MINUTES OF THE THURMASTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 13th
JANUARY 2015 at 7.00 p.m. IN THE MEM. HALL
PRESENT:
Councillors:
M D Lowe (Chairman)
S R Brown
J Brown
K Knaggs
C A Wooding
B J Seaton
S A Coombe
D E Atterbury
R E Davies
P S Newman
D J Hill
APOLOGIES:
D Knaggs
P S Harley
D Maguire
L Seaton
A Patel
J Knaggs
S O Rose
ALSO PRESENT:
The Clerk and the Deputy Clerk
7 Members of the Public
2 Members of the Police
*****************************************************************************************
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON TUESDAY 13th
JANUARY AT 6.45PM IN THE LIBRARY
PRESENT:
Councillors;
M D Lowe (Chairman)
S R Brown
Cllr R Davies
D J Hill
ALSO PRESENT:
The Clerk & Deputy Clerk
1.
To Receive apologies for Absence: B J Seaton
2.
Disclosures of Interest - To receive disclosures from Members and
Officers and the nature of those interests as specified In respect of items
on this agenda.
Councillor Hill declared an interest in any business concerning Mrs R Hill
Councillor Brown declared an interest in any business concerning Miss S Brown
138
3.
Monthly Expenditure Report – Mrs G M Smith
ACCOUNTS: Expenditure: The Deputy Clerk presented cheque no’s 110579 –
110604 for invoices and petty cash and direct debits totalling £41,690.50
Councillors expressed concern about the about the quarterly cost of
advertising in the local newspaper in light of potential rising costs.
It was proposed and seconded that the costs are monitored.
Resolved: the motion was carried.
4.
Monthly Income Report - Mrs G M Smith
The Deputy Clerk presented income reports for December.
It was proposed and seconded that the Council accepts the accounts.
Resolved: The motion was carried
5.
Bank Account Reconciliation Statements;
The Deputy Clerk agreed to forward copies of the bank Account
Reconciliation Statements for November.
Resolved: Councillors considered and approved the reports.
6.
Appointment of Internal Auditor 2014/2015
A discussion took place and it was proposed and seconded that Redwood
Prior are invited to carry out the Internal Audit having given a satisfactory
service previously, (pending receipt of statutory assurances).
Resolved: the motion was carried.
7.
Correspondence
Royal British Legion:
Letter requesting a donation for the poppy wreath to the value of at least £17.
It was proposed and seconded that the Council sends a donation for £50.00.
Resolved: the motion was carried.
139
8.
Clerks Report
The Clerk reported as follows: I have agreed the following appointments with
Playground suppliers and would appreciate it if you could confirm your
availability:
Wednesday 14th January 10am Cllrs: Hill & Brown to attend
Play Leisure
Tuesday 20th January 11.30 am Streetscape
Councillors Hill, Lowe and Brown to attend
Monday 26th January 11.15am Sovereign Playgrounds
Councillor Lowe and Brown to attend.
Also: there is a meeting with Dan from Bellinger Design and Landward
Landscapes at the Cemetery tomorrow at 2pm to look at the progress of
stage 2. Councillor R Davies to attend.
The Clerk reported that there is an Effective Management Course on 11th
February run by the SLCC and requested permission to attend this course. The
Cost of the Course is £145.00 per delegate.
Additionally, the Clerk reported that there is a meeting on Thursday
Leicestershire County Council quarterly Liaison meeting with Clerks at LRALC in
Anstey.
A discussion took place and Councillors expressed concern about both Clerks
attending all Courses, and felt that it was unnecessary for both Clerks to
attend on all occasions. The Clerks were of the opinion that it necessary for
both to attend on some occasions.
Resolved: It was agreed that the Clerk attends the Effective Management
Course and the Liaison meeting and that one Clerk attends meetings in future
as necessary, if the Clerk feels that it is necessary for both Clerks to attend, this
should be approved by the Committee.
Confirmed and signed this
day of
Chairman
140
2015
Chairman Councillor M D Lowe welcomed all to the January meeting of the
Council.
1.
To Receive Apologies for Absence:
Councillors:
D Knaggs
P S Harley
D Maguire
L Seaton
A Patel
J Knaggs
S O Rose
Resolved: Reasons given for the apologies were accepted by the Council.
2. Disclosures of Interest (in respect of items on this Agenda):
Councillor Lowe declared an interest in any Business concerning Charnwood
Borough Council.
Cllr Brenda Seaton declared an interest in any business concerning
Charnwood Borough Council.
Councillor Kate Knaggs declared an interest concerning the County Council.
Councillor D Atterbury declared an interest concerning the British Legion.
Councillor S Coombe declared an interest concerning Thurmaston Events
Team.
3.
To receive Reports from the Police
Copies of the Police Report were issued to all Councillors.
CPSO Harkerat Sangheera introduced the new Community Support Officer
who has recently joined the team.
Harkerat reported that there has been an increase in burglaries in the area
which is at its highest in six years. The majority of the burglaries have taken
place while the street lights are on.
4.
Approval of Precept 2015/2016
The Clerk explained that copies of precept were issued to all Councillors for
consideration prior to the meeting. Individual committees have set their own
budget requirement and combined precept is £324,325.00 (£298,095.00
Council Tax and £26,230.00 Grant from Charnwood Borough Council)
141
The grant from the Borough Council has been reduced by £10,000.00
(representing a reduction of 38%). Savings have been made within the Parish
budget to compensate. The total represents an increase of 1.04% on last
year.
It was proposed and seconded that the Council approves the precept.
Resolved: the motion was carried.
5.
Vacancy on the Council/Co-option
Vacancy on the Council: the Clerk reported that she has received two
application for co-options as follows: Mr D Gartside and Mr N Bedder – both
applicants have served the Council previously.
The Clerk read out the applications. A discussion took place and the
Chairman reminded Councillors that there is only three months remaining of
the current term in office and proposed that the vacancy is left open in
respect of ex-Councillor Raven (deceased). This was seconded by Councillor
K Knaggs.
Given that there is under six months to run the Council is not bound to co-opt
at this point. (Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) rules 2006, si
2006/3305 r 595).
Resolved: with a majority of Councillors voting favour of the proposal, the
motion was carried.
Applications received from Mr D Gartside, Mr N Bedder
6.
Questions from Councillors: in accordance with standing order number
27, A Councillor may seek to answer a question concerning any
business of the Council provided (7) clear day’s notice of the question
has been given to the Proper Officer.
None
7.
To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting of the Full Parish Council
Pages 129 - 133 Tuesday 11th December 2014.
(make corrections amendments) to be signed by the Chairman enc).
It was proposed and seconded that the minutes and resolutions therein be
Adopted as a true and correct record.
Resolved: the motion was carried.
8.
To confirm and sign the minutes of the following Committee Meetings
142
Page 134 – 137 Minutes of the Meeting of Leisure Centres Comm 06.01.15
It was proposed and seconded that the minutes and resolutions therein be
adopted as a true and correct record.
Three Councillors noted that the attendance record was incorrect. The Clerk
apologised for the errors and will amend the official minutes accordingly.
Resolved: the motion was carried.
9.
Community Partnership Libraries
(Copy of guidance notes forwarded by email for consideration prior to the
meeting).
The Clerk reported that following the County Council Cabinet decision on the
19th November 2014 to invite approaches from local communities and groups
to operate their local library, she had issued copies of the information pack
containing details of options and the council’s support offer to all councillor
on 8th December for consideration. Options include taking over the running
of the library – lease or rent the building from the County Council or paying
the County Council to deliver all or part of the current service. Community
bodies wishing to take forward the development of a Community Partnership
Library should submit a registration of interest by 16th January 2015.
Additionally the consultation on proposed changes to mobile Libraries is now
open and closes on 8th April. This is an Agenda item for discussion at the next
meeting of the Environmental Committee.
Councillor Seaton reported that Thurmaston Community Centre are
investigating taking over the Library and transferring the facilities to the
Community Centre.
10.
The Examination of the Charnwood Core Strategy
The Chairman reported that he had participated in the examination of the
Core Strategy. Disappointingly, there were no residents of Thurmaston
observing the meeting, however, several residents of Barkby were in
attendance. The Clerk also attended for observation. During the meeting the
Inspector questioned why the Borough Council had had concentrated the
development in one area and not spread throughout the various settlements
in the borough. The Council were of the opinion that a large development
would generate the provision of new Secondary school.
143
The Clerk reported that Mr Bentley of BABTAG and Councillor Lowe presented
strong cases in an attempt to oppose the proposal for North East of Leicester
SUE.
11.
Public Participation - Maximum of 15 Minutes (Meeting adjourned)
None
12.
Correspondence
Letter from Charnwood Crime and Safety Forum
Unfortunately at the last meeting of the Charnwood Crime & Safety Forum last
Monday night, only Neil Asher and I attended, so the meeting could not go
ahead.
I received a few apologies from members who do attend regularly, but on a
good night it is still only half a dozen members.
Can I please ask you all what your thoughts are concerning the continuing of
this forum? If you don’t wish to attend any more meetings or you have
thoughts on how we can attract you to attend future meetings, please let me
know.
Our next meeting is on Monday 23rd February at the Rothley centre starting at
7pm. I am thinking of asking Eric Tindell who has just taken over as Chairman
of the Leicestershire & Rutland NHW and Home watch association. I don’t
want to offer the invite if nobody is going to turn up again.
I await your replies and thoughts.
Charnwood Crime & Safety Forum
Councillor Seaton reported that she could not attend as the meeting was on
the same evening as Charnwood Borough Council Full Council Meeting and
suggested that future meetings should be arranged avoiding the Borough
Council meetings.
Resolved: Clerk to reply.
13.
To receive reports from the Clerk and Councillors (for information only)
Councillor Wooding expressed concern about the condition of the road
surface on Ivydale Road and the Dales- the concrete platforms supporting the
surface are in a poor state of repair.
Councillor Seaton replied that repair work involved is very expensive and
reported that repairs to Ferndale Road will be carried out in the last quarter of
the Financial Year.
144
14.
To receive Reports from Borough Councillors and the County Councillor
(for information only)
Councillor K Knaggs reported concerns as follows:
Buses passing on Wayside Drive are mounting the pavement.
Garage – Beacon Avenue are parking vehicles for sale on the road.
The area is heavily congested at school time.
Councillor Seton: reported that she has submitted a petition re: Flooding
under Churchill Bridge.


Confirmed and signed this
day of
Chairman
145
2015
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MEMORIAL HALL AND CEMETERY COMM
HELD ON TUESDAY 20th JANUARY 2015 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY
Present:
Councillors:
Also Present:
The Clerk & the Deputy Clerk
Apologies:
L Seaton, P S Harley
1.
R Davies (Chairman)
M D Lowe S Brown
J Brown
D Atterbury
To receive and accept apologies for absence
The apologies were accepted.
2.
Disclosures of Interest - To receive disclosures and nature of those
interests as specified in respect of items on this agenda.
None.
3.
Cemetery Extension - progress update – The Clerk
The Clerk reported that phase two of the Cemetery Extension scheme will be
completed this week. Councillor Lowe has expressed concern about the
turning circle is too narrow for the hearse to access the Cemetery extension
comfortably owing to the position of the tree. Minor modifications may be
necessary and Fenella will be visiting the site on Thursday to inspect the site
and discuss modifications/options.
Additionally, Fenella will meet with the Clerk to discuss the budget and
implementation of the next phase. Fenella will explain amendments to CDM
regulations effective from 1st April 2015 which may have an impact on the
scheme.
4.
Budget Comparison
The Deputy Clerk presented the income and expenditure account to date
which was in line with the budget.
Resolved: Councillors approved the reports.
5.
Correspondence - None
6.
Project update
The Clerk reported as follows:
146
Projects:
Headstones:
At the last meeting of the committee £3000 project funding was allocated
within the new precept towards an ongoing program of headstone repairs.
Order to be placed for headstone repairs in 2015/16 financial year.
Chapel – re-pointing of rear doorway:
Quotation accepted, work to be carried out in new financial year.
Memorial Hall Front Door - at the last meeting of the committee, Councillors
noted that the front door is in a very poor state of repair and it was agreed
that provision would be made within the precept for a new door. £1400 to be
included estimated for the replacement of the main doors on the Memorial
Hall. Clerk to check balances or reduce the allocation for the cemetery
extension fund by £1000 + £400 (transferred from maintenance allocation).
Based on estimate - Quotes outstanding at present.
7.
Health and Safety -
None
8.
Requests for Next Agenda
9.
Date of Next Meeting:
TBC.
Confirmed and signed this
day of
Chairman
147
2015
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE ON TUESDAY
27TH JANUARY 2015 AT 7.00PM IN THE MEETING ROOM ELIZABETH PARK CENTRE
PRESENT:
Councillors:
ALSO PRESENT:
1.
M D Lowe (Chairman)
S R Brown
J Knaggs
D Atterbury
D Maguire
D J Hill
S O Rose
The Clerk and the Deputy Clerk
Election of Temporary Chairman
In the absence of the Chairman it was proposed and seconded that
Councillor Lowe chairs the meeting.
Resolved: the motion was carried.
2.
To receive apologies for Absence: Cllrs. K Knaggs, B J Seaton, L Seaton,
S Coombe, C A Wooding.
3.
Disclosures of Interest - To receive disclosures and nature of those
interests as specified in respect of items on this agenda.
Councillor Lowe declared an interest in Planning Applications being a
member of CBC Plans Committee.
4.
Planning Applications
P/14/2498/2 Amendment to application
177 Colby Drive, Thurmaston, Leicestershire. LE4 8LE
Resolved: No comment
P/15/0085/2: The Old Forge, Melton Road, Change of use to office building.
Resolved: No comment
P/15/0063/2
Advert Consent (for information only)
Resolved: No comment
CTIL and Telefonica UK Ltd
Upgrade of Telecommunications installation, Barkby Thorpe
Lane, Thurmaston.
Resolved: No comment
148
5.
Rural Grass Cutting - The Clerk
The Clerk reported that in light of reduced budget, rural grass cutting is to be
reduced to 3 cuts per year, this is to ensure highway safety only. The grass
maintenance will be carried out by LCC grounds staff and if Parish Council’s
would like to carry out additional cuts they should contact LCC.
Councillor Brown suggested that this matter should be reported in Thurmaston
Times.
6.
Budget Comparison – The Deputy Clerk
The Deputy Clerk presented the income and expenditure account to date
which was in line with the budget.
The Deputy Clerk explained that there is currently £1000 underspend in Village
events and recommended that this is re-allocated to an earmarked reserve
for end of WW1 Centenary Celebrations.
Additionally there is £1200 underspend in the road closure budget, but a
shortfall in the Cemetery Extension phase 2 and the Clerk recommended that
he funding is transferred in order to complete phase2 of the scheme.
It was proposed and seconded that council approves the funding transfer’s
recommendation as detailed above and approve the budget reports.
Resolved: Councillors approved the reports.
7.
Library Update/mobile Library Consultation
Library Update:
At the last meeting of the Committee Councillor Knaggs reported that she
was awaiting feedback on Library.
The Clerk reported that following the County Council Cabinet decision on the
19th November 2014 to invite approaches from local communities and groups
to operate their local library, she had issued copies of the information pack
containing details of options and the council’s support offer to all councillor
on 8th December for consideration. Options include taking over the running
of the library – lease or rent the building from the County Council or paying
the County Council to deliver all or part of the current service. Community
bodies wishing to take forward the development of a Community Partnership
Library should submit a registration of interest by 16th January 2015.
Additionally the consultation on proposed changes to mobile Libraries is now
open and closes on 8th April.
149
Mobile Library Consultation:
The Clerk presented the stakeholder survey which was issued to all Councillors
prior to the meeting for consideration.
It was proposed and seconded that he Clerk completes the survey on behalf
of the Council.
Resolved: the motion was carried.
8.
Highway Maintenance Issues
Litter Melton Road Bus Shelter:
Councillors expressed concern about litter around the bus shelter on Melton
Road, outside of number 857.
It was proposed and seconded that he Clerk writes to Arriva as follows:
Councillors have received complaints about the bus shelter outside of number
857 Melton Road which is continually littered with brown paper cups.
The bus stop in question is a change-over point for bus drivers and we have
received reports that allegedly, the cups are from your premises and the
drivers are sitting on the wall outside of the property and leaving the cups and
litter on the wall a footpath.
We would appreciate your attention to this matter.
Resolved: the motion was carried.
Street Lighting: Councillor Lowe reported a street lamp fault – Spencer
Avenue.
Road surface raised/damaged - 857 Melton Road.
Stones on Footpath – outside of no.1 Charnwood Avenue and no.5.
9.
Correspondence:
Leicester City Council:
Dear Tracey,
New houses have been constructed on the former bakery site off
Humberstone Lane Road now known as Onyx Crescent.
I have attached Drawing No. HD/N101150P/L(0)/CO1 which illustrates
proposals for a 20mph speed limit for the road.
The northernmost 3m of Onyx Crescent lies within Leicestershire and I have
been dealing with officers at Leicestershire County Council over traffic
regulation issues. Traffic signs would be located within Leicester City.
150
I am now consulting interested parties on the proposals and should be grateful
if you would provide me with your written comments on the proposals no later
than Friday 20th February 2015 so that they may be included in a report to the
City Mayor.
It was proposed and seconded that the Council supports the proposals.
Resolved: the motion was carried.
10.
Health & Safety
11.
Reports and Requests for Agenda Items
Councillor D J Hill requested an Agenda Item for the next meeting of the
Committee: Footpath – Checkland Road Estate – Barkby Thorpe Lane.
12.
Date of next meeting 24th February 2015
Confirmed and signed this
day of
Chairman
151
2015
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE LEISURE CENTRES/PARKS COMMITTEE ON
TUESDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 7PM AT ELIZABETH PARK SPORTS CENTRE
Present:
Councillors:
D J Hill (Chairman)
B J Seaton
D Maguire
S Coombe
C A Wooding
P Newman
S O Rose
J Knaggs
S R Brown
M D Lowe
Also Present:
The Clerk, Deputy Clerk
1.
To receive and accept Apologies for Absence
Cllrs. K. Knaggs, P Harley, R Davies
2.
Disclosures of Interest – To receive disclosures and the nature of those
interests as specified in respect of items on this agenda.
Councillor Wooding expressed an interest any business concerning Silverdale
Park.
3.
Solar Panels – Absolute – Mr Mark Stokes
At the last meeting of the committee, Mr Mark Stokes from Absolute Renewable
Energy gave a presentation of solar panel renewable energy solutions for Elizabeth
Park Centre and explained the benefits and government incentives applicable to
Solar Panel Systems. Mr Stokes suggested that a forty panel ten kilowatt system could
generate a payback of approximately £99K over twenty years providing a substantial
saving on electricity supply to the Council.
Councillors were in support of the Solar Panel proposal. Councillors asked the Clerk
to investigate the provisions of funding, and this item will be discussed further at the
next meeting.
The Clerk presented a quotes as follows:


Forty panel ten kilowatt system could generate a payback of approximately
£99K over twenty years. £16,911.00
Twenty panel five kilowatt system could generate a payback of approximately
£42,300K over twenty years. £9,700.00
A discussion took place and some Councillors were of the opinion that the Council
should consider alternative specifications. It was proposed and seconded that
quotes are invited from alternative suppliers.
Resolved: with a majority of Councillors voting against the proposal, the motion was
defeated.
152
A further discussion to place and Councillors were of the opinion that it was worth
requesting a discount on the quotation for a 20 panel system. It was proposed and
seconded that that the Clerk and Councillor Hill meet with the representative and
request that consideration is given to a discount before accepting the quote.
Resolved: the motion was carried.
4.
S106 – Funding Update and allocation
At the last meeting of the committee, the Clerk reported that there is 90K from various
developments in the Parish, predominantly in the Dales area and various potential
projects were discussed.
Silverdale Park:
There is 50K available from the development on Auster Industrial Estate specifically for
children’s recreation, Councillors suggested that the Goal End/Basket Ball is extended
to form a full multi-use games area and more seating/picnic benches are provided
as per requested.
The Clerk reported that she has invited quotes from the following three companies
and met with representatives:
 Play Leisure
 Streetscape
 Sovereign Play
Quotes will be presented at the next meeting of the committee.
Additionally, quotes have been provided/ requested as follows:
 New entrance into the park including a pedestrian gate and double gate.

£6,420.00 (eligible as part of a larger scheme)
Chain link fence for footpath leading into park. (eligible as part of a
larger scheme)
Elizabeth Park:
At the last meeting of the committee, Councillors agreed to obtain quotes for
Gym Equipment for Elizabeth Park and the same three companies have been
invited to submit proposals and quotes for equipment to be situated between
the bowls green and the playground at the top of Elizabeth Park, in an area
monitored by CCTV. Package based on 8 items £10K (eligible)
Additionally agreed to obtain quotes for new Flood lights and a quote has
been requested from the Voltage Company.
Quotes will be presented at the next meeting of the committee.
153
5.
Project Updates – The Clerk
Groundsman’s Office/ New Store
At the last meeting of the committee Councillors were of the opinion that the
Groundsman’s office project was urgent and asked the Clerk to place an order for
the work to commence as soon as possible.
The Clerk explained that the Building Contractor concerned is in a position to start
work on the store room immediately, a head of a six month project. The Clerk
reported that she has accepted the offer for work to commence this week, however,
this will involve transferring funding initially from reserves to be replaced 1st April to
enable the project to commence early.
It was proposed and seconded that the Council supports the Clerks
recommendation to temporarily transfer funding to enable the work to commence.
The Clerk along with Councillors Lowe and Brown to meet with the builder to confirm
arrangements.
Work orders to be placed for new additional projects within the next financial year:
 MBSL Light solutions: effectual Lighting - Sports hall £1200.00
 Wedding Licence
£1530.00
 CCTV - 2 additional cameras
£2000.00
Replacement Wall Drapes:
Order placed awaiting delivery.
6.
Park Issues
Silverdale Fence –
The Clerk explained that she has obtained a quotation for replacement chain link
fencing, however, according to the specification, installation of new fencing will
necessitate removal of the hedge. The Council have previously agreed to lay the
hedge concerned.
Quote received as follows:
Roshal:
Specification:
Dismantle and remove 75 lineal metres of damaged 1.8m high chain link
fencing to either side of Silverdale Park.
Remove existing quick-thorn hedging as required, to gain access to fence
line.
Supply and install 1.8m high x 3.5mm galvanised core, chain linked fencing to
the existing concrete posts, with new line wire as required. £1,926.40
154
A lengthy discussion took place where councillors discussed options. The Clerk
reminded Councillors that they had agreed to lay the hedge, and to replace the
fence, however, it is evident from the quote supplied that, unfortunately, it is not
possible to do both. The Clerk explained that should the Council wish to progress
either option, one of the resolutions will need to be rescinded via a special resolution
of the Council.
7.
Correspondence;
None
8.
Health and Safety - no issues raised.
9.
Reports and requests for Agenda Items
Mr Richard Mc Geowen from the Voltage Company joined the meeting at the
request of Councillor Hill to explain and discuss the ongoing problems encountered
with the floodlights on the 3G pitches.
Mr Mc Geowan explained that following a thorough investigation of the floodlight
lamps and ignitors on the 3G pitch, the lights are still unreliable. The lights are igniting
intermittently, in no particular sequence. All lamps and ignitors have been replaced
with new fixtures that have been individually tested by the manufacturer and both
the manufacturer and the electrician can find no fault with the equipment, however,
it was noted that the timing of ignition appears to impact on the performance.
A lengthy discussion took place concluding with Councillor Hill in his capacity as an
experienced electrician and Mr McGeowen of the opinion that there may be a
problem with the voltage supply to the premises, particularly, as it is evident that lights
fail to ignite during early evening when it is most likely that properties in the vicinity
would be using a high volume of voltage draining the supply locally.
It was agreed that Councillor Hill will contact Western Power and arrange an
investigation of the Voltage supply.
10.
Date of Next Meeting – 3rd March 2015
Confirmed and signed this
day of
Chairman
155
2015