Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 21st July 2008 in the Memorial Hall, Benenden
Present: Cllrs Blockley, Clarke, Hagens, Hockney, Kellett, Lake. Clerk
339 Apologies: Cllr Bailey, Cllr Fogg, Cllr Reynolds, TWBC PD
340 Declarations of Interest:
None declared.
341 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 16th June 2008 were confirmed and signed.
Proposed: Cllr SH Seconded: Cllr JC
342 Matters Arising:
Cllr SH reported a parishioner had contacted him to enquire who was responsible for the road closure between Green Lane and Stepneyford Lane during the Benenden Hospital Annual Event. The public were diverted along an unsuitable lane. Clerk to enquire with Highways. Clerk action.
343 Benenden Primary School 400th Anniversary:
Cllr PB reported the Clerk had sought advice on providing a donation for this event. KALC confirmed eligibility under S137 powers 1972 LGA, providing a letter of request and description of event was received.
Cllr PB advised that a meeting with School Governor Bill Martin was planned to go through the primary schools precise requirements.
344 BT Payphone Removal Proposal:
Cllr PB reported on BT’s proposal to remove 3 kiosks within the Parish. [Minute 334/08]
Clerk had contacted TWBC Jim Kehoe to advise that the PC were keen to keep the Iden Green kiosk, as it is an important visual part of the conservation area of this village and also to advise that Dingleden residents were keen to preserve their kiosk. Cllr MK had also written to TWBC.
Cllr PB reported that BT had received numerous complaints and requests to retain the “red boxes” and groups were being asked to consider taking over responsibility for individual kiosks. Clerk to confirm to TWBC Jim Kehoe and include newspaper article. Clerk action.
345 TWBC Standards Committee – Local Filter Training:
Cllr PB advised PB, RL and Clerk had all attended a workshop outlining the introduction of the local filter for complaints about councillors. The workshop was run by Peter Blackwell, Chairman TWBC Standards Committee. Advice was given on responsibility to work in a partnership with TWBC Monitoring Officers, to assist with complaints through mediation.
Clerk advised that if any councillors had any complaints / issues with another councillor, good practice would be to report to Clerk not the Chairman or Vice-Chairman.
Cllr PB advised Monitoring Officer Nigel Weeks had resigned.
346 Highways:
Clerk reported that our Community Liaison Officer Sue Cooper would hopefully soon be available for meeting with Parishes. Until then all issues should be dealt with via the main Kent Highways Services 08458 247 800 or the internet. Clerk reported there appeared to be different ref no’s issued depending on which method of reporting used. TWBC PD, at the Joint Transportation Board meeting, had expressed concern that relevant officer names had not been circulated to County and Parish Councillors. KCC RM stated that if all calls are directed to the main telephone number, each call would get logged and followed up.
347 Planning Report:
Cllr RL thanked the Clerk for coordinating the planning over the past few weeks.
Cllr RL discussed previously circulated Planning Report [attached]
TW08/01680 – Collingwood Grange. Cllr SH expressed concern over TPO. Clerk confirmed the individual trees were identified on the TPO, too many to list individually on the report.
TW08/02342 – Havering House. Cllr RL expressed general feeling that the extension was considerable. House had previous extensions. Planning Officer to confirm size of original house.
TW08/02043Retrospective – Little Bishopsden Farm, Biddenden. Replacement Agricultural Barn. PC Refusal
Tw08/00594 – Benenden School. Bat roost. TWBC Refusal on size and structure.
348 Financial Report
Payments made on Council’s behalf since Jun 2008
Income
TWBC Public Toilets Rent 10.00 10.00
Chq No Outgoings
227 Audit Commission – Fees 2006 & 2007 458.25
228 B.Sullivan – June 08 Salary 408.00
229 B.Sullivan – postage 17.58
230 Printing at Cranbrook – ink,copy,bind,stny 56.60
231 P.Message – war memorial work 1Jan-30Jun 08 111.00
D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband 18.99
1070.42
Clerk confirmed C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £22,247.75
Clerk reminded all PC to submit their ink cartridge requests.
349 Autumn Village Clean Up:
BACS representative Natalie Blakemore had approached the Clerk to consider an Autumn Village Tidy morning. Clerk to confirm when Civic Amenity Timetable published.
350 Correspondence
- Chairman Iden Green Pavilion Bill Lewis, had written to Enhancement Grant TWBC Brian Hayward, outlining their disappointment with the Archway and the poor condition of the gates.
- Overgrown hedges. 2 issues in Iden Green. Hedges near Claremont Place, now overgrown, obscuring the view over the valley. Hedge overgrown with brambles by the new path for residents. Walkers have to leave path and walk in road as so overgrown. Clerk to contact owners. Clerk action.
- Cllr MK reported on TWBC Deceased online and Neighbourhood Watch sign by Recreation Ground. Janet Greenroyd to liaise with Joan Hagens and Carey Amore
- Cllr SH Romney Marsh wind farm can just be seen from Benenden
Their being no further council business the meeting closed at 9.07pm
Cllr PB opened the meeting to the Public
Janet Greenroyd, Community Warden advised the education sessions on theft from cars at Hemsted Forest, had proved useful, found an open car with handbag left in full view, outlined to drivers the importance of locking car and hiding valuables. Provided positive feedback.
PC reported the crossroads signpost is rotten, requires painting. Cllr PB advised that it is on our action report.
Cllr PB thanked everyone for their comments.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.15pm
Next Meeting: Monday 22nd September 2008 at 8pm The Pavilion, Iden Green
HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
Meeting Held 21st July 2008
351 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 16th June 2008 were confirmed and signed.
Proposed: Cllr MK Seconded: Cllr RL
352 Benenden Village Hall:
Cllr JC reported;
- BVH Health & Safety Policy includes the Fire Risk Policy, which requires confirmation with a Fire Safety Officer. JC to action
- Clerk had sought legal advice on Death in Service in relation to spouse/children vacating property. Letter received now indicates that employment contract does not meet 1996 Employment Act and requires updating to provide both parties with an up to speed document.
- 1 tender had been received for the storage extension works. Close date 31 July 08.
353 St Georges Club:
Cllr RL reported on the meeting that he and JC had attended with St Georges Club Committee.
- Proposed fence and gate to front of building - as smokers were still smoking out the back and to the front. Lady smokers have to pass Gents toilet and concerns have been raised over the back door being kept open, as this is a fire door. Further discussion will be required as tenants concerns must be addressed.
- Bottle bank – no further discussion
- St Georges Club Sign – request to move this closer to The Street. When PC noticeboard is re-sited, the sign could be placed there.
- Security Light – Keeps blowing. As at height nobody can maintain. Discussion followed and PC agreed a full electrical test would be carried out to St Georges Club, Pre-School and Caretakers Cottage. Clerk action.
- St Georges Club to write to PC to outline all requests.
354 Financial Report
Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since June 2008
Income
St Georges June 158.33
BVH June wages 493.30
BVH Insurance 1Apr08/31Mar09 1,816.10 2,467.73
Chq No Outgoings
D/D Insurance July 534.16
S/O COIF Investment Fund 317.00
972 T.Moore – BVH structural calculations fee 55.00
973 D.Dalrymple – June 08 salary 423.29
974 Post Office – D.Dalrymple Tax & N.I 1Apr-30Jun08 386.99
975 B.Sullivan – HT June 08 46.50 1,762.94
Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £15,739.78
Balance in No 2 A/C - £106.50
|