Minutes of the Meeting of Grafton Parish Council held on 4th November 2008 at 7.15pm in the Coronation Hall, East Grafton Present: Mr Lemon, Mrs Dudney, Mr Hatfield, Mrs Brew, Mrs Comyn, Mr Garman, Mr. Evans, Mrs Heard - Clerk, and four members of the public.
1. Apologies: Mr Beese, Mr Veasey
2. The Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of 2nd September 2008 were approved (unanimous).
3. ‘Service Delegation’ – Discussion with Richard Munro of WCC. Mr Munro discussed the various services which will be available for Parish Councils to administer when Kennet and WCC merge to become Wiltshire Council. During this consultation period Parish Councils are asked to consider whether they wish to become involved and to put forward their own views on the type of service and whether they consider it feasible to manage them. Mrs Brew is coordinating the Parish Council’s response and thanked Mr Munro for coming to explain the new opportunities for more local involvement in the issues of local concern.
4. Co-option of new Member. Candidates: Jamie Pearson, Sarah Webb, Donna Parmenter. The three candidates were proposed and seconded en bloc (Mr Hatfield, Mr Evans). Mr Lemon declared an interest, and Mrs Dudney officiated, and Mr Pearson was the successful candidate and welcomed to the Parish Council. Mrs Dudney thanked all the candidates for coming forward.
5. Matters Arising: a) Marlborough Area Board. Mrs Brew updated the PC on the activities of the Board and how it is proposed it will operate. There is to be a pilot scheme, and an open public meeting to launch the Pilot Area Board at Marlborough Town Hall on 11 November. Mr Garman felt that the Area Partnership were behind in carrying out necessary tasks in this respect. b) Parish seats/Marten noticeboard. Mr Hatfield reported that despite extensive searches he had been unable to find a contractor to take on the work. After discussion it was agreed that Mr Lemon would provide a quote. c) Defibrillator in the Community. Parishioner and First Responder Phil Baldwin attended the meeting to provide information about the equipment and highlight how the units can boost survival rates by up to 80%. Further discussions to take place regarding fundraising and community involvement. Mr Lemon thanked Mr Baldwin for the benefit of his experience.
6. Hall Report:
a) Fundraising Activities – Mr Lemon congratulated the children and adults who took part in the ‘Cowboys and Indians’ event in raising £500 towards the Hall fundraising. Mr Lemon expects to hear shortly from the Lottery Commission the outcome of our request for funding.
b) General – Mrs Dudney will provide costs for a replacement fire extinguisher and recent electricity bills.
7. Planning: Mrs Comyn provided the meeting with an update. Applications are as listed.
8. Finance:
i) Donation to Bedwyn Link scheme - £150 requested. It was agreed that the PC will donate this increased sum for the year 2009/10. (proposed Mr Garman, seconded Mrs Brew, unanimous)
ii) Parish Precept 2009/10. After some discussion and review of the last 3 years’ accounts it was agreed to request £4,750. (proposed Mrs Dudney, seconded Mrs Comyn, unanimous).
iii) Cheques – a) Mazars Annual Audit. Mrs Heard reported that the accounts had been approved and the auditors’ fee was due - £82.25 inc VAT (proposed Mr Evans, seconded Mrs Dudney, unanimous). b) Mrs Heard, Clerk’s half year salary/expenses £600/£38.18 (proposed Mr Lemon, seconded Mr Garman, unanimous).
9. Adoption of revised Freedom of Information Act. Mrs Brew has reviewed the revision on behalf of the PC and recommended adoption (unanimous). Mrs Brew will complete the Information Guide with the assistance of
Mrs Heard.
10. Meetings Attended. : Mrs Brew reported on the community First AGM and the Marlborough Meet and Greet for the new Wiltshire Council and provided notes for the council on both meetings. Service prioritisation forms from the WCC meeting were handed out to all attendees, to be forwarded to Trowbridge once completed.
11. Correspondence. a) Mrs Heard advised that refuse collection over the Christmas and New Year period will take place one day later, i.e. Friday in both cases. b) the Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is once again offering free home safety checks and smoke alarms, details on the Grafton website and noticeboards.
12. A.O.B. a) War Memorial Cleaning. Mr Lemon proposed a vote of thanks to Doug Willcock for very kindly undertaking the cleaning of the Memorial (unanimous). b) Grafton School. PC members will shortly be visiting the School, along with members of the PCC, to view the recent building work there and further develop relations between the groups. c) The Green. Major General Walsh asked the PC if a Member would be prepared to liaise between the contractors and Green homeowners to ensure that the verges, grass and potholes are repaired on completion of the various building works. Mrs Comyn offered to undertake this role.
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Dates for future meetings:6th January 2009, 3rd March 2009, 24th March 2009 (AGM)