MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13 JANUARY 2005

Present: E Bolton, U Cansfield, T Martin, B Butler, A Chetcuti, M Mitton,
B Fisher (Chairman)
Apologies: C Bayliss

1. Minutes of meeting held on 25.11.04 approved as a correct record
Proposed: U Cansfield Seconded: T Martin
2. Matters arising from the minutes
a) Overgrown footpaths – Chairman reported on a site meeting with an officer from NYCC Highways at Aketon Bank and Pannal Road when it was agreed that further remedial work would take place. Progress on this and other outstanding matters will be monitored and reminders sent as appropriate.
b) Additional street lighting, Upper Main Street – agreed that Clerk should write to Harrogate Council to pursue possibility of lighting opposite pub/shop.
c) Parish Council records – B Fisher and B Butler to locate outstanding records under Village Hall, photos of old Follifoot also stored there, negatives with Yorkshire Film Archive. M Mitton agreed to clarify the position regarding a donation from a former resident.
3. Chairman’s communications:
a) Yorkshire Water – Leak on Plompton Road reported but not dealt with, Chairman made further contact, stressing it as a potential hazard to traffic and was assured that it would be dealt with.
b) Certificate of lawfulness, Haggs Road. Chairman reported receipt of representations from some residents opposed to the application.
c) Footpath proposals – in response to a query, Chairman reported a written acknowledgement from the principal landowner. Further contact will be made regarding a report that walkers had observed a man using a shotgun on the new permissive footpath.
d) Public footpath to Colin Hill – noted that stepping stones over the Crimple in need of repair. Clerk to contact appropriate agency.
4. Standing Orders
The Councillors resolved to adopt the Standing Orders.
Proposed: M Mitton Seconded: T Martin
5 Quality Council Status
Information placed on Parish notice boards following last meeting, but no contact from residents. Noted a distance learning course ‘Working with your Council’ was available free of charge for clerks, a pre cursor to formal qualification. Agreed Clerk would register interest, Quality Council Status would not be pursued at present.
6. Freedom of Information Act 2000
Noted that Parish Council resolved to adopt a model Publication Scheme in
October 2002. This now required minor amendments. A form of words to promote the Scheme for notice boards and web site were approved by the Parish Council. The Publication Scheme with amendments will be presented to the next meeting.
Seminar on 27.1.05 will be attended by Clerk. Payment of training fee of £25 Proposed: M Mitton Seconded: E Bolton
7. Finance
a) Balance at bank - £ 7569.63. Receipts: Interest - £ 38.02, Grant for grass cutting - £ 68.28
b) Approval of budget 2005-06 and precept request. Chairman thanked B Butler and Clerk for preparing budget. Precept request to increase by £ 200 to £ 5000. This was thought sufficient to allow for contingencies.
Proposed: M Mitton Seconded: E Bolton
c) Authorisation of expenditure – Stationery £ 29.54, Subscription to CPRE £ 25, Clerk’s salary £555.22.
Village Hall – proposal to purchase and donate chairs to the value of £ 500 + VAT approved.
Proposed: B Butler Seconded: A Chetcuti
c) Asset Register - noted that External Auditor had requested a valuation of village assets for next financial year. List circulated for any additions, to be raised at next meeting. In discussion the poor state of a seat on Pannal Road was mentioned. Clerk to obtain estimate for repair.
d) Insurance – discussion on extent of cover for village assets. Parish Council has all mandatory cover. Contact made with YLCA for advice with a view to obtaining alternative quotes before premium due in June 2005.