MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE STOKE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 6 JUNE 2007 AT 7.00 P.M. AT THE VILLAGE HALL 

MALLARD WAY LOWER STOKE. 

The Chair welcomed the members and 5 members of the public to the meeting. 

Prior to the commencement of the meeting members of the public expressed the following issues of concern. 

The site line at the junction of Grain road is obscured by the height of the hedges. Also the junction is very narrow at this point. A dog bin was requested to be placed down Burrows Lane. It was suggested that the dog warden be contacted regarding the amount of dog fouling in the area of Burrows Lane and Medway View. It was suggested that the Parish Council looks into the possibility of purchasing dog faeces collection bags with the view of requesting that perhaps the shops would have a stock of them for collection by residents. A member asked if we knew when the speed cameras were going to be put in place on the A228. 

Meeting started at 7.15pm. 

PRESENT: Councillors: Cllr B Stone Chair, Cllr J Peters, Vice Chairman Cllr Mrs P Wade, Cllr G Barron, Cllr G Blackman, Cllr Mr J Luck, Mr R Morrad Clerk. 

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. 

Min 056.07. All members present. 

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA EITHER PERSONAL OR PREJUDICIAL. 

Min 057.07. None. 

3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9 MAY 2007. 

Min 058.07.: Cllr Mrs P Wade proposed the minutes 022.07 to 055.07 of the previous meeting as a true record Seconded by Cllr J Luck. Agreed by all present. 

4. PLANNING APPLICATIONS REGISTERED FOR DECISION, AND DECISION REPORTS FROM MEDWAY COUNCIL RECEIVED. 

Min 059.07. Planning Appendix A was noted. In addition an application on behalf of T-Mobile (UK) for the installation of Flagpole Antenna and Radio Equipment Cabinets at The Nags Head, High Street, Lower Stoke. It was resolved that the clerk should write to T-Mobile pointing out the following issues: As possible risks to heath have never been properly addressed yet, and that this would be in the very centre of the village it was a totally impropriate to site, as it would be next to houses a shop and also next to a bus stop that school children use. It was fully accepted that these Antenna are required for better reception on mobile phones but that it should be sited like others such as Turkey Hall Farm which is not in the centre of the village or on the high ground at the junction of Homewood Road/Ratcliffe Highway, Allhallows. Both sites are less than a mile from the village. Action Clerk. 

5. CORRESPONDENCE. 

Min 060.07.: Appendix B. Listed all reports and circulars received. The clerk read out items from the list highlighting various issues. Item raised by members was that the public toilet block which has been vandalised should be refurbished and kept open. Members felt that if you simply give into vandalism then no facilities would be available. What are needed are more patrols by both the police and Medway Councils Safer Community Officers. Also residents that witness vandalism should report it as this can be done without being identified if they are afraid of reprisals. Action Clerk. 

6. MONTHLY ACCOUNTS. 

Min 061.07. The monthly accounts as listed on Appendix C & C1 (cheques 1014004 101401 101402 101403 101404.) and the Bank Reconciliation were proposed by Cllr J Luck and seconded by Cllr J Peters for payment. Action Clerk. 

7. REPRESENTATIVES REPORTS ON OUTSIDE BODIES. 

Min 062.07: Police Report. It was reported that not many members turned up for the meeting and a question as to how many members even knew that the meeting was taking place. It was really a meeting to set up future meetings, and it was suggested that an independent person chair the meetings, the Head Teacher of Hoo school was suggested or the local vicar. It is hoped to attract a wider range of community interested people to become members in future. 

8. PLAY PARKS WORKS & CONTRACTS 

Min 063.07: Members said that the grass was exceptionally high in Allhallows Road Park at present. The clerk was requested to progress next week if it has not been cut by then. Action Clerk. 

9. WEB SITE/IT. 

Min 064.07: The clerk reported that the number of site hits for May was not available yet. 

10. HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION. 

Min 065.07: Medway Council has written stating that they had cleaned out a gully which appears to be in dispute. Also the grab lorry had not cleared all the rubbish from the ditch in Cuckolds Green Road. 

Members requested that the clerk write again. Action Clerk. 

It was noted that Medway Council have started some patching works and that they have agreed that a resurfacing programme should be in this financial year provided it meets with member's approval. Dog mess continues to be a problem in most parts of the village. It was agreed to contact the dog warden. Also put in a request for a new Dog waste bin in Burrows Lane, Middle Stoke. Action Clerk. 

The clerk was also requested to obtain the cost of supplying Dog waste plastic bags. Action Clerk. 

11. STOKE SCHOOL WALKING BUS ROAD SCHEME. 

Min 066.07: Nothing further to report. Chair to talk to Cllr Filmer. 

12. NEWSLETTER. 

Min 067.07: It was agreed that the following information be in the next newsletter: Damage to the Public Toilets. e-on grant application. Medway Hospital direct bus service to be terminated by Arriva. Ask residents if they use it? 

Dog fouling in Middle Stoke. Action Clerk. 

13. SPEEDWATCH 

Min 068.07: Nothing to report. It was commented on the new speed cameras have still not been put up on the A228. Chair to ask Cllr Filmer. 

14. ANNUAL REVIEW OF STANDING ORDERS & FINANCIAL REGULATIONS 

Min 069.07: It was resolved that the limit for 3 tenders be raised from £1,000.00 to £2,000.00. Action Clerk. 

15. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ASSETS REGISTER 

Min 070.07: No further changes to the register as tabled were required. 

16 CLERK REPORT 

Min 071.07: The clerk reported on the items that had been discussed at the clerks training day on the 16 th May 07. He also reported that he had received 2 application forms for the e-on grant application re Grain Power Station. It was agreed that these should be given to the school and the village hall committee. Also 2 further forms should be obtained for both the local churches. Action Clerk. 

17. STOKE CAR PARK CLEANING 

Min 072.07: It was agreed to get the car park cleaned up including all the weeds removed and sprayed with weed killer for the quoted sum of £40.00. Action Clerk. 

18. CASUAL VACANCY NOTICE 

Min 073.07: The clerk reported that the official notices were posted on the 4 th June 07 and that a copy notice informing Medway Council Electoral Registration officer of a casual vacancy was taking place. The notice has to remain in force for 14 days after which the Parish Council can co-opt. The candidate that receives the most votes by members if more that one application is received will be co-opted. A co-option meeting will take place prior to the start of the July Parish meeting. Action Clerk. 

19. PUBLIC TOILET DAMAGE 

Min 074.07: See Min 060.07. 

20. ITEMS DELEGATED TO THE CLERK FOR ACTION (STANDING ORDER No 30) 

Min 075.07: MHS Homes are to be progressed regarding the posts in Mallard Way that have been promised. Action Clerk. 

21. A O B. AT THE CHAIMANS DISCRETION. NO MOTIONS MAY BE PROPOSED NOR DECISIONS TAKEN UNDER THIS ITEM BUT IF MEMBERS WISH THEY MAY BE AGENDERED AT THE NEXT MEETING. 

Min 076.07: None. 

22. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE PRESS AND PUBLIC. 

Min 077.07: It was proposed by Cllr B Stone, seconded by Cllr Mrs P Wade that the business about to be transacted was commercially sensitive. Resolved by all members present. 

23. REVIEW TENDERS RECEIVED FOR PLAY PARKS WORKS & VILLAGE HALL OFFICE. 

Min 078.07: Concerns had previously been raised regarding British Standard for the new office door. This has now been checked with the successful contractor. It was resolved that the tender from Kingsnorth Property Maintenance Ltd be accepted for the confidential sum disclosed to members. Action Clerk. 

Min 079.07: It was resolved that the quotation received from Safeplay for works as per the recent RoSPAR report should be accepted for the confidential sum disclosed to members. 

The next meeting will be held on July 4 th 2007. 

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.32 pm