WATERINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday 7th December 2021 7.30pm
Wateringbury Village Hall
Present
Cllr Wells (Chairman)
Cllr P Gregson (Vice Chairman)
Cllr R Tripp
Cllr D Marks
Cllr L Simons
Cllr F Fielding
In attendance
Mrs S Cockburn – Clerk to the Council
Mrs C Byron – Rostrum Correspondent
2 Members of the Public
The Chairman opened the meeting by reminding everyone in attendance the meeting may be filmed, recorded, photographed or otherwise reported and asked if anyone present intends to make a video or audio recording of the proceeding – None
21/055 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr Owen & Cllr Hudson
21/056 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
Cllr Wells announced he was standing down as Chairman. Cllr Gregson had put his name forwarded for the Chair. All Councillors voted in favour. Cllr Gregson took the chair and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office. Cllr Gregson thanked Cllr Wells for all his hard work during his time as Chairman.
Cllr Gregson asked Cllr Wells if he would take the position of Vice Chairman. Cllr Wells agreed and all Councillors voted in favour
21/057 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies received from Cllr Owen who was away and Cllr Hudson who was attending a meeting at Borough Council
21/058 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST/DISPENSATIONS
None
21/059 ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
21/060 REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR & BOROUGH COUNCILLOR
Cllr Hudson was not present but had sent her report, attached
21/061 CRIME REPORT
Bow Road – between 00.01 Monday 1st November and 16.55 Wednesday 17th November somebody stole an Apple watch from a gig
Bow Road – between 17.00 on Wednesday 24th November and 18.52 on Friday 26th November somebody stole both number plates from a Peugeot 207 parked in the road.
The Chairman stated PCSO Vincent would carry out speed checks in the village, although he was unable to issue tickets.
21/062 MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 2nd NOVEMBER 2021 TO BE APPROVED FOR ACCURACY
The Minutes having been read were approved by Cllr Marks and seconded by Cllr Fielding – The Minutes were signed as a correct record.
21/063 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 2nd NOVEMBER 2021
Cemetery Car Park – A request received from William English’s Solicitor for the Parish Council to cover their legal costs of £1000 plus VAT. All Councilors agreed with a condition that amount paid would not exceed £1200.
21/064 MINUTES OF FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER TO BE APPROVED FOR ACCURACY
The Minutes having been read were approved by Cllr Wells and seconded by Cllr Fielding. The Minutes were signed as a correct record
21/065 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF FINANCE & GENERALPURPOSES COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
Street Light 169 Old Road – It was confirmed this light was still not working. Councillors confirmed their decision a light was needed there and it should stay.
Overflow Car Park – The car park was being used as storage leaving very little room for cars. James Woolley had been unable to cut the grass due to the goal posts. It was agreed that Cllr Simons contact John Ibbs and arrange a meeting to discuss the problem. There were pallets and other rubbish left near the pavilion.
Cllr Tripp referred to an email sent to Cllr Wells which raised questions about the Wateringbuy Sports & Recreation. Cllr Wells stated he did not circulate the email because on looking at the lease with the Association the Parish Council had no control over how the Association raised funds. It was agreed more committee members were needed Cllr Tripp said the Association only had one Trustees, John Ibbs. Cllr Simons said there were other Trustees up until the start of the pandemic.
21/066 COMMUNICTIONS POLICY
The Chairman said there were some communication problems especially for working Councillors with emails received and answered. Councillors were asked to consider some kind of policy that would benefit all.
21/067 REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND OTHER BODIES
Finance & General Purposes – Quotes had been received from Safeplay for replacing some decaying timbers in the play areas
Lower play area – Agility Trail – stepping post £275 plus VAT
Junior Play Area – Agility Trail – replace decaying post £595 plus VAT
Junior Play Area – MPU with slide – replace support posts £1390 plus VAT
Junior Play Area – 1 Bay 2 seat Swings – replace complete unit with metal 1 Bay 2 seat swings. The existing 1 seat and 1 disabled seat to be used. £3304 plus VAT
Cllr Fielding proposed to accept the quotes which was seconded by Cllr Wells. All Councillors agreed these decaying posts need to be replaced and all voted in favour.
Highways & Speedwatch – Speedwatch report attached
Cemetery – Nothing to report
Village Warden – John Ibbs was unable attend and sent his report. In his report John stated that due to work commitments he could not commit to the 12 hours per week needed for the role and he was resigning as Village Warden. He would however stay on until such times as a suitable replacement is found
21/068 FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND CHEQUES FOR PAYMENT
The Financial Statement was approved by Cllr Wells and seconded by Cllr Simons and all cheques were signed.
21/069 PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Mr Michael Willams reported two street lights not working which would be reported, and concern over the speed of traffic entering the village from Maidstone.
Mr Williams pressed for a replacement notice board at the village hall and provided photos of the notice board in Teston. It had been stated that Council funds were not available, and asked why the Council did not publish the accounts in Rostrum. It was confirmed accounts were available on the council’s website, and posted on the village notice board when the accounts had been audited.
Mrs Christine Byron thanked the Parish Council for all their hard work during 2021. The Chairman thanked Mrs Byron and for her hard work on reporting for Rostrum.
There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.43pm