Action

1. Planning

The current plans were noted.  Cllr T Sams commented that MA/09/0351, Former KCC Highways Depot, Marley Road, would require twice as many bins as were shown on the plans to comply with the new recycling initiative.

1. Highways/Transportation
1. Update on A20 - Cllr J Sams explained that a meeting had taken place on the 5th March with Keith Ferrin and Michael Heath.  Kent Highway Services had been looking into the problem with the traffic lights.  One side of the crossing only allowed 8 seconds.  Cllr Oversby commented that a tractor with trailer had been seen going through a red traffic light and that bigger warning signs were required.  Cllr J Sams reported that Michael Heath had said that no warning is required as the crossing is clearly visible as it is approached.
2. Parking in Station Road – The Clerk reported that she had spoken to the Clerk at Charing Parish Council and now had details of the contact for South Eastern Trains do discuss the parking issues.  These were passed to Cllr J Sams.
3. Forstal Lane – Residents had taken part in the meeting with Keith Ferrin and he was now aware of their views.
4. Cllr J Sams informed all present that the Head teacher of the school had also met with Keith Ferrin regarding the filter lane.  The whole meeting had been very positive but Cllr J Sams felt that Michael Heath would need to be chased to make sure that the various projects progressed further.
5. Outstanding Highways Issues – Cllr J Sams confirmed that all faults are reported to KCC straight away.
2. Environmental
1. Cllr Morris reported that a job description had now been written for the Amenity Manager’s vacancy. The Environmental Committee had recommended an hourly rate of £8.40 per hour.  It was proposed by Cllr Oversby to approve the hourly rate.  This was seconded by Cllr B Wood, with all in favour.
2. Lake Dam - Cllr Morris confirmed that the remedial work had been completed and that there were several recommendations in the report that Bureau Veritas had written.  A letter was being sent to them to obtain quotes for a lockable wheel operated sluice and also for grids to be fitted.
3. Cllr Oversby said that a letter would need to be sent to a homeowner around the lake regarding their fence post and also their trees and these were Health and Safety issues.

Cllr Wood, Cllr Oversby, Cllr Laffan and Cllr Morris left the room.

1. Cllr Willis reported that a meeting was being arranged with the allotment holders.  Discussion took place regarding the waiting list and the possibility of developing some land at the back of the allotments.  This would include reducing the height of some trees to allow for 2 further allotments.  It was recommended by Cllr Willis to obtain a quote for topping the trees and to clear the rubbish off of the land to make two allotment plots.  This was seconded by Cllr T Sams with all in favour.

Cllr Wood, Cllr Oversby, Cllr Laffan and Cllr Morris returned.

1. Finance
1. The Income/expenditure finance sheets were proposed as accurate by Cllr Wood and seconded by Cllr Willis with 6 in favour (all those with no declared interests).
2. Discussion took place regarding the telephone bill for the Police office.  The police had been offered the use of the Parish Office but this had been declined. It was proposed by Cllr Clifton that we stop paying the line rental, this was seconded by Cllr Laffan with all in favour.  It was then also agreed that a letter should be sent to Ian Sandwell to inform him that we will no longer be paying any costs towards the phone.
3. RFO Cuerden informed all present of a grant that had been received from the school for £2000 for a reading scheme.  It was proposed by Cllr Wood to agree the grant, this was seconded by Cllr Willis with 4 in favour (all those with no declared interests)
4. Church Road Footpath – Cllr Clifton reported that Alun Jones had doubled the price of the work; this had included drainage which should actually be a separate issue. He has written to the Booth & Baldwin Trust to see if they had any ideas and was waiting for a response.
5. Doctor’s Surgery – Cllr Clifton informed all present that quotes were currently being sought and he is to have a meeting with one company to check that our requirements will meet all relevant fire regulations.  The quotes will be brought to the next meeting.  He felt that the fire door was needed as a matter of urgency as there was concern that it may become insecure.  It was decided to deal with this issue separately from the fire alarm quotes.  It was proposed by Cllr Wood to proceed with replacing the door.  This was seconded by Cllr J Sams with all in favour.
6. Village Hall Trust letter – Cllr Oversby reported that no meeting had taken place and that he would have further information for the next meeting.
2. Youth Provision
1. Remix – Cllr T Sams reported that Friday was the last event before Easter.  The certificate show on Saturday had gone well.  A new volunteer is starting at the end of April.  The numbers attending has stayed the same and the groups are working well.  There had been some damage to a door in the Booth Hall and this was currently being investigated.

Cllrs T & J Sams left the room.

1. Playscheme – Cllr Morris reported on the Ofsted regulations that had come into force since the last playscheme.  Discussion took place regarding the requirements needed for registration this year.  It was proposed by Cllr Morris to apply for Ofsted registration and set up a training program for the staff.  This was seconded by Cllr Wood with all in favour.

Cllrs T & J Sams re-entered the room.

1. Training for Youth Work - Cllr J Sams informed all present of courses that are available to help teenagers with anger management.  It was suggested that these could be beneficial to all that attend the Remix and Harrietsham Massive groups.  A course is available in London at the cost of £160 per person for the day and there is also a half day course which covers the same topic.  It was felt that the church should be asked to fund one of the places if a member from each group attended.  It was proposed by Cllr J Sams to fund the course places up to the cost of £160.  This was seconded by Cllr Willis, with all in favour.
1. Speedwatch

Cllr J Sams reported that Lenham Parish Council will formally writing to the Council with an agreement over the management of the scheme.  The Kent People’s Trust has been approached for funding.

1. Lenvalley Police Car

Nothing to report. 

1. Recycling

Cllr J Sams reported that Lenham Parish Council had approached the Borough Council but they have not received a response yet.  There is currently not enough funding for the scheme.

1. Housing Needs Survey

Cllr T Sams is trying to get feedback from the Planning Department following discussions with Andrew Connors in January.

1. Asset Register

Cllr Oversby reported that the Environmental Committee will start the asset register and bring it to the next meeting.

1. Flooding Pilgrims Lake

Cllr Clifton reported that the interceptor tank has been cleaned out but hopes that Kent Highways may fit a larger one.  

1. Signs & Signposts
1. Finger signs – Cllr Clifton had brought the Furnitube catalogue to the meeting and offered it to Cllr Oversby to peruse.
2. Street name/Development list – An article will be placed in the May edition of the Network magazine.
2. Motorway Noise

Nothing to report.  Defer to the next meeting.

1. Kent International Gateway

Cllr B Wood reported that he had been unable to attend the recent meeting.

1. Village Appraisal

Cllr J Sams reported that Victoria Lawson from ACRK will be attending the April Parish Council meeting to offer advice and help with the Parish Plan.

1. 2012 – Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Defer to the next meeting. 

1. Street Lighting

Cllr T Sams reported that this would be part of the Village Appraisal.  Discussion took place regarding the possibility of changing to LED lights when a fault occurs.

1. Weekend Freighter location

Cllr J Sams reported that talks are ongoing with the school and KCC with regards to the conditions that had been added.

1. Litter Pick

Cllr Morris reminded all present that the date for the litterpick was Saturday 30th May.  Cllr J Sams said that she was currently trying to get the youth groups involved.  It was agreed that all necessary risk assessments must be completed when any litterpick is to take place.

1. KALC

Cllr Clifton reported that he had attended the Legal & Finance course which had been of great interest.  The Code of Conduct is to be changed in the near future but they were not sure how yet.  Information would be available at some point.  Cllr Oversby reported on the Climate Change meeting in Lenham.  There had been discussion on the day regarding communities and individuals getting involved in recycling and the need to reduce carbon footprints.

1. Glebe Field

Cllr Willis reported that Cllr Oversby had chaired the last meeting of the Glebe Field group.  There had been a low turn out but some progress had been made.  Cllr Oversby confirmed that he had liaised with Thorneloe Solicitors regarding the covenants and feedback had been positive.  Cllr Clifton informed all present that he had been in contact with Colin Winn and the Section 106 had been approved and it is currently with the Legal Department.

1. Lenham Parish Council

Cllr T Sams reported that Lenbus will be launched in May.  Lenham Parish Council is to write to Keith Ferrin regarding their highways issues.

1. PACT

Cllr T Sams reported that the questionnaire will appear in the Network magazine and that it was similar to the last one.

1. Policing

Cllr T Sams updated all present on the Parish East Police Forum which he had recently attended.  Items discussed included the news that PCSO Ibbott is to leave later this year and also that crime figures for Harrietsham were poor.  The Architectural Liaison Officer for the Police, John Grant, had said that if the Parish Council has any policing concerns when dealing with planning applications, to contact him immediately.

1. Website  

Cllr Jack asked for all Councillors to review the information pack before the next meeting and offer their thoughts of what needed to be included to be a good source of information for the residents.  It was also noted that Lee Davidson from Lenham PC would be able to offer some information to assist us if necessary.

1. New seats

Defer to the next meeting.

1. Emergency Planning Procedure

Defer to the next meeting.  The Clerk was asked to email the information to all Councillors.

1. War Memorial

It was agreed that Michael Bishop should obtain quotes, as detailed in an email that had been received.  Defer to next meeting.

1. Reports for Annual Parish Council Meeting  

It was agreed that the list be circulated for all Councillors to view.  All should reply within one week, to the Clerk, detailing the working party or committee that they would represent.

1. Correspondence – Noted 

Cllrs T Sams, J Sams & D Oversby left the room.
Cllr Clifton informed all present of the letter which had been received from ‘No Politix’.  After some discussion it was suggested that a Working Party be created to thoroughly investigate the details.  Cllr Clifton proposed that the Working Party should consist of Cllrs Morris, Willis, Laffan & Jack.  This was seconded by Cllr Wood, with all in favour.
Cllrs T Sams, J Sams & D Oversby returned.

1. Available for Inspection - Noted  

1. Future Events

Annual Parish Council Meeting – Wednesday 29th April 2009 at 8.00pm

1. Items for Future Consideration

   Enforcement – Cllr T Sams

   All deferred items

1. Date of next meeting

   Full Parish Council Meeting - Wednesday 29th April 2009 at 6.30pm followed by the Annual Parish Meeting at 8.00pm

Meeting closed at 9.50pm

Points for action from the subsequent Public Discussion:

No items for further action.

Clerk

Clerk

Cllr Clifton/Clerk

Clerk

Cllr Morris

Cllr J Sams

Cllrs SM, CW, BW & DO

All Councillors

Clerk

Clerk

All Cllrs/Clerk