Finance and General Purposes Committee 20th August 2012

,

Wheatley Parish Council

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 20th AUGUST 2012 IN THE PARISH OFFICE AT 7.30PM

PRESENT: Councillors: J Reilly (in the Chair), S Coleridge, E Bailey, E Stacey, J Carr & R Old

OFFICER THE CLERK: Gareth Morris

ALSO PRESENT: County Councillor Anne Purse

MEMBERS HAD BEEN REMINDED BY MEANS OF THE AGENDA THAT IF THEY   HAD AN INTEREST TO DECLARE IN ANY AGENDA ITEM, THEY SHOULD DO SO IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING IN THE BOOK PROVIDED FOR THIS PURPOSE

17.   APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE had been received from Cllrs Anderson, Bell & Birks

18.   DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None

19.  MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD 18th JUNE 2012 which had been circulated previously were signed as a correct and accurate record.

20.  UPDATE ON ITEMS FROM THE MINUTES 18th JUNE  2012

(i) Minute 8 – Bollards on north side of Church Rd –  the clerk to arrange a meeting with Arriva

(ii) Minute 6 – 2011-12 Final Accounts – Query from External Auditor re Fidelity Guarantee – there is a need to increase the parish’s fidelity guarantee due to the level of the reserves held at the start of the financial year when half the precept is received. The clerk to advise the council’s insurance company

(iii) Minute 10 – Grass cutting of verges and recreation grounds The clerk has been in contact with the grass cutting company and informed them of the parish’s concerns. There is a problem of cutting Church Road Recreation area during the school holidays as there have been children playing there when the contractors had gone in. In such circumstances the grass is not cut

21.   TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON PROGRESS ON THE PARISH COUNCIL’S PROJECT TO PROVIDE TWO  EVENINGS YOUTH PROVISION AT THE YOUTH CENTRE

A meeting had been held on 17th July at the Maple Tree Centre to discuss the Youth Club provision. Cllrs Stacey and Carr had attended along with County Councillor Purse, Dan Evanhuis and others (Fusion) and representatives from OCC and users of the centre.- Record of meeting to be circulated.

The F&GP committee emphasised that the provision should be 2 weekday evenings a week, 7pm to 9pm.

Costings for the use of the centre had just been received – £3,163.51per annum.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Parish Council and the Headteacher and Governors of   Great Milton Primary School (who are responsible for the running of the Centre) would go before the next Parish Council meeting.

Cllr Carr made the following points:

The age groups should not be mixed; the Parish Council needs sight of the Qualifications and CRB checks of the youth workers/leaders; volunteers should not be leaders; neighbouring villages should be encouraged to send their young people to the centre and to contribute to the cost,

County Councillor Purse said that in her statement to the cabinet of Oxfordshire County Council in support of the bid she had emphasised the need for strong, qualified youth leaders due to the problems that Wheatley had had youth anti-social behaviour in the past. She said she would encourage other villages to come on board.

22.   To consider AND REPORT ACTIONS FOLLOWING THE FLOODING IN THE VILLAGE ON FRIDAY 6TH JULY INCLUDING asking OCC to arrange a special clearance of all the village gullies before the onset of winter.

It was Agreed to write a letter of thanks to the Oxfordshire Fire Service for all their work on the 6th July in dealing with the flooding that took place in the village.

It was also Agreed that OCC be requested that the blocked gullies in the village should be cleared –especial attention should be paid to those on Ladder Hill, Station Road, Holloway Road and London Road.

23.  TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER THE REPLY FROM OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL ON THE COST OF PROVIDING A FOOTPATH AROUND THE ROUNDHOUSE AT THE JUNCTION OF HOLLOWAY ROAD AND CHURCH ROAD

Costings had been received from the County Council re providing a footway around the Roundhouse.

It would cost £7,000 to provide a footway from Holloway Road around the Roundhouse stopping at the bus stop and a further £4,000 for the footway to extend to the ‘Keep Clear’ sign on the road by the

Gates. This extra section would have an effect on the on-street parking which the Highways Department

would not be happy with.

Cllr Carr proposed and Cllr Stacey seconded that the F&GP committee recommend to full council that the Parish Council requests the County Council proceeds with providing a footway around the Roundhouse from Holloway Road to the bus stop pole on Church Road for a cost of £7,000. This was AGREED

Unanimously

24.   TO CONSIDER THE EFFECT OF THE NEW FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCALISING SUPPORT FOR COUNCIL TAX

As part of the 2010 Spending Review the Government announced its intention to localise support for Council Tax from 2013-14 and to reduce expenditure on this benefit by 10%.

The existing arrangements for council tax benefit are standardised across the country and are paid for out of national taxation. The new arrangements will be implemented by amending the Local Government Finance Act 1992. The new localised schemes will be implemented in the financial year 2013-2014. The Bill is central to delivering the Government’s commitment to reducing expenditure, increased devolution of services through Localism and cutting benefits with the aim of stimulating economic growth. This Government will only be providing a grant to fund 90% of the council tax benefit liability so the localised schemes have to address how to cope with the 10% shortfall in funding. The potential impact on town and parish councils as precepting authorities could be considerable particularly where there is a high proportion of council tax benefit claimants. The Government expects billing and local precepting authorities to work together to manage the potential impact of the Council Tax reductions on the local precepting authority Band D council tax levels

South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils will be holding four seminars to explain the implications of the new scheme. All town and parish councils are invited to attend a seminar at either venue (maximum of two attendees from each town/parish).

The seminars will take place at:

South Oxfordshire DC – two sessions, between 12.30 and 13.30 lunchtime and between 18.00 to 19.00 in the evening. Both to be held in the council chamber at Crowmarsh on 19 September

Agreed that the clerk and Cllr Reilly attend on behalf of the Parish Council

25 TO CONSIDER A RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATION ON THE ELECTORAL REVIEW OF SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY COMMISSION

This item had been referred to F&GP from Parish Council meeting held on 2nd July

It was Agreed that it would be sensible for Wheatley and Holton to be in the same ward. The clerk to respond making the case to the Commission.

26. TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FROM THE WHEATLEY ARCHIVES TO USE WHEATLEY PARISH COUNCIL’S WIFI SYSTEM TO ALLOW THE ARCHIVES TO CONNECT TO THE INTERNET.

There was a mixed response to the request. Some Cllrs expressed concerns over security and the ethicacy of a public body allowing its wifi connection to be used by another body. Other councillors felt that provided the wifi was password protected and usage by the Archives did not affect the speed of the parish council’s connection, then there should not be a problem.

The clerk was asked to do some more research.

27.  CLERK UPDATE

i) Tree work in the village –The clerk indicated that he would be asking for more work to be done on the  trees in the village.

ii) Consultation – Cheque Signatories Legislative Reform Order – Parish Councils were being consulted  on the use of electronic means of payment. The Clerk reported that he felt being able to pay wages and salaries by BACS would be more convenient for the employees. It was Agreed that this be the Parish’s response to the consultation.

iii) To consider paying the 2012 Society of Local Council Clerks Subscription for the clerk – £175 – Agreed

iv) FOR INFORMATION ONLY- The County Council had asked for the Parish Council’s views on the 275 Oxford/High Wycombe service using the London Road only through the village ie not coming down Holloway Road and along Church Road. To be on next Parish Council Agenda.

28. TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON THE PARISH COUNCILLORS’ VILLAGE WALKABOUTS HELD IN JULY – Noted

Replacement of sand pit at Cullum Road – a brief discussion took place on what might be installed. Cllr Dalton had written to the committee suggesting a sensory garden might be provided. However over all the committee felt that maybe ‘adult’ fitness equipment might be welcomed.

It was suggested that the committee should start its next meeting at Cullum Road recreation area – Agreed.

29.  GRANTS, LICENCES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

i) Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) 2012 Subscription – £29 – AGREED

ii) Wheatley Park School prize Giving – request for grant aid – AGREED £200

30.  FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

a) The budget to end of July 2012 had been distributed and discussed &

a completed copy of the reconciled bank statement was signed by the Chairman & RFO

b) Balances

After the cheques below had been paid the balances on the council’s accounts as at

20th August 2012 would be as follows:                                   Community      £4252.85

Tracker                         £99,099.55

Treasury           £60,386.02

31.                            SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS TO BE AUTHORISED

Cheque no. Payee Payment details Amount
Cheques paid
105534-38

105543-47

 GM/SW/JO/OCC/HMR&C June&July sal/wages/pen/PAYE/NICs 7,100.04
105531 Oxford Air Ambulance Grant Aid 100.00
105533 OALC Planning Training 42.00
105539 WPSFMC 2nd Quarterly payment 2,000.00
105540 Thames Water Memorial gardens 7.90
105541 Berinsfield Community Business Verges and rec cutting 1,073.64
105542 Southern electric Electrity 71.21
105548 Lyreco Fax/Answering machine 99.59
Total £10,494.38
Cheques to Pay
105549 Parchment printers Aug/Sept newsletter 1,484.90
105550 J Watson Aug/Sept newsletter 680.00
105551 Acanthus Clews Architects New Holton pavillion 3,000.00
105552 K Ring (Buryhook) Collection & disposal of rubbish 180.00
105553 Swift Digital Services Photocopies 13/4 – 18/7 123.47
105554 C Dalton Travel to planning training 8.70
105555 Berinsfield Community Business Verges+recs – June & July 1,793.28
105556 Clairelogic Esat computer 67.90
105566 BT Telephone charges 156.38
GM/SW/JF/OCC/HMR&C Aug sal/wages/pen/PAYE/NICs 3,600.00
Total £11,094.63

INCOME RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING

Income details Amount
Newsletter Advertising 315.00
Treasury Deposit Interest 42.89
Allotment 10.00
Total £367.89

32.  PUBLICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED – NOTED

i)        The Haseleys – Newsletter June 2012*

ii)        Little Milton Newsletter July 2012*

iii)        Great Milton Bulletin July  2012*

iv)        Holton, Waterperry & Waterstock News – July 2012*

v) Letter from The Howe trustees re allotments  – Agreed that the clerk invite them to report to each Parish Council meeting

vi)        Wheatley Neighbourhood Police Team –August newsletter*

vii)        Oxfordshire playing Fields Association Summer Newsletter*

viii)        Letter from Church Road resident re condition of north side pavement –Agreed that the clerk reply to the resident.

ix)        The Oxfordshire University Trust Hospitals TORCH magazine*

x)        SODC –  Modifications of Core Strategy following May & June Examination in Public*

xi)        CPRE – ‘Countryside Voice’ – Summer 2012*

xii)        Clerks and Councils Direct – July 2012 issue*

* On display in Parish Office

33.  DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 17th September 2012 – noted – it was agreed that the meeting convenes at Cullum Road Recreation Ground

The meeting closed at 9.10pm

/0 Comments/by

Planning Committee 15th August 2012

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Wheatley Parish Council

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE OF

THE COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 15th AUGUST 2012

PRESENT: Cllrs Coveley (in the Chair), Willmott, Dalton, Stephens & Reilly

OFFICER: The clerk

31. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE had been received from Cllrs Knapp, Lamont and Stacey

32. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None

33. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD 11th JULY 2012 circulated with the Agenda were signed as a correct and accurate record

34. UPDATE ON MEETING HELD ON 11th JULY 2012

i) Minute 27(iv) – Horspath reservoir – A brief discussion took place on the information session by Thames Water/Optimise held in the Merry Bells the previous day. Councillor Stephens produced a paper on the various options, as he saw them, of transporting the materials to the site. It was suggested that he expand this paper and bring it to the Council meeting on 3rd September.

It was also agreed that the Clerk write to John Howell MP, informing him of the issue and the village’s feelings.

ii) Minute 29 Correspondence – Barton Area Action Plan – Examination in Public – Cllr Lamont had represented the village at the EIP in July. The EIP is still ongoing.

35. AMENDMENTS TO PREVIOUS APPLICATIONS – None

36.  NEW PLANNING APPLICATIONS

i) P12/S1335/FUL (Minor) 84 Church Road Removal of existing redundant single storey workshop building and out buildings. Construction of two storey one bedroom dwelling – Agreed to Recommend Refusal

Comments –  Whilst no objection in principle the change of use the committee believes that off road parking could be provided and the overlooking of the property to the south of the site could be avoided if the dwelling is moved further down the site and the orientation changed.

It is likely that the occupant/s of the new dwelling could have up to 2 cars and forcing them to park on Church Road which is already congested with parked cars and buses is not to be welcomed.

ii)  P12/S1466/FUL (Full Application) (Minor) + P12/S1467/LB

65 – 67 High Street Change of use of ground floor of no.65 from Retail use (A1) to Education use (D1). Minor alterations including new window to front, new doors to side and rear of no.65. New door to rear of no.67 (Grade II Listed). Break through new opening in boundary wall

between sites – Agreed to Recommend Approval

iii) P12/S1435/HH (Householder) + P12/S1436/LB(Listed Building) 109  Street. Two storey rear extension with internal modification. upgrading and restoration works to existing outbuilding to provide habitable space – Agreed to Recommend Approval

iv) P12/S1415/D (Demolitions Notification) (Other) 64 London Road

This application seeks to demolish multiple buildings situated at 64 London Road, Wheatley, to make way for recently approved planning application (ref P11/S0077). Agreed to Recommend Approval

The clerk reported on correspondence received from a resident about a swift’s nest being located in the old buildings this year and making a request that the new build should include ‘swift bricks’. It was agreed to put this to SODC and Anderson Orr, the architects.

v) P12/S1557/HH (Householder)The Paddocks, Ladder Hill Demolish 3 sheds and a barn and re-build in new configuration – Agreed No Strong Views

vi) P12/S1610/HH (Householder) 21 London Road Proposed single storey rear kitchen extension (flat roof ) to tie into existing. Agreed to recommend approval. Agreed to Recommend Approval

37.  PLANNING DECISIONS AND NOTIFICATIONS – NOTED

i) P12/S1002/FUL (Full Application) (Other) Unit 2 London Road Change of use 14.06.12 from existing use class B1 and B8 to use class B2 – No Strong Views – GRANTED 19.07.12

ii) P12/S0494 (Other) 11 Littleworth Demolition of existing extension and rear elevations. Re-building of single storey side and rear elevations to form new kitchen/dining area. Re-building existing first floor bathroom – Recommend Approval – GRANTED 19.07.12

iii) P12/S0772/LDE (Lawful Development) The Paddocks, Ladder Hill. Lawful development certificate sought to establish existing use of land and outbuildings as residential.  – Only ever been used for storage – GRANTED 17.07.12

38.  CORRESPONDENCE – None

39. DATE OF NEXT MEETING  –   Wednesday 12th September 2012 –  NOTED – Cllr Stephens sends his apologies

The meeting closed at 8.30pm

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Parish Council 2nd July 2012

,

WHEATLEY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE EXTRA ORDINARY MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON MONDAY 2ND JULY 2012 IN THE MERRY BELLS AT 8.00 PM

PRESENT: Councillors: E.M. Stacey (Chairman), J Reilly. R Old, J. Anderson,

A Knapp, R Bell, C Dalton. E Bailey from 7.45pm), S Coleridge &            J Coveley

OFFICER: Gareth Morris, Clerk to the Parish Council

Also present: County Councillor Anne Purse and 12 members of the public

29.   APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE had been received from Cllrs Birks and Willmott

30.   DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None

31.   MINUTES of the meeting of the Extra Ordinary Parish Council of Monday 18th June 2012 circulated with this Agenda were signed as a correct and accurate record after the following amendments had been made.

i) Page 1 – Present: change “G Anderson” to “J Anderson”

ii) Page 1 – Minute 25 – Add “ These had been recommended by F&GP”

iii) Page 2 – Minute 27(iii) – Last sentence of the penultimate paragraph – replace ”it was felt” with “indicated”

iv) Page 3 – Minute 27 – change (ii) in the top line to (iii)

v) Page 3 – Minute 27(iii) – 2nd paragraph, 3rd line – change ”11 & 17” to “10 & 19”

32.  UPDATE from the meeting held on Monday 14th May 2012

i) Minute 13(iib) page 4 Offer of affordable housing land

The clerk reported that he had received a telephone call from a resident living near on the London Road near Asda saying that they were extremely unhappy that the Parish Council had passed a resolution on the issue which was not on the Agenda. Also the resident reported that at the start of June following torrential rain that part of the village suffered a 16 hour power outage which affected the pumps at the sewage works. This emphasises the vulnerability of the area to flooding and further housing development in that area is likely to exacerbate the problem. NOTED

33.  UPDATE from the Extra Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 18th June 2012

i) Minute 26 – Code of Conduct – please find enclosed with this Agenda ‘A guide to the standards regime effective from 1st July 2012’

The clerk had received the ‘Register of Interests’ form and circulated to the Councillors present.

ii) Minute 27(i),(ii) & (iii) – Provision 2 nights per week at the Youth Centre

A meeting between the Parish Council, Fusion, the Maple Tree Centre OCC and other interested parties was to be held on 17th July. Cllrs Stacey and Carr to attend.

7.45pm Cllr Bailey joined the meeting

34. THE MINUTES of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on:

Wednesday 13th June 2012 which had been circulated with the agenda were received:

i) Minute 15(ii) –  A report on the site meeting on Windmill Lane was given. SODC’s Enforcement Officer would welcome any information about the unlawful use of the site. He also expressed concerns about the bunds that owner seemed to be making along the boundary with the public footpath.

35. THE MINUTES of the meeting of the F&GP Committee meetings held on

Monday 18th June 2012 which had been circulated with the Agenda were received

a) Minute 8 – Bollards along Church – site meeting with Arriva Bus Company – still to be arranged

b) Minute 9 – Footway around the Roundhouse – No information as yet from the County Council

36.       REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES

i) Wheatley Sportsfield Management Committee – the clerk reported that he had written to Mr Edson asking if he wished to remain on the committee but no reply had been received. It was agreed that a replacement be chosen at the next meeting.

ii) Wheatley Charities – the clerk reported that he had misunderstood Mr Targett’s intention. Mr Targett intends to resign next year (2013) when his term comes to and end. The clerk apologised to Cllr Bailey for the mistake.

37.  TO RECEIVE AND NOTE THE REPORT OF THE INTERNAL AUDITOR, MR  PHILLIP HOOD

The Parish Council Agreed to receive the report and note the points made.

38.  TO CONSIDER A RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATION ON THE ELECTORAL REVIEW OF SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY COMMISSION

The proposal is to reduce the number of SODC Councillors to 36, twelve fewer than at present. They are asking for evidence about the local area to help decide the pattern of wards for the whole district.

After a short discussion it was Agreed to refer the issue to the next F&GP Committee

8.30pm The Chairman declared the Council out of session

County Councillor Anne Purse – As the planning application for the extension of the Horspath is her ward of Forest Hill she had ‘called in’ the application. It would now appear before the SODC Planning Committee.

There were a number of speakers on the application for the extension of the Horspath reservoir at the top of Old Road all of whom were raising queries or objections for example:

  • Problems of dust, noise and fumes
  • Old Road could not cope with the amount of traffic forecast
  • Issues of pedestrian safety – especially school children
    • Congestion caused along the route, especially at the Sun corner and Littleworth Rd
    • Damage to roads and property along the route – especially the listed buildings
    • What about the weight limit through the village
      • Will the village receive recompense – Section 278 money for tha footway around the Roundhouse
      • What will be the effect on traders?
      • Have alternative routes been thoroughly investigated?
      • Have alternative sites been investigated.

9.15 The Chairman declared the Council back in session

39.  TO CONSIDER THE APPLICATION FOR THE EXTENSION OF HORSPATH RESERVOIR ON OLD ROAD P12/S1147/FUL Land Adjacent to Horspath Reservoir Old Road Wheatley (in the parish of Forest Hill) Construction of new reservoir ‘cell’ on land adjacent to existing Horspath reservoir. Erection of sampling kiosk and ICA kiosk, new fencing, CCTV security camera, and pole and provision of associated landscaping, access and associated works.

the Parish Council had not received official notification of the application but according to the SODC website the end of consultation date is stated as the 18th June and the decision date is stated as 13th August

Following the comments made during the Open Forum and in the discussion in full council, Cllr Dalton proposed and Cllr Coveley seconded that the Parish Council should recommend to SODC that the application be refused. This was Agreed by 12 votes in favour with 0 against and 1 abstention.

40. TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FROM FUSION YOUTH AND COMMUNITY TO USE CHURCH ROAD RECREATION GROUND ON 31ST JULY (7PM -9PM), 1ST AUGUST, (7PM -9PM) AND 2ND AUGUST (3PM -9PM) AND CULLUM ROAD RECREATION GROUND 31ST JULY (1PM-4PM) AND 1ST AUGUST (1PM-4PM)

This was Agreed

41.   REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES

i)        The Merry Bells Management Committee – No meeting

ii)        The Howe Trust – a wetland area had been successfully provided

iii)       The Park Sports Centre Joint User Group – No meeting

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

Cllr Willmott gave a verbal report

43.  FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

a) A completed copy of reconciled bank statement was signed by Chairman &   RFO

b) Balances

After the cheques below have been paid the balances on the council’s accounts as at 2nd July will be as follows:

:                                                                              Community     £3,731.25

Tracker          £106,085.25

Treasury         £60,345.68

44.

SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS  AUTHORISED

Payee Payment details Amount
Cheques paid
105531 Thames Valley Air Ambulance Grant Aid 100.00
105533 OALC Planning Training 42.00
d/d Orange Internet June 18.37
Total £160.37
Cheques to Pay
d/d Barclays Bank Ltd Charges 14/05-12/06 23.35
105539 WPSFMC 2nd Quarterly Payment 2,000.00
105540 Thames Water Memorial Gardens -07.03-18.06 7.90
105541 Berinsfield Community Business Verges and recs May2012 1,073.64
105534-538 GM/SW/JF/OCC/HMR&C June sal/wages/pen/PAYE/NICs 3,600.00
Total £6,704.89

INCOME RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING

Income details Amount
Newsletter advertising 167.00
Total £167.00

45.  CORRESPONDENCE – RECEIVED AND NOTED

(i) Shotover Preservation Society – Summer Newsletter 2012

(ii) Wheatley URC Newsletter – July August 2012*

46.   CALENDAR OF MEETINGS. – NOTED

i)    Planning Committee  – Wednesday 11th July 2012 – 7.30pm

ii)    Planning Committee – Wednesday 15th August 2012 – 7.30pm

iii)    F&GP Committee –  Monday 20th August 2012 – 7.30pm

iv)    Parish Council Meeting – Monday 3rd September 2011– 7.30 pm

v)    Date for a Councillor ‘walkabout’

Tuesday 10th July – 6.30pm – meet outside Merry Bells

Tuesday 24th July – 6.30pm

Meeting Closed 9.50pm

/0 Comments/by

Finance and General Purposes Committee 18th June 2012

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Wheatley Parish Council

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 18th JUNE 2012 IN THE PARISH OFFICE AT 7.30PM

PRESENT: Councillors: J Reilly (in the Chair), R Bell, S Coleridge, J Anderson, E Bailey, E Stacey & R Old

OFFICER THE CLERK: Gareth Morris

MEMBERS HAD BEEN REMINDED BY MEANS OF THE AGENDA THAT IF THEY   HAD AN INTEREST TO DECLARE IN ANY AGENDA ITEM, THEY SHOULD DO SO IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING IN THE BOOK PROVIDED FOR THIS PURPOSE

  1. 1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Cllr Reilly – proposed by Cllr Bell and seconded by Cllr Coleridge

As there were no further nominations Cllr Reilly was declared Chairman of the Committee

  1. 2. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN

Cllr Bell – proposed by Cllr Reilly and seconded by Cllr Coleridge

As there no further nominations Cllr Bell was declared Vice–Chairman of the Committee

3.   APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE had been received from Cllr Birks

4.   DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None

5.  MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD 16th April 2012 which had been circulated previously were signed as a correct and accurate record.

6. TO RECEIVE THE FINAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2011-2012 6.

The papers for the final accounts (Detailed Balance Sheet, Income and Expenditure Account, Budget Statement, Bank Reconciliation and Notes to the Accounts) had been distributed previously. As had Sections 1 and 2 of the Annual Return 2011-2012 and the papers titled ‘Review of Parish Council Funds’  and ‘Internal Control and Management of Risk’ (Review of Internal Audit).

The clerk went through the various papers explaining the figures and answering questions. The surplus of income over expenditure for the year was £31,000 and this put the balances at the end of the year up to £151,000. The Internal Auditor was not happy last year with the amount in the general fund so this year the earmarked reserves would be increased to £73,000. Additional ear marked reserves, for items agreed by the council were: Youth Centre, £8,000, tree care, £5,000, Holton Pavilion, £10,000 and Playground equipment, £5,000.

The clerk reported that the Internal Auditor had paid his annual visit that afternoon to carry out his internal audit of the Parish Council. He had been furnished with all the figures beforehand and he had signed off the accounts and completed his section of the Annual Return.

Cllr Bell proposed and Cllr Stacey seconded that the Accounts, the Annual Return, the Review of Internal Audit and the Review of Parish Council’s Funds be received and recommended for approval by the Parish Council.

This was Agreed unanimously

8.00pm – The Finance and general Purposes Committee was suspended whilst the Extra-Ordinary meeting of the Parish Council was held

9.20pm – The Finance and General Purposes Committee resumed

7. UPDATE ON ITEMS FROM THE MINUTES 16th April 2012

(i) Minute 8 – Bollards on north side of High St – Arriva representative can meet after 24th June – Noted

(ii) Minute 9 – Footway around the Roundhouse – no reply from Highways – Noted

8.  TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON PROGRESS ON THE PARISH COUNCIL’S BID TO THE OCC BIG SOCIETY FUND FOR YOUTH PROVISION IN THE VILLAGE

The Extra Ordinary Parish Council meeting held at 8.00pm had agreed to sign Big Society Funding Agreement with he County Council. It had further agreed to ask under paragraph 9.2 that it be given permission by the County Council to subcontract the project to Fusion Youth and Community UK

It also agreed to sign the Service Agreement and Schedules with Fusion

9.  TO RESPOND TO THE CONSULTATION ON THE APPOINTMENT OF BDO LLP AS THE PARISH COUNCIL’S EXTERNAL AUDITOR ROM 2012-2013

Agreed that the Parish Council has no objection to the appointment of BDO LLP as the Parish Council’s External Auditor. No further action necessary.

10. TO REVIEW THE GRASS CUTTING CONTRACT WITH BERINSFIELD COMMUNITY BUSINESS

Cllr Bell had requested this item to be placed on the Agenda as a result of complaints to him about the grass cutting, especially in Church Road recreation ground before mayday and the Jubilee celebrations.

The Clerk explained that the cutting of the verges had been taken over from the County Council in 2005/6 and there were approximately 70 stretches of grass to cut, some should be done twice a month and some once a month.

The recreation grounds used to be cut by another organisation up until about 3 years ago when that firm ceased operations. Berinsfield Community Business was then engaged to cut the recreation grounds as well as the verges.

It was agreed that the clerk set up a meeting with BCB to discuss the contract.

11.  CLERK UPDATE

i) Arrangements for cover of the clerk’s leave of absence. – noted

ii) To re-allocate the Grant to the Diamond Jubilee Committee as a Section 145 award not Section 137

Agreed

iii) Tree work within the village – the Clerk reported that the lime trees in Church Road Recreation Ground  would be pollarded on 3rd July

A small tree on the boundary of the Council’s allotments at Littleworth Road had fallen in to a neighbouring resident’s garden. The clerk had had the tree removed. No damage had been done to the resident’s garden or property.

iv) Wheatley Primary School – task for year 6 – Councillors to bring ideas to full council on 2nd July

12.  GRANTS, LICENCES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

i) Berks/Oxon/Bucks Air Ambulance  Agreed £100 – (under Section 137 Local Government Act 1972)

13.  FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

a) A completed copy of reconciled bank statement  was signed by Chairman & RFO

b) Balances – Noted

After the cheques below have been paid the balances on the council’s accounts as at

18th June  2012 will be as follows:                              Community      £1,371.62

Tracker           £111,085.25

Treasury         £60,345.68

14.                            SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS AUTHORISED

Cheque no. Payee Payment details Amount
Cheques paid
105520,1&23-26 GM/SW/JF/OCC/HMR&C May  sal/wages/pen/PAYE/NICs 3,281.24
105516 BT April-June 151.32
105517 Merry Bells Management Cttee Office rental 26/3 – 24/6 1,046.01
105518 Berinsfield Community Business Verges and recs 926.70
105519 AON Insurance 2012-2013 3,455.06
d/d Orange Internet charge May 18.37
d/d Barclays Bank Bank charges 13.04 -13.05 43.44
Total £8,922.14
Cheques to Pay
105527 Parchments of Oxford Newsletter June/July 2012 1,484.90
105528 SODC Dog waste bin contract 85.39
105529 J Watson Newsletter June/July 2012 680.00
105530 K Ring (Buryhook0 Allotment tree removal 50.00
GM/SW/JF/OCC/HMR&C Mar sal/wages/pen/PAYE/NICs 3,600.00
Total £5,900.29

INCOME RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING

Income details Amount
Newsletter Advertising 315.00
Treasury Deposit Interest 42.89
Allotment 10.00
Total £367.89

15.  PUBLICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND NOTED

i)        The Haseleys – Newsletter June 2012*

ii)        Little Milton Newsletter June 2012*

iii)        Great Milton Bulletin May  2012*

iv)        Wheatley URC Newsletter – June   2012*

v)        Holton, Waterperry & Waterstock News – June 2012*

vi)        Oxfordshire Playing Fields Association Magazine  Spring 2012

vii)        International Tree Foundation Supporter Event  – 23rd June 2012 10am -3pm

viii)        CPRE Oxfordshire Branch AGM June 30th 2012 3.00pm

ix)        Tiddington with Albury and Milton Common – June/July Newsletter 2012*

x)        Local Council Review – Summer 2012*

xi)        South Oxfordshire Sustainability – ‘Water, Water Everywhere’, Public meeting to discuss water issues in South Oxfordshire. 22nd June 7.30-9.00pm, River and Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames

* On display in Parish Office

16.  DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 20th August – Noted – Cllrs bell and Anderson gave their apologies

The meeting closed at 9 .50pm

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Extra Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council Monday 18th June 2012

,

WHEATLEY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE EXTRA ORDINARY MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON MONDAY 18TH JUNE 2012 IN THE MERRY BELLS AT 8.00 PM

PRESENT: Councillors: E.M. Stacey (Chairman), J Reilly. R Old,

G. Anderson, A Knapp, R Bell, C Dalton. E Bailey, S Coleridge &            J Coveley

OFFICER: Gareth Morris, Clerk to the Parish Council

Also present: County Councillor Anne Purse

22.  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE had been received from P Willmott and G Birks

23. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None

24. MINUTES OF THE AGM AND ORDINARY MEETING HELD 0N 14TH MAY2012 were signed as a correct and accurate after Cllr Anderson’s initial had been changed from ‘G’  to ‘J’ in Minute

25. TO RECEIVE THE FINAL ACOUNTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2011-2012

i) To approve and sign the final accounts for the financial year 2011-2012

ii)  To receive and approve  SECTIONS 1 (Statement of Accounts) and SECTION 2 (Annual Governance Statement) OF THE ANNUAL RETURN FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2011 -2012

The papers for the final accounts (Detailed Balance Sheet, Income and Expenditure Account, Budget Statement, Bank Reconciliation and Notes to the Accounts) had been distributed previously. As had Sections 1 and 2 of the Annual Return 2011-2012 and the papers titled ‘Review of Parish Council Funds’  and ‘Internal Control and Management of Risk’ (Review of Internal Audit).

The clerk went through the various papers explaining the figures and answering questions. A revised section 1 of the Annual Return was distributed which also showed that the Internal Auditor, who had paid his annual visit that afternoon had ‘signed off’ Section 2 of the Annual Return.

The Council went through Section 2 of the Annual Return, Annual Governance Statement  and answered ‘Yes’ to all the questions.

Cllr Reilly proposed and Cllr Coveley seconded that the final accounts for the financial year 2011-2012 be approved and signed  and that Sections 1 & 2 of the Annual Return  be received, approved and signed. This was Agreed unanimously

The clerk that he had received the Internal Auditors report just before the meeting started. There were no major recommendations made. The report would be circulated to all councillors and discussed at the council meeting on 2nd July.

26. TO ADOPT A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE PARISH COUNCIL by passing the following resolution:

“That

  1. the code of conduct adopted by the South Oxfordshire District Council be adopted as the code for members and co-opted members of the [Name of parish/town council] Parish/Town [delete as necessary] Council with effect from 1 July 2012, or such other date as may be specified in regulations, to replace the current code of conduct; and
  2. the clerk be requested to notify the monitoring officer of the South Oxfordshire District Council of the passing of the above resolution”

The resolution was proposed by Cllr Bell and seconded by Cllr Dalton and Agreed unanimously

27.       TO AGREE TO;

i) SIGN THE AMENDED FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL RELATING TO THE BIG SOCIETY FUND (previously circulated)

Cllr Bell reported on the meeting held between Parish Councillors, clerk and officers of the County Council to look at the agreement between the two councils in the light of the fact the Parish Council wished to sub-contract the project to Fusion Youth and Community.

As a result the County Council had issued a new Agreement which was now before the meeting. Cllr Bell outlined the differences with original agreement. It was felt that there were no major differences between the two documents.

Cllr Bell proposed and Cllr Coveley seconded that the document be signed by the Chairman and Vice Chairman. This was Agreed unanimously.

The clerk would now contact the County Council to say the Parish Council were ready to sign the agreement so that the County could send out a non draft copy to be signed.

Also permission was to be asked of the County Council, under paragraph 9.2 of the Agreement, to sub contract the project to Fusion Youth and Community UK.

ii) SIGN THE SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARISH COUNCIL AND FUSION YOUTH AND COMMUNITY

As a result of the meeting held with County Council officers and the new draft Agreement, Cllr Bell had redrafted The Service Agreement and Schedules to reflect what had been said and drawn up.

A meeting had been held between representatives of Fusion, and Cllrs Stacey, Reilly and Bell to discuss the changes. The representatives of Fusion had taken the document away but it was felt that they would have no objections to the changes made.

Cllr Dalton proposed and Cllr Coveley seconded the Service Agreement and Schedules be signed by the Parish Council. This was Agreed unanimously

ii) TO CONSIDER SETTING UP AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE AS PER CLLR BELL’S RESOLUTION DEFERRED FROM LAST MEETING

Under Section 3 of Schedule 3 of the Service Agreement a monitoring committee, set up as an Advisory Committee, would be set up.

Cllr Bell had proposed the following resolution which had been deferred from the last meeting, so that the position of the County Council could be clarified.

“To set up an Advisory Committee under Standing Order 56(a) of the Parish Council’s Standing Orders to monitor, investigate and promote facilities for young people of the village between the ages of 11 & 17.The committee to consist of three parish councillors, two representatives from Fusion Youth & Community(Fusion) and one member of the public with teenage children and experience of youth work. To be known as  ‘The Youth Facilities Advisory Committee’.

Terms of reference:

  1. To act as the monitoring committee for the Youth Club activities now to be carried out by Fusion  in accordance with the agreement signed with them.
  2. To carry out detailed research into the needs and aspirations of young residents of the village and to investigate possible areas of land where these activities might take place.
  3. To do this by organising a house to house survey throughout the village of all residents.
  4. The committee to form a Steering Group of interested villagers, including the young people concerned, to undertake this work
  5. To report back to the Parish Council on the results and recommendations for action within the next twelve months.”

The resolution was Agreed unanimously

28.  DATE OF NEXT MEETING – MONDAY 2nd July 2011 – Noted

9.00pm The Chairman declared the Council out of session.

County Councillor Anne Purse – she said that she was having a meeting with Mr Keith Stenning, Area Steward OCC Highways, in the village next Wednesday and she suggested that they come to the office for a brief meeting on issues such as the footway around the Round House

9.20pm The Chairman declared the Council back in session and the meeting closed

The meeting closed at 9.20pm

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Planning Committee 11th July 2012

,

Wheatley Parish Council

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE OF

THE COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 11th JULY 2012

PRESENT: Cllrs Knapp (in the Chair), Stacey, Lamont & Reilly

OFFICER: The clerk

In the absence of the Chairman, Cllr Knapp was elected Chairman for the meeting

22. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE had been received from Cllrs Willmott, Coveley and  Dalton

23. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None

24. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD 13TH JUNE 2012 which had been circulated previously were signed as a correct and accurate

25. UPDATE ON MEETING HELD ON 13TH JUNE 2012

i) Minute 4(i) Letter to Asda’s Chief Executive – No reply

ii) Minute 4(ii) SODC – Enforcement Order on land off Windmill Lane – No  further developments

26. AMENDMENTS TO PREVIOUS APPLICATIONS  – None

27.  NEW PLANNING APPLICATIONS

i) P12/S1002/FUL (Full Application) (Other) Unit 2 London Road Change of use from existing use class B1 and B8 to use class B2

No Strong Views

ii) P12/S1070/FUL (Full Application) (Minor) Wheatley Farm Shop Old London Road Demolition of stables (three blocks), storage buildings, containers, structures and kennels. Erection of multipurpose agricultural storage building and stables with additional soft

landscaping Recommend Approval

iii) P12/S116/Ful (Full Application)(Minor) Plot 1 20 Westfield Road. Erection of dwelling house (already commenced) – Recommend Approval

iv) P12/S1147/Ful (Full Application) (Minor) Land adjacent to Horspath reservoir, Old Road, Wheatley (in the Parish of Forest Hill) Construction of new reservoir ‘cell’ on land adjacent to Horspath Reservoir. Erection of sampling kiosk and ICA kiosk, CCTV security camera and pole and provision for associated landscaping, access and associated works – Full Council on 2nd July 2012 Recommended Refusal

A new Traffic Management paper is expected to be published shortly

Noted

28.  PLANNING DECISIONS AND NOTIFICATIONS – NOTED

i) P11/W0185 (Minor) Land at 7 Littleworth Business Centre Littleworth Road. Demolition of three derelict sheds and erection of three modern prefabricated sheds in existing industrial yard.- Recommend Approval – REFUSED 27.05.011 – GOING TO APPEAL – APPEAL DISMISSED 29.05.12

ii) P12/S0497 (Other) 10 Blenheim Lane The addition of 4 no 6ft pitched roof dormers to approved loft conversion with cat slide dormer to the rear Recommend Refusal GRANTED 11.06.12

iii) P11/S0148 (Minor) 132 London Road. Erection of a Marquee to be used in with the existing Public House for use from April until October this year and existing.(sic) years. To include retention of the ‘roll-a-long’ toilet unit. No Strong Views –WITHDRAWN 21.06.12

29.  CORRESPONDENCE

Barton Area Action Plan – Cllr Dalton is unable to attend on 17th July. Cllr Lamont said he would try and attend in Cllr Dalton’s place.

30. DATE OF NEXT MEETING  –   Wednesday 15th August 2012 – NOTED

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Proposed additional storage at Horspath Reservoir

Thames Water/Optimise(Water) LLP are holding an open session on their ‘improved traffic management plan’ (sic) for the above scheme on:

Tuesday 14th August between 3.30pm and 7.30pm in the Merry Bells

Gareth Morris

Clerk to Wheatley

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Closure of Church Road from 6th August for up to 4 weeks

Church Road is due for clusure for up to 4 weeks for resurfacing from Holloway Road to Friday Lane.

Diversions will be along Holloway Road and London Road. Traffic will still be able to turn right into Church Road from Friday Lane.

This work is due to start on Monday 6th August.

Buses will be diverted along London Road and temporary bus stops should be provided.

Gareth Morris

Clerk to Wheatley Parish Council

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Advice on Flooding

Advice on Flooding

Following the flooding that took place across the village on Friday 6th July I have been asked to find out whom to contact should a similar event occur. Please note all the following information is given in good faith.

Dealing with flooding is split between 4 Agencies:

  • The Environment Agency
  • Thames Water
  • Oxfordshire County Council
  • South Oxfordshire District Council

The Environment Agency

Flood warnings are issued by the Environment Agency. See this page of the Environment Agency website to find out if there are any current flood warnings in force.

If you live in the flood plain you can sign up to the Environment Agency’s flood alert system which will enable you to receive early warnings by telephone. For more information about this service and to sign up to it call the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

Thames Water

It would seem that Thames Water do not deal with flooding that occurs from surface water.

They are responsible for flooding caused by drains/sewers overflowing and therefore where there is a danger of contamination.

They will send a team out to deal with the immediate problem and then a decontamination team later

Their 24-hour hotline is 08459 200 800

Website: http://www.thameswater.co.uk/

Oxfordshire County Council

From OCC website: (http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/drainage-and-flooding-roads )

“We, as highway authority, will provide emergency response to flooding by closing roads, setting up diversions, pumping flooded highways, and sandbagging properties threatened by flooded highways where possible.”

EMERGENCIES AND URGENT problems should be reported by contacting

0845 310 11 11.

South Oxfordshire District Council

Whilst Oxfordshire County Council is the lead authority on dealing with flooding, it has devolved responsibility to the District Councils.

From SODC website: http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/environment/flooding/causes-flooding

“Responsibility for protecting homes and businesses lies primarily with owners and/or occupiers. However, the council will always try to provide assistance where it is considered most needed and if resources, circumstances and budgets permit. The council has a limited supply of sandbags which are used primarily for the protection of vulnerable homes when occupied homes are in imminent danger of flooding. We cannot provide sandbags for protecting gardens or outbuildings.”

Monson are the company used by SODC Tel No. 01491 823475

The following is an extract from the ‘South and Vale Flood Plan 2011 – sandbag policy”

“1. The councils cannot guarantee the supply of sandbags to any premises, so residents

are urged to make their own arrangements, particularly if they live within a flood plain

or they know that their property is susceptible to flooding. Neither council has the

resources in ‘non emergency’ conditions to deliver sandbags. However, in extreme

weather conditions, the strategic director can agree to redeploy existing resources from the councils’ contractors such as waste contractors and grounds maintenance to help deliver sandbags to individual properties or agreed strategic locations.

4. Sandbags will only be provided where there is a risk of water entering a dwelling i.e.

the living area of a house. Sandbags are NOT provided to protect garages, gardens or outbuildings.

5. Where resources allow, the council will endeavour to deliver sandbags to properties

and in some circumstances deploy or position them (see paragraph 9) to protect

dwellings which are at risk of flooding.

6. The council will prioritise requests in the following order based on information taken at

the time of the request:

a) dwellings occupied by vulnerable people including the infirm or elderly”

b) dwellings which are listed buildings where flooding would cause irreparable damage

c) all other private dwellings.

Gareth Morris

Clerk to Wheatley Parish Council

10th July 2012

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Finance and General Purposes Committee 16th April 2012

,

Wheatley Parish Council

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 16th APRIL 2012 IN THE PARISH OFFICE AT 7.30PM

PRESENT: Councillors: J Carr (Chairman), J Reilly, R Bell, S Coleridge, G Birks, J Anderson & R Old

OFFICER THE CLERK: Gareth Morris

Also Present: 2 members of the public.

MEMBERS HAD BEEN REMINDED BY MEANS OF THE AGENDA THAT IF THEY   HAD AN INTEREST TO DECLARE IN ANY AGENDA ITEM, THEY SHOULD DO SO IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING IN THE BOOK PROVIDED FOR THIS PURPOSE

1.  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE had been received from Cllr Stacey

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None

3.  MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD 19th MARCH 2012 which had been circulated with the Agenda were signed as a correct and accurate record

4.  UPDATE ON ITEMS FROM THE MINUTES 19TH MARCH 2012 – nothing to report

5.  TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON PROGRESS ON THE PARISH COUNCIL’S BID TO THE OCC BIG SOCIETY FUND FOR YOUTH PROVISION IN THE VILLAGE

Cllrs Bell, Stacey and the clerk were meeting with representatives of Fusion the following day to receive Fusion’s response to the Parish Council’s draft service agreement. It was emphasised by the committee the need to keep to two evenings a week at the Youth Centre

6.  TO PREPARE A REVIEW OF THE PARISH COUNCIL’S RESERVES AS PER THE INTERNAL AUDITOR’S REPORT 2010-2011

Agreed that the clerk would prepare a paper outlining the Parish Council’s spending plans in the future.

Items to include: Youth Centre costs, which would be ongoing year on year; pavement around the Roundhouse + new entrance into Church Road Recreation ground + crossing; refurbishment of ex toilet block land in the High Street; salt bins for the village; removal of sand pit from Cullum Road Recreation Ground + replacement equipment.

7.  TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FROM THE DIAMOND JUBILEE COMMITTEE FOR USE OF CHURCH ROAD RECREATION GROUND ON SUNDAY 3RD JUNE 2012 – Due to possible objections from the police to the marquee being erected in Crown Square the Jubilee Committee was asking permission to erect it in Church Road Recreation Ground instead. – Agreed

8. TO CONSIDER AN OFFER BY OCC HIGHWAYS VIA COUNTY COUNCILLOR ANNE PURSE TO INSTALL BOLLARDS ALONG THE NORTH SIDE PAVEMENT ON CHURCH ROAD

The Clerk to arrange a site meeting with Keith Stenning of OCC Highways and the Arriva Bus Company

The resurfacing of Church Road between Holloway Road and Friday Lane is due to take place between 30th July and 24th August Noted

9. TO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF A FOOTWAY AROUND THE ROUNDHOUSE AT THE HOLLOWAY ROAD AND CHURCH ROAD JUNCTION

In a response to a request from Cllr Bell, Mr Shew had drawn up a draft plan for a pavement around the Roundhouse and a new entrance into the Recreation Ground just west of the Roundhouse. This had been sent to County Cllr Anne Purse who in turn had forwarded it on to the County Council Highways Department. It was agreed that the clerk should add to that request increasing the pavement westwards to the present entrance into the recreation ground and the possibility of a crossing across Church Road opposite the old Co-op building.

10.  TO CONSIDER THE ELECTORAL REVIEW OF SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE

Preliminary stage – reduction in size of council by 12 Councillors (from 48 to 36) – ends 8th May

Agreed that the Parish Council should respond by saying that the status quo should be maintained.

‘Localism’ should not mean fewer local councillors and larger wards.

11. TO CONSIDER THE LETTER FROM Mr J DYKES RE HIS PROPOSED MIX DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE AND MARKET HOUSING ON HIS LAND AT LONDON ROAD

Agreed to defer any formal response until councillors had visited the site to check on the closeness of the pylons and sub station etc.

12.   CLERK UPDATE

i) CCTV camera in the High Street – The Committee agreed that it still wanted the camera

ii) Vacancy on the Parish Council – No election had been called. The Council could now co-opt a councillor at it’s May Full Council meeting.

iii) Pavement resurfacing along High Street – This was due to have started after Easter. The Clerk had given permission for the contractors to keep there equipment on the land that was the toilet block.

iv) OALC Training – Planning – 11th July – £35 – Agreed

13.  GRANTS, LICENCES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

i) Information Commissioner’s Office –  Registration 2012-2013 – £35.00 Agreed

ii) Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils (OALC) – Subscription 2012-2013 – £613.27 (+VAT)  Agreed

iii) Oxfordshire Rural Community Council (ORCC) – Subscription 2012-2013 – £30.00 Agreed

iv) Wheatley Village Archive – Request for Grant Aid – (last year £1,000) Agreed

v) International Tree Foundation – Subscription 2012-2013 – £25.00 Agreed

14.  FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

a) Scrutiny of budget to March 2012 and signing of completed copy of reconciled bank statement   by  Chairman & RFO – Noted

b) Balances

After the cheques below have been paid the balances on the council’s accounts as at

16th April 2012 will be as follows:                                Community     £2,808.77

Tracker           £69,780.75

Treasury         £60,302.00

15.                            SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS AUTHORISED

Cheque no. Payee Payment details Amount
Cheques paid
105481,2,4,5 & 8 GM/SW/JF/OCC/HMR&C Mar  sal/wages/pen/PAYE/NICs 3,704.60
d/d Orange Internet charge Mar 18.37
d/d Barclays Bank Interest and commission charges 54.22
Total £3,777.19
Cheques to Pay
105489 Diamond Jubilee Party Grant Aid 1,500.00
105490 Fusion Youth and Community Grant Aid 250.00
105491 SODC National non-domestic rates bill 1327.50
105492 Information Commissioner Registration 35.00
105493 OALC 2012-2013 subscription 735.92
105494 ORCC 2012-2013 subscription 30.00
105495 LCR (Local Council Review) 2012-2013 subscription 15.50
105496 WPSFMC 1st Quarterly Payment 2012-2013 2,000.00
105497 J Watson Wheatley newsletter – April/May 680.00
105498 Parchment April/May Newsletter 1,484.90
105499 Lyreco Office stationary 56.47
105500 International Tree Foundation 2012-2013 Subscription 25.00
105501 Wheatley Village Archive Grant Aid 1,000.00
105502 Mr P Hood Internal Audit 2011-2012 458.40
105503 Berinsfield C’nity Business Verges cutting March 2012 567.66
105504 C Sprent Delivery of newsletters 2011-12 35.22
d/d BNP Paribas Photocopier rental 399.94
GM/SW/JF/OCC/HMR&C April sal/wages/pen/PAYE/NICs 3,600.00
Total £14,201.48

INCOME RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING

Income details Amount
Newsletter Advertising 4,545.00
Tracker Account interest 12.15
Treasury Deposit 51.15
Photocopying 1.80
Total £4,610.10

16.  PUBLICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND NOTED

i)        The Haseleys – Newsletter April 2012*

ii)        Little Milton Newsletter April 2012*

iii)        Great Milton Bulletin April  2012*

iv)        Wheatley URC Newsletter – April  2012*

v)        Holton, Waterperry & Waterstock News – April  2012*

vi)        Thames Valley Police – Wheatley neighbourhood Team March 2012 newsletter*

vii)        Tree News – Spring/Summer 2012*

viii)        Oxfordshire Army Cadet force newsletter Winter 2011/12*

ix)        Tiddington with Alberry and Milton Common Newsletter – April/May 2012*

x)        CPRE – ‘Countryside Voice’ Spring 2012 & Members Guide 2012*

xi)        Oxford Brookes University – Minutes of last residents meeting + List of Public Events for 2012

xii) E-mail from resident re a ‘Village Litter Pick – Agreed that the Clerk reply asking if the resident would be prepared to organise a Litter Pick.

xiii) E-mail from resident re ‘blind chicane’ in Littleworth – Agreed that the Clerk pass the e-mail on to the Highways Department and reply to the resident that this had been done

* On display in Parish Office

17.  DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 21st May 2012 – to be confirmed

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