Baydon Parish Council Meeting – Monday 18th May
News report by Barbara Furber
The Parish Council AGM was held on Monday 18th May in the BYPA Hall. The start of the meeting was delayed until 8.40 pm
Apologies were received from Councillors T Witt, J Cockcroft and County Councillor James Sheppard. Cllr Kevin Howell apologised for being late.
Mr Andy Knowles was voted in as Chairman. There were no nominations for Vice Chair and Mr Tony Prior was elected as Finance Officer.
A letter of resignation had been received from the Parish Clerk Mrs Luci Bruin, as she is relocating to Salisbury. Cllr Knowles wished her well for the future in her new home.
The minutes of the last meeting were approved with slight amendments, and signed.
Planning:
There were no objections to the proposed plans for change of use and conversion at Hazelbury Farm, Gore Lane. Two agricultural buildings are to be made into a single dwelling with a glazed link between.
The Parish Council laptop has been purchased and Cllr Cockcroft is in the process of writing a draft policy to be ready at the next meeting.
Storage boxes for the event tents were deferred until the next meeting.
Cllr Prior reported that he had received an email from Rebecca Davies explaining why the asbestos fly tipping has not been cleared. It needs to cleaned up out of contract, she explained. As yet this has not been done.
Cllr Witt sent a report on Traffic Calming explaining that a bigger contribution from the parish would result in a more likely hood of the project going forward. It was agreed that £6,000 be contributed towards “pinch points” and a 20 mph area along Ermin Street. Cllr Prior suggested that the speed indicator device be considered in the next budget.
There was no report from the CATG (Community Area Traffic Group).
The Parish Steward will be visiting on 26th June, and a list of jobs is to be compiled in the previous week.
It was agreed to quote for the handrail on the footpath off of Manor Lane. No date at present for the work completion.
The soil sample taken by Kate Buckingham suggested that honey fungus was the cause of the death of two trees on the Green. It was agreed to wait before deciding whether or not to replace the trees.
The Pittams contract is still pending although the company have completed two cuts so far.
The matters concerning the Allotments were to be deferred to the next meeting when a Liaison Officer could be appointed.
It was agreed to accept Alan Archer’s quote of £57.17 to replace rotten fence posts and restraining wires.
It was reported that Greenfield Ltd quoted £75 to repair the Zip Wire in the Playing Field. It was agreed to accept the quote on condition that the work complied with Health and Safety.
A quote of £418 was received for Litter Pickers and additional equipment. Cllr Knowles asked for the matter to be deferred until the next meeting when he has had time to speak to Mark Houghton about Risk Assessment etc.
Cllr Prior had circulated new Standing Orders, with amendments, which were approved and signed.
Finance:
No payments were made to the Clerk. Income included £50 from Barclays and 11p interest. There were no bank statements available.
Payments approved were; £235.87 WALC membership; £6.76 Thames Water; £15 Travelling expenses Cllr Witt; £180 to Chris Duck for tree work; £490 Parish Council Insurance; £49 for Internal Audit; £6.58 for stationary; £76.69 to Cllr Witt for Wine and travelling expenses.
Cllr Prior produced a copy of the Rights of Way map he proposes should be purchased. For a 471mm x 667mm laminated copy it was agreed to pay up to £200. Cllr Howell suggested that smaller copies be purchased too. It was agreed to discuss at the next meeting where the large copy should be kept.
The Annual Return sections 1 & 2 were approved.
It was agreed that Cllr Prior set about changing Banks in June.
The laptop was added to the Asset Register.
Cllr Prior set out the requirements concerning the new law on pensions. The Parish Council will not be required to pay a pension to the clerk, but it must go through the process to become exempt.
It was noted that a cheque is to be received from the Cricket Club and it will be ring fenced. At present they are having some difficulties winding up the account.
The meeting closed in darkness, as it began, because of a fault with the electricity supply, at 9.25 pm.
By Barbara Furber
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