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ALBURGH PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Alburgh Parish Council meeting held on Thursday, 1st April, 2021 at 7.30pm by zoom.
Parish Councillors present:
Mr. Soanes: Chairman, Mr. Denny, Mrs. Stewart, Mrs. Gladden-Fenn, Mrs. Hair, Mrs. Davis
Also attending: Jackie Ellis: Clerk, Chris Brown: District Councillor, 4 members of the public
- Welcome by the Chairman
Mr. Soanes welcomed everyone to the meeting
- To receive apologies for absence – Margaret Stone: County Councillor
- To receive declarations of interest in items on the agenda – None
- To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 4th March 2021 – These were approved and signed by Mr. Soanes, the chairman as a correct record.
- To Co Opt new parish councillor and elect new Vice Chairman
It was agreed that we would co opt Hazel Poulter on to the parish council. The clerk will send her all the necessary information/forms to complete.
Glen Soanes proposed that we elect Mrs. Davis to the role of vice chairman, seconded Mrs. Hair. All in agreement.
- Open Forum for Public Participation: an opportunity to hear from members of the public
No member of the public had any issues to raise.
- To discuss matters arising from the minutes not on the agenda
The clerk has made enquiries about a new post box but to date no reply has been received.
We are still awaiting any information on the weight limit and additional signage for the village.
Chris Brown, District councillor spoke about the issue with litter we are experiencing. He said that several parishes been experiencing litter problems. Unfortunately, there is not a great deal that can be done unless you can identify the people doing it as fines can then be issued. He suggested doing a Litter Pick. We have done these in the past but he didn’t know whether SNC would be doing their annual litter pick this year.
With regard to the complaint made against a member of the parish council, SNC have advised that no further action is required in this matter.
- To discuss Wortwell Allotments – Request by Cllr Gladden-Fenn
Mrs. Gladden-Fenn would like to arrange a works party to tidy the area.
It has been brought to her attention that Wortwell residents are in need of allotments and she asked if we could make our allotments available to them. It was agreed that we would contact Wortwell parish council with a view to advertising via their newsletter to see if anyone was interested. Mrs. Gladden-Fenn will organise this.
- Request for possibility of garage sale in aid of River Waveney Trust
Mrs. Davis said that the Church normally hold a garage sale every other year to raise funds but they are not going to do it this year. She asked if the parish council could organise one to raise funds for the River Waveney Trust. If was agreed that she would put a piece in the magazine to see how many people would be interested.
- To receive inspection report on the Playing field and record any issues
Mr. Denny did inspection. All was in good order. The grass has had its first cut this year.
The zip wire has been damaged. The main timber supporting the top end of the steel cable has been broken. Mr. Soanes has removed the seat/chain from the zip wire to prevent anyone trying to use it and has put hazard tape round the area. We have received one quotation and are getting another two.
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The Defibrilator has had a new battery which was covered by our maintenance contract.
The area near the ditch needs re seeding, but this is not the right time of year to do this. This will be looked at nearer the autumn.
- Update on picnic site issues following recent flooding
The River Waveney Trust has removed the wire fencing from the river, trimmed 2 trees which had partially fallen and cleaned the notice boards as well as having a general tidy up. They feel that 2 more picnic tables would be a nice addition for the area and have asked if we would consider buying them. They would be happy to install them. It was agreed that we would get some prices for tables but would need to look at funds as we do not know how much the zip wire repair is going to be for the playing field.
Chris Brown said that we may be able to get funding for a bench from his Member Ward Grant. We will submit quotes when we receive them.
It was also suggested that we put a piece in the magazine asking if anybody would like to sponsor a table.
- Request for Direction sign to the church to be looked at
The direction sign to the church is in situ but it is inaccurate. The clerk has again reported this to Highways.
- To discuss organising training session as advised by SNC
The clerk will contact NPTS to arrange this.
- To receive reports from District and County Councillors
County Councillor Margaret Stone sent a full report which can be found on Alburgh Talk.
She is leaving as County councillor so this will be her last report. Alburgh parish councillors wish her well and thank her for all her help.
Chris Brown District councillor, spoke about the issue of virtual meetings that cannot be held after 6th May. This is causing several problems. Further advice will follow.
- To discuss Planning Applications received since last meeting – None
- Payments to be made since last meeting and record money received
Clerk salary £156.00, allowance £26.00
HMRC Paye £117.00
- Any Other Business; For discussion/information only
A member of the public has spoken to a councillor about how they feel Alburgh talk and the magazine are being used politically. Mrs. Gladden-Fenn has spoken to the magazine editor who has said he will think about things in the future. It was felt that we cannot control what goes on Alburgh talk.
- To agree items for the next meeting
The next meeting will be our AGM and will be held on Thursday, 6th May 2021 at 7.30pm via Zoom.
Item for next meeting: Land registration for playing field
- Close of Meeting
Mr. Soanes thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting at 8.10pm.
Mr. Soanes, Chairman – 6th May, 2021.