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Doddington Village Hall - February 2007
Cllr Cuthbert reported that the Plough Monday Event had been very successful
8. YOUTH COUNCIL
Awards for All funding bid – Cllr Roberts advised that the application must come from the Parish Council. Maximum bid £10,000.
9. DODDINGTON IN BLOOM SUB COMMITTEE
Adoption of minutes – there was no meeting this month.
Update & Any Other Business – it was noted that 12 Lavender plants had been stolen from the Traffic Calming Area at the bottom of Wychling Hill.
10. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
·1 A member of the public requested that agendas be available for the public at future meetings.
·2 A member of the public asked if something could be done about the excess of dog mess on the village pavements. Cllr Roberts will put a piece in the newsletter.
·3 A member of the public asked if the content of the website could be available in booklet form for those who do not have internet access. This is not possible as it is constantly changing. Cllr Cuthbert offered her an opportunity to view the site.
·4 A member of the public asked if the non-skid surface on Wychling Hill, promised in conjunction with the Traffic Calming Scheme would be put in place. Cllr Jones reported that this had been mentioned at meetings with Kent Highways but lack of funding had postponed installation. She would continue to pursue.
·5 A member of the public asked if, instead of a renewable energy project , a community warden could be employed. Cllr Bowles said there were a number of different types of warden, he would make enquiries. A diary of accidents, incidents and events occurring in the village would be useful to the Parish Council. Clerk to contact the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator to discuss an appropriate entry in the newsletter.
·6 A member of the public enquired of the significance of the Swale Housing Association walk commencing at Sunnyside and was advised that this regular event alternates its start between the two villages.
·7 A member of the public asked if there was any further information regarding the school site. – None.
·8 A member of the public asked about youth issues in the village.
11. PLANNING
The Clerk read a reply from Graham Thomas, Swale Borough Council Planning Dept. regarding the following:
Wellwood Farm works – SBC still awaiting application
Graces Place – SBC still awaiting further information from the applicant.
12. FINANCE
·1 Cllrs Expenses - None
·2 Former Clerk’s salary (£149.98), tax (£41.80) & admin. expenses (£18.95)- approved by all councillors Chq nos. 000720, 000719, 000723
·3 CPRE Annual subscription (£27.00) – approved by all councillors Chq. no. 000722
·4 Petty Cash W Gaze (£25.00) – approved by all councillors Chq no. 000721
·5 Sale of Parish Council Computer. Sale to former clerk approved by all councillors with a request for Parish Council data to be cleared from system. Cllr Cuthbert to finalise.
·6 Cllr Jones requested that the remainder of the Parish Grant (2006/2007) of £2,079.79 be earmarked to War Memorial £ 750.00 and Youth Projects £1,329.79. Approved by all councillors. Clerk to inform Laurence Young at Swale Borough Council.
13. HIGHWAYS REPORT - a new format is now required for the reporting of Highway problems. Clerk to manage system. Clerk
14. TRAFFIC CALMING – Cllrs Cuthbert and Jones had inspected the Traffic Calming Scheme the previous week with Keith Ferrin from Kent Highways and expressed disappointment at the lack of progress regarding the remedial work that had been agreed would be completed. It was noted that the granite sets at several locations are breaking up. Cllr Bowles to take matters up with Keith Ferrin.
15.
PLAYING FIELD
ROSPA inspection Report - No further action
Playground Safety Surfacing – Cllr Cuthbert will liaise with the member of the public who offered to clear the moss from the area. Cllr Jarrett commented that parts of the playing field grass are turning yellow. Cllr Cuthbert will investigate.
16.
ADMINISTRATION & SYSTEMS
i. Appointment of Internal Auditor 2006/2007 – Roger Tuckey has agreed to be Internal Auditor.
ii. Playing Field Maintenance contract Quote 2007/2008 Nick Swatland – A quote of £240 per annum had been received, this was approved by all councillors. Payment of current invoice carried over to next meeting
17. CORRESPONDENCE
· Kent Association of Parish Councils Swale Area Committee Meeting 5th March 2007 – Cllr Jones will try to attend.
· Action with communities in rural Kent: Rural Community Opinion Survey 2007 – Cllr Jones will complete.
· Swale Green Grid Partnership 20th February 2007 – Cllr Cuthbert unable to attend due to a previous engagement. Clerk to send apologies.
· Faversham & Swale East Area Forum – Public Session 20th February 2007 . Noted. Cllr Prescott advised a change of venue to Queen Elizabeth’s School Faversham.
· Kent Downs AONB Unit – Research report ‘Village Design Statements – Do they make a difference ?’ – Cllr Cuthbert will keep this report.
18. A.O.B
i. Northdown salt bin – Cllr Cuthbert to contact correspondent.
ii.Allotments – rent review – Mr R Oldfield has been kind enough to reduce the rent to £1 per annum for the next three years. Clerk to advise Allotment Association and send letter of thanks.
iii. Parish council Printer - The clerk asked if the Parish Council would purchase a scanner/copier/printer for administrative use. A suitable model in region of £51.00 + VAT & delivery had been sourced. Approved by all councillors.
iv. A Fun Day - in the playing field, as a village event , was suggested by Cllr Hanson who will investigate whether a separate, non Parish Council, Committee to organise such is permissible and feasible.
v. Speaker for AGM - The clerk noted that a speaker was required for the AGM in May and suggested that a member of Swale Borough Council’s Recycling Department be invited to talk to villagers about the new Recycling Bin Scheme which is to be introduced to the village in June. Cllrs approved this meeting but would prefer it to take place on an evening other than the AGM. Clerk to investigate.
vi. Training – the clerk asked if councillors would approve training courses for herself and the new councillor if desired. Dates have been sought through KAPC, the cost is £50 per course. Approved by all councillors.
vii. Cllr Jarrett queried whether the Right of Way Officer was part of the Highways Section and commented that a footpath sign at the West End had been taken down. The clerk confirmed that he is and that the Officer is aware of the damage to this sign and is arranging repair.
viii. Cllr Cuthbert had noted and remarked to Cllr Hanson that she had missed several meetings.
Meeting closed at 9.00 pm
Date of Next Meeting: Monday 12 March 2007 at 7.30 pm