Charlie Haynes, Chairman (CH)              

Wally Cox, Vice Chairman (WC)

Mr LeRoy Garner, Clerk (LG)         

Duncan Hatfield (DH)

Mrs K Stratford, Minutes Secretary (KS)

Michael Cadd (MC)                

Nils Bartleet (NB)                      

Roy Jones (RJ)      

Michael Cadd  (MC)      

Gill Cox (GC)

Angie Tiwari (AT)

Peter Cox (PC)

Graham Swift (GS)

Cllr Mary Clarkson

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Requests from Members of the Public to Speak

The Chairman reported he had received no requests.

Apologies for Absence

Mr Nils Bartleet, Mr John McGinn, Mr Hugh Dream, Cllr Caroline van-Zyl, Cllr Altaf Khan

The Chairman requested that Councillors declare any personal interests at any point on the agenda.

Minutes of Last Meeting

The minutes of the Meeting held on 4th September 2007 were confirmed with the amendment that Mr Hugh Dream had been omitted from the attendee list (sincere apology from the minutes secretary for the oversight) and signed.

The Chairman was authorised to sign off minutes.

Matters Arising from Minutes

None.

Correspondence

Oxfordshire Association for Local Councils – inviting nominations for Oxfordshire Partnership Executive Committee – no nominations.

Members Code of Conduct – The Clerk to discuss separately with individual Parish Council members.

Freedom of Information – Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils are holding a symposium on FOI on 13/11 at Stratfield Brake in Kidlington.  £20 per person + VAT.

Risk Assessment symposium on 13/11 at Stratfield Brake in Kidlington.  £20 per person + VAT.

Request from Thames Water regarding water courses in Old Marston (the Clerk has replied).

The Clerk has written to Oxford Association of Local Councils regarding the City’s License to copy OS maps requesting more information.  If a response has not been received by the next meeting, DH will arrange to buy a license for £55 per year.

Nomination on Standards Committee to fill the role previously held by John Batey.  Fred Moggeridge from Littlemore Parish Council has taken the role.

Meeting of development control users panel (6 monthly meeting) due to take place on 9/11.  The Clerk to attend.  He will raise the issue that again a major consultation took place during August – when none of the Parish Councils meet.  This is the third time this has happened.  No other issues to raise.

Application determined between meetings
None

Other Applications

15 Gordon Close – conservatory – no objections
3 Cotswold Crescent – virtually identical submission – objections on the same grounds as previous application.

Decisions
2 Ponds Lane – erection of side extensions, extension to garage – refused.
1 – 3 Nicholson Avenue – gone to appeal
Bricklayers Arms – porch – approved.
3-13 Cavendish Road – refused.

Boults Lane Development Project

Awaiting comment from Marston Saints to move the Sports Pavilion forward.  Will hold a meeting once they are ready.

Discussed the state of the trees behind the pavilion at Boults Lane.  Not clear where the boundary is – i.e. who owns.  Some of the overhanging branches appear to endanger the pavilion.  As the trees are in a conservation area, we need permission to cut the overhanging branches.  The Clerk to contact Kevin Caldicott and ask him to authorise as a matter of urgency in order to ensure the property is not damaged.

Recreation Grounds

The top blew off a poplar tree in School Lane.   This has been made safe and the tree man, Mr Acreman is coming to clean up and chop down the tree.  The Clerk has written to Chris Leyland and asked him if we can cut down all the old trees as the Council believes these are now dangerous.

2 or 3 snagging items still outstanding at Boults Lane, but most of the work has now been completed.

Mr Acreman has agreed to come back and treat poplar roots he has treated previously, but the tree has not died.

Burial Ground  

Moles – need to get someone in.  Total Pest Control, reported previously as £135 per quarter but this should have been £135 per month.  (9 moles caught).  Now got a new quote for £435 + VAT  per quarter at 3 locations – Boults Lane, the Cemetery and the play area at Mortimer Hall.  This cost has been worked into the 5 year plan.  All agreed.

Mrs Loveridge wants a second angel for a second grave.  Agreed.

Highways

The Clerk reported that Mr Khan’s attempt to get a footpath across the allotments had not brought anything new.  CH to chase.

The Clerk has written to the Highway Engineer about Park Way and had a reply.  A bid has gone in for Raymund Road, but it is unlikely to receive funding.

Directory Signs (eg cul-de-sac, dead end, etc).  Noted there is one at the bottom of Church Lane, but Butts Lane has not got one and needs it, as does Lodge Close.  LG to write and request.

Would like a sign on the link road directing “St Nicholas Church”.  The Clerk to write and ask for a brown sign.

Residents parking.  The Chairman and Clerk have had a meeting with the County Council.  It is proposed Old Marston get an extension of the residents-only parking scheme.  This is government policy.  A consultation meeting is being held at Mortimer Hall on 16/10 at 7:30pm to display the plans and discuss.  This has been advertised on the website, on notice boards and in the Salford Road shops and will be advertised at the school  A decision will be made in January 2008 for implementation in approx. autumn 2008.

North East Area Committee

HD reported to the Clerk that nothing at Area Committee was raised affecting the Parish.

Parish Council Bulletin

Many thanks to Hugh.

Noted with disappointment the agreement to reduce the amount of issues each year.  To put on the agenda to discuss again.  Perhaps GC and HD could share the work and thus produce the same amount of issues as have had positive feedback from residents who say they appreciate it.

Finance
Accounts

Total income £52,219.38.  City Council precept paid in full.  Expenses £33,218.05.  Expect an overspend this year, but this was budgeted for.

The following accounts were passed for payment:

Paid at Meeting

Lycro  Stationery £43.84
Allianz Insurance Increased Fidelity bond £287.31
Thames Water  Burial ground supply £9.65
L.M. Garner Salary and expenses £1957.48
Total Pest Control Moles control £564.00
 
The Chairman requested expenditure over last 3 years.

Allotments

AGM next month.

Web Site

The website has had it’s busiest month yet, with nearly 12,000 visits.
DH requested that if anyone had pictures or old articles about the village to pass on to him for inclusion on the website.

The delivery date for the Clerk’s computer has been delayed.  To chase and, if necessary, purchase from an alternative supplier.

Any Other Business

Noted need to do a risk assessment on the Clerk’s study.  CH to speak to the National Association of Local Governors to confirm what needs to be done and then the to be carried out.  The issue would be the fire proof cabinet – could send some of the older Parish paperwork to the Oxford Archives.

6 Cavendish Drive – problems reported with noise and anti-social behaviour.  Noted the Parish Council has no powers, but recommend individuals contact Environmental Health and CANNACT both at Oxford City Council.  Noted there had been arrests made.

Need to appoint a member to serve on the Old Marston Charities Trust.  CH to continue in the role.  Need to propose dates.

Reminder to move forward with the sub-committee to talk about play equipment.  GC, RJ and DH to sit, along with residents.   Will work to involve school, pre-school and other interested groups.  LG noted he could provide catalogues.

Voluntary and community groups should apply now for Parish Grants.  Write to Clerk for an application form.

Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday, 6th November 2007 at 7:30pm.  Agenda to be agreed.