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MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 3 FEBRUARY
were taken as read and signed as a correct record by the Chairman.
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MATTERS ARISING
(not covered elsewhere) The hedge at Harvey Way had been mentioned to Mrs Scott. Mr Drane would be pursuing the issue. – Action DD
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CORRESPONDENCE
Request for Donations It was agreed to support the work of Home start with a donation of £50, Friends of Essex Heritage and Stop Stansted Expansion with £15 each – Action ML.
Police Matters It was agreed that the clerk would write to Chief Inspector Alyson Wilson to express regret that PC Nicola Lark had moved on and acknowledge the very good work that she had done in resolving long standing problems. – Action ML.
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MEETING REPORTS
The Chairman had attended the North Uttlesford Community Forum. He reported that Parish Councils were being encouraged to prepare Village plans. The Clerk was due to attend a meeting with Andrew Taylor, Divisional Head of Planning and Building Control. It was agreed to discuss the impending changes in the planning regime further when more information was available. – Action ML
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ENVIRONMENT
Village Green Issues
The Clerk reported that a reply had been received from Lloyd Simpson of the County Legal department with forms to be filled in. It was agreed that the Clerk would start these then send them to the Chairman to scrutinise. Mr Haylock had sent paperwork received from the County Council concerning transfer of land to his solicitor. – Action ML/SM
Flooding
Information had been received on the possibility of financial assistance to vulnerable houses who prepared a group submission. As relatively few houses might be involved it was agreed that Miss Frost would send those concerned a copy of the information. – Action DF
Maintenance
Money had been put aside for various jobs in line with the schedule drawn up by Miss Frost. It was agreed that these would need to be prioritised and that this year’s budget of £500 should go to pollarding the Ring o’ Trees and the willows either side of the War Memorial. Both these to be completed approx November 2011. DF will try to obtain a quote for guidance to see if this will consume all the funds for 2011. – Action DF
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FINANCE
Payments Cheques were signed for the following:
| SLCC |
Membership |
£72.00 |
| Home Start |
Donation |
£50.00 |
| Stop Stansted Expansion |
Donation |
£15.00 |
| Friends of Essex Heritage |
Donation |
£15.00 |
Clerk’s Training It was agreed to fund a course on PAYE and Audit, two areas currently undergoing changes. A further longer course which may help towards Quality Status. Most of the cost can be recouped from bursaries. A contribution to extra hours would be needed. – Action ML
Year end accounts The Clerk would prepare these as soon as possible after the end of the financial year for John Cockman our internal auditor. As the Audit Commission was being disbanded the external audit arrangements were uncertain at present. – Action ML
Church Clock The request for a donation towards the maintenance and repair of the church clock was discussed. It was decided that it was not possible to commit any funds to this when the budget was so limited. – Action ML
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HIGHWAYS
Footway
The chairman was still in contact with Simon Walsh. There was willingness in the Highways Department to get this achieved during the next financial year (2011/2) and Simon Walsh is pursuing the matter. – Action SM
Potholes
It was noted that some areas had been marked in preparation for repair. It was also noted with regret that newly surfaced sections of Bumpstead Road were now being dug up and patched with the installation of a new water main. – Action DD
Brick Wall at Long Corner
Nothing was reported on this issue
Community Speedwatch
Mr Tutman had contacted the Clerk, who had written to the Safer Roads Bureau concerning training at Dunmow. There would be a cost of £200 which caused concern as the council’s budgetary situation is already tight. – Action ML
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FOOTPATHS
Headland Management Scheme
Maps and new arrangements for funding the cutting of headlands are in place. – Action DH
P3
Miss Frost is working with contractors to try to establish a plan of what can be achieved within the much reduced funding levels. Priority is being given to the more frequently used paths at the centre of the village and those that link up with work done on the headland management scheme. – Action DF
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COMMUNICATIONS
Digital Switchover
A representative had been appointed to help any vulnerable people who might experience difficulties. Mr Weedon agreed to liaise. – Action AW
Annual Report
The clerk would prepare this and 200 copies would be delivered to Miss Frost by 20th April for distribution. – Action ML
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PLANNING
The Chairman is still awaiting a response concerning the issue of the pond at Hempstead Hall from the Enforcement Officer. The Chairman to consider/investigate taking the Planning Officer to the location for a more detailed inspection. – Action SM
Mr Haylock had assisted in drafting a reply to the proposal for a swimming pool at Spitlands Barn. The reply raised the issue of the discharge of water with chemical content from the backwash and queried the position of any heating equipment.
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VILLAGE HALL
The Chairman had passed the Community Grant form to the Village Hall Committee who plan to complete the establishment of a hearing loop. – Action ML
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ELECTIONS
It was noted that the election would be on 5 May. Publication of Notice on 28 March.
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VILLAGE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
Mr Weedon agreed to fill in the joint form for this and the Best Kept Village competition. Miss Frost agreed to supply information from previous applications. – Action AW/DF
Future meeting dates – Tuesday 12 April and Thursdays 12 May and 9 June. Annual Meeting Friday 13 May
The meeting closed at 9.30 pm.
