9 Jan 2016

Minutes: January 9th 2016

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON MONDAY JANUARY 18TH 2016 IN THE VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30 PM
  1. PRESENT
    Councillors Brown, Lewis, Bown, Howard, Heybrook, and Mrs Witcher
    11 members of the public, Parish Clerk,
     
  2. APOLOGIES
    Apologies received from Cllr Edmonds
     
  3. PUBLIC SESSION (SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS) 15 MINUTES MAXIMUM
    Chestnut Tree: The parish Council has been advised that the tree has pruning wounds which are causing internal decay. Limbs are damaged. The damage is at crown break at about 15 ft.
    A second opinion has been requested. No decision has been taken as to further action but money has been allocated in the budget in case the tree has to be treated. There are also funds allocated in case a replacement is needed.  Replacement would be 20 to 30 ft. tree.
    This is only if the tree is condemned –
    Concern was expressed about parking by the letter box.  This can be dangerous at night when pedestrians have to walk on the road. The Chairman said that consideration might be given to widening the road around the Green.
      
  4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  19th NOVEMBER   2015
    Agreed as a true record. Proposed Cllr Heybrook, seconded Cllr Howard after change of date to 9th December in item 6
     
  5. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
    It was noted that the cheapest quote for tree works was not the one selected at the damage was caused by inadequate workmanship and the contractor selected is known to Councillors
     
  6. PLANNING
    The Presentation for the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust for 2-4 Winchendon Rd needs assessment.  Further information has been requested. The Trust will do a presentation to the Village. No planning application has yet been submitted.
     
  7. VILLAGE PROJECTS
    VAS
    Paul Bown agreed to investigate the VAS system to determine the technical problems being encountered, the likelihood of finding the missing bases and to assess whether or not the system is likely to be viable.
    War Memorial area changes.
    Tree works will be carried out 26th Feb.  Footpath still to be arranged Cllr Lewis and Brown will approach rectory Homes
    Kerbing.
    New contractor has been approached –J Flannagan currently working at Stoney Furlong.
    Road markings around the Green.
    Highways to be requested to re do markings
    New Flag Pole
    This has been ordered – and is ready for delivery - 5 days’ notice requited.
    Defibrillator
    No further information. Shop owner needs to be consulted.
    It was noted that no power source needed
    It was agreed that the new notice board should be ordered,with carved lettering at the top.
    Chairman asked if railings should be removed – it was agreed that this might lead to more parking by bus shelter.
    Village Hall Improvements.
    There is information on website
    Public meeting to be held in the next few weeks.
     
  8. HIGHWAYS AND OPEN AREAS
    Roads round Green are not fit for purpose. The Chairman suggested consulting a traffic specialist for recommendations re funding and layout possibilities.
    It was noted that Long Crendon were considering removing traffic humps on the Thame Road.
    Cllr Lewis suggested that specifications should be prepared to identify potential areas for improvement.  Cllr Edmonds to be asked for most useful contact at Highways
    Signs could be placed outside properties adjoining the green asking people not to park on the road.
    A suggestion was made that a concrete slope on the edge of the Green would prevent further damage.
     
  9. ORDERS FOR PAYMENT AND FINANCIAL MATTERS
    See attached.
    A Precept of £16000.00 was agreed following the Budget Meeting
    It had  agreed that the bank account should be transferred from Lloyds to Nat West, and mandate forms were distributed for completion  and signature by Councillors.
     
  10. SECOND PUBLIC SESSION (SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS) 15 MINUTES MAXIMUM
    It was noted that Utility vehicles could get past the cars parked on the green.
    A complaint has been received from a member of the public who wanted to hire the Hall was told that it was reserved for CHUF.  The gates are locked during the day.  The improved village hall will have two meeting areas to improve availability
    It was suggested that if the Chestnut tree has to be removed, the junction at the bottom of the Winchendon Road be widened.
DATES OF NEXT MEETINGS
15th Feb 2016
21st March 2016
18TH April 2016