Rocklands, Norfolk The Villages of Rockland All Saints and Rockland St Peter

Present.

Councillors: P.Cotes (Chairman)
P. Smith (Vice Chairman),
M. Gibbon
C. Jones,
N.Southgate

County Councillor C.Jordan, District Councillor W.Smith

Clerk: L. Defew

Three members of the public were present.

1. Apologies for absence

Councillors S.Colenutt, R.Steel

2. Declaration of interests

None

3. Minutes of Council Meeting on 27th September 2010

Resolved to approve the minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting. The minutes were duly signed.

4. Matters arising from minutes

Streetlight inspections - Councillor Smith described his idea for a system of monitors with various residents having the responsibility of checking the lights outside their properties. He demonstrated his idea of a reminder magnet and there was unanimous approval of the idea. Councillor Smith explained that he would complete the list of streetlights with the relevant individuals.

Flexibus service - An email circulated by Councillor Steel regarding a different bus service running through the village was discussed.

Methodist churchyard cheque - the Clerk checked with Councillor Jones regarding the correct contact for the cheque.

Wayland Road and the Chapel Green ponds - the Clerk explained that a draft document would be circulated to Councillor Smith and Councillor Jones outlining possible requirements for the inspections. Councillor Cotes elaboraoneted on the necessary requirements for the inspections particularly in relation to the natural features of the environment and discussion took place in relation to the damaged bench near the Wayland Road pond. Councillor Gibbon agreed to organise the removal of the bench.

'Rocklands Society' - Councillor Jones explained that she had received three enquiries and that she had submitted an article relating to the idea to the Rocklander. Councillor Smith suggested that further discussion relating to the issue should be postponed until after Christmas.

BT red phone box - Councillor Gibbon explained that she had a lot of books but is waiting for a carpenter to become available to help with installation of the bookshelves. Councillor Cotes enquired about a timeframe and Councillor Gibbon explained that she hoped the work would be completed by Christmas.

5. Suspension of meeting for public participation.

None.
The meeting re-opened

6. Finance
6.1 Budget and Precept 2011/2012

Councillor Cotes conveyed the figures in the budget and described an unexpected glass recycling credit received from Breckland Council. The Clerk conveyed an explanation from Breckland Council Environmental Services that this payment was from the recycling credit scheme and was due to 17 tonnes of glass having been collected and recycled.*Afternote - in correspondence with Breckland Council after the meeting it became apparent that the glass recycling credit had been paid to the Parish Council in error. The effect of this on the 2010/11 forecast will be clarified in due course. Councillor Cotes stated that the budget reflected a slight increase in the Clerk's pay owing to additional hours which have been undertaken to organise the extensive archive filing inherited from the previous Clerk. Councillor Cotes also explained that the budget had catered for an increase in the electricity payments and he explained the situation with the electricity contract. Discussion ensued relating to the possibility of reducing the bill by installing a second timer switch on the streetlights in conjunction with the photocell system and altering the electricity consumption certificate to reflect a reduction of usage. Councillor Jones suggested also checking the terms of the contract in relation to the types of bulbs being used in the lights to ensure maximum efficiency in line with environmental concerns. The Clerk was requested to contact Pearce & Kemp in relation to these issues and Councillor Cotes agreed to contact E-on to establish if the consumption certificate could be altered.
Discussion took place relating to an increase in the precept requirement and the impact on the council tax. County Councillor C. Jordan and District Councillor W. Smith explained the effects of the economic climate on both the council tax and the budget setting of Norfolk County Council and Breckland Council respectively. It was concluded that, given the level of the Council's precept, an increase would potentially appear high in percentage terms despite it actually being relatively low in monetary terms.
County Councillor C. Jordan explained NCC's 'Big Conversation' proposal which is encouraging feedback from Norfolk's residents in response to the predicted funding cuts in public services. He re-iterated the importance of feedback from the community.
Councillor Smith proposed a vote in favour of acceptance of the budget 2011/12 and of setting the precept at £4,000, the nomination was seconded by Councillor Jones and carried unanimously.

The Clerk conveyed the bank account balances:
Community Account £687.90
Tracker (Reserve) Account £3,000.64

6.2 Cheques to sign Cheque and paperwork authorised and duly signed for the following:
Mid Norfolk Methodist Church £70.00, NPTP (Norfolk Parishes Training Partnership - Elections Training) £12.50, SLCC (Society of Local Council Clerks membership) £15.00, Mazars (external auditor) £58.75, Lucy Defew (Clerk's expenses for September & October 2010) £39.56, Peter Smith (renewal of website hosting) £51.68.
Councillor Smith suggested that he would put up the agendas and notices on the notice boards and it was agreed that the Clerk would notify him of incoming planning applications, before delivering, in order to reduce the mileage expenses.

7.Planning

Planning applications received for:
Cottage Farm, Bell Road 3PL/2010/1015/F - Installation of a single 5kW 15m high wind turbine on existing agricultural land. No objection.

Planning permission granted for:
Yeomans Cottage 3PL/2010/0855/F & 3PL/2010/0856/LB - Proposed rear extension to form conservatory/bathroom.

Planning refusals for:
Crossways, Chapel Street 3PL/2010/0624/F - Demolish existing garage & erect new garage with loft storage area.
68 The Street 3PL/2010/0796/F - Erection of three dwellings & garages.

Councillor Jones explained that she had attended the site inspection of 50 The Street and is still awaiting the inspector's report.

8. Tree Wardens

No further updates

9. Highways

The Clerk explained that Highways had been notified of the large pothole at the junction of Low Lane and Church Hill, near the pumping station and that it had been classified as a possible emergency, for further investigation by the local highways office.

10. Flooding

Councillor Smith stated that there had been flooding on the main road near the entrance of St Peter's church. Discussion took place regarding the change of personnel in the Highways department. County Councillor C. Jordan elaborated on the reasons for the re-organisation. District Councillor W. Smith described the changes with the management structures of Breckland Council and explained the problems associated with the Government's approach of frontloading many of the cuts.

11. Correspondence

All Saints PCC - The Clerk conveyed acknowledgment for the donation.
St Peter's PCC - The Clerk conveyed thanks for the donation and explained that it had also been stated that the contribution represents about 15% of the church's annual expenditure on the graveyard.
Land registry - registering your Council's property. The Clerk was provided with information relating to the issue.
Councillor Gibbon explained that she had attended an Attleborough Community Scheme meeting discussing the future growth of Attleborough. She conveyed concerns, voiced at the meeting, regarding the timeframes for the development particularly in relation to the improvement of the infrastructure in line with this growth. Discussion took place relating to the issues.

11. Date of next meeting

Monday 10th January 2011 at 7:00 p.m

Meeting closed at 8:15 p.m