AMPORT PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 15th November 2010 at 7.45 pm at Amport School

1. Present
Mr Ian Morrison (Chairman), Lt Col Charles Stephens (Vice Chairman), Mr Bill Gore, Mrs Sarah Hammer ,Mr Ian Long, Mr Allan Maddern, Mr Ashley Smith, Mr Neil Warren and Mrs Suzanne Hoare (Clerk)
Apologies, Mr Nicholas Hoare, Mrs Tanya Garman and Mr Tim Southern TVBC Councillor.
The village correspondent and 1 member of the public were present.

2. Minutes of the Previous Meetings.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved by Bill Gore and seconded by Charles Stephens.

3. Matters Arising from the last meeting and Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
A significant blockage of the drains has been identified and dealt with in Sarson Close; Maurice Hardy is away at present so no more current information is available.
The planning application at 19 Sarson Close has been withdrawn.
The Parish Boundary was again discussed as Sarah Hammer was present; the questionnaire which was distributed to Quarley resident in 2009 was examined but was felt to be too blunt and would not encourage a response from residents. Sarah Hammer stated that she would modify the format of the questionnaire and draft a covering letter to explain the Parish Council‘s position in offering residents north of the A303 a chance to express a preference for which parish they belonged too, this would be part of the forth coming Parish Boundary review due which may take place in 2012.
Ian Long expressed concern that this consultation was being considered without a Parish Council vote on the issue. Ian Morrison assured Ian Long that no decision had been taken to effect a consultation, but that preparatory work had started and all councillors would have to chance to state their views and vote on the issue before any documentation was sent to residents. The process of consultation would be lengthy and unless a majority of residents were prepared to express a desire for change, TVBC would be unlikely to take further action.
Community involvement was updated by Neil Warren; the questionnaire is being prepared with questions under 7 or 8 headings.
Ian Morrison confirmed his role as chairman allowed him the casting vote where votes on an issue are tied (as happened last month) he also confirmed that the Parish Council has sought advice from HALC on giving donations via the section 137 agreement.

The Track and the Ditch
Brian Nolan introduced this item as he has been preparing the detailed specification for the Track; this is almost ready to be sent to contractors. Keith Thompson from Hampshire Highways is visiting the track on Thursday and will offer his further advice. A copy of the specification was then passed to all councillors for their approval.
Mr Talbot Rice who uses the track to access 2 fields has indicated that he does not wish to contribute to repairs as he feels the current state of the track is sufficient. Ashley Smith further commented that the track users such as the school and parish council should be treated as 1 share as public money would be used in both cases. All these factors will need to be discussed and voted on once tenders have been received.
Neil Warren asked that McLaren be invited to perform the job as a benefit to the local community, the Chairman agreed to write to the company in the hope that this may happen.
Thanks were expressed on behalf of the Parish Council to Brian Nolan.

The Green and Amport Fen
Neil Warren presented his specification for the new grass cutting contract and comments were asked for within 7 days from those councillors present, this will allow the contract to be sent out.
The question of costs increases was touched on briefly and it was hoped some final figures would be available before the precept was agreed for next year, this will happen at the December meeting. Neil Warren was thanked by Ian Morrison.

Footpaths and Highways/Communication
Bill Gore reported that the Footpath accessing the old watercress beds from the village Green will be cut once more when the weather permits.
There was a problem with an overhanging tree on the track which is used by a few houses in East Cholderton; the landowner will be contacted with regard to removing the danger. IM

7. Finance
The following cheques were signed before tonight’s meeting but were approved using votes taken by e-mail where necessary.
They were signed by Ian Morrison and Bill Gore.

Suggestions for inclusion in next years budget included sponsoring the toilets for next years fete. The Finance committee will meet before the next meeting to undertake a risk assessment review and prepare a draft budget for consideration in December. IM/AM

AOB and Correspondence
It was suggested by the Chairman that a letter of thanks be sent to PC Bill Williams as he moves to the Sombornes beat. IM
Allan Maddern distributed information on the winter weather preparations put in place by HCC, he and the clerk will act as information distributors and warn the council of any local problems. We are still waiting for 3 new salt bins requested within the parish, AM to follow up.
Allan Maddern undertook to complete the survey on local library services.
Concern was expressed at the local shoot based in the field adjacent to Amport House, this leads to the shooting of pheasants which is clearly visible from the Grateley Road. This will be monitored and reviewed at the next meeting.
Rose Wareham raised concerns over the allocation of shared ownership houses at Michaelmas Drove. Local people were not being given priority and this was against the original conditions attached to the properties. IM to check up on this

The Meeting closed at 9.50 pm.

The next Ordinary meeting will be held at Amport School 7.45pm on Monday 13^th December.