MINUTES OF COCKERHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 11th JANUARY 2012 IN COCKERHAM PARISH HALL AT 7 45pm.

12/001 APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs Holmes, Slater and Bradshaw.

12/002 MINUTES of the previous meeting held Wednesday 14th December 2011 were signed as a true and correct record.

12/003 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Cllr Rossall declared a personal and prejudicial interest in agenda items 5 (Lengthsman) 12/004 and 6 (grounds maintenance) 12/005.

It was RESOLVED that the meeting be adjourned to listen to representations from the public: -

OPEN SESSION
The Lengthsman reported on jobs completed over the previous month.

It was requested that County Highways be asked to sort gullies out at the Manor Inn and report on the rest of gullies around the village.

PC Gary Wynn introduced our new PCSO – Andy Garner. They reported on 2 crimes in the last month. They also discussed the ‘Farmwatch’ scheme which operates locally.

The meeting reconvened

12/004 VILLAGE LENGTHSMAN
Cllr Rossall declared a personal and prejudicial interest and withdrew from the meeting – 12/003.

 There were no additional jobs this month

After discussion it was RESOLVED that the siting of an additional waste bin at the Parish Hall for the use of the Lengthsman should be discussed at the next Parish Hall meeting.

Cllr Rossall re joined the meeting.

12/005 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
Cllr Rossall declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item and withdrew from the meeting 12/003.

After discussion it was RESOLVED to accept the quote received from Mr Rossall for £1570 to maintain the grass in the village.

Cllr Rossall re joined the meeting.

12/006 BUS SHELTER (MARSH CLOSE)
After discussion it was RESOLVED to accept the quote received from Mr H Parker for £80 to repair the Bus Shelter at Marsh Close.

12/007 MEETING DATES
After discussion it was RESOLVED to accept the meeting dates listed for the coming year.

12/008 TRAINING
After discussion it was RESOLVED that no one would attend the finance workshop on 8th February.

12/009 PLANNING MATTERS

Planning Applications: -
There were no planning matters to discuss

Permission granted – None to note

Update received
Cllrs received an update on the enforcement situation at Crimbles Lane/Gulf Lane.

12/010 FINANCE

Balances
Community A/c £733.37          BMM A/c £6723.39

It was RESOLVED to pay
Chq 255 £144.00 W Robinson & Son (Xmas tree)

Received
£ .40 HSBC (Dec interest)

No funds transfer was necessary.

It was RESOLVED to approve and accept the ¼ to December running budget totals.

It was RESOLVED to approve the finances.

PRECEPT – was set for 2012/13 and a formal decision made.

Tax base correspondence received from Lancaster City Council.

Cllrs discussed the budget and it was RESOLVED that the Parish Council make the following calculations: -

a) Budget requirements for the function of the Parish Council be £9100 (increase of £600 on last year)

b) Any shortfall, emergency or contingency be made from the Parish Council balances and other income (VAT, interest etc) and to apply for grants where possible

Accordingly, the budget requirement of the Parish Council for 2012/13 is £9100. The Clerk be authorised to issue a precept to Lancaster City Council for that amount. See copy letter – 12/013. Our tax base at band D set by Lancaster City Council being £261.22 means a charge of £34.83 on council tax bills for a band D property showing a increase of £2.66 on last year.

It was RESOLVED to approve and accept the budget and precept for 2012/13.

12/011 MATTERS FOR INFORMATION

There were no further matters.

12/012 CLOSE MEETING
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45pm

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY 8th FEBRUARY 2012.