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Minutes of Harberton Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 08 January 2008 at Harberton Parish Hall at 7.30pm. Present: Cllrs Fearn, Knight, Hill, Johnson, Steer, Jeffries, Hoddinott, Janes, Hockings, Beamish & D Cllr R Steer. Apologies: Cllr Hookway. Clerk: Mrs D Crann. The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. The report from D Cllr R Steer followed. He commenced with a report on the Harbertonford Village Hall loan application. He had been contacted by phone by Mr Monaghan of Harbertonford who asked him to pass on his apologies. He had told D Cllr Steer that the Parish Council had not yet completed the forms for the loan and added that the Village Hall Committee would need an unspecified increased amount. The Business Plan had been examined by all Councillors and was discussed in detail. Doubts were raised as to the Committee’s ability to repay the loan and further financial details would be needed, including sight of the construction contracts and terms before any decision could be made. Cllr Hockings proposed a meeting at the Hall between Councillors and the Hall Committee Members for further discussions. All councillors agreed. The Clerk is to arrange the meeting at a convenient time. All councillors agreed they were in favour of support for this project, but were concerned that more details were essential. D Cllr Steer reported that, at present, SHDC was very busy with the Budget for 2008/9. There was, however, a Planning Application for Rattery Parish to which he wished to draw councillors’ attention, ie: Channer Head Plantation, Webland Lane, for the construction of buildings and facilities for a rendering plant for fallen stock. He wondered if councillors wished to support this application for a much-needed facility. D Cllr Steer then left the meeting. Police Report received 07/01/08 by phone to the Clerk. There had been a theft at Harbourne Filling Station. Also, between 04 & 18/12/07, theft of a sign from a gate. The minutes of the previous meeting were then considered, agreed and signed by the Chairman as a true record. Matters Arising: Decisions between meetings – Decisions at the meeting – Correspondence: 1) The Precept for 2008/9 to be set. After some discussion, councillors agreed on the sum of £6,500.00 – proposed by Cllr Hockings, seconded by Cllr Janes. All in favour. NB: 2007/8 was £6,100.00. 2) Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. This matter has been held over from December. After some discussion, it was generally felt that there was insufficient support. 3) HSSG Harbertonford. Appointment of a representative from the Parish Council had been requested. Further discussion followed. Cllr Jeffries, who had previously been the Council’s representative, said she suggested the HSSG request the Parish Council’s presence when needed. Referring to the request for allotments in Harbertonford, the Parish Council had, over the years, had several such request and had followed up the possibility some years ago, but without success. The problem is lack of suitable land. 4) An invoice received from James Miller for grass cutting at the Ford in Harbertonford for 2007 was paid between meetings. The invoice was for seven cuts at £39.00 plus VAT, total £320.77. Also received were estimates – grass cutting at the Ford at Harbertonford 2008 ten cuts at £43.00 plus VAT. Also, clearance of silt at the Ford in Harberton – 3 times at total cost of £465.00 plus VAT. The estimate for Harbertonford is to be accepted, but for Harberton councillors wished to accept a quote of £155.00 plus VAT for each clearance as requested. Proposed by Cllr Steer, seconded by Cllr Hill. All in favour. 5) Harbourne Shuttle. A letter had been received with a copy of the latest accounts. This was shown to all councillors. These accounts showed a surplus of £19,500. After some discussion, councillors decided that, although repairs last year were nearly £2,200 as there was such a healthy balance in hand, a grant would be made as in the past when a new bus was required. Currently, the Parish Council puts aside £100 each year for this purpose and last used in 2002. Proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Johnson. All in favour. 6) DAPC. Various items received including Village Green magazine and CPRE village competition, shown to the meeting. 7) A letter from Chief Inspector Steer of D&C Police shown to the meeting re closing of roads for local events. 8) Letter received from SHDC re cars blocking the entrance for Harbertonford Parish Car Park, stopping lorries from moving the bottle banks. Residents are asked not to block the entrance. Other Items on the Table: SHDC Agenda & Minutes; DCC Newsletter; Voluntary Vine, etc; SHDC Executive Forward Plan; DPFA magazine. Matters at the discretion of the Chairman: 1) Cllr Beamish reported road falling away at Bow Road, between Beenleigh and the Joyner’s Nursery. 2) The Chairman reported an untaxed vehicle in Harberton Playing Field Car Park. 3) Cllr Knight reported yet more cars parked at the splay entrance of Old Road, Harbertonford to A381 junction, particularly at night. 4) Cllr Johnson reported buddle hole blocked at Screws Lane, Harberton. 5) A letter had been received from Mrs J Wright of Harberton asking if she might use the Playing Fields to pitch a marquee for her daughter’s wedding next August. Subject to conditions such as insurance and parking, the Parish Council have no objections. Cheque signed between meetings: The meeting closed at 9.50pm. The next will be held on Tuesday 12 February 2008 at 7.30pm at Harbertonford Primary School. |