Minutes of the meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council held in The Small Hall, The Common, Chipperfield on Monday 8th November 2010 at 7.30pm

Present Cllr M Bradshaw, (Chairman), Cllr M Joseph, (Vice-Chairman), Cllr Mrs M Anson, Cllr N Cronin,

Cllr S Gruselle and Cllr S Mant

Meeting started at 7.30 prompt

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Public Participation – No police attendance this month but crime figures for October were forwarded as follows:-

Dwelling burglary 0 Burglary other 2 Theft from Motor Vehicle 0

Theft of Motor Vehicle 0 Damage 0 Other crimes (incl, drugs/harassment) 4

Robbery/assault 0 Nuisance 0 Street assault 0

2 residents attended to listen to the meeting

MINUTES

0335/10 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Chairman announced details of the arrangements in case of fire or other events that might require the meeting room or building’s evacuation. Noted

0336/10 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Fowler by reason of resignation and Cllr Nobbs by reason of holiday All agreed

0337/10 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

Cllr Cronin declared a personal interest in planning application 04/01778/10/LDE, Land rear of Longfield by reason of neighbour notification and no comments were made by Cllr Cronin during the application for Lawful Development Certificate Noted

0338/10 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

It was Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on October 11th 2010, be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Proposed Cllr Cronin, seconded Cllr Gruselle All agreed

0339/10 MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES

It was reported that the clock was due for repair work on 25th November and arrangements have been made for the church clock to chime during the Memorial Service on 14th November Noted

0340/10 REPORT FROM BOROUGH/COUNTY COUNCILLOR None

0341/10 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED – RELATING TO EITHER HERTS COUNTY COUNCIL (HCC), DACORUM BOROUGH COUNCIL (DBC) or CHIPPERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL (CPC) None

FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE

0342/10 FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE REPORT

A brief verbal report was given

0343/10 RESIGNATION OF COUNCILLOR

It was confirmed that Cllr Fowler had forwarded her resignation to the Clerk to take effect from 9th November. Clerk confirmed that due to the ordinary election being due on 5th May the Council are not required to advertise a bye-election and need not co-opt at this time. After discussion it was unanimously agreed to continue to co-opt. A co-option notice will be placed on the notice board with effect from 9th November for co-option to take place at the December meeting. Chairman accepted the resignation and thanked Cllr Fowler for all of her hard work during her time with the Council Noted

0344/10 BUDGET 2011/2012

It was reported that DBC had now confirmed they would only fund 75% of the Warden budget for 2011/12 and the previously circulated draft budget papers reflected this change. As it was previously agreed to support the working hours and role of the Warden it was noted that this loss needs to addressed through further savings. Also we are currently awaiting news of the concurrent budget as it is likely there may be further cuts. It was discussed that in order to cover potential cuts ranging from £2500 -£7500, a straw poll indicated that an equal split between reserve and grant allocation would be the fairest way to cover the costs. In light of recent Government recommendations to Local Authorities, after discussion it was agreed to freeze the precept for 2011/12 on the understanding that this may need to change in future years.

Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed

We are expected to hear the proposed concurrent cuts by DBC at the Parish conference on 3rd December. Clerk to prepare next draft budget based upon 1) Precept freeze, 2) 25% cut to warden budget 3) Cut to concurrent to be dealt with by 50/50 reserve allocation/grant cut

Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed

0345/10 COUNCIL EQUIPMENT

As reported at the last meeting the Clerk was instructed to go ahead with the purchase of this replacement equipment subject to a further quotation Clerk produced an internet quotation and confirmed that it was more viable to purchase the goods from a local supplier. Clerk confirmed tools purchased and delivered Noted

0346/10 COUNCIL’S INSURANCE – AMENDED

Following the recent theft of equipment Clerk confirmed that the Council’s insurance company have slightly amended the wording of our policy to reflect the break down of equipment belonging to the Council. It was confirmed that this amendment did not affect the recent claim and at all times were Council were adequately covered. Noted

0347/10 RE-ALLOCATION OF WORKING GROUPS

Following co-option of a new Member it was agreed to adopt the proposed allocation of work load of Councillors. Also it was agreed to create 2 groups by separating Open Spaces and Allotments

Proposed Cllr Joseph, seconded Cllr Mant All agreed

0348/10 CHIPPERFIELD NEWS – WEB SITE PROPOSAL

It was reported that since the Council’s recommendation to Chipperfield News to integrate the magazine more fully with the website, an advert has been placed requesting a volunteer to manage same. Noted

0349/10 HAPTC

Following a recent request for comments on the current workings of HAPTC, which the Chairman thanked all members for their input, the Council’s response had been well received and a draft Vision Statement has been circulated, full details to be forwarded at a later date Noted

0350/10 CHANGES TO LIBRARY SERVICE – CONSULTATION ENDS 1TH DECEMBER

It was agreed that we should acknowledge the consultation and report that we wish to continue to support a mobile library unit for the community.

Proposed Cllr Joseph, seconded Cllr Mant All agreed

0351/10 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

It was RESOLVED that accounts amounting to £2,462.87 be paid.

Proposed Cllr Anson and Seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed
PLANNING

0352/10 PLANNING REPORT

A brief verbal report was given

0353/10 THREE RIVERS LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (LDF) – CONSULTATION ENDS 10TH DECEMBER

It was confirmed that our response to Three Rivers DC and HCC Waste Option consultation are acknowledged but with no further comments to make. All agreed

0354/10 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & RESULTS

All of the following recommendations given by the Planning group were accepted by Full council, unless otherwise stated:-

04/01729/10/TCA The Dairy, Chapel Croft, Works to trees

Chipperfield Parish Council has no comment to make on this application

04/01754/10/LDP Hillcrest, Wayside, Detached Double garage/workshop/store

Chipperfield Parish Council has no comment to make on this application

04/01778/10/LDE Land rear of Longfield, Continuation of development of the site for nine

Langley Road, Chipperfield dwellings under implemented planning permissions

W/37/56 & W/2224/64

Chipperfield Parish Council recognises that it is the responsibility of the Planning Officer to determine whether this development is lawful on the grounds that it was granted over 40 years ago. However it regrets that a development in the Green Belt that would run counter to all current policies and our Village Design Statement should be considered to go ahead on the grounds that a concrete footing was placed in the ground 50 years ago. We would also like the Officer to consider the issue of alleged access via Wayside which we understand is contrary to the views of the residents of this private road

YOUTH AND EDUCATION

0355/10 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN

None

HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT

0356/10 HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT REPORT

It was reported that a very constructive first meeting of the new Highways Group with Dave Bowman, Herts. Highways had taken place and although there are many outstanding items it was clear that many actions within Chipperfield had been addressed, this was supported by reference to our “Roads Report” to highlight issues. It was reported that due to staff cuts within Herts. Highways extra workloads had now been placed upon all of the area engineers, which may have an affect on the resolutions for Chipperfield Noted

0357/10 VAS

It was reported that at the recent meeting with Hertfordshire Highways it was agreed due to the ongoing persistent problems relating to the VA sign and the way Herts. Highways are contracted to a partner contractor, we have requested a response/resolution to the problem and/or a site meeting within 4 weeks or we will escalate the issue and write to the Manager @ Herts. Highways and their partner contractor Mouchel. All agreed

After discussion it was accepted that due to the high workload levels currently with our Area Manager that it was in the best interest of Chipperfield to focus on resolving the 3 top issues. 1) VA Sign, 2) Gullies Tower Hill, 3) Langley Road, request to change the speed to 30mph. Once completed the next item on the list would be in the top 3

Proposed Cllr Grusselle, seconded Cllr Mant All agreed

0358/10 VILLAGE WELCOME SIGNS

It was confirmed that Herts. Highways would liaise with Cllr Roberts to try and solve the issue of installation costs. Clerk reported that a resident had asked for the sign at Tower Hill to be refurbished, tidied up. Clerk confirmed in the interim of replacement signage the Warden would continue to keep the sign clear. Noted

OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT

0359/10 OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT REPORT

It was reported that the next report for the Green Flag award was due for submission by DBC in January 2011. CPC to arrange for draft to be circulated to all members for December meeting to ensure it is accurate. Noted

0360/10 REPLACEMENT SIGNAGE – THE COMMON

It was confirmed that the bylaws, no BBQ and no dog fouling signs, previously approved by CPC and DBC are ready for installation. OS to confirm that DBC will be providing sign mountings for the Warden to carry out the replacement signage.

Proposed Cllr Cronin, seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed

0361/10 BURIAL MOUNDS – SIGNAGE

It was confirmed that the previously agreed artwork for the burial sign is now ready for installation. It was agreed that the sign would be of similar design to the information board on The Common, and would be attached to the existing burial mound fencing.

Proposed Cllr Cronin, seconded Cllr Anson All agreed

0362/10 FoCC – NOTICE FOR CHIPP NEWS

Following the recent good works carried out by the FoCC it was proposed to advertise for a volunteer with an expertise in wildlife and local flora and fauna. OS group to arrange advert.

0363/10 FOX PROOF BINS

It was reported that DBC are still considering replacing the existing round style bins fox proof bins. Council would prefer that all non fox proof bins are altered. OS to check current situation All agreed

0364/10 ALLOTMENT CLEARANCE

It was reported that hedge maintenance works had taken place to hedge 2, partial works to hedge 3 and investigation works to hedge 4 to try and establish the original boundary line. The new DBC/CPC shed had been installed and Clerk to arrange for a key for Ranger and Warden. All parties to liaise on shared usage. Noted

It was reported that a good start had been made to clear the rubbish area on the allotments, previously allocated for non compostable rubbish, but recently used for fly tipping. However as there was further rubbish to be cleared, in order to keep costs down the Clerk had requested the Ranger and Warden clear the allotment site, including plots awaiting allocation. Clerk reported an issue with 2 plots that had been abandoned by tenants that required clearance/cutting down before allocation. Clerk requested as both the Ranger and the Warden are busy with other duties that funding be made available to arrange this. It was therefore agreed to allocate max £250 to achieve this.

Proposed Cllr Cronin, seconded Cllr Gruselle All agreed

0365/10 CORRESPONDENCE

It was reported that Chipp News had reported on their recent AGM they were positive regarding the current advertising list and that costs to local organisations are fair. Noted

0366/10 NEXT AGENDA ITEMS None

0367/10 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is Monday 13th December @ 7.30 to be held in the Small Hall, The Common, Chipperfield

0368/10 PART 2

To consider that under Section 1 of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 that the Public and Press should be excluded during an agenda item of this meeting in view of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted. None