Action

1.

Welcome

Mr James welcomed those present and thanked them for coming.  Apologies were received from Revd Nils Bersweden.

2.

Minutes

A copy of the minutes for the last meeting on 2nd March 2006 were submitted and approved, and were duly signed by Mr James. 

3.

Matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting

Newsletter – The Clerk distributed the 2006 newsletter which she had produced.  After agreement and minor alterations it was decided to print 250 copies and distribute to every household within the Firsdown Parish.  Councillor Richards kindly offered to print the necessary copies and to organise distribution with Mr James.  It was envisaged to distribute the newsletter before the end of April and along with planned Steering Group information.

Noticeboards - The Clerk reported that following a successful SWAG grant application, the new noticeboards had been ordered, and planned delivery to Mr George was expected in early May.

Parish Council insurance – The Clerk reported that she had sought two new insurance quotes for the forthcoming year – Community First and Zurich Municipal.  The renewal insurance quote from the current insurers, Allianz Cornhill had been received.  It was agreed to add this issue to the May agenda when it was thought that the alternative quotes would have been received.

The Clerk noted that Community First were reticent on quoting for insurance due to the Parish Council’s outstanding claim with its current insurers for a claim on vandalism in the play area.  The Clerk agreed to pursue the play area repair with the company concerned, Redlynch Leisure, by telephone and follow up letter in order that the necessary repairs are completed by 1^st May 2006.

Parish Council liability for Parish Plan - Councillor Richards reported that the Parish Council had an obligation to pay for up to 25% of the cost to implement the Parish Plan.  The total cost was thought to be in the region of £2K.  Councillor Richards added that the final costs had not yet been finalised and promised to report back to the Council once decided.

Mobile Library leaflet distribution – Councillor Hawkins reported that following the last meeting a leaflet drop by the Mobile Library had been successfully completed within the Parish.

Mr James, Mr Richards

Clerk

Clerk

Mr Richards

4.

Financial Report

The Clerk distributed a spreadsheet to the Council members with details of the Council’s financial accounts and transactions for the last month.

Mrs Hibberd noted that an interim audit on the Council’s funds was now due and that her colleague who had carried out the previous year audit had agreed to carry out the interim audit for 2005/6 .  Clerk agreed to organise alongside Mrs Hibberd.

The Clerk confirmed that after recent agreement with the Parish Council the new accounts with the Abbey had been set up.  After consultation with Councillors it was agreed to retain the current banking facilities with Barclays bank with £100 on deposit in both accounts and for £1K to be placed in the Abbey current account and all other funds to be placed in the Abbey higher rate interest account.

It was confirmed that a VAT claim now needed to be completed and Mrs Hibberd agreed to help the Clerk to complete this task.

Clerk, Mrs Hibberd

Clerk

Mrs Hibberd, Clerk

5.

Salisbury District Council – Recreation Policy R2 – discussion of Councillor ideas

A discussion took place regarding the Parish Council’s allotted R2 funds from Salisbury District Council.  After a recent perusal of catalogues amongst Councillors of playground equipment, it was decided by the Council, to add a note to the newsletter, which is currently due for distribution in April, asking for resident comment, with a deadline for comment of 1^st May.

Clerk

6.

Annual General Meeting discussion                                                                                                                                      

The Clerk distributed a proposed draft poster/agenda for the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.  After alteration by the Chairman it was agreed to publicise the event, to be held on 4^th May 2006, between 7 and 8pm in the Committee room of Winterslow village hall.  Refreshments will be served and Professor Wright will be the guest speaker concerning the forthcoming Firsdown Music Fayre.

Clerk

7.

Highways and Speeding

No matters were reported.

8.

Planning

·          S/2006/391 – 17 Firs Road, Firsdown – full application – erect single storey side and rear extensions (with integral garage) and rear conservatory.  The Council supported this application.               

·          S/2006/64 – 3 Firs Close, Firsdown – Outline application for a bungalow.   This application was brought to the attention of the Southern Area Committee which met on 7^th March.  Mr James attended on the Parish Council’s behalf and the Committee refused the application.

·          S/2006/671 – 3 Firs Close: proposed bungalow – currently on distribution for comment.  It was reported that two letters of objection had been received by Mr James.  The Clerk agreed to circulate to those Councillors concerned and in addition to ask Councillors Bill Moss and Chris Devine to bring to the attention of the Southern Area Committee.

·          S/2006/707 – Rear of 2,4,6 Firs Road, Firsdown – O/L redevelopment of industrial site for housing with associated recreation space, play area and site for community facilities – currently on distribution for Councillor comment.  The Clerk agreed to circulate the previous application to the Councillors with regards to this application.

·          S/2006/107 – Dstl, 18/84 procedure – amended plans - currently on distribution for Councillor comment.

The Clerk informed the Council that she had received a letter from Waldon Telecom confirming that an application had been submitted to Salisbury District Council for retention of the existing temporary mast at Clearway Kennels for a further 6 month period.  Councillor Richards asked the Clerk if she could contact Salisbury District Council to ascertain whether the Parish Council would be receiving details of the application.

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

9.

Parish Lengthsmen – visit on 10^th and 11^th April

Due to the recent visit and completed works of the Lengthsmen in February, it was decided to ask the Lengthsmen to complete detailed works on 10^th April only and for the Lengthsmen to return to the Parish for a further day in June or July when further works could be outlined.

Mr Hawkins

10.

Correspondence received and sent

None reported

11.

Any other business

Mrs Hibberd asked the Council whether the Council would be willing to contribute £272.50 for the cost of toilet facilities for the forthcoming Firsdown Music Fayre.  After discussion it was agreed that the funds should be taken from the interest from the Firs Road ratepayers association.

12.

Councillors comments

Mr James reported that one of the oak posts, near to the play area entrance, had broken off and he asked the Council whether this needed to be replaced.  It was agreed there was no need to replace the post as there is a kissing gate already in place which acted as an entrance point.