Minutes of Meeting held on 12 September 2006
Part I
Present: Cllr G Daniels (Chair), Cllr N Collingridge, Cllr Mrs C Evans, Cllr Mrs J Thom, Cllr Mrs J Watson.
In attendance: A A Edmonds (Clerk). There were no members of the public
1. Apologies for Absence: None received
2. Minutes of Council Meeting on 11 July: The minutes had been circulated and were signed as a correct record.
3. Meetings Attended by Councillors: Cllr Watson had attended the WHC Parish & Town Councils Meeting on 11 September. Special Expenses had been discussed and she had asked for further information to be provided. There were proposals for plastic recycling. Regarding Planning, all applications and decisions were now available on the website. A seminar on Planning would be run in a couple of monthsÕ time. The Welwyn Hatfield Corporate Plan had been presented and Cllr Watson will prepare comments on it. Cllr Daniels had attended a meeting with the Rev. Julia Boothby and reported that the ÒFriends of St. MichaelÕs Churchyard" had not yet been formed, because there was nobody to run it. Cllr Collingridge had attended a meeting with Countryside Management Service regarding the PPP programme and reported that Bridleway 9 would soon be top dressed.
4. Developments regarding the Pond: It was agreed that, subject to a review of the minutes of the recent meeting with the Countryside Management Service and the Environment Agency, action would be taken to register the CouncilÕs interest at the Land Registry.
5. Planning: (Cllr Thom) a) Applications: There were no Applications. b) Decisions: N6 2006 940/941 FP 3/4 Garden Close: Permission granted. N6 2006 790 FP 11 Holly Road: Refused. It was agreed to write to the applicants stating that, if they intended to appeal, the Council would support them. Action: Clerk
6. Hall (Cllr Watson)
a) Work on marking the Tennis Court had been completed by F Cooper & Son at a cost of only £90 + VAT.
b) The redecoration of the exterior and interior of the Hall had also been completed at a cost of £5,950 + VAT
c) Re-upholstery of chairs – work completed and the Council agreed that the results were excellent. d) New set of Football nets had been purchased at a cost of £50 + VAT e) New hire charges and booking conditions proposed by Cllr Watson were agreed. e) Hall proposal from Cllr Daniels – deferred to next meeting. f) Storage Container – A quote of £3,000 + VAT had been obtained for the construction of a brick-built store, which the Council agreed would be preferable to the steel container previously considered. The Clerk was asked to find out whether planning permission would be required. Action: Clerk
7. Grounds: (Cllr Evans)
a) New Play Equipment - Cllrs Evans and Watson had viewed a display of new equipment on 14 July, but found it difficult to choose. They now proposed to consult Esther Rowlands of the Groundwork Trust, who might also be able to assist in obtaining a grant. This action was agreed. Action: Cllrs Evans & Watson
b) Horse Chestnut Disease – Cllr Evans suggested, and the Council agreed, that the Tree Warden be asked to identify the location of these trees in the village and to report on whether they represented a danger. Action: Clerk c) Hedge at Garden Road Playground – The Clerk was asked to request Durk Reyner to attend to this Action: Clerk
8. Environment & Transport: (Cllr Collingridge)
a) Mardleybury Road Speed Limit – Cllr Collingridge reported that Herts Highways were now investigating this matter.
b) Road Safety - Cllr Collingridge had prepared photos and maps concerning road safety on London Road in readiness for a meeting with local residents. Thursday, 12 October, was agreed as the date of the meeting, which would be publicised in the Newsletter. Action: Cllrs Collingridge & Watson
c) 6 Mardleybury Court – Cllr Watson confirmed that the occupant had cut back the overgrowing shrub.
d) 43 London Road – Cllr Watson advised that ivy at this property was overhanging Lisles Passage. The Clerk was asked to write to the occupant. Action: Clerk
e) Footpath Board & Leaflets – It was estimated that these would cost about £3,850 and Cllr Collingridge agreed to progress an application for a grant to cover the cost. Action: Cllr Collingridge
9. Publicity:
a) Christmas Cards design competition – It was agreed to have 25 cards printed, i.e. sufficient for the CouncilÕs own use. Action: Cllr Watson
b) Calendars – It was agreed to print 100 copies as last year. Action: Cllr Watson
10. Parish Plan: (Cllr Daniels)
Cllr Daniels advised that the results of the Parish Plan questionnaire had now been summarised and was ready for distribution to all households. Action: Cllr Daniels
11. Finance:
The Payments and Accounts for July and August had been circulated and were unanimously agreed following a proposal by Cllr Daniels, seconded by Cllr Watson.
12. War Memorial Refurbishment: Cllr Watson will continue to endeavour to contact a stonemason to undertake the necessary work. Action: Cllr Watson
13. Aerial Photography and Mapping of the Village: Cllr Collingridge reported the service was of little practical use and recommended that the subscription should not be renewed. This was agreed.
14. Visit to House of Commons: There was no result from the Village Day inquiry and the matter was deferred.
15. Charity Cheque for James and Keeley: The Clerk was asked to draw a cheque for £25 in favour of Breast Cancer Research and to advise James and Keeley of this action. Action: Clerk
16. Entertainments Committee: Cllr Watson had circulated the minutes of the committee meeting held on 1 September.
17. HAPTC Response to East of England Plan: This had been circulated and it was agreed that no action was necessary.
18. Computer Grant: Cllr Watson agreed to progress the application for a grant to finance the setting up of a computer in the Village Hall with broadband connection. Action: Cllr Watson
19. Correspondence: Cllr Watson had circulated details of correspondence received.
20. Other business: It was agreed to recommend PCSO Katherine Bayes for the Community Safety Officer of the Year Award 2006. Action: Cllr Watson
21. Next Meeting: Tuesday, 10 October, 2006.
(Not for publication)
AAE 18.9.06