Present:- Mr A Aylott, Mr P Bowler, Mr T Every, Mrs J Grocott, Mrs T Hughes, Mr R Protheroe, Mrs M Penfold (District Councillor), Mrs J Haynes (County Councillor) and 2 members of the public.

Apologies:- Mr P Hallett

Proceedings:-

Welcome extended to all present.

10/01 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. Councillors were also reminded about the
register of interest held for the members of the Council. Chairman pointed out that if circumstances have changed then councillors should inform the Clerk.

10/02 Democratic Period in which members of the public may comment on any matter.

10/03 Comment on agenda items by members of the public
No comments were made on matters arising from the Agenda.

10/04 General Statement made of the Acts of Parliament affecting the administration of Stratton Parish Council Chairman read aloud the General Statement of Considerations for functions of various Acts which govern the activities of the Parish Council and these were accepted by each Councillor. They included Equal Opportunities, Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Freedom of Information Act, and the current Code of Conduct. The General Statement was accepted by all Councillors.

10/05 Election of Officers
Mrs M Penfold (Acting as temporary Chairman) asked if any Councillor wished to be
considered as Chairman for the forthcoming year and it was agreed that Cllr A Aylott
continue as Chairman.
Chairman: Cllr A Aylott proposed by Cllr T Hughes and seconded by Cllr R Protheroe.
Vice-Chairman: Cllr T Hughes proposed by Cllr J Grocott and seconded by
Cllr R Protheroe.
Specific duties of Councillors:
a) DAPTC Representative (Open position)
b) Village Hall Representative Cllr P Hallett
c) Rubbish disposal/litter Officer Cllr T Hughes
d) Transport Cllr A Aylott
e) Footpaths and Rights of Way Cllr J Grocott
f) Trees Cllr P Bowler
g) Playground inspection Cllr T Hughes
h) Housing Cllr R Protheroe
i) Social Care Cllr R Protheroe
j) Liaison Officer - Ancient Monuments Mrs M Putnam (Voluntary)
k) Emergency Homewatch Contact Mr T Every (Unofficial position -
liaising with Parish Council)

10/06 Minutes of the last meeting held on 16 March 2010 (previously circulated) was
approved.

10/07 Matters Arising
a) Playing Field Committee (Minute 09/81b). Clerk reported that as nobody attended the meeting he recorded detailed measurements for discussion. It was agreed that the Clerk prepares a outline drawing of the tennis court area for discussion at the next meeting. Cllr T Hughes to obtain information on grants.
b) Footpath 7 (Minute 09/81c). Cllr J Grocott reported that she will investigate this again.
c) Pony Rocker (Minute 09/81gii). Clerk reported that Cllr P Hallett will deal with this within the next two weeks.
d) Allotments (Minute 09/81h). Nothing further to report at this stage.
e) Grit bins (Minute 09/81j). Clerk has received agreement from Dorset County Council for the siting of the grit bins. It was agreed to proceed and to obtain prices for the concrete bases. Bradford Peverell Parish Council will also be purchasing grit bins and has suggested that we combine the order to obtain a discount. This matter to be investigated before making a decision.
f) Christmas Carols Evening (Minute 09/81n). Clerk confirmed that the Durnovaria Silver Band will play carols on 17 December 2010 at 7.00 pm at a cost of £120.00.
g) Footpath between A37 and Bradford Peverell (Minute 09/81o). Cllr J Grocott reported that she has contacted the Footpaths Officer and will follow up.
h) Defacing Stratton signs (Minute 09/85). Clerk attended meeting with Mr N Hamer, Highways Management Group, Dorset County Council, regarding this problem who advised that they cannot deal with any matter on a major highway. Chairman has spoken to the Sign Shop, Charminster who will carry out an inspection.
i) Fallen Tree, Playing Field (Minute 09/86b). Chairman reported that he has received no response from the landowner. Cllr P Bowler will contact Tree Officer for clarification of legal position.
j) Spring Clean (Minute 09/86c). Clerk reported that 11 people attended on 24 April and approximately 20 bags of rubbish were collected. Chairman expressed his thanks to all those who attended.
k) Play Area Gate (Minute 09/86d). Clerk reported that this has been repaired.
l) Welcome Evening (Minute 09/89a). Clerk to organise date and speakers.
m) Accumulation of Rubbish (Minute 09/89d). Clerk has organised removal of rubbish alongside the Air Ambulance Recycling bin.

10/08 Finance
a) Report given on all income and expenditure since last meeting. Report is attached.

b) The final accounts for the year 2009/2010 were reported on by the Chairman and the end of year position confirmed. The accounts for 2009/2010 were accepted by the Council and formally adopted as a correct and proper record of financial activities in 2009/2010.
c) The Annual Audit forms for 2009/2010 were discussed and the Annual Governance Statement agreed by the Meeting. Chairman and Clerk to complete all the appropriate certifications. The accounts have already been seen and signed off by the Internal Auditor. Details now to be returned to the Auditors (BDO).
d) It was agreed to include the two gazebos in the list of assets but not to cover them on the insurance policy. Any user will be held financially responsible for any damage.
e) It was agreed that the Parish Council meets 100% of the risk of damage to notice boards and that the Clerk contacts the Insurance Company to adjust this year's insurance cover.

10/9 Crime Prevention
Cllr T Every nothing to report but to remain sensible.

10/10 Planning Matters
1/D/09/001753 - Watercress Farm, Lower Magiston, Dorchester Road, Sydling St. Nicholas. Form 4 new watercress beds, wildlife pond and re-align stream.
AWAITING DECISION.
1/D/10/000194 - Langford Farm, Access to Langford Farm, Sydling St Nicholas,
Dorchester. Garage, log store and green house. APPROVED.
1/D/10/000613 - 22 Dorchester Road, Grimstone. Single storey extension.
AWAITING DECISION.

10/11 Highways
Cllr T Hughes expressed concern over the condition of the road surface at Wrackleford.

10/12 General Maintenance
Chairman reported that some posts around the Green require replacement. It was
agreed to proceed.

10/13 Correspondence
a) Councillors were informed that an amount of correspondence was being
circulated.
b) A letter has been received from a resident objecting to the removal of the
noticeboard at Grimstone. It was agreed to carry out repairs and re-fix.
c) Litter Warden. An application has been received for the Parish Litter Warden Scheme. This post carries an honorarium of £100.00 per annum. After discussion Cllr T Hughes to submit the application.
d) St Marys CE VC First School, Charminster report 2010 has been received.
e) Clerk informed the meeting of his discussion with the Parish Maintenance Unit. This is a free service to carry out minor repairs three times a year within the village. The information was passed to Cllr T Hughes who will advise the PMU that she is the point of contact.
f) Resignation of Stratton Parish Clerk. Clerk announced that he proposes to resign this post at the end of the financial year (31 March 2011). If, however, any person wishes to be considered for this post prior to this time they should contact the Chairman.

09/14 Date of next meeting
The date of the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 06 July 2010 at 7.30 pm.

09/15 Any other business
Cllr T Hughes requested a further order of doggy bags.

09/16 Democratic Period in which members of the public may speak or ask questions.

Meeting closed at 9.00 pm