MINUTES of the MEETING of the FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE held on 10 June 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
At 8.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Mr Anthony Titmarsh (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr Barry Hall, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr Haigh due to work commitments
Absent: Mr Hunt
1. Declaration of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
2. Minutes
It was proposed by Dr Fothergill, seconded by Mr Gilmore and
RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee Council, held on 29 April 2009, are approved and signed.”
Unanimously agreed.
3. Financial Review
Half the precept had been received but no interest. Expenditure at £10,731 is 20% under budget, mainly due to no spending on contingency and additional wages costs.
The clerk reported that the Village Hall committee is considering replacing the cooker with a commercial unit for which there is no specific budget, grant funding is being sought but a virement might be necessary.
4. Report on Parish Damage
The Tennis Hut has been damaged.
5. Stationary
The sample letter headings were not available for consideration.
6. Road Signs
There was nothing to report on this item.
7. Milestone
Odyssey has cleared the area but has still to repair the fence. Until this is done this item cannot be progressed further.
2009/10 15
8. Village Website
Costings have been received to produce a combined website. The committee agreed that the priority is to find someone to update the current website.
9. Report on Funds on Deposit
Money is to be placed on a six month bond on 20 June at a rate of 1.2%. The deposit account is currently paying 0.1%.
10. Christmas Lights
It was agreed that no new decorations would be purchased this year.
11. Review of Regulations
The Council chairman is to allocate the review of documents to councillors at the next Parish Council meeting.
12. Review Internal Auditor’s Report
The committee considered the internal auditor’s report, which found the systems to be adequate. There was a recommendation to produce VAT returns using the Sage software, which is currently not correct. The clerk is to contact Sage.
13. Copier
Ricoh has started charging for replacement toners for the copier which were included in the copy contract. Mr Preece from HCC, is checking the terms of the contract.
14. Councillors Allowances
A revised questionnaire has been prepared and is to be circulated. The results are to be forwarded to Mr Parkin, NHDC, for consideration.
15. Notice board
The notice board has been repaired and a header ordered.
16. Partnership Funding
The Parish Council has had its first experience of Partnership Funding with HCC and NHDC, which has highlighted a number of issues. This is to be discussed at the Rural Summit in July, after which a document will be prepared for the Council to consider.
17. Lytton Fields Playspace
The committee agreed that it should pursue obtaining title for Lytton Fields play space. The clerk is to write to NHDC.
2009/10 16
18. Bin Inspections
NHDC has started bin inspections in the village to look at capacity and possible production of another recycling leaflet.
19. Any Other Business
19.1 Barclays Bank
Barclays has changed its procedures again and the clerk, although a signatory, cannot transfer money with council accounts via the telephone. The local business manager approved the transfer but did not process the request; as a result the Council’s bank account was overdrawn at the beginning of June. The Bank has admitted it is at fault and no charges will be incurred.
Telephone banking and internet banking is now available which only permits inter account transfers. The clerk is to obtain an application form.
19.2 Additional Land Options
NHDC consultation on additional land options is to be placed on deposit at the end of June. The Council will consider the best way to inform the parish once the document is issued.
19.3 Charles Arnold Baker
Dr Fothergill reported that Charles Arnold Baker, the founder of NALC, died this week.
19.4 Traffic Survey, London Road
Mr Hall informed the committee that a traffic survey was conducted on London Road, which has been on going for the past five years with information being reported to the Department of Transport.
19.5 HCC Elections
There was a 43% turnout for the County Council election in this area. Richard Thake was re-elected.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 09.55 pm.
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
Village Hall - 10 June
MINUTES of the MEETING of the VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE held on
Wednesday 10 June 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH
VILLAGE HALL at 7.10 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Mr Barry Hall (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Caroline Presland, Ms Elisabeth Smith and the Clerk
Apologies: There were no apologies for absence
1. Declaration of Interests
There were no declarations of interest
2. Minutes
Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Gilmore and
RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the meeting of the Village Hall Committee, held on 29 April 2009, be approved and signed.”
Unanimously agreed.
3 Financial Review
Income at £5,395 is 4% over budget. Expenditure at £6,568 is 24% under budget.
4. Cooker
Smeg will not repair the cooker because it is in a non domestic environment. It has also been tardy supplying the spares. It is hoped that the ring will be repaired within the next week.
A replacement commercial gas cooker was considered with possible cost of £5,000 -£7,000 which would include the extraction unit and the necessary compliance with gas regulations. A commercial electric cooker would cost a similar sum with the installation of a three phase supply. Mr Thake has offered a grant towards replacement. The clerk is to obtain quotes.
5. Toilet Upgrade
Proposed by Mr Gilmore, seconded by Mr Hall and
RESOLVED that “the quotes to upgrade the gents toilets and replace the lobby carpet from P&J builders at £2758.85 Mr Wright at £664.65 and Roysia Flooring Ltd at £1970 be accepted.
Agreed.
2008/09 13
6. Central Heating
The heat from the system was insufficient during the winter months. Replacement of the radiators was discussed. Further work is to be undertaken and the existing radiators are to be cleaned.
It was agreed that the service agreement with Connaught would not be renewed, since its new policy for repairs could leave the hall without heating for over a week.
7. Any Other business
7.1 Knebworth Badminton Club
The club is struggling with numbers with only two people showing up some weeks. The result is the club is loosing money on its regular hire. It charges £2 per week in advance and £3 on the evening for members to play. A survey of charges for badminton courts showed that the hall charge is in line with other establishments. The committee considered the problem to be lack of people rather than the hire rate.
8.2 Projector
Mr Gilmore asked for a display of the projector, which was used at the planning meeting. It is to be brought to the next Parish Council meeting.
8.3 Clock
Mr Hunt asked if the clock could be re-hung. He has fully wound it and it is not working.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.05 pm
Wednesday 10 June 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH
VILLAGE HALL at 7.10 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Mr Barry Hall (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Caroline Presland, Ms Elisabeth Smith and the Clerk
Apologies: There were no apologies for absence
1. Declaration of Interests
There were no declarations of interest
2. Minutes
Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Gilmore and
RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the meeting of the Village Hall Committee, held on 29 April 2009, be approved and signed.”
Unanimously agreed.
3 Financial Review
Income at £5,395 is 4% over budget. Expenditure at £6,568 is 24% under budget.
4. Cooker
Smeg will not repair the cooker because it is in a non domestic environment. It has also been tardy supplying the spares. It is hoped that the ring will be repaired within the next week.
A replacement commercial gas cooker was considered with possible cost of £5,000 -£7,000 which would include the extraction unit and the necessary compliance with gas regulations. A commercial electric cooker would cost a similar sum with the installation of a three phase supply. Mr Thake has offered a grant towards replacement. The clerk is to obtain quotes.
5. Toilet Upgrade
Proposed by Mr Gilmore, seconded by Mr Hall and
RESOLVED that “the quotes to upgrade the gents toilets and replace the lobby carpet from P&J builders at £2758.85 Mr Wright at £664.65 and Roysia Flooring Ltd at £1970 be accepted.
Agreed.
2008/09 13
6. Central Heating
The heat from the system was insufficient during the winter months. Replacement of the radiators was discussed. Further work is to be undertaken and the existing radiators are to be cleaned.
It was agreed that the service agreement with Connaught would not be renewed, since its new policy for repairs could leave the hall without heating for over a week.
7. Any Other business
7.1 Knebworth Badminton Club
The club is struggling with numbers with only two people showing up some weeks. The result is the club is loosing money on its regular hire. It charges £2 per week in advance and £3 on the evening for members to play. A survey of charges for badminton courts showed that the hall charge is in line with other establishments. The committee considered the problem to be lack of people rather than the hire rate.
8.2 Projector
Mr Gilmore asked for a display of the projector, which was used at the planning meeting. It is to be brought to the next Parish Council meeting.
8.3 Clock
Mr Hunt asked if the clock could be re-hung. He has fully wound it and it is not working.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.05 pm
Monday, 8 June 2009
Planning - 8 June
MINUTES of the MEETING of the PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held on Monday 8 June 2009 in the COMMITTTE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr Richard Haigh, Mr John Hunt,
Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr John Bantick due to prior commitments.
In Attendance: Mrs Carol Smith
Mrs Jane Gray (NHDC)
1. Declaration of Interests
There were no declarations of interest.
2. Minutes
It was proposed by Dr Fothergill, seconded by Mr Smith and
RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 11 May 2009 be approved and signed.”
3. 09/00746/1HH Windrush, Slip Lane, Rabley Heath
Two storey rear extension following demolition of existing outbuilding. Rear conservatory and front porch
NO OBJECTIONS
4. 09/00814/1HH 42 Gun Lane, Knebworth
Two storey side extension with dutch hipped roof to incorporate loft conversion. Single storey rear extension with lantern roof, and single storey front and side extension. Window to first floor side extension
The previous application was refused due to the hip roof and the large dormer. The line of the hip has been made shallower but it will still be unbalanced with its semi. A neighbour has commented on the parking problems as the owner has a large van which cannot fit onto the drive causing parking problems on the road. The application identifies two spaces on the drive plus a garage which complies with car parking standards.
The committee OBJECTS to the application because the hip roof will detrimentally affect the street scene.
5. 09/00371/1LB 190 Park Lane, Old Knebworth
Roof light to side roof and part infill of front doorway in single storey side/rear extension and insertion of window
NO OBJECTIONS
2009/10 11
6. 09/00752/1 Park Lodge Cottage, Park Lane, Old Knebworth
Detached four bedroom dwelling with basement store following demolition of existing three bedroom chalet bungalow
The previous objections of height and form have been addressed. The footprint is 22% greater then the original, however it is in a large plot. The committee had NO OBJECTIONS
7. Local Development Framework
NHDC plans to have an additional site consultation from June to September 2009. Knebworth Estate and Wallace Estate have submitted a scheme which may form part of the consultation. The clerk is to obtain a web address for inclusion in the July issue of the Parish magazine.
8. Any Other Business
8.1 Laser pointer
Mr Haigh requested that a laser pointer be purchased to aid the use of the projector.
8.2 Old Knebworth Lane
Mrs Pateman reported that Herts Highways has been working in Old Knebworth Lane, and there is some improvement but the footpaths are still not cleared.
8.3 Pot Holes, Station Road
Mr Hunt complained about the pot holes in Station Road. The clerk is to inform Herts Highways.
8.4 Gun Lane Improvements
Dr Fothergill requested an update on the major road improvement previously planned for Gun Lane in June 2008. The clerk is to contact Herts Highways.
8.5 Hedges Hornbeam Spring
Dr Fothergill complained about the overgrown hedges blocking the footpath at 42 and $4 Hornbeam Spring. The clerk is to inform Herts Highways.
8.6 Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 13 July 2009
There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.35 pm.
at 7.00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Present: Dr Graham Fothergill (Chairman), Mr Richard Haigh, Mr John Hunt,
Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Ms Elisabeth Smith, Mr Robin Smith and the Clerk
Apologies: Mr John Bantick due to prior commitments.
In Attendance: Mrs Carol Smith
Mrs Jane Gray (NHDC)
1. Declaration of Interests
There were no declarations of interest.
2. Minutes
It was proposed by Dr Fothergill, seconded by Mr Smith and
RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee, held on 11 May 2009 be approved and signed.”
3. 09/00746/1HH Windrush, Slip Lane, Rabley Heath
Two storey rear extension following demolition of existing outbuilding. Rear conservatory and front porch
NO OBJECTIONS
4. 09/00814/1HH 42 Gun Lane, Knebworth
Two storey side extension with dutch hipped roof to incorporate loft conversion. Single storey rear extension with lantern roof, and single storey front and side extension. Window to first floor side extension
The previous application was refused due to the hip roof and the large dormer. The line of the hip has been made shallower but it will still be unbalanced with its semi. A neighbour has commented on the parking problems as the owner has a large van which cannot fit onto the drive causing parking problems on the road. The application identifies two spaces on the drive plus a garage which complies with car parking standards.
The committee OBJECTS to the application because the hip roof will detrimentally affect the street scene.
5. 09/00371/1LB 190 Park Lane, Old Knebworth
Roof light to side roof and part infill of front doorway in single storey side/rear extension and insertion of window
NO OBJECTIONS
2009/10 11
6. 09/00752/1 Park Lodge Cottage, Park Lane, Old Knebworth
Detached four bedroom dwelling with basement store following demolition of existing three bedroom chalet bungalow
The previous objections of height and form have been addressed. The footprint is 22% greater then the original, however it is in a large plot. The committee had NO OBJECTIONS
7. Local Development Framework
NHDC plans to have an additional site consultation from June to September 2009. Knebworth Estate and Wallace Estate have submitted a scheme which may form part of the consultation. The clerk is to obtain a web address for inclusion in the July issue of the Parish magazine.
8. Any Other Business
8.1 Laser pointer
Mr Haigh requested that a laser pointer be purchased to aid the use of the projector.
8.2 Old Knebworth Lane
Mrs Pateman reported that Herts Highways has been working in Old Knebworth Lane, and there is some improvement but the footpaths are still not cleared.
8.3 Pot Holes, Station Road
Mr Hunt complained about the pot holes in Station Road. The clerk is to inform Herts Highways.
8.4 Gun Lane Improvements
Dr Fothergill requested an update on the major road improvement previously planned for Gun Lane in June 2008. The clerk is to contact Herts Highways.
8.5 Hedges Hornbeam Spring
Dr Fothergill complained about the overgrown hedges blocking the footpath at 42 and $4 Hornbeam Spring. The clerk is to inform Herts Highways.
8.6 Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 13 July 2009
There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.35 pm.
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