MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN ST ANDREWS ROOM AT 7.30 PM ON MONDAY 12th JULY 2004.

PRESENT: Cllr M Short (Chairman), Cllr G Bailey (Vice-Chairman), Cllr M R Smith,

Cllr C Knott, Cllr R Giles, Cllr M Leimdorfer, Cllr K Hill, Cllr R Retter, Cllr G Morgan, Cllr D Van Der Watt, Cllr B Hogarth, Cllr E Sparey, and Cllr M Dury.

IN ATTENDANCE: Cllr T Leimdorfer, Mr K Richardson (Clerk) and Mrs K Paul (Clerical Officer).

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: The Chairman welcomed the following Members of the public and invited them to address the Committee before the commencement of formal business:-

Marion Johnson (Clevedon Mercury) advised she was in attendance as observer.

Mr & Mrs K Lloyd and Mr & Mrs Seehra.

Mr & Mrs K Lloyd of Iwood Manor, Iwood Lane, Wrington (planning application 04/P/1518/F) reported that they had not received the invitation to attend the Planning meeting.  Had they done they would have attended.  They wanted to alleviate any fears regarding their planning application.  The extra accommodation would be used by their son who would act as carer.  The lift would make access easier for Mr Lloyd who is disabled.  Mr Lloyd reported that their planning application wasn’t a major development as viewed by the Parish Council Planning Committee.  The Chair recommended that this application be reviewed with members of the Planning Committee at the end of meeting. 

POLICE REPORT: PC Tacchi submitted a written report with detailed information on criminal offences.  Cllr Short reported that the Speed Watch Co-ordinator is Terry Holden and Christine Lewis is the Deputy Co-ordinator.  Cllr Short also reported that the speed gun would only cost £100, a great deal less that previously expected.  If any Councillors know of anyone else that is interested in becoming a Speedwatch volunteer please let Terry Holden know.

NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL:

Cllr Leimdorfer gave a verbal report.  Cllr Leimdorfer reported that North Somerset Council’s spending last year is 1.5 million under budget.  Part of the savings came from less money spent on landfill due to recycling.  Everyone was reminded that the Waste Strategy Public meeting is on Wednesday 11^th August in the Old School Rooms. 

Cllr Leimdorfer sited concern that the decisions regarding the Power Station were not brought to Committee, however he was assured that this would not happen again. 

Cllr Leimdorfer has received slightly modified plans for Cadbury House.

It will be at least 18 months before the Knightstone affordable housing project will commence building work due to funding bids not being successful in last bidding round.

Cllr Leimdorfer reminded the Committee that the Sexual Health Roadshow bus will be coming to Congresbury on Friday 16^th July and that it was for people of all ages.  The Clerk confirmed that posters have been displayed on noticeboards. 

ACTION: The Clerk to write to Louise Davidson at North Somerset Council to

express the Parish Council’s concern over the lack of affordable housing.            KR

APOLOGIES: Cllr A Underwood (Work-Essex), Cllr J Edwards (Overseas Holiday)

and PC K Tacchi (Avon & Somerset Constabulary).  The Clerk reported that Cllr A Underwood has sent a letter asking for a leave of absence; therefore she will miss the September meeting.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: 

The Chair reminded all Cllrs that it is important to declare their interests even if

they don’t think they are relevant.

For item 5 Cllr Giles and Cllr Short declared an interest as regular users of the

Old School Rooms.

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 14^th June 2004:

Members unanimously confirmed the minutes of the meeting held on the

14th June 2004 were a true record of the meeting.  The Chair reported that

the Clerk had secured a reduced fee from A&R Electrical Services Ltd.

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REPORTS RECEIVED:

             .                

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APPROVAL OF FEE AND EXPENSES (£25.00) TO JUDGE FOR BEST

KEPT ALLOTMENT COMPETITION           

All Councillors agreed to this payment.          

85/04
TO DETERMINE PROGRAMME SEEKING PARISH PLAN CONTRIBUTIONS

Many items are being addressed that were mentioned in the contributions.

A questionnaire asking for suggestions from the parishioners will be distributed

to the Post office, Surgery, Chemist, and local stores in August for completion

by the end of September.

ACTION: Councillors agreed to arrange a suitable Saturday at the beginning    All

of September to hold a stall in the Precinct seeking further Parish Plan

contributions.

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UPDATE ON THE OLD SCHOOL ROOMS REFURBISHMENT:

Cllr Morgan reported that the floor to St Congars Room will be refurbished week commencing
16^th August; this is when the building is not in use. 
Quotes for replacement external timbers in wood & UPVC are being sought.
The cooker has been repaired and serviced.
Cllr Morgan is still waiting for the quotes for the sink and the roof survey.
All Councillors agreed that if acceptable quotes come in during August then the work can go ahead.

87/04
AUTHORISATION OF RECRUITMENT ADVERTISEMENT FOR CARETAKER – OLD SCHOOL ROOMS

Congresbury Parish Council urgently needs to appoint a caretaker for the Old School Rooms in September. 
Local advertisements in noticeboards and post offices have been unsuccessful.
All Councillors agreed to expenditure of £100 on a job advertisement in a local paper.  
ACTION: The Clerk to place job advertisement in local paper.   KR
K Paul to place free job advertisement card in Somerfield.            KP    

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CORRESPONDENCE:

To note relevant correspondence: -

The items above were noted and documents are available from the Parish Council office.

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CLERK’S REPORT:

Members noted a written report circulated with the meeting documents. 

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ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT:

To approve payments made since last meeting:-

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EXEMPT ITEMS:

The Chairman informed the Council that there were no exempt items of business.

There being no further business the Chairman thanked members for attending

and declared the meeting closed at 9.06 pm.