9th April 2024
DRAFT MINUTES OF NOCTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Held on Tuesday 9th April 2024 at 7.00pm
MEMBERSHIP:
Chair: Councillor Andy Hone
Vice-chair: Councillor George McDonnell
Councillors: Paul Browne, Martin Duff, Richard Robinson, Richard Marshall, (1 vacancy)
Clerk: John Money Temporary RFO: Gordon Roe
Attendance: The Chair: Councillor Andy Hone, the Vice-chair: Councillor George McDonnell; Councillors Paul Browne, Martin Duff, Richard Robinson and Richard Marshall.
Public forum (15 minutes) With 3 Members of the Public present. The potholes in the Hub driveway was mentioned, the Chair explained it is AG properties responsibility to re-instate them. The patent defect in the cellar floor of the Ripon Arms was brought up again. This defect was notified to the Main Contractor doing the six month defect liability period and so far it has not been rectified. It was agreed that Members and the Hub Manager would research the background of this further prior to contacting the Main Contractor once again
County and District Councillors' None in attendance
The Chair reminded all present the meeting would continue under Standing Orders. And in extenuating circumstances and only at his discretion would the meeting be moved out of formal session to allow the public to speak
Agenda Items:
1. Apologies for Absence: Cllr Dave Parry
2. Declarations of Interest: None given
3. Minutes: it was agreed and resolved to amend the wording of the March minutes relating to the presentation by Ben Wills. Action: the Chair to amend and sign as a true record of the meeting.
4. Chair’s Report: To receive a report from the Chair of the Council - the Chair informed the meeting that the sign had been fixed to the wall; the 200 club: regretfully no one had come forward to run it, the funds remaining would still be distributed as per the previous arrangement; the precept had been received in early April and the AGAR form is being processed.
5. Hub Manager’s Report: To receive a report from the Hub Manager; The Chair read the Hub Managers report which shows a healthy booking scenario going forward. Plus two items of maintenance required. Action: the two Members responsible for the Hub, the Clerk & the Chair to resolve.
6. Parish Clerk’s Report: To receive a report from the Clerk of the Council including the topic of possible hub infrastructure improvements and funding sources.The Clerk outlined several potential projects including: solar panels to the roof; climate control in the Hub; automation of the main entrance to provide disability access and asked members if they could consider other items for the June meeting, so they could all be scheduled in order of importance and attempt to match the identified works with grant funding; he went on to say all administration matters are up to date. Action: All Members, plus the Clerk and RFO.
7. To discuss and agree proposed action regarding the breach of covenant by AG Properties regarding the PC’s access to the overflow car park. After a lengthy debate it was resolved that a Member and the Chair would compile a strong response to AG properties demanding they resolve the issue outstanding. Action: the Chair and Member delegated.
8. To agree proposed changes to policies and procedures that have been reviewed by councillors to date (Events Policy). It was resolved the Events Policy has been reviewed with no chances made. With regard to the several parts of the GDPR policies be divided between Members for review. Action: The Chair & Members delegated
9. To agree on how to proceed with specific hub improvement items: The floor surface in lounge area. It was resolved the Members with Hub responsibilities inspect the wear to the laminate and report a recommendation of remedial action. Action: the two Members responsible.
10. The May Annual Parish meeting format. The Chair stated he would like the Parish Meeting be more inclusive with all clubs and associations making a brief report at the meeting; all present agreed it was a very good idea and should be implemented. Action: the Chair & Clerk
11. Planning Matters: To note and consider planning applications received or determined since the last meeting and to decide any comments or further action that the Council wishes to take. Including the following applications:
- Application 24/0333/FUL Plot 72A Steamer Point Road: the two Members responsible for planning matters made a recommendation the PC should support the application; their recommendation was resolved unanimously. Action: the Clerk.
12. Financial Matters:
(a) To note the current bank balances: noted
(b) To ratify payments for the month of March. 2024 and to approve the list of upcoming payments: ratified/resolved.
13. Date of Next Meeting: To confirm that the next meeting of the Council will take place on 14th May 2024 and that the Annual Parish Meeting will take place on the same date, prior to the Annual Parish Council Meeting. Action: the Chair, Clerk & the RFO.
Public forum (10mins): Last years AGAR form together with the engagement of the Internal Auditor was discussed with a retired Member. It was also confirmed the Heras fencing had enclosed the Temporary Car park for at least three years
The Chair thanked the Members of the Public for their participation and wished them a safe journey home.
14. The Chair moved the meeting into closed session where the press and members of the public were required to leave; (As required by the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960 and as further described in Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972; to discuss a personnel matter including colleagues rates of pay 2024/25, which was resolved unanimously. Action: the Chair
The meeting was closed a 8.15pm and the Chair thanked Members and the Clerk for attending.