Minutes of Full Council Meeting held on
Present: Mrs L Tavener (Chairman)
Mrs M Edwards (Vice Chairman)
Mr David Huffadine-Smith
Mrs Y Sharpe
Mr L Bruley
Mr J Knights
Mr P Herbert
Mr P Riches
Mr J Caswell
Mr M Pepper
Mrs P Crane
PCSO Helen Houghton
PC Vicky Howe
1 Resident, Mr M Ingram
Mrs E Gascoyne (Clerk)
Mrs Tavener welcomed Mr Ingram to the
meeting and advised that Mrs Edwards would respond to his email dated
Mrs Edwards responded that the St Luke’s Centre Project was set up to attempt to acquire the school site, spinney and playing fields but on 4th October 2007 we became aware that the playing fields were not an option for negotiation with Barratts and that we would continue in the acquisition of the school and were very anxious that we should not put the possibility of this under threat. There is a danger if we took active support for the retention of St Luke’s Playing Fields we might loose both the school and playing fields. However that does not mean to say that the Parish Council are not anxious to retain the playing fields but the position we find ourselves in at the moment is a difficult one and we would not want anyone to think that the Parish Council are not sympathetic with you and the Action Group but if we take proactive action we might loose the school.
Mr Ingram responded that he felt that the Parish Council are in a much stronger position than they were in 12 months ago particularly with Barratts and felt that there is a lot of exclusion in regard to Section 106 and expressed concern that there would appear to be a lot going on in the background. Mr Ingram asked ‘What is going on’?
Mrs Edwards responded that the St Luke’s School booklet may be updated and be ready about June and will contain all the updated information on the site.
Mr Ingram asked if there are any plans to do a statement in the newsletter.
Mrs Edwards responded that the Report on St Luke’s Centre Project 2007-2008 would be available to the public.
FC/05/17 Apologies: Mr D Harrison
FC/05/18 Declaration of Interests: Mr David Huffadine-Smith in Anglian Water as his employers.
Mrs L Tavener in St Luke’s School as a member of the Cabinet for Northamptonshire County Council.
FC/05/19 Police Report
PCSO Helen Houghton produced a
letter for circulation to the meeting which will be sent to parents whose children have been stopped on more than one
occasion by the police but
who are constantly ignoring their advice regarding playing football and/or trespassing on other peoples property and congregating in large
groups outside local shops. It is hoped that by doing this the parents
will take on board the responsibility for
their own children.
Helen advised that the
residents are up in arms and that there has been 26 cases of reported vandalism in the
area of Bordeaux Close and this has received press coverage from the local people, nursery
and chip shop and that the police did not receive
a good report. Helen advised the
problems are not going to be resolved overnight
hence the reason for sending the letter to try and get the parents on board.
It was reported that the
youths come from
Lucille
reported that first time offender receiving informal action is a slap on the
wrist and it is difficult to get the public to understand that they are not
going to go to prison and that everyone has a first start on the ladder.
Mrs
Tavener advised that from her Empowering Councillor Allowance she would be
providing a head cam for the police to allow them to be hands free and this
will allow them to record the identity of the youngsters. The head cam is not easy to see as it goes
over the ear and under the hat.
A CCTV
camera has been used previously situated at the Nursery to record activity but
was not successful as the youngsters were aware that it was in situ.
The
question was raised of the possibility of the Parish Council providing a CCTV
camera and it was agreed that it would be a good deterrent.
Advice on
security has been given to the nursery in the past but they are reluctant to
proceed with this, as it would make the nursery look uninviting.
It was
reported that most of the land is private surrounding this area and therefore
it is not possible to put up ‘No Balls’ signs.
The police
are encouraging the youngsters to utilise the MUGA in
The
police were made aware that
The
police were advised that HGV lorries were parking in Alsace Close and Alpine
Way overnight.
FC/05/20 Minutes of previous
meeting
Mrs Tavener asked if it is the meetings wish that she approve the previous meetings as a true record. All Agreed.
FC/05/21 Logos
Mrs
Tavener advised the meeting that The Duston School had been requested to design
a logo for Duston Sports and
Leisure Complex, which went on display at the Exhibition
on the 15th of March. Five
had been selected to take back to the school to come up with the next version.
A first draft of a logo
for the Parish Council has been produced for use on the website and it was
agreed that the Duston Show would be a good opportunity to put these on display
and obtain feedback from those attending on the day.
FC/05/22 Youth
Worker
Mr Riches
reported that Raine officially started work with the Parish Council on 1st
May and he has met with Helen Mason to finalise Raine’s contract, which is near
completion with some wording just to be finalised. It was reported that the transfer is based
on on the same conditions for the time being, all we have done is to make sure
the wording is correct legally for Raine.
Mr Riches proposed that once completed the contract be sent out to Raine
for signing. Mr D Huffadine-Smith
seconded. All Agreed. There were no dissensions.
It was
reported that Raine might need to join the Boxing Association for a fee of
£50.00, which would allow her to access facilities.
The
meeting formally welcomed Raine to the employment of the Parish Council.
FC/05/23 St
Luke’s School Centre
Mrs
Edwards advised the meeting that the donation of £150 to the Action Group for the
St Luke’s Playing Fields and the Position Statement on St Luke’s School had been
discussed under Matters Arising at the Full Council meeting of 6th
March and approved and as this is not correct procedure requires ratification
under an Agenda item.
Mrs
Edwards proposed to accept the Position Statements as already outlined.
Votes
for: 5
Abstentions:
5
LT cannot
vote
The
meeting discussed in full the Position Statement and concern was expressed that
the Parish Council took a motion on the Position Statement that it remains
neutral regarding the playing fields yet follows this up with a donation to the
Action Group of £150.00.
Whilst
Mrs Edwards acknowledged this stated that as Parish Council we are obliged to
represent all of the residents of the Parish Council and added that the £150 is
purely to cover administrative costs.
Mrs
Edwards proposed the £150.00 already given to the Action Group
Against:
4
Abstained:
1
LT
cannot vote
Mrs Edwards advised the meeting that
tickets from Bill Harding were circulated to each Councillor for the Old-Time
Music Hall event organised by Bill Harding, which will take place in the Duston
Community Centre on
Mrs Edwards advised that the St Luke’s School Project had agreed to pay the hire of the rooms by the Parish Council because as a User Group the hire is less than half than it would be as a private group. It seems sensible for us to be the hirers and also recommend funding the printing, to allow us make more money and because of various concerns felt it should come to the Full Parish Council.
It was duly discussed that if the Parish Council lost St Luke’s School and this money had been given in good faith then the meeting would require evidence that any monies raised by Friends of St Luke’s would be paid to the Parish Council. Mrs Edwards agreed to this and will circulate to each Councillor the Friends of St Luke’s Constitution for next Full Council.
Another possibility discussed was that the Friends of St Luke’s School could receive assistance through a grant.
Mrs Edwards advised that the Project Group is in the process of setting up a management structure with the help of Sarah Kirkpatrick of Enterprise Solutions and it had been decided, with the agreement of the Parish Council to set up a Community Interest Company Limited by guarantee. The Parish council will own St Luke’s and the Community Interest Company will pay rental to the Parish Council which will be the amount of the loan which is payable each month. It was decided not to set up as a charity because that would involve three stages:
Mrs Edwards duly advised that setting up as a charity is quite complicated and the Project Group agreed it would be best to keep it simple with a two-tier structure. This is in the process of being set up. Two directors have been appointed and it has also been agreed that there should be Parish Council directors. The two directors are Mrs M Edwards and Mr Bill Harding, this is an initial requirement and on the acquisition of the school more would be appointed.
Mrs Edwards proposed the Management Structure suggested for St Luke’s.
Votes for: 4
Votes Agaisnt: 4
Abstentions: 2
LT cannot vote
Mr D Huffadine-Smith advised the meeting
that there are three items from the Duston Sports and Leisure Minutes of
1. Mr Huffadine-Smith advised the meeting that through negotiations with GSS that a reduction in the architects fees to £30,000 had been achieved and that this would take up us Full Planning consent.
Mr Huffadine-Smith advised the meeting that it is important to obtain Planning Consent, as this will enable us source funding. The meeting was advised that it had been a good move to switch to GSS.
2. Mr Huffadine-Smith advised that on the appointment of the project officer 50% of his/her time would be addressed to DSLC therefore in accepting the minutes agree in principle to proceeding towards the recruitment of a Project Officer i.e. advertising the post as per the Finance Working Party recommendation.
3. Mr Huffadine-Smith advised that it has been identified for the need of a Company Secretary for the Shadow Board; the money will come out of the Budget Heading already approved. We have now formulated Terms of Reference, Job Description that is for you to approve in principle either by employing or by way of an honorarium.
Mr Huffadine-Smith asked the meeting to accept these minutes and their implications.
Mrs Edwards proposed. Mrs Tavener seconded. All Agreed. There were no dissensions.
Mrs Tavener duly reported ratification to advertise the post of project officer is formally presented.
This is a proposal to move to advertising that we went into in great detail with the last Finance meeting it is also before you in the last minutes.
It is proposed for 12 hours per week for a temporary 12-month contract on SP scale 28. The proposal is to go to advert but a job description is required and hopefully David Harrison will be back to do this for us within the next week. The job description will cover the work for St Luke’s School project, Duston Sports and Leisure Complex and the Environment Working Party.
Mrs Tavener proposed ratification of the advertising of the post of Project officer. Mr Huffadine-Smith seconded. There were no dissensions.
Working Parties
Mrs Crane proposed £200.00 for Emergency Work for May. Mr Knights seconded.
Mr Crane advised that it was proposed to put 2 signs up at the MUGA requesting users to keep the MUGA clean and tidy and to report any damage to the Parish office. Mr Herbert advised that the two signs would have the same wording. Mr Caswell asked for consideration for Nordis to be requested to carry out the work for these signs. Mrs Tavener agreed.
Mrs Crane proposed the two signs for the MUGA. Mr Herbert seconded. All agreed there were no dissensions.
Mrs Crane reported that the premium to extend Public Liability insurance to cover the MUGA is £52.00 per annum.
Mrs Crane reported that his is progressing well and asked if everyone would be present on the day.
Mrs Edwards responded that this is the third Duston Show and proving to be very successful. However she felt that there were not enough Parish Councillors around to talk to residents and that perhaps a rota should be set up in the Parish tent be manned at all times to answer questions from the residents.
It was felt that the Duston Show Group could produce a briefing note advising where and when Councillors are supposed to be.
Mrs Edwards advised that with St Luke’s School Project having their own gazebo she would try to get as many of the group to man this to enable her split her time between the Parish tent and the St Luke’s gazebo.
Mr Herbert asked if anyone required any display boards. Mrs Edwards responded that he would require tables.
INVOICES FOR PAYMENT MAY 2008
|
No. |
Invoice |
£ |
VAT |
|
100049 |
Rained New – reimbursement of grant for dare to care |
£79.22 |
|
|
100050 |
NCALC – Cilia Course for Clerk |
£475.00 |
|
|
100051 |
DOPW – Grant for party |
£342.10 |
|
|
100052 |
NRG – rental charge 01.03.2008-31.5.08 Copy charges
Total 133.51 |
£73.33 £40.30 |
£12.83 £7.05 |
|
100053 |
T J Walden – Landscape Maintenance Contract- Footpaths Gardens MUGA clearing Extra work (invoice total
£1076.25) |
£341.25 £175.00 £542.50 £17.50 |
|
|
100054 |
|
£1097.00 |
|
|
100055 |
Society of Local Clerks |
£129.00 |
|
|
100056 |
H M inspector of Taxes nic 261.97 tax219.40 |
£481.37 |
|
|
100057 |
D C A Rent -
rent 6384 room hire 6392 room hire 6385 room hire |
£125.00 £38.15 £11.10 £11.10 |
|
|
100059 |
Blue Moon Studio – Youth Worker – t shirts |
£138.55 |
£24.25 |
|
100060 |
David Huffadine-Smith – travelling expense collecting
and returning free use of display boards from Anglian Water for dslc
exhibition on |
£52.00 |
£ |
|
100061 |
P C World –
Business – computer for youth worker Grant . |
£455.57 |
£79.72 |
|
100062 |
Bill Harding – reimbursement for card, postage stamps,
cartridges in respect of Friends of St Lukes |
£81.56 |
£ |
|
100063 |
BT Internet – charges |
£89.97 |
£15.74 |
TOTAL |
|
£4796.57 |
£139.59 |
|
CURRENT |
(as at
20.04.2008 (Bank
statement£23083.03 Barclays
Bank £14372.95 Barclays
Bank as at 18.4.2008 |
|
|
|
RES |
As at
18.4.08 (Bank
statement - Section 106 £266034.96 |
|
|
|
CAP RESERVE |
(as at
18.4.08 ( Bank
Statement £185533.78 |
|
|
.
Mrs Edwards referred to her last report,
which stated that negotiations between Duston Community Association and Jane
Pitchfork over the establishment of the Children’s Centre had been terminated
due to lack of progress. Since then Jane
Pitchfork contacted Eric Atkins, Chair of DCA to advise that they were now
prepared to pay a rental for the use of the Cotswold and Green room over a
period of three years. These rooms will
be used every day until
Mrs Tavener advised that invitations to apply for grants for the 2008/2009 financial years would be displayed on the notice boards in July.
Mr Knights reported that due to changes in staff the website will not be available until the end of June.
Mrs Edwards and Mr Herbert had circulated to all Councillors the areas the newsletter needs to be delivered and invited all to indicate the areas they could cover. Mr Herbert took note of these and advised that when the newsletter was delivered everyone would receive these and delivery is earmarked between the 5th and 18th of May.
The Herald and Post will be delivering 3000 of the newsletters.
Mr Pepper reported that it was a long and busy meeting with many residents from Duston Wildes in attendance to object to the demolishing of a 4 bedroom dwelling to be replaced with a three-bedroom dwelling. Everyone was there to express his or her views.
Mr Pepper reported that subsequently this has been refused under delegated powers but that we are assuming that at some stage in the future it will come back and go to full Planning Committee at which time the Parish will be supporting residents in their objections.
Mrs Tavener advised that she had emailed progress and was in total support of the residents
FC/05/33 Correspondence:
Mrs Tavener minuted that all Councillors had received a copy of details from the Zurich Insurance Company on the enhanced cover in light of the Corporate Homicide and Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007 and this has been noted.
(lcas) Seminars 2008 Mr Riches and Mr Huffadine-Smith expressed an interest to be booked on this. Clerk to liaise.
NALC – a list of courses from NALC had been
circulated and Mr Riches and Mr Huffadine-Smith expressed an interest to attend
some
.
FC/05/34 Date of next meeting
Thursday,