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Minutes Approved by Chair / Acting Chair : …………………………… Date: ………………………
BRERETON AND RAVENHILL PARISH COUNCIL
DISTRICT OF CANNOCK CHASE COUNTY OF STAFFORDSHIRE
Minutes of the
FULL COUNCIL
To be held at: the Parish Hall, Ravenhill Park, Brereton, Rugeley. WS15 1DU
Thursday 15th February 6.30pm – 8.30pm
WELCOME
Cllrs Present: C Davies (CD), R Hall-Davies (RHD), K Paul (KP), D Blocksidge (DB), C Boulton (CB), R Hall (RH), C. Harris (CH)( Acting Chair), A Cowdell (AC),
APOLOGIES
Cllrs Absent: apologies were received from S Merriman (SM), J Gascoigne (JG) (Vice Chair), which were accepted. J Johnson (JJ) sent no apologies. This was not accepted
Cllrs arriving late: apologises for late arrivals were received from M Blackham (MB)(Chair) (arrived 7.08pm) K Theobald (KT), (arrived at 7.05pm)
In Attendance: PR Whibley (Clerk) J Smith (JS)(Caretaker), (arrived at 7.20pm)L. Featherstone (LF)(RFO) (arrived at 6.35pm) Lewis Arduino (District Councillor) and Peter Kruskonjic (County Councillor) (arrived at 7.39pm)
As both the Chair and Vice Chair were not present for the start of the meeting, the members voted that C. Harris should become Acting Chair for this meeting.
11. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ANY ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
None
12. FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE CHAIR
12.1. Standing Orders 2024 to be approved
12.1 Resolved: That the updated Standing Orders were approved. Clerk to file and add to BRPC website.
12.2. Financial Regulations 2024 to be approved
12.2 Resolved: That the updated Financial Regulations were approved. Clerk to file and add to BRPC website.
12.3. Code of Conduct 2024 to be signed by all members
12.3 Resolved: That the updated Code of Conduct was approved and signed by all members present. Clerk to file signed document and add an unsigned copy to BRPC website.
12.3.1 Resolved: The three councillors not present will be asked to sign at the next opportunity or at the next meeting.
The parish council’s website does not meet the minimum standard required for a council’s website. This has continually been a major issue for the members and the public. The history of
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Minutes Approved by Chair / Acting Chair : …………………………… Date: ………………………
its creation, modernising and upkeep has been problematic. At present the site is being managed by Digital Services who are almost impossible to speak to whether face to face or over the phone. The clerk has left messages in an attempt to meet or speak to the person i/c without success. The only route of contact is by email; when used, requests by the PC are not implemented. The clerk and RFO will ensure that all approved policies and documents are posted on the site but are not confident that the site, in its present form, can be interrogated easily. The council are in the process of trying to find another web-creator who can fix these issues.
The members were given the names of 4 parish council websites to investigate as to whether their layout would be suitable, as they were all overseen by the same person who is interested in taking on the challenge of putting our website in order, at an initial cost followed by an annual fee.
13. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None.
14. AGREEING THE MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved and signed by the acting chair as a true record.
15. AGREEING THE MINUTES FROM THE EXTRAORDINARY MEETING
The minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting were approved and signed by the acting chair as a true record.
16. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
6.1a. and 6.1b. These items were left and not discussed until the Chair arrived.
6.1a.The relaying of the outside path/driveway.
The work had started today with the arrival of the materials. The relaying should begin tomorrow and the job should last only one/two days. The meeting were concerned that the hall had secured bookings for the weekend which would be problematic if the work wasn’t completed quickly or the schedule had to be delayed due to the weather. MB telephoned the contractor and was given assurances that there wouldn’t be a problem.
6.1b. Tenders being sought for the installation of a welded flooring for the Meeting Room.
More quotes being sought by MB
6.2. The issue on road calming along the Armitage Road
This item was left and not discussed until both invited councillors arrived. The issue of speeding along the Armitage Road has been raised on several occasions previously with the preceding council and the new parish council wanted to gather all relevant information. The clerk had sent to members reports from the police of all incidents within the Brereton ward for January as well as an update sent by our PCSO for incidents along the Armitage Road for the same period. These both showed very limited evidence of speeding along this road. The police had completed 2 exercises of ‘speed watch’ along this road and had completed a roadside check in response to a request from a householder. During the day in question no bookings had been issued for speeding.
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Minutes Approved by Chair / Acting Chair : …………………………… Date: ………………………
A very extensive and fact finding discussion began, in the presence of three District councillors. It was explained that the road signage along this stretch of road met legal regulations. That the speed allowance had been dropped down from 40 to 30 previously. A check was made in July 2024 where it was evident that there didn’t need to be any more additional 30 signs to be installed, as all signage along this road, is more than adequate. However, although there is not enough evidence of excessive speeding along this road and the road has all the legal signage required, Peter Kruskonjic (District Councillor) wanted to help the PC meet the concerns of the homeowners.
In agreement with the PC it was decided to try a staged approach to try and make motorists more aware of their driving habits. The PC would like to thank Mr Kruskonjic for his involvement and offer of support.
6.2. Resolved: Initial staged approach to include two yellow Community Watch signs will be erected at either end of the road whilst an additional metal 30 sign will be placed on a designated lamppost.
6.3. The Scheme of Delegation and Terms of Reference
The meeting thanked the clerk for updating the Scheme of Delegation flow diagram based on the member’s comments from the Extraordinary Meeting but wanted the Terms of Reference to be placed on the agenda at next month’s meeting, to allow more time to read them.
6.3. Resolved: The clerk to place Terms of Reference on next month’s agenda.
7.a. Precept
The clerk informed the meeting that their Precept requirement had been received by CCDC and an acknowledgement had been emailed by return. It was agreed that the Earmarked Funds needed to be discussed by the Finance Committee.
6.3. Resolved: The clerk to place Earmarked Funds on the agenda of the Finance Committee’s next meeting.
17. RISK ASSESSMENT
The incomplete Risk Assessment has become a matter of urgency for the council to complete. It was agreed that the completion of the audit must be finished before the next meeting and emailed to all members. This would give them time to read, agree and approve at the next meeting. RH volunteered to work on this. It was suggested that two members and the caretaker and clerk could meet and complete the audit by substituting the red sections/phrases. However, two of those nominated were not present and so the clerk will contact them to see whether they would be willing to take on this task and if a suitable time could be agreed to meet prior to the next meeting.
17.1a. Resolved: The clerk to contact JS, SM, RH and arrange a suitable time to meet and complete this document.
17.1b. Resolved: if completed: The clerk will send the completed Risk Assessment to all members at least 5 days prior to the next meeting.
18. ASSET REGISTER
The RFO informed the meeting that the register of assets had been completed and that there were only a couple of the remaining assets which needed an investigation of value. These included railings and bus shelters which were donated to the council but the position of ownership and maintenance were still under investigation. Once completed,
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Minutes Approved by Chair / Acting Chair : …………………………… Date: ………………………
this will be given to members and placed on the council’s website. (It was pointed out that the final value figure would appear of the council’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) and would have a significant bearing on whether the council’s insurance policy is adequate enough to cover it.)
18.1. Resolved: The RFO will complete the Asset Register and distribute for presentation at the next Full Council meeting.
19. MATTERS ARISING FROM EXTRAORDINARY MEETING
19.1. Revised Schedule of Meetings
These were approved.
19.2. Membership of Committees and Working Groups
During the meeting members were asked to double-check their choices of membership against the previous list of various meetings and to make a final decision. As there were 3 members absent it was agreed to place this item on next month’s agenda.
19.2a. Resolved: The clerk to place Membership of committee’s and working groups on next month’s agenda.
If resolved prior to the meeting, the clerk will endeavour to edit all Terms of Reference to meet the needs of the members prior to the next meeting.
19.3. Terms of Reference
See 6.3 above
20. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES / WORKING GROUPS
20.1. Community Engagement and Hall Management
February Minutes presented for approval. Approved.
 Heritage: No report. These will be presented to the CE committee in future for inclusion in their minutes and submitted to the Full Council.
 Drop-in Sessions: No report. These will be presented to the CE committee in future for inclusion in their minutes and submitted to the Full Council.
20.2. Finance Report:
Receipts and Payments spreadsheet up to 31.01.2024. Presented and Approved
The VAT refund will be requested before the end of this month. The RFO explained that previously the council had been given almost £7000 in a CIL fund. £1900 had already been spent. It was decided that this will be discussed by the Finance Committee at their next meeting.
20.2a. Resolved: The clerk to place CIL as an item on next month’s Finance Committee’s Agenda.
20.3. Police Report
See item 6.2
21. DATE OF NEXT MEETING : Thursday 15th March 8.00pm – 9.30pm
MEETING CLOSED: 8.12pm
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The council were grateful to Lewis Arduino (District Councillor) and Peter Kruskonjic (County Councillor) who both remained behind to discuss some environmental health issues with members and to answer questions related to highways matters.