RIBBLE BANKS PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES
OF A MEETING OF THE COUNCIL,
HELD
IN
Present:
Councillors D Clarke Chairman
R Crabtree
F Higginson
I Wright
a. Mr D Rawsthorne raised the
matter of gritting of Hesley and Mill Lanes.
The Chairman advised this matter had been raised with North Yorks
Highways Authority in the past and that their policy was only to grit the main
Settle, Rathmell Wigglesworth road.
However, in the light of Mr Rawsthorne’s comments the Council would once
more write to the Highways Authority on this matter. ACTION Chairman.
b. Mr Pemberton raised the
matter of the Thomas Foster Charity of which he, on behalf of Rathmell Parish
Meeting, was a Trustee and he enquired whether the Council would wish to
nominate a representative given the changes to the Parish Meeting operation. The
There were no matters arising.
8.1 Current Balances
Savings account £5769.17
Current account £2654.86
Total £8415.03
After sundry creditors had been paid the estimated balance would be £6508.03
However, the second tranch of the precept, amounting to £2500, had yet to be received from CDC which would make a final estimated balance of £9008.03. Whilst it was understood there were reasons for this high level of holdings, Councillor Crabtree expressed concern and suggested this excessive balance should be reduced as soon as possible. The Chairman commented that both the internal and external auditors had expressed some concern that the Council balances were too high. As a result the Chairman had sought advice from the Yorkshire Local Councils Association. Their advice was that reserves could be held and increased provided that these funds were being set aside for one or more specific and planned projects which would benefit some or all of the parishioners. However, the principle remains that unless mandated to do so by the electorate, a Parish Council should not normally build reserves without express and good reason.
8.2 End of Year Accounts. For staffing reasons, the production of the end of year accounts had been delayed and these reasons had been explained to the external auditors (MAZARS). Action was being taken to ensure that the necessary data to permit the completion of the accounts was available within the next two weeks with the intention of having the accounts ready for internal audit by end of December and external audit by end of January.
8.3 Precept 2009/10.
The Chairman tabled a discussion paper, attached to these minutes, for the Precept for the financial year 2009/10. Whilst the Precept was for final discussion and agreement at the next meeting of the Council, various matters were raised in preliminary consideration. £170 and £120 was approved for the hosting of the Wigglesworth and Rathmell websites respectively as was an increase in the donation to Craven CAB to £100. Councillor Higginson questioned the donation of £400 to Settle Swimming Pool and the Chairman agreed to investigate further the funding arrangements for the Pool. ACTION Chairman.
The matter of a significant request for funding by Rathmell Reading Room was the subject of lively discussion. Two aspects of this request in particular were discussed, namely the need for a firewall between the Reading Room and the adjoining property and changes to the electrical system for the upstairs snooker room. The Council was of the view that the firewall was the owner’s responsibility and the Council was unlikely to grant funding for this matter. The reasons for the changes to the electrical system were unclear and Mr Rawsthorne, on behalf of Rathmell Reading Room Committee, was requested to provide the Council with further background information prior to the next Council meeting. Councillor Wright expressed his personal concern about allocation of funds via the precept for Rathmell Reading Room and the broader issue of fundraising by the Reading Room Committee.. Mr Rawsthorne, a member of the Reading Room Committee, asked that his objection to Councillor Wright’s comments be recorded in the minutes.
Brightenber Farm Wind Turbine. RBPC had objected to this application, which was being heard that evening (subsequently refused by CDC).
Footpath Diversion at Littlebank Farm. No objection.
Extension of Eastern Boundary of Crowtrees Caravan Site. No objection.
Conservatory at Wigglesworth House. No objection.
Retrospective Application for Solar Panel at 16 Gooselands. No objection.
There was nothing to report from Halton West, Wigglesworth or the Clerk (not present). Councillor Wright reported that following a complaint raised at the last meeting concerning the public footpath at The Green he had visited the site. Whilst the path was to some degree restricted it was not impassable. The property had very recently changed hands and he would be raising the issue with the new owners in the near future. ACTION Councillor Wright.
11.1 Halton West War Memorial Repairs. Councillor Higginson agreed to investigate
progress in this matter. ACTION
Councillor Higginson.
11.2 Hedges/Trees Encroaching
the Highway at Cappleside. As no action had been taken, the Chairman agreed to write once again
to
11.3 Highways Area Office. The change of address of the Highways Area Office was noted.
There being no
further business the meeting was closed at 2135.
The Council then moved into private session to discuss personnel issues.