Minutes of Meeting held on 10 October 2006
Part I
Present: Cllr Mrs J Watson (Acting Chair), Cllr H Bryant, Cllr N Collingridge, Cllr Mrs C Evans, Cllr Mrs J Thom.
In attendance: A A Edmonds (Clerk). Members of the public
1. Apologies for Absence: Cllr G Daniels
2. Minutes of Council Meeting on 12 September: The minutes had been circulated and were signed as a correct record.
3. Meetings Attended by Councillors: Cllr Watson had attended a meeting on 11 September at Knebworth concerning the possibility of building on Green Belt land. Cllr Watson had also attended a presentation regarding Gypsy and Traveller Sites at Welwyn Hatfield Council and circulated a summary of the meeting. Cllr Collingridge had attended a meeting with Datchworth Parish Council regarding the possibility of entering into a joint project to produce a footpaths map, board and leaflets.
4. Developments regarding the Pond: Cllr Watson advised that she would be registering the CouncilÕs interest at the Land Registry on 12 October..
5. Planning: (Cllr Thom) a) Decisions: There were no decisions to report. b) Applications: N6 06/1287 FP – 24 Bridge Road: single storey enclosed porch extension. No objection..
6. Hall (Cllr Watson)
a) Cllr Watson reported that the hot water boiler had failed and a new one would be installed at a cost of £700.
b) The Clerk reported that he had made arrangements to visit the Land Registry on 12 October to register the CouncilÕs interest in the Hall grounds and the Jolly Garden
c) Storage Container – The Clerk reported that he had been advised by WHC that planning permission would be required for the proposed brick-built extension to the Hall. Action: Clerk
7. Grounds: (Cllr Evans)
a) New Play Equipment – Groundwork Trust had produced a proposal for one weekÕs activities for the 10-16 year age group at a cost of £6,300. It was agreed that this was far too expensive and Cllr Evans agreed to advise the Trust. Action: Cllr Evans
b) Inspection of Playground Equipment – Cllr Evans offered to compile an inspection list and Cllrs offered to inspect on a rota system. Cllr Evans agreed to check on the notices displayed by Welwyn Parish Council.
Action: Cllr Evans
c) Hedge at Garden Road Playground – The Clerk had requested Durk Reyner to attend to this.
d) The possibility of using the Jolly Garden and also Welwyn HatfieldÕs land in front of Twin Foxes for allotments was discussed and Cllr Watson agreed to investigate further. Action: Cllr Watson
8. Environment & Transport: (Cllr Collingridge)
a) Mardleybury Road Speed Limit – Cllr Collingridge reported that Herts Highways were still investigating. An officerÕs report has been produced by the District Assistant Manager and this matter is due to be discussed at the meeting of WHCÕs Joint Members Panel on 10 October.
b) Road Safety - Cllr Collingridge will present his proposals at the meeting with local residents on Thursday, 12 October.
c) Footpath Board & Leaflets – An application for a grant to cover the cost was being progressed by Cllr Collingridge. Action: Cllr Collingridge
9. Publicity: (Cllr Bryant)
a) Christmas Cards design competition – It was agreed to have 25 cards printed for the CouncilÕs own use. Cllr Evans would also ask the parents of the competition winner if they would like copies. Action: Cllr Evans
b) Calendars – Mr Blackman had agreed to contact Cllr Daniels.
10. Parish Plan: (Cllr Daniels)
Cllr Watson advised that Cllr Daniels proposed to circulate the results of the Parish Plan questionnaire to all households at the year-end. Action: Cllr Daniels
11. Finance: (Cllr Daniels)
a) The Payments and Accounts for September had been circulated and were unanimously agreed following a proposal by Cllr Watson, seconded by Cllr Bryant.
b) The Budget for 2007/08 had been circulated and was reviewed by the Council. Further reviews would take place before submission in January.
12. War Memorial Refurbishment: Cllr Watson will continue to endeavour to contact a stonemason to undertake the necessary work. Action: Cllr Watson
13. Visit to House of Commons: Cllr Bryant will write to Grant Shapps MP..
14. Charity Cheque for James and Keeley: The Clerk had sent a cheque for £25 to Cancer Research UK and had advised James and Keeley of this action.
15. Entertainments Committee: Cllr Thom circulated the minutes of the committee meeting held on 13 September..
16. Computer Grant: Cllr Watson was progressing the application for a grant Action: Cllr Watson
17. Community Officer Award: Cllr Watson had submitted the nomination of PCSO Katherine Bays.
18. Armistice Day: Cllr Watson advised that the service would be held on 12 November and she would advise further details when these were available.
19 Cars Parked on Pavements: The Clerk reported that Cllr Daniels had received a complaint about cars parked on pavements and causing obstruction. The Clerk had spoken to PCSO Bays, who had confirmed that an offence was being committed and any such incidents should be reported to the police on 0845 3300222.
20. Overgrowing ivy: The Clerk reported that the occupant of 43 London Road had telephoned him to say that the ivy would be trimmed back..
21. Parking outside School: Cllr Evans reported that the School was worried about the parking of parentsÕ cars on London Road and she suggested it could ease the problem if parents were allowed to park in the Village Hall grounds with footpath access through to the School grounds. The Council thought this a good idea and Cllr Evans agreed to discuss the matter further with the School. Action: Cllr Evans
22. Recycling Containers: The Council agreed that the recycling containers outside Petit Forestier were an eyesore and probably little used now that the village benefits from kerbside recycling. Cllr Watson agreed to ask WHC if they could be removed. Action: Cllr Watson
23. Heavy Vehicles using New Road: Cllr Thom raised the matter of a low loader carrying machinery for road surfacing in New Road and Hollybush Lane. Cllr Collingridge offered parking space for the vehicle and Cllr Thom agreed to report back to the resident who had complained. Action: Cllrs Collingridge & Thom
24. Next Meeting: Tuesday, 14 November, 2006.
(Not for publication)
AAE 13.10.06