Minutes of the meeting of Chipperfield Parish Council held in The Small Hall, The Common, Chipperfield on Monday 11th October 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 D Nobbs

Meeting started at 7.30 prompt

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

Dwelling burglary 2 Burglary other 1 Theft from Motor Vehicle 2

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

Robbery/assault 0 Nuisance 0 Street assault 0

MINUTES

0301/10 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

0302/10 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Fowler by reason of bereavement All agreed

0303/10 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

A personal interest was received from Cllr Nobbs for all matters relating to the Allotments. Cllr Gruselle declared a personal interest in planning application 04/01662/10/TCA, The Old Forge, The Street, it was noted and accepted as the Council are not able to make comments on tree work applications Noted

0304/10 ELECTION OF CO-OPTED MEMBERS

Chairman explained that all applicants needed to be aware that the role of Cllr required them not only to attend monthly meetings but to give at least 4-6hours per month. Clerk confirmed that 1 nomination had been received for the 1 vacancy. Chairman invited the applicant to speak regarding their nomination. Chairman requested a vote and Mr Stephen Mant was unanimously voted for and co-opted onto the Council. Cllr Mant duly completed his “Declaration of Acceptance of Office”. Cllr Mant took his place on the Parish Council. All agreed

0305/10 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS FROM CO-OPTED MEMBERS

None. Chairman explained should any matters arise during the agenda a declaration could be made during that item.

0306/10 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

It was Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on September 13th 2010, be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Proposed Cllr Nobbs, seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed

0307/10 MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES

Confirmation that the telephone box on the Common was a listed building was requested Clerk to deal Noted

An update relating to enforcement matter at The Two Brewers was requested. It was confirmed at the last meeting Cllr Roberts would chase this matter, details awaited Noted

0308/10 REPORT FROM BOROUGH/COUNTY COUNCILLOR None

0309/10 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED – RELATING TO EITHER HERTS COUNTY COUNCIL (HCC), DACORUM BOROUGH COUNCIL (DBC) or CHIPPERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL (CPC) None

FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE

0310/10 FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE REPORT

A brief verbal report was given

0311/10SPENDING VS BUDGET 2ND QTR

Clerk circulated copies of the spending vs. budget papers for the 2nd Qtr. Clerk confirmed the budget appears to be on target. It was to Resolved to accept the papers as an accurate record of expenditure

Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, seconded Cllr Anson All agreed

0312/10 BUDGET 2011/2012

It was reported that due to the current uncertainty of budgetary restrictions upon DBC, we are unable at present to produce a comprehensive budget proposal. After discussion it was agreed to prepare a number of budget proposals in readiness of notification from DBC regarding any proposed cuts. F&GP to review at next meeting. As part of the proposals it was unanimously agreed to protect the roles of the Village Warden and Common Ranger.

Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed

0313/10 COUNCIL EQUIPMENT

It was reported that due to a recent theft of tools from the Warden’s van that unfortunately due to the circumstances of the theft the tools were not covered by either our vehicle or council insurance. It was reported that one quotation had been received and another was being sought, it was agreed that subject to the 2nd quotation the tools would be ordered from the best value source under £620 (original cost)

Proposed, Cllr Bradshaw, seconded Cllr Nobbs All agreed

0314/10 COMPUTER ISSUES

It was reported that the Councils’ computer had failed and confirmed irreparable by DBC. It was agreed to replace the computer and after receiving 2 quotations it was agreed to purchase a new Dell computer from DBC at the cost of £429 + VAT (Plus 16% handling charge) to include 5 year all parts, on site warranty. Also in order to ensure the smooth running of the Council the computer had been purchased and retrospective agreement was sought.

Proposed Cllr Joseph, seconded Cllr Anson All agreed

Clerk also reported that in order to solve the issue of computer problems overtime needed to be activated to ensure the council continued to maintain its workload. Noted

In order to ensure that both documents and program files are fully recoverable following a system failure that 2 x external hard drives are purchased, £37 each (plus VAT) this will to enable a backup to be kept off site. Clerk to liaise with Sarratt for permission to store a back up with them

Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed

0315/10 APM DATE

Clerk reported that an error had been made with the date for the next APM and unfortunately the village Hall would not be available any day that week, the option were as follows:-

1. Move to a date earlier in the month but no audit papers could be produced

2. Move date to May but may have to be presented by new Council members due to the election

3. Move the venue to the Parish Rooms and keep to the end of April

It was unanimously agreed to move the APM to The Parish Room, St Paul’s Church for Wednesday 27th April @ 7.30pm. Clerk will amend Website, notice boards and inform village hall with new date and venue

Proposed Cllr Gruselle, seconded Cllr Bradshaw All agreed

0316/10 EXTERNAL AUDIT – CONCLUSION OF AUDIT 2009/10

Clerk confirmed that the external audit had been successfully signed off by the auditor. No comments were made by them and no further action from CPC required. Clerk to place “Notice of Conclusion of Audit” on notice board from 12th October. Noted

0317/10 CLOCK MAINTENANCE

It was reported that the clock had ceased to chime for sometime now and it was previously agreed to wait until the annual maintenance to deal with the issue, which was due in June, however the Clock company were running behind schedule. Clerk confirmed that this maintenance had now taken place and a report received from their engineers indicated that the fuse box had been damaged by an animal that had stripped the wiring making it unsafe this also caused damage to the clocks chiming system. Following the report, based upon Health and Safety grounds the Clerk arranged for an electrician to carry out repairs to the fuse box, which has now been made safe. It was reported that the cost to repair the chiming unit would cost £732.00 + vat. After discussions regarding the village institution of clock chimes, a vote took place to decide whether to fix the clock now and reinstate chimes or consult the residents as to whether the clock should be repaired or not. A vote by show of hands took place and it was decided 4 votes to 3 to fix the clock now Agreed

0318/10 HAPTC SURVEY

The Chairman reported that as part of changes suggested by the new HAPTC Chairman that we forward them ideas for suggested changes and acknowledgement of items that work well. Cllrs to forward ideas/comments to Clerk Noted

0319/10 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

It was RESOLVED that accounts amounting to £3,964.91 be paid.

Proposed Cllr Nobbs and Seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed

PLANNING

0320/10 PLANNING REPORT

A brief verbal report was given, including the forthcoming Draft Core Strategy consultation due for comments in December

0321/10 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & RESULTS

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

04/01558/10/FUL Land Adj Broom Cottage, Construction of dwelling

Kings Lane, Chipperfield

Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application.

This is a new application to one we objected to previously on the grounds of location and design contrary to our Village Design Statement, however this application appears to have addressed most of these issues and we can therefore see no reason to object

04/01626/10/FUL Whiteways, The Street, Render to replace timber cladding on front Chipperfield elevation with one enlarged replacement window

Chipperfield Parish Council supports this application

We carefully considered to decide whether replacing the timber cladding with render will put the property out of step with the 4 other similar houses in The Street or whether to differentiate any of these houses in this way is good for the street scene, as a row of houses with identical structures does not necessarily enhance the Conservation Area environment. On balance we feel supporting the change would be appropriate in this case.

04/01662/10/TCA The Old Forge, The Street, Works to trees and fell windmill palm

Chipperfield

Chipperfield offers no comment on this application

04/01667/10/FHA Mace Cottage, Langley Road, Single storey rear extension

Chipper field

This application has been received for this newly constructed dwelling and as permitted development rights have been removed a planning application has now been received. We feel that the size, layout and design along with the proposed materials to be used, do not adversely impact on the environment or neighbouring properties and we therefore support this application.

YOUTH AND EDUCATION

0322/10 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN

It was reported that a Cllr vacancy has arisen for this group until this has been filled no reports will be produced.

HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT

0323/10 HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT REPORT

It was confirmed that the “Roads Report and Supplementary Papers” have been forwarded to the Director of Herts. Highways, Cllrs Roberts and all CPC members. This to be discussed at next Highways meeting Noted

0324/10 VAS

It was confirmed the sign was still working intermittently and a full report to be obtained at the next Herts. Highways meeting or CPC will take matter to the Director of Herts. Highways (meeting scheduled for 3rd November) All agreed

0325/10 VILLAGE WELCOME SIGNS

The issue of the cost of installing the proposed new signs would be equivalent to the purchase price. It was agreed at the last meeting for Cllr Roberts to investigate funding and/or reducing costs. CPC to consider reducing the amount of signs purchased. Report for next meeting Noted

OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT

0326/10 OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENT REPORT

It was confirmed that the weed clearance for the burial mound need to be postponed due to the type of herbicide required to be used on the specific weed would not be effective this time of year Noted

0327/10 DOG FOULING – THE COMMON

Clerk reported a number of concerns had been raised by the Warden and visitors to Chipperfield regarding dog fouling on the Common. Council to remember that the main concern highlighted through the “Chipperfield Common Visitors Survey” included dog fouling. It was reported that the “Dog Fouling and BBQ” signs being prepared by DBC need to be completed ASAP, Clerk to liaise with the DBC Dog Warden for suggested solutions. OS&A

0328/10 ALLOTMENT CLEARANCE

It was reported that the area on the allotment for tenants to leave non-compostable rubbish had been taken advantage of and there are many items that were obviously not from allotment plots. As there are issues relating to access for a skip, it was proposed we hire a contractor to legally remove the rubbish at a cost of £70-£100 per load. It was estimated that 2 loads would be required to clear all these items along with clearance from plot awaiting allocation, any compostable items to be burnt on site.

Proposed Cllr Anson, seconded Cllr Bradshaw All agreed

0329/10 ACCESS TO ALLOTMENT/FOOTBALL FIELD

It was confirmed that a quotation had been received for a new gate to be placed between the allotment field and football pitch. It was confirmed that the supplier had stated that the costs for them to install would be too high and suggested a local contractor. Clerk to obtain 2 installation quotations for further discussions. Noted

0330/10 P3

It was agreed to request P3 grant monies to supply a more suitable surfacing to the new footpath in Dunny Lane/Windmill Hill If this was not accepted by CMS then a request for a kissing gate to replace a stile on the footpath in Scatterdells Woods

Proposed Cllr Nobbs, seconded Cllr Sims All agreed

0331/10 CORRESPONDENCE

Cllr Joseph confirmed his attendance on behalf of CPC at the Ordination of the Baptist Church Minister Jason Gain. Clerk confirmed that a letter had been received from the Chipperfield Branch of the Royal British Legion supporting a grant application for a new publication on Chipperfield Men in the WWII Noted

0332/10 NEXT AGENDA ITEMS

To request next agenda items only

0333/10 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is Monday 8th November @ 7.30 to be held in the Small Hall, The Common, Chipperfield

0334/10 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