Denton Parish Council
Minutes of the Meeting Held on Tuesday 8th January 2013
at 8pm at Denton Village Hall
Present: Peter Hill (Chairman), Terry Hanner (Vice Chairman), Adrian Hipwell, Wayne Mayhew, Kerry Norfolk, Annie Whiteman, Pauline Sandell (Clerk). Also Present: Murray Gray (District Councillor).
1. Apologies
Roger Gibson, Tony Tomkinson.
2. Declaration of Interest
None.
a) Written applications for dispensation to allow the Councillors to discuss and decide on the precept had been received by the Clerk from Peter Hill, Adrian Hipwell, Wayne Mayhew, Terry Hanner and Kerry Norfolk. It was proposed that the above mentioned Councillors should be given dispensation. Proposed by Adrian Hipwell, seconded by Terry Hanner, unanimously agreed.
3. Minutes of the Last Meeting.
The minutes were agreed as an accurate record, proposed by Terry Hanner, seconded by Wayne Mayhew, unanimously agreed. The minutes were signed and dated.
4. District and County Council Matters
Murray Gray reported that he had contacted Martin Jarvis regarding Grove Farm and his reply was that the site is subject to enforcement action, SNC is currently taking legal advice from Nplaw and he cannot therefore comment further. The Councillors main concern was that this matter may be left and eventually forgotten. Murray Gray reassured them that this would not happen, but he would pass on to Martin Jarvis the concerns of DPC. This matter will continue to be included in the agenda as a main item until the matter is resolved.
SNC have a SAM that will be shared between the parishes. Each parish will have it for approximately 2-3 weeks.
Funding projects; SNC has had £100,000 to give away this year and will have the same amount next year. Neighbourhood Fund Group can fund projects up to £2000. NCC also has funding available of £3.5 million.
5. Questions from the Public
None
6. Matters Arising:
a) Grove Farm; Dealt with under 4.
b) Ditch at Skinners’ Meadow; Terry Hanner reported that Malcolm Skinner will not be doing this. South Norfolk will do it themselves. Terry will chase them up.
c) Speedwatch; Peter has spoken to SNC and DPC are on the waiting list for a SAM. A form needs to be completed, location agreed and a risk assessment taken.
d) Future Projects; One suggestion has been received regarding the pond opposite Risedale – could it be made more attractive? DPC is not sure if it belongs to the village or is privately owned. Another suggestion was about the meadow at the bottom of Pocket Park.
e) Footpaths; Terry Hanner had walked Back Lane and thought that it was not too bad. Would only need a morning to clear the two overgrown patches. Peter will contact Bob Flatt regarding registration of Back Lane as a footpath.
f) Playbuilder Funding; Peter had received a response from Bob Wade to his letter. Neither Peter Hill nor Annie Whiteman agreed with the interpretation in the letter. Peter said that he would like to write back to acknowledge the letter and to make the point that DPC disagreed. Annie proposed that DPC should not write back but should minute a statement that DPC disagreed with the comments in the letter. This proposal was seconded by Wayne Mayhew, 4 for the proposal 2 against.
The minuted statement; 'Although DPC is disappointed that the interpretation from SNC is a different interpretation from DPC’s, as it is believed that DPC was allocated £27500 and £169 is still due to us, it has been decided to let the matter rest'.
g) Any Other Matter Arising; None.
7. Chairman's Report
Nothing to report.
8. Playing Field Inspection
Kerry Norfolk reported that everything was OK. Cricket nets are still up. Adrian said that no one had taken responsibility for looking after them. Annie Whiteman to do the next report.
9. Budget
The Clerk had circulated an up to date suggested budget and had also circulated the taxbase precept setting for Denton showing the grant payment as £278.
Peter Hill explained that DPC will receive grant funding to offset the effect of the Council Tax Benefit. Alterations to make to the budget; Admin should be combined with miscellaneous and therefore £270 should be under the miscellaneous heading. £25 should be allocated under Denton Web Hosting giving a total budget of £3590.03.
It was proposed that DPC should request £3000 precept which would give a total amount of £3278 including the grant. This was proposed by Adrian Hipwell, seconded by Annie Whiteman, unanimously agreed.
10. Parish Meeting
It was agreed to hold the meeting on the 4th Tuesday of April; 23rd April at 7.30pm. It was suggested that Jane Marlow could come and talk about the school. Format to be discussed later.
11. Planning Applications
None.
12. Correspondence
The Clerk was asked to contact Bob Edwards about drains on Marshalls Hill and Church Hill.
Waste Summit on 7th February – pass on to Liz Cargill.
Concrete Roads at Earsham; Complaints had been made that the right of way had been obstructed by barriers and NCC has said that the barriers must be removed. Peter Hill explained that he had been contacted to ask if DPC would support the retaining of the barriers. This matter was discussed and it was agreed not to respond.
13. Finance
a. Accounts Summary – The accounts summary agreed, proposed by Adrian Hipwell, seconded by Terry Hanner, unanimously agreed.
b. Pay the Clerk £89.19 for January. It was proposed that the Clerk be paid. Proposed by Adrian Hipwell, seconded by Terry Hanner, unanimously agreed.
£20 had been received for the allotments.
14. Any Other Business
Terry Hanner; Ditch outside Upland Terrace needs to be dug out. The Clerk will contact Highways.
Peter Hill; Exit from Middle Road is difficult because of hedge bulging. Terry Hanner will talk to the person involved.
The meeting finished at 9.55 pm.