Apologies for absence Cllr Lowe sent his apologies as he was unable to attend. The apology was accepted.
Cllr Weeks, Borough Councillor for the Exbourne Ward, seven members of the public and Rob Sekula from WDBC were present.
The minutes of the last meeting were signed as a true record.
The Chairman welcomed Rob Sekula, Economic and Community Development Project Officer at WDBC, who is to discuss the proposed application for a grant towards the street lighting.
Mr. Sekula explained that in October 2005 they received an application from the Parish Council for £5000 towards the costs of undergrounding the overhead cables in the village. WDBC decided to grant £1000. He stated he would keep this grant open. Cllr Weeks stated that at the time he felt this grant was mean. He has heard through Cllr Weeks that funding is now being sought for a more pleasing design of street lighting. A quotation has been submitted by DCC for £6000. Mr. Sekula stated that he would recommend that WDBC give a grant of one third (£2000). Mr. Sekula explained how the process works when an application is received. He stated that it was good to see the community was involved as if local fund raising is done it does help. He has a pot of £25,000, which is used to fund improvements to play equipment etc. Street lighting is not a very popular subject that attracts grants, but if he can thing of any other sources he will inform the parish council.
Mr. Bevis has spoken with DCC and it is possible to reduce the cost of the street lights (not install the casting kit) to just over £3000. Mr. Sekula stated if that was the case WDBC would provide one third of that cost.
Mrs. Williams stated she had spoken with the manager of Waitrose and he will contribute £100. She also suggested The Bursar at Kings College, Cambridge, who could be approached for a grant. She asked if it would be possible for the Millennium Fund bank account to be used. This will have to be discussed at a village hall committee meeting.
The Chairman thanked Mr. Sekula for attending the meeting. He then left.
PLANNING
The following applications have been received:-
Greenbank, S.C. extension to roof over conservatory. There were no objections.
Mr. Incoll, Chief Executive of WDBC, has written stating that to achieve an external appearance that better meets the original intention it has been suggested that the existing doors be reduced in size and hung either side of the glazed doors. The parish council felt unable to comment until they have some idea of what the actual proposal is to be (i.e. drawing or dimensions of the reduced doors).
MATTERS ARISING
Undergrounding of overhead cables (incorporating progress of street lighting) British Telecom have decided to retain the pole between Green Cottage and Lower Middletown. The clerk has been informed that it will cost thousands to remove (an inspection chamber alone will cost £3000). The chairman suggested asking the owner of the ground to request BT to remove it, but it was pointed out that he has accepted a full payment for it so this is not an option. The clerk stated she has been sent a copy of a letter sent by Mr. Owen to South West Water asking them to intervene and apply pressure to BT. If the pole was removed the entrance to the sewage works could be widened making it easier for them. The clerk has written to Mr. Jackson at BT in Exeter, but has not yet received a reply. She was asked to write to BT's Chief Executive and send a copy of the letter sent to Mr. Jackson.
The members of the public informed the parish council that there was no fund raising committee, but money would be raised.
One member of the public left the meeting.
Mr. Dommett at DCC has asked if the parish would like the part lighting (i.e. the lights go off at midnight and then come on at 6.30 am until it is light enough for them to go out again) to extend along the whole street up to Langdale. It was felt that this would be beneficial to residents and the environment. The clerk to ask if other streets can be considered.
Mr. Coleman has contacted the clerk and asked if it would be alright to have the consultation as a separate event to a council meeting. She felt that that would be alright. It was agreed the clerk contact him and try and arrange a date in May so that publicity can be put in the Roundabout. At the meeting those present can vote for the type of light they prefer.
Mr. Bevis has obtained costings of the street lights without the casting kit. Copies passed to all the Councillors. It certainly seems an option worth considering. The clerk to obtain written confirmation of the costings from Mr. Dommett.
Owing to other commitments Cllrs Weeks left the meeting along with three members of the public.
Five residents have written expressing their concern over the increase in this years parish precept. It was explained that £2000 was precepted for new play equipment. However, it is now possible that some of that money can go towards the street lights. The Parish Council did understand their concerns.
Two members of the public left the meeting.
Items about the street lighting have appeared in the Okehampton Times and Western Morning News.
Parish Plan we now have a clear vision of what residents wish to see maintained in the future. The village is attractive to newcomers and small businesses are welcomed. It is clear it should be a working community and not become a retirement village. There should be more families and children. Farming should be maintained.
Cllr Askew was thanked for his reports.
Children were in favour of improvements to the play equipment.
Mr. Coleman sent an email stating the present forms of communication are not adequate.
Parish Paths Partnership APPOINTMENT OF FOOTPATH LENGTHSMAN the current lengthsman has written stating he could be moving house soon and feels it would not be prudent to put his name forward. He has conducted his duties in a very professional manner and would have been an ideal candidate to carry on for a second year, but circumstances prevent this.
There are two other applicants - Mr Goundry and Mrs Tonge. It was decided to accept the application sent in by Mrs Tonge. The clerk to invite her to the next meeting so she can meet the Cllrs and ask any questions she may have.
Cllr Squire declared an interest and left the meeting.
APPOINTMENT OF PERSON TO MAINTAIN FOOTPATHS - there was one application from Mr. C.R. Squire, who has quoted £10.75 per hour for strimming and £7.25 per hour for manual work. The quotation was accepted.
Cllr Squire was invited back into the meeting and informed of the decision. He was also informed that if he ever requires any help then he should ask.
Public Toilets the clerk has sent a letter to Mr. Cloke informing him that the parish council is happy with the amended wording.
The rates bill is ?£83.81 for this year (?£49.28 last year - an increase of 13.8%). It is a little over the budgeted figure of £275
Mr. Beer has stated that he will check the water meter once a week. The chairman suggested the clerk find out if it is possible to join SWW scheme where you pay a fixed sum each year and this covers you for leaks.
Safety inspections on play equipment The chairman has carried out a visual inspection. The path needs attention and there is the pit dug out by Western Power Distribution. Tony Mogford Associates will be carrying out the annual inspection from 11th April. The second swing needs to be removed and the sign stating 'Childrens Play Area -No dogs' needs to be put up.
This inspection will be the final one under the current contract. The cost will go up to £55 next year, which will be held for the next three years.
Sampford Courtenay PCC have written asking that the sign be positioned within the play area. Cllr Squire will obtain a post and affix the sign to it.
It was decided not to do further inspections as most of the play equipment has been removed.
Highway Matters the parish lengthsman is scheduled for visits on 11/6/07 and 3/9/07.
The clerk has written to DCC about replacing the mirror at Sampford Chapple. They wish to know whether the parish purchased the mirror and had permission to erect it on highway land. The clerk has found a letter clearly stating that DCC authorised the placement of the mirror and will send a copy of this to DCC.
It was stated last December that the S.C. to Redpost road was to be surface dressed. This is incorrect it is the Honeychurch Moor from Bondleigh Moor Cross past Fishingclose Cross.
Cllr Squire stated that the water main has been tested and water has been running down West Barton Hill.
He requested the clerk contact DCC about the condition of the road.
Eastern Link Meeting the minutes of the last meeting have been received - passed to Cllr Simmonds.
FINANCE
The following has been received: -
DCC (Parish Paths Partnership grant) £365.00
Prior to the meeting cheques were signed for: -
DPFA (Annual subscription) £15.00
DAPC (Annual subscription) £100.50
Cheques were signed for the following: -
WDBC (1st instalment of rates due on public conveniences) £31.81
Mr. L. Beer (Toilet Cleaning 5/3/07-1/4/07) £42.80
Amount in bank is £269.86 and total in Reserve Account is £1,980.38 TOTAL - £2250.24
Represented thus P3 - £488.48 Precept, toilets + other £1534.47 Interest £180.38 Countryside Agency - £46.91
WDBC have confirmed they will pay the first half of the precept on April 11th (£3289.50) and the second half on 19th September.
The Audit Commission have appointed Alun Williams as auditor to Sampford Courtenay Parish Council for the financial year 2006/07
Community First have sent their renewal quotation for insurance. It is £414.69 and can be paid at the next meeting. Last year the insurance was £371.28 - a rise of 11.7%.
The clerk submitted petty cash claim for March totalling £7.94. The chairman checked the receipts and authorised payment. Cllr Harper checked the balance in the petty cash float.
The Chairman carried out a mini audit.
Three year forecast of Receipts and Payments for this current financial year and the next financial year these have been produced and will be discussed at the next meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
West Devon CVS Newsletter, Shelter, Okehampton & District Council for Voluntary Service, WDBC- Notice of elections, Devon Wheels 2 Work CIC, WDBC - Mayor of West Devon Civil Service, Devon Rural Transport partnership, WDBC - prospective candidates for parish councils, CCD -Making Devon Better, Department for Constitutional Affairs - Memorial safety (informed them not responsible for burial grounds), Police Authority Liaison Meeting, Devon Play - Playing for real.
Emails from DAPC - 16 councils to become unitary authorities, Lyons inquiry (Precepting), Local Council Review (opinion piece on size of councils), research on provision of websites for town and parish councils, Focus group sessions designed to get information on what people want for Devon, National Council Report of Chief Executive ( 27 pages can email to interested parties).
The clerk to copy the item from the Lyons inquiry about precepting to Cllrs.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There was none.
The dates for the next few meetings are: -
Tuesday 8th May 2007 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 29th May 2007 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 26th June 2007 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 24th July 2007 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 21st August 2007 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 18th September 2007 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 16th October 2007 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 13th November 2007 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 11th December 2007 at 7.30 p.m.,
There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.30 p.m.