Pakenham Parish Council : Minutes 13th February 2013

PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on
Pakenham Village Hall

Present: Cllr H Painter (Chairman); Cllr D Dorling, Cllr M Sargent, Cllr C Palfrey, Cllr I Brookman, Cllr M Bagnall, Borough Councillor C Spicer and County Councillor R Hopfensperger. Mrs M Gardiner (clerk) was in attendance. 

1 - Apologies for absence: Cllr R Griffin and the Police.

2 - Declarations of interest: Cllr Painter declared an interest in planning for 10 Manor Garth and took no part in the discussion or decision.

3 - Public Forum:-
Cllr Hopfensperger was thanked by residents for her help with Mill Road. It was pointed out that the entrance to the site has been covered with hardcore which will stop any trees or hedging from growing. Clerk to write to Jane Stanley to this effect.
Speedwatch – Mrs Sidebotham asked if the parish council was still keen on sharing equipment with another village. The council confirmed interest and Culford was suggested as a possible partner: they are setting up  Speedwatch in their village. Mrs Sidebotham will contact them.
Cllr Hopfensperger told the council about battery operated SID-type signs which will be available on a two-week rotation.  This is a pilot scheme at present.  Councillors thought this might be more suitable for Pakenham and more cost-effective than buying Speedwatch equipment. Cllr Hopfensperger will pursue this option on our behalf.
Anglian Water Pumping Station, Grimstone End – Cllr Dorling reported, on behalf of a neighbour, that the noise from this sub-station is becoming unbearable  She will be advised to contact Anglian Water and the Environment Agency.

4 - County Councillor’s report:-
Cllr Hopfensperger has reported the flooding risk at Willowdene. She was also told about potholes by Wheelwrights and Manor Garth.
Guy Smith, County Highways, has inspected the verge at Mill Road and confirmed that the Council is responsible for 1m from any vegetation. The Chairman asked Cllr Hopfensperger to contact Mr Smith to request that mud is scraped back off highway land to avoid mud on the road.
Cllr Hopfensperger has submitted a Locality Grant application for the erection of a new shed at the village hall.
Staysafe is a new initiative where shops etc sign up to a scheme to protect vulnerable people – youngsters, disabled, elderly etc. They will exhibit a big yellow sign to show that they are a safe place in case of bullying, panic or other problem. Staff there will be given training. Over 100 businesses have signed up so far. Schools and elderly persons dwellings will be visited to publicise the scheme.  When the launch date is known details can go in the village newsletter.
Travel card – a new card for young people will be launched to replace the Xplore card. It will give discounts for travel to and from work, school, college etc.
The SCC budget meeting will take place next week.

5 - Borough Councillor’s report:-
Complaints had been received about a horse box being parked on council land in Manor Garth.  Cllr Spicer has spoken to the resident concerned and the vehicle has been moved.
Street lighting: Almost all the street lights in Pakenham are old models and are looked after by St Edmundsbury as agents for SCC. Hopefully all poles will be upgraded and looked after by SCC in the future. Discussions are still in progress as there are cost implications.
Church Green Wood: Cllr Spicer congratulated councillors on what they have achieved on this site.
Council tax: Cllr Spicer reported that council tax has been frozen for another year. He told the meeting that there will be new arrangements for precepts. The tax base on property D categories will change. Pakenham’s precept will be as requested for this year.
The Fox:  The council asked Cllr Spicer about rate liability and he confirmed that the developer was liable for rates, but could not confirm if rates were being paid.
Footpath next to the Agricentre: the fallen tree will be removed as soon as possible.

6 - Police Report:-
Apologies were received, together with this report, after the meeting as the PCSO was unable to attend at the last minute.
There has been one crime in Pakenham which is theft of heating oil over a 3 month period. We unfortunately have no suspects for this.
The main thing to bring to the council’s attention and the public’s would be the increase in all types of burglaries we have seen recently. We ask that people be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police while it’s happening, so that we can check it as soon as possible.
We now have a designated PCSO for Pakenham again, this will be PCSO Jade Morton. She is currently still training but now out on the streets so if there are any issues she can help with please get in contact.

The Chairman convened the meeting.

7 - Approve minutes of meetings held on 9th & 24th January 2013:-
Borough Councillor C Spicer pointed out a remark that was erroneously attributed to him in the minutes of 9th January. The Chairman corrected these minutes, after which they were approved and signed as a true record.

8 - Update on items from previous meetings:-
County Councillor Hopfensperger will contact Anglian Water about the missing lid in the road outside the village hall.

9 - Planning applications:-
SE/13/0044/FULCA – Village Hall, The Street.
Erection of timber storage shed (ii) reorientation to existing timber shed.
The Parish Council has no objection to this application.

TCA13/2402 – Laundry Cottage.
Trees in a conservation area:-
(i) 20% height reduction to one fruit tree T1 and two Cypress trees G1
(ii) Fell one purple plum
(iii) Reduce hedge by 20% (height & width) and level – H1 mixed hedge and H2 laurel hedge.
Councillors agree they have no objection to these plans.

SE/13/0089/HH – 10 Manor Garth.
Erection of (i) 1½ storey front extension and (ii) insertion of dormer window to rear elevation.
Parish Councillors unanimously agree that they have no objection to this application.

Granted:-
SE/12/1303/HHCA – High House, The Street.

10 - Pakenham Picture House:-
This is run by a small organising group with a massive contribution from village volunteers. It is very expensive to show films and very difficult to break even, let alone raise money for the village hall. Each film costs £98, even children’s films. It is only possible to show children’s films on days when the hall is available. A permanent licence has been applied for which will stop the need for temporary licences.
The group ask if the parish council could help in any way and councillors agreed to look at the accounts and attendances before making a decision.
It was reported that the Bingo club is also in trouble due to falling attendance figures and the need to pay hall hire in spite of the number attending.
The Chairman suggested that Gt Barton might be approached with a view to alternating films in Pakenham and Gt Barton. It was reported that Gt Barton have a large organising committee and they show old films, while Pakenham wants to show new films.
Pakenham Charities does give a grant to the village hall towards rent for educational use. It was suggested that the group approach the Charities for help.
Cllr Hopfensperger suggested that Kirsty Pitwood at St Edmundsbury be approached as she can inform about grants that might be available.
New speakers are needed for the hall and these will cost approx £700. St Edmundsbury might be able to help after April with a capital grant for these.
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11 - Parish Plan:-
Possible sites for affordable housing – A meeting with Suffolk Acre and St Edmundsbury is being arranged.  Section 106 money, if it becomes available, can be used on the project. Cllr Spicer told the meeting of the experience of other villages.
Items for newsletter – Cllr Dorling will write in the next newsletter about wildlife news and Church Green Wood. The Chairman will continue to write his article monthly.  It was considered that the editor’s page should be the first page and the church second.  Bus information should be included but needs to be kept up to date. This information is available in the village shop.  Cllr Sargent will provide mobile library information. Information about the wet fish van should also be included.  Cllr Sargent will pass this information to the editor.

12 - Lawn Cemetery map: not yet available.

13 - The Dell/Church Wood:-
Cllr Dorling has purchased the fixings for the new dog bin, so this will be in operation shortly. Clerk to contact St Edmundsbury about collections.
The sign has a wooden framework which is rotten. Councillors agree that Crownmobile should be approached to quote for the repair.
The Chairman said that we must get the village risk assessment updated to include Church Green Wood. Quotes to be obtained.

14 - Finance:-
The Finance Report, plus invoices relating to work at Church Wood totalling £871.94, was agreed. The PVH & PFA applied for their annual grant, which was also agreed. The Association was warned that it may not be possible for the Parish Council to continue this grant.
Cllr Dorling showed a map of areas of parish grass to be cut. Invitations to tender to be sent.
The Parish Council requested sight of the PVH & PFA accounts to determine whether they still need such a large grant from the Parish Council to help with village hall upkeep. It may still be necessary to help with grass-cutting of the playing field as there is no income from it.

15 - Clerk’s report:-
Clerk to send application form and job description to applicants for the clerk’s job, on request. Closing date for applications 28th February.  Cllrs Painter, Brookman & Palfrey to interview.
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16 - Correspondence:-
Clerks & Councils Direct
Suffolk Acre: Update magazine; Cheaper energy together
Age UK Suffolk

17 - Councillors' reports:-
A letter has been received from the Church Fundraising committee asking for permission to use the grounds behind the church for an outdoor theatre production in July. The Church’s public liability insurance will cover the event. Councillors all agreed to the land being used for this event.

18 - Date of next meeting:-
Thursday 21st March 2013 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.