Author: Jane Pettitt (Page 6 of 7)

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 3rd November 2020 at 7.15 pm

Present: Councillors Jolly, Davis, and Muller
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt and 1 member of the public

The Chair opened the meeting at 7.10 pm

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies were received and accepted from Councillor Clayden
2. To receive declarations of interest
None
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council annual meeting held on Tuesday 3rd November 2020
Resolved, that these minutes be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings They will be signed and passed to the clerk for filing.
4. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
None.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
None.
6. To consider planning applications
None.
7. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 3/11/20 £14,675.32
Receipts: Bank interest £0.25
Payments: agreed 3/11/2020 £428.39
Balance at 12/1/2021 £14,247.18
Unpresented cheques £174.00
Balance per bank statements £14,421.18
8. To agree payments due
Clerk Zoom meeting fee £14.39, Clerk salary £937.30, Litter picker 1 quarterly payment £130, Litter picker 2 quarterly payment £130, Community Heartbeat Trust VH Defib Annual Subs £151.20, Village Sign flowers £29.98 Total: £1,392.87
Resolved, proposed Councillor Davis, seconded Councillor Muller that the payments due be paid. Unanimously agreed.
9. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
None
10. To agree the precept amount for 2021 – 2022
£8,000 as per previous financial year
Resolved, proposed Councillor Davis, seconded Councillor Muller that the precept should be set at £8,000. Unanimously agreed.
11. To hear from and co-opt anyone interested in filling our parish councillor vacancies
The 2 councillor vacancies were advertised and there were no requests for an election to fill either, therefore we can co-opt. Upwick resident Lucy Klimowicz attended to express an interest and the councillors invited her to join.
Resolved, proposed Councillor Davis, seconded Councillor Muller that the Lucy Klimowicz be co-opted. Unanimously agreed.
This leaves one councillor vacancy. If anyone is interested, please contact the clerk.

12. To review any quotes received for playground fence replacement
No more received as yet. The clerk and councillors are to approach local companies and East Herts Council and Herts County Council for grants as the fence is now falling down and urgently needs replacing.
13. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council meeting to be held on Tuesday 2nd February 2021
Playground fence grant, bank signatories, agree village sign maintenance schedule, traffic calming.

The Chair closed the meeting at 7:45 pm

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 3rd November 2020 at 7.15 pm

Present: Councillors Jolly, Kent, and Muller
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt, Councillor Williamson, and 1 member of the public

The Vicechair opened the meeting at 7 pm

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies were received and accepted from councillors Clayden, Hoyes, and Davis
2. To receive declarations of interest
None
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council annual meeting held on Tuesday 6th October 2020
Resolved, that these minutes be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings They will be signed and passed to the clerk for filing.
4. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
None.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
None.
6. To consider planning applications
APPLICATION: 3/20/2034/FUL. PROPOSAL: Construction of 1 detached dwelling with 2 off-street car parking spaces. AT: Land adjacent to 2 Church Cottages, Church End, Albury
The parish council object to this application for these reasons: unacceptable change to a visual amenity, lack of parking space, appearance out of keeping with the adjacent Grade II listed cottages, and highway safety.
APPLICATION: 3/20/2008/FUL. PROPOSAL: Ground floor rear extension with roof lights. AT: Oxen End, Patmore Heath, Albury
No comments.
7. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 6/10/20 £15,882.62
Receipts: None
Payments: agreed 6/10/2020 £1,197.30
s/o 15/10/2020 Stansted Airport Trust £10.00
Balance at 3/11/2020 £14,675.32
Plus unpresented cheques £260.00
Balance per bank statements £14,935.32
8. To agree payments due
J Pettitt, Zoom meeting fee £14.39, External Auditor £240, Verge clearance £174 Total: £428.39
Resolved, proposed Councillor Kent, seconded Councillor Davis that the payments due be paid. Unanimously agreed.
9. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
None
10. To receive Councillor Kent’s resignation
Councillor Kent has resigned because he is moving house later this month. His contributions will be greatly missed. A vacancy will be advertised.

11. To discuss quotes received for website accessibility changes
None received yet. Clerk will check on the progress.
12. Review the Albury parish plan – discuss speed data and maintenance at the village sign
Postponed to January meeting.
13. To review any speed sign data received
Data shows that whilst the average speed at the camera by the Catherine Wheel is 25 MPH and 33 MPH at the camera south of the Clapgate junction, vehicles do travel at as much as 60 MPH at these points. The parish council are to investigate the criteria for having 20 MPH zones installed.
14. To review any quotes received for playground fence replacement
BG Landscapes £8766 to remove and replace playground fence and gate
£3800 to remove and replace village hall fence and gate
£13800 for new VH patio
Top Level Fencing £22,788 to remove playground fence and replace with galvanised
metal fence
£5,640 to remove and replace VH picket fence and gate
Further quotes are to be sought. Councillor Williamson suggested we contact Little Hadham parish council as new fencing has been installed at their play area recently.
15. To review donation request for House Martin boxes at the village hall
Postponed until January meeting
16. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council meeting to be held on Tuesday 12th January 2021
Playground fence quotes, update bank signatories

The Vicechair closed the meeting at 8 pm

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 6th October 2020 at 7.15 pm

Present: Councillors Davis, Jolly, and Kent
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt and 1 member of the public

The Chair opened the meeting at 7.30 pm

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies were received and accepted from councillors Clayden, Hoyes, and Muller
2. To receive declarations of interest
None
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council annual meeting held on Tuesday 1st September 2020
Resolved, that these minutes be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings and be duly signed by the chair. Unanimously agreed.
4. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
None.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
A member of the public raised the issue of speeding on the Albury Road at the Clapgate junction. Councillor Kent will chase Highways for data harvested from the radar speed signs which well show how many drivers exceed 30 MPH.
6. To consider planning applications
None received
7. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 1/9/20 £11,424.37
Receipts: 3/9/20 Bank interest £1.39
Wayleave £121.02
25/9/20 Litter Picking Grant £1,553.69
Precept £4,000.00
Payments: agreed 1/9/2020 £1,217.85
Balance at 6/10/2020 £15,882.62
8. To agree payments due
Clerk’s quarterly pay £937.30, Litter picker 1 quarterly pay £130, Litter picker 2 quarterly pay £130 Total: £1,197.30
Resolved, proposed Councillor Kent, seconded Councillor Davis that the payments due be paid. Unanimously agreed.
9. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
A visitor to Patmore Heath reported many plastic bags of dog waste are left on the heath.
10. To discuss necessary website accessibility changes required by the government and a quote to redesign the website in light of this
Website Content Accessibility Guidelines came into force for public sector bodies on 23rd September 2020. Our current website alburyvillage.co.uk is non-compliant and a statement has been added to the site to explain why. It is not possible to make this website complaint so a new one must be developed. The clerk is going to get quotes for removing the parish council information from alburyvillage.co.uk and placing it on a new, separate, compliant site.
11. Review the Parish Plan
The councillors reviewed the plan. It will be updated to reflect the website changes, to include speed camera data analysis and any plan that might help resolve the speeding issues in the village. Allotment Plot 1 needs flattening as it is becoming unmanageable. The new village sign site needs a regular maintenance schedule. The Parish Council are to liaise with the Albury 60 Plus group to see if any extra support is needed for anyone affected by COVID restrictions.
12. To receive an update of village hall maintenance
The painting inside and outside has been completed.
13. To receive an update on the next phase of the playground refurbishment
The fence around the playground needs replacing. Councillor Jolly will get quotes.
14. To consider a request from HMWT to donate towards the cost of House Martin boxes to put up at the village hall
The cost for the boxes is £235. The councillors suggested donating half the cost. Councillor Davis will discuss this with the HMWT at a meeting this week.
15. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council meeting to be held on 3rd November 2020
Update bank signatories, playground fence quotes, village plan review, speed data review, village sign site maintenance

The Chair closed the meeting at 8.20 pm

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 1st September 2020 at 7.15 pm

Present: Councillors Clayden, Davis and Muller
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt

1. Chair and vice-chair for the year 2020/21 to sign Declaration of Acceptance of Office
Councillors Davis and Muller signed.

The Chair opened the meeting at 7.20 pm

2. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies were received and accepted from councillors Jolly, Kent and Hoyes.
3. To receive declarations of interest
None
4. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council annual meeting held on Tuesday 7th July 2020
Resolved, that these minutes be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings and be duly signed by the chair. Unanimously agreed.
5. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
None.
6. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
None
7. To consider planning applications
APPLICATION: 3/20/1579/FUL PROPOSAL: Outbuilding for the storage of vehicles. AT: High Hall Farm, Clapgate, Albury
No comments
8. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 7/7/20 £13,905.31
Receipts: 31/7/20 New Housing Bonus Grant £226.00
Payments: agreed 7/7/2020 £2,706.94
Balance at 1/9/2020 £11,424.37
Plus unpresented cheques £130.00
Balance per bank statements £11,554.37
9. To agree payments due
Clerks back pay £792.35, CHBT defibrillator (TCW) annual support £151.20, R Murdoch for village sign flowers £24, Playground inspections £55.30, Grasscutters & Co allotment mowing £195.00 Total: £1,217.85
Resolved, proposed Councillor Davis, seconded Councillor Muller, that the payments due be paid. Unanimously agreed.
10. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
None
11. Review the Parish Plan
No amendments to add since the last version.
12. To receive an update of village hall maintenance requirements
The decorators are booked and will commence in September. They will be asked to undertake a risk assessment and show they have liability insurance.
13. To receive an update on the next phase of the playground refurbishment
Postponed until the next meeting.
14. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council meeting to be held on Tuesday 6th October 2020
Amend signatories, playground update, village plane review, maintenance at village sign

The Chair closed the meeting at 8 pm

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 7th July 2020 at 7.15 pm via zoom

Present: Councillors Davis, Hoyes, Jolly, Kent, and Muller
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt

1. To elect a chair for the year 2020/21 and sign Declaration of Acceptance of Office
Resolved, proposed Councillor Muller, seconded Councillor Hoyes, to elect Councillor Davis as chair. Unanimously agreed. Councillor Davis will sign the declaration of acceptance of office at the September meeting.
2. To elect a vice-chair for the year 2020/21 and sign Declaration of Acceptance of Office
Resolved, proposed Councillor Davis, seconded Councillor Kent, to elect Councillor Muller as vice-chair. Unanimously agreed. Councillor Muller will sign the declaration of acceptance of office at the September meeting.

The Chair opened the meeting at 7.20 pm

3. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies were received and accepted from Councillor Clayden
4. To receive declarations of interest
None
5. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council annual meeting held on Tuesday 2nd June 2020
Resolved, that these minutes be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings and be duly signed by the chair. Unanimously agreed.
6. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
Charles Newcomb would prefer not to have a memorial bench for his wife Ann. An alternative is to be suggested.
7. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
None
8. To consider planning applications
APPLICATION: 3/20/1198/HH PROPOSAL: Erection of a new glass house building.
AT: Penrose House Patmore Heath Albury Ware Hertfordshire
APPLICATION: 3/20/1178/HH PROPOSAL: Removal of porch roof and erection of timber frame greenhouse/garden room to south east of cottage.
AT: White Cottage Patmore Heath Albury Ware Hertfordshire
No comments for either application.
9. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 2/6/2020 £16,318.01
Receipts: Interest £2.69
Payments: agreed 2/6/2020 £2,415.39
Balance at 7/7/2020 £13,905.31
Plus unpresented cheques £1,675.23
£130.00
£130.00
Balance per bank statements £15,840.54
10. To agree the Annual Return for year end 31st March 2020
The internal audit has been completed by Magi Associates, and highlighted no issues
Resolved, proposed Councillor Muller, seconded Councillor Davis, that the Annual Return has been checked and can be signed off. Unanimously agreed.
The clerk/RFO will sign her part and deliver the return to the chair to sign. It will then be submitted to the external auditor.
11. To agree payments due
J Kent for Zoom meeting fee £14.39, Clerks salary £758.55, Litter picker 1 £130, Litter picker 2 £130, Internal Auditor £120, Atkins Arborists £1260, CHBT £120, A Cooper for verge clearance £174 Total: £2706.94
Resolved, proposed Councillor Davis, seconded Councillor Kent, that the payments due be paid. Unanimously agreed.
12. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
Residents have reported glass in the new crush concrete path at Patmore. The county council have asked the contractors responsible to remove it.
13. To receive an update of the request to lower the speed limit on the hill between the village hall and the school
A change from has been raised by Herts County Council and passed to the highways department for comment. Councillor Kent is to continue following up for progress.
14. Review and update of the Albury Parish Plan
Data from the radar speed signs has been harvested for analysis. Highways said there is no powers source available to enable interactive speed sign installation near the school. It was suggested that parents lobby the county council with regard to this. Potholes on the road outside the school have been repaired. There is still an issue with the drainage. Councillor Kent is to speak to County Councillor Graham McAndrew about the progress of a safer route to school. Reducing the 60MPH speed limit between the village hall and the top of the hill to 40MPH is on hold because of COVID-19
15. To receive an update of tree works and fence repairs at the village hall
Atkins Arborists have completed the tree works.
16. To receive an update of village hall maintenance requirements
A quote of £3,540 has been received which covers painting the main hall and the outside plus clearing the gutters. This breaks down to £2,100 labour and £1440 for materials and scaffolding. The village hall committee will investigate if this is good value by seeking other quotes.
17. To receive any playground update
Councillor Jolly carried out an informal assessment of the play area. Signs regarding safe use during COVID-19 are to be displayed.
Graham McAndrew joined the meeting at this point and agreed to ask East Herts Council for their advice.
18. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council meeting to be held on Tuesday 1st September 2020
Playground improvements, village hall maintenance

The Chair closed the meeting at 8.30 pm

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 2nd June 2020 at 7 pm via zoom

Present: Councillors Kent, Jolly, Davis, and Hoyes
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt

The Chair opened the meeting at 7.15 pm

1. To elect the chair for the year 2020 to 2021
Postponed
2. To elect the vicechair for the year 2020 to 2021
Postponed
3. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies were received and accepted from councillors Clayden and Muller
4. To receive declarations of interest
None
5. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council annual meeting held on Tuesday 3rd March 2020
Resolved, that these minutes be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings and be duly signed by the chair. Unanimously agreed.
6. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
To be reported in specific agenda points.
7. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
None
8. To consider planning applications
None
9. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 4/2/2020 £12,483.64
Receipts: Precept £4,000.00
VAT refund £1675.23
Payments: agreed 3/3/2020 £75.98
Clerk’s salary £758.55
Litter picker 1 £130.00
Litter picker 2 £130.00
CHBT subs £151.20
HAPTC subs £341.14
Office 354 subs £79.99
A Cooper for verge clearance £174.00
Balance at 3/3/2020 £16,318.09
Plus unpresented cheques £130.00
Balance per bank statements £16,448.01
10. To confirm East Herts Council can arrange playground inspection
Agreed. The clerk will confirm with EHC.
11. To discuss and agree Parish Council insurance renewal for either 1 or 3 years
Community First quoted £247.77 per year for a 3 year renewal and £260.80 for 1 year.
Resolved, proposed Councillor Kent, seconded Councillor Jolly, to accept the 3 year renewal quote. Unanimously agreed.

12. To agree payments due
J Kent for Zoom fee £14.39, D Muller Designs £478, insurance renewal £260.80, VAT refund donation to Albury Play Space £1675.23 Total: £2428.42
Resolved, proposed Councillor Davis, seconded Councillor Kent, that the payments due be paid. Unanimously agreed.
13. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
A resident asked via the village Facebook page if the parish council would consider funding a bench in memory of Ann Newcomb. The councillors think this is a good idea. The clerk will contact her family and friends to discuss this further.
14. To discuss COVID-19 community support currently in place and any further requirements
None.
15. To discuss pesticide restrictions to add to new allotment agreements
It was agreed not to add any.
16. To receive an update of tree works and fence repairs at the village hall
The quotes received for tree works were: £1290 from Peter Sykes & Sons and £1260 from Atkins Arborists. Atkins Arborists can begin the work w/c 15th June so it was agreed to accept their quote.
17. To receive an update of village hall maintenance requirements
Some painting work has been undertaken and the village hall committee are seeking quotes for painting of the main hall and the external walls.
18. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council meeting to be held on Tuesday 7th July 2020
Election of chair and vice chair, fencing, hall maintenance

The Chair closed the meeting at 7.55 pm

Albury Parish Council was unable to meet in May 2020 because of COVID-19 restrictions

Albury Parish Council was unable to meet in April 2020 because of COVID-19 restrictions

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 3rd March 2020 at 7.15 pm at the Village Hall

Present: Councillors Clayden, Jolly, and Kent
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt and 1 member of the public

The Chair opened the meeting at 7.15 pm

1. Councillor Jolly to sign declaration of acceptance of office
The acceptance of office was signed by Councillor Jolly and the clerk
2. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies from Councillors Davis, Hoyes and Muller were received and accepted.
3. To receive declarations of interest. None.
4. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council annual meeting held on Tuesday 4th February 2020.
Resolved, that these minutes be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings and be duly signed by the chair. Unanimously agreed.
5. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
To be reported in specific agenda points.
6. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
Graham Frary from the Middlesex Automobile Club told the Parish Council about the Hertfordshire Stages Rally which is planned on 12th July 2020. It will pass through Furneux Pelham and roads will be closed. If anyone would like more information. they can contact Graham directly by emailing grahamfrary@tiscali.co.uk
Councillor Jolly reported drainage issues causing floods outside the school plus a dangerous tree in Albury End and agreed to report both to East Herts Council.
7. To consider planning applications.
APPLICATION: 3/20/0339/FUL PROPOSAL: Conversion of garage to self-contained dwelling together with elevational alterations including the erection of two dormer windows. AT: Walnut Tree Cottage Patmore Heath Albury. NO COMMENT
APPLICATION: 3/20/0335/LBC PROPOSAL: Demolition of single storey side extension. Erection of a single storey side extension. Removal of first floor flank window and the insertion of a conservation roof light. AT: Pightle Cottage Patmore Heath Albury Ware Hertfordshire. NO COMMENT
8. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 4/2/2020 £12,480.13
Income: Bank interest £3.51
Balance at 3/3/2020 £ 12,483.64
Plus unpresented cheques £63.04
Balance per bank statements £12,546.68
9. To agree payments due
Clerk for printer paper and ink £65.98, Hundred Parishes subscription £10. Total: £75.98
Resolved, proposed Councillor Clayden, seconded Councillor Kent, that the payments due be paid. Unanimously agreed.
10. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
A VAT reclaim for £1675.23 has been submitted.

11. To receive any update from the playground committee and discuss future plans
Charity status has been approved. The parish council has to sign a declaration to submit to the charity commission confirming the land will always be a play area and will never be sold or subjected to a change of use.
12. To receive an update of a meeting held with Jeremy Kent, John Bosworth and Geoff Williamson regarding proposed changes to Patmore Heath Conservation area
This meeting took place on 17th February. An executive meeting is scheduled for 27th April. Residents’ feedback is to be acknowledged. There will be no change in development potential as a result of this consultation and it us also unrelated to any wildlife conservation plan in the area.
13. To discuss the risk assessment of the removal of collapsed fencing between the village hall and the river
The playground and village hall patio fence need to be repaired to ensure both are secure. The broken fencing along the river Ash can then be removed with no risk to hall and playground users. Resolved, proposed Councillor Kent, seconded Councillor Clayden, that the broken fencing along the River Ash should be removed. Unanimously agreed.
14. To discuss any information received from Herts Highways regarding who is responsible for maintaining the road and ditches from Patmore Heath towards Hixham Hall
No reply has been received and so Councillor Kent is to follow up.
15. To review the allotment agreements before reissue
We need to review any pesticide restrictions in weed killers before issuing new agreements..
16. To gather new signatory information for a bank mandate update
On-going.
17. To discuss tree work quotes for village hall area
Quotes to tidy trees in front of the hall, beside the car park and in the playground, and to remove two dead trees have been sought. We are still waiting for one quote. The parish council will pay for the work which is expected to be in the region of £1,500 excluding VAT. Resolved, proposed Councillor Kent, seconded Councillor Jolly, that the parish council will pay for the cost of the recommended tree works. Unanimously agreed.
18. To discuss supporting the Local Electricity Bill
Postponed until all councillors have familiarised themselves with the bill.
19. To discuss maintenance requirements at the village hall
The village hall committee are to get quotes for slipped tiles, outside decoration, gutter clearance and fence repairs.
20. Draw January, February and March 200 club numbers
Numbers 199, 71 and 9 were drawn.
21. To discuss organizing the Annual Easter Egg Hunt and set a budget as necessary
Resolved, proposed Councillor Kent, seconded Councillor Jolly, that a budget of £200 be allowed. Unanimously agreed.
22. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council meeting to be held on Tuesday 7th April 2020 at 7.15 pm at the village hall
Allotment agreements, tree quotes, fencing, hall maintenance, invite East Herts rep to discuss roads, paths and who is responsible.

The Chair closed the meeting at 8.25 pm