WHEATLEY PARISH COUNCIL

WHEATLEY PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2015
Present: D Lamont (Chairman for item 1 only), G Stephens (Chairman from item 2), R Bell, A Davies, J Coveley, R Reilly, G Birks, J Carr, S Coleridge, T Newman,
P Gregory, T Davies, P Hood and A Walkey

Officers: The clerk and assistant clerk

Also present: 8 members of the public
1 ELECTION of Chairman for 2015– 16 and Acceptance of Office
The retiring Chairman, Cllr Lamont, asked for nominations for Chairman
There were two nominations:
Cllr Stephens – Proposed by Cllr Birks and seconded by Cllr Bell
Cllr Gregory – Proposed by Cllr T Davies and seconded by Cllr A Davies

In the vote that followed Cllr Stephens received 7 votes and Cllr Gregory received 3 votes. Cllr Stephens was declared elected. He signed the Acceptance of Office and took the chair

He thanked Mr Lamont for his work as a councillor for the last 4 years and especially the last year as chairman
2 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE had been received from Cllr Willmott and County Councillor Anne Purse

3 ELECTION of Vice-chairman
Cllr J Carr – Proposed by Cllr Reilly and seconded by Cllr Coveley
Cllr P Gregory – Proposed by Cllr T Davies and seconded by Cllr A Davis

In the vote that followed Cllr Carr received 7 votes and Cllr Gregory received 3 votes. Cllr Carr was declared elected
4. FORMAL ADOPTION OF STANDING ORDERS (INCLUDING CODE OF
CONDUCT)
Cllr Reilly proposed and Cllr bell seconded that the Standing Orders, as distributed to all councillors, be adopted. This was AGREED nem con.

6. APPOINTMENT of Committees;

i.) Standing Committees
a) Finance & General Purposes Membership
Cllrs A Davies, T Davies, P Gregory, G Birks, P Hood, T Newman, and
J Reilly. Agreed to serve on the committee. Cllr Willmott to be asked to serve on this committee as well.

b) Planning Committee Membership
Cllrs A Davies, R Bell, J Coveley, S Coleridge, A Walkey agreed to serve on the committee. Cllr Bignell to be asked to serve on this committee

The chairman and vice-chairman are ex-officio members of ALL committees
ii) Advisory Committees and Working Groups
a) Traffic and Roads Advisory Committee (TRAC)
Cllrs T Davies, P Gregory, J Carr, J Coveley, G Birks and J Reilly agreed to serve on this advisory committee. It was agreed that this committee would meet on an ad hoc basis
b) Recreation Areas Working Group
Cllrs R. Bell, P Hood, S Coleridge and A Walkey agreed to serve on this working group. This group would meet on an ad hoc basis
7. CONFIRMATION of representatives to outside bodies:

i Merry Bells Management Committee; Cllr P Gregory

ii Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils; Cllrs J. Carr. & Cllr T Davis
iii Wheatley Sports Field Management Committee (to 31.08.15); Messrs Peter Bayliss, Steve Kemp, Peter Cudd and Doug Lamont, and Cllrs Geoff Stephens & Paul Willmott
iv Wheatley Playing Field Trust: Mrs M Blake; Mrs P Willmott; Mr R Cosier; Mr S Pearson; Mr D Lamont Cllr P Willmott and Cllr G Stephens
iv Howe Trust; Mrs Caroline Dalton and Cllr Joyce Coveley
v Wheatley Charities; Mr Mike Lancashire (to 2017), and Mr Graham Colverson (until 2019)
vi Public Transport Representative: Cllr Tim Davies
vii Wheatley Windmill Preservation Society; Cllr G Stephens
viii. Wheatley Nursery School & John Watson Confederation Cllr Sarah Coleridge
ix). Neighbourhood Action Group – Cllr A Davies
FIRST STATUTORY MEETING OF WHEATLEY PARISH COUNCIL
for council year 2015 – 16
8. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE had been received from Cllr Willmott and County Councillor Purse
9. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Coleridge as a Governor of the Wheatley Nursery School & John Watson Confederation and Cllr Hood as Treasurer of the ‘Cool Kidz club declared an interest in Agenda items 25, (The Parish Council’s application for a village green on the Littleworth Field)
10. MINUTES of the meeting of the Parish Council of Monday 2nd March
2015, which had been circulated previously, were signed as a correct and accurate record.
11. UPDATE from the meeting held on Monday 2nd March 2015
Minute 102 – Housing on the Exception Site on London Road
Taylor-Wimpey had informed the clerk that they were not in position to give an update at this meeting.
The clerk was asked to enquire about when the planning application was likely to be made and request that Taylor-Wimpey come back to the Parish Council with the details of the scheme and any alterations as a result of the public consultation and the timetable for the application.
Minute106 – Receiving Agendas electronically – Unless notified to the contrary it would be presumed that all councillors would be prepared to receive Agendas electronically. Minutes would be sent electronically and via the normal post.
8.30pm – The Chairman declared the Council out of session and asked for contributions from the floor

Mr Doug Lamont – from talks he had had with Taylor Wimpey he understood that to give a better mix of types of houses the number would increase from 50 to 51. There would be a footpath along the north side of London Road, 2 light controlled pedestrian crossings and double yellow lines at the corners of the entrances into the development. They would also contribute some funding for Farm Close Recreation Area.

Mrs Liz Wickens – asked about the rationale behind items of confidentiality on the Agenda. That the clerk explained that exclusion of the public could only be asked for in a limited number of cases: engagement, terms of service, conduct and dismissal of employees; terms of tenders, negotiation of contracts and preparation of a legal case. He added that there couldn’t be any ‘confidential minutes’, care had to be taken not to report specific details.

PCSO James Hopkins reported that there had not been any recent cases of ASB in the village. A replacement for PCSO Cooney was now being trained up and would shortly be out on his own around the village. This brings up to strength the complement of 4 PCSOs serving the Wheatley/Chalgrove area which covers around 20 individual villages)
In reply to a question from Cllr Gregory, James said that the CCTV camera in the High Street should be back up and running but unfortunately the only PCSO who that knew how to operate it has been transferred. They would have to get him back to show them how to operate it

Mr Doug Lamont – Asked Cllr T Davies if he know what monetary support might be available from SODC to the village preparing its Neighbourhood Plan?
Cllr Davies replied that his understanding that for a village of Wheatley’s size around £18.000 might be available. He stressed that this information was some months old.

District Cllr Toby Newman – Stated that he would be attending his first SODC meeting the following Thursday

8.50pm The Chairman declared the council back in session
12. THE MINUTES of the meetings of the Planning Committee held on the following dates were received:
i) Wednesday 11th March 2015 – circulated previously
ii) Wednesday 8th April 2015 – circulated previously
13. THE MINUTES of the meetings of the F&GP Committee meetings held on the following were received:
i) Monday 16th March 2015 – circulated previously
ii) Monday 20th April 2015 – circulated previously

14. The minutes of the Traffic and Roads Advisory Committee held on 15th April, which had been circulated previously were received.
i) Minute 4(ii) – Recommendation to Full Council that concrete planters be purchased and located on the land in front of the old toilet block.
Following discussion a number of councillors felt that the whole area should be looked at again. Cllr Hood proposed and Cllr T Davies seconded that this recommendation be differed. This deferred was AGREED by 7 votes to 0 with 4 abstentions

15. TO CONSIDER MATTERS RELATING TO WHEATLEY PARK SPORTSFIELD MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE WHEATLEY PLAYING FIELD TRUST
i) Composition of the Trustees – Agreed to Mr Lamont remaining a trustee
ii) Letter of Engagement from Freeths Solicitors – estimated costs £2,000.00
This was Agreed
16. TO ADOPT THE WHEATLEY AND HOLTON EMERGENCY PLAN
Cllr A Davies said that there were still omissions eg addresses etc and letters should be sent to residents asking if they were happy to be included in the handbook. The Chairman said that he, Cllr A Davies and the clerk would go through the handbook and complete and then bring it back to full council
17. TO AGREE THE SIGNATORIES TO PARISH COUNCIL CHEQUES
It was AGREED that Cllr Stephens and Cllr Gregory should be signatories along
with Cllrs Bell, Carr and Reilly
18. TO CONSIDER THAT THE PARISH COUNCIL TAKE AN OUTSIDE STALL, STAFFED BY PARISH COUNCILLORS AT THE MERRY BELLS FAIR ON 4TH JULY 2015
Cllr A Davies thought the stalls would be inside the hall
It was proposed by Cllr T Davies and Seconded by Cllr Newman that the Parish Council does take an outside stall at the Merry Bells Fair on 4th July. This was Agreed. The details to be worked out at the F&GP Committee meeting on15th June
19. GRANTS, LICENCES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS – None
20. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
a) Signing of completed copy of reconciled bank statement by Chairman & RFO
b) Balances – Noted
After the cheques below have been paid the balances on the council’s accounts as at 18th May 2015 will be as follows:
: Community £1,277.70
Tracker £137,448.75
Treasury £60,567.55

SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS TO BE AUTHORISED

Payee Payment details Amount
Cheques paid
106164-106169 GM/SW/JF/OCC/HMR&C April sal/wages/pen/PAYE/NICs 4,065.61
d/d Orange internet Internet for April 18.37
106158 Green Scythe Recs etc 233.17
106159 Oxon Assoc of Local Councils 2015- 2016 subscription 746.34
106161 Oxfordshire Rural Cty Council 2015- 2016 subscription 65.00
106162 Wheatley Village Archives Grant for 2015-2016 1,500.00
106163 The Information Commissioner 2015-2016 subscription 35.00
Total £6,663.49
Cheques to Pay
106170 Oxford Conservation (Simon Shew) Final fees for new entrance into Church Road Recreation Ground 104.00
106171 Berkshire ALC ‘Good Councillor Guide’ Booklets 51.20
106172 Berinsfield Community Business Verge cutting April 2015 608.33
106073 AON Insurance 2015-2016 3,590.72
106074 Public Law Solicitors Village Green Application 2,176.80
Trinder and Sons Fitting of Defibrillator Cabinet 150.00
GM/SW/JF/OCC/HMR&C May sal/wages/pen/PAYE/NICs 4,500.00
Total £11,181.05

INCOME RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING

Income details Amount
Newsletter advertising 100.00
OCC Recharge for verge cutting 1,775.02
Total £1,875.02
21. REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES
i) The Merry Bells Management Committee – planning for the Fayre on 4th July was underway. Bookings were very healthy. The results of the recent Building and Energy surveys were being studied.
Cllr T Davies raised the issue of the Parish Council paying Wheatley Village Archives £1,500 so that the Archives could pay their rent. Couldn’t the Merry Bells charge just a peppercorn rent? Cllr A Davies said that this general matter had been raised at the Merry Bells AGM and would be on the next merry Bells Committee meeting.
ii) The Howe Trust – next meeting was in a week’s time
iii) Neighbourhood Action Group – Cllr A Davies had attended her first meeting. She had found it interesting, it received reports from TVP on traffic maters and ASB. She suggested that the minutes be circulated to all councillors.
iv) Thames Valley Police. Newsletter April 2015 – No Anti-Social Behaviour reports.
2 drivers caught without valid insurancr5 penalty notices for parking offences
29 drivers caught speeding on London Road. I driver using mobile phone.
1 theft from a vehicle. 2 number plate thefts.1 burglary Non-Dwelling
Mortar non de-activated bomb discovered in shed in Elm Close. Bomb squad called and safely destroyed.
22. CORRESPONDENCE – Noted
i) The Hasleys newsletter May 2015*
ii) Wheatley URC Newsletter – May 2015*
iii) Little Milton Newsletter – May 2015*
iv) Clerks and Councils Direct May 2015*
v) Holton, Waterperry& Waterstock news – April 2015*
vi) Wheatley Village Archives – Thank-you for Grant Aid
vii) OCC Traffic Regulation Order – closure of slip road of A40 on to A 418 on 29th May between 8.00pm and 6.00am. Diversion from Holton turn along Church Road.
ix) TVP – Neighbourhood Policing April 2015 newsletter*
x) Great Milton Bulletin May 2015*
xi) Letter from resident re Merry Bells polling station. The clerk read out the letter including the one that the resident had written to David Buckle, the SODC Returning Officer. The Parish Council does not have any responsibility in this area. Some advice to residents in the newsletter before elections on the role of tellers and the rights of voters would be useful.

9.50pm – Suspension of Standing Orders for 20 minutes in order to finish the Agenda. Proposed by Cllr bell and seconded by Cllr Reilly – AGREED

xii) Oxford Brooks University – Notice of 150th Celebration of the start of teaching at the Oxford School of Art and of the next Residents’ Associations’ Meetings – 11th June 2015

* On display in the Parish Office
23. CALENDAR OF MEETINGS – Noted

i) Planning Committee – Wednesday 20th May 2015 – 7.30pm
ii) OALC AGM – Worton Park, Cassington- Monday June 2nd 2015 – 7.30pm
iii) CPRE (Oxon Branch) AGM St Edmund Hall -Saturday 6th June 2.30pm
iv) Planning Committee – Wednesday 10th June 12015 – 7.30pm
v) F&GP Committee – Monday 15th June 2015 – 7.30pm
vi) Parish Council Meeting – Monday 6th July 2015– 7.30 pm
24. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC
Cllr Carr proposed and Cllr Birks seconded ‘that under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph X of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, namely private contractual and employment matters
This was AGREED nem con

Parish Council – Confidential Agenda Monday 20th April 2015
25. UPDATE ON PROGRESS OF THE PARISH COUNCIL’S VILLAGE GREEN APPLICATION
i) To agree to transfer solicitors – The solicitor whom the Parish Council was using was transferring to another partnership and had written to the Parish Council asking if they still wished for him to act for them. AGREED

Cllr. Birks summarised the position re our Village Green application from inception. Two meetings had been held with the diocese/school & the indications were that a compromise would be possible, which would satisfy both the Parish Council and the school/diocese.

.
Cllr Hood proposed and Cllr Carr seconded that the Parish Council should continue to negotiate with the Diocese /School. This was AGREED with one abstention

26. STAFFING OF SPORTSFIELD MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE WHEATLEY PLAYING FIELD TRUST
As the Sportsfield Management Committee would not exist after 31st August 2015. The two employees of the committee would be made redundant.
As the costs of the Sportsfield were shared 4/5ths (OCC) and 1/5th Parish Council, so should the redundancy costs. The cost to the Parish Council could be between £2,000 and£ 3,000

The meeting closed at 10.10pm

WHEATLEY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON MONDAY 1^st SEPTEMBER 2014 IN THE MERRY BELLS HALL AT 7.30PM

PRESENT: Councillors: D Lamont (Chairman), J Reilly, G Birks, G Stephens, J Carr,

E Bailey, S Coleridge, C Dalton, A Davies, J Coveley, A Knapp and E Stacey

OFFICERS: Gareth Morris, Clerk to the Parish Council & Annette Richards, Assistant Clerk to the Parish Council

Also present: County Councillor Purse and 9 members of the public

41.   APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE had been received from Cllrs R Bell, R Old & P Willmott

42.   DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – NONE

43.   MINUTES of the meeting of the Meeting of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 7th July circulated previously were signed as a correct and accurate record after the following amendments had been made:

Add Cllr J Carr to those present

Remove Cllr Coleridge from ‘apologies’

Minute 35 – Add ‘s’ to ‘option’ in 3^rd line of the second paragraph.

44.  UPDATE from the meeting held on Monday 7^th July 2014

i) Minute 29 – Neighbourhood Plan – The Chairman reported on a workshop he and the Vice-Chairman attended run by the ORCC at Yarnton and a meeting they and Cllr Stacey attended with the Thame Town Clerk and Thame town councillors.

ii) Minute 32 – Trac Advisory Committee – i), ii) iii) & iv) – see minute 49

iii) Minute 35 – Response to SODC’s Local Plan 2031. The Parish Council had written a  letter in reply to the consultation. It had also published a small leaflet that had been delivered to most of the households in Wheatley urging residents to look at the options put forward by SODC and write to them with their views.

iv) Minute 36 – SODC Community Governance changes – SODC had approved the new boundary change between Wheatley and Holton. The changes would come in to force before the elections in 2015.The Parish Clerk of Holton had written to Wheatley ‘congratulating’ them on the new boundary and pointing out the new responsibilities Wheatley Parish would have.

45. THE MINUTES of the meetings of the Planning Committee held on the dates below were received:.

i) Wednesday 9^th July 2014 – circulated previously

ii) Wednesday 20^th August 2014– circulated with this Agenda

46. THE MINUTES of the meeting of the F&GP Committee meeting held on Monday 21^st July 2014 were received.

Minute 6 Report on site meeting at Park Hill Roundabout

Unfortunately the motion passed at that meeting had not been included on the Agenda of the Parish Council. The following motion was proposed by Cllr Birks and seconded by Cllr Dalton. “This Parish Council recommends that the pedestrian crossing outside Morland House be moved to the east of the Morland House entrance. OCC and Oxford Brookes to be urged to fund this as part of their review of the overall scheme. Funding details to be delegated to the Finance and General Purposes Committee”

The motion was Agreed by 9 votes in favour and one Against and no abstentions.

47.  TO CONSIDER MATTERS RELATING TO WHEATLEY PARK SPORTSFIELD MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

i) To receive and sign the notice from Oxfordshire County Council giving notice that the

Joint User Agreement shall expire on 31^st August 2015. AGREED

ii) New lease for the Rugby Club. It seemed that to produce a formal lease for a large number of years would involve substantial cost in solicitor’s fees. Therefore the RFU had been sent a copy of the Parish Council’s minute 97 (06.01.14) which stated that the Parish Council ‘allow the Rugby Club 25 years use of the land.’

For the future a charitable trust could be formed that managed and administer the fields. Clubs would become members of the trust and might be granted a long term lease of the playing fields at Holton for a peppercorn rent.

48.    TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO PROCEED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF A

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Following a brief discussion Cllr Birks proposed and Cllr Carr seconded that “This Parish Council does not undertake a Neighbourhood Plan at this time”

The motion was AGREED by 7 votes in favour, 2 votes against and 3 abstentions.

8.40pm The Chairman declared the council out of session

County Cllr Anne Purse – suggested that the Parish Council should investigate whether there was a 20 mph limit or 20 mph zone in the High Street. There seems to have been some confusion at the time of implementation.

She was in touch with the County Council re the zebra crossing at Morland House.

District Cllr Carr – Civil Parking – OCC would not implement a scheme unless the City, SODC and the Vale agree with the scheme. It was estimated to cost between £125,000 and £220,000 to implement.

Mr Newton – believed, that despite what had been said, there were those in the village that had the skills and experience.

Mr Gregory – suggested that the council ask PCSO Cooney to ask Chris Hulme (TVP Traffic Management) for information re the 20mph limit/zone. He was also aware of a parking survey being undertaken by SODC.

Mr Bettess Wheatley Flood Committee – suggested that a letter be sent to Mr Greaves (Castle Hill Farm) thanking him on behalf of the village for allowing a storage area to be built on his land to alleviate possible flooding to the east end of the village. Also to put a ‘thank you’ note in the newsletter. He was having discussions with the County Council re the possibility of the Parish Council having the power to close roads in the event of flooding.

9.15pm The Chairman declared the Council back in session

49.    TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON THE SITE MEETING ON STATION ROAD WITH OCC HIGHWAYS ENGINEER MARK FRANCIS

Pedestrian Crossing by the Co-op – Mr Francis pointed that there was only one location that was possible (outside the bungalow below the co-op) and that could lead to difficulties for mobility scooters and in his view, given the number of entrances, could lead to more hazards than without a crossing.

Bell Lane/Station Road junction – Councillors insisted that they still wanted the corner to be altered. Mr Francis would produce a drawing and send it to the Parish Council.

Land by the old toilet block.- Mr Francis (OCC) would produce a plan    reshaping the corner so it would be easier for vehicles to reverse out.

50.       TO REPORT ON PROGRESS ON THE PARISH COUNCIL’S APPLICATION TO REGISTER THE LITTLEWORTH ROAD FIELD AS A VILLAGE GREEN

There had been no reply from the County Council to the Parish Council’s letter.

.

51.       TO RECEIVE A REPORT FROM THE FLOODING COMMITTEE

The Parish Council AGREED to write to Mr Greaves (Castle Hill Farm) thanking him for allowing a flood water storage area to be built on his land and to put a ‘thank-you’ into the newsletter.

It was further agreed to contact Mr Hunt (OCC) and ask for information re granting the power to the Parish Council to close flooded roads.

The Parish Council thanked Mr Bettess for the work he was undertaking on behalf of the Parish Council.

52.       TO CONSIDER THE SAFETY CONCERNS FOR PEDESTRIANS AT THE PARK HILL/LONDON ROAD PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

See Minute 46

53.       REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES

i) The Merry Bells Management Committee – Tenders had been requested to undertake a structural survey

ii) The Howe Trust – no report

iii) Thames Valley Police – report from PCSO Cooney: between 1.7.2014 & 29.8.2014 there had been 132 calls from residents of Wheatley.

Traffic related 43; Shoplifting 6; Miscellaneous 64; Theft from vehicle 3; Anti-social behaviour 3; Theft 2; Domestic 5; Public order 2; Burglary 1; Assault 3.

54.    CALENDAR OF MEETINGS – NOTED

i)   TRAC Committee – Wednesday 3^rd September 2014 – 7.30pm

ii)   Planning Committee  – Wednesday 10^th September 2014  2014 – 7.30pm

iii)   F&GP Committee Monday 22^nd September 2014 – 7.30pm

iv)   Planning Committee – Wednesday 8^th October  2014  – 7.30pm

v)   F&GP Committee – Monday 20^th October2014 – 7.30pm

iv) Parish Council Meeting – Monday 3^rd November 2014 – 7.30 pm

The meeting closed at 9.20pm

WHEATLEY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON MONDAY 6^TH JANUARY IN THE MERRY BELLS HAL AT 7.30PM

PRESENT: Councillors: E Stacey (Chairman), J Reilly, R Bell, C Dalton. J Coveley, E Bailey, G Stephens, P Willmott, J Carr, G Birks, R Old, A Knapp, S Coleridge,

A Davies, & D Lamont

OFFICER: Gareth Morris, Clerk to the Parish Council

Also present: 48 members of the public

86. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE had been received from County Councillor Anne Purse

87. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None

88. MINUTES of the meeting of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 4^th November which had been circulated previously were signed as a correct and accurate record after the following amendment had been made:

Minute 69(ii) 4^th line – omit the second “seconded”

89. MINUTES OF THE EXTRA-ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 16^TH DECEMBER 2013 – circulated with the agenda were signed as a correct and accurate record

90. UPDATE from the meetings held on Monday 4^th November 2013 and 16^th December

Minute 64 (i) – No official news re the Housing Needs Survey, or the Exhibition held in November – Noted

Minute 64(ii) – Flood Alleviation Scheme – report from first meeting of sub-group Mr Bettess had met with Monson Engineering

Open Forum – Cty Cllr Anne Purse – bollard at bottom of Friday lane

The Clerk had met with the Area Steward, Mr D Clack, who had suggested that something called a ‘bell bollard’ might be considered for the bottom of Friday lane.

91. THE MINUTES of the meetings of the Planning Committee held on:

i) Wednesday 13^th November – previously circulated

ii) Wednesday 11^th December – circulated with this Agenda

were received

92. THE MINUTES of the meeting of the F&GP Committee meeting held on:

i) Monday 18^th November 2013 – previously circulated

ii) Monday 16^th December 2013 – circulated with this Agenda

were received

93.. THE MINUTES of the meeting of the TRAC Advisory Committee meeting held on 18^th September 2013 circulated with Agenda were received

i) Minute 22(i) REMOVAL OF TWO PARKING SPACES ON CHURCH ROAD.

RECOMMENDATION FROM THE TRAC TO FULL COUNCIL:

“THAT IN THE LIGHT OF THE COSTS OF REMOVAL BEING MAINLY ADMINISTRATIVE FEES THIS ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS TO PARISH COUNCIL REVIEWS ITS REQUESTED REMOVAL OF TWO PARKING SPACES IN CHURCH ROAD.”

The Parish Council originally decided to request the removal of the spaces at the Parish Council meeting of 13^th May 2013

Following a discussion Cllr Birks proposed and Cllr Bell seconded the motion which was LOST by 4 votes to 9 with 2 abstentions

ii) Minute 24 – Recommendation to Full Council that 2 volunteers are trained to operate TVP’s Speed indicator device and that the Parish Council agrees to sign TVP’s £5,000 indemnity form.

Cllr Reilly proposed and Cllr dalton seconded the motion which was AGREED unanimously

iii) Minute 25 – Recommendation to full council that the parking in the SODC car park is not altered. Cllr Dalton proposed the recommendation and Cllr Lamont seconded. The recommendation was Agreed unanimously.

94. TO RESOLVE TO APPROVE THE PARISH COUNCIL REVISED BUDGET FOR 2013-2014 AND THE PARISH COUNCIL BUDGET AND PRECEPT FOR 2014-2015 AS RECOMMENDED BY F&GP ON 16TH DECEMBER 2013 (see enclosed papers)

The F&GP Committee has recommended that the precept for 2014-2015 be reduced from £104,609 to £100,792 in order to take into account the amount it expects to receive from SODC under the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (£3,872)

Cllr Reilly proposed and Cllr Carr seconded that the revised 2013-14 and 2014-15 budgets and the recommended precept be approved. This was Agreed unanimously.

95. TO REPORT ON PROGRESS ON THE PARISH COUNCIL’S APPLICATION TO REGISTER THE LITTLEWORTH ROAD FIELD AS A VILLAGE GREEN

Cllr Carr proposed and Cllr Dalton seconded that the Parish Council’s application 31^st December 2013 requesting that the field at Littleworth Road be made a village green be approved. This was Agreed by 14 votes to 0 with 1 abstention

8.27pm – The Chairman declared the Council out of session and asked for contributions from the floor.

District Cllr Carr – SODC were now having discussions concerning the 2014-15 budget. SODC

were also taking on street parking from the police.

Mr Tim Davies – presented to the Council and spoke to the report of the ‘Wheatley Traffic and Safety Action Group’

Mr Scot – Crown Road residents were against ‘No Right Hand Turn at the top of Friday Lane.

Mr Newton – we should be aware of the impact on other roads.

Mr Slight – Crown Road residents had not been consulted on the suggestions

Cllr Birks – congratulated the group for their hard work

Paula Good – the village should work as a whole

Aaron Savage – account should be taken of the fact that people work in Wheatley and need to travel into the village and to visit the shops.

9.00pm – The Chairman declared the Council back in session

The Clerk said the report would, in the first instance, be sent to the TRAC meeting on Wednesday 29^th January.

96. TO DECIDE MATTERS RELATING TO THE COMPOSITION OF THE PARISH COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS

(i) To appoint a replacement for Cllr Anderson on the Traffic and Roads Advisory Committee

It was AGREED to appoint Cllrs Davies and Lamont to the Advisory Committee

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97. TO CONSIDER MATTERS RELATING TO WHEATLEY PARK SPORTSFIELD MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

i) To receive a report of the latest meeting – Cllr Willmott spoke to his report.

In order for the Rugby Club to be able to take advantage of grants from the RFU they needed an assurance that they would be able use the field for a number of years.

Cllr Carr proposed and Cllr Stephens seconded that the Parish Council allow the Rugby Club 25 years use of the land. This was AGREED unanimously. Cllr Willmott would obtain from the RFU a satisfactory form of words.

98. TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL’S COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE REVIEW

SODC’s Councillor working group intends to recommend a new boundary between Wheatley and Holton as per Wheatley Parish Council’s suggestion

99. REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES

i) The Merry Bells Management Committee – good use was being made of the building however a new treasurer was needed

ii) The Howe Trust – more than 500 trees had been received from the woodland Trust

iii) The Park Sports Centre Joint User Group – next meeting in March

iv) Thames Valley Police – the clerk read out a report from PCSO Cooney

99. CALENDAR OF MEETINGS. – NOTED

i) Planning Committee – Wednesday 8^th January 2014- 7.30pm – (Cancelled due to lack of business)

ii) F&GP Committee Monday 20^th January 2014 – 7.30pm

iii) TRAC Meeting –Wednesday 29^th January 2014– 7.30pm

iv) Planning Committee – Wednesday 12^th February 2014 – 7.30pm

v) F&GP Committee Monday 17^th February 2014 – 7.30pm

vi) Parish Council Meeting – Monday 3^rd March 2014 – 7.30 pm

100. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC

Cllr Dalton proposed and Cllr Willmott seconded “that under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph X of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, namely private contractual and employment matters”

Agreed unanimously

WHEATLEY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON MONDAY 4^th NOVEMBER 2013 IN THE MERRY BELLS AT 7.30 PM

PRESENT: Councillors: E Stacey (Chairman), J Reilly, R Bell, C Dalton. J Coveley, E Bailey, G Stephens, P Willmott, J Carr, G Birks, A Knapp, s Coleridge, A Davies, R Bell & D Lamont

OFFICER: Gareth Morris, Clerk to the Parish Council

ALSO PRESENT: Cty Cllr Anne Purse and 7 members of the public

Before the meeting started the requested a few moments silence in memory of Mr Percy Blake who had recently died. Mr Blake had been a Parish Councillor from 1971 to 981 and had also been a member of the Sportsfield Management Committee

61.   APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE had been received from Cllr Old

62.   DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None

63.   MINUTES of the meeting of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 2^nd September – circulated previously were signed as a correct and accurate after the following amendments had been made:

Minute 54 – 8^th line replace “Cllr Reilly proposed” with “Cllr Reilly seconded”

Minute 56(i) – complete the bracket after “WPSFMC” and after the brackets ad “Cllr Doug Lamont”

64.  UPDATE from the meeting held on Monday 2^nd September 2013

i)  Minute 54 – SODC’s Housing allocation plans for Wheatley – Housing Needs Survey

The clerk thanked the newsletter deliverers who had also distributed the survey. The greater part of the village had been covered. The survey had closed on 31^st October.

ii)  Minute 58 – Flood Alleviation Scheme – formation of subgroup. Four residents had  expressed an interest to join the group. The vice-chairman had the names and would be calling a meeting shortly.

65. THE MINUTES of the meetings of the Planning Committee held on the following dates were received:

i) Wednesday 11^th September – previously circulated

ii) Wednesday 9th October – circulated with the Agenda

66. THE MINUTES of the meetings of the F&GP Committee meeting held on the following dates were received:

i)     Monday 23^rd September 2013 – circulated with the Agenda

ii)     Monday 21^st October 2013 – circulated with the Agenda

67.  THE MINUTES of the meeting of the TRAC Advisory Committee meeting held on 18^th September 2013 which had been circulated previously were received

68. TO DECIDE MATTERS RELATING TO THE COMPOSITION OF THE PARISH COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS

(i) To co-opt a Parish Councillor to replace Cllr Anderson

One resident was present who wished to put herself forward for co-option. Mrs Anne Davies, from the High Street was asked to introduce herself and to give some information.

Cllr Dalton proposed and Cllr Knapp seconded that Mrs Davies be co-opted on to the Parish Council. This was AGREED UNANIMOUSLY

Cllr Davies then signed the Declaration of Acceptance and joined the rest of the councillors

(ii) Jane Brandon and Bev Paton were CONFIRMED as members of the Recreation Areas Advisory Working group.

69.  TO CONSIDER MATTERS RELATING TO WHEATLEY PARK SPORTSFIELD MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

i)       To receive a report of the latest meeting and use of car park area for a drop-off point for pupils whilst sixth form car park is out of action.

Cllr Willmott explained how the contractors had, at very short notice, requested that cars been allowed to use the delivery area by the Sportsfield to pick up and drop-off pupils whilst the sixth form car park was out of action. Cllr Willmott had asked for details of compensation and assurances on reinstatement etc but none had been forthcoming.

Cllr Stephens proposed and Cllr Lamont seconded that due to the lack of information and assurances forthcoming from the contractors the Parish Council rejects the proposal. This was AGREED unanimously.

ii)       To consider progress on the plans for the new pavilion

Cllr Willmott circulated a paper on the new sports pavilion. He felt that as the cost could be in the region of £2m to £2.2m and the fact that the Parish Council is losing a major partner in the County Council the current project could not be continued with at the moment. Therefore he proposed and seconded by Cllr Birks seconded that ‘The Parish Council recommends to the Sportsfield management Committee to keep on hold the current project to replace the pavilions and to investigate alternative option.’

This was AGREED unanimously.

70. TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON   SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL’S COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE REVIEW

SODC had now started formal consultation.

8.29pm The Chairman declared Council out of session

District Cllr Bell – he had had discussions with Planning Officers over the application for 79-81   High Street. Given the Planning Officers’ views he had felt there was no point in objecting to the development

Mr Christopher Sprent – complaint that, despite a couple of letters requesting the trees overhanging the Farm Close Lane path, nothing had been done. The clerk replied that he had asked a contractor to undertake the work nut to remember those trees were not the Parish Council’s responsibility.

Mr Chris Hallsworth – resident on Ladder Hill was concerned about the speed etc of traffic on   Ladder Hill and did the Parish Council acknowledge there was a problem and did they have a plan? The Clerk replied that the Parish Council had requested speed and volume measurements in both directions at two locations along Ladder Hill. Mr Hallsworth suggested origin and destination surveys as well.

County Councillor Anne Purse – there had been a very positive and well attended meeting public meeting on the future of Wheatley Library.

She would also follow up replacement of bollards at the bottom of Friday Lane but making sure there was enough space to get a mobility scooter along the pavement.

8.58 The Chairman declared the council back in session

71.   TO CONSIDER ITEMS FOR THE 2012-2013 FINAL ACCOUNTS.

(i) Letter of Engagement of Internal Auditor (Mr Phillip Hood) 2012-2013

The Letter of Engagement had been circulated with the Agenda It was AGREED that the Letter of Engagement by signed.

(ii) Statement of Internal Control for Wheatley Parish Council

The Statement of Internal Control had been circulated with the Agenda. Cllr Reilly proposed and Cllr bell seconded that Statement be Noted and Accepted.

72.   REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES

i)        The Merry Bells Management Committee – No report

ii)        The Howe Trust – had made a contribution to Wheatley Park Prize Giving

iii)       The Park Sports Centre Joint User Group – Nothing to report

iv)       Thames Valley Police – the clerk read out the crime figures  for Wheatley for October

v)        Brookes Residents’ Associations’ meeting – Cllr Bell had attended. No information on when the new road into the campus would begin or over the future of the campus itself.

73.   CALENDAR OF MEETINGS. – Noted

i)   Planning Committee  – Wednesday 13^th November 2013 – 7.30pm

ii)   F&GP Committee Monday 18^th November   2013 – 7.30pm

iii)   TRAC Meeting –Wednesday 27^th November  2013– 7.30pm

iv)   Planning Committee – Wednesday 11 December  2013  – 7.30pm

v)    F&GP Committee Monday 16 December 2013 – 7.30pm

vi)   Parish Council Meeting – Monday 6^th January 2014 – 7.30 pm

74. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC

Cllr Carr proposed and Cllr Bell seconded “that under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded on  the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph X of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, namely private contractual and employment matters”

Agreed unanimously