Unadopted Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Stratton Parish Council held on Tuesday 6th May 2008 in Stratton Village Hall.

Present:- Mr A Aylott, Mr P Bowler, Mr T Every, Mr P Hallett,
Mrs T Hughes, Mr P Protheroe, Mrs M Penfold (District Councillor) and eight members of the public.

Apologies:-

Proceedings:- Welcome extended to all present.

08/01 - 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 items as defined in the Code and to indicate the action they will be taking when the item is considered.  Councillors were also reminded about the Registration of Interest made for the members of the Council. Chairman pointed out that if circumstances have changed then councillors should inform the Clerk.

08/02 - Democratic Period in which members of the public may comment on any matters arising from the agenda.

08/03 - Comment on Agenda items by members of the public. No comments were made.

08/04 - 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 governed the Councillor's Code of Duty and these were accepted by each Councillor. They included Equal Opportunities, Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Freedom of Information Act 2000.  The General Statement was accepted by all councillors.

08/05 - Election of Officers. It was reported that Cllr A Cameron has resigned for personal reasons.  A letter of thanks had been sent to him for his help to the Council over the past year. Mrs M Penfold (acting as Temporary Chairman) asked if any Councillor wished to be considered as Chairman for the forthcoming year. Proposed that Cllr A Aylott continue as Chairman.

Chairman:   Cllr A Aylott proposed by Cllr T Every and seconded by Cllr T Hughes.

Vice-Chairman:   Cllr T Hughes proposed by Cllr P Bowler and seconded by Cllr T Every.

Specific duties of Councillors:

a) Emergency Homewatch contact - Cllr T Every
b) DAPTC representative - Cllr T Hughes
c) Village Hall representative - Cllr P Hallett
d) Rubbish disposal/Litter Officer - Cllr T Hughes
e) Transport - Cllr A Aylott
f) Footpaths and Rights of Way - Cllr T Every - (It was proposed that Jan Grocott (Voluntary) be asked to report to Cllr T Every with regard to walking the footpaths and bridleways)
g) Trees - Cllr P Bowler
h) Playground inspection - Cllr T Hughes
I) Housing - Cllr R Protheroe
j) Liaison Officer - Ancient monuments - Mrs M Putnam (Voluntary)

08/06 - Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 March 2008 (previously circulated) was approved.

08/07 - Democratic Period in which members of the public may comment on any matters arising from the Agenda.

08/08 - Matters Arising:

a) Trees and Planting (Minute 07/70).  Chairman expressed thanks to the Youth Club for providing and planting new trees and shrubs on the Village Green.  Clerk to write letter of thanks. AN

b) New Notice Board (Minute 07/72b).  Clerk has written to nearby residents in Penn Hill View and has received three objections to the proposed siting.  Following these objections it was decided to leave this issue for the time being.

c) Connecting Dorset (Minute 07/72d).  Clerk confirmed that the public will not have access to the Connecting Dorset lap top in the Clerk's property.

d) Bus Shelter (Minute 07/72e).  Concern has been expressed that the hedge along the boundary behind the suggested siting remains and the property does not lose privacy.  Cllrs P Hallett and T Hughes volunteered to obtain further estimates.  It was agreed after discussion that a wooden shelter be built.  Chairman advised that if no further estimates were obtained by the 1st June 2008 the Council would re-consider the original quotation.  PH/TH An application for a Lottery Grant to be submitted was also agreed. AA/AN

e) Footpath 7 (Minute 07/72f).  Clerk reported that the posts at Grimstone  will be removed in the near future when machinery available.

f) Play Area Warning Sign (07/72h).  This is in the process of being erected.

g) Lay-by in Dorchester Road (Minute 07/76b).  Inspection has been carried  out and it was considered no action is necessary.

h) The Annual Spring Clean (Minute 07/77b)  This took place on 19 April 2008 and many thanks to all who helped and also at the tidying up at the western end of the village on 26 April.

i) Parking near notice boards (Minute 07/80b).  Cllr T Every has spoken to resident who is making every effort to avoid causing an obstruction.