Minutes of the Meeting held at Seamer Memorial Hall on Tuesday, 21st March 2023

1)  NOTICE OF MEETING

Public notice of the meeting has been given in accordance with Schedule 12, paragraph 10 (2) of the Local Government Act 1972. 

2)  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillor James Bainbridge, Councillor M Murphy, District Councillor Bridget Fortune.

IN ATTENDANCE

Councillors Maureen Marshall (Acting Chair), Jayne Kendall, Amanda Cutler, Acting Parish Clerk Glenn McGill.

Three members of the public were in attendance as members of the public.

3)  MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held at Seamer Memorial Hall on Tuesday 17^th January 2023 were confirmed as a true record and agreed by those present.

4)  VILLAGE MATTERS

A discussion took place on prospective development on a Greenfield site to the rear of Leconfield. It was reported that a planning application was proposed and that a consultation exercise was proposed to take place with residents, but that nothing could be actioned until a planning application was received.  All three members of the public in attendance expressed their concerns and reservations, nevertheless.

The village handyman had still to attend to various maintenance matters including grass overgrowing footpaths near the village hall. The white gates had also been washed and two further signs had been put up in Tanton Road and Hilton Road. Noted that further work would commence in the spring.

Problem with development at Sandall Rise reported which was a planning approval supported by the Parish Council due to bright entrance lights which gives the appearance of headlights in the middle of the road when travelling from Seamer in the direction of Stainton. The Clerk had reported this to County Highways, but no action was proposed.

The photocopier/printer offered for use by the community was not wanted by the Village Hall Committee despite it having been agreed previously by the Village Hall Chairman and delivered to site.  It has since been removed because of a plethora of objections.

Noted that the hay bale in the pond had decomposed and would still have to be removed by volunteers or a contractor or by the village handyman? Action: Clerk

TBC.

Noted that the police have undertaken speed trap in the last two weeks.

The problem of a septic tank overflow was noted and it was agreed to refer the matter to District Councillor Fortune based upon a letter prepared by the Clerk since no other forms of action had resulted in any positive action. Action: Clerk.

5)   PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Applicant: Mrs A. Sunley, Address: 8 Croft Hills, Stokesley, Reference:     Proposal: First Floor Extension above existing attached garage, Status: no PC objections. Under consideration by Local Planning Authority.

Applicant: Mr. T Pilling, Address: Tanglewold, Stainton Road, Seamer, Reference: 21/01954/MRC, Proposal: Detached Dwelling and Garage, Status: Under consideration by Local Planning Authority.

6)   MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION

6a) Police – no report received.

6b) Financial update, VAT and banking matters – Councillor Marshall had attended a VAT course and completed a VAT return form. The Parish Council is not registered for VAT but can claim VAT back periodically if income is under £6,000 per annum.

6c) Accounts for 2022-2023 year were being prepared by Councillor Marshall with assistance from the Parish Clerk. These would have to be submitted to the accountant in May after the end of the financial year. 

6d) Ongoing Parking Issue at The Green – Some improvements had been noted following a visit by Councillor Kendall, and trimming of a small tree, but the situation, which was being monitored, would continue in the interests of public safety. Action TBC.

6e) Community Fund Update – Anne Thomas had organised a further event, for which a sum of £120 was agreed to host it.

A meeting had been held between the Clerk, Councillor Marshall and a local contractor regarding solar pumps from the pond powered by solar panels to tackle the alien duckweed growth.  A price was awaited from Analec.

The proposed school children’s bus shelter has not been progressed further because of the dearth of tender returns to do the work. The Clerk has retendered the job and will report back in due course. Action: Clerk.

Councillor Marshall advised in detail on progress with provision of the defibrillator for Tame Bridge which was all positive and included budget costs, warranty and location. Details to be reported back to next meeting. Action: Councillor M Marshall.

6f) North Yorkshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund – Councillor Marshall explained that grants available under this fund were over three years but year 1 is now fully booked. An expression of interest is needed for a project to kick start the process. 

6g) Parish Clerk Role – Needs to be advertised. Action Clerk.

6h) Tree Safety Audit – A cost had been received and it was agreed to commission the work as recommended for health and safety purposes. Follow on arboricultural work may be required. Action: Clerk.

6i) Council Reorganisation – District Councillor Fortune was not in attendance, but it was noted that the new Council would be operational on 1^st April 2023.

6j) Village Hall Committee – Councillor Mark Murphy wasn’t present, so no update was available. A request was made to copy Christine Cooper into any related correspondence following the matter of the printer/photocopier. Action: Clerk.

6k) Revised Grass Cutting Regime – Payments were to be made to the Parish Council to undertake cutting of Council highway verges, with a payment of £347-42 having been received.

6l) Footpaths Seamer Hill – We had been notified by the farmer that he had removed the gates as they were no longer necessary.

6m) Request for Family History Information – A letter had been received on this subject and it was recommended that the writer be put in touch with the church and Christine Cooper. Action Clerk.

7) CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

White Rose weekly updates                   NALC Chief Executive’s bulletin              HDC regular updates

Stokesley and Villages Climate Change Action Group    NYCC Chief Executive weekly bulletin    YLCA advice

8) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Councillor Maureen Marshall provided a brief update on accounts and funding. Current balances stand as follows:

Business account

Payments

Easter Event                                                       £120DR  funded from comm account

PC Clerk Payment                                  £250DR

NYCC Annual Membership                             £307DR

Defib Tame Bridge                                           £1697.94DR funded from comm account

Grass Cutting April                                           £400DR

Sign Cleaning                                          £80DR

Defib pads                                              £180DR funded from comm account

Gardener                                                £127.95DR funded from comm account

Receipts

From comm account                                     £1697.94

Precept                                                    £2795.00

From comm account                                     £180.00

From comm account                                     £127.95

Balance as at 10.05.23                         £4224.78

Reserve account 

Bank Interest                                                     £2.47CR

VAT claim 21/22                                    £322.07CR

Balance as at 10.05.23                         £3235.14     

Community Account

Tfr to bus account                                         £120DR

Tfr to bus account                                        £1697.94DR

Tfr to bus account                                         £127.95DR

Balance as at 10.05.23                         £29903.64 

9)               FORTHCOMING MEETING DATES       Next meeting is on 16^th May 2023, 18^th July 2023, 19^th September 2023 and 21^st November 2023.

(All meetings have a 7pm start time and will be held in Seamer Village Hall)