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ST. GORAN PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 2010
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MINUTES OF A MEETING of the St Goran Parish Council held on 3rd June 2010 in the St Goran Church Schoolrooms at 7.30p.m. with Mr P Grose in the Chair. Present were Messrs Ayres, Church, Lobb, Husband, Trevarton, Mrs Dean, and 6 members of the public. 1. PUBLIC SESSION A member of the public spoke of a letter she had received from the Charity Commission, stating that the matter is not an ecclesiastical one and cannot be treated as one. Because the first appointed trustees were the vicar and the Churchwardens, this doesn't mean that it still has to be the case. The member of the public, then suggested that PC members could become trustees. It was then discussed that at the present moment, the Church are unable to sell the Church schoolrooms, as they have to prove any sale to be viable, and if approved, have to sell to the most profitable scheme, thereby ruling out affordable housing. Mr Grose questioned how many trustees would there need to be; currently there are only 2 , as at present the parish does not have a vicar. A member of the PCC informed the meeting that the current position of the Church Schoolrooms is not beyond doubt – therefore the trustees have to wait for the outcome from the Charity Commission. The trustees will seek that the Charity Commission will not rule anything out, including the provision of excellent improvements in the Church. He also informed the meeting that the trustees will welcome suggestions for further trustees. Another member of the public broached the subject of the use of jet skis in the harbour of Gorran Haven. He informed the meeting that he had seen a large notice on the harbour at Fowey prohibiting jet skis by Restormel Borough Council. The PC responded by stating that Fowey harbour is governed by the Harbour Commissioners and have policing to enable them to enforce the notice. Restormel Borough Council used to having licensing from The Duchy of Cornwall to run the beach. After further discussions it was suggested Cornwall Council, be asked legal advice as to whether after the setting up of One Cornwall, did the rights of the beach transfer from Restormel to Cornwall Council. Copy to be sent to the new local MP. The Parish Council then went into formal session 2. APOLOGIES Mrs Stokes, Mrs Crouch, Mr Bullen, CC Mutton 3(a). DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST The Clerk, Grants 3(b). GIFT DECLARATIONS None. 4. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE 3rd MAY 2010 The minutes were agreed. 5. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 5.1 Grass cutting The Clerk informed the PC that she had spoken with Mr Williams about complaints received after grass was left over the pavement on Bell Hill after a recent cut. He responded by stating this was not his usual practice. He informed the Clerk that after cutting the grass on Bell Hill it started to rain and he didn't manage to sweep the path. After receiving this complaint Mr Williams immediately rectified this problem, by sweeping up the grass. Noted The Clerk informed the PC that after writing to Mr Crook about the Triangle, The Cemetery and the Green, he confirmed that the two men seen cutting the grass, work for him. He suggested that when a complaint is received by the PC a quick phone call/email would get matters put right immediately. After Mr Crook visited the sites in question, he informed the Clerk that he agrees that not enough attention to detail is being made. He stated that he will personally supervise the next cuts. He also mentions about the additional planting of daffodils on the Triangle – even though they look good in the spring, they are another thing to cut around and as they die off they will always look scruffy. He also added that he will soon commence work on the noticeboard. The PC responded that Mr Crook is contracted to cut the Gorran Green which is to be left in good condition, leaving no spoils. The PC feel this is not being kept up to standard. The PC also feel that the Cemetery is not being looked after as contracted by Mr Crook. The Clerk will write to Mr Crook to remind him of his contract, as the Cemetery has not been cut for nearly 4 weeks and is looking shabby and overgrown. Agreed
5.2 Highways The Clerk informed the PC that the pot hole near the Milfords sign had been dealt with as an urgent matter and the overgrowth at the bench outside the Church Schoolrooms are being dealt with by Highways. Noted 5.3 Footpaths The Clerk informed the PC that Mr Gordon The Countryside Ranger will do all he can to assist in the issues of the stile, and the two footpaths, both of which have been placed in his work programme. He would like to inform the PC that presently he has a large back log of work. Noted
5.4 Church and Church Schoolrooms The Clerk informed the PC that the PCC are seeking urgent advice regarding the problem with the manhole, outside the Church Schoolrooms. Mrs Meldon Smith informs the PC that she is no longer the Secretary of the PCC and this role has been taken on by Heather Aston. The clerk informed the PC of correspondence from Mrs Miles who has forwarded a letter from the Senior Manager of the Specialist Caseworker Division of the Charity Commission. Based on her review they would not rule anything out with regard to how the sale proceeds could be applied. This could include exploring further whether there is some means of this charity supporting the plans to re-order the Church, if the trustees and local inhabitants were agreed. This did not mean that there would have to be unanimous agreement of all Trustees and local inhabitants, they would expect the Trustees to have consulted interested parties and then reached a majority agreement, on the best use of the proceeds. If the Charity Commission were aware of any controversy when they make a scheme it must be published to provide interested parties with an opportunity to make representations. She also states, It would not be as simple as passing on the proceeds of sale to the PCC. The Charity Commission would need to be satisfied that a replacement property could be used for non-ecclesiastical as well as ecclesiastical purposes. Mrs Miles added that she thinks this decision is fair and suggests that a non-church representative perhaps a member of the PC should become a Trustee, perhaps a member of the Parish Council. The Clerk then informed the PC that a letter had been received from Mrs Tonkin. Stating that the public were assured that they would be consulted, about the re-ordering of St Goran Church and that they were only at the early stages. Notices were not required to be displayed where they were visible, and therefore went unnoticed. She asks how can the PC ensure that the PCC will consult with more transparency, with regard to the sale of the Churchrooms. Mrs Tonkin asked the PC to seek details from the PCC of the faculty which has just been granted. The PC informed the meeting that they can not become involved in the internal matters of the church and can only ask the PCC to keep them informed, they can not make it a requirement. The Clerk also informed the PC of a letter received from The Audit Commission, but this matter does not appear to fall within the external auditors remit. The PC will write to the Charity Commission, suggesting that a new body of 7 trustees could be formed, consisting of 2 PC members, 2 interested members of the public, who are not connected to the PC or the PCC and the remainder to be members of the Church. A copy also to be sent to the PCC to keep them informed out of courtesy. Agreed.
5.5 Dog waste bins The Clerk reported that Serco has stated that dog waste is no longer classed as clinical waste, therefore can be placed into general litter bins. Serco have a sponsorship scheme in place where they can offer to purchase two dual purpose litter bins and the Parish Council pay for the emptying and servicing of the bins. The cost of this service is £120 per year, per bin. The PC would like two bins, one to be placed by the public toilets near the beach and one to be placed outside the playing fields at Bell Hill. The Clerk will inform Serco. Agreed
5.6 Further details received prior to meeting The Clerk informed the PC that CC Mutton had looked into the matter of a dog warden, to patrol the beach. She has found out that they do not patrol this area, as the beach is not owned by Cornwall Council. The PC responded by stating that the beach was under lease from Restormel. The Clerk is to request CC Mutton to enquire into what happened with this lease, after Cornwall Council took over. Agreed.
The Clerk informed the PC that Cornwall Council require more detailed information with regard to their recent road sweeping request. The Clerk carried onto to inform the PC that the roads are currently swept every 3 months. Cornwall Council need to know if there a specific area or problem that needs more attention, such as sand, litter, leaf fall, or a specific time of year that a general sweep is required more often. There could be the possibility of an extra general sweep which could be at a cost to the PC, or there is the possibility of rescheduling the sweeping for the area, to co inside with the times of year that more sweeping is necessary. The PC stated that the problems are sand on the roads during the high season and gravel that has been washed down Foxhole lane. The clerk is to inform Cornwall Council. Agreed.
Mr Church presented photographic examples of signposts that Ms Frost (AHM) is making further enquiring into. Mr Church informed the PC that these signposts were made of recycled plastic. The PC agreed that they were impressive and would improve the look of the area.
6 COMMITTEE REPORTS.
6.1 Footpaths. It was reported that the footpath from Gorran to the Menagwins corner is overgrown. The Clerk is to report this to Highways Agreed
6.2 Beach. Mr Ayres reported that the Benches and bins are now in place on the beach. He also reported that the bollards and sockets are in good order. He has purchased the padlocks and distributed the keys as agreed. The clerk is to write to John Vercoe to thank him for his help with the bins and benches. Agreed Mr Husband is to attend to the Slips footpath as it is overgrown. Agreed
6.3 General Purposes. Prior to the meeting the PC met at the Cemetery to review it's general condition. The PC found that the compost is over full and is also being used for waste other than the permitted flowers from graves. The grass needs cutting, hedges and trees need trimming, waste and debris need removing, spoil and surplus from grave digging need removing. The Clerk is to put the whole job out to tender with a closing date of 30th June. It will be advertised on all notice boards, and The Cornish Guardian. Agreed.
7 CORRESPONDENCE Cornwall Council – Details received of accommodation requirements and site provisions for Gypsies & Travellers. Noted Mr Oliver – Gorran Haven Website - The new website is now up and running – www.gorranhaven.org.uk Noted Cornwall Council – Details received of the Planning and Regeneration Services Local Council seminar and workshop programme for 2010/2011 Noted Cornwall Council – Details received of the Renewable and Low Carbon Energy in Cornwall conference. Noted CALC – Agenda and papers received for the CALC General meeting. Noted Cornwall Council – A consultation is currently taking place with regard to the local area grants policy. Parish Councils are invited to make any comments. Mr Trevarton to respond on behalf of the PC. Agreed Planning & Regeneration, Cornwall Council – A guidance leaflet for local councils has been received to assist when responding to planning consultations. Noted Localism Team, Cornwall Council – Community Network meeting for Rural Parishes. The Clerk gave details of a forth coming meeting involving local rural Parish Councils. The meeting will cover “The Parish Plan” and invite St Goran PC to make a short presentation of their experience, of producing a Plan. The Clerk will ask with Mrs Miles the former Clerk, if she would like to make a presentation. Agreed 8. PLANNING MATTERS. 10/00654: Mr & Mrs James Hopkin, Old Customs House, Canton Street, Gorran Haven. Change of use of ground floor restaurant to ancillary residential accommodation. Full planning change of use. No objections 9. BILLS FOR PAYMENT
PAYMENTS RECEIPTS Mr J Williams Grass cutting £98.75 RL Storey Kyak Contract £350.00 St Goran PCC Hall Hire £30.00 Larcombes Erection of Memorials Headstone £60.00 Mrs LCV Pothecary Clerks Salary £361.57 Mrs LCV Pothecary Clerks Expenses £57.23 Mrs LCV Pothecary Clerks Purchases£22.51
TOTAL £570.00 TOTAL £410.00
All the Bills for April have been paid. Agreed to pay the bills for May.
10.UNCASHED CHEQUE The Clerk informed the PC that a cheque for £16.50 has not been cashed. The Clerk is to send a replacement cheque. Agreed
11.GRANTS Grants were awarded as follows
Friends of the Triangle Nil Gorran and Mevagissey Beavers £90 Gorran and Mevagissey Cubs £90 Gorran Haven Institute £90 Gorran Pre-school £90 Gorran Rainbows £90 Gorran School PTA £90 Kids Cornwall £50 St Goran Bell Appeal £50 St Goran PCC – magazine £200 St Goran Playing Field Trust £90 St Goran Rowing Club £90 Transition St Goran £50 Trustees of The Gorran Churchrooms £50
An award would not be granted to The Friends of the Triangle as the PC will assist with the pre-agreed cost from the current years precept. Agreed. 12. CEMETERY REVIEW The Cemetery review was covered under General purposes report. 13. PARISH PROBLEMS It was reported that there is a large pothole outside No 13 Perhaver Way. It was also reported that Trewollock Lane from the junction of Bodrugan to Chute Lane and the top of Chute Lane, road surface is deteriorating. Clerk to report to Highways. Agreed The seat situated outside of Rice Farm is covered in bird guano due to it's positioning. The Clerk is to request that Mr Crook moves the seat to the Green in Gorran and place it behind the phone box along the fence. Agreed It was reported that car parking is causing problems around the village. The PC discussed their concerns, that the parking of cars irresponsibly can cause an obstruction, and can result in emergency vehicles not being able to get to their destination. This is a particular problem between the Chip shop and the Chapel in Gorran Haven and also outside The Llawnroc. It was also reported that vehicles are parking untaxed outside The Llawnroc. The Clerk is to report this matter to The Police and The Cornwall Council Traffic Warden. Agreed It was reported that the area between the slip road, situated just down from the Chapel and The Cafe, the hedges are overgrown and the area is covered in dogs faeces. The Clerk is to report to Highways. Agreed It was reported that the hedge outside The Llawnroc is overgrown. The Clerk is to write to the owner. Agreed
14. IN COMMITTEE None
The meeting closed at 9.25pm
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