Minutes of Meeting of Woolmer Green Parish Council
Held on 14 June 2005
Present: Cllr H Bryant (Chair), Cllr G Daniels, Cllr Mrs J Watson, Cllr Mrs C Evans,
Cllr D Marriott
In attendance: Mr A Edmonds (Clerk), Mrs F Young (Minutes Secretary), Members
of the Public
1. Apologies for Absence: Received from Cllr Mrs J Thom.
2. Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting on 12 April: These had been circulated and were signed as a correct record.
3. Minutes of Meeting held 10 May: These had been circulated and were signed as a correct record.
4. Minutes of Extra Meeting held 24 May: These had been circulated and were signed as a correct record.
5. Responsibilities of Cllrs: These would continue as before. However, Cllr Marriott gave notice of his possible resignation later in the year.
6. Meetings Attended by Councillors: Cllrs Watson and Bryant attended the District Council Meeting. Cllr Watson attended a meeting with the Police regarding young villagers and also a meeting about young people attended by officers from Welwyn Hatfield Council.
7.
Report on cars being torched in Longmead: Residents gave a report on the torching of 4 cars in
Longmead in June. The police and fire brigade attended the incidents.
However, it was thought the criminal(s) returned to take a number plate and
place a newspaper on one burnt car the following day. Cllr Bryant responded he
would get in touch with PC Budd and the District council to highlight the
problem. Cllr Watson will visit Longmead and make a list of pertinent issues.
The residents said locks on garages were a priority followed by hedge trimming
for security and safety (both the responsibility of the District Council). The
installation of CCTV and a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme were also suggested.
Cllr Watson had recently started two Incident Books in which all future
disturbances can be logged Ð one would be located at the hall and the other
with her.
Action: Cllrs Bryant, Watson
8. Private Access to Council Land: The Clerk was awaiting a further reply from the solicitors of the one case still outstanding. Eight cases have been resolved. The Clerk had contacted the Secretary of the Twin Foxes Residents Association about their access to council land, and he is currently consulting the Committee.
9. Highways Dept Work: The Clerk will again ask the Highways Dept about progress repairs and the repainting of road signs. Action: Clerk
10. Hall Fabric and Transport: (Cllr Marriott)
a. Cllr Watson reported there had been problems with recent large parties leaving quantities of rubbish. An additional charge of £20 would be made for large evening parties and a larger rubbish bin would be hired. The rubbish cupboard door had been vandalised. This had now been repaired and a padlock fitted. A quote for a padlocked, roll-up door would be obtained. Action: Cllr Watson
b. Special thanks was due to Geoff Cox for repairing the urn at no cost. A replacement urn would need to be purchased soon and a quote would be obtained.
c. Dave Castle was thanked for the excellent job of repairing tables at a very reasonable cost.
d. There were new complications of fire exit safety concerning the enlargement of the cupboard. Cllr Watson was looking into the matter. Action: Cllr Watson
11. Hall Management: (Cllr Watson)
a. A quote for a new carpet would be obtained shortly. Action: Cllr Marriott
b. A TV licence for the hall would also be obtained. Action: Cllr Watson
12. Hall Grounds: (Cllr Evans) Following the ROSPA inspection of playgrounds, it was noted that all the equipment was in good condition except for the roundabout which required urgent action as the ground clearance was incorrect. The Clerk will write to the manufacturers asking for the installation to be corrected. Cllr Watson would seek out a maintenance person to keep the equipment lubricated. Action: Clerk, Cllr Watson
13. Environment: (Cllr Bryant) The new contact for PPP was Heidi Hutton and various items around the village had been brought to her attention. Cllr Watson will write regarding the 4 litter bins which need replacement. Action: Cllr Watson
14. Publicity (Cllr Daniels)
a. Parish Plan: A questionnaire had been compiled and will be circulated to the Parish Plan Group this week, with a view to sending to all households next month.
b. Village of the Year: The judges will be touring the village this Thursday, 16 June between 9.30-10.15 am. The results should be known by the end of the month.
c. Website and Newsletter: More information has been added to the website.
15. Planning (Cllr Watson for Cllr Thom)
a. Application Ð 666FP23 New Road: Rear Conservatory: no objections
b. Application - 681FP Mardleybury Manor: new brick boundary walls: no objections
16. Finance: Payments for May had been circulated; Cllr Bryant proposed they be signed and Cllr Evans seconded this. The Accounts for April/May had been circulated; Cllr Bryant proposed they be signed and Cllr Daniels seconded this. Cllr Watson had circulated a redraft of the Financial Procedures and she would copy and send round the Staff Expenses Policy. The internal auditor, Mr K. Barton, had examined and approved the Accounts for the year ended 31/3/05 for submission to the external auditors, Lubbock Fine, who will receive the accounts on 30th June. The form to accompany them was approved by all Councillors and signed by Cllrs Bryant and Daniels.
17. Village Day: Additional activities and volunteers were being identified and coordinated by the Entertainments Committee.
18. Young Villagers: Due to the cancellation of the last meeting, a new one will be arranged for first week in July.
19. Book of Woolmer Green: Although sales were slow it was felt the price and amount of stock were appropriate. Storage of stock will be arranged in the hall.
20.
Farmers Market: (Cllr
Marriott) Sales had been
less buoyant than the first market but still good. As the Farmers Markets were
intended as a village event rather than a money making venture the Parish
Council continued to be pleased with its success. Stall-holders would be
charged a reduced rate of £15 with the kitchen services remaining as they are.
21.
Theatre in the Villages: No
further action.
22. Procedures at Extra Meetings: Cllr Daniels pointed out that Standing Orders stated that no extraneous matters should be discussed at Extra Meetings unless under exceptional circumstances. This was agreed.
23. New Licensing Laws: Different councils are interpreting these in different ways. Cllr Watson will be discussing then at the next HAPTC meeting where issues can in clarified and supported by a more powerful body.
24. Red Lion Public House: A complaint from a resident concerning music playing
beyond licensed hours had been sent to the Parish Council, District Council and
the owners, Punch Taverns. A minor incident had taken place outside the Pub
recently and the police called, however, a large crowd of spectators lingered.
These events would be added to the new Incident Book. Cllr Marriott would
check if there was a police incident number available for logging. A file of
documents relating to the Incident Book would also be compiled.
Action: Cllr Marriott, Watson
25. Tree Preservation Orders: Although a plan of trees subject to TPO exists it needs updating and Cllr Watson will write to the Welwyn Hatfield Council Planning Department concerning this. Mrs Fowler, 50 Carvers Croft, was thanked for her letter regarding the felling of her poplar tree. Action: Cllr Watson
26. New Government Regulations re Litter, Parking, Noisy Neighbours: Deferred to next meeting
27. Any Other Business: Cllr Watson will send around proposals regarding the appointment of our own District Councillor and the division of Woolmer Green into an east and west ward. The Clerk is completing the application for the conversion of the Hall Licence.
28. Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday 12 July 2005.
Mrs Fiona Young, Minutes Secretary
Woolmer Green Parish Council