Minutes of Meeting held on 10 April 2007

 

Present: Cllr Mrs J. Watson (Acting Chair), Cllr. H. Bryant, Cllr N Collingridge, Cllr Mrs J. Thom.

 

In attendance: A. Edmonds (Clerk). Mr & Mrs J. Hazel representing Woolmer Green Sports & Social Club

 

 

1.          Apologies for Absence: Apologies were received from Cllrs Mrs C. Evans and G. Daniels

2.          Minutes of Council Meeting on 13 March: The Minutes were agreed and signed as a correct record.

3.          Woolmer Green Sports & Social Club: Standing Orders were suspended while the Council discussed current matters concerning the Club with Mr & Mrs Hazel. The Council advised the Club on possible purchase of football goal nets. The Club explained that floodlighting the football pitch would prove prohibitively expensive and, therefore, the idea had been dropped. The Club outlined the plans for Village Day, which would be held on Saturday, 2 June, and confirmed that its insurance would be up-to-date.

4.          Planning: (Cllr. Thom)

a) Application 2007/364: Monread Lodge – The Clerk confirmed that he had written to WHC Planning, stating that the Council welcomed the project, but was mindful of the need to retain the two swathes of undeveloped land on each side of the location to prevent coalescence with Knebworth. It was also concerned about the sufficiency of car parking spaces.

b) Cllrs Collingridge and Watson reported on the meeting with representatives of Knebworth PC regarding the possible relocation of Chas Lowe & Son. Cllr Collingridge stated that he had a distant family interest in the land behind the Petit Forestier site on London Road, which could be a possible relocation site.

c) Decisions: No decisions had been received.

d) Application 2007/385 – Installation of new telecom mast for O2 at Robbery Bottom Lane. The Council had no objection.

e) 11 London Road – The Council noted that WHC Planning had now replied stating that they were aware of the new “To Let” sign and had advised the owners that planning permission was required for the advertising sign in New Road and the change of use. Cllr Bryant undertook to draft a further letter to WHC on this subject.

                                                                                                                              Action: Cllr Bryant

5.          Meetings attended by Councillors: Cllr Watson had attended a Public Meeting arranged by WHC concerning the activities of the Police in Woolmer Green, where it had been stated that there was no evidence of bad behaviour in the village. Cllr Watson had also attended a meeting concerning the launch of the Police Plan

6.          Correspondence: There was no correspondence requiring minuting..

7.      Grounds: (Cllr Evans)

         a) Playground Inspections - Cllr Watson tabled the inspection reports recently compiled by Cllr Evans and requested the Clerk to compare these with the recent inspection reports prepared by the official HSE Inspector.

         Action: Clerk

         b) Registration of Council Land – the Clerk reported that the Registry Office had pointed out that the exchange of land between Welwyn PC and D. Weatherhead (Estates) Ltd. a number of years ago had not been registered. The Clerk would raise this matter with Weatherheads and endeavour to arrange registration. Action: Clerk

6.      Hall: (Cllr. Watson)

a) Tables - The new tables should arrive soon.

b) Hall hiring rates - Cllr Watson reported that the proposed meeting with the Clerk and the Booking Clerk would take place soon.                                                                                                                       Action: Cllr Watson

7.      Finance: (Cllr.Daniels)

         a) Payments and Accounts for March – The Clerk reported that these were not yet available because the bank statement for March had not yet been received.

         b) Pay rates for Council staff for 2007/8 – The Clerk reported that the national pay rate increases had not yet been agreed and he, therefore, recommended that, until there was agreement, an increase of 2% be applied. This was agreed.

8.      Parish Plan: (Cllr. Daniels) Nothing to report.

9.      Publicity: (Cllr. Bryant) Nothing to report.

10.     Environment & Transport: (Cllr. Collingridge)

         a) Mardleybury Road Speed Limit – Cllr Collingridge had received a supportive reply from HCC Cllr Richard Smith to his recent letter on this subject.

         b) Mardleybury Road Gas Mains - The Clerk reported that he had written to the Chief Executive of National Grid plc on 2 April chasing a reply to his original letter of 23 January, but had not yet received a reply. He was asked to refer the matter to OFGAS if no reply was received in the next three weeks.                                                               Action: Clerk

         c) Footpath Map, Board & Leaflets - Cllr Collingridge produced a mock up map and the Council agreed that it would be improved with addition of pictures and/or drawings of local landmarks. Cllr Watson agreed to locate some drawings, which had been prepared some years ago. The Clerk reported that the Council had received a PPP Grant of £1,000 from HCC.

         d) Recycling Bins - Cllr Watson had invited Mr Durk Reyner to attend the Annual Parish Meeting.

11.     Computer: Cllr. Collingridge reported that the new computer would be operational before next month’s meeting. The Clerk reported the Council had received a Computer Grant of £675 from HAPTC.

12.     Pond: Nothing to report.

13.     Annual Parish Meeting: The format was discussed and agreed. Cllr Watson undertook to provide wine and soft drinks.

14.     Council Elections: The Council noted that only three existing and one new prospective Councillor had been nominated for election and, therefore, they would be returned unopposed. There would still be a need to co-opt two Councillors

15.     Good Neighbours Scheme: Cllr Collingridge mentioned that he had heard of a successful scheme in Suffolk. It was agreed to discuss this matter further at the next meeting.

17.     Next Meeting: Tuesday, 10 May, 2007.

 

 

AAE 11.04.07