HESSAY PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL ZOOM MEETING HELD ON-LINE AT 8.00PM ON THURSDAY 18 JUNE 2020
Attending on-line: Councillors Mark Barratt (Chairman), Olivia Johnson, Mike Lord, George Ramshaw and Ann Watson. Also present on-line were five members of the public, City Councillor Anne Hook and the Clerk, James Mackman.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None.
20.027 – TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTEREST (NOT PREVIOUSLY DECLARED) ON ANY MATTERS OF BUSINESS
None.
20.028 – TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND APPROVE REASONS FOR ABSENCE
With all Councillors attending there were no apologies.
20.029 – TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 16 JANUARY 2020
The minutes of the meeting held on 16 January 2020, having been circulated and read, were accepted as a true record. They will be signed when circumstances allow.
20.030 – TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 27 FEBRUARY 2020
The minutes of the meeting held on 27 February 2020, having been circulated and read, were accepted as a true record. They will be signed when circumstances allow.
20.031 – TO RECEIVE THE CITY OF YORK COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – FOR INFORMATION ONLY
City Cllr. Anne Hook reported that: –
• You are receiving excellent daily reports on what is happening during the pandemic, so there is no need for me to elaborate on that.
• I went for a walk around the village to note which things needed fixing which the council could do whilst maintaining social distancing.
• I reported the patch of road in front of The Fold a year ago and they said it was within tolerances. I will be comparing the photos now and then, because I think it has got worse. There is also a pothole almost level with the sign for Applewood.
• The stretch of footpath between the Chapel and Fieldside House is too narrow because of the overgrown hedge, which needs the projecting weeds and brambles removed at the very least.
• I had to stop a dog walker from stepping backwards into some dog poo, not eight paces from a dog bin.
• I am currently part of a committee working on the recovery, which is focusing on how the highways can be altered to ensure proper social distancing, while ensuring safe queuing for shops and cycling which is being encouraged.
• I have been shown a possible plan for a cycle route to the Rufforth/Knapton cycle path and would welcome comments.
20.032 – TO MAKE DECISIONS ON PARISH COUNCIL LAND
(a) Registration of Parish Land – To receive an update
The Chairman reported that our solicitor is preparing statement of truths/statutory declarations for each parcel of land individually and is being assisted by Roger Hildreth.
(b) Hessay Pond including the provision of a picnic table, work to the path and the condition of the fence and gate
The following comments/observations were made: –
i. The picnic table/bench is now in place. The Chairman thanked Councillor Watson and her husband for their generous donation
ii. Several of the fence posts need to be replaced
iii. The gate post of the large gate post needs to be replaced
iv. The Clerk is to obtain quotations for the above work (Action Clerk)
v. The state of the path was discussed. Cllr Barratt had a costed out the materials needed to repair the path, replacing the stone, weed membrane and retaining boards. Councillor Johnson said that there was the possibility of a grant funding which would cover the cost of materials. It was believed the project could also fall within the ward funding remit. It was agreed to pursue external funding. (Action Cllr Johnson)
vi. The councillors accepted an offer by Mr Elliot to strim the area.
vii. Bird boxes have been put up
(c) Willow Garth
No news on this subject, the area continues to be managed for the benefit of wildlife.
(d) Allotments
All three allotments have tenants this year. There are two residents on a waiting list for the allotments.
It is possible that there is some asbestos buried in an unused part of the allotment area. The City Council has been informed and the matter is being dealt with.
(e) Thief Lane
No news on this subject.
(f) Sandpit Field
No news on this subject.
20.033 – PLANNING APPLICATIONS
(a) To consider the following Planning Application: –
Details of Planning Applications – Comments
Ref: 20/00606/FUL – Erection of agricultural building for accommodation of livestock at Curlew Fields Farm, New Road.
No objections
Ref: 20/00880/FUL – Change of use from outbuildings to 2no. dwellinghouses (retrospective) at Glebe Farm, Hessay to Moor Bridge
No objections but we feel that the application should have been submitted prior to the application for farm labourers’ accommodation. If this is approved, the dwelling will have increased from one to five in a short period of time. We request that the two new dwellings have an agricultural tie.
Ref: 20/00893/FUL – Extension to agricultural building at Curlew Fields Farm, New Road.
No objections
(b) To note Local Authority Planning Decisions
It was noted that the Local Planning Authority had approved the following applications: –
• Ref: 20/00102/FUL – Single-storey rear extension and relocation of oil tank to existing garage at 6 Laburnum Close.
• Ref: 20/00606/FUL – Erection of agricultural building for accommodation of livestock at Curlew Fields Farm, New Road.
20.034 – TO DISCUSS THE PROVISION OF BROADBAND FOR THE VILLAGE
Councillor Watson referred to a letter she had received from Julian Sturdy MP. It was agreed that another letter be sent to Julian Sturdy and a letter to the appropriate Government Minister. (Action Clerk)
20.035 – TO DISCUSS, THE CONDITION OF THE VILLAGE ROADS AND FOOTPATHS.
(a) It was noted that two stiles have been mended and the third stile has been removed
(b) There was a discussion about a cycle route to York. It was reported that some of the local farmers are against the idea of a cycle track being constructed across their land. The preferred route is to create a safe route along Shirbutt Lane and the wide verge of the A59
(c) Cars parked are being parked indiscriminately in Main Street, often causing an obstruction for local traffic and especially farm vehicles. The issue appears to have been resolved with a residents post on the Community Facebook site.
(d) Sat Navs problem – Cllr. Barratt had obtained a quote for a sign to deter drivers from following their Sat Nav directions. It was felt that the cost was too great considering the city council may remove the sign. It was agreed instead to ask Cllr Hook for assistance in sourcing a sign via the City Council
(e) The area outside the entrance to the church on New Road needs to be to be improved and the kerb opposite to be dropped. City Councillor Anne Hook is to pursue this matter with the City Council
20.036 – TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE DEFIBRILLATOR
The defibrillator is now fully operational & registered. Councillor Ramshaw has been checking that the defibrillator is charged & functioning. Other interested parties are prepared to assist.
20.037 – TO DISCUSS PROGRESS ON THE CREATION OF A NEW PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE.
A draft of the proposed website had been sent to Councillors for comment. It was noted that the website could be up and running within a few weeks.
20.038 – TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON VILLAGE POLICING
The Clerk reported that there had been no incidents reported to the police during the months of January and February 2020. No reports have been received since February as, no doubt, the lady who compiles the figures has been in lockdown since the middle of March.
20.039 – TO NOTE PROGRESS ON SETTING UP A COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH GROUP
Owing to the coronavirus pandemic it had not been possible to progress this subject.
20.040 – FINANCE
(a) Financial Report
The Clerk presented a detailed report showing the actual income and expenditure for the period from 17 January 2020 to 18 June 2020. The report reflected the receipts and payments (net of VAT) below.
The bank balances at 18 June were: –
Current Account £500.00
Business Money Manager Account £10,224.48
(b) To note accounts for payment
413 James Mackman Salary February & March £296.78
414 HM Revenue & Customs Income tax February & March £74.20
415 James Mackman Clerk’s salary April & May £296.98
416 HM Revenue & Customs Income tax – April & May £74.00
417 YLCA Annual subscription £125.00
(c) To receive a report on income received
HSBC Bank interest £7.14
City of York Council 1st half year’s precept £1,825.00
HMRC VAT refund for 2019-20 £326.83
Tenants Parish land rents £130.00
(d) To agree to pay for the hire of the Chapel schoolroom for the year to 31 March 2020
It was agreed to donate £120 to the Hessay Methodist Chapel for the use of the schoolroom for the year ended 31 March 2020.
(e) To confirm the subscription to the YLCA for 2020-21 – £125.00
This was confirmed.
(f) To agree the Annual Governance Statement on the Annual Return
The Councillors, having previously been given a copy of the Annual Governance Statement of the Annual Return, agreed that all the questions (except question nine which did not apply) could be answered with a “yes”. The Chairman and Clerk will sign the form at a later date.
(g) To agree the Statement of Accounts on the Annual Return
The Councillors had been sent a copy of the Return prior to the meeting. The meeting, being virtual, it was agreed that the Chairman and the Clerk should sign the form at a later date.
(h) To sign the exemption form for the Annual Return
It is a requirement of the external audit procedure that an exemption form is completed, signed and returned to the external auditor if a Parish Council’s income or expenditure for 2019-20 was less than £25,000. As the Parish Council falls into this category it was agreed that the Chairman and Clerk should sign the form at a later date.
20.041 – CLERK’S REPORT:
(a) Progress on the repairs to the damaged seat in front of the notice board (Min. 20.17a)
It was noted that all the wood parts of the seat have been replaced. They have been generously provided and installed by Iain Hildreth of Shaw & Riley and Huffy Construction. The Chairman had thanked them on behalf of the Parish Council.
(b) Progress on the filling in of the pothole in front of the Church in New Road (Min. 20.017b)
This has yet to be done.
(c) Progress on the refurbishment of the notice board (Min 20.017c)
The Councillors agreed to accept Stuart Cariss’s offer of making the appropriate adjustments to the left-hand door of the notice board.
20.042 – TO NOTE CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED BY THE CLERK
20.042.1 – It was noted that the correspondence received since the January Parish Council meeting listed below had been circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting
(a) CYC – Budget plans
(b) CYC – City of York Council Plan for 2019-2023
(c) CYC – Helpline update
(d) CYC – Numerous COVID 19 Updates
(e) CYC – Numerous Newsdesk Partner briefings
(f) CYC Fostering Team – Foster carers posters
(g) Director of Public Health for York – Coronavirus update
(h) Julian Sturdy MP – Two E-bulletins
(i) North Yorkshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner – Precept consultation
(j) YLCA – Advice on cancelling meetings and virus update
(k) YLCA – Numerous White Rose Updates
20.042.2 – The Clerk referred to the following items of correspondence
(a) Ainsty (2008) Internal Drainage Board-Notice of Public Rights which the Clerk had put on the notice board
(b) An enquiry for an allotment
(c) CYC – Request for meeting dates for 2020 & 2021
(d) HSBC – Reduction in interest rate on the deposit account
(e) PKF Littlejohn – External audit update
20.043 – TO CONSIDER MINOR MATTERS
(a) Cllr Barratt reported that he had raised the poor condition of the matting in the children’s playground in March and nothing has been done, The Clerk agreed to take photographs of the matting and report the problem to the City of York Council, which is responsible for the playground. (Action Clerk)
(b) With there being no Annual Parish Meeting this year owing to the Government lockdown it was agreed that the Parish Council’s annual report be posted on the Hessay Community Facebook site.
(c) Owing to the continued restrictions on meetings and social distancing it was agreed to adopt the following resolution. “Hessay Parish Council empowers the clerk to do anything expedient and necessary to ensure the continuous business of the council, and to deal with mandatory undertakings in order to prevent the authority from incurring liability for as long as is required during the current Covid-19 pandemic. The clerk will consult with the chairman and/or vice-chairman in the decision making but Hessay Parish Council acknowledges that it is the clerk that is the decision maker.”
20.044 – TO CONSIDER NEW ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
Shirbutt Lane as a Play Street.
20.045 – TO AGREE THE DATE OF NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that the next meeting would be held by Zoom on-line at 8.00pm on Thursday 16 July 2020.
There being no more business the meeting was formally closed at 10.40pm.
Chairman……………………………. Date………………….…
James Mackman, Clerk 39 Calder Avenue, Nether Poppleton, York, YO26 6RG
Tel: 01904 399277 email: jmackman3@gmail.com