MINUTES of the MEETING of the FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE held on 28 January 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
At 8.15 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Mr Anthony Titmarsh (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Barry Hall, and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr Haigh due to work commitments
Mr Gilmore due to a prior commitment
Ms Smith due to prior commitments
1. Declaration of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
2. Minutes
It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Bantick and
RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee Council, held on 12 November 2008, are approved and signed.”
Unanimously agreed.
3. Financial Review
Interest income is reducing significantly with rates now at 1%. Expenditure at £33,007 is 18% under budget A large part of the under spend relates to budgeted contingency and additional wages. Christmas lights revenue and capital costs are just within budget.
4. Report on Short Term Funds on Deposit
There are currently no funds on short term deposit because Barclays Treasury deposit requires a minimum of £100,000. Other accounts are to be investigated.
5. Report on Parish Damage
There has been some damage to the trim trail in the recreation grounds by youths riding scooters. Anti social behaviour by youths riding scooters is to be targeted by the police.
The lighting bollards on the footpath from Stevenage Road to New Close have also been damaged.
6. Footpath Lighting
Herts. Highways has raised sufficient funding to install three lights and resurface the path from Pondcroft Road to London Road. Work is to commence before the end of the financial year.
2008/09 70
7. Christmas Lights
Revenue and capital expenditure are within budget for the year. The tree lights on St Martins Green didn’t work this year. A quote from Lamps and Tubes to install and remove the lights in 2009 is £1,843 which is within budget but represents an 18% increase. A second quote is to be sought from Mr Wright.
There was some discussion regarding additions to the light for 2009. This is to be considered after the lights in the tree are repaired.
8. Road Signs
Mr Titmarsh has inspected the signs in the centre of the village and believes that a number could be removed. It was reported that the signpost at Nup End is loose and the sign moves in the wind. All comments are to be forwarded to Mr Jack of Herts. Highways.
9. Computer Facility
The computer broke down last year and was out of action for a month. The committee had discussed different forms of back up and a laptop was considered together with screen and projector, which will permit the planning committee to view planning applications more easily. The cost of a laptop is £400-500, screen £100-200 and projector £400. The clerk is to make a grant application to Southern Rural.
10. Parking Initiative
Dr Fothergill has prepared an overview of the results from the questionnaire which will be presented to the Parish Council meeting for ratification. A copy will be forwarded to NDHC. An information sheet is to be distributed with the Parish Leaflet.
11. Financial Risk Assessment
Mr Titmarsh and the clerk are to review the risk assessment and bring it to the next meeting.
12. Appointment of Internal Auditor
The clerk is still waiting for confirmation that Star Bookkeeping is able to undertake the work this year.
13. Meeting Dates
The chairman proposed that the date of the next meeting is added to the end of the minutes. He is also concerned about holding three meetings in one evening on 4 March and wished to raise the matter at the next Parish Council meeting.
14. Dog Bins
A letter from a resident requested that dog bins are installed at certain locations in the village. A dog bin costs £260 plus £1.30 per week for collection. The clerk is to contact Cllrs Gray and Bardett for a contribution of £249 each from their discretionary budgets.
2008/09 71
Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Titmarsh and
RESOLVED that “£400 be set aside from the contingency fund to install two dog bins on the Gun Road / Woolmer Green footpath.”
Agreed.
The committee is also to apply for a grant next year for two litter bins from the Parish Enhancement and Cleansing Fund.
15. Clean Up Campaign
Mrs Culley is unable to organise a clean up campaign. The committee agreed to organise a clean up on 7 March. The clerk is to purchase litter pickers and vests and posters are to be distributed around the village.
16. Milestone
The milestone society wished to publicise the improvements. Dr Fothergill and Mr Titmarsh are to examine the stone milestone on the northern boundary with a view to progressing its improvement.
17. Website Information
A procedure policy is to be drafted to ensure control of information uploaded to the website to ensure that no sensitive information is added.
18. Hertfordshire PCT Questionnaire
The response by the questionnaire is to be approved by the Parish Council.
19 HCC Lease
Revised heads of lease have been received and the committee recommended them for approval by the Parish Council
20. Any Other Business
20.1 Southern Rural Inter Parish Council Meeting
The proposed meeting has been postponed and a new date is to be set.
20.2 East Herts Inter Parish meeting
Mr Titmarsh is to attend the East Herts meeting on 16 March.
20.3 Village Of the Year
The committee did not wish to enter the village of the year competition
20.4 Pension Meeting
HCC is to hold its annual pension meeting on 16 March.
20.5 Activities in the car park
It was agreed that no functions or activities should be held in the village hall car park.
2008/09 72
20.6 Datchworth Speed Limit
Datchworth is to have a number of highway improvements to help reduce speeding.
20.7 Village Shop, Woolmer Green
The village shop has reopened in Woolmer Green. The clerk is to see if the Parish Council is supporting the venture.
20.8 Recycling Boxes
Mr Hall reported that on Monday evening a glass recycling box was removed from one end of Gun Lane and its contents smashed on the road near 44 Gun Lane. Residents swept the glass away in the early hours of the morning.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.17 pm.
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Village Hall - 28 January 2009
MINUTES of the MEETING of the VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE held on
Wednesday 28 January 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH
VILLAGE HALL at 7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Mr Barry Hall (Chairman) John Bantick, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr Gilmore due to a prior engagement
1. Declaration of Interests
There were no declarations of interest
2. Minutes
It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Bantick and
RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the meeting of the Village Hall Committee, held on 12 November 2008, be approved and signed.”
Unanimously agreed.
3 Financial Review
Income at £14,224 for the nine months is 15% over budget. Expenditure at £16,230 is 15% under budget. The capital expenditure relates to the urinals which have been replaced in the front lobby. Further improvements are subject to a grant application.
4. Hire Charges 2009/10
Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Hunt and
RESOLVED “that the hire charges increase by 5%, reduced by rounding, to take effect from 1 April 2009. “
Agreed.
5. Review Conditions of Hire
The committee approved revised conditions.
6. General Maintenance
The heating pipes in the boiler house have been lagged. The committee agreed that the kitchen and committee room should be painted and the clerk is to contact Mr Starkey to undertake the work.
The 120L bins for the hall are too small and the clerk is to arrange their replacement with two 240L bins. Mr Titmarsh was concerned at the cost of waste collection and the matter is to be raised at the next rural summit.
2008/09 68
7. Licence Inspection
NHDC undertook an inspection to ensure compliance for the premises licence. The hall is considered a low risk and the next inspection will be carried out in eighteen months.
8. Heating
The heating in the hall is working; however there have been a few complaints about it being cold. It was agreed that a working party, comprising Mr Hall and Mr Titmarsh, would review the system and investigate the possibility of supplementary heating for colder conditions.
9. Any Other Business
9.1 Meeting date
The next meeting is scheduled for 4 March 2009.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.10pm
Wednesday 28 January 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH
VILLAGE HALL at 7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Mr Barry Hall (Chairman) John Bantick, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr Gilmore due to a prior engagement
1. Declaration of Interests
There were no declarations of interest
2. Minutes
It was proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Bantick and
RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the meeting of the Village Hall Committee, held on 12 November 2008, be approved and signed.”
Unanimously agreed.
3 Financial Review
Income at £14,224 for the nine months is 15% over budget. Expenditure at £16,230 is 15% under budget. The capital expenditure relates to the urinals which have been replaced in the front lobby. Further improvements are subject to a grant application.
4. Hire Charges 2009/10
Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Hunt and
RESOLVED “that the hire charges increase by 5%, reduced by rounding, to take effect from 1 April 2009. “
Agreed.
5. Review Conditions of Hire
The committee approved revised conditions.
6. General Maintenance
The heating pipes in the boiler house have been lagged. The committee agreed that the kitchen and committee room should be painted and the clerk is to contact Mr Starkey to undertake the work.
The 120L bins for the hall are too small and the clerk is to arrange their replacement with two 240L bins. Mr Titmarsh was concerned at the cost of waste collection and the matter is to be raised at the next rural summit.
2008/09 68
7. Licence Inspection
NHDC undertook an inspection to ensure compliance for the premises licence. The hall is considered a low risk and the next inspection will be carried out in eighteen months.
8. Heating
The heating in the hall is working; however there have been a few complaints about it being cold. It was agreed that a working party, comprising Mr Hall and Mr Titmarsh, would review the system and investigate the possibility of supplementary heating for colder conditions.
9. Any Other Business
9.1 Meeting date
The next meeting is scheduled for 4 March 2009.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.10pm
Monday, 12 January 2009
Planning - 12 January 2009
MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 12 January 2009 in the COMMITTEE, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Hunt, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to work commitments
Mr John Bantick due to a prior commitment
Mrs Rosemary Pateman due to illness
In attendance: Jane Gray (NHDC)
1. Declaration of Interests
There were no declarations of interest.
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 10 November 2008 be approved.”
Agreed.
3. 08/01418/1HH 190 Park Lane, Old Knebworth
Rear Dormer window
NO OBJECTIONS
4. 08/01419/1LB 190 Park Lane, Old Knebworth
Removal of front door to side extension
NO OBJECTIONS
5. 08/02889/1HH 59 Park Lane, Knebworth
Single storey side and rear extension
The committee considered the proposed extension would be out of keeping with the existing property. The committee OBJECTS.
6. 08/02895/1HH 42 Gun Lane, Knebworth
Two storey side extension. Single storey rear, side and front extensions. Alterations to side hipped roof to form dutch hipped roof. Rear flat roof dormer window
The dutch hipped roof does not balance with the adjacent property. The flat roofed dormer window is large and visible and is out of character. The committee therefore OBJECTS.
2008/09 66
7. Any Other Business
7.1 Verge, St Martins Road
Mr Hunt complained about the condition of the verge opposite the car park in St Martins Road. The clerk is to contact Herts Highways.
7.2 Verge, New Close
A councillor has queried if the hedge which has been planted in New Close is on amenity land. The clerk has looked at the hedge and there is no problem.
7.3 Dog Bins
A resident has requested dog bins to be installed at specific sites in the village, suggesting the District Councillor’s discretionary budget could be used to fund them. A dog bin costs £261 plus £1.30 per week to empty. Dr Fothergill is to discuss the matter with North Herts. Homes on the planned walkabout. The item is to be taken to the next F&GP meeting.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.30pm.
at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr John Hunt, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr Richard Haigh due to work commitments
Mr John Bantick due to a prior commitment
Mrs Rosemary Pateman due to illness
In attendance: Jane Gray (NHDC)
1. Declaration of Interests
There were no declarations of interest.
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 10 November 2008 be approved.”
Agreed.
3. 08/01418/1HH 190 Park Lane, Old Knebworth
Rear Dormer window
NO OBJECTIONS
4. 08/01419/1LB 190 Park Lane, Old Knebworth
Removal of front door to side extension
NO OBJECTIONS
5. 08/02889/1HH 59 Park Lane, Knebworth
Single storey side and rear extension
The committee considered the proposed extension would be out of keeping with the existing property. The committee OBJECTS.
6. 08/02895/1HH 42 Gun Lane, Knebworth
Two storey side extension. Single storey rear, side and front extensions. Alterations to side hipped roof to form dutch hipped roof. Rear flat roof dormer window
The dutch hipped roof does not balance with the adjacent property. The flat roofed dormer window is large and visible and is out of character. The committee therefore OBJECTS.
2008/09 66
7. Any Other Business
7.1 Verge, St Martins Road
Mr Hunt complained about the condition of the verge opposite the car park in St Martins Road. The clerk is to contact Herts Highways.
7.2 Verge, New Close
A councillor has queried if the hedge which has been planted in New Close is on amenity land. The clerk has looked at the hedge and there is no problem.
7.3 Dog Bins
A resident has requested dog bins to be installed at specific sites in the village, suggesting the District Councillor’s discretionary budget could be used to fund them. A dog bin costs £261 plus £1.30 per week to empty. Dr Fothergill is to discuss the matter with North Herts. Homes on the planned walkabout. The item is to be taken to the next F&GP meeting.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.30pm.
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Recreation - 7 January 2009
MINUTES of the MEETING of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held on
7 January 2009 in the PAVILION, KNEBWORTH RECREATION GROUNDS at
7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Ms Smith (Chairman), Mr John Hunt, Mrs Carol Smith and the Clerk
Apologies: Mrs Pateman and Mrs Presland due to illness
Mr Bantick and Mr Titmarsh due to a prior commitment
1. Declarations of Interest
Mr Hunt declared that he is president of Knebworth Tennis Club
2. Minutes
Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mr Hunt
RESOLVED “that subject to Mr Hunt being present the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 15 October 2008 are approved.”
Unanimously agreed.
3. Financial Review
Income at £2,902 for the nine months is in line with budget. Expenditure at £33,585 is 16% under budget. Capital Expenditure of £1,176 relates to new goal posts.
4. Football Pitches
The committee agreed to a request for use of J1 pitch on Saturday afternoon for the 2009/10 season. The clerk is to determine what hire charges are paid for the school pitch.
5. Footpaths
The review of the footpaths wasn’t undertaken due to the inclement weather. A report will be prepared for the next meeting.
6. Knebworth Bowls & Tennis Club Lease
Foreman Laws is preparing draft leases for the Bowls and Tennis Clubs, which should be available prior to the next meeting.
7. Play Equipment
Wicksteed is trialing a new end stop and if successful it will undertake repairs on the combat cableway during January.
8. Pavilion Equipment
The cooker has been repaired, a seal had not been put back properly. Mr Starkey is to fix aluminium strips to the doors and worktop. There had been problems with the heating system and a switch had tripped. The programming of the heating system needs review. The clerk and two councillors are to inspect the system.
2008/09 64
9. HCC Lease
Mr Morgan has written confirming that HCC is prepared to enter into a twenty year lease and restrict invocation of the break clause for three years.
10. Benches
A schedule of benches was reviewed. Two have been removed as they were beyond repair. It was agreed that these would not be replaced at the moment. The clerk is to arrange cleaning of the dirty benches.
11. Any Other Business
11.1 Litter, Deards End Lane
Mr Hunt reported that a lot of litter has been dumped on Deards End Lane. The clerk is to contact Mr Flack, NHDC.
11.2 Barrier entrance
The clerk reported that over the Christmas period the barrier had been left open and a white truck was seen driving along the eastern boundary. When approached one of the three men stated that they were inspecting the fence. Having driven the length of the fence the truck drove off. No contractors had been asked to undertake any repairs on the fence. The footballers have been informed and asked to ensure that the gate is closed when they leave.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.20 p.m.
7 January 2009 in the PAVILION, KNEBWORTH RECREATION GROUNDS at
7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Ms Smith (Chairman), Mr John Hunt, Mrs Carol Smith and the Clerk
Apologies: Mrs Pateman and Mrs Presland due to illness
Mr Bantick and Mr Titmarsh due to a prior commitment
1. Declarations of Interest
Mr Hunt declared that he is president of Knebworth Tennis Club
2. Minutes
Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mr Hunt
RESOLVED “that subject to Mr Hunt being present the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 15 October 2008 are approved.”
Unanimously agreed.
3. Financial Review
Income at £2,902 for the nine months is in line with budget. Expenditure at £33,585 is 16% under budget. Capital Expenditure of £1,176 relates to new goal posts.
4. Football Pitches
The committee agreed to a request for use of J1 pitch on Saturday afternoon for the 2009/10 season. The clerk is to determine what hire charges are paid for the school pitch.
5. Footpaths
The review of the footpaths wasn’t undertaken due to the inclement weather. A report will be prepared for the next meeting.
6. Knebworth Bowls & Tennis Club Lease
Foreman Laws is preparing draft leases for the Bowls and Tennis Clubs, which should be available prior to the next meeting.
7. Play Equipment
Wicksteed is trialing a new end stop and if successful it will undertake repairs on the combat cableway during January.
8. Pavilion Equipment
The cooker has been repaired, a seal had not been put back properly. Mr Starkey is to fix aluminium strips to the doors and worktop. There had been problems with the heating system and a switch had tripped. The programming of the heating system needs review. The clerk and two councillors are to inspect the system.
2008/09 64
9. HCC Lease
Mr Morgan has written confirming that HCC is prepared to enter into a twenty year lease and restrict invocation of the break clause for three years.
10. Benches
A schedule of benches was reviewed. Two have been removed as they were beyond repair. It was agreed that these would not be replaced at the moment. The clerk is to arrange cleaning of the dirty benches.
11. Any Other Business
11.1 Litter, Deards End Lane
Mr Hunt reported that a lot of litter has been dumped on Deards End Lane. The clerk is to contact Mr Flack, NHDC.
11.2 Barrier entrance
The clerk reported that over the Christmas period the barrier had been left open and a white truck was seen driving along the eastern boundary. When approached one of the three men stated that they were inspecting the fence. Having driven the length of the fence the truck drove off. No contractors had been asked to undertake any repairs on the fence. The footballers have been informed and asked to ensure that the gate is closed when they leave.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.20 p.m.
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