MINUTES of the Annual Council Meeting held in the School, Back Lane, Newburgh on Wednesday, 30th May 2007 commencing at 7.30pm.
PRESENT Cllr. R.E. Porter, Chairman, Agenda Item 50/07 only.
Cllr. Mrs J. Citarella, Chair, thereafter.
Cllr. Mrs C. Gillard, C.D. Moore, Mrs E.F. Pratt, A. Sunderland and Mrs M.A. Turner.
Mr B. Howard, Clerk of the Council.
50/07.
ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN 2007/08.
Cllr. Porter called for nominations for the position of Chairman.
Cllr. Mrs Citarella was nominated and unanimously elected Chair for 2007/08, duly receiving the Chain of Office and signing the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
On taking up the position of Chair, she paid tribute to Cllr. Porter for his hard work and commitment over the last three years.
51/07.
APOLOGIES were received from Cllr. Mrs Richardson who was unwell and District Councillor Pope who had other commitments.
52/07.
ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN 2007/08.
The Chair called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chairman.
Cllr. Porter was nominated and unanimously elected Vice-Chairman for 2007/08.
The Chair paid tribute to the past Vice-Chairman, Cllr. Mrs Richardson for her support to the past Chairman over the past three years.
53/07.
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS.
Cllr. Porter declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 9a in that the Schedule of Accounts for Payment includes an item in respect of his wife for village cleaning.
He also declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 8 in that he resides in Woodrow Drive and is affected by the suggestion outlined.
Cllr. Mrs Pratt arrived at this point in the Meeting.
54/07.
MINUTES of the Parish Council Meeting held on 25th April 2007 were agreed and signed as a correct record.
55/07.
APPOINTMENTS.
It was RESOLVED to make the following appointments: -
Planning Working Group.
Cllrs. Mrs Citarella, C.D. Moore, R.E. Porter and Mrs Richardson.
Finance Committee.
Cllrs. Mrs Citarella, C.D. Moore and Mrs Pratt.
West Lancashire Area Committee.
Cllrs. Mrs Gillard, Mrs Richardson and Mrs Citarella.
Lancashire Local – West Lancashire.
Cllr. Porter agreed to continue to attend these meetings whenever he could.
56/07.
REVISED CODE OF CONDUCT.
It was RESOLVED to adopt the Model Code of Conduct including Paragraph 10 (2).
The Notification of Personal Interests forms were handed to Councillors with the request that they complete these and return them to the Clerk at the next Parish Council Meeting on 27th June 2007.
Some Councillors had attended the District Council Training Event on this subject but it was RESOLVED that an in-house get together to discuss the Code of Conduct, would be useful and could be arranged for the autumn.
57/07.
MATTERS RAISED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
There were no members of the public present but Cllr. Porter had been asked to refer to the Parish Council a suggestion to convert Woodrow Drive and Tabbys Nook into a one-way system. He had already declared a personal and prejudicial interest and the new Code of Conduct, Paragraph 10 (2) arrangements were invoked. Cllr. Porter took his place in the Chamber and addressed the Council explaining the problems encountered on Woodrow Drive and Tabbys Nook by “rat run” vehicles and the resultant safety issues for local children.
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57/07 continued.
MATTERS RAISED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC continued.
Cllr. Porter took no further part in the discussion on this topic.
It was RESOLVED to obtain advice from L.C.C. before seeking the views of all residents who would be affected by the implementation of the suggestion.
58/07.
FINANCE.
a) Accounts for Payment.
It was RESOLVED to pass for payment those accounts included in the Schedule attached.
b) Reserves/Balances Statement year ended 31st March 2007.
The Statement, copy attached, was NOTED.
c) Annual Return year ended 31st March 2007.
It was RESOLVED to approve: -
The Chair duly signed both Sections of the Annual Return.
d) Christmas Tree Arrangements.
A verbal report was received about the Meeting held with Steve Scott, W.L.D.C. Electrical Engineer, when the
unexpected high invoice and arrangements for Christmas 2007 were discussed. There are many outstanding issues
to be clarified and it was RESOLVED to progress the matter
e) New Play Area.
The funding position, shown on the Statement attached, was NOTED. It was RESOLVED to underwrite the deficit
from Parish Council reserves/balances.
59/07.
PLANNING.
New Applications.
2007/0504. 56, Cobbs Brow Lane, new bow window and porch to front, dormer to side.
2007/0575. Maharishi School, Cobbs Brow Lane, retention of portacabin for temporary classroom.
The recommendation of the Planning Working Group to raise no objection to these applications was endorsed.
2007/0502. Ivy Cottage Farm, Back Lane, siting of caravan for agricultural worker. No evidence of need was available, therefore, it was RESOLVED to object.
2007/0607. 25, New Acres, single storey rear extension. It was RESOLVED to make no objection.
Updates.
2007/0216. Dustonia, Course Lane, first floor extension to rear. Granted W.L.D.C.
2006/1239. Mughouse Stables, Cobbs Brow Lane, temporary siting of a mobile home and stable block. Retention of hardstanding and replacement septic tank. Appeal has been made by the applicant to the Secretary of State.
60/07.
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING.
27th June 2007 at 7.30pm.
No members of the public were present.
Meeting finished at 9.05pm.
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