Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council
Upton Village Hall on Wednesday 22nd May 2024 at 19.00
In attendance: Vice Chairman Neil Thorp (NT)
Councillors David Beckles (DB) Brendan Heneghan (BH)
Clerk Lisa Heneghan
1. To receive apologies for absence
Chairman Ben Shaw (BS)
2. To record any declarations of interests relating to this meeting
None
3. Open Forum
No parishioners present
4. To approve minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 24th April 2024
Approved by NT and BH
5. To elect a new Chairman and agree the appointment of members of sub committees
NT proposed BS to continue in the role. Seconded by both BH & DB. BS had agreed with NT in conversation he would continue if requested. Unanimously agreed that the time and effort BS has made to the council and village is hugely appreciated. Councillors have agreed to bring UPC monthly meetings forward to 19.00 to assist BS
Deferred finance and personnel subcommittee appointments until new councillors have been appointed
6. To agree the appointment of two new councillors
Francoise Yates (FY) and Chris Selig (CS) have both expressed an interest to become councillors. NT proposed that FY be co-opted to fulfil the first vacancy. DB seconded. The second post, following Nicola’s resignation, is to be advertised but anticipated CS will take this. LH to notify DC and find the ad to post on noticeboard. BS to write to FY to say pleased she’s been appointed and invite her to next meeting
7. Report from District Councillors
DC’s not able to be present. Nothing to comment on from May report.
ACTION
LH
BS
8. Planning
To agree / ratify the Council’s response to the following consultation
P24/V0976HH The Orchard, High Street, Upton IX11 9JE. Partial demolition of existing garage. Erection of new single storey side extension
There was no formal response and no objections perceived
9. Finance & Administration
Accounts to 30th April approved. NT signed off bank reconciliation.
NT to contact Lloyds bank to get LH registered as online user and for post
10. To receive an audit update and next steps
NT advised that Lisa Morgan had asked auditor to contact NT. LH to follow up. LH seeking training opportunity to progress
11. To receive an update on the village questionnaire
BS is handling this so deferred to next meeting
12. To hear any updates on any aspect of the recreation ground including play areas and maintenance
Inspection of equipment due as advised by external email. BH proposed this was addressed immediately. Agreed by NT & DB
Slide repair – NT agreed design proposal earlier today. Order placed with metal workers and expected within a couple of weeks. Benches, daisy rotator and seesaw repairs have been done. DB to check if payment made. Separate bill for slide repair. Nick Drum (ND) doing surrounds for play area. NT suggested that if he sends a proforma part payment is made by UPC to enable him to buy materials up front. NT has asked for start date but ND not come back yet.
NT to talk to Tactical Facilites Management to get invoicing sorted.
BH sprayed and seeded playground areas and to complete expense claim form
Grass cutting looks awful just after cutting. NT to talk to Henry @ Tactical Facilities Management to agree timing of cuttings subject to weather.
Uptonogood (15th June) BH / Bob Lott playing telephone and message tag to arrange a meeting to discuss charity money, the container, the trolley with box to store marquee etc. Grass needs cutting before the event on the 15th June. Nothing further to report.
ACTION
NT
LH
BS
LH
DB
NT
NT
BH
NT
BH
NT had call from ‘Ashley’ who would like to use rec ground for football club. Ashley has contacted UVHAT. UPC needs schedule of charges. Midweek use also requested but no use of hall. Eventually be based at Upton and be called the Upton …… DB said give it a go. BS suggested linking with The George to use parking and have breakfasts/lunches. Agreed worth pursuing.
BH – quote from Kieran O’Donohue to paint garage doors had been agreed. Nothing done. Agreed this should be actioned. LH
There has been a complaint from a villager about ivy from nature garden growing over his fence and concern about overhanging trees. LH to write to Kieran
13. To agree UPC content for the next issue of Upton News
Ad for new councillor vacancy
Welcome to FY and LH
14. To confirm the date and venue of the next full council meeting
Next meeting will be held on Wednesday 26th June 2024 at 19.00 in the small meeting room at Upton Village Hall
Meeting declared closed 21.12
LH to ask OLAC who needs to sign off Parish meeting minutes
LH to check insurance policy to see if there is an escalation clause
ACTION
?
NT
LH
LH
NT
LH
LH