Minutes June 2019 – Ipstones Parish Council

IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 26 June 2019 at 7.30p.m. in the Blore Suite at Ipstones Memorial Hall

PRESENT: Councillors Howard Mycock, Brian Snow, Andrew Stevenson (Chair), Patrick Stimpson, Alison Vaughan & John Williams. The Clerk and St Leonard’s First School Headmistress

APOLOGIES: Councillors Heather James, Linda Malyon & Leslie Jackson

61/19. To Co-opt two new Members: Two applications had been received for the two vacant seats. It was proposed by Cllr Stevenson and seconded by Cllr Snow to Co-opt both the applicants being Leslie Jackson & Alison Vaughan onto the parish council. This was agreed unanimously.

DISPENSATIONS: None had been received

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: It was agreed to take these as they arise.

62/19. Agenda Item No 5 – Guest District Councillor Sybill Ralphs re Buses – unfortunately Councillor Ralphs was unable to attend. It was agreed to invite Councillor Ralphs to the next meeting. Cllr Vaughan reported that she has seen that there is a ‘bus’ that will come to the door to pick people up for £3 per trip if there is no bus service. Cllr Vaughan agreed to find out about this and report back to the council at the next meeting.

63/19. MATTERS ARISING:

Bus Shelters: The Clerk reported that a letter had been sent about the overhanging trees. It was agreed to ask the Lengthsman if he will clean both Bus Shelters.
Lengthsman working on side of main road: Following an enquiry to the County Highways a response had been received which was read out and the main points stated that ‘in general it will be for the individual to assess what is required in terms of safety and when the advice is that this would require something significant, such as temporary signals or Stop/|Go boards, the decision has to be if there is funding for this provision and even if there is, is the cost justified’.

‘Like any route the situation can vary depending on verge widths, speed limits, existing furniture and presence of footways all of which can mean that the requirements at one location can be different than another’. In general, if there are any concerns that more provision is required for the safety of the Lengthsman it should be provided, or the work not undertaken if provision is not possible. Whilst this will limit the locations where the work can be undertaken it will be for good reasons’. The reply also suggested contacting the Trainer to ask him why he considers the length of verge being strimmed determines the need for temporary traffic management.

It was agreed to write to the Lengthsman and ask if there are any locations where he feels it is unsafe to work and if so not to carry out work in that location and inform the parish council.

Blocked Grids: The Clerk reported that these had been reported but the response had been that they had been inspected but were not considered to be posing a safety issue and will be cleansed on the routine cleansing programme.
Potholes: The Clerk reported that these have been reported and the general response is that they are classed as non-urgent and will be grouped together with other repairs in the area and that 50% are usually repaired within 60days.
Speed Watch: It was agreed to place a notice in the Parish Magazine for volunteers.
‘No Parking’ Sign in window of private residence: The Clerk reported that she had spoken to the Area Engineer of SCC and he had said that there is nothing they can do as the sign in on private land. But he did say it’s not an official sign so anyone could park there if they wanted to.

On proposal by Cllr Williams and seconded by Cllr Stimpson it was agreed that the minutes of the AGM & meeting held on Wednesday 22 May 2019 were a true record. This was carried by 5 votes.

Cllr Stevenson moved that Agenda Item 11 ‘to consider a donation to St Leonard’s First School re Forest School’ be taken next and that standing orders be suspended to allow the Headmistress to speak on this item.

64/19. TO CONSIDER A DONATION TO ST LEONARD’S FIRST SCHOOL TO HELP THEM SET UP AS A FOREST SCHOOL STATUS: A letter had been received in May which had been read out at the May meeting. Following an enquiry with the SPC Association regarding a donation to a School it was noted that there is no specific power available to parish councils for such expenditure and this would need to be addressed by reference to section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972, with any decision being made subject to the usual caveats about the ‘benefits being commensurate with the expenditure’ etc Cllr Stevenson invited the Headmistress to explain more about the project. Mrs Stanesby explained that two years ago they introduced ‘Welly Wednesday’ into the curriculum, allowing pupils the freedom to explore our beautiful environment. She said that all Staff are passionate about learning in the outdoors and know how it benefits the children in the modern age of technology and that it is beneficial for the mental health of both children and teachers. But to take the outdoor learning further school staff would need to train to become Forest School Teachers. This would allow them to be a ‘Forest School’ giving pupils access to more challenging diverse activities such as learning woodland crafts etc. Mrs S went on to say that if they become a ‘Forest School’ it be a wonderful asset for the School and would help attract more pupils to help sustain the School for the future. She said that they do not have the funding for the project and with cutbacks even need to rely on fund raising to buy books for the School. In the letter it said that their vision is eventually to have all Staff trained, starting with 1 or 2. The cost of training is £1000 per person. She said that they would be grateful for any support the parish council could give. Councillor Vaughan said that she thinks it would be good for the School. The Clerk pointed out that donations under S137 should have a direct benefit to some or all the inhabitants and cannot use the power to benefit a single individual. The Clerk asked if there would be an agreement in place should any of the Trained Teacher(s) leave within a short period of time. Mrs S said she would check on this. Cllr Williams asked how long the Certificates last. Mrs S said she wasn’t sure how long the Certificate would last but she thought it was forever – but she said she needs to check on this. Cllr Stevenson said if parish council funded equipment how would they fund the training. Mrs S said that they would be fund raising for the project.

Standing Orders were resumed.

Cllr Stimpson said that the parish council should be supporting the local School especially with all the cutbacks from County Council. It was proposed by Cllr Stimpson and seconded by Cllr Snow to donate the sum of £1000 under S137 Miscellaneous Payments (Local Government Act 1972), to the School toward the project as we need to help the School to compete with other Schools to help keep pupil numbers up and to give pupils the same opportunity as other Schools and that it is important to keep the local village school secure for the future. This was agreed unanimously.

65/19. PLANS: The following planning applications had been received: –

SMD/2019/0313 Proposed demolition and replacement of an equestrian and agricultural building to house livestock and store fodder and implements at Lemons Brook farm, Bottom Lane, Ipstones. it was proposed by Cllr Snow and seconded by Cllr Stimpson to support approval of this application. This was agreed unanimously.

SMD/2019/0338 Demolition of existing bungalow and the construction of 3 No new dwellings at Marbury, 27 Church Lane, Ipstones. Following discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Snow and seconded by Cllr Mycock to object to the application in its current form as they feel that 3 dwellings on the site is too many and be over development of the site and think that 2 dwellings would be more appropriate. That three properties would generate more vehicles exiting and entering the site from the narrow road. This was carried by 5 members voting in favour. 1 member abstained.

66/19. CORRESPONDENCE:

SMDC Re Code of Conduct Training Sessions: Details of two training sessions had been received. Cllr Vaughan reported that she had attended the session on Monday. There is another session on 3^rd
Ms D re Garden Allotment: A letter had been received concerning ‘brown garden waste’ bins for the garden plots and notifying that the gate to the garden had gone missing. There was also an e-mail from Waste and Recycling (via Cllr Malyon) which advised that for an extra brown bin there would be a charge of £75. It was agreed to advise Ms D that she can order an extra bin for £75

It was agreed to arrange for the gate to be replaced and Cllr Snow agreed to go and measure up for a new gate and then to discuss at the next meeting. Ms D is to be advised of this action.

SCC re Data protection Officer: It was noted that the County Council are now offering an optional Data Protection service to Town & Parish Councils. There are three tiers of service ranging from £150 to £400 per year plus £140.00 for a GAP Analysis.
Mr & Mrs T re Planning Appeal for Barn at Townhead Farm, Foxt: A letter of thanks had been received for the letter of support that was sent from the parish council for the recent planning appeal.
Mr & Mrs S re various issues: The e-mail was read out and it was agreed to reply as follows: –

Training of Volunteer Mowers – it was agreed to advise that the Training was for the Lengthsman and the volunteers who mow the Green in Foxt using equipment provided by the parish council and that it would not be possible to offer training to everyone in the parish who on their own accord mow the verges by their own homes using their own equipment.
With regard to the parish council’s request for improved signage for the one-way system and double yellow lines on the bend, it was agreed to advise that this had been made for road safety issues following the report that there had been several near misses on the bend and that the ultimate decision will be made by County Highways and it will be at their discretion as which type sign is suitable for the one-way road and where to place it.
To advise that we were not aware of who had spoken to the Bus Driver to ask him not to use the one-way road.
That unfortunately, the parish council do not have any control over comments individual parishioners make.
That with regard to the planning application members don’t know where the comment that ‘being too outspoken’ caused members to work against them, came from as each planning application is judged on its own merits and then voted on before comments are forwarded to the Planning Department.

County Councillor Heath re ‘Gate’ on alleged footpath at Foxt: the email stated that she had checked with Senior Conservation Officer who had confirmed that the gate wouldn’t need planning permission and that the right of way issue was a matter for the County Council.
Leek Town Council re proposed meeting with Aimees to discuss services and funding: The e-mail asked if any members of Ipstones Parish Council would be interested in meeting with them and Aimees in next few weeks. It was agreed to ask them to let us know the dates and then to check if anyone is available to attend.
VE Day 8^th to 10^th May 2020: Details of this had been received. It was agreed to put on a future agenda for discussion.
Lengthsman’s Report (May): Details of this were noted along with a note of the following issues: –

Hedge at Foxt Play Area – it was agreed to hold a site visit in the Autumn
Moles – it was agreed to ask someone to deal with these
Fox or Badger digging holes – it was agreed to look at this on the site visit, but members not sure how to stop this.
Hedges & Trees Barley Road Play Area – it was agreed to hold a site visit prior to the next meeting.
Blocked Grids on Froghall Bank – these are to be reported

Circulars, Newsletters etc

SPC Assc. – Weekly Bulletins (23/05; 30/05; 6/06; 13/06 & 20/06)

NALC – L02 – 19 – Data |Protection Fees

NALC – LTN 31 – Local Council General Powers

67/19. REPORT ON SITE VISIT TO CEMETERY: –

Bier Shed needs repointing possibly with ‘Lime Mortar’ Quotes are to be obtained.
Bier Shed – the timber on the Bier Shed needs staining as do the seats in the Cemetery. It was agreed to ask the Lengthsman if he could do this and if so to give a price.
It was agreed to ask the Lengthsman if he can weed spray the edges of the paths.

68/19. TO ELECT REPRESENTATIVES FOR OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Cllr Malyon had volunteered to be a representative for the School Trustees and

Cllr James had volunteered to stay on the Committees she is already on

The following were elected for the roles: –

School Trusties – Cllr Malyon d for this and Cllr Vaughan agreed to be the second representative

School Governor – Cllr James

Memorial Hall Committee – Cllr James with Cllr Stevenson as reserve

Foxt Village Hall Committee – Cllr Stimpson

Foxt Village Hall Trustees – Cllrs Mycock, Stimpson & Williams

Staffordshire Moorlands Parish Assembly – to be elected at next meeting.

Ipstones Common Good Trust – Cllrs Stevenson, Stimpson & James (need to check if Cllr Malyon wishes to remain on this).

Speed watch Monitoring Officer – The Clerk

Financial Monitoring Officer (for checking cheques/invoices – Cllr Vaughan

Ipstones Parish Action Group – no need for a representative as this group is not currently active.

Cheque Signatories – it was agreed to remain as Cllrs James, Malyon, Stevenson, Stimpson and the Clerk

It was agreed to look at this again when missing members are present.

69/19. HIGHWAYS: The following are to be reported to County Highways: –

Blocked Gully outside Old School Court in Brookfields Road
Pothole on edge of road at entrance to the Community Garden in Brookfield Road.
Foxt Bank is sliding again.

70/19. ANY OTHER BUSINESS DEEMED URGENT – no issues raised.

71.19. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT: the following accounts were agreed for payment: –

	£
Lengthsman’s Net Payment	191.00
Lengthsman’s Expenses (mileage 43 miles @ 0.45p)	19.35
Clerk’s Net Salary	630.00
Clerk’s Expenses Inc ink Cartridges	36.72
M Emery for mowing	700.00
Arb Tree Care for trimming Memory Tree – S137 (authorised in April	540.00
The Nursery at Old Hall for Summer Planting	450.00
Staffordshire Farm Supplies Ltd – oil for Lengthsman’s Strimmer	12.00

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The date of the next meeting was set for Wednesday 31 July 2019 at 7.30p.m.

in the Blore Suite at Ipstones Memorial Hall