Present: Cllrs. I Lloyd (Chairman), Mrs. J. Pattison, Mrs. W. Thompson, Mr. S. Green, Mrs. B. Gunby, Mrs. E. Simmonite and Mrs. C. Leigh.
187.08 To receive any apologies for absence
Apologies were received from Cllrs. Adams and Hall. Reasons were given and these were accepted.
188.08 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 10th June 2008
Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 10th June 2008 are accepted and approved as a true record. Proposed Cllr. Pattison, seconded Cllr. Leigh. Carried.
189.08 To identify any agenda items from which the press and public should be excluded due to the confidential nature of the business to be discussed.
Resolved: That the press and public should be excluded from agenda item 34 and 35 due to the confidential nature of the business to be conducted. Proposed Cllr. Thompson, seconded Cllr. Pattison. Carried.
190.08 To review Councillors’ existing declarations of interests
This item was deferred until a future meeting.
191.08 To declare any interests necessary for this meeting.
a) Cllr. Green declared his personal interest in agenda item 35
b) Cllr. Lloyd declared his personal interest in agenda item 24
192.08 To note any matters arising (For information only)
a) We are still awaiting paperwork from British Waterways in respect of sting benches at the reservoir footpath. The Clerk has been promised the necessary forms this week.
b) Councillor Pattison has still not received a reply from RMBC in respect of her enquiry about dropped kerbs
193.08 To consider planning applications
a) RB2008/1034 – Erection of bungalow with garage and parking at 63 Walseker Lane, Woodall for Mr. J. Firth.
Resolved: That there are no objections to this application. Carried
194.08 To receive information on other planning matters
The Clerk reported that the planning applications to develop the new rectory site, (RB2008/1041/2), to which the Parish Council had objected, have been approved by the Planning Board but with several conditions. No further action was considered appropriate at this stage other than to monitor that conditions are adhered to.
The meeting was suspended at this point to receive a report from Sgt. Charlesworth and PCSO Snaith who gave a local crime report, details of local crime trends and an update on traffic management issues. The Council thanked the officers for attending and for their valuable contribution.
195.08 To receive the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting held on Tuesday 1st July
Resolved: That the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting held on Tuesday 1st July are accepted. Proposed Cllr. Pattison, seconded Cllr. Simmonite. Carried.
196.08 To receive the report of the internal auditor
The report of the internal auditor was circulated to Councillors. The report was favourable but sought correction of two technical accounting irregularities.
Resolved: That the report of the internal auditor is accepted. Proposed Cllr. Lloyd, seconded Cllr. Simmonite. Carried.
197.08 To approve the amended Parish Council Accounts for 2007/08
Resolved: That the amended Parish Council Accounts for 2007/08 are accepted. Proposed Cllr. Lloyd, seconded Cllr. Gunby. Carried.
198.08 To approve the 2007/08 Statement of Accounts
Resolved: That the Annual Return 2007/2008 Statement of Accounts are approved and adopted by the Parish Council. Proposed Cllr. Lloyd, seconded Cllr. Simmonite. Carried.
199.08 To approve the 2007/08 Statement of Assurance
Resolved: That the Annual Return 2007/2008 Statement of Assurance is approved and adopted by the Parish Council. Proposed Cllr. Pattison, seconded Cllr. Green. Carried.
200.08 To approve the 2007/08 Statement of Variation
Resolved: That the 2007/2008 Statement of Significant Variances for the Annual Audit is approved and adopted by the Parish Council. Proposed Cllr. Lloyd, seconded Cllr. Leigh. Carried.
201.08 To verify bank reconciliation to 30th June 2008
Bank statements were checked and verified and initialled by two Councillors.
202.08 To approve accounts for payment (see separate sheet)
Resolved: That the accounts for payment are accepted and approved for payment. Proposed Cllr. Lloyd, seconded Cllr. Thompson. Carried.
203.08 To receive an update of the Guaranteed Investment Bond
The Clerk reported that it had not proved possible to increase the value of the Guaranteed Investment Bond during its term. The next opportunity to do so will be in September when it is due for renewal.
204.08 To consider requests for financial assistance
No requests have been received this month
205.08 To note any correspondence
Letters of thanks has been received from Kiveton Park and Harthill First Response Team and Harthill Carnival Society in respect of the Parish Council’s recent donations
206.08 To receive risk assessment reports
No further risk assessments have been undertaken during the past month. Further risk assessments at the Leisure Centre and individual allotment sites will be undertaken over the summer.
207.08 To receive reports of June/July external meetings
a) A Code of Conduct training meeting was held with Tim Mumford of RMBC. This was a very useful meeting which 5 councillors attended.
b) An informal meeting was held with Borough Councillors Sharpe and Fenoughty to discuss local issues. This was a positive meeting and it was agreed that similar meeting will be held quarterly where possible.
208.08 To receive information on external meetings arranged for July/August
a) A meeting has been arranged with Stephen Finlay of RMBC Streetpride. This will take place on Thursday 10 July at 11.30am at the Village Hall
b) Cllr. Simmonite will attend the next South Rotherham Rural Transport Group meeting
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS
Resolved: That the meeting is adjourned for comments and questions from the press and public. Proposed Cllr. Lloyd, seconded Cllr. Green. Carried
Mr Newby asked when the Woodall road marking scheme would be completed. He also said that he had been told that the M1 widening scheme may not take place and that a final decision would be taken in late Autumn. He again raised the subject of hedges between Harthill and Woodall and also asked if arrangements for removing the Woodall telephone box could be clarified.
209.08 To consider matters relating to improvements and services for Woodall
a) There is no definite date as yet for the road marking scheme to be undertaken in Woodall although it is expected to be completed during the next few weeks
b) We are still awaiting the outcome of the delegated budget bids made in respect of Woodall.
210.08 To consider matters relating to the Village Hall
Proposals have now been received from the Village Hall Management Committee in respect of refurbishment. The Clerk has also contacted YRCC who have offered their services to seek external funding to carry out work. The discussion centred around refurbishment versus rebuilding but it was felt overall that there was no available space in Harthill for a new village hall. It was felt that bringing in someone who could advise on refurbishment needs would be beneficial and that external funding opportunities should be further explored.
Resolved: That advice is taken from YRCC in relation to external funding and availability of consultancy. Proposed Cllr. Pattison, seconded Cllr. Thompson. Carried
211.08 To consider grounds maintenance matters
a) Cllr. Gunby raised the question of grounds maintenance in the village and in particular that undertaken by RMBC which has not been carried out to an acceptable standard recently and has caused a lot of complaint.
Resolved: That this matter is taken up at the forthcoming meeting with Stephen Finlay from Streetpride. Proposed Cllr. Lloyd, seconded Cllr. Pattison. Carried
b) Mr. Hibbert of Winney Hill has asked the Parish Council to consider meeting part cost of repairs to a wall which is collapsing and is part on his property and part on Parish Council land. The Clerk has investigated this and found that it is a single wall traversing the boundary and appears to be in a state of disrepair
Resolved: That Mr Hibbert provides the Parish Council with an estimate of likely costs involved. Proposed Cllr. Lloyd, seconded Cllr. Pattison. Carried
212.08 To receive an update on a proposed pharmacy for Harthill
The Clerk has now received some updated information on this application. As a contributor to the consultation process the Parish Council has received copies of all other written submissions. These are largely supportive but there is a strong objection from an established pharmacy in Kiveton Park. The outcome of the submission will be decided within the next couple of months.
213.08 To approve arrangements to upgrade play equipment at Doctor Lane
The Clerk reported that the goalposts purchased for the Doctor Lane play area had now been received and would be installed during week commencing 14 July. A quote has been received for £200 from Mr. G. Tune to remove the existing goalposts before this work can commence
Resolved: That Mr. G. Tune is contracted to remove the existing goalposts subject to a maximum cost of £200. Proposed Cllr. Pattison, seconded Cllr. Lloyd. Carried
214.08 To receive an update on proposals to upgrade the Woodall Lane Play Area
A meeting was held with Nick Barnes of RMBC on 19 June and this confirmed their proposed funding of £30,000 towards refurbishment of the Woodall Lane play area. The Parish Council has previously resolved to contribute £10,000 to this project. The next stage will be a local consultation exercise carried out by the Groundwork Trust to seek the views of local organisation and residents. This will include such as the village school and its pupils, Pre-School Playgroup, Mother and Toddler Group and the Youth Club. Groundwork will also have a stall at the forthcoming Carnival to take representations from local people. The consultation will be completed in July and it is hoped the project will be completed by the end of September.
215.08 To approve arrangements for the SYPTE / RCT Travel Day at the Village Hall on July 16th
The Clerk reported that the line up for the over 60s travel day at the Village Hall on 16 July is – 1) SYPTE to issue travel passes 2) Rotherham Community Transport to complete registrations for Rotherride and Shopper services. 3) RMBC to issue Rothercards and 4) RMBC to deliver benefits advice including Pensioner Credits, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Council Tax Benefit.
216.08 To consider proposals concerning Adult Education in Harthill
a) The Clerk reported that the proposed beginners’ IT course to run from September has already attracted 10 registrations.
b) The Clerk has been made aware of possible continuation funding for this course and will pursue this via RMBC. This funding is available to develop Adult Education in areas where there is little or no provision so other courses may also be eligible.
Resolved: That an early meeting is sought with RMBC representatives to discuss potential funding for Adult Education initiatives in the Parish. Proposed Cllr. Lloyd, seconded Cllr. Pattison. Carried
217.08 To approve entry to the Rotherham In Bloom competition
Resolved: That the Council submits an entry for this year’s Rotherham In Bloom competition. Proposed Cllr. Lloyd, seconded Cllr. Leigh. Carried
218.08 To receive an update on the holiday play scheme in Harthill July/August 2008
The Clerk has received confirmation of the costs of the summer Mega-Active play schemes to be held on Spens Field. Basic costs will be £625 per week which pays for two qualified sports coaches each day. Cost to the Parish Council will be reduced by the amount raised in revenue from the event which will depend on the number of participants paying £2 per day. 30 participants would therefore reduce the cost by £300 per week. After only a few days of advertising the event, 15 young people have already been registered.
219.08 To receive an update on the maintenance of stiles
The Clerk has had confirmation that kissing gates designated for Harthill and Woodall are now in stock and awaiting installation. RMBC have apologised for the delay which is due to staff shortages. They are unable to give a definite installation date at present.
220.08 Individual Councillor Reports (For information only)
Cllr. Pattison said that a privately owned hedge on Winney Hill was in need of urgent attention
Exclusion of the Press and Public
Resolved: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972. Carried.
221.08 To receive an update on the Spens Field / Car Park lease
The Spens Field lease proposal was considered by RMBC’s CSART Committee last week and it went through unopposed. However it would appear that there is now an additional tier in the decision making process. The lease now has to be approved by the Corporate Management Team, which meets on 18 August before going to the final hurdle – the Regeneration and Asset Board on 10 September. No problems are anticipated but there will not be any confirmation until these stages have been passed.
222.08 To consider proposals regarding Parish Council land
A meeting was held with affected Winney Hill residents on 8 July and it was confirmed that all wished to purchase the allotment land to the rear of their properties. It was agreed with residents that further investigation would take place in the near future.
Resolved: That initial advice on the legal process is sought from YLCA. Proposed Cllr. Lloyd, seconded Cllr. Thompson. Carried
The meeting closed at 9.45 pm
Signed
Chairman