RUNTON PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF A MEETING HELD BY THE ABOVE ON 24TH OCTOBER 2023 AT THE READING ROOM EAST RUNTON COMMENCING AT 7.15 PM.
PRESENT:
Councillors: Ms. C. Davidson – Chair. Mr. S. Gurney – Vice Chair.
Ms. T. Edwards, Mr. R. Annis, Mr. G. Baker, Ms. A. Debacker, Mr. C. Hawkins, Mr. K. Jonas, Mr. M. Lerego, Mr. P. Nichols, Mr. R. Smith. The Clerk, Ms. B. Emery. Cllr. Eric Vardy (NCC)
23/145. TO AGREE OPEN SESSION FOR PARISHIONERS/GUEST SPEAKERS
Cllr. Eric Vardy gave a report and talked about drainage and the support he gave for the feasibility study for West Runton which had helped to progress the scheme. Cllr. Nichols asked if particular attention could be paid to drains from Davy Hill past Manor Farm as many times Highways had been asked to deal with the flooding and it is still a problem. Cllr. Vardy agreed to pursue this.
Two members of the public had arrived and were allowed to speak. They wanted to find out what the scheme would be with West Runton speeding etc.
23/146. TO RECEIVE AND ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr. B. Memish apology, reason given and accepted.
23/147. TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN FORTHCOMING ITEMS
none.
23/148. TO AGREE AS CORRECT THE MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 26th July 2022
The minutes had been circulated and it was proposed Cllr. Annis seconded Cllr. Gurney that they be accepted as a true record. Agreed.
23/149. MATTERS ARISING for information only.
Cllr. Davidson was concerned that though the Links application for lodges appeal had been dismissed, the temporary structure was still there. Cllr. Davidson asked the Clerk to check with NNDC.
Concerning the play equipment also, it’s not clear who is overseeing the work. Cllr. Gurney is looking for more quotes. The Clerk reported receiving an email about lottery funding.
Cllr. Davidson also asked about the Neighbourhood Plan. The Clerk explained the criteria. Cllr. Gurney had agreed to be instigator. Agenda for a future meeting.
23/150. CLERK’S REPORT for information only.
Clerk reported that the trod was damaged in the flood but had been repaired. Building regulations had been received for the new windows – Reading Room. The five-year-certificate had been carried out for the building and the clerk confirmed that she tested the safety lights over the doors regularly. Reported that the road will be closed A149 West Runton for two sessions of five minutes for the Scouts march on remembrance Sunday 12th November.
23/151. PLANNING
To consider applications; Woodhill approved. Also Squirrel Copse, Briarwood, Old Barns at The Hall. All minor and no objections.It was reported that the Dormy Hotel sign has been taken down. The Clerk would check with NNDC planning to find out if they enforced the removal.
23/152. COMMONS – Grants pond clearance to discuss.
Cllr Davidson had met with a representative from the County Council to discuss the proposed grant funding for clearance of the Retting Pond. She was informed that the nature of the proposed work did not meet the requirements of FIPL grant funding, as it was only restoration and not improvement. She was also informed that the existence of NZ Pygmy Weed in the pond meant that any work carried out should ensure that the problem was not made worse. So Cllr Davidson said that this winter the plan would be to clear the ditches leading to the pond, and clear the excess vegetation on the front edge, to improve water supply. Cllr Davidson also reported that she had received a first draft of the Commons Management Plan. She hoped to be able to circulate the plan to the next meeting.
The Clerk was asked if work could proceed without a formal quote.
The Clerk advised that as the work had already been agreed, it could come under the normal Commons budget. A large amount for work not agreed would have to be ratified at a meeting.
A grant has been given towards equipment.
Cllr. Debacker reported that the litter bin and dog waste bin has been damaged and the finger post is still crooked at the corner of Station Close. The Clerk has reported the finger post. Cllr. Lerego and Cllr. Annis will have a look at it.
23/153. ALLOTMENTS
Cllr. Annis reported that the allotments would be inspected next month and asked about plots that had been sent letters. The Clerk had not had replies from any except for the lady at Moyes on the small plot who has promised to do work to bring it up to standard. There is now one free there which one of the existing tenants wants to take on. There are now three plots free at Lugger Stile.
One of which is being taken soon. A plot at West Runton had not been done for a while but this was being sorted out now.
Wyndham Park new agreement was discussed and definition of an amenity land agreement was to be asked from our solicitor. The Clerk explained that they would need information on what was needed but it was agreed to go ahead with the request to Hayes and Storr for a tenancy agreement for amenity land. Cllr. Annis and the Clerk to discuss the agreement.
The Terms of References was discussed and the Clerk would send out a template.
23/154. MOYES CLOSE Re: Community garden or tree planting.
Tree planting had been agreed last December and discussion took place on types of tree and whether fencing would be needed. It was proposed by Cllr. Nichols indigenous trees with low maintenance of appropriate number, seconded by Cllr. Edwards and agreed by all. Norfolk Wildlife Trust would be asked to suggest appropriate trees for the area. The Clerk asked who would be ordering. Cllr. Nichols would look into it.
23/155. TO CONSIDER SPENDING/PURCHASE OF CHRISTMAS TREES AND OTHER EXPENSES.
Cllr. Edwards reported that West Runton Corner House Café have ordered the tree and posters and have done a lot of work towards it and have just asked for a contribution for mulled wine. A brass band is booked, but would need shelter eg; gazebo.
Cllr. Baker would provide a gazebo. At East Runton Corner Café has made progress. It has been decided not to accept the kind offer of a free tree from a parishioner as it involves too much work and cost. A tree would be ordered from Edgefield Nursery as before.
Regarding the budget: Mulled wine and brass band Cllr. Davidson proposed a budget of £200, all agreed.
23/156. TO CONSIDER THE LAYING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL POPPY WREATH ON 12 NOVEMBER.
The Clerk reported that it is usually done by the Chair and has been in touch with the person responsible who would deliver the wreath to the Clerk and she would take it to Cllr. Davidson.
The donation was discussed. The cost of the wreath is £25.00 but a larger donation was always made. It was unanimously agreed that £75.00 would be donated this year. Cllr. Edwards asked if perhaps some councillors could attend the service. Cllr. Jonas was tasked with erecting the “Tommies”. This would be done for the week before and the week after.
Cllr. Gurney is getting the Roll of Honour framed for the Reading Room, a kind gesture.
Cllr. Baker reported there was to be a Council led a beacon type event for the anniversary of D Day next 6th June. An event will be considered. The Clerk would send around details.
23/157. TO HEAR UPDATE ON WORK FOR TRAFFIC CALMING WEST RUNTON
Cllr. Davidson reported on the meeting held this morning by Teams. Attended by Cllrs. Davidson, Gurney Annis and Smith and the Clerk, with Tony Stepney and Steve White of NCC Highways.
Clarification was needed as to what Highways would recommend and be prepared to do. The Parish Council’s pledge was up to £24,000 to have work done to reduce the speed limit and it was agreed that if the work cost less then there would be a refund and if more then County Council would fund it. This option of a reduction in speed to 20mph was on the table.
We were told that when the process was started it was possible during consultation to suggest more mitigating work. This was discussed in depth. The only money paid so far is for the feasibility study which was £1500 and the other £1500 was paid by Cllr. Eric Vardy (NCC)
CD After discussion it was proposed by Cllr. Davidson seconded by Cllr. Nichols that the proposal by NCC Highways should be accepted to begin the process. On being put to the vote it was unanimously agreed. Cllr. Davidson will make contact to enquire at what point other suggestions could be made.
23/158. FINANCE
i. Income: £7500.00 Precept
ii. Direct Debits paid:
npower £86.65 Street lighting
Unicom £104.04 Broadband/electricity
Unicom £122.47 Water allotments
Anglian Water £38.83 Water Reading Room
iii. Invoices to agree for payment:
Ben Darling £90.00 Grass cutting
NNDC £1208.00 Election fee
Chevertons £220.00 Newsletter
TT Jones £46.30 Street lighting maintenance
Adam Jones £1650.00 Cut and collect on commons
Royal British Legion £75.00 Poppy Appeal wreath
Barbara Emery £1142.50 Salary
HMRC £298.41 Tax and NI
The above were all accepted and agreed.
INTERNAL CONTROL OFFICER REPORT Regarding the investment it is not possible for a business account to get the same interest rates at a personal account. Any looked into need one year deposit tied up. Cllr. Smith would continue to look into it. Cllr. Davidson asked if authority could be given to the Clerk to invest £85,000 in a provider to be considered at a later date. The Clerk advised that the principle of investing an amount can be agreed but the actual provider should be agreed at a meeting. Cllr. Gurney offered some figures he had researched. Much discussion took place. Options were Nat West for one year or building society paying interest monthly. Cllr. Gurney proposed investment of £85,000 in Nat West seconded by Cllr. Annis and approved by all. This was guaranteed by SES. The budget would be on the agenda next meeting.
23/159. MEMBERS REPORTS
Cllr. Debacker – on corner of Renwick Park the sign for West Runton is obscured by vegetation.
Cllr. Edwards – tree across the footpath behind the Methodist church, bamboo overhanging from nearby property and dog waste is prevalent.
Cllr. Gurney – oak trees on land beside Church Lane ER were overhanging. Also Cllr. Gurney has trimmed the ditches into Top Common. Ask the contractor if a sixth cut could be done.
Cllr. Annis – vegetation overhanging the boundary of “The Stance” Water Lane WR.
Cllr. Smith – attended the Coastal Management online event concerning the coastline east of Cromer and will send the url to anyone who would like to have it.
Cllr. Davisdon – the small ditch we had cleared across and in front of houses on Lower Common West Runton is working and keeping water from the houses.
CORRESPONDENCE
non not dealt with above.
Signed C Davidson Chair. Date 28th November 2023