MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE STOKE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 3 OCTOBER 2007 AT 7.00 P.M. AT THE VILLAGE HALL 

MALLARD WAY LOWER STOKE

The Chairman welcomed the members, and 22 members of the public. 

Prior to the commencement of the meeting a representative from new newly formed action group called S.T.A.M.P. (Stoke Turns Against Mast Proposal), gave a short overhead presentation and explained why this action group had been set up. This follows the proposal to install a mobile phone mast at the Nags Head Public House. Stamp is not objecting to the progress of Lower Stoke and saying that the erecting of a mast will not help with communication and mobile phone signal strength. They are objecting to the selection of the location, in a populated area, when a rural location on farm land would be more ideal. A number of perceived health risks were discussed, and the fact that K.C.C have banned any masts from being placed on any buildings owned by them in fear of any subsequent litigation that may in the future be made regarding health issues. 

The group thanked the Parish Council for raising its concerns, and all the correspondence that has subsequently been received during the past month. 

Cllr Stone the chairman said that the Parish Council would continue to oppose this development and is currently in dialog both with Shepherd & Neame and Medway Councils Development Control Manager and as soon as any further information becomes available we will pass it onto S.T.A.M.P. 

Also raised by a resident was the problem of large Lorries and tractors using the High Street. It was stated that no tractors from the local farm use the High Street, and that a 7.5 tonne ban on HGVs had been looked into in the past but as a number of Lorries are delivering to the shops and Public House etc it was not seen as being a very viable option in reducing the problem. 

Meeting started at 7.30pm. 

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, Cllr B Catton, Mr R Morrad Clerk. 

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. 

Min 134.07 None, all members were present. 

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

Min 135.07. None received. 

3. MINUTES. 

Min 136.07: The Minutes of the Meeting held on 5 th September 2007, 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 137.07: Planning Appendix A copies of which had been previously circulated were noted. The following was resolved: MC2007/0675 The Ship P.H. Approval with Conditions has been made. Members to receive a copy of the Conditions. 

MC2007/1355 Flat 4 Herberts Court. Refusal has been made. A copy of the decision to be given to members. 

MC2007/1668 Kasmira House. Garage Conversion. Members have no objection to this proposed development. Action Clerk. 

5. CORRESPONDENCE. 

Min 138.07: 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. 

6. MONTHLY ACCOUNTS. 

Min 139.07. 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. RECEIVE 2007/08 INTERIM INTERNAL AUDITORS REPORT. 

Min 140.07 All members had previously received a copy of the Internal Interim Auditors report. The Chairman said that he was pleased to see that our affairs were all found to be satisfactory and thanked the clerk for his work. 

Resolved to accept the report. 

8. PUBLIC TOILET 

Min 141.07: Members said that they were pleased to see that the Toilet block had now been reopened. 

Resolved that the clerk write to Medway Council thanking them. Also inform the local Police and request that they keep a close look out for any future vandalism. Action Clerk. 

9. T MOBILE PHONE MAST 

Min 142.07: Resolved that the clerk contact Medway Council to seek more clarification regarding what permission is required for the installation. Action Clerk. 

10. REPRESENTATIVES REPORTS ON OUTSIDE BODIES. 

Min 143.07: Police Report. It was reported that the next Police Liaison meeting is now postponed until early February 2008. 

Min 144.07: Rural Liaison Report. Stoke Parish Council hosted the meeting of the Rural Liaison Committee of Medway Council. Held in the Village Hall on the 25 th September 07, at 6.00pm. Items raised were Medway Councils Grant Funding computerised system. E.ON Grant funding is now starting to be distributed and Stoke Village Hall has been an early recipient. The Speed Cameras on the A228 should be finally installed in November; it was stated that delays had been due to the lack of power supply and Home Office approval for the signage. 

Min 145.07: KAPC Members discussed issues in their Parishes. Catherine Smith from Medway Council spoke about the new Local Development Plan. Concerns were raised as to why Hoo P.C. are not members. It was agreed to invite them to the next meeting as a guest. The next meeting is scheduled for the 28 th November 07. 

Cllr J Peters left the meeting at this point. 

11. PLAY PARKS WORKS & CONTRACTS 

Min 146.07: The clerk reported that no damage due to vandalism had occurred during the past month and that the equipment is in good condition. 

12. WEB SITE/IT. 

Min 147.07: The clerk reported that the number of page hits since the last meeting was 521. The local newsletter had been on the site a week before printing and distribution. 

13. HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION. 

Min 148.07: Some hole patching has been carried out last week. 

Min 149.07: A dumped armchair on the side of the road at Middle Stoke has now been collected. 

14. STOKE SCHOOL WALKING BUS ROAD SCHEME. 

Min 150.07: Nothing further to report. 

15. NEWSLETTER. 

Min 151.07: Information regarding the STAMP Presentation should be included. 

16. PROPOSED NEW NOTICE BOARDS FOR BOTH MIDDLE AND LOWER STOKE. 

Min 152.07: The clerk reported that only one quote for putting a mesh screen onto the existing notice board at Lower Stoke had been received. 

Resolved that the council should wait a further month before accepting the only quote even if Standing Orders allow for single tender action at this low value. 

Min 153.07: Members discussed the exact siting of a notice board at Middle Stoke. This was to be on the grass verges on the left hand site of the footpath as you enter Middle Stoke. Information regarding any planning consents should be obtained before any quotes are obtained as the specification may have to be changed due to any planning regulations. 

Resolved. The clerk to contact Medway Council regarding any consent that may be required. 

17. CLERKS REPORT. 

Min 154.07: The clerk reported that he had attended a Parish Clerks liaison meeting on Tuesday 18 September. A presentation on planning issues was given by Dave Harris of Medway Council. Also the Monitoring Officer Deborah Upton spoke about the responses to the Code of Conduct from the Parish Councils. 

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

Min 155.07: Members raised concerns that not all correspondence is being answered. 

Resolved that the clerk should copy any correspondences to which there are no replies and were sent over a month ago to the Chief Executive. Action Clerk. 

19 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 156.07: None. 

The next meeting will be held on 7 th November 2007. 

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.35 pm