Present: Cllrs Bailey, Beattie, Blockley, Clarke, Hagens, Kellett, Lake, Reynolds,
Clerk + 5 members of the public

78 Apologies
JHem [bus] MK [attending Benenden Hospital Open meeting], TWBC LH, TWBC SH

79 Declarations of Interest
JB declared a personal interest in TW/11/03412 Standen Farmhouse being a neighbour.
GR declared a prejudicial interest in TW/11/03030 Harneck House being his own application.

80 Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 17th October 2011
JB reported minute no 69 11/12 “mode” to be changed to “model”. PC resolved to accept the minutes. Clerk amended and Chairman signed the confirmed minutes. PC Resolved
JB advised the adopted standing orders still required attention and requested a meeting with DB before working with the Clerk to resolve issues. JB advised the cross referencing was only one of many concerns.
DB reminded the PC that BPC does not have to adopt SO’s, does not act incorrectly and again asked JB to clarify the points which needed amendment.
RL hi-lighted how the past few months had shown an increase in activity for the PC and the SO’s were not top of his priority list.
JB to liaise with Clerk.

81 Matters Arising
Council Employee Annual Salary Review
DB proposed PC consider the two points previously circulated. To acknowledge that the Clerk’s workload had steadily increased since being contracted to work for 40hrs per month in June 2006. Contract to be for 70 hrs per month. NALC no change to salary scales since 2009/10.
Point 1 – Contractual hours
PC resolved to accept an increase in contractual hours for the Clerk. 7 – For 1 – abstain
JB would require evidence of increased workload before making a decision. PC Resolved
Point 2 – Payment Award
PC resolved to award a one off payment award to the Clerk. 8 – For PC Resolved

High Speed Broadband
PB advised Tim Dwyer and Paul Leek had carried out low key research to determine whether residents were satisfied with the speed of their broadband connection. 26 responses indicated people can work satisfactorily but would value a high speed broadband link. BPC would have to effectively “employ” an expert to carry any bid project through to implementation. BPC resolved no further action. DB thanked all for their input and Clerk to write to TD. PC Noted

MK arrived

Highways Report / Grit Bins
Highways Report
Clerk confirmed she has met with James Pronger [Highways Steward] and Sue LaPorte [TW Area engineer] to discuss current issues identified in the previously circulated reports.

Grit Bins
Clerk advised Kent Highways TW District Manager Earl Bonner had confirmed all grit bins purchased through them would cost £350, one fill + two re-fills throughout the winter months for one year only. The grit bin would be the full responsibility of the PC. Kent Highways would not add further grit bins to the existing grit bin list of which there are 18 in our Parish. Clerk advised four local PC’s would not be purchasing any grit bins at present.
DB asked for comments on the circulated request list and views on purchasing any grit
bins. Discussion followed and PC resolved not to purchase any grit bins at the present time.
Farmers Snow Route – BH confirmed Kent Highways allocate the route to the farmers. GR to liaise with Clerk to ensure farmers are aware of any roads which may require clearing.
Clerk to contact Kent Highways for farmer list. PC Resolved

82 Benenden Hospital Visit
DB, PB and MK attended a presentation given by Jane Abbott and Andrew Hislop on the proposal to improve the facilities to meet requirements of a modern fully functioning hospital.
MK reported on the public meeting she had attended as PC representative. 100 local residents invited – 15 attended. Main concerns – lighting pollution and construction traffic during the 2 ½ years of construction. Most people indicated support.
DB advised a letter from a resident living in Walkhurst Road had contacted BPC to outline their concerns.
GR expressed gratitude that we have such a facility on our village doorstep.
DB reported Benenden Hospital is keen to promote NHS referrals. A suggestion of the DVD presentation for BPC Annual Assembly 2012 was supported. PC Noted

83 KALC AGM
RL reported on the speakers: Ann Millington Chief Executive KFRS, Gary Beautridge Assistant Chief Constable Kent Police and Ann Barnes Chairman of Kent Police Association.
KPA spoke on re-structuring of staff and policing area allocations; KFRS spoke on re-locating staff and closure of certain fire stations which would provide improved response times.
Kent Highways advised on the positive outcomes of the staff restructure. All parishes are allocated a Kent Highways Steward who has the responsibility to see a project through to the end. Clerk confirmed she has met with JP and Sue LaPorte [TW Area engineer] to discuss current issues. PC Noted

84 TWBC Parish Chairmen Meeting Report
DB reported on TWBC: Christmas Ice Rink at Calverly Park; Heritage Partnership Project scheme - grants available to enhance conservation areas or address eyesores with match funding preferable; TW Sarah Lewis spoke on exception sites for affordable housing and surveys carried out to 13 parishes since 2006. Clerk to forward briefing to all cllrs.
TWBC advise all PCs to develop a local plan - Parish Chairman Feb 2012 agenda.
Nov 11 agenda item proposed by BPC DB: Rise in applications for agricultural barns with solar panels.
General agreement that now the government had reduced the incentive grant, applications may well reduce. PC Noted

85 Benenden War Memorial
DB advised Community Warden Adam Osborn had acquired a Selecta DNA kit and had marked the war memorial bronze and plaques. Clerk had marked the computer and sent the barcode away for registration. DB thanked AO for his prompt action.
PB suggested a fibre glass cast of the 3 plates be obtained. PC resolved to research.
Clerk to liaise with PB. PC Resolved

86 Queens Jubilee 2012
DB confirmed a preliminary programme of celebration events was planned for the
Parish. Grateful thanks to Peter Ellis & Ruth Clarke for all their efforts.
Queens Beacon registered and accepted. Clerk had registered for an entry in a
celebration memorabilia book produced by TWBC. DB confirmed Benenden Parish would
be included.
DB asked people who wished to be involved to contact Peter Ellis on benenden2012@mail.com
TWBC would be allocating 50p per head and funding towards events can be applied for.

87 Neighbourhood Policing
Clerk advised PCSO Lori Ham had visited to report on staff restructuring and confirm
the launch of 101 – non emergency crime number. Posters displayed. PC to help raise
awareness of new number which will reduce pressure on the 999 system. Hard of
hearing can still text “police” and a message to 60066. PC Noted

88 Training & Development
KALC Finance Module 7 Dec 2011 – JB to attend
Localism Conf 28 Jan 2012 - DB/RL to attend
Chairman’s Conf 7 Jan 2012 – DB to attend
ACRK/CPRE/KALC Supporting Communities + Neighbourhood Planning Free Workshop
JB & Clerk to attend Sat 3 Dec
Clerk reminded members that each course cost £60 + vat and no “training” budget had been allocated for 11/12. All course fees would appear under “Admin” for financial year 11/12 PC Noted

89 Benenden Primary School
GR advised nothing further to report on new school development. The school has
hired a temporary caretaker to cover DD’s sickness. DD is sorely missed.

90 Planning Report
[i] RL discussed previously circulated Monthly Applications & Decisions Reports [attached]
PC Recommendations
TW/11/03264 – Mulberry House, Cranbrook Road
Proposal enhances the property – PC Approval
TW/11/03267 – OS Plot 0032, Dingleden
No response re reinstatement of hedge as yet under TW/11/02408
Proposal for mobile field shelter does still not alter the fact the access is in a dangerous position and it would be detrimental to the AONB landscape – PC Refusal
TW/11/03412 – Standen Farmhouse, Standen Street
Two bay garage with stores and log store – PC Approval
TW/11/03436 – The Vicarage Coach House
TPO to fell 2 Lime trees. JHg PC tree warden recommended the trees be felled.
RL advised a TPO has been placed on the trees by TWBC DD so no action for 6 months.
PC agreed RL to contact TWBC DD and put recommendation forward to 1 Dec 2011 planning meeting. RL Action
[ii]RL signed the minutes of the Planning Meeting held 3 Nov 2011 as a true record.
PC Noted

91 Financial Report
Payments made on Parish Council’s behalf since 12 Oct 2011
Income
BK Bank Interest 9.44
SO Harmsworth Trust – Clerk Sep 11 salary 100.00
TOTAL 109.44
Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
566 KCC-KCS mislaid chq 548 50% The Green 420.70
567 EDF – unmetered phone kiosk adjustment 31 May 11 2.13
568 J Clarke – public toilets tissue rolls 13.20
569 BT Payment Services – office phone line 79.42
570 M English – public toilets clean Oct 11 186.00
571 KALC – finance conference 7 Oct 11 JB 72.00
572 B Sullivan – Oct 11 Sal 778.23 + postage 5.07 783.30
573 SE Water – fresh water supply rates public toilets 94.02
574 Audit Commission – Audit Fee 2010/11 342.00
575 Stationery Express – 222 b/w copies pc mtg; stny; ink 38.37
576 RBL – poppy wreath + 24 wooden crosses 41.00
D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband Nov 2011 18.99
TOTAL 2091.13
After all cheques cleared
Cancelled Chq 101548 KCC KCS + £420.70
Clerk confirmed D/A held £500 and C/A held £25,129.08

Reconciled with Bank Statement 31 Oct 2011 Balance: £27,271.71
Uncleared cheques Total: -£2,142.63
Balance in D/A £25,129.08

Parish Council resolved to accept monthly finance report prepared by the Clerk/RFO
PC Resolved
92 Local Consultations
[i] KCC Kent Minerals & Waste Sites – supplementary minerals and waste site options
Clerk advised no site options local to Benenden Parish were proposed.
[ii] Local Government Consultations
Pension Scheme; Neighbourhood Planning Regulations & Community Infrastructure
Levy – respond to KALC by 12 Dec 2011
Clerk hoped the KALC Area Meeting on 29 Nov 2011 would hi-light if PC response was
required. KALC Area

93 Correspondence Report
[i] Clerk spoke on the previously circulated 10/11 Monthly Report
[ii] KFRS Consultation Towards 2020 respond by 16 Jan 2012 DB/RL Action
[iii] TW Mayors Charity Quiz Sat Jan 21 2012 – PC will not attend.
[iv] Clerk confirmed an application for a festive light grant had been applied for.
[v] DB advised TW Mayor requested PC’s to help raise awareness of the St Georges
Christmas Toy Appeal. PC resolved to donate £25 to this worthwhile cause. PC Resolved

Their being no further comments the meeting closed at 9.33pm

Chairman DB opened meeting to the public

No public comment. DB thanked everybody for attending. The meeting closed at 9.34pm

Note: These minutes are not intended to provide a verbatim record of the meeting and
contain only a summary of those matters discussed.

Date of Next Meeting: Monday 12th December 2011 at 8pm
Memorial Hall, Benenden

 

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST

206 Apologies
JHem [Bus]

207 Minutes
The minutes of the ordinary meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on 17th October
2011 to be confirmed and signed by the Chairman. HT resolved to accept the minutes
as a true record. HMT Resolved

208 Matters Arising
Employee Annual Salary Review
DB reported on the continuing sickness of DD. A full annual salary review will be carried out on his return to work or before 31 March 2011.
HMT Employee Annual Salary Review [BS]
DB proposed no change to HMT monthly commitment to clerk’s salary. 7 – For 1 – abstain
JB would require further information on how hours are divided between Parish/HMT.
HMT Resolved
Benenden Play area – Fence damage
Clerk had instructed Cranbrook Fencing and Bournes for quotes following no response
from Barrett Fencing. No further action required as GR had kindly mended the fence.
DB thanked GR and instructed him to forward any expenses to the Clerk.
GR advised the fence would only last a couple of years. HMT to monitor. HMT Noted

Charity Commission
DB advised PB had contacted solicitors and obtained copies of correspondence regarding
the original sale of part of the allotment field. DB requested permission from HMT if a
solicitor had to be consulted. HMT resolved to accept request. HMT Resolved

209 Village “Odd Job Man”
DB reported BVH Caretaker remains very unwell. BVHMC to find a temporary replacement. JC has been cleaning floors, ME & TE have been cleaning toilets, windows and kitchen and JHag opening and closing the hall.
BVHMC to advertise in the shops; BVH, St Georges Club, noticeboards in the hope a reliable local person responds. JC to liaise with Clerk re HMT element. BVHMC Action

GR offered to check a report that the bus shelter seat was broken and would undertake the weekly check of Iden Green play area until suitable cover was found.
DB thanked GR for his continued support. GR Action

210 Benenden Village Hall
JC advised BVHMC were considering extending the fencing to the edge of the concrete
ramp to prevent drivers parking on the grass to match existing. BVHMC to fund work.
HMT agreed this would improve the visual entrance HMT Noted

211 St Georges Hall
[i] maintenance 2012
DB advised HMT to consider maintenance which will be necessary in 2012 to St Georges Hall including the paintwork to windows and beams. JC to contact PF of Town & Country Property Services for a quote to repair the loose wooden pillars to the front of the building which are aesthetic value not structural. JC Action

[ii] Rental review valuation
DB advised Standen Hodgson recommended an annual rent of £2,000 pa over the next 5 year period for St Georges Club. HMT resolved to set the rental figure as £2,000 pa and use a solicitor to draft the renewal lease.

Clerk to contact St Georges Club and Whitehead Monkton Solicitors. HMT Resolved

212 Bourne Amenity
HMT resolved to accept the previously circulated quotation for Benenden and Iden
Green Playgrounds bark and repairs £735 + vat. Clerk to contact Bourne to ask for a
price reduction as GR fixed the gate slamming post. HMT Resolved

213 Mowing 2012
Clerk advised KCC Landscape Services quotation indicated a 3% increase for 2012. HMT agreed mowing continues to be to a high standard and are approachable with extras. HMT resolved to accept the quote. HMT Resolved

Clerk advised land ownership of the field behind Benenden Recreation Ground was unclear and was concerned no-one would cut the top of the hedge this year.
GR agreed to cut both Benenden / Iden Green perimeter hedges and would invoice before year end. Clerk to contact PP to cut the inside at Benenden Rec Ground.
HMT Resolved

214 Monthly Finance Report
Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since 12 OCT 2011
Income
BK Bank Interest 4.55
St Georges Oct 11 rent 158.33
BVH Sept 11 wages 537.80
TOTAL 700.68
Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
D/D Aviva – Insurance Oct 11 390.34
159 D Dalrymple – sal Oct 11 484.32 phone 24.11 stain 15.98 524.41
160 SE Water – fresh water supply rates St Georges 41.82
161 J Field – St George’s entrance hall + pre-school decorate 900.00
SO Rate Account – BS clerk Oct 11 100.00
TOTAL 1956.57
After all cheques cleared
Clerk confirmed D/A held £500 and C/A held £7,895.35

Reconciled with Bank Statement 31 Oct 2011 Balance: £9,361.58
Uncleared cheques Total: -£1,466.23
Balance in D/A £7,895.35

HT A/C NO 2 Bank Statement 30 Sept 2011
Balance in No 2 A/C 1038.80

HMT resolved to accept the monthly finance report prepared by the Clerk. HMT Resolved

215 Correspondence
DB advised Will Rogers of 4Delivery Ltd has requested renting a 30mt sq plot of Iden Green Allotment Field for parking vehicles and storing materials throughout March-Oct 2012 to undertake works for Southern Water. HMT currently rents the field out to J Kellett for sheep grazing. Discussion followed.
HMT agreed further research required to establish exact requirements. Clerk to inform BH and arrange a meeting in early Jan 2012. HMT Action

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.23pm

Note: These minutes are not intended to provide a verbatim record of the meeting and contain only a summary of those matters discussed.

Date of Next Meeting: Monday 12 December 2011
At: Memorial Hall, Benenden
immediately after the Parish Council meeting