6th March 2007

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6th March 2007

Published unapproved for ratification at the April 3rd meeting.
543
MINUTES OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL METING
HELD AT THE PAVILION ON MARCH 6th 2007

Present:- Cllr M Burt (chairman)
Cllr E Horton (vice-chairman)
Cllr Mrs A Buckley
Cllr R Corben
Cllr S Corben
Cllr A Frampton
Cllr B Trowbridge
Also present:- Mrs D Burt (clerk), Mrs H Cox (DCC) and two members of the public.
The chairman welcomed back Mrs Burt as clerk. At the closed session following the March meeting it was agreed that Mrs Burt would take on the post of clerk for the next 6 months, the situation to be reviewed later.
1) APOLOGIES None
2) THE MINUTES of February 6th having been circulated to councillors and notice boards were taken as read. It was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Horton that they be signed by the chairman, this was agreed.
3) POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC RELATING TO ITEM 5 ONLY None
4) DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Trowbridge declared an interest in item 6a) as related to an applicant.
Cllr Burt declared an interest in item 6a) as a neighbour of an applicant.
5) MATTERS ARISING
i) Recreation Ground
ï¿½ The clerk put forward the alcohol licence agreement with Okeford United Football Club for annual review. After some discussion it was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge that the agreement should continue, this was agreed. Cllrs S Corben, R Corben and A Frampton declared an interest as members/officers of OUFC.
ï¿½ The chairman reported having gone to the DVLA office at Poole to re register the tractor (see item 12) and renew the road fund licence at no charge, it is exempt from MOT.
ï¿½ A mower bearing had to be replaced in February (see item 12).
ï¿½ Following discussions with a representative of the Playing Fields Association the chairman had received a funding application form. The project would be to complete the tarmac surface on the car park which would then be suitable for use as a netball court. Quote to be sought.
ï¿½ After a long discussion about the ramp at the double doors to the pavilion it was agreed to get a quote for a tarmac ramp.
ï¿½ The chairman reported that the driver of the recycling lorry has now got a gate key. The clerk to write to NDDC about the sign and bin.
ï¿½ Cllr Trowbridge reported that there had been a problem with the trailer which was to be used to pick up the seesaw. He hoped to arrange its collection shortly.
ii) Bowey Field
ï¿½ Cllr Horton reported on the talks he had had regarding inmates from HMP YOI Guys Marsh doing voluntary work in the community, specifically at Bowey Field. He had been given a ï¿½Memorandum of Understandingï¿½(appendix A) which sets out what is expected for the workers such as toilet facilities and a place to eat (Cllr & Mrs Horton have offered their home for this purpose), type of work, transport, equipment, safety etc. It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Mrs Buckley that the scheme be set in motion, this was agreed. Cllr Horton would continue to liaise and a date will be set for the work to commence. He said there is other work in the parish such as overgrown footpaths which might be suitable work for the future.
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ï¿½ Cllr Frampton reported that there was some graffiti on the play equipment.
ï¿½ The clerk to write to NDDC about the repair/replacement of the litter bins.
iii) Chicken Processing Factory
The quarterly liaison meeting with representatives from Faccenda, Environment Agency, NDDC and the Parish Council has been arranged for March 7th.
A very bad odour was reported at the weekend, possibly from the chicken houses in Shillingstone Lane.
iv) New Cross
The chairman has talked with a representative from DCC requesting a meeting to discuss New Cross and other highway issues, DCC has agreed to set this up.
v) Community Planning
The SturQuest AGM is to take place on Wednesday 7th. Cllr Horton hopes to be able to attend.
vi) Housing Needs NFTR Item discharged
vii) Belchalwell Items
The grit bin has now been installed and filled.
viii) Parish Plan
The clerk passed a ï¿½Stakeholderï¿½ consultation paper from NDDC to Cllr Horton for his response. He reported that the Steering Group were meeting shortly to discuss questions for the questionnaire.
ix) Grass Cutting
The clerk has spoken to Mr Thompson who cut the grass in the previous season and while he does not want to commit himself to a 12 month period he would continue to cut the grass on a month by month basis, it was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Frampton that this arrangement is accepted, this was agreed.
x) Dog Fouling
Cllr S Corben reported that the leaflets had been circulated with the Blackmore Vale magazines and that he had paid ï¿½10 to the delivery boys (see item 12).
Cllr Horton had contacted the Dog Warden who had given him some information leaflets. The Dog Warden said that if an incident of dog fouling is witnessed and he is given the date, time, place and name of the dog owner, he could follow it up. This information is to be put in the Parish magazine and on notice boards.
xi) Drains ï¿½ Lower St and Castle Ave
Cllr Horton reported that the Lower St drains appear to be flowing freely.
There is still a problem with Castle Ave and The Pound.
Cllr Mrs Cox (DCC) said she would try to assist with these problems.
xii) Pavement by museum ï¿½ wheelchair access
The clerk reported that an officer from DCC, Blandford had visited the site and had agreed that the pavement near to the museum could be lowered and that he would issue instructions for early in the new financial year.
xiii) Post Offices ï¿½ consultation paper
Cllr Horton reported that he had responded personally and the chairman would response for the PC. .
xiv Employment Land Review ï¿½ consultation
Acknowledgement of response received.
xv) Any Other Matters Arising
Travellers - Cllr Mrs Cox (DCC) had written that there are now no plans for Conygar to become a permanent site.
Mrs Cox asked if there were any other points she could help with.
A member of the public voiced his concern about money being spent on buses like Nordcat which was creating unfair competition for private companies.
Mrs Cox replied that Dorset County Council was looking at buying more buses for certain routes because as the contracts for private companies are coming in they are getting more expensive. DCC

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would like to create an integrated system for use by Social Services, School runs etc and so the need to buy more buses.
The chairman thanked Cllr Mrs Cox and she left the meeting at 8:30pm.
6) PLANNING MATTERS
a) applications 2/2007/0141 ï¿½ Mr F Fox, Small Acre, Garlands Lane. Erect garage, demolish existing. It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Frampton that there be no objections, this was agreed.
2/2007/0176 ï¿½ Mr & Mrs Trowbridge, 30 Castle Ave. Erect double garage, two 2 storey extensions partly over existing single storey extension, form new access and parking. Cllr Trowbridge declared an interest and left the room.
After some discussion it was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr R Corben that there be no objections, this was agreed.
2/2007/0181 ï¿½ Mr A Trowbridge, Dorset Heights, Belchalwell. Erect agricultural barn to store hay & straw. It was proposed by Cllr R Corben and seconded by Cllr Horton that there be no objections, this was agreed.
b) decisions 2/2006/1410 ï¿½ Mill Farm, Shillingstone Lane. Erect temporary mobile log cabin. REFUSED as inappropriate materials, excessive scale and sporadic development.
2/2007/0019 ï¿½ Littlebrook Farm, Belchalwell St. Erect stable block, demolish existing. GRANTED
2/2007/0020 ï¿½ Littlebrook Farm. Erect barn and lean-to. GRANTED
c) other None
7) TOUGH CHOICES AT NDDC
The chairman, having attended several meetings about these issues, reported that the Partnerships were indicating that they were not willing to take on services. The Town and Parish Councils may be willing to take on the running of public toilets and street cleaning.
Via email Cllr Bignell (NDDC) reported that the District Council had voted for an increase of 5% in council tax for next year, the only amendment being for the retention of funding for some DCA posts which would be met from reserves. Many towns and parishes assisted with Tough Choices but the next few years will be challenging unless the Government allows taxation to rise to the National average.
The current tax is just over ï¿½92 for Band D, assistance from towns and parishes is around ï¿½10. He fears that unless the threat of capping is removed severe cuts in services will be required in the short term.
8) CORRESPONDENCE
ï¿½ CPRE- seminar May 8th at Dorchester ï¿½ ï¿½Parish Problemsï¿½
ï¿½ DAPTC ï¿½ circulars 02 & 03 including item on S137 for 2007/08 set at ï¿½5.64, LCR magazine and NALC review of quality Town & Parish scheme
ï¿½ NDDC ï¿½ would like a copy of response re Post Offices
ï¿½ DCC ï¿½ ROW improvement plan consultation Feb 12th ï¿½ Mar 23rd ï¿½ passed to Cllr Horton
ï¿½ Dorset History Forum ï¿½ information for notice board
ï¿½ Celebrate St Georgeï¿½s day April 23rd
ï¿½ Dorset AONB ï¿½ invitation to apply for funding
ï¿½ Standards Board ï¿½ Town & Parish Standard March issue
ï¿½ Various Eastern Division Police notices ï¿½ on notice boards
ï¿½ Woolbridge Motor Club ï¿½ rally through village March 25th at approx 2:30pm from the north east
ï¿½ Local Democracy Directorate ï¿½ consultation on amendments to Code of Conduct ï¿½ March 9th
ï¿½ DCC ï¿½ Vehicles in the Countryside ï¿½ draft policy consultation March 23rd passed to Cllrs Burt and Horton
ï¿½ DCC ï¿½ Dorset wins 4 stars in major inspection, one of the top councils in the country
ï¿½ My Place ï¿½ Government funded scheme for home ownership ï¿½ for notice board

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ï¿½ NDDC ï¿½ Planning & Compulsory purchase Act 2004 ï¿½ review. Hard copies available soon
ï¿½ DCC ï¿½ Minerals Development Plan draft scoping report March 1 ï¿½ April 5th hard copy available.
9) REPRESENTATIVEï¿½S REPORTS
Footpath Liaison Officer ï¿½ Cllr Horton reported on a diversion order for Bridleway 51. After some discussion it was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Frampton that the diversion be supported, this was agreed.
Village Hall ï¿½ Cllr Burt reported on the progress made on the extension, the floor had now been started and other jobs were being completed. There is still a shortage of funds and he hoped that a recent visit from DCC means more of the grant awarded is released.
10) DISTRICT COUNCILLORï¿½S REPORT (See item 7)
11) POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC
A member of the public informed the meeting about various bus timetables.
12) FINANCIAL MATTERS including Annual Risk Assessment
ï¿½ To pay:- Mrs D Burt- Salary (Feb) plus extra work carried out 759.20}
Clerkï¿½s expenses 160.69}
Plus receipts:- Ashley Power (mower parts) 36.13}
B & Q (energy saving lamps for pavilion) 5.88}
Autolock (keys cut) 34.80}ch no 311 996.70
Okeford Fitzpaine Village Hall ï¿½ hire for parish plan open day ch no 312 28.00
M Burt ï¿½ tractor registration ch no 314 20.50
S Corben ï¿½ reimbursement for delivery of dog fouling leaflets ch no 315 10.00
It was proposed by Cllr Frampton and seconded by Cllr Horton that these be paid, this was agreed. Cheques signed by Cllrs Trowbridge and Horton.
ï¿½ The clerk reported having received donations from ï¿½ T.O.P.S. of ï¿½10 and Mediation Dorset of ï¿½10.
ï¿½ Also received - from Mr Casebourne ï¿½20 for licence to park and access.
ï¿½ From the Audit Commission ï¿½ a letter asking if there is any objection to extending the appointment of the existing auditors, there was none.
ï¿½ The clerk presented two copies of the clerkï¿½s contract to be signed by the chairman and clerk. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Buckley and seconded by Cllr Horton that they be signed, this was agreed.
ï¿½ Annual Risk Assessment - After some discussion it was proposed by Cllr R Corben and seconded by Cllr Burt that the no parking and parked at owners risk signs for the Village Hall car park be replaced, this was agreed.
There was further discussion about finance and insurance and it was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Burt that with regard to finance, insurance, minutes, budgeting, buildings, and equipment, there were sufficient and adequate checks in place and that any items that came up at the last annual assessment had been dealt with, this was agreed.
13) A.O.B.
Cllr S Corben asked if councillors could have litter picker implements, it was proposed by Cllr S Corben and seconded by Cllr Frampton that three should be purchased, this was agreed.
14) THE NEXT MEETING will be the Annual Parish Meeting on April 3rd at 7:30pm followed by normal business. The chairman closed the meeting at 9:15pm.