SHADOXHURST PARISH COUNCIL

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Page 725

 

 

MINUTES 309

 

Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held at The Village Hall, Shadoxhurst

on Wednesday, 11 February 2009 at 7.30 pm

 

PRESENT:                                      Mr W Hollands (Chair), Mrs G Hawkes, Miss M Smith,

                                                         Mr R Buss, Mr H Clark, Mr B Howe and Mr A Pilton

                                                         

PARISH CLERK:                           Mrs J Batt

 

BOROUGH COUNCILLORS: Mrs A Hicks

 

COUNTY COUNCILLOR: 

             

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:     There were 2 Members of the Public present.

 

1.        APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

An Apology for Absence was received Borough Councillor Davison and from

County Councillor Angell.

 

2.        DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Mrs Hawkes, Mr Buss, Mr Howe and Mr Pilton declared an interest in matters pertaining to

Shadoxhurst Recreation Committee.

 

i)    Updating of Declarations of Interest for the Code of Conduct

              The Clerk reminded Councillors that they should update their Declarations of Interest

              with the Monitoring Officer if necessary.

 

3.        ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

       Mrs Hicks asked the Clerk to point out that it is the Borough Council that has to provide

       Gypsy sites in Ashford in consultation with KCC and SERA.

 Minutes 308 of the previous meeting were accepted and it was unanimously agreed that

Mr Hollands should sign them.

Proposed  Mr Clark  Seconded  Mr Pilton

 

4.        MATTERS FOR REPORT ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES

There were no Matters Arising.

        

5.        CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Mr Hollands did not have anything to report.

 

 

SPC MINS 309                                                                                                                 Page 726  

 

  6.    UPDATING OF STANDING ORDERS AND FINANCIAL REGUALTIONS

Resolution:

Following discussion, the attached amendments were unanimously agreed upon.

 

  7.    CORRESPONDENCE, FINANCE AND OTHER COUNCIL BUSINESS

Correspondence

  Earth Anchors

  AwCRK

  InterRoute

 KALC Agenda for 04.02.08

Wicksteed

AwCRK

Timberline

Ryan Kelly

Kent County Playing Fields Association

KALC Parish News etc

SMP

 

Bank Balance.

The balance stands at £13067.91 in the Treasurers Account and £6882.61 in the

Current Account.

 

     Accounts to be Paid

    

PAYEE

DETAILS

NET

£

VAT

£

GROSS

£

KCC Landscape Services

Second Half of

Grounds Maintenance

 

  440.10

 

66.02

 

  506.12

Open Spaces

Subscription

    40.00

 

    40.00

Mr Hollands

Payment to farmer for hedge cutting

 

    60.00

 

 

    60.00

Came & Co

Insurance premium

1472.50

 

1472.50

 

     Resolution:  Councillors unanimously agreed to pay the above accounts.     

 

     Insurance Quotes

     We have received a quotation from Zurich Municipal for £2347.70, from Allianz Cornhill

         for £1682.63  and from Came & Co for £1550.00 or £1472.50, if we take advantage of the

         3 year binding agreement with Norwich Union.

 

         Mr Hollands has compared the quotes from Allianz Cornhill and Came and Co with

         our existing policy with Zurich Municipal and is happy that all is in order.

 

         Resolution:  Councillors unanimously agreed to transfer the Parish Council’s

                                     Insurance to Came & Co.

 

 

SPC MINS 309                                                                                                                    Page 727

 

          Service Level Agreement between Parish Councils and ABC

          Defer until next meeting.  Copy added to Round Robin.

 

Risk Assessment/Risk Inspection/ROSPA Report

Miss Smith and Mr Clark have compiled a list of observations following their recent

Risk Inspection.  Councillors were asked to read this and this item will be discussed

again next month.

 

Mr Hollands submitted a tender to cut the vegetation back around the Woodchurch Road

Bus Shelter of £270.

 

Resolution:  Councillors unanimously agreed to accept the above tender.

 

Newsletter

Nothing to report.

 

Crime and Disorder

Nothing to report.

 

         Village Pump

         The pump has been removed for repair and is being refitted tomorrow.

 

         Appearance of Village

         The Clerk has the telephone number of a local craftsman who may be interested in building

         some planters. Mr Hollands will contact him during the month.

 

     Litter Picker Vacancy

We have received an email from a young man who is interested in the position, but as

he is only 14 he would not be covered under Parish Council Insurance, so unfortunately we cannot employ him.  The Clerk will email him and explain the situation.

 

Village Hall Floor

Mr Pilton reported that most of the hirers are happy with the proposed flooring.  He has

asked the manager of the company supplying the material to come and inspect the existing floor and confirm that they will give a 20 year guarantee if the new material is laid straight over the top.  He will obtain a firm price for the next meeting.

 

  8.    PUBLIC INTERVAL

         The meeting was opened from 8.30 – 8.36 for questions and comments.

 

  9.    PLANNING

Please see attached list.

 

 

 

 

 

SPC MINS 309                                                                                                                     Page 728

 

10.    TREE PLANTING IN THE VILLAGE

         Mr Hollands submitted two quotes as follows:-

 

         To supply and plant trees in the Recreation Field of £960.00.

 

Resolution:  Councillors unanimously agreed to accept the above tender.        

        

         To replace the trees which have recently died on The Green, £150.00.

 

Resolution:  Councillors unanimously agreed to accept the above tender.   

        

11.    OUTSIDE REPORTS

         Recreation Committee

         The Recreation Committee will look at the Risk Assessment and ROSPA Report.

 

         It was unanimously agreed that Mrs Hawkes should ask Mr Wenham to clear the bonfire

         rubbish within the week.  Councillors unanimously agreed to pay him £300 to do so.

 

         Mr Pilton reported that he had replaced the washers on the tap.

 

         Tree Warden

              The existing trees in the Recreation Field need tree guards and this will cost £56.00

        

         Resolution: Councillors unanimously agreed to ask Mr Hollands to fit the tree guards.

 

         Borough Councillors Report

         Mrs Hicks updated Councillors on homelessness around the Borough, the effect of the

         economic downturn on the area and the effect that it is having on the developers building

         new homes in the town.

 

If anyone knows of anyone who needs a home they should contact the Homelessness Officer at The Gateway, Ashford or Tenterden    or ABC Housing Department.

        

         County Councillors Report  

         Councillor Angell was not at the meeting.

 

     Footpaths

     Nothing to report.

 

12.    VILLAGE RESPONSIBILITIES

         Matters Arising from the Round Robin

         There were no matters arising

 

         Items to be reported to the County Lengthsmen

         Pot holes along Church Lane, outside St Peter’s Way and Hornash Lane

 

 

SPC MINS 309                                                                                                                    Page 729

 

13.    FORUM FOR EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION BETWEEN COUNCILLORS

         Mr Hollands reported on the recent Parish Forum.  Mr Wilkinson explained who has

         responsibility for the different areas of Highways in Kent.

 

         Mr Hollands and Mr Buss attended the Chilmington Green Workshops and the meeting

         that followed in the Village Hall on 5 February. They updated councillors present

         on the latest proposals.

 

         Mr Clark reported that he attended the Rural Older Persons Accommodation Project

         Cluster Meeting on 22 January and handed out copies of the minutes.

        

             

 

         There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Signed…………………………………………………… Dated …………………………………

                          Mr W Hollands, Chairman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHADOXHURST PARISH COUNCIL                                                                                      1

                                               

15 JANUARY 200911 FEBRUARY 2009

 

Planning Applications Received    

                  

Full Planning Permission requested – Delegated to Officers unless otherwise stated:-

 

09/00040/AS   Mr M Nicolaou, Lynwood, Hornash Lane, Shadoxhurst,

                        Ashford, Kent TN26 1HX

                        Single storey ground floor extension and roof extension to provide first

                        floor accommodation

                        Parish Council:  Support (unanimous)              

 

09/00004/AS   Mrs R Brinkley, re Land south west of Hillcrest, Church Lane, Shadoxhurst

                        Erection of stabling for 10 horses in two blocks of five together with two

                        storage units for hay and equipment and change of use of land for the keeping

                        of horses

                      Parish Council:  OBJECTS

                                                      On the grounds that there is insufficient evidence to

     show how access to the stables will be gained from the

     road and that there is insufficient parking on the highway   

     along Church Lane

 

The following application has been refused:-

08/01684/AS       Mr S Child, Nichols House, The Street, Shadoxhurst,

Listed                   Ashford, Kent TN26 1LU

Building                Extension to form conservatory

Consent      

 

08/01750/AS       Mr J Lee, re The Barn, Green Farm Duck Lane, Shadoxhurst

                            Proposed barn conversion.  Change of use to residential with part

                            demolition of outbuilding

         

The following application has been granted:-

08/01464/AS       Mr J Penfold, Woodside, Nickley Wood Road, Shadoxhurst,

                            Ashford, Kent TN26 1LZ

                            Erection of 3 bedroom bungalow and garage

             

08/00178/AS/TP  Mr R Woodhouse, Woodland adjoining Helmdon,

Nickley Wood Road, Shadoxhurst, Kent

                             Woodland management works as identified in accompanying plan

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDENDUM TO STANDING ORDERS 2007

 

THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO SHADOXHURST PARISH COUNCIL

STANDING ORDERS ADOPTED 2007, WERE AGREED AT THE ORDINARY

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 11 FEBRUARY 2009 – MINUTES 309 ITEM 6

 

MEETINGS

  1. (i)  Meetings of the Council shall be held at 7.30 pm unless the Council otherwise

decides at a previous meeting at a previously advised publicly accessible meeting place.

(ii)  Smoking is not permitted at any meeting of the Council.

 

  1. The Statutory Annual Meeting

(i)  In an election year shall be held on the second Wednesday following the fourth day

      after the day of elections to the Council, unless the Council decides otherwise and

(ii) In a year, which is not an election year shall be held on the second Wednesday in May.

 

3.     Other statutory meetings shall be held on the second Wednesday of each month of the year,

unless the Council decides otherwise.

 

ACCOUNTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT

52.       (i)   Except as provided in paragraph (ii) of this Standing Order or by statute, all

                   accounts for  payment and claims upon the Council shall be laid before the

                   Council.

       

(ii) Where it is necessary to make a payment before it has been authorised by the Council, such a payment shall be certified as to its correctness and urgency by the appropriate officer. Such payment shall be authorised by the committee, if any, having charge of the business to which it relates, or by the proper officer for payments with the approval of the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Council.

 

(iii)  All payments ratified under sub-paragraph (ii) of this Standing Order shall be

        separately included in the next schedule of payments laid before the Council.

 

(iv)  Official orders and associated commitments will be raised by the Clerk on

       Parish Council headed paper, after approval by at least 3 Parish Councillors at a

       Parish Council Meeting.

 

                   In the event of an order having to be placed, due to an emergency, between

                   meetings, verbal agreement must be obtained from at least 3 Councillors.

 

                       Verbal orders will be confirmed by an official order, clearly marked,

                    “Confirmation Only”. 

             

                   Before placing an order for work, goods or services exceeding:-

       £2000 in value, at least 3 quotations or tenders from appropriate persons shall be

       requested.

       Exceeding £1000 in value at least 2 quotations shall be requested.

       Below £1000 in value at least one quotation shall be requested.

   53.           The Clerk shall supply to each member at the ordinary meeting next after the end of

                the Financial Year a statement of receipts and payments.

 

BUDGET ESTIMATES

54.    (i)   The Council shall approve written budget estimates for the coming financial year’s precept at its meeting in the month of December.

 

(ii)  Any committee desiring to incur expenditure shall, not later than December give

                   to the Clerk a written estimate of the expenditure recommended for the coming year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDENDUM TO FINANCIAL REGULATIONS 2007

 

THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO SHADOXHURST PARISH COUNCILS

FINANCIAL REGULATIONS ADOPTED 2007, WERE AGREED AT THE

ORDINARY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 11 FEBRUARY 2009

MINUTES 309 ITEM 6

 

11              PURCHASE FOR GOODS/SERVICES OVER £2000/ MINOR CONTRACTS

 

11.1           Procedures for purchases for goods/services over £2000 follows are laid down as follows:

11.2           (a) Normally every purchase shall comply with these financial regulations and

                no exceptions shall be made otherwise than in an emergency.  However,

                these regulations shall not apply to purchases which relate to items (i)

                      to (vi) below:

 

                        (i)        for the supply of gas, electricity, water, sewerage and telephone services;      

(ii)           for specialist services such as are provided by solicitors, accountants, surveyors and planning consultants;

(iii)         for work to be executed or goods or materials to be supplied which consist of repairs to or parts for existing machinery or equipment or plant;

(iv)      for work to be executed or goods or materials to be supplied which constitute an extension of an existing contract by the Council;

(v)       for additional audit work of the external Auditor up to an estimated value of £200 (in excess of this sum the Clerk and RFO shall act after consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Council);

                                                (vi)    for goods or materials proposed to be purchased which are proprietary articles and/or are only sold at a fixed price.

 

                  (b) Where it is intended to purchase or have a minor contract for good/services

                   exceeding £2000 in  value for  the supply of goods or materials, or for the

                   execution of works or specialist services other than such goods, material,

                   works or specialist services as are excepted as set out in paragraph (a) the

                   Clerk shall invite tenders/quotes/estimates from at least 3 suppliers.

 

                  (c) When applications are made to waive financial regulations relating to purchases/minor contracts to enable a price to be negotiated without competition the reason shall be embodied in a recommendation to the Council.

                  (d) Such invitation to tender/quote/estimate shall state the general nature of the intended purchase/contract and the Clerk shall obtain the necessary technical assistance to prepare a specification in appropriate cases. The invitation shall in addition state that tender/quote/estimates must be addressed to the Clerk in the ordinary course of post. Each tendering firm shall be supplied with a specifically marked envelope in which the tender is to be sealed and remain sealed until the prescribed date for opening tenders for that contract.

                  (f)  All sealed tenders shall be opened at the same time on the prescribed date by the Clerk in the presence of the Chair or Vice Chair.

                  (g) If less than three tenders/quotes/estimates are received for contracts above £2000 or if all the tender/quote/estimate are identical the Council may make such arrangements as it thinks fit for procuring the goods or materials or executing the works.

                  (h) Any invitation to tender issued under this regulation shall contain a statement concerning ‘candidates for appointment’ and ‘canvassing of, and recommendations by members’ as set out in Standing Orders.

                  (i)  When it is to enter into a contract less than £2,000 in value for the supply of goods or materials or for the execution of works or specialist services other than such goods, materials, works or specialist services as are excepted as set out in paragraph (a), the Clerk or RFO shall obtain 2 tender/quote/estimates (priced descriptions of the proposed supply); where the value is below £1000 the Clerk or RFO shall strive to obtain 1 tender/quote/estimate. Otherwise, Regulation 10 (3) above shall apply.

(j)    The Council shall not be obliged to accept the lowest or any tender, quote or estimate.