KPC Minutes April 2005
Knapton Parish Council - Minutes of the ordinary meeting held on Tuesday 5 April 2005 in the Village Hall.
Present:
Alan Young (in the Chair)
David Ross
Karen Herbert-Okey
Dennis Watmuff
One member of the public.
1. Apologies
Norman Dodd
David Spencer
2. Declarations of Interest
Alan Young.
3. Minutes of the meeting held on 1 March
David Ross proposed, Karen Herbert-Okey seconded, and it was agreed that these constituted a correct record. The Chairman initialled and signed them.
4. Matters Arising
(a) Village Hall Car Park
The Car Park is now complete with the exception of the barrier. The Chairman stated that this would be fitted shortly.
(b) Trafalgar Weekend
Planning permission was still being sought to erect a flag pole, once cleared Blairs would be approached to put a base into position.
(c) Appointment of New Parish Clerk
The Chairman welcomed the Parish Clerk (Peter Holtam) to the team. The outgoing Parish Clerk (Don Venvell) stated that letters had been sent to the other applicants explaining the Parish Council's decision to offer this post to a resident of the village of Knapton. Don Venvell also stated that Peter Holtam had signed and returned the acceptance letter, and was taking over the position as of today (5 April 2005).
(d) Homewatch
The Clerk stated that he had got together with David Ross and produced a one page leaflet for review by the council. After discussion it was proposed by Karen Herbert-Okey and seconded by David Ross, that 6 Homewatch signs be purchased and displayed on all access roads to the village, this was carried unanimously. It was further proposed by David Ross and seconded by Karen Herbert-Okey, that a charge of £1 per household per year be levied on households joining the scheme. This was carried unanimously.
The Clerk will shortly produce the Homewatch leaflet and pass to nominated co-ordinators for onward distribution around the village.
(e) Bus shelter
As reported in the last minutes, the bus shelter was derelict and the Clerk was asked to write to the Ladies Group seeking financial assistance. The reply from the Ladies Group was that in their opinion the bus shelter should be suitably disposed off. It was proposed by Karen Herbert-Okey, and seconded by David Ross, that the bus shelter should be taken down, and the wood be offered to MADRA for maintenance use. This was carried unanimously.
The Chairman asked David Bishop-Legget who was present in the hall, if he would kindly remove the Millennium plaque from the shelter, and place on a post in the garden. David kindly agreed to undertake this task.
(f) MADRA
There currently did not appear to be any problems with access to this site.
5. Finance
(a) Don Venvell presented a summary of the accounts to the members present.
(b) The Clerk's remuneration of £124.89 was authorised.
(c) Other Payments: Payments to Blair Construction £3,543.80 for the Village Hall Car Park was authorised. However, the invoice of £300.33 has still not been paid to CHP Solicitors. We are awaiting the outcome of meeting between the Chairman and Senior Partner.
(d) It was noted that with the resignation of Henry Wild a new cheque signatory would be required. Karen Herbert Okey agreed to undertake this task, the Clerk will action the required paperwork from the bank.
It was proposed by Karen Herbert-Okey and seconded by David Ross that a sum of up to £150 be authorised for the purchase of a picture for the Village Hall. This was carried unanimously.
6. Planning
(a) David Ross had attended a meeting organised by the NNDC at Cromer for Town and Parish Councils.
(b) Pigneys wood scrape, there did not appear to be any reply.
(c) The planning application for Hillcrest and The Spinney had been approved, the latter with many conditions.
7. Correspondence
Information had been received regarding allotments and bus contracts. The council has been invited to the Grand Opening of the new 'Nelson Play Area' on the 17 April 2005.
8. Village Matters
(a) The constitution of the Council needed to be urgently addressed now there had been one resignation and another pending. The Clerk was instructed to display 2 vacancy notices on the Parish Notice Board.
(b) The presentation of a picture to Henry Wild to mark his long and dedicated service to the Council and to the village of Knapton was discussed. It was decided to approach Gillian Shephard and ask if she might be available to make this presentation at the AGM.
9. Reports
(a) Karen Herbert-Okey reported she had attended Crime Reduction Meeting during the appalling weather we had experienced. There was a worthwhile presentation on the use of ASBO's etc.
(b) David Ross gave an update on Pigneys Wood, noting a marsh harrier had been spotted. It is hoped that the wood will be granted official reserve status by NNDC and English Nature later this year, making Knapton the proud owner of 2 such nature reserves in the village.
(c) The Chairman stated that the Village Walk would take place on 30 May 2005, the idea being to test the condition of the pathways around the village.
(d) MADRA, new bark was being added around the climbing frames, things were progressing well for the forthcoming opening.
(e) The 'Welcome to Knapton' brochure was discussed. It is a very good start, but some additions were required before going to final print. The Clerk will progress this later.
10. Date of next meeting and agenda items
May 3 AGM followed by Parish Council Meeting- Budget for 2005/6 to be agreed.
Peter Holtam
Clerk to Knapton Parish Council