Oakington and Westwick Parish Council
MINUTES of meeting of the Parish Council held on 9th June 2008 at the School, Water Lane, Oakington at 7.30 pm.
A Milton (Chairman), Mr D Reeves (Vice Chairman), Mr J Bailey, Mrs Y Graves, Mr P Harradine, Mrs J Sidaway, Mrs A Christie, Coun S Edwards (SCDC), Coun N Bolitho (SCDC), the Clerk and 5 members of the public.
Coun D Jenkins (CCC), Coun M Bradney (CCC)
The Minutes of the meeting of 12th May 2008 were approved and then signed by the Chairman.
NORTHSTOWE RIGHTS OF WAY, PROJECT:
The Chairman welcomed Peter Duthrie, CCC Northstowe Rights of Way Project Manager.
Mr Duthrie handed out a presentation to all present.
He outlined the main areas of project achievements including improvements to existing routes & areas, new areas of bridleways and footpaths and verge improvements.
He highlighted the achievements directly associated with the Oakington area, including the work undertaken with the parish on the Martyrs Graves, the widening and hardening of the permissive footpath that leads from the Rec, and the new bridleway on the verge of Longstanton Road.
There will be a new project to look at additional enhancements.
He then invited questions.
The Chairman enquired about responsibility for the hedging along the new fence in Dry Drayton Rd as it is gradually starting to cover the new bridleway.
A. Discussions are ongoing with the landowner as the fencing could be an issue for hedge cutters. But, it is likely that it will be a joint CCC/landowner responsibility.
Mr Duthrie noted the suggestion of publicising the fact that the hard surface would eventually grow over and become a more
Pavilion - extra-ordinary meeting with the pavilion committee arranged for Weds 18th June, 8 pm at sports pavilion. Agenda was handed out at the meeting.
The Chairman also circulated a list of initial points for consideration prior to the meeting.
Coun Sidaway confirmed that the CCTV is now in place and working. Neil Cook is obtaining a quote for 2 more cameras but will need to obtain permission from WREN before purchasing (as part of the grant agreement).
She confirmed that the opening ceremony reception would be paid for by funds raised.
A fire risk assessment had been carried out last week and a fire certificate would be issued once a couple of small items had been addressed.
The Chairman thanked the team of volunteer workers who had been doing various jobs outside over the past two weekends. The Chairman stressed the importance of "No Smoking" signs being affixed at all entrances to the building prior to use.
The Chairman had purchased two second- hand filing cabinets and one corner table at auction.
Northstowe - South Cambs DC had submitted a first response to the planning application. (This can be viewed on SCDC website). Coun Edwards confirmed that the response had included the separate access road applications.
Parking Bay, Queens Way - Coun Christie confirmed she is in the process of drafting the agreement.
Litter/Dog Waste Bins - the Chairman had seen new bins installed in other villages, but we have not heard about any for us. Coun Edwards agreed to look into the procedure for obtaining new bins.
A14 Junction Lighting - it was noted that some work had taken place at the location.
Parking, Footway Cambridge Rd - it was noted that it continues to be an issue. Coun Christie had contacted PCSO Ison again who advised he would 'keep an eye' on it.
Jointly Funded Scheme re extension to 30 mph zone in Cambridge Rd - still no outcome.
Interactive Signs - not working!
S106 Northstowe - Joint JAG/Parish Councils meeting arranged by SCDC for Thurs 12th June, 7pm at Cottenham VC. The Chairman reported that he had attended the last meeting and whilst the SCDC input was worthwhile, he did not find the rest very useful. However, as no other councillors are able to attend this week, he will go along.
Ditch, Station Road - James Cooper, English Partnerships had not been in contact to arrange a site meeting. The Chairman had inspected the ditch after the recent heavy rain and there is still a problem. It was agreed that he should write to English Partnerships complaining about the lack of action in dealing with this.
It was noted that there was also a flooding problem near the guided bus track at the same time.
Grave, Cemetery - the Chairman had again written to the resident who had installed plastic window boxes round two family graves. Subsequently, the larger boxes had been taken away and one small box left on each of the two graves concerned.
Boundary Review, Pre Consultation - no meeting date had been forthcoming from Coun Wotherspoon, but it was agreed that we are keen to see this move forward.
South Cambs DC Items - as Coun Edwards needed to leave the meeting early, it was agreed to raise any relevant SCDC with him at this stage.
The Chairman congratulated him on his recent election success.
Coun Edwards reported that he had the full SCDC Northstowe planning application response if anyone is interested in seeing it.
He agreed to take up the lack of planning consent issue re the Saturday markets.
The Planning Dept is still progressing the Tomato Farm applications (mobile homes and polytunnels). The Chief Executive had asked him to inform the Chairman that he would be writing to him to confirm that council tax should be paid but it is not clear if it should be individual tax or part of business tax.
The Chairman reported that the 2008 RoSPA report on the play area had now been received and virtually the same items were raised as in previous years.
The Chairman stated that the Parish Council could not commit to assisting with funding this project as the on-going pavilion costs are not known at this stage.
A member of the public recommended that the improvements to the play area should go ahead as soon as possible as it is often the case that new buildings are vandalised if they are near a 'run down' area.
She also highlighted the area in her report that suggested that the young people she spoke to would be willing to fundraise themselves if they felt included and had a sense of ownership of the project.
Clerk's salary - agreed this should be increased in accordance with NALC recommendations and she should move one point up the LC1 spinal point column to point 22 with effect from 1 April 2008 (pay award pending)
Litter Picking/Street Lights - agreed to increase by current rate of inflation (3%)
From
BTs Proposals to re-align payphone provision - including removal of payphone in Longstanton Road - consultation until 6 Sept.
SCDC, Post Office Closures - meeting to be held in Council Chamber, Cambourne 6.30pm on Weds 16th July - Coun Reeves agreed to attend.
SCDC - Review of boundary between SCDC and Cambridge City Council - consultation deadline 17th June.
RoSPA - play area safety inspection report, 17 April 08- handed to Coun Christie.
SCDC - JAG & Parish Council's Northstowe Update Meeting - Thurs 12th June - Chairman to attend.
SCDC, Local Development Framework - supplementary planning documents public participation - all representations must be received by Fri 18th July.
M Bradney, CCC - May report
SCDC - Review of Street Trading Consent
Willingham PC - copy of Northstowe S106 requests
CCC - changes to bus stop allocation in Emmanuel St, Drummer St & St Andrews St with effect from 21.5.08
CCC - Contract with CAM ARC (archaeological work) transferring to Oxford Archaeological Unit Ltd with effect from 1 July 08.
Local Councils Liaison Committee - minutes 17 April 08
SCDC - Housing Futures
COPE newsletter
SCDC - Cambs Guided Busway - design & appearance of pedestrian routes at proposed Northstowe Junction (near Oakington).
Ms Goldsmith, 58 High St - alterations to listed building ref S/0604/08/LB - approved.
GoPak Ltd - 20 tables, 100 chairs, 4 chair trucks, 2 trolleys re pavilion 6884.92
(cheque signed on 23.5.08 - to be reclaim from WREN)
C J Murfitt Ltd, interim invoice no.10 - pavilion building works 44633.84
Dent Security Systems Ltd - CCTV pavilion 6658.73
(to be reclaimed from WREN)
Allianz Insurance Plc - additional premium for pavilion building insurance from 1.5.08 to 1.6.09 1674.58
Print-Out - photocopying re newsletters 52.80
Five Star Pest Control Ltd - control of moles at cemetery & invoice No. 5245 (original cheque no. 422 105.75 lost in post) 170.38
Playsafety Ltd - play area inspection April 08 77.55
Anglian Water Plc - sewer connection charge re pavilion 192.00
Speedy Hire Centres - hire of security fencing re pavilion (May) 152.00
British Gas Plc - pavilion electricity 1.4.08 - 21.5.08 161.88
A J Milton - refund re desk & 2 filing cabinets for pavilion 36.77
A J Milton - annual chairman's allowance 2007-08 110.00
R Bell - street lights & cleaning 13.5.08 - 9.6.08 4 weeks @ 49 196.00
L Lawrence - clerk's salary 13.5.08 - 9.6.08 30 hours @ 9.57
+ telephone allowance - 30.00
+ travel expenses - 5.58 322.68
Total 61324.13
It was proposed by Coun Reeves and seconded by Coun Sidaway that these bills be paid. All agreed.
Overhanging tree, Longstanton Road is obscuring the traffic signals - Clerk will report to CCC.
Grass verge, opposite Methodist Chapel needs cutting.
Chairman reported:
Coun Bolitho (SCDC) reported he had been looking into the issue of streetlights being on during the day (one in Water Lane, near Queens Way and one in Longstanton Road). He had established that CCC pays EDF Energy for repairs only, so doesn't bother to complain if they are on!
A member of the public thought that the light in Longstanton Road is permanently on as it is covered by an overhanging tree.
Another member of the public suggested that consideration should be given to having parking restrictions in Water Lane near the school from 10 am - 2 pm.
The Chairman stated that the main traffic problem occurs during the school dropping off/collecting periods and there is no easy way to resolve this.
The meeting closed at 9.20 pm.