Council Meeting, 30 January 2013

HELMDON PARISH COUNCIL
All Councillors are summoned to an Ordinary Meeting of Helmdon Parish Council to be held in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon on Wednesday 30th January 2013 commencing at 7.30 pm.
Members of the public and Press are invited to attend and to participate in the Open Forum
1. Apologies for Absence
2. To receive and consider any requests for dispensations
3. Declarations of Interest
4. Approval and Signature of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 28 November 2012
5. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Meeting of 28 November 2012
6. Open Forum
7. To receive updates from the Clerk regarding previous water related issues: NCC, Anglian Water and
MGWSP, Bulkhead Properties and to consider issue of blocked ditches
8. Finance th th a) Financial statement b) Bills for payment c) To note payments received th d) To note adjustment to daybook of £24 VAT and cheque numbering error on Minutes of 14
May 2012
e) To award grass cutting tender f) To award Jubilee Gates tender, having regard to funding g ) To receive recommendations from the Finance Committee regarding this year’s
Grant Policy and resolve whether to accept them h) To resolve the newsletter budget and how to allocate it i) To set the budget for expenditure 2012-13 (receiving recommendations from Finance Committee)
j) To set the precept for 2012-13 (receiving recommendations from Finance Committee) having regard to recent communications from SNC
9. Planning:
a)
b)
c)
d)
To receive update regarding the Broadview Energy Ltd Wind Farm development
To receive decisions of Planning committee on applications since 28/11/12
To consider response to re-consultation from NCC regarding Helmdon Station Bridge
Update from Parish Clerk regarding outstanding applications
10. Correspondence Review
11. Annual Documentation Review – a) Standing Orders b) Financial Regulations
12. To consider a proposal to establish a Community First Responder Scheme for Helmdon
13. To appoint a panel of two councillors to carry out the clerk’s annual appraisal
14. Update on works to bridge on Station Rd
15. To review action required to achieve eligibility for the General Power of Competence
16. Paths Group – to receive P4C project update
17. To consider available training for Tree Wardens
18. Update from School Liaison Councillors
19. Update from Playground Committee
20. Councillors’ Questions c) Risk Assessment
Signed _______________________
Dated________________________
Liz Hart, Parish Clerk
[address removed]

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HELMDON PARISH COUNCIL
Draft Minutes of the Ordinary meeting of Helmdon Parish Council held on
Wednesday 30th January 2013 in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon at 7:30pm
Present: Councillors Burns, Barnes, England, Moody, Garner, Duncombe, Adhemar,
Parish Clerk: Liz Hart
Five members of the public were present.
Action
1 Apologies for Absence
Cllr Coatsworth and Cllr England had sent apologies due being away and ill respectively; these were accepted by the meeting.
2 To receive and consider any requests for dispensations
The Clerk advised that she had received no requests for dispensations.
3 Declarations of Interest
The following declarations were made:
Cllr Barnes – Item 8b) – payment to Greenbarnes Ltd
Cllr Moody – 8b) – payment to Helmdon.com
Cllr Burns – planning application S/2012/1557/MAO to be considered at the following planning meeting.
4th Approval and Signature of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 28 November
2012
th Cllr Moody proposed, seconded by Cllr Garner, that the Minutes of 28 November be approved. All were in favour and Cllr Burns signed the Minutes.
5th Matters Arising from the Minutes of 28 November 2012
Item 4 – Speed Limit – Clerk updated the meeting. A consultation regarding the proposal for the B4525 to become a 50 mph limit in the areas currently at the national speed limit is expected to be received shortly.
6 Open Forum
The Parish Council was thanked for purchasing the new notice board which has been installed on the Square.
The collapse of the listed barn on Sulgrave Road was noted. The Clerk advised that the SNC
Conservation Officer has visited the site to see if Building Control needed to take any action. It was also commented that loose sheep from the farm have been a problem and that members of the parish had helped contain them.

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To receive updates from the Clerk regarding previous water related issues: NCC,
Anglian Water and MGWSP, Bulkhead Properties and to consider issue of blocked ditches
The Clerk reported that no further reports had been received from NCC, Anglian Water or
Bulkhead properties. It was noted that the water table is currently exceptionally high. It was felt that the authorities should be given a further 7 days to respond; the Clerk was asked to check with Josie Bateman what NCC could do as Lead Flood Authority and what information they th would need. It was resolved to call an Extra ordinary meeting for 27 February. It was suggested that if Bulkhead Properties were not forthcoming, the Parish Council could consider commissioning the work and invoicing Bulkhead Properties.
Clerk
Richard Farquaharson informed the meeting that the report by David Smith Associates had now been published and he also summarised an email from Josie Bateman regarding the flood incident reporting process.
It was noted that ditches on the Sulgrave Road had been filled in with horse manure and waste. It was resolved that the Clerk should write to the owner to ask they be cleared.
Clerk
8 Finance a) Financial statement
It was resolved to accept the following financial statement:
Current Account (Coop) £24,865.69
b) Bills for payment
It was resolved to pay the following bills:
Accounts Payable NET VAT GROSS Cheque
Brown and Barden (Invoice 3525) 180.00 36.00 216.00 500312
EON UK 94.40 18.88 113.28 500313
E Hart – Clerk’s Wages 684.08 0.00 684.08 500314
Helmdon.Com 150.00 0.00 150.00 500315
Greenbarnes Ltd 3208.69 641.73 3850.42 500316
EON 152.65 7.63 160.28 500317
Northamptonshire ACRE membership[ 35.00 0.00 35.00 500318
The Clerk was asked to write a note of thanks to Brown and Barden for their excellent service throughout the year.
c) To note payments received
The following receipts were noted:
Clerk

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Payments Received Amount
Interest (Dec) 4.34
Interest (Jan) 3.60
d) To note adjustment to daybook of £24 VAT and cheque numbering error on Minutes of 14th May 2012
The Clerk advised that the accounts for 2012-13 had been adjusted by £24 to account for an th input error in 2011-12 of a net amount. It was further noted that the Minutes of 14 May 2012
required retrospective correction of three cheque numbers.
e) To award grass cutting tender
After due consideration of tenders received, it was resolved to accept the tender of £1370 plus
VAT received from Brown and Barden.
f) To award Jubilee Gates tender, having regard to funding
A tender had been received from Patrick Gartside. After due consideration it was resolved to review the funding situation at the next meeting in February in the hope that the tender could be awarded at that point.
g) To receive recommendations from the Finance Committee regarding this year’s
Grant Policy and resolve whether to accept to accept them.
It was resolved to accept the recommendation from the Finance Committee to use the same form and policy as previously.
h) To resolve the newsletter budget and how to allocate it
It was resolved to allocation a budget of £400 for payment to the editor (Clerk to continue in this role) and that this should be added to the Clerk’s annual pay.
i) To set the budget for expenditure 2013-14 (receiving recommendations from Finance
Committee)
The Parish Council considered the budgetary lines as recommended by the Finance
Committee (Appendix A).
It was resolved to set the budget at £19439.12
j) To set the precept for 2012-13 (receiving recommendations from Finance Committee)
having regard to recent communications from SNC
The Parish Council reviewed the recommendations from the Finance Committee. It was resolved to set the precept at £13663. It was noted that the Parish Council may in addition receive an amount from SNC under the Council Tax Reduction Scheme; if this was the case it would be accounted for in general reserves the following year.
9 Planning:
a) To receive update regarding the Broadview Energy Ltd Wind Farm development
The Clerk advised that it was currently not clear exactly what form the new Inspectorate
Inquiry would take; clarification from the Planning Inspectorate was awaited by HSGWAG.
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b) To receive decisions of Planning committee on applications since 28/11/12
Application: S/2012/1470/PE
Location : Greatworth to Helmdon overhead power line
Proposal: Rebuild and re-conductoring of existing overhead distribution lines and some replacement poles. Replace a short section of underground cable with overhead lines
It was resolved to have no objections to the application.
Application: S/2012/1484/PE
Location: Peters Farm Helmdon
Proposal: Rebuild and replace overhead power lines
It was resolved to have no objections to the application.
Application: S/2012/1532/LBC
Location: 40 Church St Helmdon
Proposal: Partial underpinning to front wall and application of heli-bars to cracked areas
It was resolved to have no objections to the application.
c) To consider response to re-consultation from NCC regarding Helmdon Station Bridge
The Clerk was asked to make a formal complaint regarding the errors made and copy Andrew
Grant and Eric Pickles.
d) Update from Parish Clerk regarding outstanding applications
No further updates to report.
10 Correspondence Review
Correspondence as per Appendix B was reviewed. The communication from SNC regarding sandbags was highlighted. The Clerk was asked to forward all information regarding the Best
Village competition to Cllr Coatsworth.
11 Annual Documentation Review – a) Standing Orders b) Financial Regulations
Assessment c) Risk
It was resolved to re-adopt all documentation as circulated prior to the meeting.
12 To consider a proposal to establish a Community First Responder Scheme for Helmdon
It was resolved that the proposal should be advertised in Helmdon Voice.
13 To appoint a panel of two councillors to carry out the clerk’s annual appraisal
It was resolved that Cllr Moody and Cllr Burns will carry out the appraisal.
14 Update on works to bridge on Station Rd
The latest information had been circulated in the Highways’ Newsletter; works may be completed this year if the finances are available.
Clerk

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To review action required to achieve eligibility for the General Power of Competence
The Clerk confirmed she would complete the necessary module prior to the next PC meeting.
16 Paths Group – to receive P4C project update
The Parish was informed that under the Paths for the Community scheme, a new path is being proposed in Sulgrave. In Helmdon it was felt that a new permissive path may be more appropriate.
It was noted that Jim Cosford had retired, but not yet been replaced.
17 To consider available training for Tree Wardens
Due to a lack of any information being available, Roger Miles volunteered to contact NCC’s
Co-ordinator to ascertain who is responsible for Tree Wardens.
18 Update from School Liaison Councillors
Cllr Adhemar had met with Mrs Johnson, Clare Hedley, and an IT rep from MCS. The project had the full support of the school as long as there were no cost implications to the school. It was suggested that the school could be used as a hub; Cllr Moody will write to Mrs Johnson clarifying the plans.
Cllr Moody
Cllr Adhemar had informed the school that routine maintenance repairs were being arranged by the Parish Council. Mrs Johnson would need to see plans regarding any new equipment being considered.
The issue of the drainage ditch had been raised – Mrs Johnson had requested to see the report from AWA; the Clerk will send the leaflet and accompanying report.
Cllr Adhemar advised that future meetings were to be on an ad hoc basis; Mrs Johnson had commented on the benefits of the meeting. Cllr Burns thanked Cllr Adhemar for her efforts and report.
19 Update from Playground Committee
The report from the Commmitte was reviewed; the Clerk was asked to obtain quotes.
Cllr Garner raised the issue that there is no access to the equipment for pre-school children during school hours as the gates are locked. It was commented that this had been discussed previously by the Parish Council. Cllr Simpson will ask to access the Minutes of the Governing
Body to identify what reasoning had been applied regarding not providing access.
20 Councillors’ Questions
The Clerk was asked to write to Highways thanking them for prompt refilling of the grit bins and gritting in general..
Sign on Church Street is in a poor location and it was asked whether it could be re–located.
It was commented that poor postal service had been experienced during the recent bad weather.
The clerk will contact SNH regarding the access to the allotments which has been churned up.
The meeting closed at 9:50 pm
Cllr Simpson

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th Appendix B – Correspondence Received – 29 November 2012 – 15 January 2013
South Northamptonshire Council
• Weekly Planning Application listings
• Planning Applications:
o S/2012/1582/LBC – 55 Wappenham Road Helmdon – New porch, new bay window & alterations to existing porch to provide an enclosed porch with new door to west elevation.
New roof light to east elevation & internal alteration to door opening to second floor study
– consultation
•
o S/2012/1557/MAO – Foxhill Brackley – 180 residential dwellings o S/2012/1498/PCC Helmdon Station Bridge – for information only
Press releases regarding : grant cuts from Central Government, food hygiene information, cluster fly infestations, unemployment figures, funding to Kings Sutton for flood alleviation scheme
• Request for precept and accompanying letter, further communication regarding CTRS grant and precept setting
• Changes to electoral role
• Communication on Sandbag and Flooding
• Job Club Information
Northamptonshire County Council
• Information on Community Speedwatch programme
• Rights of Way information regarding Jim Cosford’s retirement
• Draft budget information
• Draft Northamptonshire Local Flood Risk Management Strategy
• Police budget information and invitation to respond
• Superfast Broadband Newsletter
• Policing Updates and ward newsletters
• Highways newsletter and programme for 2013-14
• Consultation on Speeding Restrictions, consultation on Minerals and Waste Strategy
• Helen Howard – information on B4525
• Melanie Wyatt – Station Rd Bridge update
• Information regarding ordering salt for community groups, schools, Parish Councils
• Parish Satisfaction Questionnaire – MGWSP
• Planning Application – Station Road Bridge – consultation on updated plans
NCALC
• Query regarding the Code of Conduct adopted
• Update Nov/Dec
• Response to query regarding Council Tax Reduction Scheme and letter from SNC on precept setting

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• Further information regarding precept setting (no capping) ,and DPIs,
• Clerk vacancy information
• Details of training courses
• Community self help and flood planning workshop information – 7 February th
Miscellaneous
• SNVB information and newsletters
• SNAG against HS2 – request for £500 from Helmdon Parish Council
• Came and Company – information on new members’ website, memo regarding increased frequency in public liability claims, winter weather information
• ACRE – information on community website workshop, subscription information, details of Best
Village Competition
• Andrea Leadsom – Christmas message
• National Trust – details of job vacancies at National Trust
• Anglian Water – various updates from Liz McBreen
• Articles for inclusion in Helmdon Voice
• Parish Online newsletter
• Rural Services Network Digests
• Victim Support – request for financial support
• Northants 50+ Network Events
• Coop : bank statement – Dec 2012,Jan 2013, chequebook
• Tenders for grass cutting and Jubilee Wall
• CPRE – Fieldwork Newsletter
• SNH – a guide to welfare reform
• Simon Morris – letter regarding verges on Falcutt Lane (due to Station Rd traffic lights)
• Richard Farquharson – communications regarding flooding issues
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