Minutes of Full Council Meeting held on Thursday 5th June 2008 at Duston Community Centre, Duston at 7.30pm
Present: Mrs L Tavener (Chairman)
Mrs M Edwards (Vice Chairman)
Mr David Huffadine-Smith
Mrs Y Sharpe
Mr L Bruley
Mr P Herbert
Mr P Riches
Mr J Caswell
Mr M Pepper
Mrs P Crane
Raine New (Youth Worker)
Jade Farmer
Connor
1 Resident – Mrs Jenny Stroud
Councillor Don Edwards
Mrs E Gascoyne (Clerk)
Mrs Tavener advised the meeting that the first fifteen minutes is dedicated to the community and welcome questions.
Mrs Jenny Stroud: Mrs Stroud Parish Council what is the up to date position on St Luke’s School.
§ what is going to happen to the school?
§ Is the Parish Council going to buy it?
Mrs Tavener that representation about the state of the garden and in particular the ivy on the wall and is very aware that a resident who lives in Millway, who is ill at the moment, has problems passing on the pavement at this part. Chris Jones of Lambert, Smith and Hampton, agents acting for Northamptonshire County Council has been approached and advised that the grounds cannot be left in this state and told since the school was vacated and relocated in February the windows have been boarded up at the grass being so long that it has become an eyesore to the entrance of the village.
Mrs Edwards duly advised that she has been involved with the attempt to purchase the school but with the hiatus in housing market it would appear, as far as Mrs Edwards can make out, that Barratts are ‘pulling in their horns’ and are not now doing anything.
An offer was put in for the site in February and the Parish Council are still waiting on their response. A letter has been sent to them expressing concern about the school being left as it is which is open to vandalism and deterioration and a letter has been sent to them stating it is important we get together with them and other concerned parties to discuss what is going to happen about the site.
Mrs Stroud asked who owned the site. Mrs Edwards responded that Barratts have an option on the site but that the school still belongs to Northamptonshire County Council and they have handed over the rights of the site to Barratts.
Security of the school is now an issue and Mrs Edwards had reported that in the roof space there is an open window on a ratchet but that the security people could not reach this as they do not carry long ladders with them and that this is now with Chris Jones of the Land and Property Agents of Northamptonshire County Council.
Mrs Edwards advised that the grass cutting is another issue and this will be reported. Clerk to do.
Mrs Tavener extended a welcome to Raine, Jade and Connor.
Apologies: Mr J Knights
FC/08/34 Declaration of Interests: Mr David Huffadine-Smith in Anglian Water as his employers and 87 Duston Wildes as he lives fairly close to it
Mrs L Tavener in St Luke’s School as a member of the Cabinet for Northamptonshire County Council.
Mr L Bruley his brother works for Barclays Bank
FC/05/35 Police Report
None
FC/05/36 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. There were no dissensions.
None
FC/06/38 Logos
Mrs Tavener advised that the Logos for the Parish Council would be on display at the Day in the Park on 21st June 2008 to allow the residents to make their comments and observations.
FC/06/39 Youth Worker
Raine presented her Report as the Youth Worker for Duston Parish Council.
Raine reported that the clear up day had been a huge success and an opportunity to speak to people she would not normally come in contact was made and was most enjoyable. In total 11 school children helped out and Raine congratulated the Safer Community Police Team for organising this and a BBQ rounded off this successful day. Mrs Tavener and Mrs Crane both enjoyed the day.
Raine reported that she was disappointed that the funding offered by the Princes Trust to make improvements at Folk Centre had been turned down by the school.
Mrs Tavener reported that she had been in touch with the Chairman of the Trust Board who has decreed that two schools in Northamptonshire will have Trust Status, Wellingborough and The Duston School, which is very similar to grant maintained and takes them out of the LEA governance.
Mrs Tavener advised that under her Empowering Councillors allowance she had committed £5,000 to improvement at the Folk Centre but due to the application for Trust Status she cannot go ahead with this and will not allow her allowance to be used if the community does not benefit.
Councillor Don Edwards and Mrs Tavener have already put some Empowering Councillors allowance into training the Swimming Lifeguards and have just had an email from Steve Jackson to say he has transferred his employment to the school. Mrs Tavener advised she is investigating this.
The Duston School is also actively encouraging the primary schools in Duston to become a Trust. Mrs Edwards and Mr Pepper are Governors on Eldean Primary School and will obtain more information on this.
Raine responded that this now puts her in a difficult position. Mrs Tavener has requested Peter Burrell, who is in charge, to telephone her.
Raine reported to the meeting that she is working with Wendi Jarrett, Healthy Eating and looking at the possibility of working in Partnership. Raine reported the areas she is working in partnership are:
§ Sexual Health work (5weeks)
§ PCSO’s
§ Youth Offending Team
Jade Farmer made her maiden speech to the Council and was congratulated on this.
Raine introduced Connor who is 13 years of age and had expressed an interest in joining the Young fire fighters.
Mrs Tavener responded that she would very much like to see Connor on the scheme
and that Jade or Raine to contact her.
Mrs Tavener thanked them for attending the meeting tonight.
FC/06/40 St Luke’s School Centre Project
Mrs Edwards reported that she has already advised on a request for a round table discussion by all concerned parties.
Mrs Edwards advised that there are three items from the St Luke’s Centre Project minutes circulated, which she would like to emphasis:
1. The question arose at the last Full Council as to what would happen to the money held by the Friends of St Luke’s group should the St Luke’s Centre Project fold. The draft Constitution from the Group has been circulated and you will see from Section 13 that monies would be handed over to the Duston Parish Council
2. Resentment had been demonstrated in being given envelopes with tickets ` from Friends of St Luke’s. Mrs Edwards advised that the Group would like to apologise for this but was done on the basis that the Friends of St Luke’s are support the St Luke’s School Project, which in turn is a Parish Council project but inn view of the fact that people do not like this the tickets will be available in the Parish Office for the Old Time Music Hall event on the 21st June 2008 in the hall in the Community Centre, if anybody is interested.
3. At the Community Day in the Park the Friends of St Luke’s will be in the Duston Parish Council gazebo they will be supporting us.
Mr D Huffadine-Smith advised the meeting that the draft Minutes had been circulated and that there will be no amendments to these.
Mr Huffadine-Smith reported that Ian Bray of GSS had presented his report about the BREEAM the purpose of this is to ensure the building is environmental efficient and this will cost £13,000. The question was asked as to who was paying for this and the reply was that this will come out of the Duston Sports and Leisure Complex budget. Both Mr Huffadine-Smith and Mr Caswell advised that this is a requirement due to the building deterioration and is a legal requirement.
Mr Huffadine-Smith advised that under the Finance Section of the Agenda approval for a gazebo and payment of Dove Naish’s invoice will be reported.
Mr Huffadine-Smith reported that a consultation had been received from WNDC in respect of the Skateboard Park and MUGA and had been moved around and finished on the dslc patch and the Shadow Board agreed that this is not appropriate and will take it to WNDC and Bellway to relocate or whether they would consider funding towards some equipment in an appropriate location and what can that money be used for. This can be done in a public consultation.
Mrs Tavener advised that the location had been agreed in the original development plan and that is adjacent to the Timken site and agreed by all Agencies and that there is no need for further consultation. Mrs Tavener will write to WNDC
Mrs Tavener advised that as promised the meeting had full details of the post that has gone out tonight you now have full information on the job description and post.
Mrs Crane requested a moment to read to ensure that were no points she wanted to raise. However the question of the Day in the Park was raised and Mrs Crane feels very strongly that this is working extremely well with volunteers and did not feel it necessary for any involvement by this new post. Mrs Crane feels that this is incurring unnecessary expense on wages. Mrs Tavener responded that there is an involvement on administration and financial as this a Parish Council run event.
A discussion on this post was entered into with some Councillors expressing strong feelings on this but agreeing that, as a democracy would support the majority vote.
Mrs Edwards made the suggestion that, as there appears to be a number of issues, which need discussion this should be brought up as an Agenda item at the July Full Council. Clerk to do
Mrs Edwards advised the meeting that in the event of there being no suitable candidates for the post of Project Officer a temporary assistant clerk will be appointed.
Working Parties
Mrs Crane proposed £200.00 for Emergency Work for June. Mr Riches seconded. All Agreed. There were no dissensions.
Mrs Crane advised that due to the length of time that had past since the tender had first been put to Full Council for approval and having received confirmation from NALC that as so long there were no changes made to the landscape tender and that the contractor had agreed to keep to the same price then there was no need to go out to retender.
Mr Huffadine-Smith reminded the meeting that the Highways Management Act 2007 would need to be adhered steps should be made to ensure this prior to accepting the tender.
Mrs Crane proposed. Mr Herbert seconded. All Agreed. There were no dissensions.
Mrs Crane advised that Tony Speizick of Northampton Borough Council had confirmed that he did not see any reason why the Borough could not carry out the annual Health and Safety check on the MUGA.
Mrs Tavener raised the question of Mrs Crane clearing the MUGA on a daily basis and advised that residents should not be involved in this. The meeting was advised
that clarification on Mrs Crane’s role in clearing the MUGA was awaited from NALC.
The meeting discussed the improvements that had been made to Errington Park:
and the suggestion that these should be displayed at the Duston Show and inviting residents to write down what improvements they would like to see in the future.
The Environment Working Party is working on new designs for Duston Signs and Mr Huffadine-Smith will provide materials to allow residents to add their ideas for improvements.
Mrs Tavener reminded everyone that the Duston Show is only two weeks away and now must be a priority.
Mrs Crane circulated a site plan of the Duston show together with a list of participants and advised that Northampton Borough Council had given permission for one of the amusement groups to arrive on the Friday night. Security will be covered by someone in attendance all night from the company.
A discussion took place on the fact that at times the parish tent was empty due to Councillors walking around the site talking to stall holders and residents and it was agreed that this year the tent should be manned by two people at all times to answer questions. All Agreed.
Mr Herbert thanked everyone and asked if there were any preference to time slots he needed to consider. Mrs Tavener asked for a later slot and Mrs Sharpe advised that she would be on holiday.
Mr Herbert asked for confirmation that it was in order for him to draw up a schedule of time slots. All Agreed.
Mrs Crane circulated a sample of trophies at a cost of £3.95 each for approval for prizes for the children at the Show for:
Mrs Crane advised that 12 will be required and they will be engraved Duston Show 2008 for free. 12 trophies will be purchased. All Agreed. There were no dissensions.
Mr Herbert reported that three primary schools are very keen to participate, St Luke’s, Eldean and Hopping Hill.
Mr Herbert advised that whilst Chiltern School had rejected any involvement but he will contact them again as he only wants the children to be made aware of the date and events they can participate in and is not expecting any involvement by the school.
Mr Herbert advised that there would not be individual packs for Councillors this year. All the information will be sellotaped to a table in the Parish tent for everyone to refer to.
Mrs Tavener thanked everyone for his or her time.
INVOICES FOR PAYMENT JUNE 2008
|
No. |
Invoice |
£ |
VAT |
|
|
100061 |
Northampton Borough Council Repayment of precept paid twice |
£156135.00 |
|
|
|
100065 |
Raine New salary |
£1037.13 |
|
|
|
10066 |
ACRE – annual subscription |
£40.00 |
|
|
|
100067 |
Raine New reimbursement - youth budget |
£80.57 |
|
|
|
100068 |
Northampton Borough Council – CCTV monitoring and maintenance
|
£6778.60
|
£1186.26
|
|
|
100069 |
T J Walden – Landscape Maintenance Contract- Footpaths Gardens Footpaths £586.25 Gardens £157.50 MUGA £210.00
|
£953.75
|
|
|
|
100070 |
E Gascoyne – salary Backdated increase from 1stApril £117.25 |
£1213.25 £117.25 |
|
|
|
100071 |
JB Events Facilities 2 Single Service Toilets £55 each 2 Single Disabled Toilets £95each Generator with fuel |
£110.00 £190.00 £250.00 |
£52.50
£43.75 |
|
|
100072 |
H M inspector of Taxes nic £261.91 tax£219.20 EG LN nic £201.45 tax £169.20 |
£852.09 |
|
|
|
100073 |
D C A Rent - rent room hire6406 room hire 6401 room hire 6423
|
£125.00 £50.25 £11.10 £22.20
|
|
|
|
100074 |
ESPO stationery - |
£29.59
|
£5.17
|
|
|
100075 |
DNG Dove Naish – dslc Business Plan |
£500.00 |
£87.50 |
|
|
100076 |
Helen Mason – consultancy 4 hours at £45.00 Mileage 2 trips at 40 miles 0.40p per mile |
£180.00 £16.00 |
|
|
|
100077 |
Face Painter – Duston show |
£90.00 |
£ |
|
|
100078 |
Midland Newspapers Limited – delivery newsletter |
£40.50 |
£7.09 |
|
|
100079 |
Zurich municipal – P Riches Local Council Advisory Service Health & Safety Seminar 7.2.2008 |
£60.00 |
£10.50 |
|
|
100080 |
David Huffadine-Smith dslc gazebo |
£34.99 |
|
|
|
100081 |
Smh Enterprises - Youth worker |
£25.00 |
|
|
|
100082 |
Go-Karting – Duston show |
£480.00 |
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
£169422.27 |
£1392.77 |
|
|
CURRENT |
(as at 28.5.2008 £23228.75 (Bank statement£ Barclays Bank £11107.09 Barclays Bank as 19.5.2008 |
|
|
|
|
RES |
As at 19.5.2008 - £266856.02 (Bank statement - Section 106 |
|
|
|
|
CAP RESERVE |
(as at 19.5.2008 ( Bank Statement £498453.38 |
|
|
|
Mrs Tavener advised that the minutes had been circulated and apologies that they were slightly late due to the Finance meeting being held on the previous Thursday.
Mrs Tavener advised the meeting she is happy to answer any questions on the invoices being presented for approval.
Mrs Tavener advised that the Dove Naish invoice was in respect of the Business Plan preparation for Duston Sports and Leisure Complex. Mike Pepper and David Clark attended the initial meeting to discuss the Business Plan and it appeared that this was going to be very useful. However, to date the advice received had been disappointing and it was agreed that Mr David Clark would produce this for the Duston Sports and Leisure Complex. Mrs Tavener will write to Dove Naish advising them of this.
Mr Herbert referred to the invoice to Northampton Borough Council in payment of the printing of the newsletter and raised the question of delivery for this for the next issue. It was agreed that the production of the newsletter be put as an Agenda item for July.
Mrs Edwards will ensure remaining newsletters are taken to the Parish tent at the Day in the Park and to be made available for everybody on the day.
Mrs Tavener proposed. Mrs Edwards seconded payment of all the invoices as presented. All Agreed. There were no dissensions.
Mrs Tavener proposed. Mrs Edwards to move £10,000 from the Business Premium Account to the Community Account. £1000 had already been transferred by Steve Clayton our Business Manager at Barclays Bank to allow sufficient fund to pay cheque when presented by Raine New for her salary. All Agreed. There were no dissensions.
No update
Mr Pepper referred to the minutes circulated in respect of this meeting and advised that there had been no contentious items.
Mr Pepper advised that notification that 87 Duston Wildes was going to Appeal before the Planning Inspectorate and duly reported he would attend if necessary. However, it is his belief that it does not make any difference whether you address him or not as all the fact gathered are put before him. Mr Pepper stated that a good letter had been sent to the Planning Department of Northampton Borough Council and the inspector will receive this.
This appeal will be discussed at the next planning meeting when all our papers and notes will be discussed and if it is found to be necessary a further letter will sent with our comments for his consideration.
Mr Huffadine-Smith stated that he had made it clear to the chairman of Planning that he lives fairly near to the premises and has therefore Declared and Interest and I wish to reiterate that it my intention to object I a personal capacity on this. Mr Huffadine-smith repeated that he would be objecting in his own right on this one.
Mrs Tavener advised that she had emailed progress and was in total support of the residents
FC/06/48 Correspondence:
None.
FC/06/49 Date of next meeting Thursday, 3rd July at 7.30pm in Duston Community Centre.