KPC Minutes Dec 2007
Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 4 December 2007 in the Village Hall at 7.30 pm.
Present: Alan Young (in the Chair)
Karen Herbert-Okey
Bea Gatfield
Clyte Venvell
Norman Dodd
Peter Kaye
Sally Dodd
4 members of the public
District and County Councillors:
Graham Jones, Wyndham Northam
1. Apologies
None.
2. Register of Interests
Norman & Sally Dodd (MADRA, Allotments, and Newsletter), Bea Gatfield (Newsletter) Peter Kaye (Pygneys Wood).
3. Minutes of last meeting
After having read the minutes of the last meeting it was proposed by Norman Dodd and seconded by Karen Herbert-Okey that the minutes constituted a true record of events and were carried.
4. Matters arising
Standing Orders
After discussion and in the light of additions that could be made regarding the Code of Conduct this was carried over until the New Year. This sub committee will report back to the full Parish Council in due course.
Action: Sub Committee.
5. Financial Report
The Parish Clerk being the RFO stated that Knapton Parish Council currently has £919.10 in the current account and £5,072.27 in the Deposit Account. However, the Clerk stated that the transfer of £1,000 into the deposit account is not showing on the latest balance statement, the Clerk will contact the bank to rectify the situation.
Donations to local organizations
Clyte Venvell had outlined to the Council at the last meeting that in the past a sum of money had been donated to Village groups such as the Churchs etc. The Clerk had been tasked with taking soundings to find out if there were indeed some worthwhile causes to which the Council could make a small donation. There were indeed worthy causes from both Churches in the village, and after discussion it was proposed by Norman Dodd and Seconded by Sally Dodd that a sum of £100 be donated to the Parish and Methodist Churches. This was carried unanimously.
Action: Parish Clerk
Recent Expenditure
An invoice for £98 had been received from the Chairman for expenses incurred during the past year, plus an invoice for £153.66 for the repairs and expenses incurred in cutting the hedges surrounding the Millennium field, plus the Clerks remuneration. It was proposed by Peter Kaye and seconded by Karen Herbert-Okey that these be paid. This was carried.
The Clerk stated he had received a letter asking the Parish Council to consider joining the Norfolk Rural Community Council (NRCC). After discussion it was proposed by Clyte Venvell and seconded by Sally Dodd that a subscription of £15 be paid. This was carried.
Action: Parish Clerk
6. Planning
No news yet on the OPP at the Spinney, but the outcome should be known sooon.
7. Correspondence
This was on circulation.
8. Village matters
Bus Shelter
This now needed to be addressed by the Parish Council. First of all an acceptable sight must be found. The Chairman stated that he would undertake to get a Safety Audit carried out, and will report back.
Action: Chairman
Land at 4 Ways
The Clerk stated he had contacted the Mundesley Town Clerk and outlined to her what we were planning to do, as there seems to be some differing opinions in the town.
The Clerk undertook to contact Highways about the culvert in this area.
Open Discussion
It was reported by a member of the public present that the road markings coming from 'the street' onto Hall Lane and indeed at the entry onto the main road were in urgent need of repair. The Clerk stated he had other reports in this area and would contact Highways.
Action: Parish Clerk
The Chairman of MADRA stated he was very concerned about a recent comment made in the last Parish Council minutes which had subsequently been printed in the local paper. It had caused a lot of ill feeling within MADRA. The Chairman of Knapton Parish Council stated he understood why MADRA were concerned and apologised to them on behalf of the Parish Council.
Tricia Doidge (Editor of Parish Newsletter) was present and the Chairman and Parish Council congratulated her on the latest Newsletter, it is very well received in the village. Tricia asked to come and give an update on the Parish Plan at the next meeting.
Reports
Griffon Safer Neighbourhood (Karen Herbert-Okey) nothing to report.
Griffon Area Partnership (Clyte Venvell): There was a substantial amount to cover, so this was passed on for routine circulation.
Pygneys wood (Peter Kaye): A lot of planting was now taking place and many local youngsters were getting involved, this was very good to see.
MADRA (Norman Dodd): Norman stated that MADRA were looking for support as a refurbishment was being planned.
District and County Councillors reports
District:
Councillor Graham Jones urged to Parish Council to support the Griffon Area Partnership, it was doing a lot of good.
Both our District and County Councillors aired their respective views on the subject of Norwich's Unitary Bid.
County:
Unitary Bid
Norfolk County Council Conservative Administration would prefer the status quo but the Boundary Committee has said we have to make a case for Unitary Status for Norfolk. Our preference is for one Unitary for the whole of Norfolk, including Norwich otherwise 2 Unitary's, Norwich and Norfolk.The County Council has proved it's ability by achieving 4 star status. My personal opinion is that Norfolk split into more than two Unitary's would be unsustainable and would prove to be a millstone around the necks of Council Tax payers with no guarantee of a better service than is already being provided by the County Council.
Recycling Centres.
Following representations which had been made to me I took up the issue and was advised the staff at the recycling centres would be pleased to assist anyone who had problems disposing their green waste into the low level bins. All sites now offer recycling facilities for tetrapaks,tin foil, books, electrical items and gas bottles.
Partnership Initiative for multi agency visits to the elderly of North Norfolk
The Initiative is being launched on Monday 26th November at the Fire Station, Sheringham, The multi agency is the combination of Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, Age Concern-North Norfolk, Adult Social Services and Norfolk Police and they will give advice on Home Fire Safety, Home Security, Basic Care and Repair and Benefits advice. lf required they will install domestic smoke alarms, enhanced alarms for those with hearing or mobility difficulties and basic home security devices.
Shop and Go scheme
The County Council is expanding the successful Shop and Go service to the Thickthorn Park and Ride, it is already in operation at the Airport and Harford Park and Ride sites. Customers do their shopping in Norwich then take it to Jarrolds Customer service desk on Floor 2. The items are then safely transferred to the appropriate Park and Ride site arriving there within 45 minutes of them being left at Jarrolds.
Recent Serious Flood Alert.
During discussions over the last few months over the possible discontinuation of Flood warning sirens concerns have been expressed about the resources being available under the new system. l am pleased to report appropriate resources were available during the flood alert last week. They included 100 police to be drafted in to evacuate people, 20 Fire and Rescue vehicles from around the Region and a flotilla of inflatable rescue boats were on hand at the Bowthorpe Norwich Fire and Rescue Training Centre. Norfolk has over the week end received national praise for the way they prepared for the emergency.
The Chairman wished everyone present a Very Merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful 2008 and offered those present some refreshment.
There being no further business to discuss the meeting was closed at 9.15 pm.
Signed__________________________
Alan Young (Chairman Knapton Parish Council)