...in the Garden of England...
August 2008 Minutes
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY 4th AUGUST 2008
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PRESENT: CLLRS. M J PORTER [Chairman], J A BEADLE [Vice-Chairman], R ANGEL, MRS A R BEADLE, M D BRINE, A R MULCUCK, D H NUNN, MRS A THROSSELL AND MRS J F THWAITES
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk of the Council]
185. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
186. APOLOGIES
Apologies were RECEIVED from Cllrs. Baker and Cordwell. The previously notified reasons for absence were ACCEPTED and APPROVED. Apologies were also received from Co. Cllr. Rowe.
187. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllrs. Mulcuck, Nunn and Mrs Thwaites declared a personal interest in item 192(b) ‘Request to hold a Bottle Stall at Hallowe’en Dance’ as they are members of the Heritage Centre Committee.
Cllr. Mulcuck declared a prejudicial interest in Item 192(b) ‘Hearing Aid’ as he was the person requesting the purchase of this piece of equipment.
The Chairman moved that item 10 ‘Report from Parish Warden/Community Police’ be taken next to enable PC Roddick to return to policing duties.
188. REPORT FROM PARISH WARDEN/COMMUNITY POLICE
PC Roddick reported that crime figures in Ditton during July totalled 10. The crimes were broken down as follows:-
3 Criminal damage
1 Theft of Vehicle
1 Theft from vehicle
3 Burglaries – 2 from sheds/garages; 1 dwelling
2 Others
The total crimes committed last month totalled 19 and there were 13 committed during July 2007.
PC Roddick confirmed that PCSO Lia Bishop had caught two of the offenders riding mini- motorcycles unlawfully and they have since been cautioned. The offenders have been advised
that if they are caught riding these bikes unlawfully or allow them to be ridden unlawfully again within the 12 months, the police have the power to seize the mini-motorcycles and destroy them.
Cllr. Angel advised PC Roddick that he is pleased that the installation of CCTV appears to be having a good effect in reducing crime. He asked if it would be possible to have percentage figures of crime per capita to enable a more accurate comparison with neighbouring parishes.
Cllr. Mulcuck advised PC Roddick of his concern at the dangerous parking on the corner of Ditton Court Close and St Peter’s Road.
189. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 7th JULY 2008
The above minutes were presented by the Chairman and CONFIRMED as a correct record.
190. MATTERS ARISING
Cllr. Mulcuck advised that he had perused the Leisure and Arts Strategy 2008-2013 and had no comments to make.
191. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING JULY 2008
(a) For Confirmation & Signing
(i) COMMUNITY CENTRE COMMITTEE, 14TH JULY 2008
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Beadle and following one amendment CONFIRMED as a correct record.
(ii) PLANNING COMMITTEE, 21st JULY 2008 - circulated
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mulcuck and CONFIRMED as a correct record.
(iii) OPEN SPACES & AMENITIES COMMITTEE, 21ST JULY 2008
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mulcuck and CONFIRMED as a correct record.
(iv) FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE, 28TH JULY 2008
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Porter and following one amendment were CONFIRMED as a correct record.
192. CORRESPONDENCE
(a) For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
KALC: Minutes of Meeting held 19th June 2008
Kent Fire & Rescue Service: Service Performance Plan 2008/2009
Tonbridge & Malling Crime Prevention Panel: Minutes of Meeting held on 21st April 2008
Tonbridge & Malling Community Safety Partnership: Newsletter, June 2008
Communicorp: ‘Local Councils Update’ – July 2008, Issue 105
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Cncl: ‘Spotlight on our Performance’
Leisure Guide Distribution
Kent Highways: ‘Roadworks and Journey Planner’ leaflet
Kent County Council: KCC Legal Services
Kent Downs: Valley of Visions Landscape Partnership Scheme
Kent Benefits Partnership: Housing and Council Tax Benefit
(b) For Decision
Ditton Heritage Centre Ltd: Request to Hold Bottle Stall at Hallowe’en Dance
RESOLVED TO ACCEDE TO THIS REQUEST, SUBJECT TO A NOTICE BEING DISPLAYED ON THE STALL ADVISING THAT THE CONTENTS OF THE BOTTLES CANNOT BE CONSUMED ON THE PREMISES.
Isle of Wight Council: ‘Power to the Parishes’ Conference 4/9/2008
READ and NOTED.
NALC: Neighbourhoods in Action Conference 12/9/2008
READ and NOTED.
Cllr. A R Mulcuck: Hearing Aid
A request for this Council to purchase a portable hearing aid system for the Council Chamber and other smaller meetings was READ and it was NOTED that the system suggested by Cllr. Mulcuck is recommended by The Hearing Centre for the Deaf.
RESOLVED TO APPLY FOR A KCC MEMBER’S GRANT TO FUND THE PURCHASE OF THIS EQUIPMENT.
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Cncl: Parish Partnership Panel – Request for Agenda Items
RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL DOES NOT HAVE ANY ITEMS FOR THE AGENDA.
193. FINANCE
(a) Accounts Received
The following accounts received during July 2008 were READ and NOTED as follows:-
Mr & Mrs Beadle: Reimbursement of Travelling Expenses
to Rang-du-Fliers 54.00
Allotment Tenant: Key Deposit 8.00
Photocopies: Income 25.00
Ditton Junior School: Grounds Maintenance Charge (Invs. 4168, 4192 & 4217) 1005.25
Ditton Infants School: Grounds Maintenance Charge 230.18
Thinc Group: Gazette Advert 148.00
Invicta Glazing: Gazette Advert 60.00
Haffenden: Gazette Advert 35.00
Mark Fisher: Gazette Advert 60.00
Snodland Festival: Gazette Advert 60.00
Lush Gardens Gazette Advert 60.00
Ditton Infants School: Grounds Maintenance Charge 112.31
Multi Sport: Hire Fees 185.50
(b) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED that, with the exception of the account for Gillett and Johnson, the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross: £15,410.40 Net: 11199.41
Kent County Council: Superannuation 3561.21
DPC Imprest: Account: July Reimbursement 1273.76*
AquAid: Water and sanitisation 128.34
Vat 19.11 128.34
Chubb Electronic Security Alarm Service Maintenance and
Ltd: Monitoring Contract 1/8/08-31/7/09 194.03
Vat 33.95 227.98
Chubb Fire Ltd: Service Agreement 126.44
Vat 22.13 148.57
EDF Energy: Cedar Room 259.08
Vat 12.95 272.03
Forge Engineering: Stainless Steel Mesh 35.00
Vat 6.13 41.13
Gillett & Johnson: Village Clock Repairs 115.00
Vat 20.13 135.13**
Gullands Solicitors: A4 Site Map re. Play Equipment Grant 60.00
John Shaw Ltd: Machinery Parts 56.34
Vat 9.86 66.20
Mrs S J Kavanagh: Varifocal Glasses Contribution 75.00
Kent County Council: Vehicle Lease Fee 1071.00
Vat 187.43 1258.43
Kent County Council: Stationery 36.00
Vat 6.30 42.30
Monro South Roundup Biactive 45.10
Vat 7.89 52.99
Netbox 5: MFE Active Virus Defence 1 year 228.36
MFE Anti-Spyware 1 year 47.85
276.21
Vat 48.33 324.54
Parkfoot Garage Ltd: Diesel 111.41
Vat 19.50 130.91
Popi: Summer Gazette 2,300 copies 1345.00
Mr Pullinger: Playarea Locking 25.00
Safe Handling Southern Training – Manual Handling & Fire 342.96
Ltd: Warden Vat 60.02 402.98
SSG Emprise Keyholding & Alarm Response 20.83
Vat 3.65 24.48
Travis Perkins Ltd: Redwood, staples, Chain 16.24
Vat 2.84 19.08
** cheque withheld as clock is still not working correctly.
(c) Cheques Drawn Between Meetings
The following payment made between meetings was APPROVED:-
Inland Revenue: VAT Payment 4707.86
Breakdown of Expenditure from Imprest Account during July 2008
Carried Forward 1st July 2008 1795.29
Add: PC Reimbursement 704.71
2500.00
Deduct: July Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Postage Stamps 63.00
Community Centre Expenses 128.02
Bar Wages 138.71
Flowers 40.00
Bar Petty Cash Reimbursement 69.92
Presentation – Nigel Saunders 41.28
Gazette Deliveries 131.70
Float – Horticulture Show 330.00
BKG Judges Fee & Exps 40.00
Sage Payroll – Update 287.88 1273.76*
Balance 1226.24
*Sum to be drawn on 4th August 2008 to restore balance to £2500.00
(d) Direct Debits Paid During June 2008
The following direct debits paid during June 2008 were READ and APPROVED:-
02.06.08 WPA Health Care 573.48
03.06.08 O2 35.31
03.06.08 Sky Business 306.68
04.06.08 Mentor RBOS 365.17
12.06.08 Nildram 42.82
16.06.08 Post Office Ltd 87.83
17.06.08 BT Direct Debits 48.89
17.06.08 BT Direct Debits 48.89
17.06.08 BT Direct Debits 60.33
20.06.08 Red Fuel Cards 33.67
20.06.08 Euphony Comm. Ltd 13.69
20.06.08 S&N UK Ltd 8863.14
20.06.08 Tonbridge & Malling BC 1143.00
23.06.08 Waverleys TBS 564.70
24.06.08 EBS Direct Debits 26.50
25.06.08 BOC Manchester 235.00
26.06.08 BT Direct Debits 52.28
26.06.08 BT Direct Debits 320.19
27.06.08 Walkers Snacks 285.02
30.06.08 Nat West Business Card 219.79
(e) Accounts for Payment – Community Centre
RESOLVED the following Accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Peter Dorrell & Co: Cleaning materials 92.30
Vat 16.15 108.45
Initial Washroom August Towel Rental 58.50
Solutions: Vat 10.24 68.74
Kent County Council: New Head for Hoover 9.90
Cleaning materials 227.00
236.90
Vat 41.46 278.36
David Peirce: Part for tumble dryer 31.89
Deposit Refunds
Oaken Hall Don Carman Hall
13.07.08 50.00 19.07.08 50.00
17.07.08 26.00 25.07.08 50.00
03.08.08* 65.00 02.08.08* 50.00
* Subject to inspection
(f) Accounts for Payment - Bar
Aircool Systems UK Service call on main bar ice machine 36.00
Service call on glass washer and bottle 36.00
cooler in main bar 72.00
Vat 12.60 84.60
Gamestec Rental on security cabinet 21.67
Vat 3.79 25.46
Emprise Services: Monthly Keyholding and Alarm 20.83
Response Vat 3.65 24.48
Kent County Council: Toilet rolls 14.45
Vat 2.53 16.98
Adrian Mecklenburgh: Post Mix 203.20
Vat 35.56 238.76
Silver Springs: Soft drinks 21.93
Vat 3.84 25.77
(g) Stocktake Report
The stocktake report was not available. The Community Centre Administrator will circulate this document to the Committee members as soon as it is received.
(h) Internal Audit Report 6th Visit 2007/2008
The internal auditor’s report of his 6th visit, which had previously been circulated, was READ and it was NOTED that there were no matters of any significance arising from the audit that needed to be brought to the Council’s attention.
FURTHER NOTED the auditor was pleased to see the results of the last two stocktakes, both of which recorded a surplus and a marked decrease in the amounts offset for allowances.
194. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
In the absence of Co. Cllr. Rowe, his report was read as follows:-
Kent Police Roadshow - Kent Police Authority will be having a Roadshow at Asda, Kings Hill from 11am on Friday 15th August 2008. Anyone welcome to discuss policing issues and join in the survey on policing priorities.
T&M Joint Local Board - The next meeting is scheduled to be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 2nd September 2008. This may not go ahead BUT applications are still being requested for Local Members Grants and Small Community Capital Projects. As reported earlier £5k has been obtained to pump prime Cold Calling Controlled Zones within the Borough. Any Parish interested will need to have some Neighbourhood Watch Projects in place. Further details will be provided at the next Parish Partnership Panel to be held early autumn.
T&M Youth Advisory Group - The next meeting will take place at Hadlow Youth Club from 6pm, on Wednesday 24th September. A representative/s from Ditton is/are welcome to attend.
Olympic Handover Day 24th August 2008 - On this date, the Olympic flag will be handed to the UK in Beijing marking the start of the four year London Olympiad. In Kent, KCC, and most of the districts will be raising specially commissioned "London 2012 Flags"; some at special flag raising ceremonies and some at other cultural events. KCC Sport, Leisure and Olympics service have negotiated Free Swimming For All at 15 swimming pools throughout Kent on that day, in conjunction with Kent Alliance of Leisure Trusts and district councils. Other events are being organised at specific venues throughout Kent:
- Dover street festival
- Maidstone Handover Celebration at Whatman Park
- Ramsgate Fun Run as part of official opening of New Athletics track at the Marlowe Academy.
- Herne Bay big screen showing of Handover Ceremony in Beijing, The National 2012 party in The Mall and Kent 2012 films.- T/Wells will be celebrating Handover 5 days later on 29th August.
- Paralympic Handover Day will be celebrated on 17th September with separate events being initiated in Kent.
195. REPORT FROM PARISH WARDEN/COMMUNITY POLICE
Dealt with earlier in the meeting.
196. PLANNING MATTERS
(a) Plans Received for Comment
TM/08/02090/FL Two storey side extension to form granny annexe
59 Primrose Drive
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION, BUT EXPRESS CONCERN THAT THE EXTENSION APPEARS TO EXTEND TO THE SIDE BOUNDARY AND DOES NOT LEAVE ANY OUTSIDE ACCESS TO THE REAR OF THE PROPERTY.
TM/08/2282/FL Single storey side and rear extension
27 Orchard Grove
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION, BUT EXPRESS CONCERN THAT THE EXTENSION APPEARS TO EXTEND TO THE SIDE BOUNDARY AND DOES NOT LEAVE ANY OUTSIDE ACCESS TO THE REAR OF THE PROPERTY.
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No. 3
NOTED no decisions have been notified during the past fourteen days.
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
08/28/2008 - 14/7/2008; 08/29/2008 - 21/7/2008
(d) Agenda/Minutes/Notes/etc. of Area 3 Planning Sub-Committee
NOTED this document was not available.
Members were reminded that the Council will be in recess for the remainder of August and therefore no further meetings are scheduled until 1st September.
RESOLVED during the recess, delegated power be given to the Clerk to deal with planning applications in consultation with the planning chairman and vice-chairman.
197. PARISH SEAL
Legal documents regarding the grant aided play equipment and youth shelter this Council is to receive from The Big Lottery Fund were READ and the requirement for these documents to be signed and sealed was NOTED.
(a) Deed of Dedication
RESOLVED to affix the parish seal to the Deed of Dedication, which shall be signed by the Chairman and witnessed by the Clerk of the Council.
(b) Deed of Undertaking
RESOLVED to affix the parish seal to the Deed of Undertaking, which shall be signed by the Chairman and witnessed by the Clerk of the Council.
198. FIREWORKS
It was NOTED that despite every endeavour it has not been possible to secure donations to cover the cost of staging the event this year.
Discussion took place and Members were advised of the Health and Safety Officer’s concern at the large number of people attending the event last year and the Health and Safety implications of crowd control and the additional cost of providing extra toilet facilities.
Further discussion took place and it was NOTED that because it is a free event, a great number of non-Ditton residents are now attending the event and this is swelling numbers and causing traffic problems along Kilnbarn Road.
It was suggested that consideration be given to this becoming a bi-annual event with annual fundraising events taking place to cover the costs.
RESOLVED that the fireworks event will not take place this year.
RESOLVED an article be placed in the next Ditton Gazette explaining why the event will not go ahead this year.
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The Chairman adjourned the meeting to enable the public to address the Council.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr & Mrs Dunster advised the Council of their concern at the condition and lack of maintenance of the verges in Ditton.
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199. BEST KEPT GARDEN COMPETITION
Details of winners were READ and NOTED. The presentation to the winners will be held in the Kilnbarn Club on 1st September 2008 commencing at 7.00pm.
Cllr. Mulcuck suggested that the format be changed next year and councillors be asked to volunteer to judge gardens. This will prevent a recurrence of the problem experienced this year where a councillor did not judge their area and someone had to judge it at the last minute.
200. REPORT OF VISIT TO RANG-DU-FLIERS FOR BASTILLE DAY
It was reported that the visit went well and the usual superb hospitality was enjoyed by all.
201. DITTON GAZETTE
The Autumn edition will go to press on 15th September 2008. Members are asked to forward items for inclusion to the Clerk or email them direct to Cllr. Brine.
202. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
There were no matters arising.
203. CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 8.52pm.