NEWBROUGH PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 4th May 2011
01-05-1 Present Cllrs H Forster (Chairman), R S Robson, E L Dixon, P J Johnston, MD Newson, ID Knights and MD Newson
Also Present: Clerk: R Macfarlane
01-05-2 Apologies Cllr M W Gibson, County Councillor E Heslop and PC D Kidd
01-05-3 Election of Chairman Cllr EL Dixon proposed Cllr RS Robson seconded by MD Newson and all agreed. At this point in the Meeting RS Robson took the Chair.
01-05-4 Declaration of Office Cllr RS Robson signed the declaration of acceptance of office (LGA 1972 s83).
01-05-5 Declaration of Interest: None
01-05-6 Election of Vice-Chairman Cllr MD Newson proposed Cllr EL Dixon, seconded by Cllr ID Knights and all agreed.
01-05-7 Minutes The Minutes of the Meeting of Newbrough PC which was held on 2nd March 2011 were approved by Council then signed by the Chairman.
01-05-8 Matters Arising
Improving the Ecology of Newbrough Burn Cllr Newson provided an update on the progress of the joint scheme which involves Defra, the County Council, the land-owners and Newbrough First School. Work has to be carried out before nesting and spawning and this will be done by Tyne Valley Woodlands groups in the next few weeks. Every one is very pleased that 99 out of 100 fish eggs hatched in the tank at the school
01-05-9 Election of Representatives
Churchyard Maintenance Committee MW Gibson
Mid Tyne Community Trust/Forum ID Knights
Newbrough C of E First School EL Dixon
Town Hall Management Committee PJ Johnston
Sportsfield Association EL Dixon
Newbrough and Warden Angling Club EL Dixon
Village Society ID Knights
NALC and CAD ID Knights
1-05-10 Public First Focus
Cllr Gibson reported that many residents had enjoyed the Royal Wedding celebrations and he wanted to thank Warden PC for their efforts, especially the lighting of the Jubilee Beacon. Her Majesty the Queen came to the throne on February 6, 1952 and was crowned at a coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey on 3rd June 1953. Queen’s Diamond Jubilee events will honour the 60-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II and Celebrations will be held across the UK during the first week of June in 2012. It is thought that the Council and rest of the community might arrange some appropriate celebration.
1-05-11 Communications
(a) CAN Newsletter and training dates – Copies have been sent to all councillors
(b) Council Insurance – It was resolved to take out insurance with Zurich plc.
(c) NCC Licensing Policy for Sex Establishments – Details were circulated
The remaining correspondence will be circulated to all councillors:
The Great Poppy Party Weekend 10th June, The Good Councillor’s Guide, Highlights Tour (grant aid request), West Northumberland Community Housing Project, NCC Residents Magazine, Standards Committee Minutes, Litter and the Law Dog Fouling and the law, SIA events, NHS Review, Housing Developer Funds, CPRE Overview, Council Elections from Paddy Gascoigne, Request for a skip for Settlingstones
1-05-12 Roads
The Clerk was asked to report some deep holes on the Allerwash Road (B6319) before the dangerous bends.
1-05-13 Footpaths – No issues.
1-05-14 Planning – No planning matters.
1-05-15 Councillor Allowance Policy
It was RESOLVED to accept this policy with the proviso that the car allowance be 45 pence per mile in line with HMRC published rates.
1-05-16 Vexatious Communications Policy
It was RESOLVED to accept this policy.
1-05-17 Reports
Town Hall: The AGM is to be held this Friday. The bar has greatly helped finances and a new kitchen is being fitted. The future of WI house will be discussed.
Village Society: The Chairman and Secretary are to stand down at the AGM.
Angling Club: It has been a very pleasing year for fishing and the legal issue of ownership of the disputed stretch should be resolved soon.
Newbrough CofE First School: There is a governors meeting next week.
Reports continued
Sportsfield Association: GB Shaw gave an update of the “Cricket Club’s” activities. As both Newbrough and Warden PCs have contributed financially to this club it was proposed that members of the council should meet up with the committee at their next meeting. The Clerk was asked to write to arrange this.
Northumberland County Council: no report
MTCT: The AGM will be held in Wark Town Hall on 24th May at 7.30pm.
1-05-18 Finances
Bank Accounts 31st March BMM £11734.62 Community £120.67
Income Precept BACS523 £4250 Repayment 6510vat £139.34
Payments Approved
Clerk’s Part Salary £427.70, Clerk’s Expenses £44.25 (£41.92 plus vat £2.33), Meeting Room Rental £30 (May) Insurance Zurich £225, CAN £15 Total £741.95
1-05-19 Accounts and Audit Arrangements
Internal Audit
This has taken place and the Annual Internal Audit Report completed.
Annual Statement of Accounts
Cllr Dixon proposed and Cllr Forster seconded that the annual financial return be accepted and this was signed by the Chairman. It was RESOLVED that the Council approve the Accounting Statement, Annual Governance Statement and the Annual Internal Audit Report.
External Audit
BDO requirements and in line with the Audit Commission and complying with the Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2011 (Regulations 12-16)
Timetable
Display the Audit Notice in Parish Notice Board from 4th April to 17th April
Make records available to general public 18th April to 19th May
Completed Audit to BDO LLP Audit by 23rd May.
Next meeting 7.00 pm, 6th July.