...in the Garden of England...
December 2008 Minutes
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF DITTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT DITTON COMMUNITY CENTRE ON MONDAY 1st DECEMBER 2008
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PRESENT: CLLRS. M J PORTER [Chairman], J A BEADLE [Vice-Chair], R ANGEL, R G W BAKER, A R BEADLE, M D BRINE, B CORDWELL, M LANDER, A R MULCUCK, D H NUNN, MRS A THROSSELL & J F THWAITES
MRS S J KAVANAGH [Clerk Of the Council], MRS M GRANTHAM [Community Centre Administrator] & MRS N GREENAWAY [Administrative Assistant]
384. OPENING OF MEETING
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm
385. APOLOGIES
Apologies were RECEIVED from Cllr. Stone. The previously notified reason for absence was APPROVED and is recorded in the absence book ref. 8
Apologies were also received from Co. Cllr. Rowe, PC Roddick, PCSO Mrs Bishop and Community Warden Crispe.
386. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Member of Staff Mrs Greenaway declared a prejudicial interest in item 399.
387. REPORTS FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAM/COMMUNITY WARDEN
PCSO Supervisor, Louise Burgess, introduced herself and advised the Council that there is to be a re-organisation of the PSCO team and PCSO Lia Bishop will be leaving Ditton in January and will be replaced with PCSO Rob Sayer.
In the absence of PC Roddick, PCSO Louise Burgess reported on the crime figures for Ditton as follows:-
Total Crime for November was 13; 3 criminal damage; 5 thefts from vehicles and 5 others. There were 10 crimes during the same period last year and 4 in October.
PCSO Louise Burgess also reported that:
• a male has been arrested for the thefts from vehicles and no further thefts have occurred since
• The police are tasking the Ditton area to give residents reassurance following the recent thefts and crime
• The funeral of … will be taking place at St Peter’s Church on Friday 5th December 2008. It is anticipated that a lot of people will be attending.
388. CONFIRMATION & SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 3rd NOVEMBER 2008
The minutes of the meeting held on 3rd November were CONFIRMED and SIGNED.
389. MATTERS ARISING
(a) Bonfire & Fireworks Night 2009 [Page 168, item 333(a) ] – requested by Chairman
Cllr. Porter wished to record his sincere apologies to Mr Peel for the letter he requested to be sent to him regarding an alleged proposed unauthorised firework display. The Chairman now accepts that Mr Peel had nothing to do with this and he deeply regrets any distress he has caused.
(b) Probation Payback Scheme [Page 162, Item 326(b)]
Further Information on the scheme was READ and it was NOTED that the probationers would be supervised at all times by the Probation Service and the only facilities they would require would be toilets. The supply of equipment would depend on the project.
It was suggested that they could be asked to paint the Oaken Hall kitchen, which is currently being refurbished.
390. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD DURING NOVEMBER 2008
(a) For Confirmation
(i) COMMUNITY CENTRE COMMITTEE, 10TH NOVEMBER 2008
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Beadle and CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a true record.
(ii) PLANNING, HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, 17TH NOVEMBER 2008
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Mulcuck and CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a true record.
(iii) OPEN SPACES & AMENITIES COMMITTEE, 17TH NOVEMBER 2008
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Baker and CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a true record.
Cllr. Mulcuck requested permission to use the Parish Council logo on the new information boards planned for the Ditton Quarry Nature Reserve.
RESOLVED to accede to the request.
(iv) FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE, 24TH NOVEMBER 2008
The above minutes were presented by Cllr. Porter and CONFIRMED and SIGNED as a true record.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. INTERNAL AUDIT TERMS OF REFERENCE [Page 188, item 378]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to ADOPT the above Terms of Reference.
2. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 – MODEL PUBLICATION SCHEME
[Page 188, tem 379(a) & (b)]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to ADOPT the above Publication Scheme
3. T&MBC PARISH CHARTER [Page 188, item 381]
RESOLVED to RATIFY the recommendation to ADOPT the Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council Parish Charter.
Cllr. Brine expressed his concern at limiting the Ditton Gazette to eight pages as he felt this would not provide enough space to include community organisation news and would reduce the income from advertising. He also advised that the Council could still produce 12 pages for the sum included in the estimates.
Discussion took place.
RESOLVED not to confirm the resolution to restrict the Ditton Gazette to eight pages but to refer this back to the Finance and Administration Committee for further consideration at its meeting on 8th December.
(b) For Noting
(i) DITTON TWINNING ASSOCIATION, 26th NOVEMBER 2008
The above minutes were READ and NOTED. Cllr. Mulcuck reported on a successful Christmas Fair.
391. CORRESPONDENCE
(a) For Noting
The following correspondence was CIRCULATED, READ and NOTED:-
Kent ARA ‘Kent Active’, Vol4, N. 32 Autumn 2008
NALC: ‘Local Council Review’, Vol. 60 No. 4 – November 2008
‘Annual Report & Accounts 2007 – 2008
Tonbridge & Malling BC: Christmas Tree Recycling
Mayor’s Charity Kentish Quiz, 24th January 2009
Charity Dance, 20th March 2009
Jonathan Shaw MP: ‘Autumn 2008 Newsletter’
English Rural Association: Annual Report and Review 2008
CPRE: ‘Kent Voice’, Autumn 2008
Local Councils: ‘Update’, Issue 109 – November 2008
Clerks and Councils: ‘Direct’, November 2008 – Issue 60
SLCC: ‘The Clerk’, November 2008 – Vol.40 No. 6
KALC: ‘Parish News’, Issue 335 November 2008
Notice of Area Meeting 11th December 2008
Ditton C of E Junior School: Letter of Thanks re. Donation
Anita Oakley: Letter of Thanks re. Poppy Appeal
Mr M J A Morris: Poppy Appeal
Mrs A R Beadle: Letter of Thanks
(b) For Decision
Kent & Medway Fire & Rescue Service: Consultation on Integrated Risk Management Plan
Information previously circulated was READ and NOTED.
Members were asked to either send their comments to the Clerk or direct to Kent & Medway Fire & Rescue Service via the weblink.
Kent Youth: Invitation to a Service of Lessons and Carols
Anyone wishing to attend the event on 6th December 2008 is asked to advise the clerk as soon as possible.
Tonbridge & Malling BC: 2009 Y2 Crew Summer Scheme
A request for funding towards the above scheme during 2009 was READ and it was NOTED the scheme is targeted in areas of the borough where young people are potentially vulnerable to becoming involved in anti-social behaviour and Ditton is listed as one of these areas.
RESOLVED TO DONATE £500 TO THE 2009 SCHEME BUT ASK HOW MANY YOUTHS FROM DITTON ATTENDED THE SCHEME IN 2008.
Mr J Whitmarsh, Linton PC: Boundary Markers
RESOLVED TO REFER AN INVESTIGATION OF PARISH
BOUNDARY MARKERS TO A FUTURE MEETING.
Tonbridge & Malling BC: Parish Council Lighting
Following this Council’s request for discussion of the future maintenance of parish lighting at the Parish Partnership meeting, it was NOTED that the Borough Council is investigating the possibility of including parish lighting to the current Borough regime.
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Cncl: Invitation to the Mayor’s Charity Dance 20th March 2009
Any Member wishing to attend it asked to complete the reservation form on the reverse of the letter and either return it to the Clerk or forward it direct to the Mayor’s office.
392. FINANCE
(a) Accounts Received
The following accounts RECEIVED were READ and NOTED:-
Hirers Multi-Sport Users 174.00
Local Organisations: Photocopying 92.40
Kia Garage: Gazette Advert 60.00
Invicta Double Glazing: Gazette Advert 60.00
Allotment Rents: 160.00
Ditton Junior School Grounds Maintenance 351.05
Ditton Minors FC: NRRG Energy Reimbursement 26.61
(b) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Salaries: Gross Pay: 18703.41 Net Pay: 14232.91
DPC Imprest A/C: Reimbursement 591.64
KCC: Superannuation Payment November TBA
Clive Stanley Associates: Webmaster Fees August – November 2008 324.50
Ditton Infant School: Donation Under LGA 1972 Section 137 towards
Christmas Fayre 50.00
Ditton Junior School: Donation Under LGA 1972 Section 137 Towards
Christmas Disco 50.00
EDF Energy: Energy Charges Changing Rooms NRRG 35.59
Less Credit in Hand -7.43
28.16
Less 5% VAT 1.55 26.61
Emprise: Keyholding Service & Alarm Response 20.83
November 2008 Vat 3.65 24.48
KAS: Welding Supplies 65.65
Kent County Council: Linemarking - Superwhite & Pitch Marker 47.70
Vat 8.35 56.05
Kent Men of Trees: Annual Subscription 2009 25.00
Monro South: Loam 49.60
Vat 8.69 58.29
Nico: Printer Cartridges 180.23
31.54 211.77
Parkfoot Garage: Diesel 97.67
Vat 17.09 114.76
Parker Merchanting: Protective Boots 38.95
Vat 6.82 45.77
Peeks: Christmas & NYE Decorations etc. 153.98
Vat 26.95 180.93
Mr Pullinger: Playground Locking, November 2008 25.00
Sage (UK) Ltd: Laser Payslips 49.00
Vat 8.58 57.58
South East Water: Kilnbarn Recreation Ground 37.67
Toilet Block NRRG 14.61 52.28
Three Towns: Stationery 78.74
Vat 13.77 92.51
Travis Perkins: Hire of Vibrating Roller – 2 days 51.60
Sharp Sand, Indicator Bolt, oil,
Sharp Grit, Cement 113.25
164.85
Vat 28.85 193.70
Viking Direct: Christmas Cards 64.49
Vat 11.29 75.78
(c) Accounts Paid Between Meetings
RESOLVED the following Account paid between meetings be APPROVED:-
H S Jackson [Fencing]: Welded Mesh Fencing – For Allotments 930.50
Vat 162.84 1093.34
(d) Ditton Parish Council Promotions Account
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID from the Promotions account:-
Todd Miller & Joe Loss Friday 19th December 2008 2140.00
Orchestra: Vat 321.00 2461.00
Todd Miller & Joe Loss Saturday 20th December 2008 2200.00
Orchestra: Vat 330.00 2530.00
DPC Imprest A/C: Peter Eligate New Years Eve 1400.00
DITTON PARISH COUNCIL IMPREST ACCOUNT - Expenditure November 2008
Carried Forward 1st November 2008 1594.06
Add: PC Reimbursement
905.94
2500.00
Deduct: November Expenses
Voucher Charge 3.25
Postage Stamps 63.00
War Memorial Plants 70.00
Raffle Prize Reimbursement 265.90
Bar Petty Cash 96.98
Bar Expenses 33.50
Flowers – AB 17.50
Community Centre EXP 11.06
Petty Cash 66.64
Less over reimbursed – November -36.19 591.64*
1908.36 2500.00
*Sum to be drawn on 1st December 2008 to restore balance to £2500.00
(e) Seasonal Donations from Charities Account
RESOLVED that a seasonal donation of £125.00 be made to Ditton Pop-in-Club under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972
RESOLVED that a donation of £250 be made to Age Concern under Section 142 of the Local Government Act 1972.
(f) Accounts for Payment – Community Centre
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Ditton Electrical Contracts: Repairs to Oaken Hall Lights 258.60
Vat 45.26 303.86
Peter Dorrell & Company: 4 x 5 Ltrs Sportsclean 47.50
Vat 8.31 55.81
Kent Catering Services: Balance of Oven & Bespoke Extraction 7452.20
Vat 1304.14 8756.34
Kent County Council: Cleaning Materials & Stationery 152.07
Vat 26.61 178.68
Initial Washroom Solutions: Towel Rental – December 2008 58.50
Vat 10.24 68.74
South East Water: April – October Metered Water Supply Bill 521.40
Veolia Environmental: October – Refuse Disposal 185.76
Service Vat 32.51 218.27
Yell Limited: Advertising in Maidstone Yellow Pages 158.25
Vat 27.69 185.94
Deposit Refunds
Oaken Hall Don Carman Hall
13.11.08 £50.00 29.11.08* £50.00
22.11.08 £50.00 30.11.08* £50.00
22.11.08 £71.50
26.11.08 £50.00
28.11.08* £80.00
29.11.08* £50.00
* Subject to Inspection
(g) Accounts for Payment – Bar
RESOLVED the following accounts be ACCEPTED, APPROVED and PAID:-
Kent County Council: Toilet Rolls & Dishwashing Liquid 23.95
Vat 4.19 28.14
Adrian Mecklenburgh: Post Mix Syrup 174.20
Vat 30.49 204.69
Nivek Catering Supplies: Coffee & Sugar 101.08
SSG Emprise: Bar Key Holder Services – November 20.83
Vat 3.65 24.48
Silver Springs: Soft Drinks 43.06
Vat 7.54 50.60
Top2Bottom Limited: Supply & Install 2 Air Bricks to OH Bar 90.00
Vat 15.75 105.75
(h) Direct Debits - Paid During October 2008
01.10.2008 WPA Health 573.48
03.10.2008 O2 26.56
01.10.2008 Sky Business 411.25
03.10.2008 Mentor 365.41
10.10.2008 Nildram 42.82
13.10.2008 Post Office Ltd 70.27
20.10.2008 BT Direct Debits 66.30
20.10.2008 S & N UK Ltd 7565.30
20.20.2008 Tonbridge & Malling B.C. 1143.00
20.10.2008 Red Fuelcards 31.93
20.10.2008 Tonbridge & Malling B.C. 101.00
21.10.2008 Waverleys 472.61
22.10.2008 EBS Direct Debits 23.25
23.10.2008 Euphony 28.55
22.10.2008 EDF Energy 68.57
23.10.2008 Siemens Financial Services 564.00
24.10.2008 BOC Manchester 264.38
24.10.2008 EDF Energy 1 Ltd 552.18
28.10.2008 Walkers Snacks Ltd 238.74
31.10.2008 Nat. West Business MC 344.30
(i) Internal Audit Report – 2nd Visit of Annual Programme
A copy of the internal auditor’s report of his second visit, which had previously been circulated, was READ and it was NOTED that there were no matters arising that would need to be brought to the attention of the Council.
(j) Estimates Meeting
As two Committee Chairmen will not be available on 5th January 2009, the Clerk requested that the Council meeting to ratify the 2009/2010 estimates be held on Monday 8th December, immediately after the Finance and Administration Committee meeting.
RESOLVED to accede to the request and the Finance and Administration Committee meeting commence at 7.00pm to enable the Extraordinary Council meeting to start a 7.30pm.
(k) Lotteries Registration Renewal
It was NOTED that this Council has not promoted a lottery in the last 10 years.
RESOLVED not to renew the registration at this time.
393. REPORTS FROM BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLORS
A report from Co. Cllr. Rowe, was READ by the Clerk and NOTED as follows:-
• Joint Local Board - arrangements are being reviewed in the light of T&MBC reluctance to fully embrace. This will not affect KCC members grants or Small Community Capital Grants.
• T&M Youth Advisory Group - The next meeting will be held at 6pm at Samays Youth Centre in Snodland. Anyone is interested in attending they will be most welcomed.
• Aylesford School Sports College - is to be officially opened on Monday 26th January 1.30pm.
• Inside Track issue 133 - will be sent to Councils under separate cover.
• District Police Commander T/Supt Tony Thomas - has been promoted to Deputy Area Commander.T/ CI. Dave Pate has been promoted to replace him in all his duties for at least the next 6 months. Other changes in roles/promotions may affect rank but not personalities developing neighbourhood policing in the Borough.
Co. Cllr. Rowe wished all members of Ditton Parish Council (staff and members) all the very best for Christmas and New Year and thanked each and everyone for their contributions in serving their local community.
394. REPORTS FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAM & COMMUNITY WARDEN
Dealt with earlier in the meeting.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
ADJOURNMENT
Mr Knott, Mr Dalton and Mr Foster attended in connection with the outline planning application for 429-431 London Road and advised Members of their concerns at the proposal.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
395. PLANNING, HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION MATTERS
(a) Plans Received for Comment
TM/08/03276/OA Three Bedroom Bungalow – Outline Application
429-431 London Rd
RESOLVED THIS COUNCIL SUPPORTS THE OBJECTIONS OF THE RESIDENTS IN PRIMROSE DRIVE AND LONDON ROAD THAT THE ERECTION OF ANY PROPERTY ON THIS SITE WILL SPOIL THE AMENITY OF THE NEIGHBOURING PROPERTIES (PARTICULARLY THOSE IN PRIMROSE DRIVE AS THE PROPOSED BUNGALOW IS VERY CLOSE TO THER BOUNDARY). IT WILL ALSO DESTROY THE HABITAT OF MANY WILD ANIMALS AND BIRDS. THIS COUNCIL ALSO OBJECTS TO THE PLAN BECAUSE THE ACCESS IS INADEQUATE FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND IT WOULD BE DANGEROUS ACCESSING THIS SITE VIA THE PARKING AREA FOR THE SHOP. IF THIS PLAN WERE ALLOWED IT MAY SET A PRECEDENT FOR OTHER PROPERTIES WITH LARGE BACK GARDENS TO APPLY TO BUILD HOUSES IN THEIR GARDENS.
TM/08/03469/FL Demolition of existing rear Conservatory and outbuilding and replacement with new conservatory
42 Station Road
RESOLVED NO OBJECTION
(b) Plans Dealt with by Tonbridge & Malling Area Sub-Committee No. 3
The following decisions were READ and NOTED:-
TM/08/027728/FL Retrospective Application for conversion of garage to habitable room and erection of single storey side extension
5 Ditton Place
GRANTED
TM/08/02562/TPOC Reduce multi stemmed Ash by one third (TPO Ref. 12-02-14)
38 Acorn Grove
GRANTED SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS
TM/0802449/FL Two storey side extension, including demolition of existing garage
42 Acorn Grove
REFUSED
TM/08/02865/FL Single Storey Rear Extension and loft Conversion incorporating front & rear dormers
24 Priory Grove
GRANTED
(c) ‘B’ Lists
The following ‘B’ Lists were READ and NOTED:-
08/45 - 10.11.2008; 08/46 - 17.11.2008
(d) TM/01/1686 – Gallagher Aggregates Ltd, Variation of Condition 2 & 3 - Kent County Council determination
It was NOTED that Kent County Council have GRANTED SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS the Development of land situated at Aylesford and being the variation of condition (2) and condition (3) of permission TM/01/1686 referred to in the application for permission for development dated third day of August 2008, received 21st August 2008 with drawing entitled ‘Generalised Site Plan’ and drawing nos. MH4/08 and 9249.
(e) Kent County Council Permit Scheme – Further Consultation on Key Changes
Information READ and NOTED.
396. CONSULTATION ON CODES OF CONDUCT FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES
Cllr. Beadle reported on the consultation document, which had previously been circulated, and it was NOTED that the Borough Council have written a comprehensive and critical response to the document pointing out that the questions raised in it does not address the shortfall on the current code.
RESOLVED Cllr. Beadle will assist the Clerk in drafting a response to the consultation document, following the views of the Borough Council.
397. REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE, 11TH NOVEMBER 2008
Three communications regarding the Remembrance Day Service, were READ and NOTED.
RESOLVED to thank them for their kind and constructive comments.
Some Members expressed their disappointment that the Lord’s Prayer had been omitted from the Service.
Discussion took place and it was reported that the youth football teams were allegedly advised by their managers that they were not allowed to attend the Service but had to play instead. In view of this it was suggested that no morning football matches be permitted on Kilnbarn Recreation Ground on remembrance Sundays in the future.
RESOLVED to arrange a meeting between the Council and the Revd. Ross Terranova and Revd. Priscilla Payne in the Spring next year and the inclusion of the Lord’s Prayer in future Services be discussed then.
398. MATTERS ARISING FROM “CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING”
There were no matters arising.
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The Chairman moved that In view of the confidential nature of the following item, the press and public will be excluded from the remainder of the meeting in accordance with Standing Order Nos. 27 & 50.
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399. PERSONNEL MATTER
Discussion took place on the hours of work that a new Clerk will be required to work when the current Clerk retires.
RESOLVED that because of the responsibilities of the post, the Clerk will be required to work full time 5 days a week.
400. CLOSURE
The meeting closed 8.55pm.