Minutes - 2012 Annual Parish Meeting
Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Tuesday 1st May 2012 in Sherington Village Hall, Church Road, Sherington commencing at 7.00pm
PRESENT: Cllr David Keene (Chairman of Parish Council)
ATTENDING: Wendy Austyn (Clerk), Cllr Keith McLean (councillor for Sherington Ward) and 5 public
1. APOLOGIES
None.
2. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The minutes of the Annual Parish meeting held on 10th May 2011 were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chairman
3. SUMMARY OF CHAIRMANS REPORT*
Overview - This has been a year of consolidation after the heavy expenditure of recent years on much need capital projects. This chimes with the current restrictions on public expenditure.
Peter Cook - A memorial tree was planted in the garden of Manor Farm to celebrate the contribution Peter Cook had made to the Council.
Council Membership - Adrian Green joined the Council and regrettably Ian Thomson has recently resigned. Ian made an invaluable contribution with his local knowledge and commitment to the Pavilion Management Group. John Ager has been a very capable and supportive vice chair.
Localism & Planning System Changes - The government has introduced the Localism Bill which seeks to devolve power to the lowest tier of government - the parish councils or other neighbourhood groups. The impact on a parish such as Sherington is limited because we have few assets owned by MKC.
Village Shop - The Village Shop has been the major project within the village and the parish council has played a critical role. Shopco have done a marvellous job of organisation, fundraising and publicity. Mel Northfield has been instrumental and shown tremendous energy and commitment to the cause. There has been widespread support from the village for this project. Now we hope for its commercial success.
Stone pits Copse Improvements - SPC continues to invest in Stone pits Copse and has installed a handrail to go alongside the existing footbridge, and a double sided 'fingerpost' has been placed on the existing public footpath signpost outside the flats on the High St.
Pavilion - The pavilion and sports field is being more intensively used and bookings are on the increase as the venue becomes more established. The fete was a great success and the PC offered its thanks to Jeff Charles and his team for working so hard to organise it.
Administrative Changes - There are new HMRC guidelines regarding employer status and clerk's PAYE. Standing Orders were changed to allow members of the Council to undertake minor works as a contractor.
Wind Farms - Councillors discussed the merits and disadvantages of wind farms in general before the clerk and have submitted comments on MKC's consultation document.
Diamond Jubilee Beacon - The PC is organising a beacon on the Mound to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee on the evening of 4th June.
Thank you to all the parish councillors and the clerk for their hard work and support.
4. FINANCIAL REPORT
The clerk reported the following figures:
Bank Balance brought forward at 1st April 2011 £ 7,822
Total income, including precept of £22,058 and grants of £7,475 £ 36,309
Total expenditure including landscaping £6,833 and climbing frame £3,500 (£ 32,333)
Adjustments and reconciling items (£ 0)
Bank balance carried forward at 31st March 2012 £ 11,798
5. PUBLIC QUESTIONS:
None.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.13 pm.
* Item 3 represents a summary of the Chairman's report. Copies of the full report can be obtained upon request from the Clerk.
