Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Trimdon Parish Council held in Trimdon Grange Community Centre on Thursday 10 April 2018 at 7:00pm.
Present: Councillor John Burton (in the Chair) and Councillors Denise Davison, George Elliott, Margaret Elliott, Rob Gilbert, Margaret Hughes, Bernadette Oliver, Les Oliver, Ian Quinn, David Smith and Paul Trippett
Anne Delandre (Clerk to the Council) was in attendance to record the minutes and County Councillor Peter Brookes was in attendance to report on County Council matters.
Prior to the meeting commencing Superintendent Sarah Honeyman and Sergeant Alex Clarke, Durham Police, were in attendance to discuss changes to Police personnel. A decision has recently been taken to re-distribute staff across the area. This has resulted in the current Sergeant (Sergeant Clarke) now having to divide his time between Shildon and Sedgefield.
Resolved that a letter be sent to the Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary and the Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner expressing concerns at the decision to share a Police Sergeant across Shildon and Sedgefield, particularly in view of the recent decision to increase the precept for policing in Durham.
118. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Eileen Dickinson and Keith Thompson.
Resolved that the above apologies be approved.
119. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Under S.33 of the 2011 Localism Act, Councillors John Burton, Bernadette Oliver and Leslie Oliver have been granted a dispensation to relieve them of their restriction in s.31(4) to participate in business relating to Trimdon Community College Association.
Resolved that the above be noted.
120. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There was one member of the public in attendance to observe the proceedings.
Resolved that the above be noted.
121. MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 13 MARCH 2018
Councillor Rob Gilbert clarified that he does not have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in Planning Application DM/18/00034/OUT.
Resolved that any reference to the above be removed. With this amendment it was agreed that the minutes be approved as a true record, to be signed by the Chairman.
122. UPDATE ON PROGRESS OF RESOLUTIONS FROM THE LAST MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL 0N 13 MARCH 2018
Planning Application DM/16/00107/OUT: Request for proposed Health Centre to be re-located to the centre of the village on the old school site. County Councillor Peter Brookes advised that he has met staff from DCC Planning and Assets who are considering this request.
Resolved that the above be noted.
Planning Application DM/18/00281/FPA: Change of use from amenity use to domestic garden. The Clerk advised that she had visited the site and discussed the request with the Chairman – it was agreed that no comment be made.
Resolved that the above be noted.
Planning Application DM/18/00640/TCA: Removal of 1 no leylandii. The Clerk advised that she had visited the site and discussed the request with the Chairman – it was agreed that no comment be made.
Resolved that the above be noted.
Appointment of Seasonal Gardener – the Clerk confirmed that Paul Collingwood has been appointed as the Seasonal Gardener for 2018.
Resolved that the above be noted.
Quotation from Amberol – a quotation has been received from Amberol for the provision of three new barrel planters.
Resolved that the quotation from Amberol be accepted.
Quotation from D Jordan – a quotation has been received from D Jordan for the steam cleaning of bus shelters across the parish.
Resolved that the quotation from D Jordan be accepted.
123. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
There were no planning applications for consideration.
Resolved that the above be noted.
124. FINANCIAL
a) The Clerk detailed expenditure requiring payment by cheque.
Resolved that the payments be approved.
b) The Clerk submitted the schedule of payments made between 1 March 2018 and 31 March 2018.
Resolved that the schedule of payments be approved.
c) The Clerk advised that no income had been received during the month of March 2018.
Resolved that the above be noted.
d) The Clerk submitted the bank reconciliation statement (Instant Access Account) for the period ended 31 March 2018. This was cross referenced with the Bank Statement.
Resolved that the bank reconciliation statement (Instant Access Account) be approved and the Chairman sign the Bank Statement as confirmation of the balance.
e) The Clerk submitted the bank reconciliation statement (Current Bank Account) for the period ended 31 March 2018. This was cross referenced with the Bank Statement.
Resolved that the bank reconciliation statement (Current Bank Account) be approved and the Chairman sign the Bank Statement as confirmation of the balance.
125. CLERK’S REPORTS
a) Report on the Fixed Asset Register – A report on the Fixed Asset Register, together with a copy of the Fixed Asset Register for the period ended 31 March 2018 had been circulated with the Agenda. This reflected the disposal and purchase of items during the financial year. The total fixed assets as at 31 March 2018 is £770,644.
Resolved
1. That the report be approved.
2. That the Fixed Asset Register as at 31 March 2018 be approved.
b) Report on the General Power of Competence (GPC) – A report on the General Power of Competence had been circulated with the Agenda. The Clerk outlined the conditions required for compliance and confirmed that Trimdon Parish Council satisfies all of the conditions to adopt the GPC.
Resolved
1. That the report be approved.
2. That Trimdon Parish Council, from 10 April 2018, until the next relevant Annual Meeting of the Council, having met the conditions of eligibility as defined in the Localism Act 2011 and Statutory Instrument 965 of the Parish Councils (General Power of Competence) (Prescribed Conditions) Order 2012, adopts the General Power of Competence.
c) Report on the Award of Grants and Donations for the financial year 2018/2019 – a copy of a report with recommendations for the awarding of grants for the financial year 2018/2019 was circulated with the Agenda.
Resolved
1. That the report be approved.
2. That the Great North Air Ambulance be granted £500 under the Localism Act 2011 (Part 1, Chapter 1, ss 1-8)
3. That Trimdon Concert Brass Band be granted £1,000 under the Localism Act 2011 (Part 1, Chapter 1, ss 1-8)
4. That Trimdon Community College Association be granted £29,000 under the Localism Act 2011 (Part 1, Chapter 1, ss 1-8)
5. That Trimdon Grange Community Centre be granted £5,000 under the Localism Act 2011 (Part 1, Chapter 1, ss 1-8)
6. That Trimdon Village Hall Association be granted £5,000 under the Localism Act 2011 (Part 1, Chapter 1, ss 1-8)
7. That Trimdon Colliery Community Association be granted £1,000 under Localism Act 2011 (Part 1, Chapter 1, ss 1-8)
8. That Trimdon Village Hall Association Citizens Advice Bureau be granted the funding to run the weekly CAB sessions under the Local Government Act 1972 s.142
9. That Trimdon United Juniors FC be granted £,1000 under the Localism Act 2011 (Part 1, Chapter 1, ss 1-8)
10. That Trimdon Parish Youth Group be granted £5,000 under the Localism Act 2011 (Part 1, Chapter 1, ss 1-8)
11. That Trimdon Grange Banner Group be granted £350 under the Localism Act 2011 (Part 1, Chapter 1, ss 1-8)
12. That Trimdon Colliery Banner Group be granted £350 under the Localism Act 2011 (Part 1, Chapter 1, ss 1-8)
13. That all organisations receiving a grant exceeding £2,000 be advised that they must provide a written report at the end of the financial year on how the money has been used.
d) A report on the Parish Council Scarecrow Competition had been circulated with the Agenda.
Resolved
1. That the above report be noted.
2. That Trimdon Parish Scarecrow Competition 2018 be held between Sunday 27 May 2018 and Sunday 10 June 2018, with judging taking place on Monday 11 June 2018.
3. That the following prize money be agreed:
• Best Resident Award £50
• Highly Commended Resident Awards £20 x 3 entries
• Best Business/School Award/Community Group £50
• Highly Commended Business/School/Community Group Awards £20 x 3 entries
e) The Clerk advised that a quotation has been received from Peart Fencing to replace the damaged fencing at Harwood Court, Trimdon Grange.
Resolved that the Chairman and Clerk carry out a site visit prior to a decision being made.
f) The Clerk advised that an Armed Forces Day is being held on Saturday 30 June 2018 at Trimdon Community College.
Resolved that the above be noted.
Resolved that the Chairman and Clerk undertake a site visit prior to a decision being made.
g) Quotation from InnovTech – the Clerk advised that a quotation has been received from InnovTech to provide support to assist with the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulations and to provide on-going IT support. In view of the time restraints in complying with GDPR by 25 May 2018, and the specialist nature of the work, it is recommended that the Financial Regulations be waived to enable a price to be negotiated with competition.
Three options were offered – all options include the role of DPO and assistance with GDPR compliance, assistance with a Data Risk Register and assistance with policies.
Resolved that the quotation for a three year contract at a cost of £85 a month, with an option to move to a contract of a combined infrastructure across a number of smaller parishes should the option arise, be accepted.
126. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Letter received from Durham County Council advising of the Notification of (Trimdon) (Parking and Waiting Restrictions) Order 2018 which is being proposed to tackle the problem of parking at the entrance to Bluebell Meadow Primary School and St Williams RCVA Primary School, Elwick View, Trimdon Village.
County Councillor Peter Brookes spoke on the matter and requested the support of Trimdon Parish Council for the proposal. Councillor Paul Trippett left the meeting during the discussion.
Resolved that the request for the Order be supported, but that Durham County Council be asked to monitor the impact should the Order be granted, and that the council considers other initiatives to reduce the problem of the traffic, for example, a walking school bus.
b) Email from County of Durham School Benevolent Fund – thanks to the Parish Council for their financial donation.
Resolved that the above be noted.
127. COUNTY COUNCILLOR UPDATE
County Councillor Peter Brookes reported on the following issues:
• Trimdon Community Action Group formed to look at local issues such as litter/dog fouling – this is supported by Phil Wilson MP
• Organised Litter Pick from Library 10:00 14 April 2018
• Telephone Box located opposite Infant School – response received from BT
• DCC currently undertaking a number of litter picks around the parish
• The three County Councillors representing the Trimdons are to meet to discuss priorities for AAP Funding
• Meeting taken place with DCC staff to look at possibility of new Health Centre at Church Road
• £250 donated to Trimdon Village Hall to provide temporary toilets for Family Fun Day
• ‘Field of Poppies’ to be co-ordinated across the Trimdon to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War 1
128. COUNCILLOR MATTERS – FOR INFORMATION ONLY
• An update regarding the Combined Planning and Enforcement Appeal at Tyersville Stables and Land at Kelloe Bank was requested. County Councillor Peter Brookes was able to confirm that DCC is monitoring the situation.
Resolved that the above be noted.
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