Meeting 7th January 2019

MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Meeting of the Parish Council
held on Monday 7th January 2019
at 7.30 pm at Edingale Village Hall.

Members present:
Cllr Startin (Chair)
Cllr Cliffe
Cllr Dhillon
Cllr Lacey
Cllr Mason
Cllr Meikle

Mrs M Jones, Clerk, and 12 members of the public.

1. To receive apologies
Cllr Wesley had apologised due to illness. The apology was accepted.

2. To receive any Declarations of Interest None received.

3. To approve the Minutes of the meeting of 5th December 2018
The minutes were approved and signed by the Chair.

4. To adjourn the meeting, to hold the Public Session and to reconvene the meeting.
Michelle Shaker of Staffordshire Police, the Coordinator for Community Speed Watch explained the scheme to everyone present. There were many active schemes across the County, including local villages. Statistics showed that the scheme worked in changing the mindset of drivers. Volunteers were trained to use radar and log details of offending drivers, who would then receive warning letters or a visit from police officers. The Parish Council had been awarded the equipment, and local volunteers could complete forms and then be trained in its use in Edingale at appropriate sites along Croxall Road. Residents present asked questions, and several indicated that they would volunteer. Forms would also be available from the Clerk.

A discussion took place about the bus service, and it was explained that Elford had agreed to reduce it to only once a week. Users felt it was regrettable that it had been decided to run it on Fridays rather than Tuesdays. They asked whether a taxi could be organised and offered to help to organise this. The Chair said that a decision would be made later.

A resident thanked the Parish Council for the Christmas lighting display. Concern was expressed about lights being knocked down at the island.

5. To receive the Clerk’s Report
The pothole in Pessall Lane had been chased up and the poor condition of pavements had been reported to Highways. The website required updated information and this would be requested again. Advice would be sought on modernising it. RESOLVED to approve the Clerk’s report.

6. To receive correspondence
Lichfield District Council; news items.
Staffordshire County Council; reductions in verge cutting had been delayed.
SPCA bulletins; election information. The Councillors would be given information at the next meeting on nomination forms to be completed and notices on standing for the Council would be displayed.

7. To receive Councillor’s Reports
Cllr Mason asked for the poor condition of signs near the junction with the A513 and the road to Catton to be reported to Highways.

8. To consider any planning matters
Consultations from LDC – Modifications to Local Plan Allocations Document, Statement of Community Involvement, Sustainable Design Supplementary Planning Document, Fradley Neighbourhood Plan. No comments would be sent on these.

9. To consider Community Speed Watch When volunteers had submitted their forms arrangements would be made for training, this would hopefully take place on a Saturday in February.

10. To consider the bus service Following the previous meeting members had heard that Elford Parish Council, who had the agreement with Solus, had decided to reduce the service to once a week. It was therefore RESOLVED to provide a taxi on Tuesdays for Edingale passengers as discussed during the public session, and to review the use of the Friday bus in March.

11. To consider tenders for grass cutting It was agreed that more information was required to ensure that the tenders all quoted for the same level of service and type of cut; further details would be requested from those who had tendered in order to decide on the award of the contract at the next meeting.

12. To consider draft budget and precept for financial year 2019-20 After further consideration of the increased spending required next year for transport for residents to Tamworth and for maintenance, the budget figures were approved. This would also provide a sum for contingencies. It was proposed by Cllr Mason, seconded by Cllr Meikle and RESOLVED that a precept figure of £14,000 would be requested from Lichfield District Council. This represented an increase of £3.40 per year for the average band D property.

13. To receive the Financial Report. The bank reconciliation for the revenue and capital accounts was noted. RESOLVED to approve the Financial Report.

14. To approve the payments on the payment schedule Mrs M Jones, salary, PAYE refund and expenses, £341.61; Elford Parish Council, share of bus hire less donations November £264.10;
KFL Electrical, Christmas light installation £240.00 RESOLVED to approve the payments.

15. Date of next meeting; Monday 4th February 2019.
The meeting closed at 9 p.m.