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DANBURY
PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of the Meeting Held on Wednesday
17 May 2006 at 8.00pm in the Parish Office |
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Present: Cllrs |
S Berlyn (Chairman) J Brooks Mrs C Creak D Hawkins A Keeler |
R Matthews D Powell J Thomson Mrs J Wells D Whiteing M Wood (Vice Chairman) |
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In attendance: |
Mrs M Saunders, Clerk Mrs E Blyth, Assistant Clerk Mrs M Moss, Assistant Clerk Essex County Councillor Peter Martin (left at 9.15pm) |
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1 Election of Chairman Cllr Hawkins proposed
that Cllr S Berlyn be elected to serve as Chairman for 2006-07. This was seconded by Cllr Wood. There were no further nominations. RESOLVED that Cllr Berlyn
elected as Chairman. 2 To Receive the Chairman’s Declaration of
Acceptance of Office Cllr Berlyn duly signed
the Chairman’s Declaration of Acceptance of Office. 3 Election of Vice Chairman Cllr Hawkins proposed
that Cllr Wood be elected to serve as Vice Chairman for 2006-07. This was seconded by Cllr Whiteing. RESOLVED that Cllr Wood
be elected as Vice Chairman. 4 Apologies for Absence Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Telling. Cllr Berlyn advised the Members that resignations from the Council had been
received from Cllr Mrs Lambert and Cllr Gardiner and Co-opted Member Mr Barry
Coe. RESOLVED that a) The information be noted. b) The letters of resignation be circulated to Members. c) Members to consider
how the resignations should be recognised. 5 Declarations of Interest Members were reminded
that they must declare any personal or prejudicial personal interests in any
items of business on the meeting’s agenda.
Cllr Berlyn reported on a meeting held on 16 May 2006 between some
Councillors and Local Monitoring Officer, Chelmsford Borough Council,
regarding Declarations of Interest. RESOLVED that a) The
Local Monitoring Officer be invited to a meeting of the Parish Council to
give advice on the legal requirements and good practice. b) An item be placed on
the next agenda to discuss possible changes to the Parish Council’s Standing
Orders concerning Declarations of Interest and chairmanship of meetings. Cllrs Hawkins, Powell and
Thompson declared an interest in Item 13. Cllrs Brooks and Mrs Creak declared
in interest in Item 13 a). 6 Minutes of the meeting held on 29th
March 2006 RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 29 March 2006 be
approved and signed as a correct record. At this point the
Chairman offered thanks to all the Parish Council staff for the work done
over the past few weeks which had been particularly busy. 7 Public Question Time Public Question Time was taken at this point in the meeting. Essex County Councillor Peter Martin was
asked to report on progress on any matters.
He said he was still pursuing the issue of the library, youth centre
and car park also the removing of the board between the Co-op and the
library. He had emailed Highways on 12
April regarding the placing of bollards at Gay Bowers, Highways had
apologised for the delay. Other matters were raised
by Members which he agreed to pursue: · the bus
shelter opposite The Avenue although there is a problem regarding land
ownership; · the footpaths
and steps at Beaumont Park and The Heights.
He reported that there is a meeting on 21 June 2006 regarding Butts
Lane and he will pick up the problem of the footpath then. ECCllr Martin then asked
Members for comments on the Park & Ride and received a favourable
response. Although concern was raised
about the changes to the white line markings at the roundabouts on the A414
as it crosses over the A12. RESOLVED that a) The
information be noted. b) ECCllr Martin will
progress the matters raised. c) ECCllr Martin continue
to be invited to Parish Council meetings. 8 Appointment of Committees and Working
Groups RESOLVED that the
appointment of Councillors to serve on Committees and working groups be
agreed as shown in Appendix A, attached. 9 Appointment of Representatives on Outside
Bodies RESOLVED that a) The
appointment of Councillors to serve as representatives be agreed as shown in
Appendix B, attached. b) Members to give
consideration to those Outside Bodies for which no representative had been
appointed. c) Members to advise the
Clerk if they wish to serve as representatives on any committee groups. d) The Clerk to
investigate the commitments for the representatives for the Village Hall and
the Youth. e) Cllr Brooks to
investigate the commitment for the representative for the Public Transport. 10 Annual Parish Meeting held on 10 May 2006 10.1 A discussion
was held about the failure of the Superintendent of Police to attend the
meeting. RESOLVED that the Clerk
write to CS W. Bernard to express concerns. 10.2 The Clerk had
prepared a list of points raised at the meeting: · Lay-by where
coaches pick up; · Maldon/Hatfield
Peverel link; · Traffic lights
Eves Corner; · Twitty Fee
Housing Development; · Car park Co-op
dangerous; · Community
Football – Closure of Pitches; · Public
conveniences – the Council had already written about this; · Betting shop
application – being dealt with by the PC Planning Committee, to be
re-considered on 14 July by Chelmsford BC; · Danbury Park
School Lollipop Lady; · Cars for sale
PC No Powers enforcement difficult. RESOLVED that the
information be noted. 10.3
Cllr Wood expressed a wish that invitations to organisations to
exhibit for next year’s meeting included a request for them to respond as
early as possible. The Clerk advised
that this had been included this year.
He thanked everyone for helping on the night. A special mention was made to thank David
Bolwell for providing the PA system and to Ray Stannard. RESOLVED that a) The
invitations for next year should go out as early as possible to give
organisations more time to respond. b) Letters of thanks be
sent to David Bolwell and Ray Stannard. At
this point (9.15 pm) ECCllr Martin left the meeting. 11 Parish Councillors Allowances Members considered
whether they still wish not to receive any allowances. The Chairman explained the current position
of Allowances for the benefit of the new members. Cllr Hawkins proposed that no change be
made to the current policy, this was seconded by Cllr Wood. Cllr Brooks proposed an amendment to the
effect that Councillors should have the right to claim, this was seconded by
Cllr Allen. A vote was requested. Voting on the amendment
was as follows: In favour: 4 Against:
6 Abstentions: 2 The amendment was
lost. Voting on the original
proposal was as follows: In favour: 11 Against:
1 Abstentions: 0 The proposal was carried. RESOLVED that the policy
on allowances, i.e. they are not received, remained the same. 12 Attendance Register Members were reminded to
sign the Register every time they attended a meeting and to send apologies if
they were unable to attend. This would
ensure that the Council met Quality Status Requirements. RESOLVED that the
information be noted. 13
Leases DCA 13.1
i) The report on the lease for Danbury Community Association was
discussed. Cllr Berlyn put forward a
proposal that water costs were excluded from the lease. This was seconded by Cllr Hawkins. An amendment was proposed that included a clause
to say that water costs would be excluded subject to a review of water usage
after a period not exceeding five years.
This was proposed by Cllr Allen, seconded by Cllr Brooks. In favour: 2 Against:
8 Abstentions: 2 The amendment was
lost. Voting on the original
proposal was as follows: In favour: 10 Against:
1 Abstentions: 1 The proposal was carried. RESOLVED that water
charges would not be included in the lease.
In favour: 11 Against:
0 Abstentions: 1 The proposal was carried. RESOLVED that First
Review Date was moved to 1 April 2011. 13.2 Bowling Club It was agreed to defer
the item on the lease to the next meeting. RESOLVED that this be
itemised for the next meeting. 13.3
Eves Corner The Chairman reported
that the Eves Corner Lease had been received today. It included a clause from the Landlords
& Tenants Act 1954 which stated that the Parish Council would not have
tenants rights at the end of the lease.
The Chairman proposed that he and The Clerk were authorised to sign
the lease on behalf of the Parish Council.
Cllr Brooks agreed to accept the proposal and this was seconded by
Cllr Wood. Voting on the proposal
was as follows: In favour: 12 Against:
0 Abstentions: 0 The proposal was carried
unanimously. RESOLVED that a) The
clause be included in the lease. b) Cllr Berlyn and The
Clerk be authorised to sign the lease. 14 Reports from Village Organisations Cllr Keeler reported that
at the last Landisdale Charity meeting he was advised that the cheque for
£500.00 which they had sent to the Community Bus had not been
acknowledged. RESOLVED that The Clerk
would pursue this. 15 Football Item Deferred from Facilities
Committee Held on 3 May 2006 15.1i) The Clerk
reported that, according to Standing Orders, this item on football pitch
closures could not be discussed as a decision was made at Parish Council
Meeting on 29 March 2006, Minute 149.
Cllr Hawkins proposed that the Standing Orders were suspended for this
item, this was seconded by Cllr Matthews. Voting on the proposal
was as follows: In favour: 6 Against:
4 Abstentions: 2 The proposal was carried. RESOLVED that the
Standing Orders were suspended for this item. 15.1ii) Cllr Hawkins
suggested that Items 13a) (pitch closures) and 13b) (letters of complaint)
were taken together, this was agreed.
After a lengthy discussion Cllr Allen proposed that the Council
continued to take the Groundsman’s advice and the pitches remain closed. Cllr Wood seconded this. Cllr Hawkins proposed an amendment that
reverted back to the original Facilities decision that the Groundsman’s
advice be taken but no closure dates had been agreed at that time. This was seconded by Cllr Thomson. Voting on the amendment
was as follows: In favour: 2 Against:
7 Abstentions: 3 The amendment was lost. Voting on the original
proposal was as follows: In favour: 7 Against:
3 Abstentions: 2 The proposal was carried. RESOLVED that a) The
pitches remained closed. b) A response be sent to
those people who had complained to advise them of the decision. 15.1
iii) The items on training and the new football agreements for 2006-2007
were deferred to the next meeting of the Facilities Committee on 14 June 2006. 16 Publicity The individual items of
the Danbury Times and Danbury Leaflet were not discussed. Cllr Wood mentioned that the DCA had not
taken the opportunity to advertise in the publications. RESOLVED that the
information be noted. 17 The Local Authorities (Indemnities for
Members and Officers) Order 2004 It was suggested that
Members should note the contents of the advice. RESOLVED that the
information be noted. 18 Charters It was reported that
there were now a further two Quality Parish Councils within Chelmsford
Borough Council area, that of Great Waltham Parish Council and Little Baddow
Parish Council. RESOLVED that the
information be noted. 19 Corporate Identity for Parish Council No progress on this had
been made. RESOLVED that item was
deferred to the next meeting. 20 Notification for Extraordinary Parish
Council Meeting RESOLVED that the
information be noted. 21 Timetable of Meetings 2006 It
was reported that Eves Corner Carols was to be held on Wednesday 13 December 2006. Therefore Facilities Committee would be
held on Tuesday 12 December 2006. RESOLVED that the
information be noted. 22 Good Neighbour Document Due to the lateness of the hour it was
suggested that this item be deferred to the next meeting. Cllr Allen requested that the item should
be moved further up the next agenda as it had been deferred twice already. RESOLVED that the item be
deferred to the next meeting and moved up the agenda. 23 Local Authority Byelaws in England: A
Discussion Paper Committee was advised that comments were
required by June 2006. Cllr Berlyn
agreed to look at the document and feed his comments back to The Clerk. RESOLVED that Cllr Berlyn give his
comments to The Clerk. 24 Reports from Committees No reports were received.
25 Matters for report 25.1 Cllr Wood reported there were yellow fly
posters throughout the village. RESOLVED that The Clerk
report the matter to Highways. 25.2 It was reported that Dial Common had been
cleared.
RESOLVED that Members
advise The Clerk of their attendance or otherwise. 25.4 The Clerk
reported that there was a meeting of Hatfield Peverel Parish Council on 23
May 2006 to discuss traffic issues. 26 Date and Times of Meetings for 2006 26 July 2006, 27
September 2006, 29 November 2006 Business having been
concluded, the Chairman closed the meeting at 10.40pm. |
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Appendix A Danbury Parish Council Appendix to
the Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 May 2006 MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS FOR THE YEAR 2006-07 The Parish Council Chairman (Mr S Berlyn) and Vice-Chairman (Mr M
Wood) are ex officio members of all
Committees. |
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Environment Committee Cllr Mrs C Creak Cllr A Keeler Cllr J Thomson Cllr Mrs J Wells Cllr D Whiteing |
Facilities Committee Cllr A Allen Cllr J Brooks Cllr F Hawkins Cllr R Matthews Cllr D Powell Cllr M Telling Cllr Mrs J Wells |
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Planning Committee Cllr A Allen Cllr A Keeler Cllr M Telling Cllr J Thomson |
Resources Committee Ex officio: Chairman of Environment Committee Chairman of Facilities Committee Cllr J Brooks Cllr F Hawkins Cllr R Matthews Cllr D Powell Cllr D Whiteing |
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Publicity Working Group Cllr A Allen Cllr S Berlyn/Cllr M Wood Cllr J Brooks Mr C Tressider Cllr D Whiteing |
Grants & Donations Working Group Cllr A Allen Cllr S Berlyn Cllr J Brooks Cllr F Hawkins Cllr D Whiteing Cllr M Wood |
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Appendix B Danbury Parish Council Appendix to the
Minutes of the Meeting held on 18 May 2005 APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEAR
2005-06 |
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Assoc of Chelmsford
District Parish Councils (ACDPC) |
Cllr D Whiteing and the
Clerk |
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CBC Standards Committee |
Cllr J Brooks (appointed
by ACDPC) |
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Chelmsford Environmental
Partnership |
Cllr A Keeler |
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Contact Magazine |
The Clerk |
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Danbury Community
Association |
Cllr R Matthews |
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Danbury & District
Twinning Association |
Cllr D Whiteing |
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Danbury First Responders |
Cllr S Berlyn |
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Danbury Lakes Forum |
Cllr A Keeler, Cllr Mrs C
Creak, Cllr J Thomson to
consider |
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Danbury Society |
The Chairman, or other
councillor as required |
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Essex Association of
Local Councils (EALC) |
ex
officio the Chairman and the Clerk |
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Essex Wildlife Trust,
Danbury Ridge Reserves Committee |
Cllr J Thomson |
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Emergency Planning
Officer |
Cllr J Brooks |
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Health Representative |
tba |
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Landisdale Charity |
Cllr A Keeler, Mrs L
Guest, Mr K Stebbings |
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Neighbourhood Watch |
Cllr D Whiteing |
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Parish Footpaths Officer |
Mr D Bolwell |
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Police |
The Clerk and one
councillor (chosen as necessary) |
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Public Transport |
tba |
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Village Hall |
tba |
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Youth Representative |
tba |