2nd October 2007

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2nd October 2007

Published unapproved for ratification at the November 6th meeting
569
MINUTES OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD AT THE PAVILION ON OCTOBER 2nd 2007
Present:- Cllr M Burt (chairman)
Cllr E Horton (vice-chairman)
Cllr T Burt
Cllr R Corben
Cllr S Corben
Cllr A Frampton
Also present:- Mrs D Burt (clerk), Cllr Mrs A Burch (NDDC) and three members of the public.

1) APOLOGIES Cllr B Trowbridge (unwell) & Cllr Mrs H Cox.

2) THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 4th having been circulated to Cllrs and notice boards, were taken as read. Cllr Horton noted two amendments ie item 5iv) Matters Arising/Belchalwell & Fiddleford Items ï¿½ line 2 should read ï¿½The finger post at the junction near Garlands Farm is brokenï¿½.ï¿½ And item 6) Planning Matters/applications ï¿½ application number 2/2007/0957 line 2 should have inserted ï¿½that there be no objectionï¿½ between Cllr Trowbridge and this was agreed. It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Frampton that the amended minutes by signed by the chairman, this was agreed.

3) POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC RELATING TO ITEM 5 ONLY None

4) DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllrs A Frampton, R Corben and S Corben as members of Okeford United Football Club.
Cllrs A Frampton and M Burt as members of the Village Hall Management Committee.
Cllrs M Burt and E Horton as members of the DAPTC.
Cllr M Burt as member of NDCPSG and LDWG.
Cllr E Horton as member of NDDC Standards Committee.
Cllr R Corben (item 5xi) being member of group which uses Conygar Copse.

5) MATTERS ARISING
i) Recreation Ground
The chairman reported having met Mr Tomblin from the Playing Fields Association to discuss the proposed netball court. He had said that it was unlikely that grant aid would be given for anything less than a full size court. After some discussion it was decided not to progress the project at this time and perhaps look at a bigger project in the future at the top end of the field to include an all weather surface which would benefit more people.
Cllr Frampton reported that the litter bin in the car park is broken.
Cllr R Corben reported on the increasing problem of dogs being exercised on the field, it was decided to put more signage in place and replace the old sign on the pedestrian gate so that it is clear that dogs are only allowed on the footpath on leads.
The chairman went through the RoSPA report on the play equipment/area, there are several ï¿½low riskï¿½ items to monitor.
Cllr S Corben reported that a plaque with information about the clock had been hung in the Pavilion.
The clerk asked if there was anywhere in the Pavilion which could be converted to use as storage/office space. After some discussion it was suggested that the shower room in the old part was not in use and could be utilised. Also space may be found in the proposed tractor garage/store. It was agreed that Cllrs M Burt and R & S Corben should meet on site to consider a plan for the garage and look at potential office space and report to the next meeting.

570
Cllr Frampton said that the extractor fans in the changing rooms were not adequate and felt that stronger ones were needed, he said that the Football Club would pay and agreed to look into it and report back to the next meeting.
Cllr R Corben reported that there is a serious rabbit problem in the field, he said that he knew a responsible marksman with a gun license and insurance who would cull the rabbits but who needed a letter from the Parish Council giving permission. The cull would be carried out at night with a light. It was proposed by Cllr R Corben and seconded by Cllr Frampton that a letter giving permission be written to the marksman, this was agreed unanimously.
ii) Bowey Field
The clerk reported that a volunteer had been given the paint and brushes for the climbing frame.
The chairman went through the RoSPA report on the play equipment/area, there are several ï¿½low/mediumï¿½ risk items to deal with.
iii) Chicken Processing Factory
Cllr Frampton suggested that as the factory is now closed the chimney could be taken down, it was felt that as the future of the factory is not yet known it would be better left in place.
iv) New Cross
Still awaiting response from DCC.
v) Community Planning
The consultant has now finalised his report on the partnerships/community planning a copy of the full report and the executive summary are available to read. Summary to be copied to Cllrs Horton and T Burt.
vi) Belchalwell & Fiddleford Items
Broken finger post - DCC has this in hand.
vii) Code of Conduct
A copy of the latest Town & Parish Standard was circulated to Cllrs.
The clerk reported that the Parish Councilï¿½s adoption of the revised code had been advertised in the Blackmore Vale magazine and the Parish magazine as required, the Standards Board had also been informed and acknowledged receipt.
The new forms for Cllrs registrable interests had now been returned and copies will be sent to the monitoring officer at NDDC.
viii) Parish Plan
Cllr Horton reported that the questionnaires will be sent out this week mostly via the BVM delivery and the rest delivered by the committee.
The chairman reported that at a recent meeting it was mentioned that there may be no money available to parishes who want to start a plan unless they are within a local partnership. He said he will try to get clarification on this.
ix) Village Hall Car Park Sign
This has now been installed.
x) Bus Shelter/Museum
The chairman had spoken to Mr D Corben who was happy that army personnel paint the building to save money. The chairman is now awaiting contact from the Commanding Officer.
xi) Travellers
From NDDC ï¿½ document - Partial review of RSS for South West additional pitch requirements. It quotes additional pitch numbers required in North Dorset as 37 permanent and 128 transit sites. This number includes the needs of the Dorset Steam Fair. Cllr Mrs Burch said that the site used for travellers going to the Steam Fair proved very successful, they paid ï¿½10 per pitch. Document to be copied to Cllr Horton.
xii) Mary Gardens sign
NDDC has this in hand.
xiii) Ridouts Development

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Mr Pinkney had responded to the queries as follows:- he expects the development to be ready at the end of November and expected allocations to be made in October.
The surface water drains to a ditch at the southern end of the site and has been approved by NDDC and the Environment Agency.
The footpath to the recreation ground has not progressed because of the situation at Castle Cottage. This is now in new ownership and Cllr Horton offered to approach them. Mr Pinkney said that work had been done on a boggy patch near to Okeford Lodge and a new self closing gate had replaced the stile where the path meets the lane. He felt it might be worthwhile if the Parish Council contacts the Pitt-Rivers estate with a view to an extension of the path.
The clerk reported having had correspondence from a family wanting to return to the village and directed them to NDDC.
An email had been received from Mr Derek Stone a relative of Annie Ridout asking for information about the development.
xiv) War Memorial
The clerk reported that the Parish Council may maintain and/or repair war memorials, she had found information on the Memorials Trust and ordered a handbook on the care of memorials from the Imperial War Museum which should have information on where to get help. She suggested that the local stonemason be contacted to see if he could offer any advice.
x) Any Other Matters Arising
Chapel Cottage ï¿½ Mrs Browne will let the PC know when work is commencing.

6) PLANNING MATTERS
a) applications - none
b) decisions 2/2007/0799 ï¿½ Rosehill Farmhouse ï¿½ erect porch and carry out internal and external alterations, renovate landing (retrospective). GRANTED
2/2007/0718 ï¿½ Mayfield Farm, Broad Oak ï¿½ certificate of lawfulness to continue use as swimming pool. CERTIFICATE OF LAWFUL USE GIVEN
c) other - none

7) TOUGH CHOICES AT NDDC
Cllr M Burt reported that this councilï¿½s proposition to the DAPTC meeting had been supported by Janet Rees (NDDC) but not by the chairman of the meeting, he added that he was not happy with the way it was dealt with, the proposition was lost 7 ï¿½ 10. Cllr Horton reported on a meeting at Sturminster Newton Town Council (SNTC) Offices where the position of a lengthsman was discussed with parishes sharing the cost as DCC has inadequate funds to all jobs, generally this was not very popular. SNTC is taking over the care of the toilets in Station Road, situation to be monitored. SIDï¿½s were also discussed with the idea of parishes jointly buying one, further investigation into types and manufacturers etc is continuing. CAB & DCA may also need financial assistance.
Cllr Mrs Burch said that she thought it unlikely that the Government would lift the cap if they did all services could be saved. However the general feeling was that Local Delivery was going well. Over the next five years council tax will need to rise. She reported that the Audit Commission had been brought in because NDDC was only performing ï¿½fairlyï¿½ they are working to operate more efficiently. Commission report should be ready next month.
Cllr Horton said that the meeting had been inconclusive and another had been arranged for October. He felt that we should also be talking to Blandford Town Council.
The chairman said that we need to think about what services we want to keep going.

8) CORRESPONDENCE
ïƒ˜
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ïƒ˜ NDDC ï¿½ draft revised statement of licensing policy consultation period August 31st to October 29th. Cllrs Horton and M Burt to look at document.
ïƒ˜ DAPTC ï¿½ circular 11/07 ï¿½ DCC launching website with rights of way, boundaries etc which will be free from copyright so can be printed. DAPTC will soon have a ï¿½members onlyï¿½ page on website for minutes, agendas etc, login details to follow. August newsletter circulated to Cllrs.
ïƒ˜ Police ï¿½ ringmaster bulletin ï¿½ on notice board.
ïƒ˜ Defra ï¿½ Ways to tackle climate change ï¿½ booklet.
ïƒ˜ Via email ï¿½ from family moving to village wanting information about road developments etc.

9) REPRESENTATIVEï¿½S REPORTS
Rights of Way Liaison Officer ï¿½ Cllr Horton reported that he was awaiting a reply from DCC. Cllr Mrs Cox via email said that weather conditions had made the undergrowth worse than usual and as she understands it unless paths are impassable it isnï¿½t the responsibility of DCC to keep them clear. Tough Choices at NDDC may have an effect on financial support to the Countryside Rangers who help with general maintenance.
The clerk reported that some way marking has been done recently.

10) DISTRICT COUNCILLORï¿½S REPORT see elsewhere in minutes for comments.

11) POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC
i) A member of the public was concerned that there was no ditch for water from the Ridouts development to drain into. Cllr Horton to investigate.
ii) via the clerk ï¿½ a parishioner was concerned about an overhanging hedge, clerk had been in contact with a member of the housing association who hoped the matter would be resolved shortly.

12) FINANCIAL MATTERS
Accounts to pay:-
Mrs D Burt ï¿½ clerkï¿½s salary September ï¿½379.60, expenses ï¿½36.67 plus receipts from Hart & Sons for paint for the slide ï¿½20.00 and S/N Building supplies for paint for slide ï¿½8.17 ï¿½
chq no 341 ï¿½444.44
Post Office Ltd ï¿½ electric for bus shelter/museum chq no 342 ï¿½ 15.90
Post Office Ltd ï¿½ gas for pavilion chq no 343 ï¿½ 61.02
W Abbott ï¿½ parish plan expenses chq no 344 ï¿½294.68
It was proposed by Cllr R Corben and seconded by Cllr Frampton that the above be paid, this was agreed. Cllr Horton declared an interest in that he is chairman of the parish plan steering committee.
After some discussion about the code of conduct and declarations of interest it was proposed by Cllr R Corben and seconded by Cllr T Burt that Cllr Frampton becomes a fourth signatory for cheques etc, this was agreed. Clerk to get necessary application forms from the bank.
A donation of ï¿½10 had been received from T.O.P.S.
The 1st draft of the 2008/2009 precept had been circulated and after some discussion it was agreed that a ï¿½1000 be added for the play area safety surface at Bowey. Cllr Horton said that an amount should probably be added for the Local Delivery of Services.

13) ANY OTHER BUSINESS None

14) THE NEXT MEETING was set for November 6th at the Pavilion, Castle Lane at 7:30pm.
There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 9:36pm.