Present:
Dianne Adams; Hilary Cox; Andy Gibbs; Helen Hehir; Judi Hibberd; Janet Hickinbottom; Rona Taylor; Faith Ward; Mary Webb.
1. Apologies and Minutes of the March 13th meeting
Apologies had been received from Paddy Deeley and Bron Putnam.
| Summary of actions following the meeting | Responsible |
| Cala Homes to be asked about refurbishment of Red Lane air warden’s shelter | Rona |
| Liaison with Cala Homes re Bugle entry | Mary |
| Progress litter posters | Rona |
| Add Village Hall chair to agenda distribution list | Judi |
| Update Welcome leaflet | Judi |
| Arrange for copies of the Bugle to go to Cala Homes | Mary |
| Speak to Berkswell charities regarding bench and plaque | Rona |
| Include thank you from Canley Community Centre in next edition of the Bugle | Mary |
Minutes of the last meeting and Matters Arising
See Minutes of March 13th meeting
The minutes of the March 13th meeting were approved.
Matters Arising from the previous minutes
- Hodgett’s Lane overgrown hedge – Rona would contact the residents concerned. Post meeting note: the residents concerned acted very promptly in cutting back their hedge and the committee would like to thank them for their response and for the immediate action.
- Red Lane shelter project – still to be progressed
- Communication with PC regarding precept. Rona would bring this up at the meeting on May 20th, but it was understood there would be no problem now in the new financial year.
- Overgrown hedge near Cromwell Land bridge – Rona has contacted the residents concerned.
All other matters arising had been covered or were to be agenda items.
2. Treasurer's Report
A report had been circulated. Dianne explained the items. The only items of expenditure had been:
- Insurance Employers liability £186.48
- Pick Up Litter Signs - £86.40
Income was:
- Cheque from Parish Council for flower tubs £200
- Profit from Residents’ Lunches on 26 April 2019 - £82.74
- Profit from Charity Breakfast on 28th April 2019 to be donated to Helping Hands, Kenilworth Charity £352.60
3. Amendment to constitution
Following the discussion at a previous meeting regarding stopping collection of subscriptions (which would be replaced by money from the precept), in line with the current constitution, a special meeting was held as part of the proceedings and the following amendments to the constitution were agreed:
Point 5 All residents of Burton Green shall be eligible for membership
Was changed to
All residents of Burton Green are deemed members unless they indicate to the contrary to the secretary in writing
Point 6 The annual subscription for a household shall be decided at each Annual General Meeting (AGM) and subscriptions shall be due by May 31st of each year
Was changed to
There are no subscription fees.
4. Residents' views/concerns
- A question was raised as to whether the Greek Orthodox Church should have obtained planning permission to put down hard standing in their car parking area in Westwood Heath Road Cllr Illingworth was following this up.
- A number of dog waste bags were being carelessly disposed near the sports field on Cromwell Lane. Mary had enquired but currently there was no funding available for a dog waste bin to be erected in that area.
- Mary would purchase a long-handled grabber to help dispose of the waste.
- The committee commended Deirdre Vernon’s actions in raising the question of why so many HS2-purchased properties were standing empty. A meeting had been held with relevant bodies and it had been explained that there was a cost ceiling of £20k regarding refurbishment of properties for the rental market. Now there were four houses being prepared for renting. Some people had enquired about buying the properties but HS2 was not selling because of “crystallised blight” (selling at a low price now might impact the sale price of other local properties.) It was considered ridiculous that a gas safety inspector was brought from Leeds rather than using local contractors. It was suggested our MP should be involved in further investigating how the remaining empty houses could be added to the rental market more quickly.
.
5. Update on and discussion of Residents’ Association initiatives and issues
- Cala Homes update on the site.Paddy remained vigilant but residents were not happy with the way Cala Homes were responding. For example, there had still been no signs erected to advise lorries of a suitable route to use. Cala Homes had asked if there were any community projects they could assist with and it was decided to ask if they would consider refurbishment of the old air warden’s shelter in Red Lane. Action: Rona
- Charging for Cala Homes Bugle entry. A 4-page document had been submitted for inclusion in the Bugle, but Mary explained this was far too lengthy and would ask Cala Homes to provide an article of suitable length and they would be advised of a cost of £200 Action: Mary
- Positioning of litter posters. Following discussion, it was agreed to position sign sin several locations in Red Lane and Hob Lane and to place them on stakes rather than lamp posts so that they could be moved around. Two further signs would be ordered to make 5 in total. Action: Rona
- Lunch for retired and friends of BG April 28th. Once again, this had been a successful event with many compliments paid.
- Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate. This was now to be a requirement for anyone responsible for food handling in the Village Hall kitchen. It was agreed to pay the costs for Hilary and Mary to take the online course.
- Breakfast for Helping Hands. Another successful event and the amount raised had been covered under item 2 of the agenda. The cheque would be presented at a forthcoming event for Kenilworth Helping Hands.
6. Village Hall
There was nothing more to report. It was agreed that the Village Hall Chair would be added to the circulation list and asked if she would like to present at each meeting or, if more appropriate, to send a written report. Action: Judi
7. Parish Councillor's Report
Andy reported that a new Parish Councillor, Richard Paine, had joined the Council.
There was nothing further to report.
8. Any Other Business
- Paddy had made suggestions regarding the Welcome Leaflet. Judi agreed to update the current one and it was agreed that copies of the Bugle would be best to ask Cala Homes to distribute to potential home buyers. Action: Judi and Mary
- A question had been raised at the recent Neighbourhood Plan meeting about tree preservation orders. Although some work had been carried out on this many years ago, there was no information available.
- The Berkswell Charities had removed a bench donated to the Residents’ Association which used to sit by the almshouses. It had been removed to carry out essential services, but it was not in a fit state of repair to reinstate. It was agreed the bench could be disposed of and if it bore a plaque this should be returned to the committee. Action: Rona
- Thanks received from Canley Community Centre for the donation resulting from the Santa Sleigh – to be published in the Bugle. Action: Mary
9. Date, time and venue of Next Meeting
The next committee meetings were scheduled for July 17th, Sept 11th, AGM Sept 30th, Nov 27th
