; Playground Management 78.14 and Allianz Cornhill 117.79.

The Clerk reported that the External Auditor had phoned him to say that the Audit had been successful with no comment except the evergreen question concerning the level of the Clerk's Fidelity Cover and the fact that they wished to see the new insurance schedule with the recent acquisitions covered. The Chairman congratulated the Clerk, Finance Committee and the Internal Auditor, Mr. Provest on a job well done.

 

4. To receive the minutes of a Planning Committee meeting held on 1^st September 2003

Cllr. Derrick presented these minutes and asked for questions or points of clarification. All decisions were endorsed.

5. To receive the minutes of an Environment Committee meeting held on 1^st September 2003

Cllr. Butt presented these minutes and drew members' attention to Item 2(a); the debate concerning a Community Scheme for curbing speed through the village using hand-held speed guns. He asked members to comment on the video shown before the formal meeting started. Members had mixed feelings about a possible scheme in this village as many parts of the main street had, some may say, an overkill of traffic calming. It was agreed that the Committee takes the project back for further discussion on costing and manning.

Members wished to congratulate the work of Cyril Chivers, the caretaker who has looked after the flowers during the very dry summer. Clerk said that he had already conveyed their delight to Cyril and said that he would now be asked to dismantle the displays for cleaning and winter storage in the cemetery building. Planting on the beds and in the tubs would start the first week in November

Cllr. Butt then congratulated all involved for the very successful opening ceremony at the new POS. He added that he has been invited to join the "Friends of the Green" at their "business meetings" where he hoped to bring back any good sound ideas for consideration.

All other decisions were endorsed.

6. To receive the minutes of Magazine Committee meeting held on 22^nd September 2003

In the absence of Cllr. Mrs. Thomas, Cllr. Bolwell presented the minutes. He asked members to note the position with the delivery and asked if other members could suggest further alternatives. The Clerk reported that he had written an article for the Newsletter asking for interested organisations or individuals to contact him and he has also given the Scouts prior knowledge of the possible income for them if their Committee would sanction the job.

All other decisions were endorsed.

7. To receive the minutes of a Finance Committee meeting held on 1^st September 2003

Cllr. Mrs. Butt presented these minutes. She asked members for their comments on the fact that the committee has decided to extend the fixed term on the Halifax Guaranteed Reserve from six months to one year (when the present term ends in November) to attract a better rate of interest. After a full explanation from the Clerk concerning other reserve funds, members wholeheartedly supported the move.

Cllr. Mrs. Butt also asked the Council to consider a grant to the Holcombe Majorettes, now that they were the only entertainment at the opening of Ecewiche Green. It was agreed to discuss the grant when debating the addition to the Chairman's expense fund. All other decisions were endorsed.

8. To receive the minutes of a Lighting Committee meeting held on 22^nd September 2003

Cllr. Derrick presented these minutes. He asked members to endorse this year's capital spending for four new lights, if costs were within the budget laid down. Agreed

9. Chairman's Allowance and Opening Ceremony at Ecewiche Green

The Chairman commented upon the successful opening ceremony at Ecewiche Green and asked Council to grant him more hospitality money as his fund was now £78 overspent.

It was agreed to pay an extra £150 into the Chairman's hospitality fund for the year ended 31^st March 2004 in accordance with the LGA 1972 ss 15(5).

Cllr. Mrs. Butt asked that consideration should be given to granting the Holcombe Majorettes a sum of money to help pay for their new costumes required for their entry into the European Championships this year. She asked members to note that the extra money given to the Chairman would be required for his other day to day expenses and that there was still £112 in her Finance Committee fund for grants to local organisations.

It was agreed to grant the Holcombe Majorettes the sum of £100 in accordance with the LGA Act 1972 ss 145.

10. To consider a re-appraisal of the Parish Design Statement

After a lengthy debate it was decided that a small committee of Cllr. Butt, Mr. Ian McInnes and Mr. P Provest should look into the PDS to ascertain the extent of the job before deciding how to proceed.

11. Reports

a). ALCA

Cllr. Butt reported on his attendance at the training day held in Keynsham on 13^th September 2003 with Cllrs. Gregory and Mrs. Kennedy. He felt that the day was too long as too many subjects were covered on a very hot day on very uncomfortable chairs. He felt that, in the future, a half-day was enough. He was, however, impressed with the tutor from the local government section of Gloucester University.

b). Peasedown St John Safety Action Group

Cllr. Mrs. Button reported on a busy meeting when a report was given by the youth leader on their recent training for Youth Parish Councillors and the fact that the Youth Centre now has a set of ramps that can be used by cycles. PC Roberts presented a report, which showed that during the hot summer holidays vandalism and crime had soared in the village. The Community Bus reported that they would be reluctant to visit the village next year as they had endured lots of abuse from both children and parents alike.

12. Any other business, being an exchange of information for noting or placing on a future agenda and a preview of correspondence received since the posting of the agenda

Clerk reported receipt of an application to renew the Entertainment's Licence at Red Post Inn. Members could see no objection to the renewal.

Cllr. Gregory reported that he had been forced to agree to the demolition of the Gent's urinal in the Rec. as it had become very unsafe - he was sorry but he had to make a very hasty decision without consulting this Council. Members noted the action but felt that it would not be missed as it had been used very rarely and that a toilet was based in the changing rooms for players.

Chairman commented upon the fact that he had set eyes on a new committee report concerning public toilets in B&NES and had noticed that the Greenlands Road Toilet seems to have been dropped from the debate. He hoped that the toilet was not mentioned because plans to close it had been shelved.

13. Dates of future meetings

13^th and 27^th October - Committees as required. 3^rd and 10^th November - Committees as required starting on the round of estimates. 24^th November - next full Council meeting.

Meeting closed at 8.45 p.m.