UPTON BY CHESTER & DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL

Meeting of the Upton by Chester and District Parish Council held on Monday 23^rd February 2009 at The Pavilion, Wealstone lane, Upton, Chester

PRESENT:

Cllr Jean Evans (Chairman), Cllr John Butler, Cllr Gerald Grant,

Cllr Jill Houlbrook, Cllr Paul Lowry, Cllr Chris Reeve, and Cllr Robert Thompson.

1. OPEN FORUM:

No local residents were present.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Resolved: that the apologies received from Cllr Bryan Smith, Cllr Liz Squire, Cllr Gill Jordan, Cllr Caroline Mosley, Cllr David Capstick, Cllr David Evans, Cllr Theresa Bartliff, Cllr Miljenko Williams and Cllr Pat Lott be approved.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA:

No declarations were received.

4. MINUTES:

Resolved:

(a) that the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting of 19^th January 2009 be confirmed as a correct record.

(b) that the minutes of the Parish Communications Committee meeting of 26^th January 2009 be confirmed as a correct record by members of the committee.

(c) that the minutes of the Pavilion Committee meeting of 26^th January 2009 be confirmed as a correct record by members of the committee.

(d) that the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting of 16^th February 2009 be confirmed as a correct record by members of the committee.

(e) that the minutes of the Environment Committee meeting of 16^th February 2009 be confirmed as a correct record by members of the committee.

5. PARISH COUNCIL – 19^th January 2009:

The Clerk reported on the reply from the City Council with regard to the number of

people on a waiting list for allotments and also a reply from the Highways

Department with regard to the gritting of roads during the recent cold spell.

6. PARISH COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING – 26^th January 2009:

Resolved: that the resolutions passed be approved.

7. PAVILION COMMITTEE – 26^th January 2009:

Resolved: that the resolutions passed be approved.

8. PLANNING COMMITTEE – 16^th February 2009:

Resolved: that the resolutions passed be approved.

9. ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE – 16^th February 2009:

The Clerk reported that the Water Board required Members views on the type of

pedestrian gate needed for the new entrance to the field at Wealstone Lane. Members

discussed various types of design supplied by the Water Board.

Resolved: (a) that the resolutions passed be approved.

(b) that a picket gate be used, preferably in recycled plastic or metal rather than wooden.

10. NEWS RELEASES FROM NALC AND HAZEL BLEARS, COMMUNITIES SECRETARY:

Resolved: that the press releases be received.

11. UPDATE ON COMMUNITY BUILDING:

The Chairman and Clerk reported on the visit they made to the Architects office in

Liverpool recently. They also outlined the suggestions made at that meeting with

regard the design of the new building.

Resolved: that the reports be noted.

12. APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER:

Resolved: that the Community Newsletter be approved with the changes identified.

13. UPDATE ON GARAGE ON WESTON GROVE:

The Clerk reported on the update she had received from the owner of the garage on

Weston Grove.

Resolved: that the report be received.

14. METHOD OF PAYING ELECTRICITY BILLS:

Members considered the offer from Scottish Power to pay a fixed rate by direct debit until 2010. Members expressed concern at taking up the offer when it was likely that prices might fall shortly.

Resolved: that nothing be done at the present time.

15. GRITTING BOXES:

The Clerk reported on the information she had received with regard to provision of

gritting boxes.

Resolved: that the matter be discussed at the next Environment Committee.

16. COMMUNITY SAFETY:

No matters were raised.

17. CHESHIRE VILLAGE QUIZ:

Cllr G Grant reported.

18. COMMUNITY LINKS SCHEME:

The Chairman and Cllr G Grant reported.

19. PUBLICATIONS:

Resolved: that the publications be received.

20. INVITATIONS:

Resolved: that the invitations be received.

21. ACCOUNTS REPORT:

It was moved by Cllr Robert Thompson and seconded by Cllr John Butler that the accounts be approved.

Resolved: that the accounts be approved.

22. BANK BALANCES:

Members were informed of the following bank balances:

54131582 Yorkshire Bank £39,521.13

23. CORRESPONDENCE:

The Clerk reported on correspondence received including notification of an earlier audit date this year. Cllr Gerald Grant asked Members if they still wished him to conduct the Members internal audit of the accounts.

Resolved: (a) that the correspondence be received.

(b) that Cllr Gerald Grant continue to provide the Members Audit of the Accounts.

24. ITEMS FOR INCLUSION ON WEBSITE:

Resolved: that the Clerk update the website where appropriate.

25. DATE FOR NEXT ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING:

Resolved: that the date be set as 5pm on Wednesday 11^th March 2009.