Ilmer Past

Parish Council Minutes

PRESENT

Cllr Val McPherson BEM (Chair)

Cllrs Brian Richards (Vice), Richard Myers, Alex Barter, Rolf van Apeldoorn, Jane Rogers, Bill Bendyshe-Brown (County)

Tracey Martin (Clerk)

  1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Cllr McPherson welcomed all to the meeting. Cllr Walker offered his apologies as unable to log in via the internet and did not want to dial in via the telephone. The Parish Council took a vote and resolved not to accept the apologies as although logging in through the internet is not possible the dial in option is.

2. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD 17th NOVEMBER 2020

Approved by all Councillors.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None declared.

4. MATTERS ARISING NOT OTHERWISE ON THE AGENDA

Cllr McPherson reported that she had been contacted by the Caretaker of the Village Hall who has started up a Speedwatch initiative. It was agreed that Cllr McPherson and Cllr Bendyshe-Brown would follow up on this offline.

5. A REPORT FROM CLLR BENDYSHE-BROWN ON MATTERS CONCERNING LONGWICK-CUM-ILMER PARISH COUNCIL

Discussions were had on the VAS which is planned for Bar Lane. Costings have been received, however the exact location needs to be decided when the distance from junction has been confirmed; Cllr Bendyshe-Brown and Cllr Myers to visit the site later in the week to confirm location. Cllr Bendyshe-Brown reported that the closure on the Lower Icknield Way had been operating outside the agreed limits and this had been reported and dealt with. Cllr Bendyshe-Brown reported that timings had been agreed for the works on the 4129 by Longwick roundabout. Cllr Bendyshe-Brown stated that Buckinghamshire Council are seeking further legal advice on the application for the Household Waste Recycling Centre and that if no decision is made by the 2nd January 2021 then the CIC will be going to appeal for non-determination.

6. UPDATE ON WEB COMPLIANCE AND EMAIL FRAMEWORK

Cllr Barter reported that further works are still required on the planning section of the website. Discussions were had on the use of the longwickcumilmer.org.uk emails which all councillors have been provided with; these must be used going forward.

7. TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT

Cllr McPherson reported that no contacts had been made with local organisations yet; this will take place in the New Year followed by a questionnaire which may have to be printed and hand delivered to ensure that all residents are involved. Cllr McPherson read out a report from the Traffic Calming Consultant.

8. KISSING GATES FOR LONGWICK

Cllr Richards reported that a meeting had taken place and agreed what needs to be done for footpath 16. Cllr Richards reported that there is a stile on Dickies Lane which is very muddy; the Rights of Way officer has visited the site and agreed that it is unsatisfactory, and as there is one kissing gate still in storage this could possibly be used. It was agreed to remove this item from the agenda as all works are near completion unless further residents come forward.

9. PLANNING PERMISSION FOR NEW NOTICEBOARD

The Clerk reported that Buckinghamshire Council have approved the new location by The Elm and has been in contact with the permit department who are happy to issue a permit once a date is confirmed for the work. Installation of the new noticeboard will cost £262 + VAT with the work being carried out by PA Spittles; all Councillors approved the installation costs.

10. TO CONSIDER REPLACING BENCHES IN THE PARK

The Clerk reported that she had made contact with the family of the bench where the inscription is engraved into the bench; the family have requested whether the inscribed part of the bench could be removed and mounted elsewhere in the playing fields. The Council discussed and felt that there may not be anywhere to place it; a discussion was had on whether that part of the bench could be removed and installed on the new bench, with the Clerk to discuss works with a local contractor. It has not yet been possible to locate the families of the other benches which have plaques on; it was agreed to post on Facebook, Website, the Newsletter and check the electoral roll, and Cllr McPherson will also send a message to Neighbourhood Watch members.

11. PLAYING FIELD SHELTER – TO DISCUSS AND CONSIDER CCTV

Cllr McPherson reported that she'd had a meeting with a CCTV company and received a quote for around £18k for 2 cameras and an ANPR; Cllr McPherson is liaising with the company to get a further quote for 1 camera and an ANPR. Members of the public will be consulted as to whether they would welcome CCTV or not.

12. TO DISCUSS AND CONSIDER QUOTES FOLLOWING THE ANNUAL RoSPA

Caloo are scheduled to do a site visit this week.

13. DEBIT CARD PROVISION

Clerk reported that top up cards all come with a monthly cost or a charge per transaction. It was agreed that this will be deferred until banks are accepting new accounts.

14. PLANNING

New applications: 20/07950/FUL Tifnams, Owlswick Lane — No comment; 20/08090/FUL Ivy Farm, Lower Icknield Way — No comment; 20/08085/FUL OS Parcel 3482 & OS Parcel 2171, The Little Orchard, Stockwell Lane, Little Meadle — No comment; 20/08240/FUL Coombe House, Bennels Close, Meadle — No comment.

Status changes: 20/07220/FUL Pinegrove Cottage — Application permitted; 19/08065/OUT Storage Barn and Land South West of Old Orchard, Home Farm, Thame Road — Application refused; 20/07650/CTREE Portsonachan, Meadle — Not to make a tree preservation order; 20/07479/TPO 5 Woodbine Close, Longwick — Application permitted; 20/06924/FUL Land adjoining Saddleback Barn, Chadwell Hill Farm, Longwick — Application refused, Clerk to liaise with enforcement regarding work already carried out.

15. FINANCE

The following accounts for payment were reviewed and approved:

Payee Net VAT Gross Comment
TBS Hygiene 200.00 40.00 240.00 October bin emptying
DCK Accounting 25.00 5.00 30.00 November payroll processing
Tracey Martin 660.07 660.07 November pay - includes tax rebate
Tracey Martin Expenses 31.66 0.58 32.24 £12.24 electricity & home allowance 4 wks
WDALC 10.00 10.00 Membership 2021/2022
PKF Littlejohn 800.00 160.00 960.00 AGAR to 31st March 2020
Keith Dobson 16.00 16.00 Playground risk assessment Nov 2020
TBS Hygiene 160.00 32.00 192.00 November bin emptying
DH Landscapes 1235.00 1235.00 Hedge Longwick Playing Field
Total 3137.73 237.58 3375.31

16. TO NOTE AMENDED QUARTER 2 ACCOUNTS

The Clerk reported that the overall figures on the previously circulated quarter 2 accounts were the same, however a few payments have been reallocated to different cost codes.

17. TO DISCUSS DRAFT BUDGET 2021/2022

The draft budget was circulated to councillors prior to the meeting. Recommended changes: a decrease in electricity costs for 21/22 and an increase in bin emptying due to the new bins for 21/22. The precept was also discussed and all councillors agreed that the Band D Tax would remain the same as the previous year, resulting in a precept for the Parish Council of £30,250. Both budget and precept will be formally approved at the January 2021 Parish Council meeting.

18. CONFIRMATION OF AGAR COMPLETION

The Clerk reported that the AGAR had now been signed off and the Notice of Conclusion of Audit has been displayed.

19. ADOPTION OF UPDATED PARISH EMERGENCY PLAN

It was agreed that first names should be included on page 6, and an amendment was also suggested to one of the telephone numbers. Amendments to be made and circulated to Councillors.

20. TO APPROVE THE CLERK'S INCREASE IN SALARY FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF CiLCA BE BACKDATED TO 1ST NOVEMBER

All Councillors were in agreement.

21. TO DISCUSS ANY RESPONSES TO CORRESPONDENCE

Discussions were had on the dog signs which Cllr van Apeldoorn had received quotes for at a cost of £22.80 each without fittings; it was agreed that the contact should be the dog warden not the Parish Clerk. Cllr Barter had received an email from a member of the public asking for an update on the Ilmer gates and signs; it was agreed that this will be included in the questionnaire for the traffic calming project for all hamlets. Cllr van Apeldoorn raised the dredging of the ditch by the playing fields; it was agreed that this would be put on hold until the Parish Council knows whether Rose Farm development will be taking place, as there is no point increasing flow in just one area.

22. RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS ON MEETINGS ATTENDED

Cllr Rogers reported she had attended the Monks Risborough PCC meeting and a report will be received at the Annual Parish Meeting. Cllr McPherson stated that the WDALC meeting is taking place on Thursday and will report back in January.

23. NEXT MEETING [VIRTUAL]

Date of next meeting (virtual) – 19th January 2021, and confirmation of 2021 meetings:

* The Annual Meeting of the Parish will be held prior to the ordinary Parish Council meeting on 20th April 2021 via Zoom (unless physical meetings are permitted) starting at 7pm.

** The Annual Parish Council meeting will be held prior to the ordinary Parish Council meeting on the 18th May 2021 via Zoom (unless physical meetings are permitted) starting at 7pm.

There being no further business Cllr McPherson thanked all Councillors and the Clerk for their work over the past year and wished them all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The meeting closed at 9.10pm.