Council Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting held on 17th January 2008 in the Committee Room, Mackenzie Hall, Brockweir
Present: Cllr. Mrs. Harris (Deputy Chairman), Cllr. Miss Childs, Cllr. Mr. Telling, Cllr. Mr. Wilson and Cllr. Ms. Endersby.
1136. Parishioners Question Time
There was no ‘Parishioners Question Time’.
1137. Apologies for Absence
Councillor Stott sent his apologies.
1138. Declaration of Interest
Cllr. Wilson declared a non-pecuniary interest in the planning application for The Rock, Mill Hill, Brockweir.
There followed a change of order of the agenda items.
This is a confidential item for discussion following the exclusion of the press and public.
1139. Procedural Issue
The Parish Clerk gave all the councillors a copy of the Code of Conduct in order for them to review their attitude towards each other. Cllr. Harris told those present that Mr. Buxton, who attended the previous council meeting, had commented that he felt the meeting had not been taken in a totally serious manner. The councillors present felt that although they might laugh during the meeting they did in fact take every item seriously and that the comment was somewhat unfair. Everyone felt there needed to be an element of humour at times to help break up what can sometimes be a long meeting.
Cllr. Endersby entered at this point.
Cllr. Harris also asked those present if they had read the information provided by the Parish Clerk regarding the agenda item ‘Declaration of Interests’ as there had been some confusion after the last meeting. All those present confirmed that they had read the information and felt they understood the item better. It was agreed that in future meetings everyone would make a particular effort to consider if any item on the item was of a personal interest to them. Cllr. Telling asked the Parish Clerk to find out if the law regarding ‘Declaration of Interests’ had changed recently. Cllr. Childs pointed out that in the information the Parish Clerk had provided it referred to a book in which the Clerk should keep a record of declarations made and Cllr. Childs asked the Parish Clerk to get further information on what records needed to be kept and also to check if a councillor who declared a pecuniary interest had to leave the room when the item was discussed.
Action Parish Clerk
1140. Resignation as Chairperson by Cllr. Endersby
Cllr. Harris told those present that Cllr. Endersby had resigned her position as Chairperson of Hewelsfield and Brockweir Parish Council. Cllr. Endersby agreed to withdraw her resignation and carry on her term of office until May. Cllr. Wilson pointed out to those present that Cllr. Endersby had also taken on a great deal of work on behalf of the council and that it was unfair. Everyone agreed that the workload needed to be more fairly distributed amongst the councillors.
1141. Resignation as Councillor by Mrs. Skuse
Cllr. Harris told those present that Cllr. Endersby had received a letter of resignation from Cllr. Skuse. The councillors agreed to accept this resignation. Cllr. Harris asked the Parish Clerk to reply to Mrs. Skuse.
Action Parish Clerk
1142. Planning Applications
1142.1The Rock, Mill Hill, Brockweir – alterations and extension to dwelling – 2 storey extension and replacement of flat roofs.
There were no objections to these plans although there were concerns raised that due to the level of the proposed roofline being inline with the existing, the front elevation would be particularly unattractive. Cllr. Harris asked the Parish Clerk to pass this comment on to the Planning Department and to ask if the proposed roofline could be slightly lower than the existing.
Action Parish Clerk
1143. Information Share between Councillors
Cllr. Childs asked if anyone wanted to attend the meeting discussing the Forest of Dean as AONB. There were no volunteers.
Date of Next Meeting is Tuesday 5th February 2008.