Minutes of meeting held on 1 November 2021 at Sinderby. Ref: 320
1. PRESENT: Mr Graham Clarke (Chairman), Mr Ron Barker (Vice Chairman), Mrs Norma Grubb (Parish Clerk), Mr Minty Scaife, Mr James Wadsworth. David Grubb (Minutes). Residents: Mrs Anita Harvey
2. OPEN SESSION: Residents welcomed for first time since February 2020. Mr Clarke raised two issues on behalf of others:
(1) speed of vehicles in Pickhill village. Discussed at length. Agreed: to monitor issue.
(2) dog fouling on Pickhill Village Green – good discussion. It was pointed out that even if deposits were collected into a poo bag, a residue will be left on the grass with consequent risk of parasites passing to children subsequently playing there. Agreed: mount signs to encourage owners to stop their dogs fouling on the green. Mr Scaife kindly offered to source these.
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (28 June 2021- Minute Ref. 319): Agreed by all / signed by Chairman.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
(1) Road Maintenance Street Lane - potholes temporarily filled over the summer, though some still left. A suggestion from Highways staff that part of Street Lane may be re-surfaced in 2022. After discussion -
Agreed: Parish Clerk to write to Highways on three issues for Street Lane (from Cross Lane into Little Pickhill) - deal with standing water, widening and create passing places at the narrow points.
(2) Playground upkeep - following the Oct 2020 Rospa report, an action plan was drawn up and a local firm engaged to do the work. They did repair the fencing and gate, but in the Spring said they were unable to meet Health & Safety Regulations re working in the play area. Members of the Parish Council had agreed they would do what repairs they could themselves over the summer and substantial progress was made.
Agreed: Parish Council to await 2021 report, and seek quotes for identified essential work.
(3) Annual General Meeting – the 2020 and 2021 AGM’s were postponed due to Covid restrictions.
Agreed: 23 May 2022 pencilled in as possible AGM date.
5. PLANNING \
(1) Planning updates since last meeting in June 2021:
Pickhill: Rear of 1 The Cottages, Middle Park Farm and 31 Melltowns Green, had all been granted. Pickhill Cottage (demolition and replacement dwelling) - planners decision awaited.
Sinderby: West Garth (construction of farm workers dwelling) also awaiting decision.
(2) 31 Melltowns Green: Mr Clarke had been approached about the Parish Council giving support for a tree preservation order on the sycamore on land recently incorporated into this garden.
Agreed: not in the Conservation Area and Parish Council to take no action.
6. FINANCE MATTERS
(1) Update summary : Income/outgoings since last meeting outlined in brief.
(2) Setting Precept for 2022/2023: discussed potential increases in maintenance costs together with the absence of any CIL payments on recent new developments, Agreed: Increase of £252. This represents 1.6p per week, on an average (band D) home.
(3) Review of Banking Arrangements. Parish Clerk advised that our current bankers Virgin Money (formerly Yorkshire Bank) is closing its local branches; nearest will be Darlington or York. Agreed: Clerk to investigate a more local banking provider.
7. PROJECTS
(1) Defibrillators. An issue arose with the Sinderby unit, it was giving a message “new paddles required”, but these had been replaced earlier in the year. Mr Wadsworth advised this had now been resolved with a unit reset. The Pickhill equipment is due a routine replacement battery in 2022. Query as to whether this unit was still connected to the power at the Nags Head. To be checked.
(2) Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022: Discussion on marking the occasion. A Lime tree was planted on Pickhill Green to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. All agreed a tree planting was appropriate and Oak was the choice, which would have to be planted before Springtime. The Date of Accession was 6 February (a Sunday in 2022), though the Jubilee Bank Holiday will be 3/6 June, too late for planting. Agreed: An oak should be planted with tree-guard and plaque. Appropriate location to be identified.
8. CORRESPONDENCE
(1) Parish Councillors Guide to Affordable Housing – this booklet was circulated to Councillors.
(2) ROSPA Playground Inspection: Inspection was in September, invoice paid but we await their report.
(3) Making a Difference Grant January 2022 Round. Following discussion, it was agreed to explore the possibility of reinstating two of the fresh water pumps, as drinking fountains with mains supply. They had gone out of use when mains water was connected in 1945. The one situated on Pickhill Village Green was a suitable location. One on the main road in Sinderby, would be better re-located to nearer the Green or Village Hall, depending on a mains source.
9. COUNCILLORS REPORTS nil
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS nil
Signed: G Clarke Dated: 13 December 2021