Minutes of Meeting of Woolmer Green Parish Council

Held on 6 December 2005

 

Present: Cllr H Bryant (Chair), Cllr Mrs J Watson, Cllr G Daniels, Cllr Mrs C Evans,

                        Cllr Mrs J Thom

  

 

In attendance: Mr A Edmonds (Clerk), Mrs F Young (Minutes Secretary)

 

 

1.         Apologies for Absence: Cllr D Marriott.

 

2.         Minutes of Parish Council Meeting held on 8 November: These had been circulated and were signed as a correct record.

 

3.         Meetings Attended by Councillors:

a.     Cllr Watson and the Clerk had met with the Environmental Services Officer at District Council to clarify responsibilities at the Garden Road playground. It was agreed that the Parish Council continue to be responsible for the grass and play equipment and the District Council was responsible for the remainder, eg fences and the tree overhanging Highfield Cottage.

b.     Cllr Watson attended the CPRE meeting where local Farmers Markets were being promoted via an Internet map.

c. Cllr Watson also attended a police meeting ‘Tackling Crime in Rural Communities’ which covered anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, rogue traders and environmental crime.

 

4.         Highways Department Work: The Garden Road junction surface had been repaired, but was awaiting repainting of road signs. Lighting in New Road still had deficiencies. The junction sign for New Road and London Road is still missing, but Cllr. Watson and the Clerk were due to meet with Highways on 8 December to discuss the matter. The potholes near Paynes Farm had been repaired.

 

5.         Hall Fabric and Transport:

a.     Work on the new cupboard is proceeding.

b.     The heating system had been giving trouble and the contractor had put in a new header tank, which failed to solve the problem. A new thermostat was then installed which so far has solved the problem.

c.     CO detectors were to be installed.

d.     As a chair had collapsed after a heavy person had leaned back on it, there would be an amendment to the hall hire conditions stating stronger chairs are available and people used the facilities at their own risk. Action: Cllr Watson

 

6.         Grounds: Maintenance would need to be completed before the next annual inspection.

Action: Cllr Evans

 

7.         Environment: The right of way footpath at Mardleybury Farm would be checked for obstruction. Action: Cllr Evans

 

 

 

8.         Publicity: (Cllr Daniels)

a.     Parish Plan: Cllr Daniels reported each household would receive the questionnaire over the Christmas break and it would be collected at the end of January. Help with delivery would be welcomed.

b.     Website: Cllr Daniels reported further positive responses and asked for colleagues to continue sending information for inclusion.

c.     2006 Calendar: Complimentary copies would be sent to some charities and Grant Shapps MP.

 

9.         Planning: (Cllr Thom)

a. Decision – N6/2005/540 the Red Lion conservatory had been approved.

 

10.      Finance:

a.     The accounts for November had been circulated; Cllr Bryant proposed they be signed, Cllr Daniels seconded and the motion was carried.

b.     Budget 2006/7: It was agreed to adopt the budget. However, in the event of necessary changes it would be reviewed in January before being submitted.

 

11.      Tree Preservation Orders: Fiona Young had been appointed as local Tree Warden.

 

12.      Entertainments Committee: The Woolmer Green Sports and Social Club attended the Entertainments Committee on 18 November. Their planned events included a Christmas Lunch for the over 60’s on 4 December and a future mini marathon.

 

13.      Pond Committee Renaming: No further action.

 

14.      St Michael’s Church: The response from Rev Alan Winton suggested there were no plans for lay involvement at present. However, the Parish Council would still like to find ways of supporting this valued part of village life.

 

15.    School Transport: The council expressed its thanks to Jackie Taylor for her work on the school transport problem and would write a letter of complaints to HCC copied to Grant Shapps.                                                                                    Action: Cllr Bryant / Clerk

 

16.      Grant Shapps: Mr Shapps was keen to hold an evening questions session and this would be arranged in the New Year.

17.      Cricket Nets Proposal: Cllr Daniels had drafted a business plan for the Woolmer Green Sports and Social Club ready for them to submit it to the Parish Council.

 

18.      Herts Minerals and Waste Development Framework: No further action.

 

19.      War Memorial Repairs: A notice had been posted in the Newsletter asking for help to repair the war memorial. If no response is received, a stonemason will be employed and paid for out of Parish Council funds. Action: Cllr Watson

 

20.      Funding for Police Community Support Officers: No action likely until 2008..

 

21.      Land Registry: Cllr. Watson intends to check that all land belonging to the Parish Council is properly registered.

 

22.      Computer Maintenance: Help with downloading .pdf files would be sought for members of the council who were experiencing difficulties. Action: Cllr Watson

 

23.      Any Other Business:

         a.   Play Equipment: Cllr Watson proposed a display of play equipment be arranged for village youth at the next council meeting. However, it was decided to wait until the results of the Parish Plan questionnaire were received.

         b.   Hall hirers “selling” alcohol in price of ticket: It was felt this legally required a temporary licence. The Clerk was asked to contact the Licensing Office for the correct wording to cover us for these events, which will then be added to the hire conditions.

Action: Clerk, Cllr Watson

 

21. Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday 10 January 2006.

 

Mrs Fiona Young, Minutes Secretary

Woolmer Green Parish Council