September 2008
Present Cllr M Bradshaw (Chairman), Cllr Mrs S Fowler, Cllr Miss M Godwin, Cllr S Gruselle and
Cllr M Joseph
Also present Mrs J Deacon – Parish Clerk
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Public Participation – WPC Sikora and PCSO Kyne attended the meeting to report crime figures for August.
PCSO Kyne reported the following crime figures:-
Dwelling burglary 0 Burglary other 0 Theft from Motor Vehicle 1
Theft of Motor Vehicle 1 Damage 0 Other crime 4
Robbery/assault 0 Nuisance 0 Street assault 0
They reported that there had been a number of thefts of garden ornaments in Chipperfield and advised residents to be vigilant. They stated that the information passed to them previously regarding possible evidence of drugs use on the cricket pitch car park, could not be used to establish use of drugs. They confirmed however, that a police presence would be visible in the near future. It was confirmed that they would be able to attend the memorial service in November to assist with traffic.
MINUTES
0206/08 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
0207/08 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr Nobbs and Cllr Southworth by reason of holiday. None received from Cllr Sims. Cllr Roberts due to a prior engagement. Accepted/Noted
0208/08 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr Fowler declared a personal and prejudicial interest in 0225/08. Cllr Godwin declared a personal interest in item 235/08 All agreed
0209/08 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
It was Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 11th August, were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
Proposed Cllr Fowler, seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed
It was agreed that the minutes should be reviewed in order to reduce the length of the minutes. All agreed
0210/08 MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES
None
EX – AGENDA
None
FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSE
0211/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
A brief report was given on the currents issues (appendix 0211/08):-
0212/08 EXTERNAL AUDIT – CONCLUSION OF AUDIT 2007/08
Clerk confirmed that the external audit had been successfully sign 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 9th September.
0213/08 BUDGET
It was confirmed that a timetable of meetings until year end had been prepared in order to successfully complete the budget and financial accounts within the timeframe required by DBC and auditors.
0214/08 SCOTTISH LIFE
It was confirmed that the 1st annual statement had been received from Scottish Life which showed at present the fund had depreciated by approx £800. This was not an unlikely figure in light of the current market and it was confirmed that CPC were within the target amount to cover the staff gratuity. It was recommended therefore that at present no further funds should be added to the account, this to be reviewed annually.
Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, seconded Cllr Gruselle All agreed
0215/08 CILCA PROGRAMME
Clerk confirmed that the deadline for submitting the Cilca was 13th November and that a meeting had taken place with Cilca mentors stating they were happy that the deadline could be reached. However concern was raised due to work being completed during personal time. It was agreed that a review be undertaken to establish whether this was a realistic deadline or whether CPC should re-register. (cost implication). Review to be completed shortly, report to F&GP for recommendation at next meeting All agreed
0216/08 AMENDED COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
It was confirmed that due to time restriction the draft document be referred to F&GP for recommendation at next meeting All agreed
0217/08 CHANGES TO NATWEST BANK ACCOUNT – INTEREST/CHARGES
Clerk confirmed that changes had been announced by Natwest to CPC current account. Clerk confirmed after liaising with Natwest Business Manager, CPC would not be made to pay charges on our current account as long as it does not reach £100,000 but we would no longer receive interest, Clerk confirmed this was previously a small amount however, we would continue to receive interest on reserve account. It was agreed that in light “no bank charges” we should continue to bank with Natwest. Clerk to obtain written confirmation of same.
Proposed Cllr Gruselle, seconded Cllr Joseph All agreed
0218/08 POST OFFICE
It was confirmed that after the consultation period of July had expired. Postwatch have confirmed that neither Sarratt nor Chipperfield PO would be closing. It was agreed unless there are further consultations this matter would now be closed All agreed
PLANNING
0219/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
A brief report was given on the currents issues (appendix 0219/08):-
0220/08 BADGERDELLS WOOD - BORDER WITH CHIPPERIFELD
It was reported that a paintballing business appears to have been set up in Badgerdells Wood without planning permission. Clerk confirmed that enforcement had previously been informed, by Kings Langley PC, regarding structures being built on this site without permission. It was agreed that Clerk to chase enforcement on current position. Report to follow next meeting All agreed
0221/08 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & RESULTS
The were no planning application received for September
6 results were published and there were no “clash of views” with DBC Noted
HIGHWAYS, ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT
0222/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
It was confirmed that a meeting had recently taken place with Herts Highways our new Area District Manager. It was apparent that many of the previously outstanding issues had not been addressed and that most would have to start again. A list of item has been passed to Highways. Clerk to chase on regular basis. They confirmed they were aware of our Road Reports and that this year’s report would be sent shortly for them to action. Confirmation of annual gully clearance was requested. Noted
0223/08 ROADS REPORT
Report next meeting Noted
0224/08 LANGLEY ROAD – SPEED ISSUES
It was confirmed the issue of speeding and excess vehicles along the Langley Road were discussed at length with Herts Highways. They agreed to investigate possible solutions with the Camera Safety Partnership, police and enforcement. The first step would be for a speed and volume strip to be placed along the road to establish evidence for future solution. Report next meeting Noted
0225/08 ALEXANDRA ROAD
Due to a possible “Personal and Prejudicial Interests” Cllr Fowler left the room during discussion of this agenda item. A letter of complaint regarding parking issues had been received by CPC. WPC Sikora and PSCO Kyne confirmed that at present they have no powers of enforcement other than the serious issue of obstruction or commission of a crime. They confirmed as the road is used by the public i.e. post, refuse, the road becomes the same as any other road. It was suggested that advice be sought by the resident for a “Private Road, no access or Parking” sign to be installed. WPC Sikora will liaise with DBC for advice. Reply letter to resident will sent. All agreed
OPEN SPACES AND ALLOTMENTS
0226/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
A brief report was given on the currents issues (appendix 0226/08):-
0227/08 GREEN FLAG
Text of Plan being updated to include, Education, Horse riding, Local Knowledge and more sensitive Marketing i.e. the principle of Chipperfield as a “special place. Correct version of Management Plan text now received and being modified. Meeting with DBC September/Oct.
It was confirmed that agreement had been reached with Blackwell’s Trustees and Manager to allow the flag to be sited at their premises. It was agreed that the final location is put before the council prior to installation to agree same and establish whether planning permission may be required. All agreed
A draft article had been circulated covering a report for Chipp News about our Green Flag award Noted
0228/08 REVISED ALLOTMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS (T&C’s)
After discussion is was agreed that the new T&C’s were not entirely complete and could not be adopted during this meeting. It was agreed that old agreements should sent out with a covering letter explaining the T&C’s were a holding document and liable to change.
It was agreed that CPC could join the National allotment and Leisure Society to ensure regular updates and changes to allotment practices at a cost of £55pa + vat
Proposed Cllr Godwin, seconded Cllr Fowler All agreed
YOUTH AND EDUCATION
0229/08 REPORT FROM WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN
None
0230/08 PLAYGROUND CHAPELCROFT
It was reported that 3 “play area designs” had been created for submission to the pupils of St Paul’s school. It was recommended that the children are allowed to pick their best choice and this would be purchased by DBC. After discussion it was agreed that St Paul’s should indicate their preference in choice order, these designs would be submitted to CPC for consultation and a final decision at a future meeting.
0231/08 CORRESPONDENCE
None
0232/08 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
It was Resolved that accounts amounting to £1697.91 be signed for payment.
Proposed Cllr Godwin and Seconded Cllr Godwin All agreed
0233/08 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Next agenda items:- Play areas
0234/08 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is on Monday 13th October 2008 at 8.00pm at the Baptist Church meeting room
PART 2
0235/08 COMMON RANGER – PROBATIONERY PERIOD
Clerk reported that the 2 month probationary period of the Ranger was due to end and requested that in light of the good work he had been doing and his consistent working practices, confirmed by his line Manager the Warden, that his full 6 months (renewable) contract is signed.
Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, Seconded Cllr Gruselle All agreed
0236/08 ALLOTMENT BOUNDARY HEDGE RESTORATION
It was reported that the shed blocking the boundary hedge project had not yet been moved. It was agreed that a further letter to be sent. After further discussions with the tendering company and due to timescales in starting the project due November, it was requested that OS&A are delegated to agree an “intention to proceed”, there would be no financial or contractual implication in this, only to secure the company to submit their final tender option.
Proposed Cllr Joseph, seconded Cllr Godwin All agreed
SIGNED DATED