MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE STOKE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH 2008 AT 7.00 P.M. AT THE VILLAGE HALL MALLARD WAY LOWER STOKE. The Chairman welcomed the members. Meeting started at 7.00 pm. PRESENT: Councillors: Cllr B Stone Chairman, Cllr J Peters, Vice Chairman, Cllr Mrs P Wade, Cllr G Blackman, Cllr B Catton, Cllr J Luck, Cllr G Barron, Mr R Morrad Clerk. 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. Min 228.08. All members were present. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA EITHER PERSONAL OR PREJUDICIAL. Min 229.08. None received. 3. MINUTES. Min 230.08: The Minutes of the Meeting 211.08 to 227.08 held on 6th February 2008, copies of which had been previously circulated to Members, were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman. 4. PLANNING APPLICATIONS REGISTERED FOR DECISION, AND DECISION REPORTS FROM MEDWAY COUNCIL RECEIVED. Min 231.08: Planning Appendix A copies of which had been previously circulated was noted. The following was resolved: MC2007/2278 Proposed Redevelopment of River Maye Cottage. This has been withdrawn at present. MC 2007/2323 Change of use from former Doctors Surgery to office premises at 3 Sandra Court, Lower Stoke. This has been given planning approval. A challenge to the Inspectors decision has been sent by the applicant regarding the proposed development at New Orchard Farm. 5. CORRESPONDENCE. Min 232.08: 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. A letter from Medway Council regarding Credit Union will take place at the open Rural Liaison meeting on the 25th March. The clerk was requested to let the Headteacher of Stoke School know as it is a subject she is known to be interested in. Action Clerk. It was agreed that the thank you letter from Kent Air Ambulance Trust following our donation should be placed onto our notice boards. Action Clerk. No further actions are required on any other correspondence. 6. MONTHLY ACCOUNTS. Min 233.08: Council Resolved that the Accounts a copy of which had been previously circulated to Members set out at Appendix C be approved for payment. Action Clerk. 7. T MOBILE PHONE MAST Min 234.08: It was reported that further road associated works have taken place within the last two weeks. 8. REPRESENTATIVES REPORTS ON OUTSIDE BODIES Min 235.08: The date for the next Police liaison meeting has still not been issued. The clerk was requested to contact the Police to obtain the next date and time, and request that the clerk also receives the agenda and minutes in future. Action Clerk. It is understood that Hoo Parish Council may now be joining the KALC. Cllr Barron said that he had attended a church service with the new Lord Lieutenant of Kent. 9. PLAY PARKS WORKS & CONTRACTS Min 236.08: RoSPAR are to make an annual inspection of all the play parks in March. 10. WEB SITE/IT. Min 237.08: The clerk reported that the web site hits for February were 306 page views with 98 visits. It was agreed that a photo of each of the members should appear on the web site. Action Clerk. 11. HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION Min 238.08: The clerk was requested write again in the strongest terms regarding the rutted surface outside the shop in Grain road Lower Stoke. This has caused an accident with a cyclist, some vehicles are using the other side of the road against oncoming traffic, and water is laying in it and icing over. Action Clerk. The clerk was requested to enquire the possibility of having a street light at the T junction of the A228 and Grain road, Lower Stoke, as 8 new lamps have just been fitted on the A228 by a speed camera which is not at a junction or a dangerous part of the road. Action Clerk. The clerk was requested to ask Medway Council to repair pot holes and a sunken drain down Burrows Lane, Middle Stoke. Action Clerk. It was reported that water is still leaking after 3 months in Cuckolds Green Road. Southern Water has decorated the area in blue paint which has now nearly worn away. The clerk was requested to write to Southern Water and ask when something is going to be done about it especially as we keep hearing that hose pipe bans will be back with us all again this summer. Action Clerk. The main road sign at Upper Stoke (The Street) has now had the word Upper put onto it as requested by the Parish Council, but the two small finger posts on the A228 still say just Stoke. Clerk to write again to Highways Medway Council about this. Action Clerk. The clerk was requested to enquire if the road barrier for the school walking bus is still to be put in at Easter? Action Clerk. 12. NEWSLETTER. Min 239.08: Information regarding a walking festival to be held in the spring by Medway Council. Information regarding the Kent Air Ambulance Trust donation. Also RoSPAR play ground inspection. Action Clerk. 13. CLERKS REPORT. Min 240.08: The clerk reported that the new lockable Parish Notice Board had now been erected in Lower Stoke. The new Parish Notice Board at Middle Stoke should be in place very soon now. He reported that he had been approached about a free community based web site that all Parish Council could use. It was agreed that after consultation with Allhallows Parish Council a joint presentation by the individual could be arranged so that questions regarding it could be put. Action Clerk. 14. ITEMS DELEGATED TO THE CLERK FOR ACTION (STANDING ORDER No 30) Min 241.08: Concerns were again raised regarding the condition of the old Ship P.H. site as no works seem to be going on, it is not only just an eye sore but is in a dangerous condition now with all the glass smashed etc. The clerk was requested to contact the head of legal services at Medway Council and enquire about any enforcement orders under the Heath and Safety Act that could be applied. At least the site should have a secure fence around it. Also our ward members should be contacted. 15. 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 242.08: None. The next meeting will be held on 2nd April 2008. There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.05 pm Signed..................................................Chairman On the.............Day of......................2008 1 1