MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF LOSTOCK GRALAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 11 MAY 2009 AT ST. JOHN’S CHURCH HALL, LOSTOCK GRALAM
The meeting commenced at 7.30 p.m.
PRESENT: Parish Councillors E Guy, H Argent, A McEllin and S Wells
IN ATTENDANCE: N Clarke, Clerk
ALSO PRESENT: Members of the Public
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Parish Councillors J Foster, N Goulding and R Reece. Cheshire West and Chester Councillors N Wright and M Byram. PCSO G Jones.
PUBLIC FORUM
The following matters were raised by members of the public:
1. Ms Griffiths reported she is concerned that the footpath at the picnic area remains as a public right of way now the land is in private hands. Can it become a designated right of way? Clerk to check.
2. Mr P Kelly explained that he is persuing Cheshire West and Chester for answers regarding the speed problems along Manchester Road.
3. Eastfields pharmacy is asking for litter bins to be placed on Manchester Road near the shops.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of the council held on 6 April 2009, having been copied to members, were taken as read and were confirmed and signed as being a correct record.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 2 MARCH 2009.None
TO ELECT THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL FOR 2009/10
It was resolved that Shaun Wells become Chairman and Ann McEllin be Vice-Chairman for the year.
CO-OPTION OF NEW MEMBER
There was a resolution at the meeting that Mr Peter Kelly be co-opted onto Lostock Gralam Parish Council. This was agreed unanimously and Cllr Kelly joined the council after making his declaration of office.
REPORT FROM PCSO JONES
A written report has been received which includes the theft of a lawnmower, vehicles parking on Lodge Lane, continuing patrols on Manchester Road with fixed penalty notices issued.
REPORT FROM CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER COUNILLORS None present
INTERNAL AUDIT AND YEAR END ACCOUNTS
The Clerk reported that the Internal Audit has been completed by JDH Ltd. The following issues were raised from the audit:
1) “A payment was made during the year in respect of VAT to Groundwork Cheshire. There is no evidence of correspondence with HMRC that shows they would be eligible to reclaim.”
The Clerk reported that she had spoken to HMRC on 4-05-09 following a letter from them asking for more information. She confirmed that HMRC were happy with the explanation and that they were processing the claim.
2) “The total value of the contract with Groundworks was £97599.08, we see no evidence that this contract had been awarded as per the Standing Orders.”
The Council confirmed that the contract had been awarded to Groundwork Cheshire in July 2006 following investigation by the then Clerk, Jean Starkey, into finding a company to run the project. As Groundwork Cheshire were the only local company who were able to fund raise, tender and project manage the scheme it was resolved to suspend Standing Orders and appoint Groundwork. The clerk confirmed that two letters of appointment were signed in 2006 and 2009 with the agreement of the Council for each phase of the project which will be forwarded to the Audits along with a copy of these minutes.
Following circulation of the Year end accounts for 2008/9 the Council RESOLVED to accept the year end accounts as a true and accurate record.
BANKING ARRANGEMENTS
The Clerk reported that the application for change of bank from HSBC to the Co-op has now been completed by Councillors, and will now be sent off.
REPORT FROM THE CLERK
1. The Clerk reported that she had attending a site meeting with the Police and Highways regarding siting the interactive sign on Manchester Road. It will be positioned on column 29 facing towards Northwich. It is envisaged that the process will be quite lengthy due to ordering, installation etc.
2. A grant of £25,000 has been awarded to Friends of Stubbs Lane Play Area from Veolia Trust. After discussion with Groundwork, this brings the total to £34,000 in grants. It was RESOLVED that the Council agree to fund the remainder of the project (approximately £10,000) from reserves.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
Correspondence copied to council
1. CWAC correspondence regarding traffic issues.
2. Thank you card from A McEllin.
3. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Corporate Plan
4. The Playing Field Spring 09
5. Clerks and Councils Direct May 09
6. Speed Limit Review
7. Go Local information
8. Mid-Cheshire Footpath Society
9. The Clerk May 09
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The following planning applications have been received and sent to council for approval.
Consultation Vodafone
Proposed Vodafone Base Station in the Lostock Gralam area.
Agreed to option 2.
H148/H1444 INEOS Enterprises Ltd
Application to carry out mineral working and associated development
Land at Park Farm, Holford Brinefields, Lostock Green
PLANNING DECISIONS
The following decisions have been received by the Clerk:
09-00376-COU Jack Richards & Son
Land to North East of Haulage Yard, Griffiths Road
Change of use of part of site from HGV tractor and trailer parking to storage of Hire Cars (Retrospective)
Permitted with Conditions
PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS
It was resolved to accept payment of the following accounts:
Chq no. Payee Amount
100807 JDH Business Ltd – Internal Audit 08/09 106.50
100808 Countrywide Grounds Maintenance May 09 209.30
100809 Claymore Business Machines – Photocopier 08/9 44.85
NOTIFICATION OF FUTURE BUSINESS
Standing orders
Risk Assessment
Code of Conduct
Pay Review
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on Monday 1 June at Lostock Gralam Church Hall at 7.30 p.m.