Minutes of Meeting held on 13 June 2006
Present: Cllr Mrs J Watson (Acting Chair), Cllr H Bryant, Cllr N Collingridge, Cllr Mrs C Evans.
In attendance: A A Edmonds (Clerk), Inspector Paul Hart of Herts Constabulary (part time), Members of the Public
1. Apologies for Absence: Received from Cllr G Daniels and Cllr Mrs J Thom
2. Minutes of Council Meeting on 9 May: The minutes had been circulated and were signed as a correct record.
3. Minutes of Extra Council Meeting on 30 May: The minutes had been circulated and were signed as a correct record.
4. Meetings Attended by Councillors: No meetings had been attended
5. Police Community Support Officers: Inspector Paul Hart, Community Inspector for Welwyn & Hatfield, gave a video presentation of the work of PCSOs in Hertfordshire. He explained that a Council could obtain a dedicated PCSO for its area for an investment of 50% of the full cost of £28,500 p.a. or a share of the services of a PCSO could be obtained by sharing the 50% charge with a neighbouring Council. He emphasised that there was no suggestion that Woolmer Green could lose the existing share of the PCSO currently covering this parish plus Welwyn and the Ayots. However, she could only work for 40 hours a week. Inspector Hart was thanked for his talk and the Council agreed that, although it could not afford the full-time services of another PCSO, it might be possible to make a sharing arrangement with Welwyn and the Ayots.
6. Developments regarding the Pond: It was noted that the Clerk had asked HAPTC for legal advice on questions of responsibility for the pond, but it was expected that this would not be received until about 26 June. Cllr Watson had contacted the Environment Officer at HCC for advice and his response was awaited. In the meantime, it was agreed that no action could be taken regarding the fishing at the pond or the pollarding of the willows.
7. Planning: There were no Decisions to report or Applications to consider.
8. Hall (Cllr Watson)
a) Work on Tennis Court – a quotation of £410 + VAT had been received for repairing the chain-link fencing and replacing and repairing the kick boards where necessary. It was agreed to obtain another quote for just repairing the fencing..
b) Re-upholstery of chairs – This would proceed as soon as there was a week with no functions requiring the use of the chairs.
d) Quotes were being obtained for necessary redecoration of the exterior and interior of the Hall.
e) Land Registry – This was awaiting the receipt of documents from the solicitors.
9. Grounds: (Cllr Evans)
a. Play Equipment - The new parts had been ordered from Playdale and were expected soon. Cllr Evans did not now consider that Groundwork Hertfordshire would be able to help in putting together a request for funding for older childrenÕs play equipment on the Village Hall site. Views on the type of equipment wanted would be elicited on Village Day. Action: Cllr Evans
b. Marking of Tennis Courts - New quotes were being obtained. Action: Clerk
c. 5-a-side Football – Cllr Watson reported that this was becoming very popular, but there was a problem in storing the nets. She had suggested that if the Sports & Social Club supplied and erected a suitable storage bunker at the back of the Hall, the Council might be prepared to contribute 50% of the cost. The Council agreed to this.
10. Environment & Transport: (Cllr Collingridge)
a. Front Garden Competition – This had been mentioned in the Newsletter and will be included in a flyer concerning Village Day. It was agreed that judging would be carried out during the first week of July and the prize awarded on Village Day. Cllr Collingridge said he would ask Van Hage to donate a prize. Each Councillor would decide the best front garden in the areas shown below and the best of these six gardens would then be selected by all the Councillors. Cllr Bryant Wickfield Close/Longmead Cllr Collingridge New Rd/Garden Rd Cllr Daniels Bridge Rd/Strawplaiters Cl Cllr Evans Twin Foxes Cllr Thom Carvers Croft/Mardleybury Rd Cllr Watson Oak Rd/Birch Rd/Holly Rd/Broadfield
b. Mardleybury Road Speed Limit – Cllr Collingridge declared a personal interest, because he resides there. Cllr Collingridge tabled a reply he had received from Paul Davies, Asst District Manager, Welwyn Hatfield Team, to his letter to Hertfordshire Highways stating that a lower speed limit could only be introduced on a road that serves 10 or more dwellings. Cllr Collingridge had replied to Mr Davies strongly disputing the validity of this criterion and emphasising the strength of local feeling on the matter. The Council fully endorsed this view and the Clerk was asked to forward the correspondence to County Cllr Richard Smith. Action: Clerk
c. Cllr Watson reported that she had asked for edging up of the pavement to be carried out at both ends of London Road in the village, but had been advised that, because of budgetary difficulties, this work was unlikely to be carried out for another 3 or 4 years. She will continue to press for earlier action. Action: Cllr Watson
11. Publicity: (Cllr Bryant)
Christmas Card design competition - Cllr Evans proposed a 1st Prize of £15 and 2nd Prize of £10. This was agreed. Cllr Watson advised that the cost of printing the cards would be 25p per card with envelopes.
12. Parish Plan:
The Council agreed that it would be desirable for the results of the Parish Plan Questionnaire to be available at the Village Day and for the results to be published in the local press, because, once these had been published, work could begin on forming action groups to determine and achieve the aims of the Plan. Cllr Watson will try to prepare a draft report on the results of the Questionnaire from the CD made by Cllr Daniels. Action: Cllrs Daniels/ Watson
13. Finance:
The Payments and Accounts for May had been circulated and were unanimously agreed.
22 War Memorial Refurbishment: Cllr Watson advised that the pillar was still in an unsatisfactory condition. Jeff Jackson has promised £200 towards the refurbishment in memory of his mother who died recently. Cllr Watson will endeavour to contact a stonemason to undertake the necessary work. Action: Cllr Watson
23 Aerial Photography and Mapping of the Village: The Council hoped that Cllr Daniels would be able to make the computer programme available on Village Day. Cllr Collingridge expressed a desire to review the programme.
Action: Cllr Daniels
24 Village of the Year Competition: Cllr Watson reminded the Council that the Judges would be visiting the village on Friday, 16 June, and she hoped that Cllr Daniels would be available to join her in meeting them. There were a number of suggestions of subjects to be mentioned to the Judges and Cllr Collingridge offered to assist Cllr Watson in preparing a presentation. Action: Cllrs Watson, Daniels & Collingridge
25 Upkeep of St MichaelÕs Church Cemetery: Following the discussion at the last regular meeting, the Clerk reported that, subject to certain formalities, the Council could legally spend up to £3.50 per resident elector, i.e. about £3,600, for any purpose which in its opinion is in the interests of or will benefit its inhabitants or some of them. The Council will consider at its next meeting whether it wishes to make use of this facility.
26 Visit to House of Commons: Cllr Bryant reminded the Council of the offer by Grant Shapps, MP, to host a party from the village to a visit the House of Commons. It was agreed that this offer should be given more publicity and a stall to collect the names of interested persons should be available on Village Day.
27 Correspondence: Cllr Watson reported that the proposed District Council Policy on Gambling, the Report on Accessibility Strategy and the Submission Statement of Community Involvement had been received and it was agreed that she should reply on behalf of the Council..
28 Next Meeting: Tuesday, 11 July, 2006.
AAE 14.6.06