Minutes March 2006

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March 2006

DRAFT MINUTES OF A MEETING OF MAWNAN PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY, MARCH 16TH, 2006 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL

PRESENT : Cllr D Gartside (Chairman), Cllrs Mrs M Briars, N Gilmore, R South, C Stimson

PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA (this item will not exceed 10 minutes)

Planting around the Millennium Cross
Members of the public expressed their concerns at the planting around the cross, which had been erected following donations from the public. It was requested that the wall and planting be removed, and the area around the cross reinstated in its original condition. It was stated that a petition was being organised.

The Council noted the concerns and strength of feeling, and stated that this issue was due to be discussed as the first agenda item for the meeting.

127/05 TO ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllrs M Dearnley, C Hibbert, D Odell and R Sadler.

116/05 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
In Items on the Agenda
Cllr South declared an interest in Planning Application PA06/00319/F.

Of gifts of a value of more than £25
There were no declarations of gifts of a value of more than £25.

117/05 TO CONFIRM MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Council Meeting February 16th, 2006
It was proposed by Cllr South, Seconded by Cllr Stimson and

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on February 16th, 2006 be approved as a true record and duly signed.

118/05 TO REPORT MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA (for information only)

Felling of tree on Grove Hill
The Deputy Clerk reported that this was scheduled for the week commencing 20th March 2006, and that sections of the main trunk would be stored at Rex Sadler’s farm. A local sculptor has offered his services to create a piece from a section of the trunk.

Mawnan Parish Plan
The Chairman reported that the Prioritisation Event had gone very well. Cornwall Rural Community Council had stated that it had been the best attended event that they had ever organised, with 498 attendees. Thanks were expressed to all who helped with the day.

Transfer of ownership of Public Toilets & Bus Shelter
The Deputy Clerk reported that this was proceeding, and currently in the hands of Kerrier DC, from whom an insurance valuation of £40,000 has been received. The handyman had pointed out that the downspout on the Bus Shelter needed replacing, and that it might be worthwhile considering a Soakaway for excess rainwater.

Western Power Substation at Shute Hill
The Deputy Clerk reported that he had contacted Western Power, and the issues regarding the Substation and the surrounding fencing had been resolved.

Blue Boxes in Durgan
The Deputy Clerk reported that these are not currently available, as the collection vehicle is too large for the roads in Durgan. However, Kerrier DC are considering obtaining some smaller vehicles in the future.

Local Needs Housing
The Deputy Clerk reported that the Council had received a response to the Chairman’s letter to Kerrier DC, and further progress would be made by the Agent and County Highways.

Dog Bins
The Deputy Clerk reported that there was now a combined dog & litter bin in the square. He had asked Kerrier DC to ensure that the bin at West Bay was regularly emptied, and to replace the broken bin at Carwinion, and possibly resite it.

Table at Junior Playing Field
The Deputy Clerk reported that this had been moved.

Retirement of the Clerk
The Chairman thanked Mrs Mason for her invaluable assistance over the years. Councillors also expressed their thanks, and extended their best wishes for her continuing career with the Cornwall Association of Local Councils.

119/05 AGENDA ITEMS
Mawnan Village Improvements Grant – To ratify expenditure of grant received from Kerrier DC Liveability Fund to carry out work at the Millennium Cross & Village Stumps

The Chairman stated that he understood that councillors had been contacted about work carried out at the site of the Millennium Cross, at the end of Carlidnack Road, which was gifted into the ownership of the Parish Council by the Millennium Committee, in January 2001, since which time responsibility for its care and maintenance has rested with the council.

In response to the initial findings of the Parish Plan Survey during 2005, over 50% of respondees had agreed that landscaping of the green opposite the Post Office would increase the attractiveness of the village of Mawnan Smith.

A Liveability Fund of Kerrier DC had been available during 2005/06, for funding small projects to ensure the preservation, protection and enhancement of local open spaces and historic features. The Chairman and District Councillors had advised the Parish Council that this might present an opportunity to fund such a project.

A Liveability Fund application had been submitted to create a flower bed around the cross, to enhance planting in the area, and to restore the village pipe. Final approval was obtained after February’s meeting of the Parish Council, with the condition that the work had to be carried out by the authorised contractor of Kerrier DC, and be completed and invoiced by 31st March 2006.

The contractor was only available to undertake the work before the end of March if it could be carried out during the last week of February and/or the first week of March. Without Liveability funding, it would not have been possible to undertake the project. Therefore the project had not been the subject of a formal resolution by the council, hence it being on the agenda for ratification.

Councillors had heard the strong objections to this work during the “Public Comment” session at the start of the meeting. The council had also received a number of letters of complaint, based upon the apparent lack of public consultation, the change in appearance of the cross, and that parish council money should have been spent on such a project.

However, the council had also received many compliments about the wall around the cross, with support for suggestions that it be planted with camomile and used as a scented seating area in summer, used as a site for Remembrance Day, with the council placing a community wreath there on November 11th each year.

This agenda item was the ratification of the grant expenditure on the two areas of work. The grant application would not have been successful for the single project item of repairing the pipe only.

Councillors sympathised with the feelings of parishioners. After a lengthy discussion, it was proposed by Cllr South, seconded by Cllr Stimson and

RESOLVED that the expenditure be ratified by the Council, that the wall around the Millennium Cross be retained for now, that planting be organised as part of the Best Kept Village project, and that the situation be reviewed in March 2007.

South West Coastal Path – To consider the inclusion of parts of the SWCP on the Parish Council Footpaths contract, in return for Cornwall CC funding

The Deputy Clerk explained that there was an opportunity to add parts of the SWCP to the Local Maintenance Project agreement, and that 100% funding would be available, up to an upper ceiling.

Cllr Mrs Briars stated that the Parish Council had been responsible for areas of the SWCP in the past, but that it had then been taken over by Cornwall CC. Cllr South asked that it be ensured that this activity would not be a financial burden to the parish. It was proposed by Cllr South, seconded by Cllr Stimson and

RESOLVED that the Parish Council’s contractor be asked to quote for maintenance of these areas of the SWCP, and that the Parish Council take over responsibility for their maintenance, if the quotation was not in excess of the funding available from Cornwall CC.

Cornwall County Training Partnership Workshops on Current Legislation (April 2006), and New Clerks & Councillor Training Day (June 2006)

The Deputy Clerk stated that notification of these had been received. He stated that he would like to attend, and that the two sessions carried a cost of £20 and £35 per delegate respectively.

The retiring Clerk suggested that Cllr Stimson might wish to attend the latter session. It was proposed by Cllr South, seconded by Cllr Mrs Briars and

RESOLVED that one place be booked on the April session, and two places on the June session.

Kerrier DC Workshop on Refuse & Recycling - Report by the Deputy Clerk

The Deputy Clerk had distributed a written report (attached). C Cllr Hatton stated that it was likely that a decision on the replacement of Kerrier DC’s existing 10-year waste collection contract would be made approximately 18 months before the 2008 contract end date, and that there was a possibility of Kerrier and Penwith DC’s contracting together.

Cllr South believed that waste management was vitally important for the future, and that input should be taken from the Parish Plan process. It was proposed by Cllr South, seconded by Cllr Gartside and

RESOLVED that the Deputy Clerk contact Kerrier DC, and invite a representative to the Annual Meeting of the Parish, in May 2006.

Parish Council Internet & Email – To approve expenditure to improve this

The Deputy Clerk explained that the internet connection from the office was via a dialup line, which was much slower than broadband, and that it was only used for Email, with all internet research being carried out at home, using broadband. The Council’s existing unmetered internet access was not being used a great deal, and it would be more economic to change to a “pay as you go” connection.

It was proposed by Cllr South, seconded by Cllr Gilmore and

RESOLVED that the Deputy Clerk give notice of cancellation of the existing unmetered account, and switch to “pay as you go”.

Parish Council Risk Assessment – To consider revision to the Risk Assessment, prior to the annual audit

The Clerk had documented some areas where change was required prior to the meeting. It was proposed by Cllr South, seconded by Cllr Gilmore and

RESOLVED that Risk Assessment should be given a thorough overhaul by the Office & Finance Committee, which should report back at the May meeting of the Parish Council, for approval.

Toilet & Public Services Contract, 2006/07 – To confirm the extension of the existing contract with Mr K Payne

The Clerk stated that the contract was for 2 years, with a review point midway. The initial 12 month period had now been completed. Councillors were very happy with the service that had been received.

It was proposed by Cllr Gilmore, seconded by Cllr South and

RESOLVED that the Deputy Clerk should write to Mr Payne, thanking him for the level of service in its first year, and confirm that the contract would continue into its second year, at the agreed payment rates.

120/05 CORRESPONDENCE
The Clerk reported on correspondence received and a schedule is attached to the minutes as a record.

121/05 REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

County Council

C Cllr Hatton reported a realignment of Surveyors’ areas within the county, which would be communicated to Parish Councils by the end of the month. There would be a carry-over of the year’s underspend within County Highways. The application to reduce the speed limit at Penwarne to below 40mph had been turned down, but the existing speed limit signs were to be replaced with higher visibility ones.

With respect to the Castle View affordable housing project, Cllr Hatton had already spoken to Kerrier DC’s Planning Department, who had confirmed that the holdup needed to be resolved between the Agent and County Highways. He expected a response in the near future.

District Council

Cllr Hatton reported that the Tetra Mast enquiry had been unexpectedly reopened on 15th March, even though Kerrier DC’s Legal Department had withdrawn due to new information from elsewhere in the country. O2 was pushing for Kerrier DC to admit that they were wrong to originally refuse planning permission, and had applied for full costs from Kerrier, with a decision likely in 6 to 8 weeks time.

The Chairman thanked Cllr Hatton for his support in this matter.

122/05 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

To consider Planning Applications received from the District Authority

PA06/00259/F Mr & Mrs N J Colman, Woodland Springs, West Bay, Maenporth, Falmouth – Erection of an extension to dwelling
A site meeting had been held on Tuesday 14th March 2006. Observation : NO OBJECTIONS

PA06/00281/F Mr & Mrs A L Shiers, Avalon, Maenporth Road, Maenporth, Falmouth – Erection of a replacement dwelling
A site meeting had been held on Tuesday 14th March 2006. Observation : NO OBJECTIONS, WITH RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE ROOF HEIGHT & RIDGE AND FOR TIMBER CLADDING OF THE FRONT ELEVATION, TO LESSEN THE VISUAL IMPACT.

PA06/00309/F Mr & Mrs R Prall, Roskellan, Bosanath Lane, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth – Erection of a conservatory extension
Observation : NO OBJECTIONS.

PA06/00319/F Mr J Payne, Sharston, Penwarne Road, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth – Erection of an extension and alterations to dwelling, and erection of a replacement domestic garage
As Cllr South had declared an interest in this item, he left the meeting for the duration of the discussion. Observation : NO OBJECTIONS.

PA06/00153/F Mr O P Bertelsen, Trerose Cottage, Old Church Road, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth – Conversion of former stabling and coach house into a unit for holiday accommodation, and installation of a sewage treatment plant
Observation : NO OBJECTIONS.

PA06/00366/F Mr & Mrs Faiers, Homefield, Budock Vean Lane, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth – Erection of extensions to dwelling
Observation : NO OBJECTIONS.

To Note Planning Decisions of the Planning Authority

None received since the last Parish Council meeting.

123/05 FINANCE AND PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS
a) Payment of Accounts
It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Briars, seconded by Cllr Gilmore and

RESOLVED that accounts totalling £14,462.25 be approved for payment and duly signed. (A schedule is attached to the minutes as a record).

To consider Registration of the Parish Council as an employer with HM Revenue & Customs, to operate PAYE & NI for the new Clerk

The Clerk had historically been paid via Cornwall Association of Local Councils, whereas the new Clerk would not be. It was proposed by Cllr South, seconded by Cllr Stimson and

RESOLVED that the Deputy Clerk should proceed with setting up and operating PAYE & NI.

To consider a request for a Section 137 Donation to Mawnan Smith Youth Club

Similar groups within the parish had been offered assistance, and the Clerk reported that this amount was left within the 2005/06 budget. It was proposed by Cllr South, seconded by Cllr Mrs Briars and

RESOLVED that, subject to the standard form and copy accounts being received, that the Youth Club be offered assistance of £100 for 2005/06, with 2006/07 to be considered on the basis of need.

124/05 REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND REPRESENTATIVES

Police
P C Alan Jordan attended the meeting. He reported that, during the month of February, there had been 8 calls to the police, of which 1 was a reported crime. This was of damage to the CCTV camera at the Post Office, and he reported that the police have some still photos of the youths involved.

Footpaths – Report by Cllr Mrs Briars
Cllr Mrs Briars reported that the Cormack quote for the work on Footpath 16 had been around £8,500. This was much higher than that from the Parish Council’s contractor, although this was probably now out of date. It now lay with Dan Thomas to progress.

No progress had been made on the Maenporth path, as the specification is still outstanding. In the meantime, the Deputy Clerk was to investigate new potential funding from the “Big Lottery”.

Trees – Report by Mrs Loomes
Nothing to report.

Junior Playing Field – Report by Cllr Gartside
Cllr Gartside reported that the recent visit from the Health & Safety Officer had been marred by someone allowing their dog to foul the area during the visit. As a result, higher fences and larger dog fouling notices would be recommended.

Best Kept Village Competition – Progress Report by Cllr Stimson
Cllr Stimson reported more progress, as follows :-

· Planters – Excellent support had been given by the Carwinion Trust and the school, who had enough flowers for the whole year, and will also have a floral display at the school entrance. 8 planters have been made, and 6 of these are already sponsored.

· Carwinion Playing Field – Reasonable quotes had been received for pollarding the hedges, and it was hoped that this would be done before the end of March.

· Cherry trees on Sampys Hill – These had been cut back, and were looking better.

· BT’s phone box – BT had agreed to repaint this.

· Weed Control – County Highways had agreed to this being taken on by the parish, using the money that would have been paid to Cormack. Carwinion had offered the use of a flame gun, should this be required.

· Welcome Signs – 3 alternate designs had been drawn up, these to be displayed on the Parish Notice Board, allowing people to give feedback via the Council office. If it was decided to go ahead with replacement signs, they would cost between £400 and £800 each, and grants or sponsorship was being sought. Planning permission might be required, as would permission from County Highways.

The judges’ visit for the competition would be during May, so further progress would need to be made quickly. The Chairman once again thanked Cllr Stimson for all his hard work.

125/05 DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, 20th April 2006, at 7.30pm

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Further comment was made about the planting around the Millennium Cross.

Comment was also passed about the fact that the Local Needs Housing application had still not been responded to. The Council was asked to consider inviting Kerrier DC’s Head of Planning to a meting of the Parish Council.

It was requested that the Council determine whether there are other planning applications from Mawnan parishioners that might also be awaiting consideration. The Deputy Clerk agreed to check this.

It was requested that the white lines on the road at Penwarne be extended, so that they run in front of all the houses, rather than ending prematurely.

The Council was asked to consider displaying all tenders on the noticeboard, as well as on the website and advertising in the press. The Deputy Clerk agreed to do this, space permitting.