Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 27 April 2016, 11:59 am

NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL

The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Northwood Parish Council, held in Northwood Primary School, Wyatts Lane, Northwood, Isle of Wight on Tuesday, 5 April 2016

Present: Councillors Chris Riddet (Chairman), David Jaggar (Vice Chairman), Paul Fuller, John Nicholson and John Ward
Also in attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)
PCSO Derek Howard

There were two members of the public and press in attendance.

220/15-16 To receive and approve any apologies for absence
Apologies had been received from Cllrs Malcolm Nicholson, John Pullen and Derek Smith.

221/15-16 Members’ interests
There had been no written requests received for Dispensation on items forming the agenda.
There were no declarations of Members’ interests made at this stage.

222/15-16 To receive a report on any local safety neighbourhood issues occurring since the last meeting held of the Parish Council
PCSO Derek Howard, was thanked for his attendance at the meeting and presented the report of the Local Safety Neighbourhood (LSN) team on matters arising since the last meeting. Particular mention was made of the following:
• the change of leadership of the team, with temporary Inspector Andy Mcdonald having now taken over from Inspector Henderson-Parish;
• eight crimes had been committed during March, compared to only two for the same period in 2015. Councillors expressed their disappointment that the Crime Reports web site had been discontinued. PCSO Howard was unable to provide any explanation as to the reason why. Councillors suggested that a letter of complaint be sent to the Hampshire Constabulary and to the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner. PCSO Howard advised of the website Police.UK. However, the information this site provided was generally two months out of date.
• at the PACT meeting in January, three community priorities had been agreed and these would remain unchanged until mid-April, the priorities being:
to prevent and detect non-dwelling burglaries in the Cowes, Northwood and Gurnard area;
to reduce the number of reportable incidents at Cowes Enterprise College;
to prevent speeding along Mill Hill Road, close to the zebra crossing;
• a recent Speed Watch activity had taken place earlier in the day, in Pallance Road, near to Woodside Close. A total of 86 vehicles had passed through the checkpoint, with no breaches of the 30mph limit.
It was questioned as to when a further Special Constable would be appointed. This was unknown, particularly as it was a volunteer position, with full training taking about a year to complete.
Mention was also made of the temporary on-road parking arrangements in Pallance Road. No criticism was raised of these measures being undertaken while the new water main works, along the Newport Road, were being carried out.

223/15-16 To confirm and authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the previous meeting of the Parish Council held on 1 March 2016

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 1 March 2016 be confirmed and the Chairman authorised to sign them on behalf of the Parish Council.

224/15-16 To receive any matters arising on the Minutes, not requiring a resolution
There were no matters arising reported.

225/15-16 To consider the update report regarding the one-off payment of £5k to be used for the benefit of the residents in Northwood
Councillors were referred to the report setting out details of the three quotations obtained for a simple all weather MUGA. An application for grant funding would need to be submitted in order that a such a scheme could proceed. However, it was considered important to consult with the community of Northwood, to seek their views on whether to continue with the idea or for suggestions on other alternative ways to utilise the sum of money.
Cllr J Nicholson volunteered to raise the matter in his monthly report. A one-page article would also be inserted in the next edition of the Northwood News requesting any views.

226/15-16 Memorandum of Understanding
a. To approve for the Chairman to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the Parish Council and the Community Partnership

RESOLVED

THAT it be approved for the Chairman to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the Parish Council and Northwood Community Partnership.

b. To consider the necessary action required in order to bring the list of assets into a good condition
The clerk advised that although the six wooden seats showed no signs of deterioration and required little future maintenance, they all necessitated some upkeep and thorough cleaning to bring them back to good order. Cllrs Smith and M Nicholson and two local residents had volunteered to undertake this task. Reference was made to the Condition report on the Parish and Community Notice Board, that had been compiled and circulated to councillors in January. This detailed the works necessary, as little had been done since its installation, and could cost upwards from £350. Some minor urgent works were required and councillors were reminded that approval had been granted for these in January.

RESOLVED :
THAT the clerk obtains quotations, in line with Financial Regulations, for the refurbishment of the Parish and Community Notice Board.

227/15-16 To consider arrangements so to undertake a Big Tidy Up event
Cllr J Nicholson advised that the scouts would be prepared to assist, where appropriate, in any tidy up of Northwood. Mindful that the judging of the Best Kept Village competition was due to take place in May and June, councillors initially suggested for the event to take place on 2 May. During further discussion, it was considered that this could pose a risk to the health and safety of the scouts should they assist in any litter pick along a roadway. Clearing the Cut between Venner Avenue and Nodes Road, would be a more suitable venue, on any day or time convenient to them. The clerk had a small supply of litter pickers, green bibs and bags if required.
Cllr J Nicholson agreed to request Island Roads to undertake a litter pick, in particular along the lower end of Pallance Road, Hillis Gate Road, Saunders Road and the Newport Road.
The clerk confirmed that she had written to three local businesses as requested at the last meeting. BAE Systems had responded stating that they fully supported the campaign to keep Northwood clean. However, their site plans showed the fence in Place Road as their boundary, not the hedgerow. Cllr Fuller was of the view that this had been planted by a now disbanded voluntary organisation, many years ago. Cllr J Nicholson agreed to contact Island Roads with a view to having it trimmed back.

228/15-16 To approve the finalised, updated proposed plan of the parish
Cllr Riddet read out a number of suggested additions and amendments to the proposed plan of the parish. Further additional suggestions included the two public houses, Northwood Business Park, the two camp sites, the County Show Ground and the Wight Military and Heritage Museum. A further copy of the proposed map would be presented to the next meeting for approval.

229/15-16 To consider signing the petition to government, calling on them to look again at the way the Island is funded
The IW County Press and IW Council had teamed up to launch a petition to government, calling on them to look again at the way the Island was funded. The campaign was an opportunity to get the whole Island community involved in making the case to government that the Island was different, unique and that it needed more financial support. This built upon the lobbying the IW Council had undertaken to date and the ongoing representations that were being made.

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council fully agrees to signing the petition to government, calling on them to look again at the way the Island is funded.

230/15-16 To consider the purchase of an HM Queen Elizabeth II 90th birthday commemorative medal, appropriate for school children

RESOLVED

THAT the suggestion to purchase an HM Queen Elizabeth II 90th birthday commemorative medal for all the school children at Northwood Primary school, be declined.

231/15-16 To consider the necessity of holding monthly meetings
Two councillors had approached the Chairman requesting for a discussion be held on the possibility of reducing the number of Parish Council meetings held in each year. A debate ensued highlighting possible advantages and disadvantages for a change in the frequency of meetings. It was suggested for each councillor to set out, in time for the next meeting, parameters as to how they considered the proposal could be achieved or not. The clerk advised of certain timeframes, which had to be adhered to for the setting of the annual Precept and for holding the annual meeting of the Council.

RESOLVED :

THAT further consideration of the necessity of holding monthly meetings to form an agenda item for the annual meeting of the Parish Council, in May.

232/15-16 To note the letter from the Post Office Network Transformation Programme Director
The letter from Mr Neil Ennis, of the Post Office Ltd, dated 3 March 2016, advised that the provision of Post Office services from an alternative retailer within the community was not an option at the current time. Mr Ennis confirmed that the current arrangements would continue for at least a period of 12 months, as from 22 February. A further review of the situation would take place after that date.

233/15-16 Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC)
Councillors noted that on 7 April, IWALC would be holding one of their regular meetings with the IW Council. The Parish Council had been invited to advise details of any outstanding issues that they might have with the IW Council, which IWALC would then raise on councillors’ behalf.

RESOLVED :

THAT councillors agreed that there were no issues of note currently requiring IWALC’s assistance.

234/15-16 To receive a report for information on Community Wellbeing
Cllr J Nicholson referred to his report providing an update on Community Wellbeing that had been circulated prior to the meeting. Particular mention was made of the short video by Dr Bruce Lipton that summed up the established way in which symptoms were tended to be treated, rather than the underlying cause. (https://www.facebook.com/QuantumUniversity/videos/10153868731012900/);

235/15-16 To receive progress reports from Working Party leads
a. Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party
There were no new matters to report.
b. Northwood in Bloom Working Party
There was no update provided.

c. Parish Plan Working Party
There was no further update to report.
d. Green Space Project Working Party
A new bidding round would shortly be opened. Details and timescales were awaited.
e. Northwood WI Hall Working Party
There had been no additional approach received from representatives of the Northwood WI in order to hold further discussions on the proposal.

236/15-16 To receive the report for information of Cllr J Nicholson, the IWC Ward Member for Cowes South and Northwood
Cllr J Nicholson referred to matters set out in his report. Particular mention was made of the following:
• the new water main works along the Newport Road. An evening drop-in session for the public had been held by Southern Water, on 22 March. This had been very busy, with the majority of people being quite understanding of the problems faced. The chairman questioned as to how this had been publicised as the Parish Council had been unaware of the event.
• it was very unfortunate that the timing of the service of the Floating Bridge had coincided with the water main works;
• at the IW Council’s planning committee in April, consideration would be given to the planning application at Hillis Gate stables. In addition, the Red Funnel, East Cowes application was also due for deliberation;
Cllr Fuller advised that Park Road was due to be closed for four weeks shortly.

237/15-16 Clerk’s Report
a. Finance
i. The interim budget statement to the end of March 2016 and the bank reconciliation with Statement No 92 were received and duly noted.

ii. Cheque No 000450.

RESOLVED :

THAT approval be granted retrospectively, for the payment of cheque 000450 in favour of Community Action IW, for £762.87 and for the clerk’s salary, on 10 March 2016.

iii. To authorise payment of the following cheques:

RESOLVED :

THAT the following cheques be approved for payment:
000451, £158.21, Mrs B Herbert, Clerks Expenses
000452, £100, Northwood Floral Art Group, Donation towards the setting up of a Flower Festival
000453, £200, Armed Forces Day Committee, Donation towards the IW Armed Forces Weekend
000454, £12.00, Clerks & Councils Direct, Annual subscription

b. Administration
i. To approve the contract for watering of the tubs/planters in the village
RESOLVED :

THAT Mr J Wadsworth be appointed to water all the tubs and planters in Northwood for an 18-week period, at twice per week, but three times during the hotter periods of the summer, at a total cost of £1,100.00, fixed for two years.

ii. To approve the contract for the maintenance of the gardens

RESOLVED :

THAT Mr T Hewitt, of Follow Your Dreams, be appointed to prune and maintain the six gardens in Northwood at a total cost of £360.00.

238/15-16 Correspondence
Correspondence received was listed in the report circulated with the agenda and updated further at the meeting. Particular reference was made to the following:
kkk. The invitation to join with the Friends of the ORP Blyskawica Society, on 1 May – Cllr Ward agreed to attend.
uuu. The invitation to attend the beacon lighting ceremony in honour of the Queen’s 90th birthday at Carisbrooke Castle, on 21 April – Cllr Ward tentatively agreed to attend.

239/15-16 Councillors’ reports
Cllr Jagger reported on problems with last Thursday’s refuse collection service, in Medham. This had been due primarily to the use of a large refuse freighter, which could not make the sharp left hand bend to turn into Medham Farm Lane, due to the replacement water main works. This had been compounded by the wrong information having been given to staff and then passed onto local residents when they had telephoned to inform of the problem. Cllr J Nicholson requested for a copy of any correspondence.
Cllr Fuller advised that Island Roads had not repainted the double yellow lines, where appropriate, in Wyatts Lane. The District Steward, Richard Baker had agreed to resolve the matter.
Cllr J Nicholson mentioned that he and the District Steward had undertaken a walking survey of all the newly resurfaced roads in Northwood, making a list of any defects they noticed. Island Roads had been very appreciative and commended for other parish and town councils to do the same.

240/15-16 Future Agenda Items
There were no additional items raised.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 8.20 pm

Signed ……………………………………………. Dated ……………………………..