Ferrensby Village Meeting Minutes – May 16, 2024

Ferrensby Village Meeting Minutes – May 16, 2024

Location: Arkendale Village Hall

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1. Opening and Apologies
   • The chair opened the meeting and gave apologies.
2. Approval of Previous Minutes
   • The minutes from the Autumn meeting were agreed.
3. Election of New Officers
   • Jonathan Pow was elected as the new chair.
   • Julie McKay was elected as the new clerk.
   • Both were proposed, seconded, and agreed upon by the attendees.
4. Bank Account Signatories
   • It was proposed and agreed to instate Jonathan Pow and Julie McKay as joint signatories on the village meeting bank account. This will enable financial matters to be handled efficiently.
5. Notification Issue
   • It was noted that one village member had not received notification of the meeting. Apologies were offered.
6. Finance Report
   • The outgoing chair reported that the village account has a balance of £6,545.00.
   • The precept was set at the usual amount.
   • The outgoing chair will complete this year’s audit.
   • There are additional funds given by developers and held by North Yorks County, currently ring-fenced for the pond. Efforts will be made to establish the nature, location, and amount of this funding.
7. Traffic Concerns
   • Councillor Robert Windass informed the meeting that he had contacted the Highways Department about the speed of traffic through the village.
   • Positive views were expressed about installing picket fencing at the village entry signs, particularly on Farnham Lane, similar to those at Scotton. This would need to be funded, erected, and maintained by the village, with some volunteers already stepping forward.
   • Councillor Windass agreed to fund an illuminated speed sign if the village would also fund one, at an approximate cost of £3,000.
   • The rumble strips will be reassessed.
8. Village Entry Maintenance
   • Villagers agreed to maintain the area around each of the village entry signs.
   • Some villagers suggested that chicanes would be more effective at slowing traffic.
   • Current demarcation aids are seen as more achievable and might encourage cautious driving.
9. Planning Applications and Village Aesthetics
   • Some domestic planning applications are listed and ongoing.
   • The application for an asphalt plant next to the recycling facilities is still under consideration, and villagers are encouraged to register their opinions.
   • The General Tarleton is on the market, with hopes it can be reinstated as a local pub to serve as a social hub.
   • Appreciation was expressed for those maintaining verges and hedges, with volunteers always welcome to assist in maintaining the village green.
   • Some verges have been planted with bulbs and wildflowers, positively impacting the village’s aesthetics and environment.
10. Defibrillator Information
    • Much of the paperwork has only just come into the hands of the new clerk, including defibrillator information, which is now a top priority.
11. Play or Social Space
    • Suggestions for available spaces in the village for play or social activities were discussed and will be followed up.
12. Communication Methods
    • WhatsApp was agreed upon as a useful method for interim communication between meetings.
    • The village notice board will post notices, agendas, and minutes of meetings. Meetings remain the primary focus for discussion and voting.
    • A record of contact email addresses is ongoing.
13. Encouragement for Involvement
    • As we conclude this meeting, we encourage all villagers to get involved in the initiatives discussed today. Your participation is vital in shaping the future of our community. Let’s take small, incremental steps together to improve our environment and strengthen our community for the benefit of all. Your ideas, contributions, and support are invaluable in making Ferrensby a better place to live.
14. Closure
    • The meeting closed at 8:15 PM.