Minutes of Meeting held on 12 December 2006

 

Present: Cllr N. Collingridge (Acting Chair), Cllr H Bryant, Cllr Mrs C Evans, Cllr Mrs J Thom.

 

In attendance: A A Edmonds (Clerk). (There were no members of the public)

 

1.          Apologies for Absence: Cllr G Daniels and Cllr Mrs J Watson.

2.          Election of Chair: In the absence of the Chair and Deputy Chair, Cllr Collingridge was elected to chair the meeting.

3.          Minutes of Council Meeting on 14 November: The minutes were agreed and signed as a correct record.

4.          Meetings Attended by Councillors: Cllr Collingridge reported on the recent meeting of the London Road Sub-Committee, which had agreed that it would be inappropriate to continue deliberations on this subject until the results of the Parish Plan had been published, when a fresh committee including residents could be convened.

5.          Correspondence: The Clerk distributed copies of the latest HAPTC Newsletter and copies of a new Transport information leaflet covering the Welwyn, Digswell & Oaklands area. WHC had provided sufficient copies of the latter to be given to every household and it was agreed that they could be delivered together with the Parish Plan results. The Clerk reported that he had received a message from the local Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator asking the Council to change its decision last year not to define the village as a “no caller” zone. It was agreed to discuss this matter at the next Council meeting. It was also reported that Cllr Watson had advised the Curate of St Michael’s Church that some residents had suggested that a Churchyard Account be set up, so that they could make regular payments by standing order. The Curate had noted the suggestion and would respond in due course. HCC had advised the Council of its adoption of its Statement of Community Involvement, which could be viewed in all libraries. HCC had also circulated its proposals on minerals extraction policy, which Cllr Collingridge agreed to review.

6.          Planning: (Cllr Thom)                                                                                                                a) Decisions: 2006/1287/FP re 24 Bridge Road - approved.                                                                    b) Applications: 2006/1637/FP revised application re 11 Holly Road was reviewed. No objection.

c) Lessiters – It was agreed to ask Cllr Watson to suggest to Lessiters that their new road sign probably needed planning permission. Action: Cllr Watson

d) 11 London Road – The Council were concerned as to whether there had been a change of use from the previous rating. Cllr Thom will discuss with WHC Planning. Action: Cllr Thom e) New sign at 11 London Road – The Council agreed to discuss this further at the next meeting.                              

7.          Hall (Cllr Watson)

a) Registration of Council land – The Clerk reported that he had received advice from the Land Registry that, due to a deed being missing, it might be necessary for him to swear an oath. He will discuss further with the Land Registry. Action: Clerk

b) Management of the Pond - The Clerk reported that Cllr Watson was still awaiting a response from Countryside Management.

c) New Storage at Hall – The Clerk reported that work was progressing on the planning application for the proposed brick-built extension to the Hall. Action: Clerk

8.          Grounds: (Cllr Evans)

a) Access to and from St Michael’s School from the Hall grounds – Cllr Evans reported that negotiations were ongoing. Action: Cllr Evans

b) Youth Scheme and Groundwork Trust – Cllr Evans reported that this matter was also ongoing.

Action: Cllr Evans

c) Inspection of Playground Equipment – Cllr Evans reported that the draft new format would be ready for review at the next Council meeting. Action: Cllr Evans

d) RoSPA Inspections of play areas – It was agreed to accept Cllr Watson’s recommendation that our inspections be merged with those carried out for WHC. This would result in a small reduction in fees. Action: Clerk

e) Allotments – Cllr Watson was still progressing this matter. Action: Cllr Watson

9.          Environment & Transport: (Cllr Collingridge)

a) Mardleybury Road Speed Limit – Cllr Collingridge reported that he will contact Herts Highways to ask their view on the recently published policy on “Setting Local Speed Limits”. Action: Cllr Collingridge

b) Footpath Map, Board & Leaflets - Cllr Collingridge will be meeting a member of Datchworth Parish Council next Monday to discuss this matter further.

c) Recycling Bins – The Clerk advised that Cllr Watson had not received any further response to her inquiries. The Council noted that there was now a recycling container for plastics and agreed that this should be given publicity in the Newsletter. Cllr Bryant agreed to draft an item for publication. Action: Cllr Bryant

10. Publicity: (Cllr Bryant)

a) Christmas Cards – These had now been printed and Cllr Bryant agreed to send out cards on behalf of the Council. Cllr Evans would let the parents of the competition winner have their copies. Action: Cllrs Bryant, Evans

b) Calendars – These had also now been printed and the Clerk reported that some had been supplied to Lisles for £5 each for resale at £6 each. The remainder were for sale by the Council members at £5 each.

11.     Parish Plan: (Cllr Daniels)

         In the absence of Cllr Daniels, discussion was deferred to the next meeting. The Clerk reported that Cllr Watson had arranged for Mr Herbert Dzapata of CDA to attend the next meeting to advise on how to progress the Parish Plan. It was agreed that the Clerk should co-ordinate the members’ views on questions to be put to Mr Dzapata before the meeting. Action: Clerk

12 Finance: (Cllr Daniels)

a) The Payments and Accounts for October and November had been circulated and were agreed. The Clerk reported that the external auditors, Lubbock Fine, had now completed their audit of the 2005-6 Accounts and had made no comments or recommendations.

b) The Council agreed the payment of £25 Christmas Bonuses to the Council staff.

c) The Clerk circulated a list of possible non-recurring items of expenditure for the 2007/08 Budget. The Council agreed to consider these for final decision at the January meeting.

13.     War Memorial Refurbishment: Deferred to the next meeting. Action: Cllr Watson

14.     Community Officer Award: The Clerk reported that Cllr Watson had attended the award ceremony and, although PCSO Katherine Bays had been delighted to be nominated by the Council, she had not received the top award.

15.     Visit to House of Commons: Cllr Bryant will endeavour to arrange the visit in Feb/Mar. Action: Cllr Bryant

16.     WGSSC: In the absence of Cllr Daniels, deferred to next meeting.

17.     Computer Grant: Cllr Collingridge reported that the application had been sent.

18.     Carols Around the Pond: Cllr Thom advised that no action had been taken regarding lighting.

23.     Planters: Cllr Bryant reported that new shrubs had been purchased and further expenditure would be needed next year to improve the planters. Cllr Evans suggested that children from the School might like to help maintain the planters

24.     Next Meeting: Tuesday, 9 January, 2007.

 

 

AAE 16.12.06