MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE STOKE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2009 AT 7.00 P.M. AT THE VILLAGE HALL MALLARD WAY LOWER STOKE.




PUBLIC SESSION NOT PART OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING.

No members of the public were present.

The meeting commenced at 7.00 pm.

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

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
 
Min 467.09: All members present.

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

Min 468.09: None declared. 

3. MINUTES. 

      Min 469.09: The Minutes of the Meeting 449.09 to 466.09 held on 4th March 2009, copies of which had been previously circulated to members, were proposed by Cllr Mrs P Wade, seconded by Cllr G Blackman and resolved to accept as a true record and signed by the Chairman. An update from the minutes was given by the clerk to members questions.


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

Min 470.09: Planning Appendix A; copies of which had been previously circulated was noted. Members noted that  MC2009/0240. Demolition of the existing Public House and redevelopment of the site with 12 dwellings. The Parish Council has received correspondence from Medway Council stating that not all of the items on the planning application will need planning approval. The clerk was requested to ask Medway Council what they are. Action Clerk.

5. CORRESPONDENCE.

Min 471.09: Appendix B. copies of which had been previously circulated, listed all reports and circulars received. The clerk read out items from the list highlighting various issues and answered members' questions. Members were pleased to receive an email outlining a number of the issues that Cllr Filmer had agreed to look into at the last Parish meeting.

6. MONTHLY ACCOUNTS & BANK RECONCILLIATION.RECEIVE AND APPROVE END OF YEAR ACCOUNTS 2008/09.& ANNUAL STATEMENT. 

Min 472.09: The monthly accounts were proposed by Cllr Mrs P Wade, seconded by Cllr G Blackman and resolved that the Accounts, a copy of which had been previously circulated to Members, as set out at Appendix C be approved for payment. 

Cllr J Peters proposed the end of year full set of accounts and the annual governance statement as tabled and previously enclosed be accepted, seconded by Cllr J Luck. This was resolved to accept. Action: Clerk.

7. REPRESENTATIVES REPORTS ON OUTSIDE BODIES

Min 473.09: A verbal report was given regarding the open Rural Liaison meeting. Three presentations were given. The first was by Chief Superintendent Steve Corbishley. A new Inspector and sergeant have been appointed to the area. 

The second report was given by Land Securities on the proposed Chattenden development. A number of concerns were raised regarding how such a large number of vehicles will be accessing the A228. It would seem that it was not expected every one will have a car as not all properties are to have garages, and that a circular bus system will operate. Meetings are being arranged on the Peninsular to explain the development in detail to everyone. It was pointed out that no meetings had been arranged for Cliffe Woods who almost back onto part of the development.

The third report was from Farrells/Medway Renaissance with a vision for the Hoo Peninsular. This included an idea to open up Yantlett Creek with a bridge on the A228 for traffic to cross the Creek. A passenger train service to Grain in the future was also proposed.   

8. PLAY PARKS WORKS & CONTRACTS.

Min 474.09: The clerk reported that glass bottles still keep being found smashed in Mallard Way Play Park every week. This was a fact that RoSPAR the Health and Safety inspection highlighted recently. Members were pleased to note that less damage to equipment has been found this year and the cost of repairs should be considerably less.

9. WEB SITE/IT.

Min 475.09: Members had requested a breakdown of what pages are viewed the most. This report has been copied to all members. The most looked at section seems to be the past minutes and chairman's report. The site hits for March were 195 visits with 409 page views. 







10. HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION

Min 476.09: Members were pleased that the culvert in Cuckolds Green Road has at last has been cleared out and modifications to will be undertaken soon. It was reported that B T have still not repaired 3 of the inspection holes in the road that have been reported on a number of occasions. More fly tipping in Cuckolds Green Road is to be reported. This includes carpet tiles and a Childs pedal car.  Also in New Hall Farm Road a number of black rubbish sacks have been dumped. Clerk to action collection. Action Clerk.

11. NEWSLETTER.

Min 477.09: Items for inclusion are from the meeting minutes, including the whole of the front page devoted to the Annual Parish village meeting to be followed by the Parish Councils AGM. A person has now volunteered to lead a walk in Stoke during Medway Councils walking festival in June. More details later. Also the situation of glass bottles continuing to be broken in the parks is to be mentioned. A request to inform the PCSO if you know who is doing this as this was noted by the last RoSPAR inspection. Action Clerk.

12. RoSPAR REPORT.

Min 478.09. A full copy of the RoSPAR play grounds safety inspection had been previously circulated to all members. It was resolved that as no items were in the urgent or dangerous category and no large works were required this year, the clerk obtains a single quotation for the works and brings to the next meeting for members approval. Action Clerk.  

13. REVIEW CLERKS SALARY AWARD 2009/10 FINANCIAL YEAR.

Min 479.09. Members viewed a copy of the national final salary award and agreed that a 3% pay award without any back payments be made with effect from 1st April 2009. Also that the work that the clerk carries out on the web site and newsletter along with his park inspections and cleaning functions should in future all be included in just one salary total and not itemised separately. This was proposed by Cllr Mrs P Wade and seconded by Cllr J Peters and resolved to adopt. Action Clerk

14. RECEIVE AND ACCEPT INSURANCE UPGRADE FOR THE CAR PARK WALL.

Min 480.09: It was resolved to accept the update of the insurance policy to include the car park wall in future. Action Clerk.






15. CLERKS REPORT.
 
Min 481.09: The clerk reported that a suggestion for a new date for the Annual Parish Assembly Village Meeting and the Parish Councils AGM had been requested. Members agreed that it should be held on 13th May 09 and that invitations should now be sent out. Action Clerk. 




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

Min 482.09: Clerk to write again to EDF Energy complaining about the number of power failures in the area, especially the failed supply on Sunday 29th March at 12.20am which spoilt many peoples Sunday roast dinner. Action Clerk.

17. 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 483.09: None.

The next meeting will be held on 13th May 2009 which will be the AGM. 

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.05 pm


Signed..................................................Chairman
On the.............Day of......................2009   



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