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Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Stratton Parish Council held on Tuesday 21st October 2008 in Stratton Village Hall.
Those Present:- Mr A Aylott, Mr P Bowler, Mrs J Grocott, Mr P Hallett, Mrs T Hughes
including Mr J Peake, Chairman, Dorset County Council and 10
members of the public.
Apologies:- Mr R Protheroe, Mrs M Penfold (District Councillor)
Welcome extended to all present.
08/47 Minutes of the last meeting held on 16 September 2008 (previously circulated) were approved.
08/48 Code of Conduct
In accordance with the Code of Conduct, members are reminded to declare the
existence and the nature of any personal or prejudicial interest in the following
agenda where items are defined in the Code and to indicate the action they will be
taking when the item is considered.
08/49 Democratic Period in which members of the public may comment on any matter.
08/50 Comment on agenda items by members of the public
No comments were made on matters arising from the Agenda.
Chairman reported the passing away of William Putnam, a resident of Stratton.
Bill had contributed in many ways to the village including supporting his wife,
Maureen, during her many years as Clerk to Stratton Parish Council. The Parish
Council's condolences are extended to Maureen and their family.
08/51 Matters Arising
a) Bus Shelter (Minute 08/37c). The lowest quotation has been accepted for the concrete base which has been completed. Queensbury Shelters have also erected the bus shelter.
b) Existing bus shelter (Minute 08/37c). Dorset County Council has completed the work to overcome the problem of puddling in the road.
c) Stratton Railway Halt (Minute 08/37g). Cllrs T Hughes and J Grocott reported that they have not yet inspected the site but will do so before the next Parish Council Meeting. TH/JG
d) Cycle Path (Minute 08/41b). Clerk contacted Highways Authority and work has been completed. This work is now identified on the schedule for regular cutting.
e) Road surface complaint, Grimstone (Minute 08/43b). Clerk has reported problem which is being investigated.
f) Locks Lane bushes (Minute 08/43c). Chairman reported that after discussions with County Highways it appears from their records that the trees are not on their land and will take no action. Clerk to advise resident who raised this issue. AN
g) Memorial Tree (Minute 08/43d). Cllr P Bowler suggested a Prunus species (flowering cherry) as an appropriate tree to be placed on the Village Green in the vicinity of the house. Clerk to inform the family and Cllr P Bowler to agree position them. AN/PB
h) Youth Club shrubs donation (Minute 08/43e). Clerk is awaiting information from the Youth Club regarding species.
i) Dog Fouling (Playing Field) (Minute 08/45c). Matter has been discussed with West Dorset District Council. Discussion took place and it was agreed that a notice should be placed in the Stratton Herald to the effect that if there is no improvement in dog fouling then consideration would be given to banning dogs altogether and offenders prosecuted by West Dorset District Council. Cllr T Hughes requested the provision of
a doggie bag dispenser. Clerk to arrange. AN
08/52 Finance
a) Issues arising from Audit Report 2007/08. BDO made comment that reserves held are normally not more than twice the level of the Precept. Chairman explained that money held in the Village Green Reserve was strictly for the purpose of Village Green maintenance and is subject to a prevailing planning condition. Audit Report was accepted by Council with understanding that the Village Green Reserve would remain as it is.
b) Report given on all income and expenditure since last meeting. |
| Receipts and payments Summary for meeting - 21 October2008 |
| ACCOUNT |
PARISH |
VILLAGE
GREEN |
BUS
SHELTER |
CONTINGENCY |
MARQUEE |
VAT |
TOTALS |
BALANCE
B/F |
6,974.36 |
41,789.06 |
2,400.00 |
1,879.29 |
556.43 |
-36.75 |
53,572.39 |
| RECEIPTS |
2450.00 |
300.00 |
|
1,763.24 |
|
|
4,513.24 |
| PAYMENTS |
1.017.22 |
|
700.00 |
|
|
34.62 |
1,751.84 |
BALANCE
C/F |
8,407.14 |
42,089.06 |
1,700.00 |
3,642.53 |
556.43 |
-71.37 |
56,333.79 |
| Money in the Village Green Account cannot be used for any other purpose. |
| Payments in |
Precept 2nd instalment |
|
2,800.00 |
|
Summer Fayre donation |
|
1,663.24 |
| |
Donation-International Tree Foundation |
|
50.00 |
|
|
|
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|
|
|
4,513.24 |
| |
|
|
|
| Payments out |
BDO Audit |
|
158.63 |
|
Clerk's Salary |
|
725.11 |
|
Clerk's Expenses |
|
97.65 |
| |
Bus Shelter - Foundation |
|
700.00 |
| |
Stratton Herald Web Design |
|
70.45 |
| |
|
|
-------- |
| |
|
|
1,751.84 |
c) Risk Assessment and Asset Register (Minute 08/38b). Cllr J Grocott has confirmed her acceptance of the above.
d) Discussions took place on setting a Precept for 2009/2010. A budget was set outlining the likely areas of expenditure and income for that year. Precept set at £5,800.00.
e) Mr J Peake gave a short explanation regarding Dorset County Council's
investments which are spread over a number of banking institutions. Unfortunately some of the investments were deposited with Iceland Banks which was considered at the time to be safe. Information given was that the situation should be resolved.
08/53 Crime Prevention
CPSO Sarah Pilcher stated that there was nothing major to report in the area
but suggested advice be sought on securing domestic oil tanks. She also suggested that purses and handbags be protected from opportunists especially during the coming Christmas period.
08/54 Planning Matters
1/D/08/001480 - Replace Dorchester Road fencing with rustic willow hurdles.
Retain Sawyers Lane closeboard fencing and timber garage, 48 Dorchester Road,
Stratton. APPROVED
08/55 Highways
a) Speeding traffic approaching Grimstone (Minute 08/37a). Further discussions took place regarding this problem and Chairman advised that a general government review had asked the County Council to look at all speed limits on major roads.
b) Speeding traffic on A37. If mobile speed camera checks were not working it was suggested that we should be seeking a permanent speed camera, perhaps with the support of the A37 Parish Partnership.
c) Mr J Peake emphasised that the A37 is a major road and that the road has been designated as a preferred route for heavy goods vehicles. He strongly advised that we continue to press for road safety improvements by writing to the Highways Authority/Camera Safety Group. Cllr T Hughes asked if it would help if local residents also independently wrote to Dorset County Council. Cllr J Grocott suggested that a notice be inserted in the Stratton Herald asking if anyone else in the village would also like to write with regard to the speed at Grimstone. Chairman will inform residents of the contact person. AA
08/56 General Maintenance
Nothing to report.
08/57 Correspondence
a) An amount of correspondence was being circulated.
b) West Dorset District Council has distributed the latest Design and Sustainable Development Planning Guidelines in the form of a large file. Anyone wishing to view the document please contact the Clerk.
c) An e-mail has been received from a resident of Grimstone complaining about the speed of traffic in excess of 40-50mph through Grimstone. Vehicular access to and from their property is difficult and dangerous. In view of the number of road traffic accidents at the junction of the A37/A356 the resident has requested that the 30 mph speed limit be extended further up Long Ash Lane with the possibility of introducing
30 mph flashing warning lights at both ends of Grimstone. Comments noted.
d) A letter has been received from the Legal Division of West Dorset District Council stipulating how Parish Councils should deal with Planning Applications. One option was:- that the matter is determined by the Clerk (as the Proper Officer of the Council) in consultation with the elected members, providing that there is a clear resolution in the Council's records confirming the Clerk's ability to determine the Parish Council's response to the local Authority (West Dorset District Council) in consultation with a member or members. Only the Clerk has the authority to respond to the local planning
authority - no individual Councillor has that authority. The Parish Council passed a resolution adopting this option.
e) Awards for All - Lottery Grant application (Minute 08/37b). Acknowledgement has been received and application is being assessed.
08/58 Date of next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 13 January 2009 at 7.30 pm.
08/59 Any other business
a) It was agreed that the Clerk contacts Mr Oliver Pope to request the donation of a Christmas Tree again this year for the Village Green. AN
b) A resident asked if there is a designated bus stop in Grimstone, and if so where is it situated. Also could the Parish Council investigate the possibility of having a bus shelter. AA
c) A member of the public reported that as heavy vehicles are using the minor road between the A37 and Muckleford, could a weight limit sign be erected. Chairman responded by advising that the only way this would be possible is if the bridge over the river was unable to withstand excess weight.
d) Footpath 7. A resident advised that part of this footpath has been ploughed over.
Cllr J Grocott to investigate. JG
e) New bus shelter. Cllr T Hughes asked if a waste bin and notice board could be provided. Chairman asked if this could be raised again at the next meeting. TH
08/60 Democratic Period in which members of the public may speak or ask questions.
Meeting closed at 9.45 pm
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