MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE STOKE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE 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 Mrs M Elmes Vice Chairman, Cllr Mrs P Wade, Cllr G Blackman, Cllr G Barron, Cllr J Luck, Mr R Morrad Clerk.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
 
Min 508:09. Cllr J Peters, Personal reasons. These were accepted by the meeting.

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

Min 509:09. None declared. 

3. MINUTES. 

      Min 510:09. The Minutes of the Meeting 484:09 to 507:09 held on 13th May 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 511.09: 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 further correspondence from Medway Council regarding a number of changes to the original application which was opposed on the grounds of over intensification of the site and not in keeping with the rural scene. Medway Council to be informed. Action Clerk.

5. CORRESPONDENCE.

Min 512.09: 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. Following a request regarding footballs going over into a garden that backs onto Mallard/Heron Way Park it was agreed to obtain a quotation to extend the height of the fence in this area. Action Clerk. 

Members agreed the response to Medway Council’s proposed plans to change the speed limit along Allhallows Road Lower Stoke. The Parish Council agreed with most actions but with two added suggestions: 1.There should be an illuminated speed flashing sign at the entrance to Stoke from Allhallows. 2.  Rumble strips are not considered necessary on the stretch of road designated. Action Clerk.

6. MONTHLY ACCOUNTS & BANK RECONCILLIATION. 

Min 513.09: The monthly accounts were proposed by Cllr J Luck, seconded by Cllr G Barron 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. 

7. REPRESENTATIVES REPORTS ON OUTSIDE BODIES

Min 514.09: None received.

8. PLAY PARKS WORKS & CONTRACTS.

Min 515.09: The clerk reported that all the works had now been completed but that further works had been identified as per the photos supplied. It was resolved that the additional works identified and the suggested anti pigeon strips be fitted to the tops of the swing bars be carried out. It is hoped that this will reduce the pigeon mess on the seat swings Action Clerk.

9. WEB SITE/IT.

Min 516.09: The clerk will obtain the site hits for May and relay to members. Action Clerk. 

10. HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION

Min 517.09: Members were pleased that the verge cutting has been taking place. The school is to be asked if the hedge by the school orchard could be cut back. Also a mattress has been dumped by the road side in North Street which is in Hoo Parish Council’s area. The clerk agreed to inform Hoo P.C.  Action Clerk.

11. NEWSLETTER.

Min 518.09: Items for inclusion are from the meeting minutes. Play park fence alterations in Mallard /Heron Way; The Ship development; Include Medway Councils contact phone number in the newsletter each month. Action Clerk.

12. CLERK REPORT.

Min 519.09. Nothing to report.

13. REVIEW OF BANKING FACILITIES.

Min 520.09. The clerk reported that the Parish Council, by closing it’s existing account with Barclays Bank and opening up new accounts with Nat west, could increase the interest it currently receives on its high yield account and have a better system of authorised signatures to operate the working account; this account also does not carry any service charges. It was proposed by Cllr J Luck and seconded by Cllr G Blackman and resolved that the clerk proceeds to obtain the necessary documentation to change the Parish Councils accounts over to Nat West Bank. Action Clerk

14. STOKE SWIMMING POOL.

Min 521.09: Members were informed that Cllr Filmer had obtained funding from Medway Council for the urgent refurbishment to the school swimming pool.

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

Min 522.09: None.

16. 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 523.09: None.

The next meeting will be held on 1st July 2009. 

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.12 pm


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