Minutes of the meeting of Grafton Parish Council held on 6th January 2009 at 1915 hrs in the Coronation Hall, East Grafton.
Present: Mr Lemon, Mrs Dudney, Mr Hatfield, Mrs Brew, Mrs Comyn, Mr Garman, Mr Evans, Mr Beese, Mr Pearson, Mrs Zweck (KDC), Mrs Heard – Clerk, and three members of the public.
1. Apologies: Brigadier Hall (WCC) and PC Bayliss.
2. The Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of 4th November 2008 were adopted unanimously, proposed by Mrs Brew, seconded by Mrs Comyn.
3. Matters Arising: (a) Parish Seats/Marten Notice board. Mr Lemon declared an interest and regretfully advised he would not now be able to arrange the work due to staffing considerations. It was therefore agreed that Mr Hatfield would endeavour to reach an acceptable cost on an earlier quote. (b) Defibrillator. Mrs Brew hopes to have a proposal ready for the AGM. (c) Service Delegation. Mrs Brew reported that Mr Munro at WCC is undertaking a feasibility study on the Administration of local services following discussions with local Councils.
4. WCC – Marlborough/Pewsey Area discussions: Mrs Zweck updated the meeting on discussions taking place regarding the possible adoption of altered area boundary divisions under the new Wiltshire Unitary Council, which would result in Grafton and other local villages being grouped with either Marlborough or Pewsey. Brigadier Hall has advised Mr Lemon he feels the villages would benefit from joining with Pewsey Area Board. After much discussion it was suggested by Mr Garman, and agreed by all, that this needs careful consideration. Mr Garman and Mrs Brew will attend Area Board meetings and monitor on behalf of the PC.
5. Parish Clerk: Mr Lemon thanked Mrs Heard for all the work she has done for the Community as Clerk of the Parish Council over the past 6 years. During that time she has helped, and advised three Parish Council Chairmen and Mr Lemon thanked her for all the support and help she had given him. Following the advertised vacancy Mrs Evans was unanimously appointed as Clerk to the Parish Council up to the end of May 2009 at which time her contract will be reviewed.
6. Police Activities: (a) Speeding PC Bayliss has advised Mr Garman that he issued two tickets and several warnings as a result of his speed gun exercise in the Parish which he believes has reduced speeding overall. (b) The Severalls The court case leading from the recent incident has been postponed one more due to the failure of witnesses to attend. (c) Hay bales fire damage This has been recorded as an undetectable crime due to lack of evidence. (d) Hare coursing Mr Garman advised that there has been a major and successful exercise to prosecute, and that a large proportion of those caught were serious criminals from outside the area.
7. Hall Report: Mr Pearson gave a status report on the project and advised that a draft ‘Schedule of Works’ is ready to o to the four Contractors selected to give quotes. KDC are to give their views on acceptable colours for the building’s exterior and it is proposed that the choice will be displayed and views of the Parish taken into account. Mr Pearson confirmed to Mrs Dudney that the proposed salvage of the existing hall will be part of the quotation process. The hall heaters will be used to replace the faulty ones at the Church. Mrs Brew will publish a progress report on the project on the Parish website. It was agreed (proposed Mr Beese, seconded Mrs Comyn) that the legal expenses of circa £700.00 plus VAT incurred by Mr Peacock in respect of the land he is generously donating on the Green will be borne by the PC.
8. Planning: Mrs Comyn provided the meeting with an update. Applications are as listed.
9. Finance:
(a) KDC Community Skips, 3 @ £70.00 = £210.00 (Proposed Mr Lemon, seconded Mr Beese).
(b) Mrs Heard – Clerk’s salary to end Dec 2008 - £100.00 (Proposed Mr Hatfield, seconded Mrs Brew).
(c) Contribution to PCC - £350.00 requested. Mr Beese declared an interest. Proposed Mr Garman, seconded Mrs Comyn).
10. Correspondence: As listed to the PC.
11. A.O.B: (a) Parish Stewards Mr Evans asked to be advised of any items for the Stewards’ visit on January 19th. Mr Hatfield reported that holes in the roads at Wexcombe are a dangerous risk. (b) Footpaths Mr Hatfield would like to be informed of any Footpaths known to have been blocked by landowners. (c) Recycling Mrs Brew told the meeting that the Hall is now registered to offer facilities for recycling printer cartridges, mobile phones etc, Details to be published in the Parish Magazines and a report to follow at the AGM. (d) Mrs Brew proposed a vote of thanks (unanimous) to Ms Trainer for donating furniture to sell on EBay to benefit the hall funds - £275.00 was raised.
Dates for future meetings:
3rd March 2009: 24th March 2009 (AGM)