THE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON TUESDAY 7TH MAY 2013

PRESENT:- COUN B D FERGUSON (CHAIR)
Mesdames:- L Grigg & G E Elliott
Messrs:- J Grigg, G Elliott, A J Finkel-Gates, County Councillor P Brookes

915.   ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
RESOLVED councillor B D Ferguson be elected as Chairman of the Parish Council for the ensuing year. The Chairman thanked the former Chairman for all of his hard work and efforts on behalf of the Parish Council.

916.   TO SIGN DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE
All Members signed and accepted their election to the office of Parish Councillor of Trimdon Foundry Parish Council.

917.   CODE OF CONDUCT & REGISTER OF INTERESTS
All Members were requested to complete the required paperwork and return it to the Parish Clerk as soon as possible.

918.   APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
RESOLVED Councillor G Elliott be appointed as Vice Chairman of the Parish Council for the ensuing year.

919.   APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES    2013/14
RESOLVED the following Members be appointed to these bodies on behalf of the Parish Council:-

  • EDF Wind Farm Funding     – Councillor G Elliott
  • AAP                                        – Councillor B D Ferguson
  • EDRC Local Councils Committee – Councillors B D Ferguson & G Elliott

920.   APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been submitted and were accepted on behalf of Councillor J France and County Councillor M Nicholls.

921.   MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were approved.

922.   POLICE MATTERS
The Police were not present at the meeting.

923.   PLANNING MATTERS
Members were advised that there was to be a public consultation session held at the Community Centre by Swan Property Consultants on Thursday 9th May 2013 from 10.30 – 7.00pm and all Members were encouraged to attend.  RESOLVED the details be noted.

924.   CORRESPONDENCE
Consideration was given to a list of correspondence received since the last meeting, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.  The Clerk reported receipt of details of Chairmanship and Councillor Training to be held on 9th July 2013 at Shotton Hall.  RESOLVED the contents of the list be noted and a place be reserved on the training for Councillor Ferguson.

925.   MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS

Former Chairman’s report
It was reported a site meeting had been held with Durham County Council, (Environment) and he reported his concerns at the various fences around the village that required urgent repair by DCC.  He felt the litter and dog fouling needed pressing for improvements in standards.  RESOLVED the out standing fencing repairs be reported to Durham County Council again for action.

The Chairman asked for the indulgence of other fellow Councillors to allow members of the public the opportunity to speak at the meeting.  They all agreed.

926.   RESIDENT’S REPORTS
(a)     Planning Proposal
Residents were concerned at the various rumours about this site.  The Chairman gave his assurances that the Parish Council would place residents’ views as a high priority in considering the proposals but stressed that the final decision would be with the County Council Planners and Members.  RESOLVED the information given be noted.

(b)     Thanks & Appreciation
A local resident thanked the previous Councillors and Chairman for all of their efforts in the village.

927.   RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
IN VIEW OF THE CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED THE COMMITTEE PASSED THE FORMAL RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS & PUBLIC FROM THE MEETING, PURSUANT TO THE PUBLIC BODIES (ADMISSIONS TO MEETINGS) ACT 1961 AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ACCESS TO INFORMATION), ACT 1985.

928.   CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and had matters in it relating to:-

1.       Cemetery
2.       Parish Council Precept April 2013/14
3.       Memorial Garden Scheme – Phase 2
4.       Access to the grave yard of the former St Pauls Church
5.       VAT
6.       Audit 2012/13
7.       ERDF Funding
8.       Play Area

RESOLVED the contents of the report be noted.

929.   FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i)      Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED that the action taken in paying accounts with cheque payments totaling £6,616.75 be endorsed.

(ii)     Bank Reconciliations
The Clerk advised she was in the process of closing year end accounts and was not in a position to submit the Bank Reconciliation for April 2013.  She hoped to have this completed in the next few weeks and would present April and May reconciliations to the next meeting for approval.  RESOLVED that this course of action be accepted.

(iii)    Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2013 – To approve Section 2 – Annual Governance Statement
Approval was give to Section 2 of the Annual Return and the chairman signed this on behalf of the Parish Council.  RESOLVED authority be given for the Chairman to sign this document on behalf of the Parish Council.

930.   DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
It was suggested that consideration be given to the change of the day of the meeting.  Following consideration it was RESOLVED the date and time of the next meeting be Tuesday 11th June 2013 at 6.30pm.

In closing the meeting the Chairman thanked both past and current Members for all of their hard work.  He wished for it to be recognized the people who have worked hard for the people of the village.