June 2002
Minutes of the Meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council, held in ‘The Upper Room’ at St. Paul’s Church extension, Chipperfield, on Monday 10 June 2002 at 8.00pm
PRESENT: Councillor MD Joseph (Vice Chairman).
Councillors: J Carter, Mrs BA Berners-Price, Miss EA Holliday, RJH Neil, Mrs RV Wakeman; with J Pringle (Clerk) in attendance.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE; were submitted on behalf of Cllr DJ Nobbs (Chairman), and Cllr JDF Nichols.
49/02 THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 13 MAY: were approved and signed.
50/02 REPORTS FROM THE CLERK ON BEHALF OF COMMITTEES :
A) FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES
See Report No 030/02 from Clerk, items 1 - 7
1. With reference to item 4: Review of Parish Council procedures etc/F&GP Committee Meeting 26 June 2002
RESOLVED:
The Clerk to be notified of any additional Agenda items.
2. With reference to item 5: 30th May 2002, Parish Council presentation at St Paul’s School of ‘Jubilee Mugs’ to children being educated in Chipperfield
Cllrs Berners-Price and Wakeman jointly reported on their presentation given on behalf of the Parish Council:
They were accompanied by Cllr Holliday, and Cllr Nobbs who gave a brief introductory speech relating to the significance of the Jubilee. As it was raining
the initial proceedings were held in the school hall and the children sang two sea songs as well as the national anthem. The school, as their part of the presentation had inserted a medallion into each mug. Refreshments, including red-white-blue iced cakes were held outside before having to return indoors again because of the rain. It was a most successful occasion and seemed to be highly enjoyed by all.
The planned surplus of mugs are on general sale at price of £3.
3. With reference to item 6: DTLR Consultation Paper - Local Investigation and determination of misconduct allegations - Conduct of Councillors/Responses by 1 July 2002
RESOLVED:
Clerk to forward the Paper to Chairman for initial consideration.
Cllr Holliday arrived 8.10pm
4. With reference to item 1: Hertfordshire’s Village of the Year Competition 2002, 1st stage judging in Chipperfield (‘Environment Category’) 16 May 2002
Cllr Holliday reported:
The judges, guided by Cllrs Nobbs and Holliday, inspected important aspects of Chipperfield Common and the Environment Garden at St Paul’s School. Great efforts had been made by the Village Warden and the Common Ranger to maintain the best appearance of the village environment and it is hoped this will be rewarded by the village once again reaching the final stage and an award.
B) HIGHWAYS & ROAD SAFETY & PUBLIC TRANSPORT
See Report No 031/02 from Clerk, 1 item only
C) OPEN SPACES & FOOTPATHS
See Report No 032/02 from Clerk, items 1 - 6
1. With reference to item 1: Restoration of Cross on Chipperfield War Memorial
Cllr Holliday reported:
3 quotations are needed in order to apply to English Heritage for grant aid. She has written to 3 specialist stone masons. One is too busy so she has now written to a 4th.
A written estimate in sum of £910.00 net has now been received from the most promising and attentive contactor by far. Council at its meeting of 13 May 2002 approved £810.00 net expenditure. The increased sum is due to cost of scaffolding.
RESOLVED:
Council approve the revised sum of £910.00 net expenditure.
2. With reference to item 2: Installation of ‘Dog Glove Dispensers’ and additional ‘Waste Bins’
Cllr Holliday reported:
All CPC ordered items are now installed and fully operational.
In consultation with the Borough Council a final version of a leaflet to be handed to the public has been agreed and printed. (Copies were distributed to Members).
It is still hoped that the Common Ranger can be empowered to issue ‘on the spot’ fines. Legal investigations are continuing.
3. With reference to item 3: Bench Seat donated by Chipperfield (Evening) Womens’ Institute to commemorate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee
Cllr Holliday reported:
The seat with inset brass plaque, of substantial construction and hopefully vandal resistant, installed by Village Warden and Common Ranger, on the east side of Apostles Pond enjoys the evening sun and compliments the existing seat on the opposite side.
4. With reference to item 5: Public Walkabout of Chipperfield Common with Philip Russell - DBC Woodland Officer, Thursday 18 July 2002 at 7.30pm
RESOLVED:
A) Details of the meeting are noted
B) Advanced notice of issues to be investigated are to be forwarded to the Clerk well in advance of the meeting to allow the Woodland Officer to prepare a schedule.
5. With reference to item 6: ‘Area Reports’, Parish Councillors Audit of the Environment
RESOLVED:
It is noted that some reports are outstanding for return to Chairman or Clerk.
D) ALLOTMENTS
See Report No 033/02 from Clerk, item 1 only
1. With reference to item 1: Verbal report from Committee Chair
Cllr Holliday reported:
General growth of grass, and weeds on untended plots, is a severe problem. Plans are in hand for attention by Village Warden.
RESOLVED
Approved.
E) PLANNING
See Report No 034/02 from Clerk, items 1 - 2
1. With reference to item 1: DBC Notices of Planning
The Clerk gave a verbal report on planning applications received for CPC recommendations and determinations made by the Borough Council.
51/02 REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES:
B) VILLAGE HALL
Cllr Joseph reported:
The 87th Meeting of the Management Committee was held 28 May 2002. The 19th AGM was held 28 May 2002.
Income from lettings is slowly but consistently dwindling.
The kitchen is in need of complete refurbishment. Costs estimated at £10K - £15K.
Advertising lettings in Watford Observer is being considered.
E) CHIPPERFIELD NEWS
Cllr Holliday reported:
Bill Yates may be relinquishing his post as advertising manager and a replacement is being sought to work in tandem for a holding period.
52/02 CORRESPONDENCE
See Report No 035/02 from Clerk, 1 item only
53/02 REPORT OF THE CLERK
The Clerk reported:
General business will need to be kept to a minimum as far as circumstances permit in the forthcoming month to allow for finalising the 2001/2002 annual accounts and preparation for audit.
54/02 PAYMENTS DUE,
INTERIM PAYMENTS MADE & INTERIM INCOME RECEIVED
See Report No 036/02 from Clerk
1. RESOLVED:
A) Payment of all items listed is approved. Payment cheques now to be signed in Council.
B) Interim payments made are noted.
C) Interim income received is noted.
55/02 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
To consider passing a resolution in the following terms:
Under item 61 of Standing Orders 'That in view of the special nature of the business about to be transacted, it is advisable in the public interest that the public be temporarily excluded and they are instructed to withdraw'.
If members of the public were present during these items there would be disclosure to them of exempt information relating to personal details of an employee and financial & legal matters relating to Council.
PART 2
56/02 TO CONSIDER THE APPOINTMENT OF AN INTERNAL AUDITOR
57/02 TO CONSIDER A REPORT ON ‘AFFORDABLE HOUSING’ (APPENDIX ‘A’)
58/02 TO RECEIVE NOTICE OF RESIGNATION BY AN EMPLOYEE
Part 1 Meeting closed 9.25pm
Part 2 Meeting closed 9.50pm
See page 5
DATE OF NEXT MEETING - Monday 8 July 2002.
Reports from Committees and Items for the Agenda to be received by the Clerk at least 7 days prior to a meeting of Council