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Minutes of Thakeham Parish Council Meeting - Monday, 15th January 2007
Meeting opened: 7.30 p.m.
Present: Mr D Berry Mr J Bearman Ms K Dawes Mrs C Goring Mr D Hardisty Mr A Harwood Mr D MacEachern Mrs P Maggs Mr N Prince Mr R Walker Mr J Weight In attendance Cllr Pat Arculus County Council Cllr David Jenkins District Council Mr J Denman Clerk to the Council Members of the press and public
1. Apologies for absence All members of the Parish Council were present.
2. Casual Vacancy Cllr Harwood nominated Mr John Weight to fill the casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Paul Messenger, this was seconded by Cllr Walker. There were no other nominations and it was agreed that Mr Weight be co-opted as a member of the Council.
3. Declaration of Acceptance of Office Mr Weight made a Declaration of Acceptance of Office in the prescribed form.
4. Interests of Members No interests were declared.
5. Minutes of the last meetingMinutes of the last meeting of the Parish Council held on 18th December 2006 were approved and signed subject to the following amendment: Minute 246 line 3: Delete "5th" and insert "12th" December.
6. Parish Office/Playing Fields Advisory Committee Following an introduction by Cllr Harwood, the report and recommendations of the Committee were presented by Debbie Peat. After discussion it was agreed that the clerk would circulate a copy of the presentation to all members to enable a way forward to be resolved at the next meeting. Cllr Hardisty suggested it may be helpful for Cllrs to convey any initial thoughts by e-mail in advance of the next meeting. The Council recorded their appreciation for the hard work carried out by the members of the Committee.
7. Report on Action Items 7.1 (235.2) Local Works: Clerk wrote to MP and press, response from MP previously circulated to Cllrs.
7.2 (236) WSCC consultation on denominational school transport 2008/9: Cllr MacEachern advised that the Governors of Rydon School want retention of the status quo for Thakeham.
7.3 (238) 2007 meetings: Dates confirmed by Gillian Bird.
7.4 (239) APM Speaker: Cllr MacEachern advised that Martin Quaife, Headteacher at Rydon School, is happy to attend as the speaker; clerk to send a formal letter.
7.5 (240) Speed limit extension on B2139: In response to the clerk's letter WSCC have advised that a speed limit is under consideration for the 2007/8 village speed limit programme and informal consultation is planned to start in the next few weeks. Cllr Bearman advised that a resident had also written following the recent accident.
7.6 (247.2) B2133 Accidents: Cllr MacEachern awaiting details.
7.7 (247.3) Bill Deakin: TPC letter of condolence acknowledged by Tom Crowley/HDC. 8. Correspondence HDC: Summons to Development Control (South) Committee meeting 16th January, agenda includes retention of mobile home at Oakfield, Coolham Road, which was supported by TPC but recommended for refusal by HDC - papers passed to Cllr Dawes. Summons to Standards Committee meeting 17th January. Register of Electors 2007, showing 1461 electors and 691 households compared to 1438 and 694 in 2006. Notification of commencement of public hearings for LDF Site Specific Allocations of Land DPD on 17th April. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service: Integrated Risk Management Year IV Proposal document for 2007/08, comments by 23rd March. Nick Herbert MP: Letter from resident complaining about chevron at Snapes Corner - clerk to respond with copy of minute and previous TPC letter to resident.
9. Finance 9.1 Financial Performance A report on the current financial year to 31 December 2006 was received.
9.2 Payments A report on the current bank balances was tabled and the following were approved for payment: Roger Smith: December Outdoor Maintenance 90.00 HDC: January dog bin emptying 6.93 D MacEachern: Christmas meeting 33.50 S M Berry: Christmas meeting 22.15 Gross salaries including PAYE / NI and Clerk's OP expenses and mileage 1208.47 £1361.05
9.3 Works at the Playground and Bus Shelter It was agreed that the quotation from Faros of £320 be accepted. Clerk to check whether they are VAT registered.
10. Committee Membership It was agreed that Cllr Walker will serve on the Planning Committee and Cllr Prince on the Village Hall Committee. Other Council duties previously performed by Paul Messenger to be allocated by the next Council.
11. Nominations for Election to next Council The clerk advised that a minimum of 9 elected members are required for quality status. Possible means of encouraging new members were considered and it was agreed this will be further discussed in the next meeting.
12. Joint Planning Advisory Working Group Cllr Berry advised that a meeting has been arranged for 16th January and the Furze Common Road issue will be included in the discussion.
13. Parish Action Plan Cllr Walker advised that the work was nearing completion and what should be the final meeting was arranged for 30th January.
14. Open Spaces Committee Cllr Prince advised that the next meeting would be held on 16th January and the Trees for Shade and playground actions were among the items for discussion.
15. Footpaths Cllr Prince advised he was awaiting the report from Darren Rolfe/WSCC following his inspection. Nothing further to report at this stage regarding the Furze Common Road footpath.
16. Laybrook Landfill Cllr Berry reported on the outcome of the Working Party meeting held on 3rd January. The subject is also on the agenda of the 23rd January CLC meeting. The public consultation runs from 19th January to 2nd March and a strong response is essential.
17. Planning Committee Minutes The minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 7th November were received.
18. Reports from Councillors 18.1 Cllrs Arculus and Jenkins briefed the meeting on current County and District issues.
18.2 Cllr Walker reported that the TPC paper to WSCC regarding highway safety had been acknowledged but they are liaising directly with the School and the School Travel Plan is now active. Next SID operation scheduled for early February.
18.3 Cllr MacEachern reported a vandalism problem at the toddlers play area; clerk to write to District Cllr Jenkins to get HDC to follow up and also to report to PCSO on his next visit. 18.4 Cllr Bearman reported on current police issues. 18.5 Cllr Goring reported the death of John Davenport and also advised she will prepare some briefing packs for handover to the new Council.
18.6 Cllr Berry gave details of the Health Seminar being held on 29th January which he will attend; clerk to advise HDC.
19. Liaison with TVA Next meeting 16th January, AGM re-scheduled for 13th February.
20. Adjournment The meeting was then adjourned to allow comments or questions from the public. 20.1 Fence posts down at Linfield Copse causing safety concerns regarding ditch; Cllr Prince to inspect and take to Open Spaces Committee for appropriate action.
20.2 Branches on road north end of B2139; clerk to advise Highways.
21. Chairman's Announcements 21.1 Cllrs Berry and Bearman attended goodbye presentation to Paul Messenger 13th January; small gift from TPC to be charged to Chairman's Allowance.
21.2 All present urged to attend the 23rd January CLC meeting.
22. Any other business for noting or inclusion on a future agenda 22.1 Cllr Prince reported deep potholes kerbside in Crays Lane; clerk to advise Highways.
22.2 Next agenda items: To consider damage to Crays Lane in the context of development at Crays Court. Village Clean-up Day.
Date of next meeting: Monday, 19th February 2007 at 7.30 p.m. Meeting closed: 9.20 p.m.
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