Community

Minutes of the Meeting of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council held on Tuesday 20th December 2016 at 7:30pm

Present: Cllrs A Alexander (Chair), R Giddens, R Hayden, P Hodson and P Jarvis

In Attendance: L Ellis (Clerk), County Cllr S Bywater, District Cllr D Tuplin & one resident

Key:
CCC = Cambridgeshire County Council
HDC = Huntingdon District Council
PC = Parish Council

172.16
Chairman’s Welcome
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

173.16
Apologies and reason for absence

Cllrs L James (illness) & E Richmond (holiday)

174.16
Member’s declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
None.

175.16
Public and press participation session with respect to items on the agenda
None.

176.16
To confirm and accept minutes of the meeting held on 15th November 2016
To take the minutes as a true and accurate record.

Cllr Giddens requested two amendments to the minutes which were agreed by Council.

Proposed by Cllr Hayden and seconded by Cllr Hodson. The minutes were then duly signed by the Chairman.

177.16
Matters arising from minutes
Tree Warden Scheme: The email response received from D.Cllr Tuplin was duly noted and Council agreed that there would be no further discussion on the item.

Grass cutting quotation – Item to be deferred to the January meeting.

Hedge cutting quotation – it was noted that a local farmer had agreed to undertake the work which would cost a maximum of £100.

178.16
Communication from Councillors
D Cllr Tuplin reported that a Mayor will be elected in May 2017 and stated that this role will be an extremely important position and that it is imperative that the right candidate be elected.

Cllr Giddens reported traffic is speeding along Main Street since the cessation of Speedwatch. It was also noted that vehicles were parking half on the road and half on the pavement. It was agreed that reference should be made to this matter in the next edition of the Clarion.
C Cllr Bywater reported that CCC had reversed their decisions on street lights being switched off and a change to the gritting routes. The additional funding required for these reversals will be come from their general reserves. CCC budgets will be reviewed again in the New Year.

Cllrs Bywater and Tuplin left the meeting at this juncture (8:10pm)

Cllr Hayden reported that the roads were in a terrible condition and it was becoming a safety issue. All road and highways issues should be reported on the CCC on-line fault reporting system.

Cllr Alexander reported that he had met with two contractors and had received quotations for the tree works. It was proposed by Cllr Jarvis and seconded by Cllr Hodson that the quotation from Ayres Tree Care be accepted. Council agreed to the proposal.
The Clerk to raise a purchase order advising that the contractor should liaise with Cllr Alexander for access purposes. It was noted that a meeting has been arranged for 12th January to meet with representatives from CCC to discuss ownership and liability.

179.16
Horse warning signs
Item deferred to January meeting.

180.16
Grass cutting at village ponds
Council considered the grass cutting at village ponds and agreed that they would not make any arrangements to cut the grass at the ‘horse pond’

181.16
Correspondence
Correspondence duly noted.

The resident left the meeting at this juncture (8:35pm)

182.16
Finance:
a)Payment of accounts
Expenditure:
£103.82 – L Ellis (100974)
£305.21 – Salaries (SO)

All payments were unanimously approved and all associated documentation was initialled by two signatories.

183.16
Items for discussion at the January meeting
Horse warning signs
Road issues
Council minutes

184.16
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 17th January 2017

Meeting closed
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending, the meeting then closed at 8:37pm

Minutes of the Meeting of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council held on Tuesday 15th November 2016 at 7:30pm

Present: Cllrs A Alexander (Chair), R Giddens, R Hayden, P Hodson and P Jarvis

In Attendance: L Ellis (Clerk) and County Cllr S Bywater

Key:
CCC = Cambridgeshire County Council
HDC = Huntingdon District Council
PC = Parish Council

157.16
Chairman’s Welcome
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

158.16
Apologies and reason for absence

Cllrs L James (illness), E Richmond (illness) & D Tuplin (other commitments)

159.16
Member’s declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
None.

160.16
Public and press participation session with respect to items on the agenda
None.

161.16
To confirm and accept minutes of the meeting held on 18th October 2016
To take the minutes as a true and accurate record. Proposed by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Jarvis. The minutes were then duly signed by the Chairman.

162.16
Matters arising from minutes
Tree Warden Scheme: Cllr Jarvis reported that in recognising the value of the role of the Tree Warden and the appreciation of the support of the Tree Warden Coordinator, the PC are accordingly disappointed that HDC have elected not to continue funding the role. If HDC were to prepare a viable proposal for the continued operation of this position this PC might be prepared to contribute to the funding of the role on an annual basis. This is only an expression of interest because at the moment, with the information supplied it is impossible to make a sufficiently informed decision. For the PC to consider supporting this role we need to know such things as how it will be constructed, under the terms HDC would continue to employ the person and the allocation of duties.
It was agreed that clarification should be sought from
D.Cllr Tuplin on whether it is legal for a PC to give money to HDC for this role.

The Chairman reported that he had met twice with a representative from Milton Estates who has indicated that T15 and the tree in Chapel End are on their land but on checking the boundary for T14, this is believed to be on HDC land.
The Clerk reported that the Diocese of Ely had commissioned an inspection on T11 & T12 as they have taken ownership of these trees as being on Glebe land.
HDC maintain that T1-10 all fall within the boundary hedge to the adjacent field. The highway extent is shown up to the boundary feature of the hedge with the hedge and trees being the responsibility of the adjacent land owner. Some land at this location was acquired by the CC for highway improvements of the road, the land acquired forms part of the grass verge adjacent to the carriageway. This land appears to include some of the lower vegetation to the front of the tree line. From the tree position marked on the location plan, the trees are in the line of the boundary feature of the hedge line for the field.

Council agreed to obtain a quotation for the works required to the trees, report to HDC that these trees are their responsibility but that the PC are prepared to rectify the issues with the trees but will take no responsibility for their on-going maintenance.

Grass cutting quotation – item deferred to December meeting.

Hedge cutting quotation – it was noted that a local farmer had agreed to undertake the work.

163.16
Communication from Councillors
C.Cllr Bywater reported that Devolution is likely to go through with elections for a Mayor taking place in May 2017 which is the same time as the County Councillor elections. He reported that due to the boundary review changes he was hoping to be elected as Cllr to Sawtry & Stilton. It was noted that Ian Gardner was looking to be elected to cover this area.

He further reported that CCC had announced that they were reducing the gritting routes but with the main routes still being gritted.

CC Cllrs on the General Purposes Committee have voted not to accept the government’s financial deal (Revenue Support Grant), this means that CCC’s RSG settlement of £15M for 2017/18 is now at risk of being further reduced. The Leader of CCC has issued a statement raising his concerns for Cambridgeshire as a whole.

Cllr Bywater left the meeting at this juncture (8:00pm)

Cllr Jarvis reported that the Highways fault reporting system works well, the fault reported in Chapel End was resolved quickly.
It was also reported that mud was left on Mill Road following a meeting of the Cambridge University Drag Hunt and the parking issues continue. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Master of the C.U.Draghounds.

Cllr Hodson reported that the allotments were being worked on and that 2 plots were still available for rent.

Cllr Giddens reported that she had been pruning around the stiles and gateways on footpaths.

164.16
Village maintenance – hedge laying
The Chairman reported that he has a meeting planned for 20th November. It was noted that as the land is owned by the Charity this matter should be discussed at a Trustees meeting. Any work undertaken should be paid for by the Charity.

165.16
Replacement dog waste bin
It was noted that a lidded dog bin should be considered to replace the current bin. Cllr Jarvis proposed and Cllr Hodson seconded that Council should purchase a green Fido 25TM dog waste bin. Council agreed to purchase the bin.
It was also agreed that a bucket should be purchased to transport the waste.

166.16
Horse warning signs
It was noted that as a resident that Cllr James had approached the Fitzwilliam Trust for a contribution towards horse warning signs. A cheque for £600 made payable to the PC has been received. It was agreed that this matter should be discussed further at the December meeting to consider a plan of action.

167.16
Planning application –

16/02374/HHFUL – 1st floor rear extension
23 Chapel End, Gt Gidding

Council considered the planning application:

Council recommend approval as there will be no impact on the surrounding properties.

168.16
Correspondence
Correspondence duly noted.

169.16
Finance:
a)Payment of accounts
Expenditure:
£118.26 – Grafton Projects (100973)
£305.21 – Salaries (SO)
£32.42 – Anglian Water
£19.68 – BT

b)To consider the 2017/18 budget

All payments were unanimously approved and all associated documentation was initialled by two signatories.

Cllr Hodson and the Clerk reported on the expenditure during the current financial year and considered future expenditure.
Cllr Jarvis proposed and Cllr Hodson seconded a 2% increase in the precept. Council agreed that the budget for 2017/18 should be set at £11,052. The increase takes into account future tree works and their on-going care.

170.16
Items for discussion at the December meeting
Horse warning signs
Grass cutting at village ponds

171.16
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 20th December 2016

Meeting closed
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending, the meeting then closed at 9:00pm

Minutes of the Meeting of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council held on Tuesday 18th October 2016 at 7:30pm

Present: Cllrs A Alexander (Chair), R Giddens, P Hodson, P Jarvis and E Richmond

In Attendance: L Ellis (Clerk) and Jan Maciag (Jan Maciag Architects)

Key:
CCC = Cambridgeshire County Council
HDC = Huntingdon District Council
PC = Parish Council

140.16
Chairman’s Welcome
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

141.16
Apologies and reason for absence

Cllr L James (illness)

142.16
Member’s declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
None.

143.16
Public and press participation session with respect to items on the agenda

Mr Maciag introduced himself to Council as the Architect working on behalf of the Milton (Peterborough) Estates Company in support of a full planning application for the demolition of some existing disused agricultural buildings and the redevelopment of the site to provide 2 detached dwellings – Nos 72 and 74 Main Street. Mr Maciag indicated that he would be the owner of one of the properties and one of the existing agricultural buildings as an architectural studio wing to the house, he was unsure regarding the ownership plans for the other property.

Council thanked Mr Maciag for attending the meeting and he then left the meeting at this juncture (7:50pm)

144.16
To confirm and accept minutes of the meeting held on 20th September 2016
To take the minutes as a true and accurate record. Proposed by Cllr Jarvis and seconded by Cllr Giddens. The minutes were then duly signed by the Chairman.

145.16
Matters arising from minutes
None.

146.16
Communication from Councillors
Cllr Giddens reported that she had attended an HDC meeting to discuss the Tree Warden Co-ordinator’s post. HDC are making savings and this post will cease to exist on 31st March 2017 unless an alternative can be found to fund the post. Funding options for the post are being explored. One suggestion is for Town/Parish Councils to make a financial contribution by including funding via the precept. Council agreed that it was a valuable role but did not agree at this time to make a financial contribution.
Cllrs Giddens and Jarvis agreed that they would consider becoming Tree Wardens for the village.

Cllr Jarvis reported that he was concerned at the welfare of a number of dogs that were not on leads in an area where it is a requirement. The Clerk stated that photographic evidence should be obtained and forwarded to HDC for them to take the necessary action.

The Clerk reported on behalf of Cllr James who has indicated that every property in Gt Gidding has received a 30mph bin sticker with a covering note. Little Gidding residents will receive their stickers shortly.

147.16
Planning application –

16/01874/FUL – Agricultural buildings, 76 Main Street,
Gt Gidding

Council considered the planning application:

Redevelopment of site to include demolition of redundant farm buildings and erection of two dwellings and reuse of existing barn as studio. Council recommend approval as a development of brownfill site

148.16
Highways issues
The Clerk reported on behalf of Cllr James that she has contacted the local highways officer as agreed and he is currently looking into a number of the points raised at the September meeting. He did stress that members of the public should be encouraged to report any faults via the online system if possible.

149.16
To review the Clarion article
Council reviewed and agreed the draft with the required amendments.

Cllr Richmond agreed to arrange for the distribution of the Clarion.

150.16
To agree the litter and dog waste clearance risk assessments
Council agreed the two risk assessments produced by the Clerk. Cllr Jarvis suggested that the same form should be used for uniformity and familiarity.
The equipment required to undertake the dog waste clearance to be supplied by the Council as required.
Cllr Richmond agreed to undertake the dog waste bin assessment with the resident who had volunteered to be responsible for emptying the bin.

151.16
To review the grass cutting contract

Council considered the quotation received from the current contractor (CGM Group) and noted a 15% increase in their charges for the period 2017 – 2020. It was agreed that Cllr Alexander would obtain a further quotation for consideration at the November meeting.

152.16
To discuss the condition of the village noticeboards

The Clerk asked for clarification on why the Council has three noticeboards in Main Street, two of which are in need of attention. It was agreed that the noticeboard at the village hall would contain agendas and minutes, the remaining noticeboards would only contain general information and contact details, both to remain unlocked
for ease of access.

153.16
Correspondence
Correspondence duly noted.
Council agreed to make a donation to the RBL poppy appeal, the Clerk to raise a cheque for £25.
Council considered the quotation received to cut the hedge in the recreation ground. It was agreed that an alternative option would be sought.

154.16
Finance:
a)Payment of accounts
Expenditure:
£85.00 – Milton Estates (100967)
£461.44 – Fenland Leisure (100968)
£120.00 – PKF Littlejohn (100969)
£114.08 L Ellis (100970)
£205.77 – CGM Group (100971)
£25.00 – RBL Poppy Appeal (100972)
£305.21 – Salaries (SO)
£32.42 – Anglian Water

b)Update on the 2015/16 annual return

All payments were unanimously approved and all associated documentation was initialled by two signatories.

The Clerk reported that the external auditor had completed the audit and had requested that Box 4 of the governance statement be amended to reflect that insufficient time was provided for electors to exercise their rights to view the accounts.

155.16
Items for discussion at the November meeting
Tree Warden Scheme
Grass cutting quotation
Hedge cutting quotation
Village maintenance – hedge laying
2017/18 Budget

156.16
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 15th November 2016

Meeting closed
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending, the meeting then closed at 9:14pm

Minutes of the Meeting of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council held on Tuesday 20th September 2016 at 7:30pm

Present: Cllrs L James (Chair), R Giddens, R Hayden and P Jarvis

In Attendance: L Ellis (Clerk)

Key:
CCC = Cambridgeshire County Council
HDC = Huntingdon District Council
PC = Parish Council

125.16
Chairman’s Welcome
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

126.16
Apologies and reason for absence

Cllrs A Alexander (holiday), P Hodson (holiday) and
E Richmond (other commitments)

127.16
Member’s declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

None.

128.16
Public and press participation session with respect to items on the agenda

None.

129.16
To confirm and accept minutes of the meeting held on 16th August 2016
To take the minutes as a true and accurate record. Proposed by Cllr Jarvis and seconded by Cllr Giddens. The minutes were then duly signed by the Chairman.

130.16
Matters arising from minutes
Cllr Jarvis referred to item 111.16 relating to risk assessments and offered to assist the Clerk in the production of assessments for litter and dog waste clearance.

131.16
Communication from Councillors
Cllr Giddens reported that brambles had been cleared from both entrances of the public footpath in the Churchyard. There are some safety concerns at the condition of the sloping footpath as it is slippery due to moss and leafdrop.
The matter should be reported to the County Council as they have responsibility for footpaths, bridleways and BOATS and they have an obligation to make them safe.
It was noted that the resident of Churchside House has been made aware of his overhanging tree.

It was noted that a ‘welcome’ leaflet had been delivered.

Councillor James reported that the playground swing seats had been replaced and had been well received by parents and children.

Councillor James reported that she had received a response to her personal enquiry to the Police & Crime Commissioner in relation to Speedwatch. The P&CC replying that he is a supporter of the scheme and that the Police are looking to purchase additional equipment and will replace broken equipment. He is keen to ensure that villages work together if they are short on volunteers.
It was noted that a new post has been created for the whole County.

132.16
Planning application –

16/01658/HHFUL – Montpellier House, Dells Close, Gt Gidding

Council considered the planning application:

Demolition of conservatory, build new extension to kitchen. No objection.

133.16
Highways issues
Cllr Hayden reported that it was unfortunate that
C.Cllr Bywater was not present at the meeting. It was reported that the village boundary from Glatton to Great Gidding that the nearside of the verge past the crossroads has sunk, cars have gone off the edge and the surface is far from good. It is appreciated that the County has financial constraints but the B660 needs money spending on it.

It was noted that there was surface water outside a new bungalow and that Anglian Water had taken samples and reported that it did not contain chlorine. Subsidence is likely to occur at this location if the situation is not resolved.

There is a lack of white lining in the highway and in some places non-existent. Villages do not have the benefit of ‘cats eyes’ due to the noise factor.

Cllr Hayden reported that he is still concerned that a manhole cover is starting to subside and cyclists could have an accident. Grass is growing down the centre of the road in Little Gidding to St John’s Church, this is a ‘C’ class road but it leads to a well visited historic building.

Cllr James suggested that the Local Highways Officer should be invited to visit the village to judge the situation on behalf of the County.

134.16
To review the Clarion article
Council reviewed the draft and agreed that Councillors would produce their own articles for inclusion in the Clarion and the Clerk would collate them, Council would then agree the final copy prior to publication.
The Clerk to re-issue the current amended article for comment.

135.16
To review the grass cutting contract – tender process
It was agreed that the Clerk should contact the current contractor to request a quotation for the grass cutting work for 2017 with a view to agreeing to a longer term agreement.

136.16
Correspondence
Correspondence duly noted.

It was noted that HDC have requested that the Council’s precept requirements for 2017/18 are required by 16th December, it was agreed to discuss and agree the budget in November.

The Council have been advised that the hedging at the play area needs cutting back. The Clerk to obtain a quotation from the CGM Group.

137.16
Finance:
a)Payment of accounts
Expenditure:
£25.00 – British Horse Society (100963)
£150.00 Village Show (100964)
£135.00 L Ellis (100965)
£411.54 – CGM Group (100966)
£305.21 – Salaries (SO)
£21.01 – BT

b)Update on the 2015/16 annual return

All payments were unanimously approved and all associated documentation was initialled by two signatories.

The Clerk reported that the external auditor had requested further information on the variances for
Box 6 – expenditure. A response has been submitted.

138.16
Items for discussion at the October meeting
Highways issues
Village noticeboards
Risk assessments

139.16
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 18th October 2016

Meeting closed
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending, the meeting then closed at 8:30pm