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MINUTES OF THE
MEETING OF THE LENHAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THE
5TH AUGUST, 2009, IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 7.30 p.m.
PRESENT Cllr.
N. Godfrey, Chairman presiding
Cllr.
A. Barr, Vice-Chairman
Cllrs.
M. Crutcher, L. Davison, Miss S.
Goodwin, M. Michaelas (until 8.30 p.m.).
M.
Osborne,
I.
Younger, Mrs. P. Sutton (Clerk)
and Mr. R. Sutton (RFO)
B. Cllrs. D. Marshall & T. Sams.
Cllr. D. Clifton representing Harrietsham PC (until
9.00 p.m.)
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Residents of
Honywood
Road
expressed their ongoing concerns at the
planning application for bollards outside McColls. Cllr. Osborne replied that this had been
considered by LPC’s Planning Committee who had reiterated their previous
objection.
The PCSO Rural Supervisor, Nicola Morris, introduced Dave
Rowley, the new PCSO who explained that he was currently undergoing
training. The Chairman thanked him
for taking on the role. PCSO Morris
then detailed the eight crimes reported since the last PC Meeting.
The Community Warden reported that the last month had been
generally quiet but noted that there were instances of cars being parked in
inconvenient places for long periods. However, nothing could be done about this. He again referred to the ‘20 is Plenty’
Scheme mentioned at the last Meeting and said this was operating at Teynham.
REPORT BY C.CLLR. JENNY WHITTLE
In the absence of the C.Cllr. the Chairman read her report
on the action she had taken on various matters.
The Chairman declared the Meeting open at 7.45 p.m and
welcomed B. Cllrs. Sams and
Marshall
and Cllr. Clifton from Harrietsham PC.
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09/43 |
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
The Council accepted the reason for apology for absence
from Cllrs. Greenwood, Richards, Bate, Wilders and C.Cllr. Jenny
Whittle. The Chairman reported the
resignation of Cllr. Nye. The Clerk
had informed MBC and the required notice had been placed.
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09/44 |
DECLARATION OF INTEREST
Cllr. Barr declared an interest in Item 5Ba relating to
Kent International Gateway and took no part in discussion.
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09/45 |
MINUTES
The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 1st July, 2009, were confirmed as a true record and it was RESOLVED that they be
approved and adopted.
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09/46
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B
C
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MATTERS ARISING
.
Update on Lenbus Project (09/36A) Cllr. Crutcher reported that the service had commenced with two
successful runs to date. There were
still a few minor problems to be sorted out but everything was working
well. Cllr. Crutcher was thanked for
all his work.
Speedwatch (09/36B) Cllr. Davison
reported that he was arranging a meeting with the Police and volunteers from
Harrietsham and Lenham. He was
applying for funding from the C.Cllr’s budget.
BMX Park: Quotation for repair of panel (09/39) The Chairman reported
that Clever Curves had provided a quotation in the sum of £460+VAT and it was
RESOLVED that this be accepted. Quotations had also been obtained for the annual safety inspection in
November and it was RESOLVED that the quote from Craigdene Ltd. in the sum of
£125 be accepted.
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09/47 |
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES/SPOKESPERSONS
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A |
Finance & General Purposes The report of the Meeting held on the 15th July, 2009, was received and it was RESOLVED that the recommendations contained
therein be approved and adopted.
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B |
Planning Cllr. Osborne referred to the meetings held on the 15th July and 3rd August, 2009, copies of which had been circulated to
all Cllrs. The following was referred
to:-
KIG Cllr.
Goodwin reported that everything was working towards the Planning Inquiry in
October. The Joint Parishes Group had
submitted objections to MBC, and copied to the Planning Inspectorate, on the
recently received new plans for the site.
Former Coulling Site Cllr. Goodwin reported that the Coulling
Site now had new owners.
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C |
Parish Plan Steering Group Cllr. Barr reported that there had been no
meeting in July. He said that John
Nye would be missed as he was one of the most regular attendees on the
Group. Anyone interested in joining
would be most welcome. He updated the
Council on the following:-
Business Assn. Working reasonably well but they were still looking for a
Treasurer. Hugh Robertson, MP, had
attended the last meeting and felt that Lenham could benefit from the
Olympics being held in
London
.
Welcome Pack This still needed action.
Notice Boards The Chairman undertook to obtain quotations for boards at
Honywood Road
and
Lenham Heath and the Clerk would contact Cllr. Bate as the Board in The Square
required attention.
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D |
Highways & Transport Cllr. Davison reported the following:-
Spreadsheet Still problems with jobs outstanding. Further work requiring attention was reported and would be passed to
KHS.
A20 Speed Review A joint response with Harrietsham had been sent in, together with the
Petition organised by B.Cllr. Sams. Cllr. Davison’s response had drawn attention to the
A20/Ham Lane
junction,
A20/Faversham Rd.
junction, A20 between
Faversham
Rd.
and
Old Ashford Rd.
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E |
Law & Order The Chairman referred to the appointment of the new PCSO and hoped
that he would be working in Lenham and Harrietsham as the regular Police
Constable does not often appear in Lenham. Cllr. Michaelas felt that the Community Police should concentrate on
just Harrietsham and Lenham as their present area was too large. The Chairman replied that this had been
discussed with Insp. Sandwell who had advised that this should be taken up
with the KPA.
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F |
Environment The Clerk reported the following matters relating to the Churchyard:-
Garden
of
Remembrance
Cllr. Greenwood had discussed with a
member of the PCC and they were both in agreement that no memorials should be
placed in this area. However, the PCC
would discuss at their next meeting but it was felt certain that they would
agree with this. The PC agreed that a
letter be sent to the person who had requested to place a memorial in the
Garden
of
Remembrance
informing her that this
would not be permitted.
Work to Footpaths Cllr. Greenwood had informed
the Clerk that Mr. Waring had undertaken this work.
Repair of large tomb Cllr. Greenwood considered this should be
left as there was at present no funding in the budget for this work.
The following was also reported:-
Trees at Glebe Pond The Clerk reported receipt of a letter
from a resident of
Glebe
Gardens
concerned about
the condition of trees at Glebe Pond which were overhanging his
property. She had spoken to Cllr.
Greenwood who would inspect and consider any action required.
Recycling Cllr. Goodwin reported that information was still awaited from MBC regarding
the Texaco site. Regarding the
cardboard recycling scheme she had been informed that this was working well.
Lenham Sign, end of Maidstone Rd. Cllr. Barr reported that this needed
refurbishing. He was reminded that a
local resident had undertaken to do the work.
Picnic Site Cllr. Barr reported that a meeting of the Management Committee needed
to be arranged.
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G |
Cherry Close Play Area The Chairman reported that he was
continuing to chase MBC regarding the draft Lease, He was aware that the Transfer of Land had
gone through.
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09/48
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REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE MEETINGS
Pilgrims
Way
The Chairman reported on the meeting with KCC and the C.Cllr. A partial closure of the area during the
winter months would be looked at, resurfacing would take place, redesign of
the gates to deter quadbikes would be considered and the C.Cllr. would speak
to the Police regarding monitoring of the site.
Community Centre AGM The Chairman had attended and reported
the Committee were doing very well. He thanked the Committee for all the work done.
Meeting with B.Cllr. Greer re. Travellers Sites Cllr. Osborne reported that he and the
Chairman had attended the meeting with other Parishes. The Borough Council were now setting up a
Sites Development Plan Document which following consultation with Parish
Councils would be considered by the Planning Inspector prior to being adopted
in August 2011. Cllr. Osborne felt
that the Parish Council needed to support the Development Plan.
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09/49 |
LYPC: UPDATE ON
MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Chairman reported that several recent meetings
arranged had been unable to be held due to lack of youngsters in attendance. There were still several issues to be
sorted out regarding the use of the Hall and it was felt that if the event
was not adequately organised by the 3rd September it would need to
be cancelled.
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09/50 |
LENHAM WANDERERS FOOTBALL CLUB
CCTV Cover for Changing Rooms Cllr. Godfrey had obtained a quotation in
the sum of £1087.50 for another light to be put onto the Parish Council’s
camera post to direct light onto the changing rooms and it was agreed that
this be forwarded to the Club. If the
Club wished to pay the Parish Council had no objection to the light being
placed on the camera post.
Request to hold Boot Fair at Pitt Field The Parish Council had no objection to
this event taking place on the 6th September, 2009.
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09/51 |
CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
The Clerk reported that she had contacted the B.Cllrs. who
were willing to give £125 each from their devolved budgets to fund the outreach
sessions for the next five months. Following discussion it was RESOLVED that f the sessions were to
continue until March 2010 the Parish Council would fund from the remaining
money set aside for donations.
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09/52 |
LENHAM MARKET: ATTENDANCE BY PARISH CLLRS.
Cllrs. attendance at the monthly market was
clarified. The Chairman had
circulated a rota and it was RESOLVED that a Pop-Up advertising board would
be obtained at a cost of £80.
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09/53 |
FUTURE WATER RESOURCES
Cllr. Barr reminded the Parish Council of their previous
input on consultations by South East Water. He had now received information that the Company proposed to spend
money on maintenance and delivery of improved water supply services to its
customers. To provide the water
resources to meet the growing demand for water the Company proposed a 5.7%
increase over the next five year period.
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09/54 |
KALC/KENT RURAL
Receipt reported of Parish News No. 341 and information
from KRCC together with a copy of Oast to Coast. The Clerk informed the PC that the new
edition of Local Council Administration was now available and it was RESOLVED
that a copy be obtained.
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09/55
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ACCOUNTS
Cheques for consideration & payment
Citizens Advice Bureau July
Outreach session £50.00
Lenham P.Hall Committee Hire
of hall £250.00
Audit Commission Fee,
External Auditor £460.00
Red Alert Call
out to CCTV £380.65
T & S Lighting Ltd. Street light maintenance July £29.72
EDF St.
Light energy July £77.14
Mr. J. Nye Expenses £13.28
Salaries and expenses detailed as Appendix A and filed
with the signed copy of these Minutes.
Amounts paid into Acct.
Showtime Amusements Fee, Rent of Pitt Field £400.00
Doves Funerals 2xPurchased
Graves & Interment fee (Double) £500.00
Mrs. A. Michaelas Donation
towards Cemetery £500.00
Lenham Millennium Market Contribution
to Pop-Up-Power energy £58.49
Natwest Bank Reserve
Acct. interest to 30.6.09 £2.43
“ Liquidity
Deposit interest to 30.6.09 £4.13
COMMUNITY CENTRE
PWLB (D/D) Repayment of 2nd loan £5262.32
It was RESOLVED that the accounts be approved and the
cheques signed.
Donations Letters of thanks for donations had been received from Lenham
Enhancement Assn, Lenham Christmas Lighting Assn. and St. Edmunds Centre
Showtime Amusements The PC agreed that the funfair could
return to Pitt Field in 2010.
Cllr. Younger asked that rent for use of Pitt Field be
discussed at the next Meeting.
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09/56
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B
C
D
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CORRESPONDENCE
Heath Countryside Corridor A request for a letter of support had been
received from the Group to enable them to apply for further funding in order
to undertake more projects. It was
agreed that a letter be sent.
Parish Plan Questionnaire Information had been emailed to all Cllrs.
querying if Parish Councils were interested in developing an emergency plan. Following discussion it was agreed that
LPC would be interested, although this would depend on how much input would
be forthcoming from KCC.
MBC The
following information had been received from MBC:-
a. Training: Code of Conduct Any Cllr.
interested in attending should contact the Clerk.
b.. Overview
& Scrutiny Function Review LPC
were happy with the present service.
c. Maidstone
Rail Services Review LPC felt
that the service to Blackfriars and
Charing Cross
should not be removed.
d. Rural
Liaison Day Advance notice
received that this would be held on the 28th Sept. Agenda to follow.
Kent Archaeological Society Information given on Peopling Past
Landscapes –
North Downs
to the Weald. The project to be launched on the 3rd October at Lenham Community Centre, admission by ticket only.
The meeting closed at 9.50 p.m.
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