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Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on
Monday 29 March 2010 from 7.30p.m. in Darley Memorial Hall
1003/1 Present: Cllrs J Austin (Chairman), D Dickinson (Vice Chairman), J Anderson, D Hullah, K Hardcastle, County Cllr J Fort, Mrs S Welch (Clerk) and 2 members of the public
1003/2 Apologies: Cllr P Flynn, Borough Cllr L Ellington
1003/3 Declarations of Interest: None
1003/4 Public Statements None
1003/5 Minutes of Meeting held on 22 February 2010 were approved
1003/6 Clerk’s Report : Updates on on-going matters had been circulated
Footpaths – the Ranger had confirmed as follows: Dacre stepping stones project would be considered for action in financial year 2011/12. Poor repair of stile at Dairy Lane was low priority as an adjacent gate was being used. There were no imminent plans to repair ford at bottom of Nidd Lane.
1003/7 Highways
a. Parking on Main Street around Nidd Lane and Stumps Lane
Communications had been received from local residents regarding safety issues when exiting Nidd Lane and problems with parking in the layby or on the roadside. Photos illustrating the problems were circulated. It was noted that a vehicle was still being parked in such a way as to obstruct the footway. A letter had been sent to the resident and a response had been received requesting parking suggestions.
It was noted that possible solutions such as yellow lines and a marked bus bay would not solve the problem for all and the major issue was obstruction of the highway and footway in the area.
It was agreed that a letter be sent to the Safer Neighbourhoods Group asking for their assistance in resolving the issue. JF to progress at the Group, together with PF.
Clerk to send letter (copy to JF and PF)
It was suggested by Cllr Middleton that a mini-roundabout at the bottom of Stumps Lane may help the safety issue at the junction.
Cllr Fort to investigate with NYCC Highways
b. Installation of new seat
It was agreed that the new seat would be installed in place of the seat at the bottom of Walker Lane which had been presented by the Dalesman as a result of a competition win in 1999 as that was now unsafe. A plaque will be purchased to commemorate the Dalesman inscription.
Clerk to arrange removal and installation with Parish Caretakers and purchase plaque
c. NYCC Highways Inspector comments re Stumps Lane
It was noted that some of the comments were inaccurate and inappropriate. The suggestion re installing pipes instead of dykes had been rejected. Verges need to be made good following damage during period when bus travelled that route..
Clerk to progress with Inspector if no activity seen.
d. Other highway matters
The Clerk reported that NYCC had confirmed that there was no money put aside for the parish from past Rural Safety Schemes, and these schemes had now ceased.
The Clerk reported on the results of the Service Centre Transportation Strategy Survey which implied that the projects in Darley (footpath to The Holme and improvements to the Menwith Hill Road / Stumps Lane crossroads) would not be undertaken. Cllr Fort explained that the situation had changed in light of the extra expenditure needed on maintenance.
Cllr Fort to keep Clerk advised re latest situation
1003/8 Footpaths
a. Contact with NYCC Ranger
The Clerk reported that she had walked the circular footpath from Station Road along the river and back up to Green Lane, and the style and condition of the stiles had been noted. Although the stiles were accessible and safe, the Ranger did agree that the installation of gates would make the walk easier, and agreed to contact the landowners for permission to do this. 3 stiles on the route and 3 others were identified.
It was agreed that if landowner permission was obtained, the Council would discuss the actual type of gate/stile to be installed with NYCC. It was further agreed that some of the LEADER parish caretaker funding could be used to assist with costs in order to expedite the project.
Clerk to liaise with Ranger and report back
b. Other footpath issues
It was reported that locked gates had been placed across a bridleway at Forest Moor. Access was possible via an adjacent gate, but was not easy. It was noted that continued bridleway access had been a planning condition for an adjacent barn.
Cllr Austin to check planning condition and advise Clerk
Clerk to contact Enforcement Officer if breach has occurred
1003/9 Village Maintenance
a. Mrs Barker reported that the Walled Garden Group had checked out the bus shelters and seats and would be undertaking repair and painting as necessary. Some local footways had been swept and cleared of rubbish.
It was agreed that Mrs Barker and the Clerk would manage the work schedule for the group
b. The Clerk reported on a meeting held concerning the LEADER scheme which was providing funding for the parish caretakers over the next 3 years. It was noted that the local projects involved would need careful documenting, and claims would need to be made in a timely manner to ensure payment.
Clerk to make every effort to ensure that all paperwork is completed appropriately
c. It was reported that the pile of wood next to Wayside Cottage was now encroaching onto the verge and looked very unsightly. Cllr Fort to investigate
1003/10 Reports
a. Darley in Bloom (S Welch)
The group will not be competing in 2010, but will still be keeping the village tidy, maintaining the planters etc, despite a reduced and ageing membership. The latest fundraising event was a 60s dance which had been very successful.
b. Nidderdale Strategic Partnership (J Austin)
The partnership is working well for the good of the community, sorting out various problems. It was reported that rooms in the High School Community Area were available during the day for Adult Learning Opportunities, Clubs etc.
c. Safer Neighbourhoods Group AGM
Minutes had been circulated. It was noted that Cllr Flynn had been elected to the post of Vice Chairman of the Group, and he was congratulated on his election.
d. Participatory Budgeting
The Clerk had attended a meeting on a pilot scheme for Participatory Budgeting. This would involve the Council receiving a small amount of funding for which local groups would bid and decisions would be made by the community at a special event. It was agreed that the Council did not wish to participate in this pilot scheme.
1003/11 Finance
a. Cllrs Hardcastle and Anderson reported that they had carried out the internal financial checks and had found everything to be satisfactory.
b. Budget for March 2010 was received and approved. It was noted that there would be a surplus of £1200 - £1500 at the end of the year, due largely to careful management of the money and reduced costs on grass cutting and parish caretakers. The Clerk was thanked for her clear presentation of the budget and her work throughout the year.
c. Receipts and Payments were approved as follows:
Expenditure £ 80.00 Darley Memorial Hall for meetings
£ 27.00 YLCA for Clerk training documentation
£535.20 Clerk Salary January – March 2010-03-30
£ 70.82 Clerk expenses/travel Jan – March 2010
£262.00 YLCA for membership 2010/11
To be paid in April
Receipts £1000.00 Harrogate Borough Council re Winter Lights
£ 349.00 North Yorks County Council re seat
d. 3 quotes had been received for the kerbing project to be funded largely by Darley in Bloom. The quote from Hesselden’s was accepted. Clerk to progress with contractor and Darley in Bloom
e. Commuted Sums. It was noted that it had not proved possible to use some of the commuted sums available for the work on the Playing Fields Pavilion. The Association would therefore need to find other funding to enable the pavilion to be brought up to standard for use by a youth group.
Darley Memorial Hall is intending to use commuted sums for stage improvements including curtains.
f. It was noted that the forms had now been received regarding the Annual Return and External Audit. The Clerk was instructed to complete these as required. The Clerk was also authorised to take the necessary steps to ensure the internal audit was carried out.
g. Safer Nidderdale event 27 April. It was agreed that money for tea/coffee and biscuits be used from the Chairman’s Allowance for this event. Volunteers to help serve tea, with others from the Lunch Club were requested.
h. It was agreed that the Clerk be moved 2 points up the pay scale for local council clerks following completion of Working With Your Council Certificate (i.e. to point 20). It was further agreed that the standard quarterly fee for use of equipment and communications facilities be increased to £30.
The Clerk left the room for this discussion.
i. The budget for 2010/11 had been updated to reflect the income and expenditure on parish caretakers following the LEADER funding. The revised budget was approved.
1003/12 Planning
a. Planning Decisions No decisions had been received
b. Planning Applications
NYCC for Darley School
Application for erection of parent travel shelter and completion of all weather play area
The Council has no objections to this application.
c. The Clerk circulated printed cards to be used if Councillors visit sites in connection with Council business
1003/13 Correspondence received by the Clerk
a. York and North Yorkshire Playing Fields Association
Request for completion of a questionnaire re playground facilities. Completed by Clerk
b. Harrogate Borough Council
Information re consultation on Local Development Framework.
It was noted that the section relevant to Darley will start in late September
c. NYCC
Reminder that potholes and other highway problems should be reported via the Area Office to ensure they are logged and tracked. E-mail area6.starbeck@northyorks.gov.uk
d. NYCC Response to letter re change in Schools Admission Policy. Policy change had been approved.
e. York and North Yorkshire Waster Partnership
Sale of compost bins at discount prices. Advertised on web and notice boards
f. Harrogate Borough Council
Invitation to training sessions on 25 March re Community Resilience Plan. Clerk and Cllr Anderson to attend
g. Rural Action Yorkshire
Invitation to meeting on 25 March re Participatory Budgeting. Clerk had attended.
h. North Yorkshire County Council
Review of passenger transport services and home to school transport services
Request for comments and recommendations – needed by 30 June 2010
Councillors to study in Circulation Papers and pass comments to Clerk.
i. Harrogate Borough Council
Notice of training seminars for Clerks and Councillors re Code of Conduct. It was agreed that The Clerk and Cllrs Austin and Hullah would attend on 19 May. Others to advise Clerk if they wishes to attend
j. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service IRMP Consultation
Consultation paper in the Circulation Papers. Councillors to advise Clerk of comments.
Response needed by 20 May.
Other correspondence put into Circulation Papers
1003/14 Minor Matters & Items for the Next Agenda
a. Community Resilience Plan
b. Cllr Anderson reported that work had now started with the Clerk. Other villagers had been asked to contribute, via an article in the Focus on Darley Newsletter, and contact had been made with RAF Menwith Hill and Forest Moor. Copies of completed plans had been obtained from other villages and these would be of assistance in completing the template. Cllr Anderson and the Clerk would attend a training event on 30 March. It was agreed that regular updates on progress be provided to Council meetings.
1003/15 Meeting Dates
a. Meetings confirmed as follows
26 April 7.00p.m. Parish Council Meeting 8.00p.m. Annual Parish Assembly
Tea/coffee to be offered after the meeting. Clerk to send invites to local organisations
24 May 7.00p.m. Annual Meeting of the Parish Council 7.30p.m. Parish Council Meeting
Future meetings 28 June, 26 July, 27 September, 25 October, 29 November
1003/16 Circulation Papers
were passed to Cllr Austin for circulation. To be returned to Clerk by 18 April
1003/17 Date of Next Meeting
Monday 26 April from 7.00p.m., followed by Parish Assembly at 8.00p.m. in Darley Memorial Hall
Then 24 May (Annual Meeting of Council & PC Meeting), 28 June, 26 July
These Minutes are published subject to their approval by the next meeting of the Council.