Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 13 May 2009, 12:00 am

NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of Northwood Parish Council, held in the Women’s Institute Hall, Northwood, Isle of Wight on Tuesday, 7 April 2009.

Present: Councillors John Pullen (Chairman), Paul Fuller (Vice Chairman), Peter Brooker, Colin Cramp, Roger Mazillius
In attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)
Jacqui Darby – Environment & Neighbourhood Officer
PCSO Steve Oatley PC Mark Thomas

248. Apologies
Apologies had been received from Cllrs C Palmerton and Mrs E Turner-Palmerton who were both on annual leave and from Cllr Mrs M Ely due to personal reasons.

249. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Fuller declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Minute No 255 as he was a serving magistrate on the island and a personal and prejudicial interest in Minute No 257 as he was a member of Northwood Community Partnership.
Cllr Mazillius declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Minute No 257 as he was a member of Northwood Community Partnership, a personal interest in Minute No 261 b. i. as he was an allotment holder and a personal and prejudicial interest in Minute No 261 b. ii as he was the recipient of cheque Nos 000049 and 000053.

250. Minutes of the Meeting held on 3 March 2009

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the Meeting held on 3 March 2009 be confirmed as a true record and that the Chairman be authorized to sign the Minutes on behalf of the Council.

251. Matters Arising on the Minutes
Minute No 233 Allotments – Cllr Mazillius confirmed that as proposals for a hard stand had been deferred, planning permission for car parking was no longer necessary.
Minute 242 ii. Traffic and Transport Working Party – All councillors confirmed they had received the email from Cllr Mazillius providing an explanation as to the early departure of Cllr Tim Hunter-Henderson, the IWC’s Cabinet Member for Transport, from the meeting of the Quality Transport Partnership.
Minute 242 vi. Community Facilities Working Party – All councillors confirmed they had received the email from Oliver Dunne, the IWC’s Property Estates Surveyor in response to the matters raised at the last meeting regarding Somerton Business Park.

252. Report of the Local Safer Neighbourhood Officer
PC Mark Thomas presented the report of the Local Safer Neighbourhood Officer. March had been a very quiet month, with virtually no crime of any note within Northwood. Particular mention however, was made of the following:
•    One act of criminal damage reported involving the slashing of tyres on a car parked in Wyatts Lane
•    Very low incidents of misbehaviour reported
•    A mini-moke had been reported using the Cowes/Newport cycleway. The police had spoken to a person in strong terms with regard to this matter.

253. To receive the report of Jacqui Darby, the Environment and Neighbourhood Officer (ENO) for Northwood
The Chairman welcomed Jacqui Darby, the new ENO for Northwood to the meeting. Jacqui gave a brief résumé of her background and provided details of a number of issues she was currently involved in around Northwood village. Particular mention was made of several incidents where rubbish was being left outside of premises too early before being collected by the dustmen. Jacqui advised that rubbish should not be left out prior to 7.00 am, although it was subject to the ENO’s discretion as to whether a fixed penalty notice would be issued. It was agreed that a warning be inserted in the next issue of the Northwood news.

Other issues related to graffiti, trampolines and a SORN on ground at the rear of Wroxall Close, foot patrols with Community Service officers through Northwood cemetery, the replacement of glass in the bus shelter in Place Road, fixed penalty notices for dog fouling and where a dog is found off lead, the investigation of bollards and road signs which needed replacing. Jacqui agreed to explore the need for the Church Lane Road sign by the hedge along the north wall of the church, which had been damaged for a number of years.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Parish Council, thanked Jacqui for her attendance.

254. The Community Service Restorative Justice scheme
Cllr Fuller having declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the following item of business left the meeting room.

This item was bought forward on the agenda.

Cllr Mazillius suggested two projects, which could prove suitable to fulfill the specified criteria for the restorative justice scheme. These being the clearing of the ditch along Medham Lane and the quartering of grass on footways along the east side of Newport Road between Chawton Lane and the newsagents and from opposite the garage to the Somerton roundabout.

Concern was raised as to the standard of work that could be expected from offenders involved in the scheme and whether either of the projects would result in the loss of paid employment.

Jacqui Darby advised that although the two projects appeared to be eminently suitable, the schedule was very over subscribed. All work was well supervised and risk assessed. The remit for the scheme was to undertake tasks, which were community based that would enhance the community image and perception and would not take away any jobs.

RESOLVED :
THAT the two projects outlined be submitted to the Community Service Restorative Scheme for consideration.
Cllr Fuller returned to the meeting room.

255. Application for Street Trading Consent received in respect of a Mobile Trader, The Old Mill, 46 Solent Village, Thorness Bay, PO31 8NJ for all days 10.30 am – 6.30 pm, commencing on 8 April 2009, for a period of 3 months covering various streets in Cowes, Northwood, Gunville and the Pan Estate selling ice cream and various confectionary items

RESOLVED :

THAT this Council makes no comment on the application received for Street Trading Consent in respect of a Mobile Trader, of the The Old Mill, 46 Solent Village, Thorness Bay

256. Calor Village of the Year competition

RESOLVED :

THAT this Council takes no action in entering the Calor Village of the Year competition but wishes every success to the Northwood Community Partnership and offers them any appropriate support where required.

257. Request received from the Northwood Community Partnership for a donation towards the hire of Northwood Primary school
Cllrs Fuller and Mazillius having both declared personal and prejudicial interests in the following item of business left the meeting room.

The clerk advised that Northwood Primary school had previously confirmed that no charge would be levied on the Parish Council for meetings of the Planning Committee, providing the meetings were completed within a 30 minute timescale. Four meetings of the Planning Committee had taken place in 2008.

RESOLVED :

THAT this Council is unable to accede to the request of the Northwood Community Partnership for a donation towards the hire of Northwood Primary school.

Cllrs Fuller and Mazillius returned to the meeting room.

258. Setting up of a Working Party to review the Parish Council’s standing orders and financial regulations in advance of the Annual General Meeting in May.

RESOLVED :

THAT it be agreed for the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Cllr Cramp and the clerk to form the Working Party to review the Parish Council’s standing orders and financial regulations and to report back to the next meeting with their recommendations.

259. To consider what response to make, if any, to the following consultations:
a.The IWC’s draft Planning Enforcement Policy

The document consultation deadline had been extended until 6 April. Councillors had been invited to respond with their own personal views on the draft policy, particularly where their respective Parish or Town Council was not due to meet within the timescale.

RESOLVED :

THAT this Council welcomes the positive, highly visible and accessible document, setting out clearly targeted timescales

b. The UK consultation on European Commission proposal on bus and coach passenger rights

RESOLVED :

THAT this Council makes no comment on the European Commission’s proposal on bus and coach passenger rights.

260. To receive an update on the Million Blooms project
Reference was made to the report attached to the agenda. The final garden along the main road had been successfully completed the previous Saturday. The acceptance by the Community Partnership of two old sailing dinghies to be planted out and sited probably at the entrances to Northwood when traveling from Cowes to Newport, was noted.

RESOLVED :

THAT Cllrs John Pullen and Roger Mazillius in particular, along with Cllrs Eileen Turner-Palmerton and Colin Palmerton be thanked for all their hard work in undertaking the project, which made Northwood look so attractive.

261. The Big Tidy Up
The view was expressed that the Big Tidy Up event, which had taken place in Northwood on Saturdays, 21 and 28 March, had gone very well with community participation on both occasions. An approach had been made to BAE systems with a request that they undertake a litter pick along the fence line bordering their field, which they had agreed to do. Mention was also made of rubbish arising from a nearby business premises, situated in the adjoining parish.

RESOLVED :

i. THAT Cllr Mazillius liaise with Jacqui Darby, ENO regarding the rubbish from a nearby business premises;
ii. THAT consideration of continuing with a Tidy Up event on a regular basis be given at the next meeting of the Parish Council

262. Clerks Report
a. Administration
To consider the purchase of the Local Council Review, the quarterly official publication of the National Association of Local Councils.

RESOLVED :

THAT it be agreed to obtain, on a one-year trial, the Local Council Review, at a cost of £13.50 per annum

b. Finance
i. The interim budget statement up to the end of March 2009 and the bank reconciliation with Statement No 8 were received and noted. The clerk advised that confirmation had been received from the HM Revenue and Customs that the claim for a refund of £124.72, being the VAT paid during the financial year 2008/09, would be authorised in full.

ii. To give retrospective approval for cheque No 000040, £400.00, issued to Georgina Lacey, being the minimum cost to lease land at New House Farm for allotments

RESOLVED :

THAT retrospective approval be granted for cheque No 000040, payable to Georgina Lacey for £400.00 as payment for the lease of her land was required prior to the meeting.

Cllr Mazillius having declared a personal and prejudicial interest as a recipient of two of the cheques explained the costs involved to enable works associated with the Allotment project and took no part in the decision thereon.

iii. To authorise payment of the following cheques:
000041, IW Council, Clerk Salary
000042, £58.03, Mrs B Herbert – Clerks Expenses
000043, £15.06, Chale Parish Council, Photocopying
000044, £76.00, IW Association of Local Councils – Charge for Cllrs Pullen, Palmerton, Turner-Palmerton and Cllr Ely on Fund and Bid Writing Course
000045, £17.61, Mrs V Taylor – Locum Clerk charges
000046, £261.38, IWALC – Annual subscription for 2009/10
000047, £5.00, IW SLCC – Annual subscription for 2009/10
000048, £50.00, Georgina Lacey, rent of additional allotments let
000049, £8.98, Mr R Mazillius – Cost of combination padlock for gate to allotments
000050, £83.95, Womans Institute – Quarterly charge for hire of hall
000051, £804.20, Biffa – Annual charge for the emptying of Dog Bins,
000052, £2,464.77, Northwood Community Partnership – Million Blooms project

RESOLVED :

THAT the above cheques be approved for payment.

263. To receive progress reports from Working Parties:
a Allotments Working Party
It was noted that eighteen of the allotments had been taken up, leaving only two remaining. The planned rabbit proof fencing had now been erected. However, it had become evident that the field would require fencing around the whole perimeter. All the allotment holders who had been approached had given their consent to contribute £5.00 from the deposits held to enable the purchase of two further rolls of fencing. Following discussion it was agreed that the Parish Council should provide the additional finance required to complete the works.

RESOLVED :

i. THAT it be agreed for the Allotment Holders to be requested to contribute £5.00 from the deposits held to enable the purchase of two further rolls of rabbit proof fencing;
ii. THAT the Parish Council provide the additional finance required to complete the fencing of the allotment field;
iii. THAT payment of cheque No 000053, £262.43, Mr R Mazillius – Purchase of rabbit proof fencing and sundry items for the allotment field be approved
iv. THAT a letter be sent to Mr L Measures thanking him for his invaluable help in erection of the fencing.

b. Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party
Reference was made to the report circulated by email earlier in the day. It was anticipated that the first meeting of the Working Party would be scheduled to take place in May.

RESOLVED :

THAT Mr Ray Richards, Mr Dave Miller and Ms Jacqui Pearce be invited to accept the appointment as the three Community Representatives on the Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party.

c. Housing Needs Working Party

There was no further progress to report. The planned meeting had not taken place due to holiday commitments.

d. Village Design Statement Working Party
There was no further progress to report. Advice had been received that the policy document would not now be available until June.

RESOLVED :

THAT to gauge potential support from within the community for assistance on the production of the Village Design Statement it be agreed to advertise for the interest of motivated volunteers.

e. Youth Forum Working Party
Reference was made to the report circulated by email earlier in the day. Cllr Mazillius explained the need for the IW Council’s new approach taken to modernize the youth service on the island. He confirmed that there was no intention to close any youth clubs, but changes in their operation would be necessary.

It was noted that parish councillors from both Gurnard and Cowes sat on the Management Committee for Cowes Youth Club. It was considered that an approach be made for a serving Northwood Parish Council to be included in the membership.

RESOLVED :

THAT Cowes Youth Club be requested to include a serving Northwood Parish Councillor within the membership of their Management Committee.

f. Community Facilities Working Party
There was no further progress to report.

264. Report of Cllr R Mazillius, the IWC Ward Member for Northwood
The report of IW Cllr R Mazillius, which had been circulated with the agenda, was noted and updated further at the meeting.

Medham Path/Cycleway – Evidence had come to light that over the previous weekend two horse riders had been spotted galloping along the cycleway. Cllr Mazillius agreed to prepare a report for consideration at the next meeting.

265. Correspondence
Correspondence received was listed in the report circulated with the agenda and updated further at the meeting.

266. Councillors’ Reports
Cllr Cramp advised of his attendance at the opening of the allotments and at the Big Tidy Up event.
Cllr Cramp also reported that he had not received any comments in response to the Suggestion Box, which appeared in the latest edition of the Northwood News.
Cllr Fuller advised of his attendance, along with Cllr Pullen, at the recent meeting of IWALC. A summary of the meeting was circulated by email earlier in the day. Following the resignation of Sandown Town Council from IWALC, Cllr Fuller had been nominated to replace Cllr Blezzard on the IW Council’s Scrutiny Committee for the last meeting prior to the elections, on 16 April.
Cllr Fuller requested items for the May issue of the Northwood News by 15 April.
Cllr Pullen referred to his report circulated by email earlier in the day.

267. Future Agenda Items

No additional items were raised other than those identified during the meeting.

268. Brief Review of Meeting
It was considered that the meeting had gone very well.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 10.25 PM.

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