June 2025 DRAFT Minutes
10 JUN 2025
MINUTES OF THE DUNSTON PARISH COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 09 JUNE 2025 AT 1900
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Present |
Cllr McLuckie Cllr Duncan Cllr Craig Cllr Treece Cllr Lamyman Cllr Armstrong Cllr Phillipson Cllr Pellew Cllr Stuart Longmate Cllr Kendrick 1 Member of public |
Chair Deputy Chair Ctte Member Ctte Member Ctte Member Ctte Member Ctte Member Ctte Member Ctte Member LCC Cllr
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Apologies |
Mr Barbour Cllr Parry |
Parish Clerk NKDC Cllr |
Discussion and Decisions
ITEM 1 – RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
1. Apologies received from Mr Barbour and NKDC Cllr Parry
ITEM 2 – TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCALISM ACT 2011
2. There were no declarations of interest to disclose
ITEM 3 – PUBLIC SESSION
3. A member of the public asked who was responsible for erosion at a portion of the beck, a broken internet cable and some damage to the bank near their house. RM declared that BT were investigating the broken cable and the PC would investigate the erosion.
ITEM 4 – COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS
4. There was no report from NKDC Cllr Parry due to unavailability.
5. LCC Cllr Kendrick reported that LCC were back to holding meetings after a period of training.
6. LCC Cllr Kendrick reported that the LCC response to the Springwell solar farm development was discussed, and it was agreed they would formally object to the proposal.
7. LCC Cllr Kendrick reported that volunteers from the LCC highways contractors had been carrying out volunteer work and were open to new project proposals from PC’s.
8. AC asked for an update on the proposed 3 monthly survey on the damaged road bridge. Cllr Kendrick agreed to investigate and report back.
9. LCC Cllr Kendrick then left the meeting.
ITEM 5 – MINTUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
10. It was accepted that the minutes of the last meeting on 12 May were a true record and were signed by the ctte chair.
ITEM 6 – CHAIRS REPORT
11. RM reported on developments in the emergency plan. PD proposed that SL, AC and BL form an emergency planning sub ctte and invite members of the parish to join.
Seconded – LT Decision - Carried
ITEM 7 – VICE CHAIRS REPORT
12. DC had nothing to add to the chairs report
ITEM 8 – CLERKS REPORT
13. The clerk was not present to deliver a report, but RM reported that the insurance renewal had been completed.
ITEM 9 – ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
14. PD reported that the tidying of the playing field continues and that he was liaising with Glendale to confirm some of the contractual requirements
15. PD proposed buying a chainsaw to aid the PC with some of the tidying requirements. Some members of the PC expressed concerns with safety.
Decision – Not carried
16. RM proposed that the PC reimburse individuals that use their own tools for PC business.
Seconded – RP Decision – Carried
17. The PC received a written complaint regarding trees restricting light to their property. RM recommended that the PC receive legal advice on PC responsibility.
18. RM requested that the PC investigate and establish a contract to conduct an annual inspection of trees under the PC area of responsibility. It was suggested that asking NKDC about their process could prove beneficial.
19. GA proposed the planned purchase of the ransom strip be delayed until the tree survey had been carried out.
Seconded – AC Decision - Carried
ITEM 10 – VILLAGE HALL
20. The PC has received previous minutes from the VHC and found multiple requests for PC funding. PD proposed that a member of the PC sit on the VHC to scrutinise financial decision and take any financial requests to the PC. This was due to the fact that, by their own admission, the village hall was loosing money on a monthly basis and their funds are beginning to run down. GA volunteered for the role, pending the outcome of a meeting between the PC and VHC.
21. Parishioner Mr Packwood had kindly provided three quotes for VH sound system upgrades that utilise the lottery grant for a hearing loop system. PD proposed the PC accept a contract with Hilltop up to the value of £6900.
Seconded – LT Decision - Carried
22. AC proposed that the PC purchase 2 brown bins to help the community garden at a cost of £50.
Seconded – RM Decision – Carried
23. PD reported that a contract had been agreed with Heritage roofing to carry out the VH roof repairs. The issue remains ongoing.
ITEM 11 – FINANCE
24. The Clerk was unavailable to provide the latest accounts, but it was reported by PD that the clerk and two members of the PC now have access to internet banking. The issue of using debit cards to directly pay for items was discussed and a heated debate ensued due to concerns with perceived lack of on-line safety and the security of such cards in general possession. PD took exception to the tone of the debate and announced his resignation from the ctte and withdrew from the meeting. The issue remains unresolved.
25. GA proposed that the VAT for last year be claimed back so it can start being allocated for projects.
Seconded – RM Decision - Carried
26. RM requested he be reimbursed £174 for defibrillator maintenance and £18 for printing costs of PC leaflets.
Seconded – LT Decision - Carried
ITEM 12 – CLOSING REMARKS
27. The date of the next Ctte meeting is to be Mon 14 Jul 25 at 1900.
28. The Chairman closed the meeting at 2130.