9th January 2020

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday 9th January 2020

PRESENT: Chairman N MacDermid, Vice Chairman T Martin, Councillors A Dewsnip, C Dickinson, T Hall. In attendance, Cllr A Paraskos (NYCC/HBC),
M Richards (Clerk) and 2 residents.
1.​Apologies: Apologies for absence were received from Cllr S Riley.
2. Declaration of Interest and Notification of changes in the Members’
Register of Interest: None, although the Cllr Martin did report that he was
a landowner and had a specific personal interest with regard to item 7a). The
Chairman did not consider this sufficient reason for Cllr Martin not to take part
in the discussion.
3 Public Participation session: No issues.
4. Minutes of the meeting held on 19th December 2019: Councillor Martin proposed the minutes to be a correct record, seconded by Councillor Dickinson. The Chairman then duly signed the minutes.
5. Matters arising from the previous minutes:
a) Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) – speed warning signs. Councillors discussed further all aspects of VAS utilisation, particularly with regard to the observations of the NYCC Community Safety Officer which suggested that Pannal Road would be an appropriate site for the installation of VAS equipment. It was agreed however, to await the relocation of the 30mph limit signs and the outcome of further speed surveys before coming to a conclusion. It was also decided to request a speed survey on Haggs Road, although that would not be relevant to the installation of VAS equipment (as Haggs Road has a 60mph limit). The clerk confirmed he had written to Spofforth Parish Council to enquire whether they would be interested in sharing the cost and use of VAS equipment, but to date had not received a reply.​.
b) The clerk had circulated details supplied by NYCC, of the “Roadside picket fences” which have been suggested as a potential “Traffic Calming” option for the housing on Haggs Road, as discussed at the November meeting. Councillors expressed interest at the prospect of erecting these fences but were somewhat concerned at the reported cost (some £1,500) .The clerk will contact NYCC Highways to ascertain the breakdown of costs (supply and installation) to enquire whether the Parish Council is able to construct and install the fences itself.
c) Plompton salt box – the clerk confirmed that NYCC had acknowledged ownership of the box and had in fact replenished the box prior to Christmas and would continue to do so when necessary.
6. Chairman’s communications
There were no communications to the Chairman which are not addressed elsewhere in the agenda.
7. Clerk’s correspondence received.
a) Home Office consultation: strengthening police powers to tackle unauthorised encampments. Councillors agreed again that this was an issue likely to be relevant to several interested parties within the Parish eg Rudding Park Hotel, Rudding Estate, the Cricket Club, the Rugby Club and others, as well as individual landowners, but felt that the Parish Council should limit its promotion of the consultation to the usual channels ie minutes, website, FaceBook page and Parish notice boards, rather than by direct mailing. The clerk will first of all confirm that the consultation is open to private individuals and organisations, not just parish councils. Councillors agreed to complete the consultation questionnaire individually and forward responses to the clerk who will summarise and submit a Parish Council response.
b) HBC consultation regarding its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charging schedule. The Chairman outlined the basics of CIL, ie a levy charged on a broader list of developments (rather than purely housing as is currently the case) within a parish area, thereby making more funding available for projects within the parish, and with a greater level of control by parish councils on how this money is spent . This differs from the previous process of commuted sums in that funds are available for any appropriate project, whereas commuted sums funding was specific to actual facilities eg if a parish did not have a village hall or it was already of a certain standard, and the commuted sums related to a village hall, then the funding would pass to the next nearest parish which had a village hall that was eligible. The Chairman noted that the consultation was specific to the “amended charging schedule” and suggested therefore that further comment from the Parish Council was not necessary. Councillors agreed.
8. Matters concerning Follifoot
a) Inconsiderate parking on Radcliffe Close. The clerk confirmed that he had obtained the sign and would install it at the entrance gate to Follifields.
b) Underpass resurfacing – no progress. Cllr Paraskos will follow up to ascertain the position.
9. Matters concerning Plompton
No issues.
10. Neighbourhood Watch – the Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator (NWC) had circulated his report to councillors, which summarised the reported crimes in and around the Parish, in November. He had again attempted to contact the nominated PCSO to request attendance at this meeting, but without success. He also reported the recent increase in anti social behaviour, break-ins and violence as reported in the Harrogate Advertiser. These crimes were thought to be related to the “County Lines” drugs activity. Other issues reported were the ongoing telephone and computer scams and frauds, reported previously. Again, Councillors encouraged all residents not to respond to unsolicited phone calls and “too good to be true” offers which more than likely, are! The Parish Council also asked the Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator to provide more detail on the types of incidents, and provide guidance on any actions the Parish Council can take to help safeguard the community.
11.Village Up Keep
Nothing to record although Cllr Dickinson did report that he had swept and tidied the bus shelters! He was thanked for his efforts.
12. FOFWRAP/Follifields:
​The Chairman reported that he had carried out his periodic inspection of the
play area and everything was in order apart from the replacement of the
“pegs” on the springers (the clerk will raise again with Playscheme) He
confirmed that the wildflower area has been cut back and the willow tunnel is
developing as planned.
13. Finance:
a) Balance at the bank on 31st December 2019, Current Account £326.42
and Deposit Account £18,257.32 (total £18,583.74) Bank statements initialled
by the Chairman, in confirmation – Monthly Budget – See Appendix 1.
b) Monthly Reconciliation – reconciliation as at 31st December was provided
c) Expenditure 21st December to 10th January 2020 – to be approved and
authorised by two councillors on examination of the supporting
documentation.
M Richards
Clerk’s salary – Dec
£286.76
Bank Transfer
HMRC
PAYE
£71.69
Bank Transfer
S Bush
Wildflower area cut
£110.00
Bank Transfer
Colton Signs
Follifields sign
£42.00
Bank Transfer

Unanimously agreed and then authorised by two councillors, who examined
the supporting documentation and signed the covering authority sheet as
“approved”
d) Parish precept – the clerk confirmed he had submitted the precept demand
for £10720.00 as agreed at the November meeting.
e) The clerk confirmed that he would complete the transfer of funds from HSBC
to Barclays by 31 January, and future bank reconciliations would therefore
include all funds held.
14.Planning:
a) Notification of decisions received since last meeting – none.
b) Applications Received – none
c) Planning enforcement notice – 19/00652/PR15 – Paddock south of
Moordale Lodge, Pannal Road – siting of storage unit. Previous notification
from the Enforcement Officer had indicated that the case was still under
investigation. Clerk had requested an update but was informed that the
investigation was still under way. He will follow up again.
d) Applications received since the agenda was compiled – None.

There being no other business, the meeting closed at 8.25.
Date of next Parish Council Meeting:
7.30pm on 13th February 2020 in Follifoot Village Hall, Tofts Lane, Follifoot​