Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman welcomed representatives to the meeting and appropriate introductions were made.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs Burr, Hicks, Ward and Walker.

The minutes of the last Parish Liaison Meeting held on 26 October 2011 were presented.

Resolved

That the minutes of the last Parish Liaison Meeting held on 26 October 2011 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Matters Arising

With refereence to Minute No 17 (Post Office Scrutiny Review). Clare Slater, Head of Policy and Partnerships, reported that, as agreed at the last meeting, the question posed about Post Buses had been investigated.  The service was now run by North Yorkshire County Council who were working in partnership with parish councils.  It was suggested that those parishes interested should speak to the Chair of Wharram Parish Council after the meeting for more information.

Clare Slater, Head of Policy and Partnerships

Clare Slater reported on the current position relating to the allocation of funds via the Community Investment Fund.

She referrred to the launch of the Community Budget amounting to £100K to which parishes could apply for funding for work they were undertaking with community groups.  Parishes were encouraged to work together on a Ward basis and it was suggested that interested parishes speak to Maggie Farey from RAY at the end of the meeting.  Nomination form were available at the meeting and were also on the website.  Up to 100% of the cost of the project was available but it was essential to have evidence of community support.

The Community Grants Fund of £150K had alreadby been launched and, again, forms were available at the meeting.

The deadline for receipt of applications was 15 June 2012.

Clare Slater, Head of Policy and Partnerships

Clare Slater reported that the Closed Churchyards Consultation closed on 31 July and parishes were urged to submit their responses before then. 

The purpose of the consultation was to obtain up to date information so that an informed decision could be made on the financial liability of the Council, who would either establish a budget or levy a charge on the individual parish.

Questions were raised by the representatives from Ampleforth, Gate Helmsley, Thornton Dale and Pickering.

Clare Slater undertook to look into the question of whether there would be an appeals procedure for parishes before a charge was levied. 

It was emphasised that the purpose of the consultation was to gather information so that appropriate decisions could be made relating to Ryedale District Council’s financial liability.  It was pointed out that some very small parishes had large churchyards and the cost to them of maintenance would be onerous.

Gary Housden, Head of Planning and Housing

Gary Housden, Head of Planning and Housing, reported that the Local Plan Strategic document had now been submitted and that dates of the public examination were awaited.  Background work was still being done on the second part of the document.  Consultatin would be undertaken on the sites that had been put forward. 

Guidance was still awaited on Neighbourhood Planning .

It was agreed that the Head of Forward Planning would be available to meet individual parishes on matters relating to LDF if required.

Beckie Bennett, Streetscene Manager

Beckie Bennett, Streetscene Manager, gave an update on the following:

1.     Recycling

2.    Compost Bins Sale

3.    Community Clean Ups

The Chairman reported on the success of the Community Clean Up scheme and certificates of commendation were presented to representatives from Claxton & Sand Hutton, Foston & Thornton-le-Clay, and Rillington parish councils in recognition for their efforts to promote civic pride and for helping to maintain a high quality, clean and sustainable environment.

Questions raised  from Wombleton, Pickering and Gate Helmsley relating to damaged signs, dog fouling and flooding respectively were answered by the appropriate officers.

Gary Housden, Head of Planning and Housing

A presentation was given on the Council’s website and the information that could be accessed on-line.  Parishes were requested to provide e:mail addresses.

Prior notification of questions had been received from Rosedale and Leavening.  As there was no representative from Rosedale present at the meeting, it was agreed that their question be held in abeyance.

The question from Leavening related to the Parish Council not being informed about engineering works that were being undertaken in the village.  Richard Marr, North Yorkshire County Council, agreed to take up the matter with the relevant department and request that in future parishes be informed by e:mail about works that are carried out in the future.

The representative from Leavening complained about the lack of response to letters from either Ryedale District Council or North Yorkshire County Council.  The Chairman suggested that parishes send e:mails giving full details of any complaints to Faye Snowden at Ryedale District Council who acted as the point of contact.  It was proposed that the Ward Member be included in the e:mail.

In response to a question from Wharram, Richard Marr (NYCC Highways) reported on the new protocol adopted in conjunction with the emergency services for investigating accidents caused by speeding/dangerous driving.  A report would be submitted to Leaving and Wharram on the outcome of investigations which were currently being undertaken.  The matter was also to be discussed at the Safer Ryedale Group.

It was pointed out that the Fire Serviuce had guidelines on where data loggers should be located.

The representative from Luttons asked if any advice could be given to parishes about dealing with the problem of erosion of grass verges in rural villages caused by large agricultural vehicles. 

Richard Marr reported that this was a major problem across the county and one answer was to put in kerbing, although this obviously had budgetary implications. 

Questions relating to weed spraying and grass cutting were also answered.

For information

Papers relating to New Standards Arrangements were circulated for information at the meeting and representatives were advised to submit any queries to the appropriate officer at Ryedale District Council.

For information

A letter from the Chief of the Defence Staff in connection with Armed Forces Day – Fly a Flag was circulated for information at the meeting.

For information

A paper giving details of the Tyne Tees Digital Switchover was circulated for information at the meeting.

There being no other business, the meeting closed at 8.30pm.

It was agreed that the next meeting be held on 17 October 2012.