MINUTES OF THE MEETING OFWATER ORTON PARISH COUNCIL
Held on 6th November 2019 AT 7.30PM IN THE PAVILION
In the Chair: Cllr Robinson (Chairman)
Present: Cllrs. Robinson. Bevan, Chown, B. O’Meara, C. O’Meara, Hailstone
Clerk: Daphne Robinson
C.C & B D Reilly, PCC Philip Seccombe 2 Members of the public
Public Forum
167.Chairman’s remarks
Cllr Robinson advised the meeting of the sad news of the death of Margaret Triplett. On behalf of the council he offered his sincere condolences to Margaret’s family. He said that although he had only known Margaret for a short time he was aware of the very active role she had played during her time as a councillor.
168.Apologies
Received from Cllr. Lee and Borough Cllr. Macdonald
169.To welcome Mr Philip Seccombe Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire
Cllr Robinson introduced Mr Philip Seccombe PCC for Warwickshire.
Mr Seccombe thanked the parish council for inviting him to the meeting. He gave an overview of his role, his duties and responsibilities within the Warwickshire police. He explained that he was not operational as those matters were the responsibility of the Chief Constable. He explained his principle duties included looking after the finances of the force, to ensure the public got value for money. Mr Seccombeexplained that his objectives involved representing the voices of Warwickshire by engaging with the public and holding the force to account. He explained that the force was currently recruiting 200 extra police officers to increase the number to 1000 officers in the Warwickshire force. He advised that his aim was to increase the number of fast response vehicles in the north of the county.
170.Declaration of interests and requests for dispensation on items to be discussed.
There were no declarations of interests
171.To appoint a Vice Chairman
Proposed by Cllr Robinson, Seconded by Cllr Hailstone and Resolved that Cllr Belinda O’Meara be appointed Vice Chairman
172.To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 9th October 2019
It was Proposed by Cllr Bevan, Seconded by Cllr Hailstone and Resolved (unanimously) that the minutes of the meeting held on 9th October 2019 be approved.
173.Matters arising from the minutes
The Clerk reported that she was now working from the Link on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Cllr Bevan reported that the council website had been updated to conform with the latest regulations concerning access to the website for disable users.
174.To receive reports from Borough and County Councillors
Cllr Reilly said he was shocked and saddened at the death of former Cllr Triplett and offered his sincere condolences to Margaret’s family. He said he had admired Margaret’s determination to do what was right for the village. The hours she had
given working on the lease for the Tennis Club and her determination to have changes made to the flight path of the aircraft flying over the village from Birmingham Airport. He said that Margaret had the good of the village at heart.
Cllr Reilly reported that he was still working towards the setting up of the Men’s Shed in the village. He advised council that there was plans to try and provide a Ring and Ride bus service for several parishes including Water Orton which would provide a service 2 days a week up to Coleshill. The cost of providing this service would be met by the parishes it involved. He said he would forward his proposal to the council for discussion at the next council meeting. Cllr Reilly reported that Gypsy Lane was now closed for twelve months so that the high pressure gas main could be relocated.
He advised members that there were options being considered on how to provide better notice on Marsh Lane to prevent HGV vehicles from trying to cross over VessyBridge.
175.To receive a report on the Play Equipment
Cllr Chown said that there was nothing new to report only that he had spoken to Collins regarding the welding required on the slide and to advise the clerk of the cost before going ahead. The clerk reported that she had received the quote and had given Collins the go ahead to carry out the work.
176To receive an update on the Neighbourhood Plan
Cllr Bevan reported that he had been in touch with NWBC and they required a to be sent with a copy of the boundary which would then start then formally start the process of starting a Neighbourhood Plan. The public consultation would be arranged once the boundary posters had been printed. The clerk would arrange for a notice to go in the Coleshill Post.
177.To receive an update from the maintenance committee
Cllr Robinson reported that the contractors would be moving heavy plant on to the car park on the 11th November and work would start in earnest on Tuesday 12thNovember. There were still some services to be located and this would be dealt with by the contractors. He advised that, although there was no gas supply to the pavilion, a duct was being laid to make provisions for installing gas in the future if required. The quote for replacing the internal lights in the pavilion and replacing the external lights had been accepted by the finance committee and that work would be carried out on 11th November. The external lights will be operated using a fob which will give more control for users on the turning them on and off
178.To receive an update from Water Orton in Bloom
Cllr B. O’Meara reported that due to the success of the planters already sited, there had been interest from other businesses wanting to advertise. Two more planters had been purchased and paid for by the extra business sponsorship. These would be sited on the opposite side of the existing planter on Maud Road and by the War Memorial. It had been discussed by the group regarding taking over responsibility of the planters overhanging the railings on the junction of Marsh Lane and Birmingham Road. There was a conversation to be had with Orchard Nurseries regarding this which the clerk was going to arrange.
179.To receive an update on the village Christmas Lights
The Clerk reported that arrangements had been made for the new Christmas lights purchased by the council to be switched on at the same time as the lights at the church. This would be at 4.30pm on Sunday 1st December.
180.Financial Matters
To Approve the automated payments and future payments.
It was Proposed by Cllr C. O’Meara, Seconded by Cllr Hailstone and Resolved (unanimously) to approve the automated payments and future payments, the invoices were signed by the chair.
The clerk reported that members of the council would need to meet to discuss the proposed budget for the year 2020/21. It was agreed that the council would meet on Wednesday 4th December at 7.00pm
181.Correspondence
The clerk advise council that a resident had asked if there were any allotments available to rent. She said the council accounts showed that only one allotment rent had been paid during the last two years. She said she needed to find out if the other two were being used. Cllr Chown gave the names of the other residents that had the other two allotments. It was agreed that the clerk would contact these residents
182.Exclusion of the Public and Press – That the under the Public Bodies (admission to meetings) Act 1960, the public and organisations of the press be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items of business as publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
It was Proposed by Cllr Robinson, Seconded by Cllr Bevan and Resolved to go into closed session