In absence of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman RL was invited to take the meeting

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

408 Apologies: Cllr Blockley, Cllr Reynolds, TWBC L Hall

409 Declarations of Interest:
None declared

410 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 17th November 2008 were confirmed and signed.
Proposed: Cllr JC Seconded: Cllr JH

411 Matters Arising:
Minute No: 399/08 Strawberry Wood Culvert. Cllr MK reported on the meeting held 9 Dec 08.
Engineers had completed site survey, with intention to divert the stream and footpath in
mid/late spring. Landowners with footpath have expressed full support.

412 Benenden Autumn Clean Up:
Clerk reported on poor attendance for the recently held “Love Where We Live” Tidy Up.
Despite advertising, only a few loyal supporters and two new volunteers turned out. Clerk
thanked all for attending and will endeavour to raise awareness for Spring 2009.

413 Parish Newsletter:
Minute 397/08: Cllr RL asked all PC members to produce an article and deliver either to him or to the Community Office, by 5 Jan 2009.
JC – BVH JH – Neighbourhood Watch SH – Compost Advice
DB – PC Info MK – Strawberry Wood Culvert AF – Being a Councillor
Clerk – Clean Ups PC Action

414 K.A.L.C: - Consultation on “Codes of Conduct for Local Authority Members and Employees
Cllr RL asked all members for opinions or concerns on the consultation document. General discussion followed on the definition of “private” conduct and behaviour expectations. All agreed the code should be extended to include employees. Clerk Action

415 Freedom of Information Act: - New Model Publication Scheme
The Clerk read from a letter dated 25 Nov 2008 from the Information Commissioner’s Office. The ICO had produced a new model publication scheme that every Council must adopt from 01 Jan 2009. The objective is to encourage greater openness and transparency across the public sector. PC agreed to adopt the new scheme with immediate effect. Clerk to download and complete the required template, which will need to be published either on notice boards or website.
PC Agreed. Clerk Action

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

TW/08/03285 – Chestnut Cottage, Woodcock Lane
Cllr RL thoughts were this proposal was an improvement with build more in keeping.
TWBC – Refused. Bat survey resuming in Spring 09.

TW/PN/ENF/06/38 – Plot 5400, Hopper Hut, Dingleden
TWBC Enforcement team have visited site to enforce compliance from owner and will continue to keep PC informed

TW/08/02043 – retrospective Little Bishopsden Farm, Bishopsden Road
Cllr RL reported the roof has been painted black. A garage has now been erected. Turning circle should have been considered – may cause traffic issue.

417 Financial Report:

Precept 09/10 [attached]
Clerk asked PC to consider setting precept for 2009/10 at £14,000.00 inline with previously circulated report. Proposed – Cllr MK Seconded – Cllr JC. PC Agreed

Rate Account
Payments made on Council’s behalf since November 2008
Income

Chq No Outgoings
254 I/G Pavilion Hire – 16June, 22Sept, 17Nov 18.00
255 CPRE-Alt Energy Conf – DB 15.00
256 I/G Pavilion Trust – Christmas Grant 75.00
257 BVHMC – Christmas Grant 100.00
258 B.Sullivan Nov salary 367.20, postage, stamps 12.68 379.88
259 Arkhill & Hill Ltd – Annual Bronze Clean 111.04
260 St Georges Community Project – Xmas Toy Appeal 25.00
261 P.Message –Jul-Dec08 war memorial upkeep, plants 169.00
262 Printing at Cranbrook – copying, ink 82.50
D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband Dec 18.58
994.00

Clerk confirmed C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £17,118.41

418 Correspondence:
Clerk discussed the previously circulated new report [attached]

There being no further council business the meeting closed at 8.55pm

Cllr RL opened the meeting to the Public.

Mr P Cooper enquired as to the location of the works being carried out by Freedom Group, EDF Energy re TW/08/03499/ELEC-Land in Sandhurst & Benenden
Cllr RL advised no information had been issued. Clerk to enquire.

TWBC PD advised he would be speaking on PC behalf on the closure of public conveniences at the Cabinet meeting on 18 Dec 08. Owned by TWBC but PC own land. Original copy of legal agreement is sought. Demands at TWBC to narrow future budget.
TWBC PD reported on a Kent Highways Survey. PC completed.
TWBC advised he had resigned from Planning Committee but would remain an active member of LDF.

Cllr RL thanked everyone for their comments and invited all to stay for refreshments.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.10pm

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
Meeting Held 15 December 2008

419 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 17 November 2008 were confirmed and signed.
Proposed: Cllr SH Seconded: Cllr MK

420 Benenden Village Hall:
Cllr JC advised nothing to report this month

421 Mowing – Iden Green Quotation:
Clerk reported a quotation for 2009 hedge cutting and mowing works at Iden Green - Pavilion, Pump House and surrounding areas had been received from Mr. Kenward. Clerk asked for comments on works previous. PC agreed work had been carried out to a high standard and agreed to renew contract for 09/10.
PC Agreed. Clerk Action

422 Harmsworth Trust
Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since November 2008
Income
St Georges Oct 158.33
BVH Oct wages 493.30
COIF Invest Dividend 3003.78
3655.41

Chq No Outgoings
D/D Insurance Dec 534.16
001 East European Builders Ltd – extras to internal 2150.25
002 South East Water – flat + playgroup 45.69
003 Benenden Bowls Club – contrib. towards water rates 22.00
004 M Kenward – mowing + hedges 2008 992.25
005 D.Dalrymple – Nov wages 429.41
006 B.Sullivan – Nov wages 46.50
007 D.Dalrymple – large mouse trap St Georges 8.99
008 Southern Water – flat + playgroup 73.75
009 Acorn Glass Ltd – window St Georges Club 238.05
4,541.05

Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £6,799.60

Balance in No 2 A/C - £107.13

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
Meeting Held 17 November 2008

404 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 20th October 2008 were confirmed and signed.
Proposed: Cllr JH Seconded: Cllr GR

405 St Georges:
Electrical Testing – Full inspection reports received from K Jones Electrical, for Benenden Pre-School, St Georges Club and Caretakers Cottage.
Report identified 1 urgent issue – Bond Main Gas in Pre-School which had been instructed immediately. All other issues were marked as non urgent. Although it is noted that a full re-wire is recommended in St Georges Club within the next 5 years as the existing installation is over 30 years old.
Clerk to pass copies to relevant parties. Clerk action
Fire Risk Assessment – A draft report had been received from Fireclipse Associates Ltd on the whole building. Although Caretakers Cottage does not require a fire risk assessment as it is a private property it was decided to include as it is part of the building.
Chairman PB advised that a meeting was now required to establish who would be responsible for implementation and action. Action

406 Benenden Village Hall:
Storage Extension – Cllr JC advised that works were completed with the exception of the disability ramp / dropped kerb. Extras invoice covered plastering, 2 coats of emulsion, lighting and laminate flooring. A suitable safety surface was being sourced for the ramp.
Winser Engineering – A quotation to carry out repairs to the staunchions included supply, fabricate & paint on site welding and bolting £695 + vat. Chairman PB asked PC to consider this proposal. Agreed action

407 Financial Report:
Harmsworth Trust
Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since October 2008

Income
BANK Bank Interest 121.74
St Georges Oct 158.33
BVH Oct wages 493.30
CHQ Iden Green Tennis Club – Rent 07/08 200.00
973.37

Chq No Outgoings
D/D Insurance Nov 534.16
996 D.Dalrymple – Oct wages 437.41
997 D.Dalrymple Phone line rental + £5 calls 71.03
998 B.Sullivan – Oct wages 46.50
999 K.Jones Electrical - 3 x elec tests to St Georges + sec lamps 252.63
000 East European Builders Ltd – works completion invoice1,896.50
3,238.23

Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £7,685.24

Bank Interest Oct .63
Balance in No 2 A/C- £107.13