This is not an official Burton Joyce Parish Council posting,
May we apologise at this point for the general presentation, spelling mistakes etc within this report, but we must confess we are so excited at being able to cover this event via BJO that our typing fingers do not always do what our brain requests of them, However the content is intended as genuine "Burt-n-Joyce"
HAVE WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU !!
1) Click this link for the interest of one year on - March 2010 - http://www.burtonjoyceonline.co.uk/hot-gossip2/bj-diary.html
2) This is a posting by BURTON JOYCE ONLINE to bring to the community the facts and detailed comments arising at the 2009 Burton Joyce Annual Parish Meeting - 19th May- 7.30pm - Carnarvon Rooms
Regretfully it is the official policy NOT to publish Minutes of this meet until the following Year - 2010 ?????
The vast majority of “Official organisation & Administration” websites invariably provide a limited and biased view on their own activities, achievements and intentions. Over the past month since its premature launch, it appears the official BJPC website at www.burtonjoyceparishcouncil.org.uk will be no different to the plethora of existing administration website already on the www - Why ?Well ! You had only to attend last nights meeting ( 19th May ) of the Burton Joyce Annual Parish Meeting to REGRETFULLY realise the “short comings” in the outflow of legitimate and precise information from the BJPC, and their continually failure to reach out and engaged with the community and local village groups.
For this reason, and this reason only, we intend to use this space to report in detail the full content of the meeting of the 19th May.
Invariably this will become a long posting which we intend to cover in several slices to ease the load on all our mental capabilities. So Please! Please! Pease return frequently to this spot, for we genuinely consider the content is vital to the awareness, understanding and empathy of us all in the community, with the past. present and future of our village
First of all let us inform you that in fact there was only 5 members of the public in attendance - “ 2x Husband and Wife couples plus one other gentleman”
There were 4 members of local groups - BJ Preservation Society, BJ Residents Association and the BJ Village Plan Committee.
The Local Police representative
A representative of Severn Trent Water
But the most surprising situation is that there was a marked absence in the presence of experienced BJPC representation. For whatever the reasons,
In fact the Council which should comprise of 11 members were represented by only
2 established and experienced serving members - 2 years plus - Cllrs Blandermer & Greenfield, 3 co-opted councillors Cllrs Lashkar Singh Bilan ( Nov 08), Cllrs Cluff & Welton ( Jan09)
Unfortunately the Parish Clerk could not attend - regretfully it appeared no one had been adequately briefed as a stand-in
The existing BJPC Chairman and Deputy Chairman were also absent.
However it is understood that there is publicity advising that there are currently vacancies for 2 Councillors ( we are now advised it could be 3)
The Parochial Council failed to provide a representative
What on earth is happening ?
Why is it that the BJPC does not appear to be engaging with the community?
Were personal invites sent to local groups ? if so,
Why was there no representation by
Teenagers, Singles - Married - Parents ( single and partners) - Matures,
Seniors - Shop Owners - Business Owners - Tradesmen etc, etc.
Minority Groups - Stroke Club - BJ Runners - Calligraphy Group,
Sugar Craft Guild - 1 to One - Senior Citizens Club - BJU3A,
St Helens Baby & Toddler Group - BJ Duplicate Bridge Group
Trent Valley Art Group - BJ Players - Scouts - Guides -Teachers,
The W I - Mothers Union -
Local History Society, the Primary School, The Church organisations
The Sports Clubs - Cricket, Football, Archery, Bowls
( particular as these are the most heavily activities subsidised by the BJPC and Community) etc etc
Why is it that the BJ Preservation Society appears to have had a better attendance at their recent General meeting ?
Why is it that the April Saturday morning meeting of the BJ Village Plan in the village Hall had over 60 in attendance?
The answer certainly has something to do with engagement. Also is it that the BJPC meetings really should be re-scheduled for Saturday mornings, when many more villagers may be available, be at home and not involved in the mid week evening meal or late evening at work ? -
Worth consideration don’t you think?
Your really should return for much more interesting commentary on this years Burton Joyce Annual Parish Meeting
Watch this Space !
HAVE WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU Part 2
The first item on the Meeting Agenda was quite unusual
Item 1 -Election of a Chairman in the absence of both the existing Chairman and Vice Chairman.
Cllr Cuff ( co-opted to the Council in January 2009 ) was proposed as Chairperson by Cllr Greenfield ( a Cllr of a couple of years standing) -
This was particularly surprising as he is the “new kid on the block” - and there were other more experienced BJ Councillors present ( Blandermer/Greenfield ).
Surprising, for these two lady Councillors have obviously been witness to past Council and Village matters over a much longer period and thus on experience alone should be more knowledgeable with previous Council decision, actions and circumstances.
Item 2 - Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday the 20th May 2008
This item was obviously expected to pass thro quite quickly and unopposed - But NO
A point was raised by Ex Cllr O’ Neill ( This lady stepped down from the BJPC only a month ago for reasons which are have yet to be disclosed )
Within our FORUM we have a topic titled “Why do our Parish Councillors keep leaving ?..”
Recently a posting on that Forum by “Julie 0” stated “Some of your correspondents have asked why so many councillors have left the parish council. It is unhelpful to have speculation about the reasons for their departure on your web-site. Any resident is free to ask the Chairman of the Council for copies of the resignation letters“.
As a result of that posting a reply from Cllr Cluff read - “Having spoken to the Chairman of BJPCC today resignations are normally treated as confidential items as many are for personal reasons and are not available to the public. I also understand you specifically requested this as well.””
Unless you write to the BJPCC asking that for any documents relating to your resignation be made public we are unable to do so out of courtesy and respect for your privacy.”
Uum! Very interesting particularly as at this point in the meeting Ex Cllr O’Neill raised an issue - re the minutes of lasts years meeting (which were obviously expected to gain free passage) where by, the then Cllr O’Neill received an assurance that certain information relative to the “Precept and the Poplars” would be provided promptly. This point was omitted from the minutes requiring agreement.
In fact, as thispoint the existing Council members were now in disarray, with no reference to the event available , it was Ex Cllr O’Neill herself who came to their rescue by providing them with a duplicate copy of the matter.
Maybe this was the point where cracks began to reveal themselves
Item 3 BJPC
(i)BJPCC Chairman’s report . Nothing new, No suggestion of any introduction of strategic planning or radical changes to improve and provide better value for the whole community. However there was considerable praise for the work of the new Parish Clerk Jackie Dawn.
(ii) Poplars Sports Ground report - Apologise Cllr Greenfield, but we consider the information provided by the Council was less than specific and lack any credible figures for well attributed costing and balance sheet. In fact it became debateable whether the Poplars Sport ground Cost of £47,000 was any where remotely accurate as there appeared to be no actual figure or credible provision for the Grounds man remuneration which may add many £1000’s to the total cost of the facility, in fact
Here is a copy of another of one of our recent FORUM postings by JulieO
“My attention has been brought to the disparity in the figures quoted by your correspondents on the matter of the cost of running the Poplars Sports Centre.
As Vice-Chair of the Finance and General Purposes Committee through 2008/9, I took a particular interest in setting up a suitable method of recording income and expenditure in appropriate categories and keeping check on the accuracy of allocation throughout the year. In December, I presented a paper on the current and projected expenditure to the Parish Council and at the end of the year updated these figures.
This shows that the overall cost of running the Poplars Sports Centre in 2008/9 was £68,376.
This figure is based on the Parish Council’s end of year income and expenditure account.
It includes: Sports Ground maintenance £21,785; 50% of General Maintenance costs £2,941; 50% Administration £7,032; Proportion of staff salaries £23,368; Capital expenditure £14,833.
The figure does not include any allowance for the proportion of the Parish Clerk’s salary, running the Parish Office, capital expenditure made in March or any outstanding bills relating to the Sports Centre.
The income for the year was £9,350
I hope this clarifies the figures for your readers.”
Uum! verrrry interesting!
As usual Cllr Cluff came to the rescue of the BJPC with the following posting as a response
"Julie the paper you presented to BJPCC stated £55k not £68k and was a personal evaluation by you of the costs. On examination the BJPCC did not adopt your figures as they felt the proportioned costs were incorrect and duplicated.
Capital expenditure was the difference in your two figures which in accountancy terms are not called "running costs" or "cost of running" which covered new practice nets and two artificial cricket wickets to encourage a new junior cricket team to start to play cricket ( and it did we have two teams now) and also a kick about area. We received some offset income towards these payments which you seem to have omitted in your incomes received to help pay for them.
These are fixed assets and are accounted for in that way as is good practice
Nevertheless we are in agreement that the costs have been too high against income - whilst I think the ground will always have a subsidy as it generate sports primarily for young people- it does not have to be so heavily subsidised.
There is considerable work to be done and our Groundsman is already in this new financial year allocating his hours against specific tasks to give us a breakdown of labour costs against clubs ( I don't like guessing). However we have already identified that the 3 largest areas of income issues are cricket club revenue , bowls club revenue and lack of Pavilions Room rental.
**However I have only been there 4 months and already large strides have been made with the SGC and negotiations will be complete in October under Yvonne Greenfields Chair. However I accept it must be a larger job than i thought if you couldn't resolve it in your 3 year tenure.** "
**Uuum not nice Cllr !
We questioned Cllr Greenfield , the Chair of the Sports ground Committee on several related financial matters - with unsatisfactory responses.
As a matter of fact and interest for the rest of the community
There are Financial/Accountancy programmes ( costing a few £'s) which readily provide instant and uptodate figures on all aspects of bookeeping and accountancy ( our experience is with "Sage" - almost "Accountancy for Dummies") this programme record and automatically tabulates all the financial figures and totals, in the relevant order and section, to ensure the instant production of up to date figures and balances required for total financial control - complete listing of costings, revenue, debtors etc .
At the press of a key it is possible to have balances and resumes at any moment in time or period within the financial year. Thereby providing the relevant information normally require and questioned by those with particular interest in the subject
The community should note -These computer programmes have been available for many years
We also questioned the justification for allocating approximately 50% of the total BJPC budget on a facility only used by 550/550 individuals the number provided by the Clllr herself .
Why is it that to date that there is still no cost comparison available for ensuring the community is receiving "Value for money" ?. Would it not be good and sound practice to periodically approach Outside Contractors for comparative quotations for maintaining Poplars in "full or part"
BJ village population is now in the order of 3500+ ? Is there something wrong with the dividing of the pot here ? How about facilities for the more mature, elderly and infirmed amongst us. Bearing in mind, that this adverse situation with the Poplars has been allowed to continue by successive administrations for many years. We are now advised that the BJPC’s aim is to improve the Sports Ground deficit by £10,000 in the next financial year and that suitable measures for cost control/revenue generation may be in place by October
Uuum! Not really good enough.
Burton Joyce Parish Council Budget 2009/10
INCOME EXPENDITURE
Precept 62,250 Salaries & NI 57,620
Revenue Grant 24,499 Adminstration 8,729
Poplars Sports Ground 8,500 Parish Office 2,200
Allotments 1,800 Poplar Sports Ground 18,500
Cemetery 5,000 Allotments 1,300
Total 107,049 Cemetery 600
Recreation 3,500
Donations 500
Chair/Cllr Expenses 200
Training 400
General Maintenance 9,000
Contigencies 4,500
Total 107,049
Precept 2009/10: £42.57
HAVE WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU Part 3
(iii) Financial & General Purpose Committee Report - Read by Cllr Cluff in the absence of Cllr Chris Hutt - Chairman F&GP
Regretfully it was not possible to question the content of this report, however
the second Para states.“The introduction of more rigorous and detailed set of income and expenditure statements on a monthly basis has allowed the Council as a whole to better identify costs and their drivers. To understand our progress through the year and guide decisions on expenditure”
We the community would then naturally assume that these rigorous and detailed set of income and expenditure statements would be available on an ongoing monthly basis - revealing updated cumulative balances etc\ . Why is it therefore that the 2008/2009 accounts are still to be completed some 5/6 weeks following the financial year ending ?.
The final paragraph of this F&GP Committee report states“For the future we are planning to manage the whole of the councils finances "in house". This will help cut costs without reducing effectiveness or accuracy.. .. “
As an organisation is the BJPC Council adequately equipped to handle the £107.049 sum of Income and expenditure, which shows a contingency of only £4500 ( As we understand it this is not the GENERAL RESERVE which is generally recommended to be < 50% - WOW! ) Surely these values are such that “Out sourcing independent Qualified Accountancy” is more than a justified.
(iv) Amenities Committee Report -
Para 3 states “ The application for Funding from “Building Better Communities” to improve The GROVE has been successful and restoration of this community garden will take place in the coming year. Unattractive and disfiguring features will be removed and the site made more accessible for wheel chairs .. .. .. “
This is great news a pity the amount was not disclosed in the typed Annual Report 2008/09 ( we understand this is in the order of £15,000 ). We also consider that due thanks and appreciation should have been attributed to the work of ex Councillor Julie O’Neill for her initiative in establishing this area for funding and her skill in completing the successful application
Questions were asked re-
a) the condition and appearance of the OLD SCHOOL & GROUNDS particularly as foliage was now growing over the boundary wall encroaching over the pavement
b) Weed growth from the pavements and kerbs
c) the hazards created by the condition of the cycle track on Burton road
The response by the Councillor was that these issues should be reported direct to the correct authority - is it that the BJPC do not want to be involved in these types of community complaints .
Why cannot these points be taken up by the PC on behalf of their community, after all they presumably they want and need to be aware of these type of complaints ?
d) a question was asked if a second access could be provided to the GROVE ( from Padley Lane /Foxhill Road ).
It was suggested that this will not be possible for the boundary at the west side backed on to the rear access lane of the bungalows in Padleys Lane - and is the property of the owners
Have the BJPC considered a possible solution -- Suggestion- The BJPC should consider the approach to the Owners of these properties and provide them with some incentive and assurance in the form of an investment to improved their rear property security, together with renewed secure boundary fencing complete with lockable gates access into the GROVE locked and secured well before darkness
(v) BJPCC Public Information Requests
We congratulate the PC on its creation of a their own website to provide answers to Public Information request.
However !
We hope and trust that their responses to requests will be full and detailed in content and include greater clarity than the “laundered” information generally dispensed by similar projects operated by other and many Local, Regional and National Governmental administrations.
We should add that Burton Joyce Online and our earlier Burton Joyce Blogs have long canvassed for the introduction of such a facility for the Burton Joyce Community.
Indeed the ongoing absence of an independent, not- for- profit, all participating, all inclusive, community information service was instrumental in our decision to create and develop
BURTON JOYCE ONLINE as it is today
****We should also add that at this point in the Evening a member of the public raised the fact that there was NO provision within the agenda for a Planning Committee Report. - there was a few embarrassed faces on the top table. The responsible Councillor present for this Committee did say that as she was relatively new to the position the lady quite responsibly considered her experience was insufficient to add a contribution
Our questions now long after the meeting, would be in connection with the BJPC Budget for 2009/10 … - these obviously could not be explained at the meeting for the reason of the absence of the individuals equipped to provide the answers
a) Why is there a sum for the Parish Office when presumably there is unused space at the Poplars ( we guess - as the administration is non sports orientated the lease will not allow it ) -
b) Why is there such a large sum included for Contingencies ( at £4500 - double last years figure )
c) Why is the 2009/10 budget for Administration cost reduced by approx £2000 from that of the 2008/09 budget
d) Why has the General Maintenance cost escalated to £9000 from the previous years budget of £3800
e) Why is there a Contingency of £4500 . When last years figure was only £1988 . Is this to begin to establish a Reserve ?
Finally we would ask the questions
i) Does the Council ever consult and discuss with other Parish Councils on proceedural matters , cost control systems and alternate operational methods which may improve the operation and effectiveness of the BJPC ?
ii) Is there an attendance record for individual Councillors and available for public inspection - This would be helpful for the community to some assess the individual application of their representatives on the BJPC - it will be most useful at Election times and is a absolute necessity for "open" local Government
We should point out that in no way are these questions individually targeted, part of a "conspirity or witch hunt" nor adversarial.
In our opinion they are simply a necessary component for open government and the "all inclusive - all participating community " for which we strive
What this space for further instalments to come
HAVE WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU Part 4
Item 4 Severn Trent Water - Plans to erect a Wind Turbine monitoring mast at Stoke Bardolph
Quite frankly we could not see the purpose for including this in the Annual Parish meeting as the subject was discussed at the previous months BJPC meeting and is the has now a Planning application already submitted to Gedling .
Item 5 - Policing in Burton Joyce - an update from PC Simon Wells
It was reported that the anti social behaviour within the Village has decreased over the last period although there were signs that the CCTV installed in Netherfield and Carlton may well be driving some of the culprits form these areas into B J . there had been some minor incidents with the next generation early teenage children when on a break from School, but generally there did appear to be some improvement in the overall position .
There was ongoing investigations into the spate of Post Office raids in the area ( incl BJ) however details of the ongoing investigation were confidential.
We asked the Simon re the law in respect to “On Pavement parking by cars etc” and the “GOOD NEWS” for all the offenders is that you are NOT breaking the law for this particular action . However the “BAD NEWS” is that you ARE breaking the law if you are creating and obstruction .
This does create a problem at present in establishing the facts, particular CCTV is not yet installed and we do have a constant Foot Patrol presence. (Is is where we need to enlist the assistance of the Village pappi razzi ) to create a permanent and dated record proof of the offence?
A couple of the Councillors did not consider, it was a problem and that the elderly and infirmed could cope. We should take not of the community on this one for all invalid scooter driver DO NOT feel confident to use the road as an alternative. Nor should they have to
PC Simon Wells did say that where the Highway Dept had installed the new higher kerbstones there appeared to be a smaller number of cars adopting this practice however where cars did park on the pavement there was much was a greater chance that the pavement had sunk as a result. There was a possibility that the majority of the kerbstones in the village would be replaced.
As e mails with the BTCV by BJ Online had established that the BTCV the lack of attention to the Old School and Grounds was mainly directed at the fact that they had suffered attacks by local vandals over the last few months, it was asked of PC Simon Swells whether there had been many incident officially recorded - Answer NO ???
Incidentally 2 of the Councillors present commented on the fact that they were not aware of an unacceptable appearance/condition of the grounds - (Even though one of them had been recognised in the adjoining Chippie at lunchtime on that particular day - :-0)
Here is the response from the BTCV to BJ Online e mail
re the deteriarating/appearance condition of the OLD SCHOOL BUILDING and GROUNDS
“We make every effort to maintain and improve the premises with the limited resources available to us as a Registered Charity. We recently replaced the window on the gable end at Chestnut Grove at no small cost, and have a programme of window replacement and maintenance in place for the coming year which will see further improvements to the main building. The hard-surfaced areas of the grounds of the building are weeded and swept as regularly as we can manage, more often than not by our volunteers. The resources we do have available are often taken up dealing with the aftermath of vandalism and littering. While we are fortunate not to have suffered any major vandalism for a number of months now, frequent damage to windows and vehicles in particular have caused us to incur significant expense over the last few years, and unfortunately this does restrict the resources which we're able to commit to carrying out other desirable improvements.
I can appreciate that the aesthetic value of the old, prefabricated, classroom is limited to say the least. It is also intrinsically difficult to maintain owing to the antiquated method of its construction. We have tried to screen it with planting in the past, but have found that this provides cover for unwanted visitors in the evenings and leads to further vandalism. We are currently considering what options there may be to improve its appearance, but I would like to reiterate that our resources are limited.
The green areas of the grounds have also suffered greatly in recent times from vandalism. It is for this reason that we now have to lock both gates to the premises in the evenings, and why we are unable to provide the level of public access which we would like. The area to the rear, on the left as you look at the premises from Main Street, is our nursery plot which is used to raise native trees and flowers. Unfortunately we are no longer able to make full use of the polytunnel in this are due to persistent vandalism. The main green area is intended as a wildlife area. It contains many different features and habitats and has recently benefited from the production of a management plan which has been produced by a student as part of her studies towards NVQ Level 3 Environmental Conservation. As a result, we now have a schedule of management in place for this area, and you will note that the hedgerow to the left of the premises has recently been laid. This is a traditional form of hedgerow management which prolongs the life of the hedge and retains it values for wildlife. We also have a wildlife pond which teams with life, and plants in other areas are chosen for their value to native wildlife. The stack of deadwood is a habitat pile which is valuable for invertebrates. While I'm grateful for your suggestions of how this area can be "tidied up", you may perhaps understand that what appears as untidy to some, is actually a diverse wildlife habitat(indeed we've received a number of positive comments from local residents recently about how wonderful this area is looking)
Very interesting don’t you think? I wonder what his garden at home is like
Maybe we should approach "PERCY THROWER" one of our FORUM contributors to intervene and help out ! 
What this space for further instalments to come
HAVE WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU Part 5
Item 6 - The BJ Village Plan.
It should be stressed that this is not in any way a BJPC project it is administered by a completely independent village body, to which everyone is invited and can join
This item was presented by Fiona Hunter and a colleague.
The presentation updated, in general terms, the progress and consultation process with the public in early April at the village Hall and at the Three Village Gala event.
Fiona stressed that this important subject and venture was by nature a long term project, and that sometime in the future there will be the need for every household in the village to participate by canvassing via questionnaires, and hopefully by becoming involved in opinion and Focus Groups.
Item 7 Highways Agency - Response to queries raised
No Agency representative was present however it was suggested that as a body they will are willing to accept written questions
Item 8 Burton Joyce Community Group Reports -
Representation by local groups and societies
It is our understanding that in the past, it has been the policy to invite certain village community groups to give a relevant presentation on the annual progress and activities during the year
This year, those represented this year were
The Resident Association and the Preservation Society -
The Resident Association It is understood that the Residents Association was not invited although its Chair Person -the recently resigned Parish Councillor Julie O’Neil did attend . Her report was verbally presented, and endoresed by a written report copy which was handed to the committee for inclusion in meeting minutes.
The Residents Association presentation included detailed information on the progress of the
Nottinghamshire Replacement Minerals Plan
Flood Protection
Trent Valley River Park
Survey of Public Footpaths - extended in BJ and Bulcote
Consultations
It was quite obvious to all those at the meeting that the content of the BJRA's report was entirely Planning orientated and of major ongoing significance and consequence to our community a large - Yet the BJPC apparantly continue to push the subject to one side and leave the BJRA to fight the "battles" with the Local, Regional and National Administration and private enterprises who lookito disfigure our attractive country side location for individual gain
BJOnline will admit, we also have not been completely aware of , and the significance and sterling work undertaken by the BJRA, together with others to protect our local environment and fight the cause. However it will be remiss of us if we now do not now draw the attention of all our community to the work undertaken , over several years by this association of caring individuals. We therefore suggest that each and everyone of us familiarise ourselves by visiting the BJRA's website and reading back thro all the Archived Reports - this makes real enlightening reading and clearly illustrates why there was a need and p[urpose to creating this splendid "Fighting Machine" under the Chairmanship of Julie O'Neil
All information and updates, on and about the BJ residents Association updates at - http://www.bjra.org.ukPreservation Society
There was a presentation by this Society however we do have to make a profound apology for not including the name of the Presenter - regretfully we thought we had the information on file but alas No - Aah well! Sorrrry
The Preservation Society is still up and running quietly and effectively, with an attendance at the recent annual meeting around the 50 figure. The representative handed a typed report to the Chairman for his attention
AT THIS POINT THE MEETING CLOSED
IN CONCLUSION _
We were somewhat dissappointed with this 2009 Annual General Meeting ,for we expected full participation of all the BJPC members with greater specific detail in the presentation of the individual Agenda subjects plus relevant data, with an emphasis and explanation re achievements and missed targets and their contributing reasons ( cause and affect) .
The Annual General Meeting should present the opportunity to "Challenge and Scrutinize" and hold the Administration to account - in no way should this be considered adversarial it is simply true democracy at work
We were also most disappointed with the actual (virtually non existant) turnout of the community - (possibly they are much wiser then we give them credit for !! - )
Finally If in retrospect, it is established that we have not fulfilled our own brief, for accuracy , may we add that we will have no hesitation in apologising and rectifying the situation promptly. Should you the community or anyone have questions or points to raise - please do not hesitate in contacting us
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