In the chair: Mrs. J. Beavis
Present: Cllrs. H. Johnson, E. Jones, A. Law, G. Massey, M. Rudge, J. Skittrall, E. Snarey,
- Stewart and F. Swallow.
247. Apologies for absence
Cllrs. C. Cannell (attending Hospital in London), R. Falco (weather conditions), R. Green (weather
conditions), D. Finch and W. Scattergood.
248. Declarations of interest
There were no declarations of interest.
249. Chairman’s opening remarks
The Chairman wished all Councillors a Happy New Year and thanked Councillors for accepting the
change of venue at short notice in view of the weather conditions and the dangerous access to the
Village Hall. The Chairman also referred to the unavoidable absence of Miss. C. Cannell and the
thoughts of everyone were with her and her sister at this difficult time.
250. Grass cutting for BDC and GCH
The Chairman thanked Mr. J. Skittrall for the work he had carried out in connection with the grass
cutting contracts. She explained that GCH and BDC had eventually provided grass cutting figures
during the afternoon of 11th January. The original contract was with BDC but in November 2007 the
majority of the land in question had been transferred to GCH. The annual contract with BDC was in
two parts namely street cleansing and grass cutting. BDC had offered £3,471.33 towards street
cleansing and a minimum of £3,000 in respect of grass cutting. The grass cutting figure offered by
BDC equates to £0.08 per square metre. GCH had only offered £0.01 per square metre for sixteen cuts
a year based upon the lowest tender they had received and had refused to increase this figure. Some
areas still need to be added to the BDC list and a revised quote to include these additional areas
together with maps is awaited. It was proposed by Mr. E. Snarey, seconded by Mr. J. Skittrall and
carried:
- That unless GCH significantly improves their offer, it is unacceptable and SHPC can no longer carry out work for them.
- That upon receipt of maps and revised quote from BDC they are referred to a future meeting of the Recreation and Amenities Committee for approval.
- That a full list of all areas currently cut by Mr. B. Coe is obtained to check against the maps.
- That Mrs. J. Beavis, Mr. J. Skittrall (and if required Mrs. G. Massey and Mr. A. Corder-Birch) meet Mr. B. Coe, explain the situation and discuss his contract with him (namely that GCH work will almost certainly be lost but he will still be able to continue with SHPC and BDC grass cutting).
- That in future the grass cutting work on GCH land will be closely monitored to ensure that the work carried out by their new contractors is up to standard and if not to complain to GCH.
251. To settle Precept for 2010-11
The Chairman referred to recent major issues including PSG, the Car Park and new projects, which
require capital expenditure.
Mrs. G. Massey circulated the proposed budget and outlined major variations from the previous year as
follows:
- £5,000 for car park on assumption that SHPC acquires ownership of the freehold to include business rates, insurance, maintenance and electricity for street light (but no provision for future resurfacing for which a fund will start in 2011.
- All GCH figures had been removed from budget.
- £1,000 for benches.
- £1,500 towards match funding for petanque course.
- £400 towards interpretation boards.
- £1,000 towards allotments.
- £5,000 towards playground equipment (plus grants)
- £1800 for street lights.
- £10,000 from reserves.
ring fenced for specific purposes. After taking into account the total budget and anticipated income
including PSG of £10.369 the net Precept was fixed at £88,464.00 which equates to a Band D
equivalent of 59.91. It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Mr. A. Stewart and carried that
SHPC should Precept for £88,464.00 net for 2010-11. The Precept form was then completed by the
Clerk signed by Mrs. J. Beavis as Presiding Chairman and countersigned by the Clerk. It was agreed
that Mrs. J. Beavis (as Chairman of PC) and Mrs. G. Massey (as Chairman of Finance Committee)
should make a joint press release regarding the budget with a particular emphasis upon the car park and
that the acquisition of the freehold will prevent parking charges being imposed. Thanks were recorded
to Mrs. G. Massey for the work carried out in connection with the budget.
252. Accounts for payment
The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment. It was proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall,
seconded by Mr. F. Swallow and carried that the accounts are paid.
253. Any other business/exchange of information/agenda for next meeting
a. Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the icy pavements were causing concern with many residents complaining to the Clerk and himself. He suggested the purchase of a hand gritter ready for use next year so that PC workmen could salt all pavements including School Hill. The Clerk had made enquiries with the PCs insurers about insurance implications and a reply is awaited. It was agreed to refer this item and also the provision of additional salt bins to a future meeting of the Recreation and Amenities Committee for further consideration. Thanks were recorded to ECC and BDC for gritting some of the pavements in the village.
b. Mr. M. Rudge reported that a large sign had appeared on the railings in front of the new flats at Crow Court. Mrs. J. Beavis stated that this was being taken up with BDC.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.20pm
…………………………….. …………………………………………
(Date) (Chairman)