Minutes of the Full Council Meeting

(held Thursday 12 October 2006 in the Parish Rooms)

Commenced: 7.30pm – Concluded: 8.30pm

Present:

Cllr. Caroline Jones (Chair)
Cllr. Sylvia Tilford (Vice Chair)
Cllr. Keith Dale
Cllr. Kathryn Forrest
Cllr. John Horton

Clerk:

Mrs Ann Saunders

118/06 Chairman‘s Remarks

Cllr Jones opened the meeting.

119/06 Apologies for absence

Cllr. Jenkins, Cllr. Palmer, Cllr. Riley, and Cllr. Walker had sent apologies and these were accepted.

120/06 Disclosures of Interest

None

120/06 Public Participation

Concern was raised about the lack of progress on the construction of the public toilets, and the fact that the temporary men's toilet constantly shows occupied even when it is vacant. Cllr Jones assured those present that she had reminded Brian Dobson several times of the need to complete the work in time for the Christmas fair, and that she would ask him to rectify the problem with the men‘s toilet.

A progress report was requested regarding The Lawn. Cllr Jones had spoken to the Head of Housing at BMDC, apparently there was a problem regarding the financing of the proposal. There was therefore no hope of an imminent start to the project, but Gerald Goldsborough would be contacted to find out the current position.

121/06 To Approve the Minutes of the Meeting of 14 September 2006

The minutes were approved as a correct record and signed.

Proposed: Cllr Dale. Seconded: Cllr Forrest

122/06 Matters Arising from the Minutes

Civic Service: A wreath had been ordered for the Civic Service.

123/06 Closure of the College

All Councillors (except Cllr Jenkins who was on holiday) had now had the opportunity to gain access to the Grange. The Principal of Park Lane College had also been present in order to consider the feasibility of running courses there.

Bradford College had not yet provided floor plans for the building, nor had they responded to the query regarding any uses that they would deem unacceptable.

A further meeting would be held next week to consider other options for use of the building. It was mentioned that the Probus Club, and the local Archives would be keen to use the building. However, given its large size it may not be sustainable purely for community use, and consideration may have to be given to small offices, affordable housing, renting space to a health service provider such as a chiropodist etc.

124/06 Financial Regulations

The draft regulations from the YLCA were considered. It was agreed to remove:

· the requirement for the Clerk to countersign cheques (para. 5.3)

· the provision of petty cash (alternative para 6.5), and to instead rely on the regular refund of minor expenses.

The regulations were formally adopted.

Proposed: Cllr. Tilford Seconded: Cllr Forrest

125/06 Insurance

The quote for Public Liability Insurance was with Cllr Walker. It would be presented at the next meeting.

126/06 Planning Committee – Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference were considered. The numbering of the Standing Orders would need to be amended to be in line with those adopted by the council. It was agreed that they then be adopted.

Proposed: Cllr Dale Seconded: Cllr Horton

127/06 Children‘s Play Area

The request for £4,209 from BMDC to complete works on the resurfacing of the play area was discussed. It was decided to provide the funding.

Proposed: Cllr. Dale Seconded; Cllr. Horton

128/06 Village Water Feature

A breakdown of the maintenance costs for the water feature had now been received from Tom Sumner. This came to £1,080 per year based on a £10 weekly maintenance charge, and £280 twice yearly to cover extra work needed.

Extra expenditure would be incurred to cover water testing, electricity charges, and insurance. This would bring the total cost to the Parish Council of around £1,400 per year. Following discussion it was agreed that the council adopt the water feature and pay for its upkeep.

Proposed: Cllr. Dale Seconded: Cllr. Jones

129/06 Other Village Maintenance Matters

Discussion took place regarding the split of responsibility between BMDC and the Parish Council for the planting and maintenance of the flowerbeds in the village. It was agreed that an action plan was needed to make clear the division of responsibility and to ensure the councils input to BMDC regarding the future planning of their flowerbeds. This would be revisited at the next meeting.

130/06 Newsletter

Cllr Jones thanked Cllr Tilford for all her efforts on the Newsletter which was now being distributed around the village. It was noted that a number of the regular distributors had been unavailable this week meaning a larger workload for those remaining, but all the Newsletters should be delivered by the end of the week.

132/06 Reports from Councillors on other meetings attended

Cllr Dale reported that the Ward Tasking Group were meeting this evening and he had therefore had to send his apologies. He had been notified by the police that there had been an incidence of attempted high value car theft in the area, so there was need for vigilance.

133/06 Correspondence

The following correspondence had been received:

· Shipley Area Community Award Scheme. A request for nominations for its 'Unsung Heroes' award. These should be submitted by the end of January 2007

· Shipley Area Conference Report

· An invitation to the 60th Festival of Remembrance at St George‘s Hall

· Email from a local resident complaining about the state of the flowerbeds at The Generous Pioneer, and the speed of traffic at the west end of the village.

134/06 Schedule of Payments

It was unanimously agreed that the schedule be accepted.

Proposed Cllr. Jones Seconded Cllr. Tilford

135/06 Any Other Business

There had been a request for funding to purchase a mountain bike from the Community Support Officer.

It was agreed that the council needed to consider how it dealt with requests for funding. It may be better to be pro-active rather than just relying on individuals to come forward with requests.

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