POYNINGS PARISH COUNCIL

Present:                      Mr Mark Lee                         Chair 

                                    Ms Sheila Marshall               Vice Chair 

                                    Mr Malcolm Johnson 

                                    Mrs Astri Souch 

                                    Mr Colin Warburton              

                                     Mrs Nicki Cutress   Clerk to the Council 

                                    Mrs Gina Field           District Councillor 

Apologies were received from Peter Griffiths, County Councillor and Mrs Susannah Kemp, District Councillor. 

Three members of the public attended. 

The Chairman opened the meeting and presented Jan Nicols and Keith Fowers with their cup and certificate for Best Vegetable Garden 2009. 

1.        Minutes 

The Minutes of the previous meeting had been circulated. It was agreed they were a correct record and were duly signed by the Chairman. 

2.        Matters Arising 

(a) Fireworks 

Costs were covered on the night through the usual collection buckets.  The fireworks had to be let off early due to the weather – this caused some complaints from locals.  If they had not gone off early they might not have gone off at all.  It was agreed that posters / notices next year would not specify a time for the fireworks – just that they will follow in due course.  Thanks to Phil and Helen at the Garage, Jim for the Fireworks, Mikey for the guy, Barbara for helping with the money collection, Mark for all that he does to ensure it is a good night.  It was agreed that a 3^rd person collecting money was very helpful.  The Cricket Club donated 10% of their takings on the night towards the firework fund. 

3. Planning 

(a) Rushfield Paddock – passed my MSDC 

(b) Rushfields – Farm Shop – passed by MSDC 

(c)   Land at Honeywell Farm – tractor shed – passed by MSDC 

(d) Downlands – removal of 2 walnut trees – passed by MSDC 

(e)   Dyke Farmhouse – removal of 1 Goat Willow – no objections were raised 

(f)   Dyke Farmhouse – replacement of 3 bay garage – application withdrawn 

(g)   Dyke Farmhouse – LBC – internal alterations / windows – no objections were raised. 

4.  Expenditure 

The following amounts were authorised for the period September and October 2009  

 Date                      Payee                                                Amount 

8.9.09                     S E Water – cemetery                       £13.62 

8.9.09                     CPRE – subs                                       £29.00 

8.9.09                     Grains of Gold – engraving cups        £36.80 

27.9.09                   Mazars – audit fee                            £57.50 

13.10.09                 N Cutress – ¼ salary ( July – Sept)    £200.00 

13.10.09                 Simon Zec – July – October              £530.00 

                                                                   Total         £866.92

The following amounts were received for September and October 2009  

28.9.09                       MSDC – precept                               £1703.00 

29.10.09                     Burial Fee – Crowther                       £100.00 

                                                                     Total        £1803.00

4. Any Other Business 

(a) Neighbourhood Watch 

Mike Airey raised the subject of Neighbourhood Watch coordinators in the village.  He was advised that no-one from the village is interested in the role.  SM to put another notice in the newsletter asking again for volunteers. 

(b) Vegetable Talk 

SM had organised a vegetable Talk in the Village Hall to fund the trophies and certificates.  The event raised £20.  Thanks to Sheila and John Murrell for their time and enthusiasm. 

(c) Hedge 

CW asked if the hedge at 1 Crossways Cottages could be cut back as it is restricting visibility from the cottages.  ML to undertake this. 

(d) Missing dog 

Posters had been put up regarding a missing dog that had been spotted in the locality. 

(e)  SDNP 

The Parish Council had been asked to nominate a member for the South Downs Committee.  ML to look into and possibly stand.  It was agreed that he would be very good at the role. 

(f)  Gina Field 

Reminded us that if we require Susannah to undertake site visits for planning to let her know as soon as possible. 

There is likely to be an increase in Council Tax next year due to a shortfall in finances. 

As a result of Beachdown licensing planning, MSDC have written to the Secretary of State requesting a change in the licensing laws.  The Argus have reported that Beachdown may apply for it to take place again next year. 

6.  Dates of 2010 meetings.

The dates of Parish Council meetings to be held in 2010 are: 

5^th January 

2^nd March 

11^th May 

6^th July 

7^th September and 

9^th November 

The Chairman thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting at 8.30pm