MINUTES of the MEETING of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held on
15 October 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at
7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Ms Smith (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Carol Smith, Mr Titmarsh and the Clerk
Apologies: Mrs Presland due to a prior committment
In Attendance: Mr James Borrie (KYFC), Mr Stuart Biddle (Kneb FC), Mr Bill Martin (KNOBS)
1. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
2. Minutes
Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mr Bantick
RESOLVED “that the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 23 July 2008 are approved.”
Unanimously agreed.
3. Football Clubs
The development plan was reviewed and updated. The Youth Football Club is increasing its membership and has three girl’s teams and will probably require the use of A1 on Sunday afternoon next year. The clubs are to install racking in the store for its portable goals and are to produce a layout for the committee. There was discussion on keys and the pitch condition
4. Female Football team
A request has been made to hire the A1 pitch on a Sunday afternoon.
Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mr Titmarsh
RESOLVED “that the woman’s football team can hire the A1 pitch on Sunday afternoon on a trial basis at a cost of £45 per game.”
Agreed.
5. Knebworth Bowls & Tennis Club Lease
Letters have been received from both Tennis and Bowls Clubs agreeing to the terms of a new lease. Howe Roche Waller has returned all the paperwork due to the delay in agreement of the terms of the lease.
Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mrs Presland
RESOLVED “that a quote be obtained from Mr Morgan of Foreman Laws to prepare a draft lease and to proceed if under £1500.”
Agreed.
2008/09 48
Mr TItmarsh wished consideration be given to the sewerage costs included in standing charges which he felt should not be paid by the Parish Council
6. Financial Review
Capital expenditure of £354 relates to the purchase of two new litter bins.
Income at £479 for the quarter is 11% under budget No ‘donations’ have been received from the Tennis or Bowls Clubs. Income from the football clubs is in line with budget. The pavilion has been let out for a 5 aside tournament and for a NHDC play scheme during the summer holidays.
Expenditure at £18,485 is 1% under budget
Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Bantick
RESOLVED “ that £500 each be transferred from insurance and pavilion repairs and £1000 transferred to machinery repairs.
Agreed.
7. Budget 2009/10
Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mrs Pateman
RESOLVED that “income of £5,215, revenue expenditure of £57,585 and capital expenditure of £1,500 be recommended to the Parish Council.”
Unanimous.
8. Accident
A representative from Allianz Insurance has inspected the footpath and is minded to refuse the claim. It was recommended that the footpaths be inspected annually. It was agreed that the chairman and clerk should walk the paths and report back to the next recreation grounds committee meeting.
9. Youth Cafe
Messers Bantick and Titmarsh visited the Youth Café and gave positive feedback on the group. It hopes to open on Friday evenings once funding is secured and another paid assistant recruited. The committee agreed to continue supporting the group by providing the pavilion free of charge.
10. Trees
The trees around the groundsman’s store are starting to cover the roof. Some of the trees are in the gardens backing onto the recreation grounds. There are also three trees around the play area which require removing and the crown of a Robinia needs reducing.
Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mrs Presland to accept the quote from Robinsons to cut back the trees around the store at a cost of £500 and the remove the trees and reduce the Robinia at a cost of £800.”
Agreed.
The clerk is to contact residents affected by the trees to be cut back and request a contribution towards the work.
2008/09 49
Proposed by Ms Smith, second by Mr Hunt
RESOLVED “that £800 is transferred from the floor fund to meet the cost of the tree work.”
Agreed.
11. Play Equipment
The combat cableway has not been repaired. Wicksteed removed the spring from the design because they kept breaking but will supply one if requested. However they will not guarantee it. ROSPA has stated that Wicksteed should provide a working solution. The clerk is to write to Wicksteed regarding a solution which will comply with EN1176.
12. Any Other Business
12.1 Barrier entrance
Mr Harris is to be asked to remove the remains of the concrete post at the entrance to the recreation grounds.
12.2 Pond
Mr Hunt requested that the groundsman be asked to remove the rubbish from the pond.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.40 p.m.
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Planning - 15 October 2008
MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Wednesday 15 October 2008 in the PAVILION, KNEBWORTH RECREATION GROUNDS at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to work commitments
In attendance: Mrs Carol Smith
1. Declaration of Interests
Mr Bantick declared that he had a non pecuniary interest in the Knebworth Estate application.
2. Minutes
It was proposed by Mr Smith, seconded by Dr Fothergill and
RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 24 September 2008 be approved.”
Agreed.
3. 08/01915/1 Ground floor R/O 121 London Road, Knebworth
Change of use of office (B1) to Clinic treatment rooms (D1)
NO OBJECTIONS.
4. 08/01871/1 73 Park Lane, Knebworth
Single and two storey extension following demolition of existing garage and conservatory
NO OBJECTIONS.
5. 08/05184/1LB Knebworth House, Knebworth Park, Old Knebworth
Restoration of east and north garden balustrades
NO OBJECTIONS.
6. Any Other Business
6.1 Mulberry Cottages
The cottage is listed and in a conservation area and the garage doors have been changed to a window. The clerk is to contact Ms Marten, NHDC, regarding compliance.
2008/09 46
6.2 Shrubs, Stevenage Road
Mr Hunt reported that the branches overhanging the footpath in Stevenage Road have been cut back.
6.3 Overgrown Gateways
The clerk is to report to HCC that the gateways are completely overgrown.
6.4 Footpath Westland Road
A resident has written to HCC regarding the lack of lighting of the footpath. Since the footpath is not a right of way and the title is unknown HCC will not install lighting.
6.5 Supplementary Planning Funds
Mrs Caldwell, NHDC, has confirmed that money has been received from developers in Knebworth and has been set aside. NHDC committee will determine how the money is allocated.
6.6 Green Space Strategy
NHDC is formulating a green space strategy to feed into the Green Integrated Plan (GIP)
Consultants have been employed to identify existing green space so that shortfalls, in both provision and linkages, can be improved through the LDF.
6.7 Stevenage Urban Transport Plan
Consultants have been employed to prepare a transport plan for Stevenage. The clerk is to attend a presentation on 5 November.
6.8 Next Meeting Date
The next meeting is to be held on 10 November and not 17th.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.29pm.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to work commitments
In attendance: Mrs Carol Smith
1. Declaration of Interests
Mr Bantick declared that he had a non pecuniary interest in the Knebworth Estate application.
2. Minutes
It was proposed by Mr Smith, seconded by Dr Fothergill and
RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 24 September 2008 be approved.”
Agreed.
3. 08/01915/1 Ground floor R/O 121 London Road, Knebworth
Change of use of office (B1) to Clinic treatment rooms (D1)
NO OBJECTIONS.
4. 08/01871/1 73 Park Lane, Knebworth
Single and two storey extension following demolition of existing garage and conservatory
NO OBJECTIONS.
5. 08/05184/1LB Knebworth House, Knebworth Park, Old Knebworth
Restoration of east and north garden balustrades
NO OBJECTIONS.
6. Any Other Business
6.1 Mulberry Cottages
The cottage is listed and in a conservation area and the garage doors have been changed to a window. The clerk is to contact Ms Marten, NHDC, regarding compliance.
2008/09 46
6.2 Shrubs, Stevenage Road
Mr Hunt reported that the branches overhanging the footpath in Stevenage Road have been cut back.
6.3 Overgrown Gateways
The clerk is to report to HCC that the gateways are completely overgrown.
6.4 Footpath Westland Road
A resident has written to HCC regarding the lack of lighting of the footpath. Since the footpath is not a right of way and the title is unknown HCC will not install lighting.
6.5 Supplementary Planning Funds
Mrs Caldwell, NHDC, has confirmed that money has been received from developers in Knebworth and has been set aside. NHDC committee will determine how the money is allocated.
6.6 Green Space Strategy
NHDC is formulating a green space strategy to feed into the Green Integrated Plan (GIP)
Consultants have been employed to identify existing green space so that shortfalls, in both provision and linkages, can be improved through the LDF.
6.7 Stevenage Urban Transport Plan
Consultants have been employed to prepare a transport plan for Stevenage. The clerk is to attend a presentation on 5 November.
6.8 Next Meeting Date
The next meeting is to be held on 10 November and not 17th.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.29pm.
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Parish Council - 1 October 2008
MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL held on the
1 October 2008 in the KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 8.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Mr John Bantick (Chairman), Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr Richard Haigh, Mr Barry Hall, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mrs Carol Smith, Mr Robin Smith, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr Hunt has a prior engagement
Ms Smith is on holiday
In attendance: Inspector Taybert and PC Harding
1. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest
2. Police
PC Harding reported that there had been 81 recorded crimes from July to date compared with 87 in the same period last year. Twenty of the crimes were thefts from the Coop and an arrest has been made. There were three burglaries and good progress had been made. There were seven thefts from motor vehicles.
Inspector Taybert is to introduce methods of recording abstraction rates for PC’s so that the time spent on their rural area is easier to obtain. Abstraction rates should be no more than 20%. The rural team has Kate Hill, a problem solver and PCSO Sinclair.
3. Approval of Parish Council Minutes
It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Dr Fothergill and
RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council, held on 9 July 2008, be approved and signed.
Unanimously agreed.
4. The Council Noted the Minutes of the Committee Meetings
Minutes of the Meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee held on 23 July 2008.
Minutes of the Meeting of the Village Hall Committee held on the 10 September 2008
Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee held on the 10 September 2008
Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee held on the 21 July 18 August & 8 September 2008.
2008/09 42
5. Website
Mr Haigh has made some adjustments. It was suggested that a synopsis of the minutes might be useful. It was agreed that the chairman’s monthly Parish News report would highlight salient points and this would be included on the website.
6. HCC Lease
No response has been received from Lambert Smith Hampton regarding the Parish Council’s comments to the heads of terms of reference. A meeting is to be arranged with a LSH representative and Mr Morgan once he has returned from his holiday.
7. Effectiveness of the Internal Audit
Mr Titmarsh and the clerk are to review the system of internal audit and report back to the next parish council meeting.
8. Allowances
Mr Gilmore reported that Parish Council allowances must be set by an independent panel, which would need information from councillors to reach an annual figure. A basic allowance is awarded to councillors with the chairman receiving more. There are a number of arguments for and against allowances. The allowance could be used to cover costs of mileage, telephone calls, printing costs etc. Currently of the 33 parishes in North Herts no one pays allowances at the moment. There were differing views on allowances and the chairman recommended that councillors review the proposal and it will be discussed at the next meeting.
9. Parking Initiative
The group has decided to issue a simple questionnaire to decide if residents are serious about trying to resolve the parking problems with a holistic approach, which will cost money with parking permits, restricted parking etc. The solution might cost residents £100 per annum to park their car. If there is negative response the parking group will close. Alternatively a professional survey could be commissioned at a cost of £30,000. Questionnaires will be delivered at the beginning of November and returned by 23 November. The Council agreed to pay the printing costs.
10. Straw Polls
Mr Gilmore raised his concerns over the use of straw polls to make decisions and considered that the voting procedures had been misused. It was recommended that straw polls might be used to produce a proposal but there should be no debate on a proposal once it had been made.
HAPTC had been contacted and advised that they were a useful tool to gauge opinion and should not be included in Standing Orders.
2008/09 43
11. Parish Update
The next Parish Council update is to be delivered in November with the parking questionnaire. Delivery costs are to be saved with councillors and residents distributing them.
12. Knebworth Clean Up Campaign
Mrs Green from Welwyn has been running a clean up group in Welwyn which comprises volunteers who meet once a month and target specific areas. Serco, the waste contractor is contacted and collects the bagged rubbish free of charge. Mrs Culley of the WI has recently organised a clean up and is willing to coordinate a similar group in Knebworth. The Parish Council agreed to purchase necessary equipment to support such a group. The clerk is to contact NDHC to ensure that its contractor will remove the rubbish.
Mrs Brookes has a group of people who wish to pursue removing the use of plastic bags in Knebworth and has requested the Council’s support.
13. Villager of the Year
Mr Bantick wished the council to consider introducing an award for Villager of the Year in recognition of people’s contribution to the village. The ceremony would comprise of a gathering of leading lights of the groups in the village to say thank you for what they have done.
14. CPRE
It was proposed by Mr Gilmore, seconded by Mr Haigh and
RESOLVED “that the Council should subscribe to CPRE for another year. The funds being taken from s137 allowance.”
Unanimously agreed.
15. Accounts for Payment
It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh and seconded by Mr Bantick and
RESOLVED “that the list of accounts paid during Accounts Period 3 2008/09 be approved.
Unanimously agreed.
Mr Titmarsh reported that he had agreed the monthly bank reconciliations to 31 August 2008
2008/09 44
16. Any Other Urgent Business
16.1 Dog Fouling
Mr Haigh reported that dog fouling on the pavements has increased. The dogs, or their owners, need to be reported to the dog warden. Alternatively if the offence occurs at a known time the dog warden can be informed and will visit the area.
16.2 Hedge, Stockens Green
The clerk is to contact Herts Highways regarding the hedges which are overhanging the footpaths in Stockens Green.
16.3 Blenheim Reality
The developer has been contacting residents around the village to try to obtain gardens for development. Mrs Presland is concerned about 19 Stockens Green which has been empty for a while. This is part of the conservation area and development should not be permitted.
16.4 Lytton Fields Deanscroft
Mr Hall reported that significant work is being undertaken on a property which was given to NDHC specifically for disabled residents. He wished the council to remind North Herts Homes of the condition. Mr Smith stated that the NHH is aware.
16.5 Planning
Mr Gilmore asked if the new regulations could be reviewed. It has been suggested that there will be 25% fewer planning applications because of the new rules.
16.6 Christmas Lights
Mr Titmarsh confirmed than the surgery is willing to have lights on the building. The landlord wishes the insurance position to be clarified.
16.7 Gateway
The gateway has not been repaired and is unlikely to be in the near future due to lack of funds.
16.8 Finance Training Session
Mr Titmarsh reported that he had attended a finance training session and wanted to report that he considered Knebworth to be a good council in the way it manages its affairs.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.
1 October 2008 in the KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at 8.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Mr John Bantick (Chairman), Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr Richard Haigh, Mr Barry Hall, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mrs Carol Smith, Mr Robin Smith, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr Hunt has a prior engagement
Ms Smith is on holiday
In attendance: Inspector Taybert and PC Harding
1. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest
2. Police
PC Harding reported that there had been 81 recorded crimes from July to date compared with 87 in the same period last year. Twenty of the crimes were thefts from the Coop and an arrest has been made. There were three burglaries and good progress had been made. There were seven thefts from motor vehicles.
Inspector Taybert is to introduce methods of recording abstraction rates for PC’s so that the time spent on their rural area is easier to obtain. Abstraction rates should be no more than 20%. The rural team has Kate Hill, a problem solver and PCSO Sinclair.
3. Approval of Parish Council Minutes
It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Dr Fothergill and
RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council, held on 9 July 2008, be approved and signed.
Unanimously agreed.
4. The Council Noted the Minutes of the Committee Meetings
Minutes of the Meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee held on 23 July 2008.
Minutes of the Meeting of the Village Hall Committee held on the 10 September 2008
Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee held on the 10 September 2008
Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee held on the 21 July 18 August & 8 September 2008.
2008/09 42
5. Website
Mr Haigh has made some adjustments. It was suggested that a synopsis of the minutes might be useful. It was agreed that the chairman’s monthly Parish News report would highlight salient points and this would be included on the website.
6. HCC Lease
No response has been received from Lambert Smith Hampton regarding the Parish Council’s comments to the heads of terms of reference. A meeting is to be arranged with a LSH representative and Mr Morgan once he has returned from his holiday.
7. Effectiveness of the Internal Audit
Mr Titmarsh and the clerk are to review the system of internal audit and report back to the next parish council meeting.
8. Allowances
Mr Gilmore reported that Parish Council allowances must be set by an independent panel, which would need information from councillors to reach an annual figure. A basic allowance is awarded to councillors with the chairman receiving more. There are a number of arguments for and against allowances. The allowance could be used to cover costs of mileage, telephone calls, printing costs etc. Currently of the 33 parishes in North Herts no one pays allowances at the moment. There were differing views on allowances and the chairman recommended that councillors review the proposal and it will be discussed at the next meeting.
9. Parking Initiative
The group has decided to issue a simple questionnaire to decide if residents are serious about trying to resolve the parking problems with a holistic approach, which will cost money with parking permits, restricted parking etc. The solution might cost residents £100 per annum to park their car. If there is negative response the parking group will close. Alternatively a professional survey could be commissioned at a cost of £30,000. Questionnaires will be delivered at the beginning of November and returned by 23 November. The Council agreed to pay the printing costs.
10. Straw Polls
Mr Gilmore raised his concerns over the use of straw polls to make decisions and considered that the voting procedures had been misused. It was recommended that straw polls might be used to produce a proposal but there should be no debate on a proposal once it had been made.
HAPTC had been contacted and advised that they were a useful tool to gauge opinion and should not be included in Standing Orders.
2008/09 43
11. Parish Update
The next Parish Council update is to be delivered in November with the parking questionnaire. Delivery costs are to be saved with councillors and residents distributing them.
12. Knebworth Clean Up Campaign
Mrs Green from Welwyn has been running a clean up group in Welwyn which comprises volunteers who meet once a month and target specific areas. Serco, the waste contractor is contacted and collects the bagged rubbish free of charge. Mrs Culley of the WI has recently organised a clean up and is willing to coordinate a similar group in Knebworth. The Parish Council agreed to purchase necessary equipment to support such a group. The clerk is to contact NDHC to ensure that its contractor will remove the rubbish.
Mrs Brookes has a group of people who wish to pursue removing the use of plastic bags in Knebworth and has requested the Council’s support.
13. Villager of the Year
Mr Bantick wished the council to consider introducing an award for Villager of the Year in recognition of people’s contribution to the village. The ceremony would comprise of a gathering of leading lights of the groups in the village to say thank you for what they have done.
14. CPRE
It was proposed by Mr Gilmore, seconded by Mr Haigh and
RESOLVED “that the Council should subscribe to CPRE for another year. The funds being taken from s137 allowance.”
Unanimously agreed.
15. Accounts for Payment
It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh and seconded by Mr Bantick and
RESOLVED “that the list of accounts paid during Accounts Period 3 2008/09 be approved.
Unanimously agreed.
Mr Titmarsh reported that he had agreed the monthly bank reconciliations to 31 August 2008
2008/09 44
16. Any Other Urgent Business
16.1 Dog Fouling
Mr Haigh reported that dog fouling on the pavements has increased. The dogs, or their owners, need to be reported to the dog warden. Alternatively if the offence occurs at a known time the dog warden can be informed and will visit the area.
16.2 Hedge, Stockens Green
The clerk is to contact Herts Highways regarding the hedges which are overhanging the footpaths in Stockens Green.
16.3 Blenheim Reality
The developer has been contacting residents around the village to try to obtain gardens for development. Mrs Presland is concerned about 19 Stockens Green which has been empty for a while. This is part of the conservation area and development should not be permitted.
16.4 Lytton Fields Deanscroft
Mr Hall reported that significant work is being undertaken on a property which was given to NDHC specifically for disabled residents. He wished the council to remind North Herts Homes of the condition. Mr Smith stated that the NHH is aware.
16.5 Planning
Mr Gilmore asked if the new regulations could be reviewed. It has been suggested that there will be 25% fewer planning applications because of the new rules.
16.6 Christmas Lights
Mr Titmarsh confirmed than the surgery is willing to have lights on the building. The landlord wishes the insurance position to be clarified.
16.7 Gateway
The gateway has not been repaired and is unlikely to be in the near future due to lack of funds.
16.8 Finance Training Session
Mr Titmarsh reported that he had attended a finance training session and wanted to report that he considered Knebworth to be a good council in the way it manages its affairs.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.
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