P a g e 27 (2013/14) MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF ICKLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN ICKLEFORD VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM ON THURSDAY 07 NOVEMBER 2013 Present: Parish Councillors M Maxwell (Chairman), P Crowe (Vice Chairman), M Barber, D Chapallaz, K Goldie, S Gray, C Thurstance and S Taylor Officer present: Danielle Weetman (Parish Clerk) Also present for part of the meeting: County Councillor Barnard and District Councillor Cowley. 77. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 77.1 No apologies were received. 78. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS 78.1 No personal or personal and prejudicial interests relating to items on the agenda were received. 78.2 No requests for dispensation for disclosable pecuniary interests relating to items on the agenda were received. 79. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETINGS 79.1 Following a proposal from Cllr Crowe, seconded by Cllr Goldie, it was That the minutes of the meeting held on 03 October 2013 are approved and the Chairman was authorised to sign them as a true record of the meeting. 80. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION 80.1 There were no members of the public present. 81. POLICE REPORT 81.1 PCSO Report PCSO Parfitt was on sickness leave so Sergeant Oliphant sent a report showing that there had been 5 crimes during October. This compares with 10 crimes for the same period last year. The Clerk will contact Hertfordshire Police to confirm details of a replacement PCSO during PCSO Parfitt s sickness leave. 82. REPORTS FROM COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLORS 82.1 Report from County Councillor Cllr Barnard advised he had allocated a 750 grant from his Locality Budget for the Christmas Tree on Upper Green this year. The Parish Councillors noted their thanks for his assistance in this project. Cllr Barnard reported on the recent Rural Conference that he attended. Cllr Barnard also extended an invitation to the pre Christmas meeting of the Area Committee on 28 th November. 82.2 Report from District Councillor Cllr Cowley reported on the ongoing consultation for the National Planning Policy Framework and its effect on Hertfordshire. Cllr Cowley noted that budget discussions for the next financial year were in progress. 83. UPDATE ON ONGOING MATTERS AND TO CONSIDER/AGREE NEXT ACTIONS 83.1 Hyde Mill Cllr Thurstance reported that the meeting held on 21 October was well attended and a book on the project is in progress. 83.2 Cadwell Bridge
P a g e 28 (2013/14) Cllr Thurstance reported that Herts Highways have confirmed that the work is scheduled for Monday 06 January Friday 10 January 2014 between 9.30am and 3.30pm each day. Herts Highways will put notices up in Ickleford advising details of the work and there will be a link from the Ickleford Parish Council website to their website with full information. The final plans were viewed and discussed. It was agreed that Cllr Maxwell include details about the planned work on Cadwell Bridge in the Chairman s letter for the December edition of St Katharine s Wheel MM 83.3 Village Defibrillator No update received from Bowmans. 83.4 Christmas Tree Cllr Barber updated on the proposed Christmas Tree on Upper Green which included budget information circulated by the Clerk prior to the meeting. The tree has been donated by a resident and the Parish Council have received a 750 grant from Cllr Barnard s Locality Budget to assist with additional costs for the tree. The tree will be installed by William Crosse and Cllr Barber, Cllr Taylor and the Clerk will assist with the project which include a Lights Switch-On and visit from Father Christmas event on Friday 06 December at 7pm. Following a proposal by Cllr Goldie, seconded by Cllr Crowe, it was To put the Christmas Tree up on Upper Green, which is Parish Council land, for the Christmas period. To agree expenditure for the project up to 750 as per the supplied budget information and payment of invoices by the Clerk where the due date for payment is before the next scheduled Meeting of the Council, provided that a full list of such payments shall be submitted to the next appropriate meeting of the Council. That a Risk Assessment for the Christmas Tree and a Risk Assessment for the Lights Switch-On and visit of Father Christmas event on 6 December be drawn up by Cllr Taylor, Cllr Barber and the Clerk on behalf of the Parish Council. It was agreed that the Clerk contact Hertfordshire Police to request the presence of the PCSO and circulate information on the Event to advise local residents of the Christmas Tree and Lights Switch-On and visit of Father Christmas on 6 December at 7pm. 83.5 First World War Commemorations Cllr Taylor reported that the best method of purchasing the seeds is in individual packets as it is a cost effective and convenient method to pass the seeds onto the children. Cllr Maxwell reported that Ickleford School would be happy to hand them out to the pupils. Following a proposal by Cllr Gray, seconded by Cllr Thurstance, it was To purchase seeds for all the pupils of Ickleford School and Ickleford Pre-School in packets to tie-in with the First World War Commemorations in 2014. It was agreed that the seeds be handed out to the pupils in March 2014 for planting in April and flowering in the summer. 83.6 Winter Weather The Clerk reported that she had spoken with NHDC for advice on local residents assisting with the clearing of paths during cold weather and how this would affect the Parish Council s public liability insurance. This information was circulated prior to the meeting. NHDC have
P a g e 29 (2013/14) recognised the contribution of local residents clearing snow and ice from outside their property or business on public highways. They have published documents with recommended methods of clearance showing due care and attention which would not affect Public Liability Insurance. NHDC have also made available a one-off delivery of salt to recognised local organisations including Parish Councils to assist with the clearance of public highways. It was agreed that the Clerk apply for salt bags on behalf of the Council to restock the salt bins, circulate an email to local residents on how they can assist with snow and ice clearance and update the resident who brought this matter to the Council s attention. It was also agreed that Cllr Maxwell include a separate article on this in December s St Katharine s Wheel. /MM 83.7 20 mph Speed Limit Cllr Barber reported on the Highways Meeting on 07 October and the discussions on the proposed 20mph speed limit. There is no time limit to apply for this so Cllr Barber will investigate this further. MB 84. NEW MATTERS 84.1 Grants to local organisations Cllrs received copies of the grant application forms prior to the meeting and these were discussed in detail. Following a proposal by Cllr Chapallaz seconded by Cllr Taylor it was To award the following grants: Organisation Reason Amount awarded ISRC Electronic scoreboard 1,500.00 Ickleford Pre- School Ickleford Village Hall 1 st Ickleford Scouts St Katharine s Junior Church and Mums & Tots St Katharine s 60+ Group Soft play equipment, outdoor toys, dressing-up 1,430.35 outfits, indoor toys, message boards Replacing front of stage in main hall 750.00 1 x mess tent 1,250.00 Craft materials and drinks beakers 99.45 Knitting wool 50.00 TOTAL 5,079.80 The clerk will prepare the cheques and distribute accordingly 84.2 HAPTC Training Courses for Clerk The Clerk would like to attend the Agenda and Minute-Taking Course which costs 30. The Clerk would also like to attend the CiLCA 2014 course which costs 370 ( 220 + 150 CiLCA registration). The CiLCA course is one of the main criteria for General Power of Competence and comprises 7 seminars from January to July 2014 plus portfolio work. Following a proposal by Cllr Goldie, seconded by Cllr Barber it was That the Clerk should attend these training courses
P a g e 30 (2013/14) REASON To support the Clerk s on-going training 84.3 Neighbourhood Plan Cllr Goldie and Cllr Crowe reported that a number of local Parish Councils including Pirton and Stondon have submitted proposals for neighbourhood plans recently and the Cllrs discussed whether Ickleford Parish Council should consider this. Cllr Cowley and Cllr Barnard reported on discussions at District Council and County Council to assist in the Parish Council s deliberations. Cllr Barnard advised he would contact Tom Brindley and ask him to attend a Parish Council meeting to give an overview of the Neighbourhood Plan process and benefits. It was agreed that Cllr Chapallaz would review the Ickleford Parish Boundary as noted on the Hertfordshire County Council website. If it is as the current boundary on the OS map, the Clerk will advise Cllr Cowley that the Parish Council wishes the Ickleford Parish Boundary to remain as it. This is to assist with the Local Plan Consultation. It was also agreed that the Clerk find out the cost for obtaining additional copies of OS map reference 011 TL13S. DC/ 84.4 Date change for January meeting Cllr Maxwell advised that the Clerk and several councillors were unable to attend the January Parish Council Meeting on 02 January. An alternative date of 09 January was suggested as the Village Hall is available. Following a proposal by Cllr Goldie, seconded by Cllr Taylor it was That the date of the January Parish Council meeting be amended from 02 January 2014 to 09 January 2014 REASON To enable the January Parish Council meeting to be quorate. 84.5 Standing Orders and Code of Conduct recommendations from HAPTC Cllr Maxwell reported that HAPTC had recommended changes to the Parish Council s Standing Orders to ensure Compliance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the Parish Council in September 2012. These were circulated before the meeting with a proposed new Protocol on Communications and proposed new Guidelines to the Code of Conduct which underpin elements of the Code of Conduct and Standing Orders. Following a proposal by Cllr Crowe, seconded by Cllr Taylor it was That the proposed new Protocol on Communications and proposed new Guidelines to the Code of Conduct be adopted by the Parish Council REASON To ensure compliance with the Parish Council s Code of Conduct. It was agreed that Cllr Maxwell and the Clerk customise the new Standing Orders for the December meeting based on the current Standing Orders where possible to ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct MM/ 85. PLANNING APPLICATIONS 85.1 13/02506/1LB New Ramerick Farm, Bedford Road, Holwell, SG5 3RU Amendment to the original plans - omission of covered parking to east of barn 2, additional window to north elevation of barn 1, reconfiguration of utility room/w.c to barn 1 and repositioning of external flue to barn 1.
P a g e 31 (2013/14) IPC has no objection to this planning application 85.2 13/02354/1HH 6A River Court, Ickleford, SG5 3UD Insertion of a window in gable end to create additional accommodation in roof space IPC has no objection to this planning application 85.3 Any planning applications received between 01 November and 07 November 2013 Cllr Goldie reported on the proposed new Arlesey Cross development which had been brought to the Parish Council s attention. The development was discussed and further information will be considered at the December meeting to enable the Parish Council to respond to this application. 86. PLANNING DECISIONS 86.1 Any planning decisions received between 01 November and 07 November 2013 None received. 87. FINANCE 87.1 Budget The Clerk will prepare the budget for discussion at the December meeting. Councillors were requested to advise the Clerk of any budget requirements for the projects they are involved in so this can be included. The Clerk advised the intention to make an allowance in the budget each year for computer and office equipment. The Clerk also made the Councillors aware that NALC consider it good practise to include an annual amount in the budget for future election costs as these are increasing all the time. Councillors were in agreement that the precept should remain unchanged if feasible. 87.2 Notification of receipts received since the last meeting From Reason Amount Total HMRC VAT Refund 4,287.57 4,287.57 87.3 Payments for the month of November TOTAL RECEIPTS 4,287.57 Following a proposal from Cllr Thurstance, seconded by Cllr Taylor and agreed unanimously payments totalling 3,721.72 were approved. 88. OTHER REPORTS 88.1 Ickleford Common Holders Committee Cllr Thurstance advised there will be a meeting on 2 nd December where a recent Wildlife Survey will be discussed. 88.2 Parish Paths Partnership Cllr Goldie advised that she will be attending the Icknield Way Path Public Enquiry on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 November to represent Ickleford Parish Council. Cllr Taylor reported that the footbridge near Cadwell Bridge on the Arlesey Road is in reasonable condition. Cllr Goldie advised that Hertfordshire County Council hope to put hard core down on FP5 to firm it up. Cllr Goldie noted the Parish Council s thanks to Cllr Barber for clearing the path by Raymond Cottages.
88.3 Ickleford Primary School Governors Nothing to report. P a g e 32 (2013/14) 88.4 Rand s Educational Foundation Governors Cllr Thurstance advised that 37 Ickleford students had received a grant from the Trust. 88.5 ISRC Cllr Crowe reported that there are ongoing discussions about heaters and an electronic scoreboard. The finances are in good order and there will be a New Year s Eve Disco with tickets costing 5 (including food). 88.6 Village Hall Cllr Barber reported that options for a sound system are being considered. 88.7 Hertfordshire Highways Representative Cllr Barber repaired the broken fence in the play area, removed the fallen tree next to the play area and cleared the footbath leading from the play area to Chambers Lane. Cllr Barber had a meeting about the footpath along Chambers Lane and slow progress is being made. It was agreed that the Clerk find out who owns the land by Arnold s Farm on Chambers Lane so that details can be forwarded to Hertfordshire Highways. Cllr Barber advised the bus stop relocation has been scheduled for 03 February 2013. It was agreed that Cllr Thurstance contact Mr Binks regarding the condition of the fence that borders his property and F7a. CT 88.8 DriveSafe Report Cllr Barber advised Ickleford DriveSafe has been approved and he will update on timing at the December meeting. 88.9 NHAPTCC Cllr Crowe advised the Annual Conference went well and local plans were discussed. 88.10 Clerk s Report The Clerk advised she had spoken with the resident in Boswell Drive and also the Environmental Officer at NHDC about the pigeons at the Plume of Feathers. The resident reported that the number of pigeons had decreased and there were fewer problems. The resident agreed to monitor the situation and contact the Clerk if further environmental problems arise. A resident reported an overgrown hedge on Boswell Drive. As this land is not owned by NHDC, the Clerk has contacted William Crosse for a quote to complete the work. The Clerk has contacted NHDC to report the continued problem of bins blocking the pavement after refuse collection. The Clerk will continue to monitor the situation and remain in contact with NHDC. The Clerk made Councillors aware of a free-of-charge Neighbourhood Planning drop-in on Tuesday 12 th November organised by HAPTC at Kimpton Memorial Hall. The Clerk made Councillors aware of an invitation from Robert Gordon, Leader of the Council, Hertfordshire County Council to this year's community leaders' event on the County Council's budget on Wednesday 27 November 2013 in Stevenage. The Clerk advised that the new noticeboards were now in place on Lower Green and the corner of Westmill Lane and Bedford Road. 89. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Cllr Crowe advised that The Green Man pub had been granted a licence as a public house.
P a g e 33 (2013/14) Following an email from Cllr Maxwell on the Free Trees scheme from The Woodland Trust, Cllr Thurstance reported he had looked into this for the Burial Ground. The Clerk will investigate further. 90. DATE FOR THE NEXT MEETING 90.1 The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 05 December 2013 at 7.30 pm in the small hall. The meeting closed at 9.55 pm Signed by Chairman Date Print name of Chairman