Unconfirmed MINUTES of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council held Wednesday 7th July 2010

Present: Mr MP Bell, Mr DR Howison (Chairman – attended for the first part of the meeting only), Mr D Palmer (Chairman for the remainder,) Mrs JSA Swinfen, Mr JW Whitworth. Mr THG Cooper, Mr C Hagger.
Apologies: Cllr King.
In attendance: Mrs Jo Downton, the Clerk, Mr Paul Taylor, Mr Kit Swinfen. Ms C Smith.
Declaration of Interests: None.

Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 2nd June 2010 were taken as read and signed as correct.

Matters arising from the minutes not dealt with in the main agenda
Potholes: It was reported to the council that a pothole on the corner of Stamford End/Empingham Road requires attention and the Clerk is to deal with this matter.

Thanks: A voucher and thank you card was sent to Ms M Johnson for her assistance with the accounts. A thank you card was also sent to Ms J Danes recognizing her contribution to the council.

Resignation: A letter of resignation had been received from Mrs. S.Ware informing the council that she was resigning from her position as Chairman of the School of Governors for Exton Primary School.

Phone Box Empingham Road: The Clerk had made enquiries to BT regarding the present condition of the telephone box but was still awaiting a response.

Waste Bins: It was reported to the council that a number of waste bins in the village are full to capacity and had not recently been emptied, the clerk was to investigate this matter.

Dog Mess: Once again it was reported that some people are consistently failing to pick up their dog mess – most particularly in the vicinity of Garden Road and the junction of Epingham Road. The Dog warden is to be contacted about this persistent problem.

Vehicles: It was reported to the council that two vehicles within the village appeared to be abandoned and neither display a current tax disk. This is to be reported to R.C.C.

Cutting of Grass Verge: It was noted that the town pump area was to be left uncut by council workers in the future as it was not on their ‘list’. The clerk is to clarify with RCC exactly what the position is regarding this issue.

Removal of Posters: Again it was noted that people/groups etc continued to place posters around the village regarding various issues. This is not objectionable to the council but would again request their removal after a suitable period of time – i.e. one month. The clerk is to forward this information to the Newsletter for publication.

Standards Committee: It was reported to the council that there is a concern regarding budget shortfall within the county. It was noted that RCC had put a great deal of effort into improving facilities etc at the museum and castle in Oakham and that the public is urged to continue their support of these important institutions.

Town Pump Trees: Questions were raised regarding the present condition of these Chesnut trees and the Tree Warden (Ms Claire Smith who was in attendanced) was asked to visit the site and offer guidance.

Vacancy Parish Council: It was agreed that as there are four applicants for this position each would be asked to write to the council outlining their perceived suitability for the post. These would then be considered at the September meeting and the position allocated.

Parish Representative- Rutland Water Partnership: The aforementioned vacancy has arisen and it was agreed to put forward Mr J Whitworth as a potential candidate. The clerk to contact the Parish Council Forum (RCC) with the necessary details.

Planning Applications: Barnsdale Gardens Exton – proposal to erect office building. No objections.

Correspondence (items requiring action only):
Spire Homes: An invitation has been received from Spire homes to the Parish Council to attend a village inspection of properties (14th July) and to raise any concerns is to be accepted.

Authorisation of cheques
Digital Voice £38.78
ESPO (Paper) £7.76
EON (Maintenance) £186.93
Barnsdale Gardens Voucher £20.00.
EON (May Energy) £44.02

Items for the Agenda of the next Meeting of the Parish Council – 1st September 2010
The condition of the Spinny.
The village website.
Empingham bus shelter