Present: Cllrs Bailey, Blockley, Clarke, Fogg, Hagens, Hockney, Kellett, Lake. Clerk

374 Apologies: None

375 Declarations of Interest:
None declared

376 Minutes:
Cllr AF noted Memorial Hall is amended to Iden Green Pavilion and Minute No 367: ‘principal’ is amended to read ‘principle’. Clerk noted

The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 22nd September 2008 were confirmed and signed.
Proposed: Cllr DB Seconded: Cllr MK

377 Matters Arising:
None

378 Merry & Bright Club:
Cllr JH reported on the committee’s decision that had sadly resulted in the closure of the Merry & Bright Club. Cllr JH and the Clerk were keen to resurrect the Club if there was sufficient need. An article had been placed in the Parish Magazine and a survey was being issued to all past members to gauge interest. Clerk feels it is a worthy village activity that deserves support.

379 K.A.L.C
Chairman PB reported on the resignation of Clive Powell, KALC legal and procedural advisor. This is a sad loss for Kent, as he has provided much support to clerks and councils with his vast knowledge for many years. PC agreed a small donation to be forwarded. Clerk noted
K.A.L.C has advised PCs to read and comment if necessary on two consultations;
“Codes of Conduct for Local Authority Members and Employees” – Clerk ordered 5 copies. Closing date for comments 24 December 2008
“The Making and Enforcement of Byelaws” – Chairman reported he had read the document and “Dealing with Open Spaces” may be of interest. Obtain a copy from Clerk if required.
Closing date for comments 20 November 2008

380 A.C.R.K – Kent Community Halls Annual Conference:
Cllr JC advised BVH had been selected to host the annual conference and that the day had proved informative. Cllr RL and JH also attended. Approx 75 representatives from Kent halls attended who received talks on law, building grants, eco-friendly sites, the Phoenix Centre.
Hallmark awards were distributed. BVHMC were presented with Level 1.

381 Highways:
Chairman PB advised that following a successful meeting with KCC Highways, clarification on reporting of issues and identification of engineers had been gained.
Attendees: Susan La Porte – KCC Highways Engineer, Louise Codman – Liaison Team Leader, Sue Cooper – Community Liaison Officer, Michael Sammut – Transport Engineer,

Cliff Wilson – Highways Inspector, BPC – JC, PB, Clerk
Cllr JC presented KCC Highways with a map of identified problems and noted that lanes had improved in general.
Cllr MK – Ramsden Lane width sign had been hit and the sign is hanging off. Clerk noted

382 TWBC Local Economy and Housing Committee:
Review of Road Safety and Transportation
Chairman PB asked for comments on the previously circulated review.
Rat runs, traffic congestion, cluttered signage, hgv issue – no problems.
Speed limits – report Clerk action

383 Planning Report:
Cllr RL discussed previously circulated Planning Report [attached]

TW08/03285 – Chestnut Cottage, Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of replacement dwelling. Circulating – Position is the same but the replacement has lower roof line with more depth to back of dwelling. Property has undergone a mismatch of small extensions over the years. Bats were discovered at the property, a 12mth survey will recommence in the spring.

384 Financial Report:
Rate Account Payments made on Council’s behalf since September 2008
Income
TWBC 50% Precept 7000.00 7000.00 Chq No Outgoings
241 B.Sullivan – Sep salary, postage 459.77
242 Cancelled ----
243 ACRK BVH Annual Halls Conference 60.00
244 Printing at Cranbrook – inks for cllrs, paper, copying, stny 167.99
D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband Oct 18.99
TRF H/T – BVH Storage Extn Agreed Funds 5000.00
5706.75

Clerk confirmed C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £19,226.21

Clerk advised the minimum wage had increased from £5.52 to £5.73
War Memorial Maintenance
Clerk had sought various quotations ranging from £250 - £1,800. An approved stone consultant
recommended a traditional clean with scrubbing brushes, in order to prevent damage to
mortar which jet washing can incur. Mr Howard, of East Peckham quotation was £250.
All agreed. Clerk action

385 Correspondence
- Financial / Banking Situation – Chairman PB advised many PC’s were expressing concern in light of the current financial markets. Clerk felt Co-Operative Bank were as reputable as any other financial institution and saw no urgent need for change. Chairman PB had contacted the Charity Commission who had produced a list of all financial institutions used worldwide. Clerk to email members. Clerk action
- Benenden Primary School – Chairman PB advised Bill Martin had reported that KCC had hoped to release sufficient funds to progress to the Planning Stage, which will cost approx £200k However at the present time no funds were available for either seeking planning permission or school build. Bruce MacQuarrie confirmed KCC planned on selling various assets but as a result of the current financial situation, anticipated income was not being achieved.
- Cllr JC noticed that KCC Highways Depot at Swattenden Lane was up for sale
- Chairman PB read a card from Barbara Barham, advising £610 had been collected in memory of Harry
- Clerk reported no news on Handrails at 17 Pullington Cottages but had hi-lighted the issue as a matter of urgency and was awaiting reply

Their being no further council business the meeting closed at 9.23pm

Cllr PB opened the meeting to the Public

Community Warden Janet Greenroyd would visit a local property to inspect possible Highway danger with vehicles stopping to purchase roadside goods.

Cllr PB thanked everyone for their comments.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.25pm

Next Meeting:

A Closed Meeting of the Council will be held at 7.30pm for members to receive the report from ACRK – Housing Needs Survey

Monday 17th November 2008 at 8pm at Iden Green Pavilion, Benenden

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
Meeting Held 20th October 2008

386 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 22nd September 2008 were confirmed and signed.
Proposed: Cllr SH Seconded: Cllr DB

387 Iden Green Tennis Club Lighting:
Chairman PB asked for comments on the recently circulated letter received from Iden
Green Tennis Club requesting Harmsworth Trustees permission to apply for planning permission for lighting the courts.
General discussion followed with support for sport and fitness activities being promoted in the community, consideration of impact on neighbouring properties, dark evening time curfew and a visit to Mayfield Tennis Club would be arranged. Chairman PB proposed trustees support of lighting would not be an indication of our decision when the full planning application is received. All agreed

388 Benenden Village Hall:
Fire Risk Assessment File – Cllr JC advised a full risk assessment file for the village hall is now readily available in the Community Office. Although procedures were in place A.C.R.K advised having a separate file with gas safety checks, pat testing etc
[Minute No 380/08] BVHMC had recently been awarded Hallmark Level 1 – equivalent of a star rating and work is in progress for Level 2. Cllr JC and his committee thanked the Clerk for the extra work involved.
Storage Extension – Cllr JC advised that works were rapidly nearing completion and EEB Ltd had agreed to install a disability ramp / dropped kerb to allow better access for wheelchairs.

389 Benenden Recreation and Iden Green Play Equipment:
Bourne Quotation – Clerk asked for agreement and reported that all medium risks had been identified. Costs were indicative of this including supply and spread of 15m3 of play bark between the two areas. Costs are Iden Green £715 and Benenden Recreation £950 + vat. All agreed

390 Financial Report:
Adoption Benenden Village Hall Accounts 07/08 [attached]
Chairman PB asked if all Cllrs had now received a copy of the accounts and any issues.
Accounts adopted.

Harmsworth Trust
Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since September 2008

Income
St Georges Sep 158.33
BVH Sep wages 493.30
TRF Rate A/C – BVH Storage Agreed Funds 5000.00
Kellett Allotment Field Rent July08 – Jan09 43.75
5695.38

Chq No Outgoings
D/D Insurance Oct 534.16
984 Buss Murton – Caretaker Contract Advice 258.50
989 BVH VAT refund 07/08 707.96
990 D.Dalrymple – Sept wages 415.66
991 Tax + NI – DD 1Jul08-30Sep08 379.85
992 B.Sullivan – Sept wages 46.50
993 East European Builders Ltd – 2nd instalment 6500.00
994 East European Builders Ltd – 3rd instalment 4500.00
995 TWBC Building Contol Inspection Fee BVH 360.08 13702.71

C/A £500.00 D/A £9,950.10

Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £9,950.10

Balance in No 2 A/C - £106.50

391 Correspondence
- Chairman PB reported that correspondence had been received from St Georges Club confirming the issues reported by Cllr JC and RL [Minute No: 353/08] Clerk had acknowledged and outlined PC action.
- Clerk reported full electrical safety tests to St Georges were instructed and a full fire risk assessment is to be carried out on 23 October 2008.