999

DATCHWORTH PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HELD ON 15^th MAY 2006

AT 7.00pm AT DATCHWORTH VILLAGE HALL

PRESENT:

Chairman – Mr. C. Wilkins

Councillors – Mrs L. Carrington-Brown

Mr. F. Pearman

Mrs. M. Marr

Mr. T. Charles – arrived later

Mrs. G. Lines – arrived later

In Attendance – Mrs. L. Chambers – Clerk

ITEM 1 Apologies for absence – Councillors J. Austin and J. Nash

The Chairman said that as there were several Councillors missing, the meeting would start at item 4. and the election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman would take place when more Councillors arrived

ITEM 4 Minutes of the last meeting held on 24^th April 2006 were agreed and signed as correct

ITEM 5 Matters arising

Councillor Mrs. Lines had emailed the Clerk to say that there had been no damage to the Play equipment on the Green as a result of the misuse reported last month, and the dog fouling sign had been found, although this needed resiting. The refuse revealed by the tree work appeared to be garden refuse, possibly from the bungalow next to the area. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the residents, and politely ask if it is theirs and to remove it if so. Action: Clerk to write to resident

The Clerk reported that she had done some research on the internet about the neighbouring Parishes to Burnham Green. After discussion it was agreed that the Clerk should ask for advice from the NALC about Welwyn and Hatfield’s position, and should contact the Clerk at Welwyn PC. Action: Clerk to contact NALC, and contact the Welwyn PC Clerk

ITEM 6 Ongoing Items.

6.1 Playareas and Equipment - Nothing to report

6.2 Highways – The Clerk reported that she had been notified of further road closures for maintenance: Bury Lane, Hawkins Hall Lane and Bragbury Lane will be closed sometime between 29^th May 2006 and 1^st October 2007 for maintenance. Nowhere was Brookbridge Lane, other than the small area outside the Tilbury, included and the Clerk has written to Highways with a copy to District Councillor Jackson, about this.

6.3 Parish Design Statement – The Chairman reported that progress had been made by contacting a person whose name had been suggested; he was considering the suggestion at the moment.

6.4 Tree Survey – Nothing to report

ITEM 7 Planning

18^th April to 14^th May 2006

3/06/0607/FP/JS – I Hawkins Hall Lane. Replacement dwelling. Objections on grounds of excessive size in relation to the surrounding area and properties and the size of the plot

3/06/0612/FP/JS – 76 Bramfield Road. Dormer and replacement of existing flat roof to to playroom with a pitched roof.

3/06/0795/FP/JS – 94 Burnham Green Road. Extension to existing house and construction of new detached garage involving change of use of land from agricultural to residential.

Applications Granted Permission (by EHDC)

1000

3/06/0331/FP/JS – 8 Meadow Close. Single storey small front extension. Single storey rear extension. Loft conversion with dormer window

3/06/0215/FP/SD – 31 Burnham Green Road. 2 storey rear, single storey side extension, new porch and internal alterations

3/06/0432/FP – 7 Brookbridge Lane. Single Storey rear and side extension

3/06/0525/FP – Cherry Tree Hall. Outbuilding incorporating endless pool and gym for personal physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Shaded applications still in circulation

ITEM 8 Review and Approval of:

8.1 Financial Regulations – These were approved unanimously

8.2 Risk Assessment Policy – This was approved unanimously. The Clerk reminded Councillors that the Risk Assessment Questionnaire needed to be completed as soon as possible for the Audit.

ITEM 9 Main Items of correspondence

Allianz-Cornhill – Insurance revision

LubbockFine – Audit date

Highways – More Road closures

Brakspear – Response to letter re: The Tilbury

Datchworth Bowls Club – Request for financial contribution

ITEM 10 Financial Report

In accordance with the Council’s financial regulations, the following transactions were approved:

Income:

Deposit Account Interest - £16.40

EHC for Grass Cutting - £840.00

Outgoings:

Cheque Number 158 - £1332.34 – Allianz-Cornhill Insurance

159 - £101.00 – Mr J. Adams - Litter

160 - £420.48 – Mrs L. Chambers – Salary and Expenses

Bank Balances – Cheque Account - £4690.45

Savings Account - £16243.55

ITEM 2 Election of Chairman and Vice- Chairman for the coming year.

Councillor Wilkins indicated his willingness to stand as Chairman again, and was nominated by Councillor Mrs. Marr and seconded by Councillor Charles; it was agreed unanimously.

Councillor Mrs. Marshall was nominated by Councillor Pearman and seconded by Councillor Mrs. Lines as Vice-Chairman; this was agreed unanimously.

ITEM 3 Councillors appointments for the coming year.

3.1 – Planning Sub-committee – Councillors Mrs. Marshall (Chair), Charles, Mrs. Chambers, Pearman, Mrs. Marr, Wilkins.

3.2 - Highways – Councillor Nash

3.3 – Playareas and equipment – Councillors Mrs. Marr and Wilkins

3.4 – Herts County Council & Health Matters – Councillor Mrs. Marshall

3.5 – Leisure Plots – Councillor Mrs. Carrington-Brown

Grass Cutting - Councillor Pearman

3.6 – Trees Shrubs and Open Spaces – Councillors Mrs Chambers & Mrs Carrington-Brown

3.7 - Village Hall Liaison – Councillor Wilkins

3.8 – Bulls Green and Burnham Green – Councillor Wilkins

3.9 - Sports Club Event Liaison – Councillor Wilkins

Sports Club Sub-Committee – Councillor Wilkins, Charles, Mrs. Marshall, Reserve: Councillor Mrs. Carrington-Brown

1001

3.10 – Village Plan, Conservation, Rural Transport & Road Safety sub-committee – Councillors Charles ,Wilkins, Mrs. Lines and Mrs. Carrington-Brown

10. Benefits and Concerns.

The main concern was the confusion over the start time for the AGM, for which the Clerk apologized.

11. Date of next meeting: 19^th June 2006. Councillor Mrs. Marshall tendered her apologies for the next meeting. The Clerk reminded all Councillors that there would not be a meeting in July.

Meeting closed at 8.50pm