MINUTES OF THE LOWER WINTERBORNE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 18th OCTOBER 2022, COMMENCING 7PM, AT WINTERBORNE KINGSTON VILLAGE HALL
Present: Cllrs D Knapp, H Andrews, K Langdown, R Brock, L Luxford, M Meaden
Chair: Cllr R Jessopp
Clerk: Mrs Amanda Crocker
Also present: 3 members of public
Prior to the start of the meeting, the Chair reminded members that the Standing Orders had not been confirmed at the AGM as there had been a suggestion that they may need to be amended. Following a discussion with Cllr Sorrell who had raised the concern, this will not now happen, and the Standing Orders will be brought to the November meeting for confirmation. However, all members are reminded that any remarks during the meeting should be addressed through the Chair and there should be no side discussions held during the meeting. All matters relating to employment are the responsibility of the Chair and should be raised with the Chair.
Public Participation
Following the resignation of the Clerk, thanks were extended for her work to date. The role has been advertised and the Clerk has agreed to remain in post until the new Clerk is appointed.
Coronation – It was suggested that a public meeting is held to gauge interest very early in the proceedings. The school have expressed an interest in being involved with the celebrations and would also like to be involved with the woodland planning.
1 Declaration of Interest and requests for dispensations
23.094 No interests were declared, and no dispensations had been requested.
2 Apologies
23.095 Apologies had been received from Cllrs Ron Sorrell (holiday), Cllrs Roy Allcock and Bill Newman (work commitments) and Dorset Councillor Emma Parker.
3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 27th September 2022
23.096 A copy of the minutes had been issued to all members prior to the start of the meeting. Cllr Luxford proposed them to be a true and accurate representation of the meeting. This was seconded by Cllr Langdown and agreed unanimously. The Chair signed the minutes in the presence of the meeting.
4 Matters arising from those minutes for report only
23.097 Neighbourhood Planning – Two emails had been sent to Jo Witherden, of Dorset Planning Consultants Ltd, but, to date, no response has been received. The Clerk will follow this up.
ACTION: CLERK
5 Dorset Councillors’ Reports
23.098 Cllr Parker was unable to attend the meeting but had issued her report which had been passed to all members.
6. Finance
23.099 To confirm payment of accounts
The following payments had been requested:
K Langdown – Hedgehog highways – BACS065 – 150.00
Rejuvenate – Email hosting October 2022 – BACS066 – 13.56
Gallagher – Insurance renewal 09.11.22 to 08.11.23 – BACS067 – 1354.57
DWP – Waste collection September 2022 – BACS068 – 13.68
BT – Hub alarm – October 2022 – BACS069 – 40.67
Secure Alarms – 6 monthly fire alarm service – BACS070 – 104.40
HMRC – PAYE contributions October 2022 – BACS071 – 1.40
DC Pension Fund – Pension contributions October 2022 – BACS072 – 126.50
Sutcliffe Play – Delivery & fixings for seesaw – BACS073 – 597.51
L Luxford – Soap bottles for Hub – BACS074 – 10.33
Can I Cut It – Install seesaw, remove old furniture – BACS075 – 731.00
Can I Cut It – Grounds maintenance October 2022 – BACS076 – 1190.00
A Crocker – October 2022 wages – BACS077 – 538.87
The total amount requested from the Precept for the month of October is £4,872.49.
Cllr Meadon proposed the payments are made. This was seconded by Cllr Knapp and agreed unanimously.
Cllr Brock raised the issue of the £83,574.44 sitting in the current account. He felt this would be better utilised in a higher interest account. This will be looked at in the future. He also raised the issue of a negative figure showing on the Ear Marked Reserves. This refers to the cost of the St John’s Ambulance used at the Jubilee event and this is due to be refunded.
23.100 To confirm the reconciliation of accounts and position against budget
A copy of both reports had been issued to members prior to the start of the meeting. No comments were made, or queries raised.
23.101 To arrange a meeting date for the Finance Working Party to produce the draft budget for 2023/24
This will be put back to the November meeting and a date arranged for December when the new Clerk is in post. At the same time, the group will look at the current account balance and consider a proposed action to put before the Parish Council.
7. To receive the following reports
23.102 Speed Watch – Cllr Andrews reported that had attended the conference at Winfrith at which videos of dashcam footage was shown. Delegates were informed that such footage can be submitted to the Police and could lead to a prosecution. As from the 1st January 2023, the speed limit the Speed Watch team will be able to report vehicles travelling in excess of 35mph instead of the current 36mph.
23.103 Hub – Cllr Luxford reported that the Pilates and Children’s Yoga had proved very successful. She is waiting for confirmation that this class will become a regular fixture.
23.104 Flood Watch – Nothing to report.
23.105 Play Area and Recreation Ground – Nothing to report.
8. Planning Applications
23.106 To consider planning applications received
There were no applications for consideration.
9. Items for action and resolution
23.107 To review the insurance cover and amend as necessary
This will be taken forward to the November meeting.
10. Parish Councillors’ reports not covered by item 7
23.108 Noah Henville Corner – The road continues to deteriorate. Cllr Jessopp will take some photographs of the road and these will be forwarded to Highways.
ACTION: CLLR JESSOPP
The green cats’ eyes at the White Post junction have been replaced.
The SID has been moved and is working well.
Cllrs Jessopp and Sorrell will be undertaking the interviews for the new Clerk before the November meeting.
Cllr Jessopp has spoken to Mrs Stoker at the school with regard to the tree planting and will update her when the dates for the planting are known. The trees are due to arrive in March 2023.
11. Update on Remembrance Sunday arrangements
23.109 Cllr Jessopp will contact the volunteers and organise the marshals for the road closure on Sunday 13th November.
ACTION: CLLR JESSOPP
12. To consider possible events for the Coronation of King Charles III on 6th May 2023
23.110 Cllr Jessopp reported that it is anticipated events will be similar to those of the Jubilee. This item will remain on the agenda and be updated every month.
13, Correspondence receive since the agenda was set
23.111 Nothing received.
14. Items for the November agenda
– Insurance Review
– Standing Orders
– Coronation events
– New Clerk progress
– Review reserves
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 19.20
The next meeting will be held on 15th November 2022 at Winterborne Kingston Village Hall, commencing 7pm.