Dunchideock
Parish Council
Minutes of meeting held on Monday 7th January 2013
1 Present: Cllrs Swain (chairman), Baker, Dow, Goodchild, Ellis, Eveleigh and Riddick. Apologies were received from Cllr. Goodey. Cllr K Lake would be attending the latter part of the meeting. 4 residents were present
There were no declarations of interest and no requests for dispensation.
2 Standing orders suspended and the meeting declared open to the public – No comments. Standing orders resumed.
3 Minutes of the meeting held on 5th November – were amended. Mr Swain questioned whether comments made by Mrs Eveleigh were too detailed. Cllrs. Agreed they should be recorded. - Mr Goodchild proposed and Mr Ellis seconded the minutes were a correct record.
4 Matters arising :
4.1 Blocked Drains on Blacksmith's Hill – Outside Kootenay has become blocked again. Mr Riddick will report
Outside Cross Cottage Mr Baker reported this seemed to be working properly.
Highways have been thanked for their successful work on Blacksmith's Hill below Lower Ralifee.
4.2 Sewage at Webberton – in progress.
4.3 Country News – a note of thanks for the donation to Country News has been received. The Clerk will check that this has been sufficient.
4.4 Coby Oak Hill - The letter from the Forestry concerning parking on Coby Oak Hill and around Bullers Cross was read. Mr Riddick suggested passing spaces should be labelled. - Selfish parking causes the need for 200 yard reverse.
4.5 Neighbourhood Plan – the training meeting had been missed. The Parish Plan is still viable – it differs from a Neighbourhood Plan but perhaps another plan is not required.
Mr Baker thought Mr Lake was keen for the Parish to develop a Neighbourhood Plan.
The Clerk mentioned a further training meeting is scheduled for March.
Mr Swain explained the Neighbourhood Plan in relation to the local plan. - Although the Neighbourhood Plan can reflect community desires it has to support the Local Plan. Mr Swain feels the Government is shifting the responsibility for creating plans from the Council Authority to unpaid councillors.
Mr Goodchild agrees with the apparent change in responsibility but wonders if this is part of the 'Big Community' and feels there is some virtue in this concept.
Mr Swain reported that at DALC AGM there had been surprise at the layout and complexity of the Neighbourhood Plan and wondered if it was a 'sledge hammer to crack a nut'.
Mr Goodchild feels it would make good sense for someone to attend a training session or seek a speaker for a Council meeting. Mr Riddick and Mr Dow agreed it was a good idea to be informed. Mrs Eveleigh commented that as a small council how could it affect us and what would be included in a plan.
Mr Godchild wonders if we'd become vulnerable if we don't have a Neighbourhood Plan.
4.6 Possible infringement of Code of Conduct – Mr Goodchild had discussed the alleged incident of Cllr Swain withholding information from him with a solicitor in Teignbridge Legal Department. It seemed possible that point 3g in the code had been breached. Mr Goodchild said he felt he'd tested the incident as far as he needed to and would not proceed further. Cllr Swain had hand delivered the forms to Cllr Goodchild for him to formalise a complaint. The Clerk reported that Teignbridge Legal Department has contacted her to give information about the incident and confirmed Mr Goodchild's account – Mr Goodchild commented – 'We move on'.
4.7 Dispensation – Mr Swain said it is necessary to include in Standing Orders the dispensation to enable Councillors to discuss the precept. - Mr Baker commented that Councillors were not elected to discuss the precept. - Mr Swain pointed out that there have been changes in the Code of Conduct. All councillors requested a dispensation from the Clerk to discuss the precept – Granted – this will be included in Standing Orders.
5 District Councillors Report – delayed until Mr Lake's arrival.
On arrival Cllr Lake wished the council 'A Happy New Year'.
The officer dealing with Webberton Cross is off sick.
6 Clerk's IT – The broadband connection in the clerks home is unreliable and very slow. Mr Swain wondered whether this should be abandoned. Mr Swain was asked about the ownership of the Dunchideock domain as he has overriding control of this. He feels the Parish should retain 'Dunchideock.org.uk' – at a cost the ownership could be transferred to the Parish Council/Clerk. In case of accident 2 officers should be kept aware of passwords.
Mr Baker commented that the Clerk needs a printer.
Mr Swain said printers have to be used regularly otherwise they cease up.
Mr Riddick suggested that if the Parish owned a printer perhaps printing for other 'groups' within the Parish could be dealt with.
Mrs Eveleigh proposed and Mr Riddick seconded that the Council purchase a printer.
Mr Mallett commented that he has an old printer
Some Councillors have commented that there is too much information forwarded to them. The Clerk said if she knows particular interests she can 'select' information for Councillors.
7 HMRC – Mr Baker reported that PAYE will now be recorded instantaneously. He will put the free software onto the Clerk's computer.
8 Precept: - Mr Dow proposed and Mr Riddick seconded that the Budget be accepted and the suggested precept of £1400 be requested..
9 Fibre Optic Broadband: - Mr Baker reported that Ide has fibre optic broadband but it is not connected because there are no engineers available. It would cost about £50,000 to extend to Dunchideock. A satellite link is available.
Mr Ellis has looked into the provision but it is not economically viable at the present.
It is possible there might be financial support from Parishioners. Mr Baker and Mr Ellis will continue to investigate possibilities.
10 Emergency Plan: Mr Goodchild said he was sorry there had been no progress on the Emergency Plan.
Mr Swain reported that 40 sand bags had been delivered to the Village Hall store.
11 Community Infrastructure Levy : wont affect this Parish.
12 Bowhay Farm Solar Array: Mr Swain said there was nothing to report.
Mr Mallett expressed disgust that the applicant seems to be making a financial contribution to Shillingford.
Mr Swain suggested Dunchideock write to Lightsource requesting compensation for the inconvenience.
Mrs Eveleigh feels if we ask for money we would be condoning the proposal.
Mr Lake commented that a financial arrangement is the equivalent of a '106 agreement'. In some cases its a welcome mitigating feature in others it could be persuasive.
Mr Goodchild said if the proposal goes ahead Dunchideock should receive some amelioration.
Mr Riddick proposed and Mr Baker seconded if the application is approved Dunchideock should seek funds from Lightsource. Supported by Mr Swain and Mr Dow. Objected to by Mrs Eveleigh. Mr Ellis and Mr Goodchild abstained.
13 Open Meeting:
Mrs Phillips asked why Webberton Cross was on every agenda. - As far as she is concerned the issue has been resolved. She feels confused and intruded by the repetition of the item on the agenda.
Mr Swain said it wouldn't appear on an agenda until a planning application is made.
Mrs Phillips said that as she has been assisting the Clerk with IT skills there is another option regarding email passwords. They could be kept in an envelope and passed on if necessary.
Mr Mallett reported that 'Country News' will continue as usual but plans are in place to include Dunchideock with a 'magazine' from Dunsford and Doddiscombsleigh – this publication coast £4 pa – He will be coordinating and distributing the magazine in Dunchideock.
Mr Swain commented it would be great for communication.
Mr Riddick suggested the provision of a Bus Shelter by the Old Post Office be on the next agenda.
14 The meeting closed at 9.45 PM. The next meeting will be on 4 March 2013
Coffee Rota – Mr Riddick
Chairman
Minutes of meeting held on Monday 7th January 2013
1 Present: Cllrs Swain (chairman), Baker, Dow, Goodchild, Ellis, Eveleigh and Riddick. Apologies were received from Cllr. Goodey. Cllr K Lake would be attending the latter part of the meeting. 4 residents were present
There were no declarations of interest and no requests for dispensation.
2 Standing orders suspended and the meeting declared open to the public – No comments. Standing orders resumed.
3 Minutes of the meeting held on 5th November – were amended. Mr Swain questioned whether comments made by Mrs Eveleigh were too detailed. Cllrs. Agreed they should be recorded. - Mr Goodchild proposed and Mr Ellis seconded the minutes were a correct record.
4 Matters arising :
4.1 Blocked Drains on Blacksmith's Hill – Outside Kootenay has become blocked again. Mr Riddick will report
Outside Cross Cottage Mr Baker reported this seemed to be working properly.
Highways have been thanked for their successful work on Blacksmith's Hill below Lower Ralifee.
4.2 Sewage at Webberton – in progress.
4.3 Country News – a note of thanks for the donation to Country News has been received. The Clerk will check that this has been sufficient.
4.4 Coby Oak Hill - The letter from the Forestry concerning parking on Coby Oak Hill and around Bullers Cross was read. Mr Riddick suggested passing spaces should be labelled. - Selfish parking causes the need for 200 yard reverse.
4.5 Neighbourhood Plan – the training meeting had been missed. The Parish Plan is still viable – it differs from a Neighbourhood Plan but perhaps another plan is not required.
Mr Baker thought Mr Lake was keen for the Parish to develop a Neighbourhood Plan.
The Clerk mentioned a further training meeting is scheduled for March.
Mr Swain explained the Neighbourhood Plan in relation to the local plan. - Although the Neighbourhood Plan can reflect community desires it has to support the Local Plan. Mr Swain feels the Government is shifting the responsibility for creating plans from the Council Authority to unpaid councillors.
Mr Goodchild agrees with the apparent change in responsibility but wonders if this is part of the 'Big Community' and feels there is some virtue in this concept.
Mr Swain reported that at DALC AGM there had been surprise at the layout and complexity of the Neighbourhood Plan and wondered if it was a 'sledge hammer to crack a nut'.
Mr Goodchild feels it would make good sense for someone to attend a training session or seek a speaker for a Council meeting. Mr Riddick and Mr Dow agreed it was a good idea to be informed. Mrs Eveleigh commented that as a small council how could it affect us and what would be included in a plan.
Mr Godchild wonders if we'd become vulnerable if we don't have a Neighbourhood Plan.
4.6 Possible infringement of Code of Conduct – Mr Goodchild had discussed the alleged incident of Cllr Swain withholding information from him with a solicitor in Teignbridge Legal Department. It seemed possible that point 3g in the code had been breached. Mr Goodchild said he felt he'd tested the incident as far as he needed to and would not proceed further. Cllr Swain had hand delivered the forms to Cllr Goodchild for him to formalise a complaint. The Clerk reported that Teignbridge Legal Department has contacted her to give information about the incident and confirmed Mr Goodchild's account – Mr Goodchild commented – 'We move on'.
4.7 Dispensation – Mr Swain said it is necessary to include in Standing Orders the dispensation to enable Councillors to discuss the precept. - Mr Baker commented that Councillors were not elected to discuss the precept. - Mr Swain pointed out that there have been changes in the Code of Conduct. All councillors requested a dispensation from the Clerk to discuss the precept – Granted – this will be included in Standing Orders.
5 District Councillors Report – delayed until Mr Lake's arrival.
On arrival Cllr Lake wished the council 'A Happy New Year'.
The officer dealing with Webberton Cross is off sick.
6 Clerk's IT – The broadband connection in the clerks home is unreliable and very slow. Mr Swain wondered whether this should be abandoned. Mr Swain was asked about the ownership of the Dunchideock domain as he has overriding control of this. He feels the Parish should retain 'Dunchideock.org.uk' – at a cost the ownership could be transferred to the Parish Council/Clerk. In case of accident 2 officers should be kept aware of passwords.
Mr Baker commented that the Clerk needs a printer.
Mr Swain said printers have to be used regularly otherwise they cease up.
Mr Riddick suggested that if the Parish owned a printer perhaps printing for other 'groups' within the Parish could be dealt with.
Mrs Eveleigh proposed and Mr Riddick seconded that the Council purchase a printer.
Mr Mallett commented that he has an old printer
Some Councillors have commented that there is too much information forwarded to them. The Clerk said if she knows particular interests she can 'select' information for Councillors.
7 HMRC – Mr Baker reported that PAYE will now be recorded instantaneously. He will put the free software onto the Clerk's computer.
8 Precept: - Mr Dow proposed and Mr Riddick seconded that the Budget be accepted and the suggested precept of £1400 be requested..
9 Fibre Optic Broadband: - Mr Baker reported that Ide has fibre optic broadband but it is not connected because there are no engineers available. It would cost about £50,000 to extend to Dunchideock. A satellite link is available.
Mr Ellis has looked into the provision but it is not economically viable at the present.
It is possible there might be financial support from Parishioners. Mr Baker and Mr Ellis will continue to investigate possibilities.
10 Emergency Plan: Mr Goodchild said he was sorry there had been no progress on the Emergency Plan.
Mr Swain reported that 40 sand bags had been delivered to the Village Hall store.
11 Community Infrastructure Levy : wont affect this Parish.
12 Bowhay Farm Solar Array: Mr Swain said there was nothing to report.
Mr Mallett expressed disgust that the applicant seems to be making a financial contribution to Shillingford.
Mr Swain suggested Dunchideock write to Lightsource requesting compensation for the inconvenience.
Mrs Eveleigh feels if we ask for money we would be condoning the proposal.
Mr Lake commented that a financial arrangement is the equivalent of a '106 agreement'. In some cases its a welcome mitigating feature in others it could be persuasive.
Mr Goodchild said if the proposal goes ahead Dunchideock should receive some amelioration.
Mr Riddick proposed and Mr Baker seconded if the application is approved Dunchideock should seek funds from Lightsource. Supported by Mr Swain and Mr Dow. Objected to by Mrs Eveleigh. Mr Ellis and Mr Goodchild abstained.
13 Open Meeting:
Mrs Phillips asked why Webberton Cross was on every agenda. - As far as she is concerned the issue has been resolved. She feels confused and intruded by the repetition of the item on the agenda.
Mr Swain said it wouldn't appear on an agenda until a planning application is made.
Mrs Phillips said that as she has been assisting the Clerk with IT skills there is another option regarding email passwords. They could be kept in an envelope and passed on if necessary.
Mr Mallett reported that 'Country News' will continue as usual but plans are in place to include Dunchideock with a 'magazine' from Dunsford and Doddiscombsleigh – this publication coast £4 pa – He will be coordinating and distributing the magazine in Dunchideock.
Mr Swain commented it would be great for communication.
Mr Riddick suggested the provision of a Bus Shelter by the Old Post Office be on the next agenda.
14 The meeting closed at 9.45 PM. The next meeting will be on 4 March 2013
Coffee Rota – Mr Riddick
Chairman