Denton Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 10th November 2020 at 7.30 pm by way of video conferencing.
Present:
Parish Councillors: Terry Hanner (Chairman), Ken Ashton, Melissa Bunn, Stephen Barrett, Helen Sida-Page.
Also present: Jackie Ellis (Clerk), District Councillor - Chris Brown.
1. Welcome by the Chairman:
Terry Hanner welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. To receive and accept apologies from members unable to attend:
Christine Kerr.
3. To receive any declarations of interest from members on any item to be discussed:
None.
4. To approve and sign the minutes of the last meeting.
The minutes of the 15th Septembery 2020 meeting were approved and will be signed by Terry Hanner; Chairman, as a correct record.
5. Open forum for Public Participation.
There were no members of the public attending.
6. Reports from County and District Councillors.
Margaret Stone our county councillor was not in attendance but regularly sends reports which are forwarded to parish councillors.
Chris Brown, District Councillor gave the following report:
- Coronavirus impact and recovery – The council’s attention has been on helping businesses and the local community to recover from the lockdown. Given the new lockdown commencing this week, the Council will be concentrating on providing the various Government support to business and individuals. There is still a hardship fund available for those residents in particular financial difficulties. The Early Help Hub is coordinating support and should be the first point of contact for residents. The Council’s leisure centres will be closing this week.
- The Council’s budgeting process for 2021/22 - is now underway.
- Recycling Initiatives and Waste Depot – The Council has an aspiration to reach 60% recycling rate by 2025, from the current 43% (2019/20).
- Housing Offer and Social Housing Allocations Policy – The Councils new housing allocations policy, being more focused on the needs of clients, is making progress and is due to come before the full council in December so that it can be implemented in 2021.
- Members Ward Fund – the annual members grant fund is available for new projects up to the end of December. Maximum is £1,000 per councillor in total for the year.
7. To receive updates on items from the minutes of the last meeting.
In her absence Christine Kerr sent the following update on Broadband:
The open reach rural partnership quote came through last week and I need to discuss with them re allowances that we can get from government to reduce the cost which is £85k. I wanted to get the quote before contacting Karen 0 Kane as she seems to believe that the rural partnership scheme is an acceptable solution to the issue. However there are problems, it relies on 100% take up and a sizeable contribution from residential
Households probably £2000 each, businesses get a greater allowance therefore their contribution is smaller.
8. Update on Playing Field Issues.
Mr Hanner has got some wood to repair the slats on the slope up to the zip wire and for the wobble board. A date to fix these will be arranged.
A new playing field rota was circulated.
Helen Sida-Page did last inspection and reported that all was clean and tidy.
The willow hut and hedges need trimming which will be organised at a later date.
All councillors were happy with how Levi Farrow has been cutting the grass this year and we will ask him to do this again next year.
9. To discuss and comment on Planning Applications received and related matters.
Decisions made:
2020/1302 – Rainbows End, Norwich Road, Denton. Variation of conditions 3 and 6 of 2018/0958 to change number of adult dogs from 10 to 12. Refusal.
10. Finance: To approve payments to be made:
- Clerk Salary for 2 months £176.00, plus allowance £52.00,
- HMRC Paye £44.00,
- SNC Dog Bin Annual Charge £131.28.
- SNC half year precept £2,000.00,
- SNC Adopter payment for recycling centre £200.00.
11. To discuss any other Matters and to agree items for next meeting.
Budget and precept setting for 2021/22.
Clerk Contract of employment
12. Date and time of next meeting:
Tuesday, 12th January 2021 at 7.30pm (expected to be by video conferencing)
The meeting closed at 8.05pm.