Parish Council
2Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 6 February 2019 at 7.30 pm in Sticklepath Village Hall.
Present:
Cllr Cruse (Chairperson), Cllr Moore, Cllr Bell, Cllr Grubb, Cllr Daniel, Cllr Sales and Cllr Loader.
In attendance:
Lois Rowlands (Clerk). 3 members of the public.
464/1 Apologies
None.
464/2 Public participation
The public participation session is not considered part of the meeting and, as such, is not minuted.
464/3 Approval of the minutes of meeting held 9 January 2019.
The minutes were approved as an accurate record and were signed by Cllr Cruse.
464/4 Declaration of Interests
None.
464/5 Matters carried forward
5.1 Abandoned/derelict property “Moorland View” – Environmental Health are still trying to establish a response from the owner. If they do not respond to the next letter, more formal action will be taken. This could include service of a formal notice on the owners to bring the property back into use and, if they fail to do so, the local authority has power to enforce a sale or to compulsorily purchase the property. c/f April
5.2 Village Gateways – Cllr Moore reported a site visit had taken place following last meeting. Western End – proposed position is different to that discussed with Highways. Cllr Moore has contacted Highways for their approval or comments. Eastern end – initially thought the new position would be within SPC Boundary but it appears it still would be in STPC. Also, Highways have now put small red sticks in verge where the gateway would be. They were put there following surveying carried out by Highways. Cllr Moore has also asked Highways what work they are planning to carry out along the verge.
5.3 Lengthsman/Highways drainage issues – Clerk’s report circulated setting out frequency in which certain drainage tasks are carried out by Highways teams. All agreed to approach independent contractor for quote for troubleshooting service in relation to clearing/rodding blocked gullies and clearing leaf debris. ACTION: CLERK
Clerk has also reported overgrown hedging and debris encroaching onto highway between Hopedene and Trafalgar Lodge which has narrowed the carriageway.
5.4 Wildflower project and other environmental issues – Cllr Daniel had met with Ian Brooker on Billy Green. Very supportive of her proposals to enhance natural habitat in the village. Discussed installation of bat boxes – STOC might be able to assist. The dead cherry tree will be removed and the good wood reused. Lynn had also acquired a small oak tree which she has planted on Billy Green. Proposal is to allow areas to grow to see what flowers and plants come up. Cut pathways to benches. Cllr Daniel attended a Green Party conference recently and she will attend a climate change event at Devon County Council. Swishing party on 22 February to raise funds for environmental projects.
Note: organisers of Open Gardens will not be running the event this year.
5.5 DNPA Local Plan Review – Cllr Grubb confirmed the responses had been submitted. Evidence base for Sticklepath is now updated to 2019 and it confirms there is currently no housing need data for Sticklepath and therefore no evidence of housing need. DNPA had used the incorrect evidence base (used the one for Sticklepath near Barnstaple). Clerk to advise when confirmation of receipt email is received from DNPA.
464/6 Planning
None.
464/7 Finance
7.1 Accounts and Budget figures. Clerk to circulate. Expenditure mainly in line with budgets. Dog bins appear to still be being emptied weekly rather than fortnightly. All agreed the bins on Foundry field and at the end of Back Lane need to be emptied weekly. Monitor emptying.
7.2 The following payments were approved – set up by Clerk, approved by Cllr Moore:
Mrs L Rowlands Salary (Feb) £168.88
Mrs L Rowlands Postage stamps/stationery £ 10.21
Mr Ian Brett Chipping brash on playing field (PF fund) £200.00
STOCs carried out work to tidy the Playing Field and Cllr Cruse wished to express the PCs thanks for their hard work.
464/8 Matters Arising
8.1 Leat clearance day – 15 people turned up to help. The work is essential to keep the leat flowing. National Trust provided refreshments.
8.2 Village Work Day – Sunday 17 February 10am – Most of the work will be supervised by Ian Brooker on Sticklepath Moor. Other small jobs around the village.
8.3 Contractors for 2019-2020 – Eddie Kingdom to continue with grass cutting and weed spraying. Bus shelter cleaner to be approached to see if she wishes to continue with the service, how often she cleans and her charge for the next financial year.
8.4 Grant Giving Policy – All agreed to review every 3 years. Small amendments approved.
8.5 Playing field safety inspection – inspectors will visit in March – no set date given.
8.6 Parish Council Elections – Clerk set out procedure for elections which will take place on 2 May if seats are contested for our parish. The nomination forms should be received before the next meeting and will be brought along to the meeting for Councillors to use. Agreed all nomination papers will be taken together to WDBC offices.
8.7 Walks leaflet – The 2,500 walks leaflets have almost run out. Leaflet dispenser – this is emptied by visitors on a weekly basis. They need a reprint – to update the adverts and include additional information. The original can be easily amended. Cllr Cruse requested it is printed on a biodegradable paper. Advertisers paid £25. Clerk to contact advertisers to ask for further advertising/fee. Also, include reference to The Beacon for further information about local businesses and events. Cllr. Bell agreed to co-ordinate the reprint. ACTION: CLERK/CLLR MOORE/CLLR BELL
464/9 Chair’s Actions
2 STOC volunteers cleared the debris around the cattle grid in Skaigh Lane and revealed a drain. Will see whether this resolves the issue of standing water in this area.
Grit bin in use during snow.
Hydrosnakes deployed to property at eastern end of village to deal with water from a burst water main.
464/10 Dates to Note/correspondence received
17th February, 10am – Village work day
22nd February – swishing party in village hall to raise funds for environmental projects.
Letters thanking the Parish Council for donations have been received from St Mary’s Church, StOC, Dartmoor Rescue, CAB, Okehampton Community Transport and RBL.
Letter from Villages in Action requesting donations and publicity. As Sticklepath has hosted several Villages in Action performances, Clerk to respond advising them and that we promote their scheme to other organisations in the village.
Date of next meeting: Wednesday 6 March 2019 – 7.30pm
Meeting closed at 8.40