[ Back to: Home Page | Parish Council ]
Draft minutes - to be approved at the next meeting
Minutes of a Meeting of the
__________________________________________________________________________________
Present:
Cllr Nelson Bowker (NB – Chairman) Cllr Peter Coleman (PC) Cllr Maurice Fitzpatrick (MF)
Cllr Beth Hendy (BH – Vice Chair) Cllr Tom Hoy (TH) (5)
Sue Wotton (SW – Clerk)
Gail Gosden (GG – Assistant Clerk / RFO)
4 members of the public.
Cllr Bowker (Chairman) asked if there were any questions from the public – there was one question raised, the Chairman advised that the item was on the agenda for discussion. There was also one comment made.
Cllr Bowker opened the meeting at 7.40pm.
Apologies for Absence
Cllr Mike Evans – otherwise engaged
Cllr Marylin Grant – illness
Cllr Derek Hobson – flight delayed
Cllr Peter Parvin – attending another meeting ~
PC Stuart Thomas – early shift, unable to attend
17. Co-option of Remaining Member to Parish Council
Following advertising via the Parish notice boards and personal approaches to fill the remaining place on the Council, Fay Rouse agreed to become the last co-opted member. Cllr Bowker proposed co-opting Fay, which was unanimously agreed. He thanked Cllr Rouse for volunteering and welcomed her to the Parish Council. He confirmed that she is a full Councillor, as if elected, with full voting rights, etc.
(i) Declaration of Acceptance of Office
Cllr Rouse signed a Declaration of acceptance of Office.
(ii) Register of Interest Forms
Cllr Rouse completed and signed the register of interest form.
18. Personal & Prejudicial Interests ( i.e. Pecuniary / Non-Pecuniary)
Cllr Bowker – Neighbourhood Watch
19. Minutes of the Meeting held 14th May 2007
Cllr Coleman advised that there was an error on page three, the location of the repaired fencing should read; ‘fencing to the east side’ Cllr Hendy proposed the Minutes as being a true record, seconded by Cllr Coleman, and was signed by the Chairman Cllr Bowker.
20. Actions / Matters Arising from Meeting held 14th May 2007
Assistant Clerk told Councillors that she had received advice from KAPC about the requirement to publicise the Notice of the Code of Conduct, and that it was acceptable to place the notice on their regular notice board, use their website and display via community newspapers.
Cllr Hoy asked about the Councillors Information Day on the 16th June, Assistant Clerk confirmed that a place had been booked for him to attend.
21. Minutes of Annual General Meeting held 14th May 2007
It was resolved that the minutes from the AGM would be agreed for accuracy this evening but would be ratified at the next AGM. Proposed by Cllr Coleman, seconded by Cllr Hendy and agreed by all.
22. Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held 14th May 2007
It was resolved that the minutes from the Annual Parish Meeting would be agreed for accuracy this evening but would be ratified at the next APM. Proposed by Cllr Coleman, seconded by Cllr Hendy and agreed by all.
23. Policing
(i) Police report and crime figures from PC Thomas
Crimes reported 10/05/07 to 04/06/07
PC Thomas also reported that a motorbike had been stopped whilst being used on the Sports Field on 03/06/07 and a local resident was issued with a S.59 Warning and had been advised that the bike could be seized if caught again. PC Thomas has no further information on when the Parish PCSO will be in place, but it is not likely to be until towards the end of this year.
(ii) Neighbourhood Watch
Cllr Bowker had no additional information.
24.
No report - Councillor Peter Parvin not present (see apologies above) ~
25. Planning
Applications:
(i) MA/07/0905 - Great Ivy Cottage,
(ii) MA/07/0906 - Great Ivy Cottage,
(iii) MA/07/0959 – Sylvan Crest,
(iv) MA/070927 – Residential Unit at Chartwood, Gravelly
Full Planning permission – internal and external alterations to existing residential unit to provide a two-bedroom bungalow. Planning Committee meeting 21.05.07 Refuse
(Clerk reported that at 15.06pm today (4th) she had received a telephone message from Mark Pullen, MBC Planning Officer, stating that the application in respect of Chartwood has been withdrawn)
Applications Received Since Publication of Notice / Agenda:
MA/07/1018 – 17 Cayser Drive,
MA/07/1024 – Oaklands, Gravelly
MA/07/1076 – ‘Goodwood’
Planning Committee Meeting arranged for Monday 11th June at 2.0pm at the Village Hall Car Park.
26. Finance Officer’s Report – see attached report
(i) Invoices for payment:
£ Chq No
Clerk – Work & expenses 20th April – 20th May 2007 522.32 1293
Ass. Clerk/RFO Gosden – work & expenses 20th April – 20th May 2007 389.36 1295
Inland Revenue - PAYE for SW & GG 251.47 1296
Inland Revenue -Interest 10.73 1297
Spot Hire Travel – Deposit Coach Hire re: Pensioner’s Trip 50.00 1298
Middle Farm – Deposit Cream Teas re: Pensioners’ Trip 50.00 1299
Kevin Funnel - Training re: RFO 75.00 1300
Playdale – Supply of play equipment 1656.97 1301
Cllr Hendy proposed the payments be ratified, seconded by Cllr Coleman and agreed by all.
(ii) Invoices for payment, to be ratified at the next meeting:
Playdale – Installation of Play Equipment 1526.33 1302
Clive Stanley Associates – Parish Website 545.86 1303
AON Insurance – Renewal of annual policy 720.32 1304*
(iii) Other:
Cllr Coleman has been informed that there is a bank account still open with funds available from the Parish Youth Club, which has now ceased. Cllr Coleman has asked for further details but these have not been received yet. He recommends that any residual funds be transferred to the CANS Youth Club.
ACTION – Cllr Coleman
Cllr Hendy was concerned with the problems being experienced regarding communications with the current Accountants and suggested that the Parish Council might consider changing Accountants. Assistant Clerk advised that there are some items that still need to be resolved, therefore any changes should be considered at a later stage - agreed. The Assistant Clerk is writing to the Accountants requesting an appointment to discuss issues causing concern and will deliver the letter by hand.
The Clerk advised the Council that she had looked
closely at the existing policy with
27. Areas of Responsibility and Clerks’ Hours
The Clerk suggested that as there were several Councillors unable to attend tonight’s meeting that this item should be carried forward to the next meeting – agreed by all. ACTION - Clerk
28. Website Update
The Clerk has received an invoice for the cost of creating the website, from Clive Stanley, and is due to meet with Mr. Stanley on Wednesday (6th June) for an update. The Clerk has also received an e-mail from a resident congratulating the PC and Mr Stanley on the quality of the website. Mr. Stanley has installed a web link with KAPC and has also contacted the local BBC to request a link from their website. Cllr Hendy asked if there has been much support from local organisations and the Clerk informed the meeting that she would be forwarding all relevant details from various organisations that were included at the Annual Parish Meeting.
29. July Edition Echo
Councillors agreed that a July edition of the Echo should be published to include details of the new Council, including names, telephone numbers and e-mails, it will also include the Clerks’, Peter Parvin’s details as Ward Councillor and PC Stuart Thomas’ contact details. The Notice regarding the adoption of the new Code of Conduct will also be included, together with details of the new Parish Council website. Cllr Hendy agreed to produce this edition. ACTION – Cllr Hendy
30. Recreation & Sports Field
(i) Ratification of Contracts – Sports Field Committee Meeting held 21st May
There has been some confusion over which contractor is to maintain the two play areas within the Sports Field and the meeting on the 21st May confirmed that Mr. P Tweddell would be responsible for the area inside the two play areas whilst Mr. Waring will care for the rest of the Sports Field. Assistant Clerk confirmed that she had requested Mr. Tweddell to quote for re-siting of the kerbstones adjacent to the new gate in front of the Scout Hut, to allow wheelchair and double buggy access to the Sports Field.
(ii) Update re: Playdale equipment & fencing issues
Cllr Hendy reported that the installation of Phase II of the Playdale play equipment was now complete, but there are concerns that the space remaining is not sufficient for further play equipment to be placed in the centre of that provided by Playdale due to there being some confusion over the placing of the new perimeter fence, in accordance with Playdale’s plans supplied to Mr Sims.
Cllr Coleman reported that Mr. Sims will be installing concrete supports for the new double gates sited at the front of the Scout Hut as people have been swinging on them, causing them to sag. Mr Sims will also commence the replacement and repairs to the fence on the North side of the Sports Field – work expected start date next week.
31. Pensioners’ Trip – 26th June
The Clerk reported that the trip has proved popular again this year and
there are now only 2 /3 places still available. The coach is booked and due to leave
Kingswood Village Hall at 9.30am for a day at
Cllr Bowker closed the meeting for a break at 21.20, the meeting resumed at 21.40
32. Sewage Issues
Cllr Fitzpatrick gave a detailed report to the Councillors, updating them on the outcome of the MTS survey on the 15th May. Cllr Fitzpatrick will liaise with the Clerk to prepare a report for the next meeting
ACTION - Cllr Fitzpatrick / Clerk
33. Tall Trees Play Area
Assistant Clerk informed Councillors that she had been unable to contact the Planning Officer dealing with this application, but was in the process of compiling the report required for re-submission of the Planning Application. A report has also been received from residents of the neighbouring property regarding the overgrown condition of the area and Cllr Coleman asked that Mr. Tweddell be requested to cut and clear it. ACTION - Ass Clerk
34. Twinning Project and Signs
Cllr Coleman reported that he and Cllr Fitzpatrick had attended the last meeting of the Twinning Committee and that consideration is still being given regarding the design of the Twinning signs. Cllr Coleman asked if the proposed sign could be featured in the next edition of the Echo.
35. Illegal
Dumping,
Cllr Fitzpatrick reported that he had met with Karen Broome the MBC
Planning Enforcement Officer and Martyn Jeynes the Head of Environmental Health
about the problems in
ACTION - Cllr Fitzpatrick / Clerk
36. Correspondence File - Clerk
(i) Yalding Parish Council – Planning Enforcement Issues. Cllr Hendy would like a letter of support from the Parish Council to be sent. ACTION - Clerk
(ii) Letter from Dr Felicity Simpson, CPRE, re: KIG. It was agreed that the details would be included in the July Echo for the information of residents. ACTION- Cllr Hendy
(iii) Letter re: Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation Assessment – Seminar Weds 20th June,
2.0pm – 4.0pm, Lenham Community Centre – Cllr Coleman and Cllr Bowker will attend, Clerk to inform organisers. ACTION - Clerk
37. Items for next Meeting’s Agenda
(i) Meeting with Kate Harlock, Highways Liaison Officer - Clerk
(ii) Footpaths Officer – Cllr Coleman
(iii) Areas of responsibility – Clerk
(iv) Sewage Issues – Cllr Fitzpatrick
(v) Illegal
dumping and waste burning,
(vi) The August Parish Council Meeting
38. Any Other Business
(i) The Clerk requested Village Hall representative, Cllr Hoy, to ask the committee if the PC could have a key to the Hall as she had encountered problems with accessing the Hall for tonight’s meeting.
(ii) Refurbishment of the Village Hall might render it unavailable for the August meeting.
(iii) Kate Harlock from Kent Highways Services is to liase with the Clerk about attending the July meeting.
(iv) A/Clerk
reported that the fence in
(v) Cllr
Fitzpatrick had spoken to PC Thomas about a local resident driving a
ride-on-mower across roads and pavements in
39. Parish Council Meetings
The next Meeting of the Parish Council will be held at Kingswood Village Hall on Monday 2nd July at 7.30pm
Cllr Bowker closed the meeting at 10.33pm.
__________________________________________________________________________