Draft Minutes subject to
confirmation
MARY TAVY PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
MEETING
Held in the Reading Rooms
Tuesday 13th October 2009
Present:
Cllr T Pearce (Chairman) (WDBC), Cllr M Anning,
Cllr C Downham, Cllr R Elton,
Cllr G Hill, Cllr A Prosser, Cllr M Robins, (7)
C Williams (Clerk)
Others Present:
Three members of the public.
Apologies for absence:
Cllr M Roe, Cllr S Street, Christine Marsh
(DCC)
144-2009 Parishioners
Time – Mr D White had given a letter to Cllr Pearce today, which will be
placed on the agenda for the next meeting. Mr White felt that Mr Jarvis was treated badly at the August parish council meeting. The Chairman replied that he would not permit shouting at members of the council by members of the public and that was why Mr Jarvis was asked to leave.
145- 2009 Declarations of
Interest:
145.1 Cllr Robins and Cllr Hill declared
prejudicial interests in the Holding Pen, Cllr Hill declared an interest in
Coronation Hall and MTVMRG. Cllr Pearce declared a personal interest in Grendon
Farm, Cllr Prosser declared interests in Coronation Hall and CAB, Cllr Downham
declared interests in Coronation Hall, MTVMRG and MT & B Under 5’s.
145.2 Cllr Robins asked if there was a grant
application from MTVMRG trustees under item 7.3. Cllr Pearce advised that there
was. Cllr Robins then referred to a
statement made by Cllr Hill at the May Parish Council meeting that Cllr Robins
“held a grudge against the Trustees of
MTVMRG”. Cllr Robins wished to remind councillors of this accusation and of
his strong rebuttal. Cllr Robins stated
that whilst it is acceptable to say that a councillor is predisposed to a
viewpoint it is unacceptable to accuse a fellow councillor of predetermination
and he said that in his use of the word grudge Cllr Hill may have placed
himself in difficulties in this respect.
Cllr Robins wished to serve notice on Cllr Hill that if he continues to
question his impartiality in such a manner then the matter will be referred to
the Standards Board for England.
Cllr Hill then replied that if Cllr Robins was
always fighting for the Trustees of the Field and supporting them then why did
he only recommend a grant of £350, even less than the school. Cllr Robins referred to minutes of previous
meetings.
146-2009 Minutes of the previous
meeting:
All agreed the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 8th September 2009 were a true and accurate record and were duly signed by the Chairman
147-2009 Matters arising:
147.1
Website review – Mr Keith Rogers has expressed interest
in running the village website and he gave members a demonstration of his
proposals. He is circulating this demonstration copy amongst members for all to
view before further discussion at next months meeting. The clerk was asked to
contact the existing website providers to see what conditions apply regarding
cancellation of any existing contract.
Cllr Pearce proposed that the decision be finalised at the next meeting
when this was known. This was seconded
by Cllr Robins and unanimously agreed.
147.2
Holding Pen – Cllrs Robins, Hill and Mr White left the room. There was an interruption
from outside of the room when Cllr Robins felt that Mr White was harassing
him. The Planning Inspectorate has
forwarded a combined reply from the Commoners to the concerns of the Parish
Council, WDBC and residents. The
commoners have disregarded these concerns as they feel there will be no
increase in flooding however members felt the concern does still remain that
any flooding could carry down increased droppings etc into Brentor Road. The Planning Inspectorate have not asked for
a further response so Cllr Elton proposed not to write again as our comments
have already been submitted in writing and we should await the response from
the Planning Inspectorate. This was seconded by Cllr Prosser and unanimously
agreed amongst those present.
147.3
Grendon Farm – Trials bikes have been claiming right of way for motor vehicles and the
farmer was concerned about sheep losing lambs. Previously DCC have found no
record of the declassification of this road.
However at a further meeting with DCC and Highways attended by Cllr
Pearce, paperwork has now come to light showing that the road was indeed closed
off as a road in 1957. DCC are now
dealing with this matter and it is hoped that written confirmation will now
follow to confirm the road should be closed off. The motorcycle group should
then be informed.
147.4
Letter from Mr Garland – A letter was received the afternoon of the last
meeting advising dissatisfaction with the Parish Council response to his
previous letter. However Mr Garland has since resigned as a Trustee of MTVMRG
and he is happy to consider this matter closed if so wished. Cllr Pearce felt we should still write to
note the contents of his letter and also to express our regret that he has
resigned as a Trustee. It was suggested
that future correspondence should be between secretaries. Cllr Hill stated that he and the other
trustees had no input to the letters so wished to leave the matter closed. Cllr
Prosser agreed there was no point in going back to MTVMRG as it was a letter
from Mr Garland. Cllr Pearce proposed to write with our acknowledgment and
thanks. This was seconded by Cllr Anning and unanimously agreed. Cllrs Hill & Downham were unable to vote
on this matter.
147.5
Blackdown Village Green – DNPA have confirmed that they provided the ailing
birch tree on Blackdown Green but as it now appears to be affected by a fungal
infection they are happy for it to be replaced by one or two new trees. Cllr Prosser proposed
to replace it with 2 oak trees; this was seconded by Cllr Elton and unanimously
agreed.
147.6
Standing Orders - To ratify previous proposal to amend Standing Orders to reflect the
August Meeting. 6 in favour, 1 against – carried. Cllr Robins and Cllr Anning
received the amended Standing Orders all other members to bring their Standing
Orders to the next meeting for updating.
147.7
Recording of Meetings – The clerk read out a response from DAPC who felt
that the tape recording of meetings was unusual and unnecessary, it may also be
off putting to some future councillors and members of the public and prevent
them from contributing to discussion.
The clerk stated that she felt happy to follow their advice on this
matter. Cllr Elton proposed to continue as now for the time being, this was
seconded by Cllr Pearce and unanimously agreed.
148-2009 Police – Community Beat
Manager:
A report has not been received from PC Reed.
Cllr Robins reported figures from the Police Authority meeting: generally most
crime down save for a small increase in burglary and theft, criminal damage had
also fallen significantly. The crime awareness
e-mail is now circulating again.
149-2009 Correspondence:
149.1 Bus Shelter
Quotes.
149.2 DAPC – 2
vacancies on County Committee.
149.3 NALC final salary
award.
149.4 DCC Highways –
highways maintenance surgery 21.10.09 10.00-12.00 Ockment Centre, Okehampton.
149.5 WDBC Renewal of
Statement of Principles of Gambling Act.
149.6 Dartmoor Access
Forum Annual report.
149.7 DAPC
AGM main points.
149.8 BT Phoneboxes – BT are again
proposing to remove the phone boxes from the village. These could be purchased by the Parish Council without telephony
equipment but there is concern that this could cause future problems with
responsibility for maintenance. Cllr Pearce is to circulate a round robin to
all when WDBC response to this matter is decided shortly.
150-2009 Financial report:
150.1
Receive report from Responsible Financial Officer – The financial report detailing the following
balances was circulated:
Current account - £8144.44
Cemetery account - £5757.07
Mary Tavy Community News - £338.60
150.2
To authorise payments for September – The following payments were authorised: Ottery Press £90, C Williams
September salary, C Williams Burial Clerk, H McShane Temporary Clerk, B Wardell
grass cutting £70.00, T Pearce Mileage/postage £30.28, WDBC dog bin emptying
£15.55.
150.3 To present Cost to
Budget Report for Precept for next year – The cost
to budget report to enable members to consider the Precept requirement for
2010/11 was circulated together with grant applications received. This will be
discussed and a decision made at the meeting in November.
Funds
for Parish Church Yard – Cllr
Pearce confirmed that WDBC and DNPA have agreed to funds being obtained to
restore the Parish Church Yard. Cllr Pearce summarised the list of
improvements, which include reinstating headstones. The work should start
spring 2010 subject to money being in place.
151-2009 Cemetery Report: The Clerk reported
one grave purchase and interment and one new
headstone. Grave markers to indicate the rows have been
purchased by Mr Wardell to assist with the identifying of grave spaces.
Cllr Hill enquired
about the work to the churchyard (This is the responsibility of WDBC). Cllr Pearce replied that WDBC were working
together with DNPA and English Heritage
towards a full churchyard restoration following the area becoming a
Conservation Area. It is hoped that all
headstones that have been laid flat will be reinstated and that the retaining
wall by the gate which is bowing will be rectified. Some listed graves on the
buildings at risk register should also be restored.
152-2009 Receive reports from
members elected to outside bodies:
152.1
DNPA – None.
152.2
Police Authority –The Police
are aiming to relocate the station to Abbey Rise but will still maintain their
presence in the town centre. Members were pleased that Inspector Hammond has
returned.
152.3
Southern Link - Cllr Robins
had already reported on police crime figures. A report was given on the Quality
of Life survey for SHams DC and WDBC, and discussions are taking place about
waste contracts/collections. WDBC will be issuing a statement in due course.
152.4
Coronation Hall – Cllr Downham
reported that the hall is to be panelled and new cupboards to be
installed. The Under 5’s group had
requested use of a room as an office. Ged Tucker had thanked everyone who had
helped and supported the enjoyable Villages in Action event. The recent grant
received is to be used to improve the heating and lighting.
153-2009
To discuss planning applications received -
Further application for Land to rear of Post
Office – erection of new dwelling – new design and new plans had not been
received despite the amendment which related to a revised orientation of the
proposed dwelling.
154-2009 To receive notification
on previous applications:
Little Place – Brentor Road – consent granted
with conditions.
Blackdown Garage – Cllr Pearce has been
notified that work is due to start end of November/ early December with an aim
of completion by December 2010. Some
properties have been sold off plan.
155-2009 Youth Club - Cllr Pearce advised
that Devon Youth Services are providing support. A
meeting
has been held with 12-14 volunteers wishing to help out on a rota basis. More volunteers are required to help the
leaders as this then makes the task less onerous for everyone and may then only
involve having to help once every 2 or 3 months.
155-2009 Horndon Clam – The road is
currently still closed. Highways have advised
a minimum
cost of £20,000 or
£85/90,00 for full repairs. They have
written this into their budget for next year but it will be subject to them not
getting a further cut in their funding.
The lengthsman it is hoped will visit on a more frequent basis, every 3
months rather than 8/9 months. Cllr Hill advised that SWW have been working
there to clear the leat.
156-2009 To agree items raised at
the September meeting for inclusion on this agenda:
156.1
Speeding – Cllr Roe unable to attend this meeting so it was agreed that Cllr Roe
would report on this at the next meeting.
156.2
Green at Horndon – Verge
cutting is now only done by highways once a year. Cllr Prosser proposed that Mr Wardell is asked whether he could
cut the green just to get it down then residents have offered to keep it
trimmed. This was seconded by Cllr
Downham and unanimously agreed.
156.3
Roadside Hedges – Edgemoor is the only hedge remaining uncut and we are advised that this
is in hand. Highways are now in contact with the residents because of danger to
pedestrians walking on the A386.
157-2009 To receive items raised
for inclusion on November agenda:
157.1
Christmas Meal
158-2009 To agree the date of the
next meeting:
The date of Tuesday 10th November 2009 was agreed for the next
meeting of the Parish Council to commence at 7.30pm to be held in the Reading
Rooms.
There being no further business the meeting was formally closed by the
Chairman at 9.35pm
C Williams
Clerk to the Parish Council 16th October 2009
Signed as a true and accurate record ……………………….. Date ………………………
(Cllr T Pearce
– Chairman)