Parish Council and other information

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Annual Report May 2019

Annual Report 2019

DRAFT ALBURY ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH
Minutes of a meeting held Tuesday 14th May 2019 at 8.30 pm at the Village Hall

Present: Cllr Kent, Cllr Murdoch, Cllr Walne and Cllr Waples

In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk)
The chair opened the meeting at 7:40 pm
1. To receive and accept apologies for absence
None

2. To confirm the minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish held 15th May 2018
These were confirmed by the chair.

3. To receive the Albury Annual Report
The chair read out the following annual update:

The Parish Council would like to thank the following people:
• Ray Murdoch, Tracey Waples and Keith Wheatley for all their hard work on the parish council. We shall miss them!
• Ray Murdoch for his role as Chair during the last year and particularly for liaising with Herts County Council to resolve speeding issues and HGV issues in the village
• Tracey Waples for her role as Vice-chair and for her obtaining planning permission for our new sign as well as organising its design, ordering and safe delivery.
• Keith Wheatley for the various things he does free of charge throughout the village, especially the first phase of the clearance at the new village sign site.
• Councillor Davis for looking after our allotment gardens and for ordering and installing the water harvesting system at the village hall
• Pam Wright for her fantastic service to the village, editing and producing the village newsletter for so many years
• Maggie Vicary and Bella Clayden-Smith for litter picking to keep the village tidy
• Anne Sargisson for taking over Pam’s role and continuing to produce the Albury Newsletter every month
• Judi Murdoch for looking after our telephone kiosk library
• Herts County Council for contributing £5100 towards our new radar speed signs
• The new playground committee for organising the first phase of the playground refurbishment

Parish Council activities 2018-19 have included
• Providing a £10,000 grant towards the playground refurbishment which is being organised by a committee of residents
• Providing a £300 grant to Albury 60 Plus towards their Christmas lunch
• Installing a water harvester at the village hall for use by allotment holders
• Arranging the annual safety inspection of the playground
• Organising the fifth Annual Easter Egg Hunt
• Maintaining the allotment gardens and hedges in the village hall carpark
• Clearing the area by the white railings and repainting of the railings
• Contributing £5100 towards two radar speed signs recently installed in the village
• Organising the traditional village sign to be installed in May 2019

4. Question time
None

 

The chair closed the meeting at 7.50 pm

Minutes of Annual Meeting May 2019

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING
Minutes of the annual meeting held Tuesday 14th May, 2019 at 7 pm at the Village Hall

Present: Councillors Davis, Kent and Walne
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk)

The councillors must accept their new term of office and elect a chair and vice-chair before the meeting opens

1. To complete declarations of acceptance of office of parish councillor
The three councillors duly signed the forms.
2. To elect a chair for the year 2019/20 and sign Declaration of Acceptance of Office
Resolved, proposed Cllr Walne, seconded Cllr Davis, to elect Councillor Jeremy Kent as Chair. Unanimously agreed. Cllr Kent signed the declaration of acceptance of office.
3. To elect a vice-chair for the year 2019/20 and sign Declaration of Acceptance of Office
Resolved, proposed Cllr Walne, seconded Cllr Kent, to elect Councillor Norman Davis as Vice-chair. Unanimously agreed. Cllr Davis signed the declaration of acceptance of office.

The Chair opened the meeting at 7.05 pm

4. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
None.
5. To receive declarations of interest. None.
6. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council meeting held on Monday 8th April 2019.
Postponed as the minutes were not printed.
7. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
These will be reported in agenda points.
8. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
Councillor Davis passed on a comment from a resident regarding the condition of an allotment plot. The clerk agreed to find out what was happening with it.
9. To consider planning applications.
None.
10. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 8/4/19 £12,516.90
Outgoings: As agreed 5/3/19 £1,461.66
Bank charges 4/4/19 £7.74
Easter Eggs 13/4/19 £147.90
MS Office 365 subs 13/1/19 £79.99
Playground equipment 23/4/19 £2,970.00
Bank charges 9/5/19 £7.74
Income: Wayleave £91.12
Precept £4,000.00
From Albury Playspace £2,970.00
Balance at 14/5/19 £14,902.99
A new mandate change form was signed to remove old signatories and add the current councillors.
11. To Sign the Annual Return and accounts previously circulated
Expenditure for the financial year exceeded £25,000 so Albury Parish Council is not exempt from an external audit.
The councillors reviewed the annual accounts and sections 1 and 2 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return part 3 (AGAR3) all circulated via email prior to the meeting.
The clerk suggested Paul Chapman of Magi Associates as the internal auditor.
He is available to audit the accounts on 29th May. The public rights period can then begin Monday 10th June and end Friday 17th July.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Kent, seconded Cllr Davis, to approve:
the annual accounts,
sections 1 and 2 of AGAR3,
Paul Chapman as internal auditor,
the public rights period of 10th June to 19th July.
Unanimously agreed.
12. To consider the insurance renewal quote
The quote is the same as last year at £260.80
Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Walne, to renew the insurance with Community First. Unanimously agreed.
13. To agree payments due
Village signpost £4010.00, Community First Insurance £260.80, Clerk for printer ink £22.00 Total £4,292.80
Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Walne, that these payments be made. Unanimously agreed.
14. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
A resident asked if we had any information regarding the moved garden fence along the Albury Road.
15. To discuss the progress of the traditional village sign project and agree installation costs
The signpost is due to arrive during this week. The installation will cost £485 including equipment hire and cement.
16. To discuss the three vacancies in the office of parish councillor and hear from any interested parties
No-one has expressed an interest. The clerk agreed to place an advert in the Albury Newsletter. The clerk and councillors agreed to ask residents if they are interested.
17. To suggest agenda items for the next Parish Council Meeting to be held Tuesday 4th June 2019 at 7.15 pm at the Village Hall
Village sign project, playground update plus councillor involvement, Catherine’s tree, Parish Plan. New councillors, VAT reclaim, mandate change progress.

 

Minutes April 2019

Meeting minutes 08.04.19

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held Monday 8th April 2019, 19.15 at the Village Hall

 

Present: Cllrs Kent, Walne and Waples
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk)

Councillor Waples opened the meeting 7.20 pm

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies from Councillor Davis, Murdoch and Wheatley were received and accepted.
2. To receive declarations of interest. None.
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 5th March 2019. 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
These will be reported in agenda points.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
None.
6. To consider planning applications.
3/19/0639/HH PROPOSAL: Construction of two storey rear extension and single storey side extensions. Addition of new ground floor and first floor window and door openings and changes to existing windows and doors. Addition of brick gates. (Amendment to previous approvals 3/17/2175/HH and 3/18/0679/HH). AT: The Old Vicarage, Parsonage Lane, 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 5/3/19 £24,755.79
Outgoings: As agreed 5/3/19 £12,238.89
Balance at 8/4/19 £12,516.90
8. To agree payments due
£711.36 Clerks salary, £130 Litter picker 1, £130 Litter picker 2, £340.30 HAPTC subs, Tree Clearance £150 Total £1,461.66
Resolved, proposed Cllr Waples, seconded Cllr Kent, that these payments be made. Unanimously agreed.
9. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
None.
10. To discuss the Parish Council Elections to be held on 2nd May 2019
Only three people have been nominated so we will have three vacancies to fill.
11. To discuss the purchase and planting of a tree in memory of Catherine Hibberd
The councillors have carried out some research into blossoming trees and found Prunus ‘Catherine’, a flowering cherry tree. We will check it the family are happy with this choice before ordering it.
12. To discuss the village sign progress and regular clearance work schedule
The sign is due soon and the balance to pay is £4010. We need to organise installation which involves digging a 1 metre deep hole and cementing a post sleeve in the centre.
13. To discuss the repair of playground fencing
The clerk is to check with our insurer if councillors are covered to carry out repair work.
14. To discuss the fallen tree reported by a resident at Patmore Heath
The resident who reported the tree has had a quote from a local company for £120 to remove the tree. The clerk asked her to contact them to go ahead with the work.
15. To receive any update from the Albury playground committee
The committee are due to order the equipment for phase 1 soon.
16. To discuss and set a budget for the Easter Egg Hunt
The hunt is to be held on Saturday 20th April at Patmore Heath from 11am until 1pm.
The eggs should cost no more than £150.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Kent, seconded Cllr Walne, that the clerk can spend up to £150 on chocolate eggs. Unanimously agreed.
17. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council Meeting and Annual Meeting of the Parish to be held Tuesday 14th May 2019 at 7.00 pm and 7.30 pm at the Village Hall
Election results, elect chair, elect vice-chair, completes acceptance of office forms, councillor vacancies, year-end accounts, village sign project, playground
Annual meeting – recap activities of previous year

Meeting minutes 05.03.19

Meeting minutes 05.03.19

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 5th March 2019, 19.15 at the Village Hall

 

Present: Cllrs Davis, Kent, Murdoch, Walne and Waples
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk)

Councillor Murdoch opened the meeting 7.20 pm

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies from Councillor Wheatley were received and accepted.
2. To receive declarations of interest. None.
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 5th February 2019. 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
These will be reported in agenda points.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.
A resident asked if councillors will consider contributing to costs of clearing recent fly tipping in the village. The councillors expressed their shock at the amount that was tipped and want to thank the land owner for clearing it up so swiftly.
6. To consider planning applications.
3/19/0378/HH PROPOSAL: Double storey side extension and erection of additional side extension to create orangery. AT: Mill House Patmore Heath Albury Ware Hertfordshire.
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 5/2/19 £25,529.37
Income: 4/3/19 £12.44
Outgoings: As agreed 5/2/19 £786.02
Balance at 5/3/19 £24,755.79
8. To agree payments due
£507.69 To clerk for new laptop, £1580 TP Garden Care, £10.000.00 grant to Albury Playspace, CHBT Annual Membership £151.20 Total £12,238.89
Resolved, proposed Cllr Murdoch, seconded Cllr Waples, that these payments be made. Unanimously agreed.
9. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
None.
10. To discuss the village sign site clearance and railing refurbishment progress, and regular clearance work quote
The initial tidy-up and railing painting has been completed @ £1580. Councillor Davis is to confirm a price of £50 + VAT per maintenance clearance, 4 times per year.
11. To discuss the condition of the bus shelter green
Councillor Murdoch has discussed the condition of the area with the owner’s agent who doesn’t think it is much of an issue. He is to ask if the posts can be repositioned to prevent them from being continually knocked over.
12. To discuss the fallen tree reported by a resident at Patmore Heath
Atkins Arborists are to survey the tree’s position and report back. It was agreed that the clerk can authorise the work if it is not more than £300. Resolved, proposed Cllr Murdoch, seconded Cllr Waples, that a maximum of £300 can be spent to remove the tree. Unanimously agreed.
13. To discuss the possibility of cutting the hedge along the path by Cow Pasture
Postponed.
14. To receive any update from the Albury playground committee, discuss playground grant and playground fence repairs
Stage 1 of the redevelopment is ready to go ahead at a cost of approximately £12,000.00. The councillors agreed to give a grant of £10,000 towards this phase. Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Murdoch, that these payments be made. Unanimously agreed.
15. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council Meeting to be held Tuesday 2nd April 2019 at 7.15pm at the Village Hall
Village sign and ongoing site maintenance, playground, parish council elections, Easter Egg Hunt Saturday 20/04/19 budget, elections.

Meeting minutes 05.02.19

Meeting minutes 05.02.19

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 5th February 2019, 19.15 at the Village Hall

 

Present: Cllrs Davis, Kent, Murdoch and Waples
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk)

Councillor Murdoch opened the meeting at 7:25 pm

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies were received and accepted from Councillors Walne and Wheatley
2. To receive declarations of interest. None.
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 8th January 2019. 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
These will be reported in agenda points.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.
A representative from the playground committee asked for a grant of £20,000 towards new playground equipment at the village hall. This will be discussed at the next meeting.
6. To discuss the 2019-20 budget and set the precept for that period
The councillors discussed the budgetary requirements for 2018/19. Once the new village sign has been paid for and if a grant is made towards the new playground, reserves will be greatly reduced so it was decided to set the precept at £8,000 in order to ensure annual costs can be covered and to allow for regular maintenance of areas under the parish council’s responsibility.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Murdoch, seconded Cllr Waples, to set the precept for the next year at £8,000. Unanimously agreed
The chairman completed the precept form and it was duly signed.
7. To consider planning applications.
3/19/0041/HH and 3/19/0061/LBC. Replacement of a single story side extension and restoration of a wall. AT: Pightle Cottage, Patmore Heath, Albury. 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 8/1/19 £26,536.12
Outgoings: As agreed 8/1/19 £1006.75
Balance at 5/2/19 £25529.37
9. To agree payments due
£776.02 to playground committee (raised by Albury Antiques), £10 Hundred Parishes Society Total £786.02
Resolved, proposed Cllr Waples, seconded Cllr Murdoch, that these payments be made. Unanimously agreed.
10. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
None.
11. To discuss the village sign, quotes received for clearance of the sign site, railing refurbishment and regular clearance work as necessary
One quote has been received and the second is due in. The first quote is reasonable and it was decided to proceed with the most competitive of the two.
12. To discuss any news regarding radar speed sign installation and other traffic calming measures
The radar signs should be in place by the end of March. Traffic and speed surveys are also planned before the end of March.
13. To discuss the possibility of cutting back the hedge along the path by Cow pasture
Postponed.
14. To discuss the fly tipping poster and steps to deter fly tippers
A notice has been placed in the village newsletter and posters are to be placed around the village.
15. To discuss the issue of parking on Patmore Heath and the Patmore Heath management plan
A new plan is currently being drawn up by HMWT.
16. To discuss the school’s request for a grant for new defibrillator pads and battery
Councillors suggested the school apply to HCC for a grant.
17. To receive any update from the Albury playground committee and discuss playground and nearby fence repairs
A playground committee representative reported that 7 residents are now involved and are applying for quotes and exploring funding avenues. They need to raise between £55,000 and £60.000. They were given a cheque for £776 raised by the Albury Antiques Fayres, which the parish council have been holding on their behalf. Albury Tuck shop raised £730. Albury Santa has pledged an amount to be confirmed.
18. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council Meeting to be held Tuesday 5th February 2019 at 7.15pm at the Village Hall
Hedge by cow pasture, village sign site clearance and ongoing maintenance, railing maintenance, radar signs and other traffic calming, fly tipping, playground, parish council elections

Meeting minutes 08.01.19

Meeting minutes 08.01.19

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 8th January 2019, 19.15 at the Village Hall

 

Present: Cllrs Davis, Kent, Murdoch, Walne, Waples and Wheatley
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk)

Councillor Murdoch opened the meeting at 7.15 pm

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence. None.
2. To receive declarations of interest. None.
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 6th November, 2018. 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
These will be reported in agenda points.
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 6/11/18 £32,338.50
Income: Bank Interest £12.62
Outgoings: As agreed 6/11/18 £5,395
Donation to Albury 60 Plus £300
Architect fee (village sign planning) £120
Balance at 8/1/19 £26,536.12
8. To agree payments due
Clerk’s salary £711.36, Litter Picker 1 £130, Litter Picker 2 £130, Clerk’s expenses £35.39
Total £1006.75
Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Kent, that these payments be made. Unanimously agreed.
9. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
None.
10. To discuss the progress of the planning application for the traditional village sign project
Planning permission has been granted. The sign has been ordered at a cost of £3,950.
11. To discuss the progress of the radar speed sign installation and other traffic calming measures
We are still expecting these to installed early this year and the other promised changes to speed signs to be implemented soon.
12. To discuss the quotes for clearing the path to the school and the verges by the railings over the bridge
Where the path is concerned options to widen it are being looked in to. Regarding the site of the village sign, councillors are to get quotes for a one-off clearance of the area, a refurbishment of the railings and an ongoing maintenance contract.
13. Cutting hedges
Councillors are to contact the owners of the hedge along the path towards school.
Herts County Council may provide a grant for improvements if the school make an application. Details will be passed to the school.
14. Fly Tipping
Councillor Kent is to design a poster to display around the village and in the newsletter.
Residents should report any incidents to East Herts Council, and to Albury Parish Council so we can keep a check on the extent of the problem. Also, residents are to be asked to keep an eye out for vehicles laden with obvious waste heading into the area and note the contents and the number plate and pass these details to the parish clerk.
15. Laptop
The parish council laptop is no longer useable. The councillors agreed that the clerk should order a replacement at a maximum cost of £1200.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Waples, that the clerk should purchase a laptop up to the value of £1200. Unanimously agreed.
16. To receive any update from the Albury playground committee
The playground committee has opened a bank account and is setting up a charity. It is also applying for various grants.
The fence around the playground needs repairing. Councillor Wheatley is to look at what needs to be done.
17. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council Meeting to be held Tuesday 5th February 2019 at 7.15pm at the Village Hall
Hedge by path, village sign site clearance and ongoing maintenance, railing maintenance, radar signs and other traffic calming, fly tipping issue, playground, grant for school defibrillator pads/battery, Precept and budget, 100 Parishes subscription

 

Meeting minutes 06.11.18

Meeting minutes 06.11.18

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 6th November 2018, 19.15 at the Village Hall

 

Present: Cllrs Davis, Kent and Wheatley
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk)

Councillor Wheatley opened the meeting at 7.20 pm

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies from Councillors Murdoch, Walne and Waples were received and accepted.
2. To receive declarations of interest. None.
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 2nd October, 2018. 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
These will be reported in agenda points.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.
None.
6. To consider planning applications
3/18/2084/ADV PROPOSAL: installation of non-illuminated “village sign” AT: Roadside Verge, Albury Road, Albury, Hertfordshire. No comment.
7. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 2/10/2018 £32,418.31
Income: Litter Picking grant £1,486.15
Outgoings: As agreed 2/10/18 £1,555.96
Stansted Airport Community Trust 15/10/18 £10.00
Balance at 6/11/2018 £32,338.50
8. To agree payments due
Radar speed sign £5,100, Planning app fee £165, Allotment mowing Aug/Sept £130. Total £5,395
Resolved, proposed Davis, seconded Cllr Kent, that these payments be made. Unanimously agreed.
9. Obtain further signatures on bank mandate change form
Cllr Wheatley took the forms to complete.
10. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
An email has been received from a resident asking if it is possible that the environment agency might be responsible for the collapsing culvert beneath an access road in Patmore Heath.
11. To discuss the progress of the planning application for the traditional village sign project
The planning application has been accepted and a decision is due after 16th November.
12. To discuss the progress of the radar speed sign installation and other traffic calming measures
An invoice has been received for one of the radar signs. We are awaiting an installation date plus a schedule for other changes agreed to speed sign locations and to speed limits.
13. To discuss the disposal of the waste clearance waste at the allotments
Councillor Davis, and two residents burned the waste and so the site is now clear.
14. To discuss the quotes for clearing the path to the school and the verges by the railings over the bridge
We have received a quote of £450 for both jobs. The clerk noticed the path has been cut back and so only the verge needs clearing.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Kent, that the company who quoted should be offered the verge clearance work for a payment of £225. Unanimously agreed.
Cllr Wheatley is to speak to the farming consortium who own the land beside the path to see if the hedge can be cut right back to allow for the path to be widened.
15. To further discuss the Deed of Easement relating to the access way leading from Patmore Heath towards Heath Farm
We are waiting for a response from the grantees who have been forwarded a copy of the deed.
16. To receive any update from the Albury playground committee
None.
17. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council Meeting to be held Tuesday 8th January 2019 at 7.15pm at the Village Hall
Hedge by path, village sign, radar signs and other traffic calming, fly tipping issue, playground

Meeting minutes 02.10.18

Meeting minutes 02.10.18

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 2nd October 2018, 19.15 at the Village Hall

Present: Cllrs Davis, Murdoch, Walne and Waples.
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk), and 2 members of the public.

The chair opened the meeting at 19:25

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies from Councillors Kent and Wheatley were received and accepted.
2. To receive declarations of interest. None.
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 4th September 2018. 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
These will be reported in agenda points.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.
Two members of the public told the councillors that many cars drive too fast between the school and the village hall. Some parents have to walk in the road with pushchairs as the path is too narrow and overgrown. They asked whose responsibility the path is and if safety railings could be added where there is a sharp drop from the path to the road. The pathway is usually cleared by local farmers, but the parish councillors agreed to get a quote to clear as much vegetation from each side as possible to see if it is then possible to pass along it with a pushchair. They also said speeding will be addressed later in the agenda.
6. To consider planning applications
3/18/2063/HH PROPOSAL: Single storey rear extension with new ground floor window opening. AT: Church End East, Church End, Albury. No comments.
3/18/2033/LBC PROPOSAL: Demolition of an existing Atcost barn (Range 2) and conversion of the remaining Dutch barn (Range 1) to provide two dwellings AT: High Hall Barns, Clapgate, Albury. No further comments to those made previously.
7. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 4/9/2018 £29,651.47
Income: Precept £3,450.00
Outgoings: As agreed 4/9/18 683.16
Balance at 2/10/2018 £32,418.31
8. To agree payments due
Clerks salary £711.36, Litter picking invoice 1 £130, Litter picking invoice 2 £130, Website hosting £24, Planning application fees £95.60, Allotment clearance/hedge cutting £400, Grasscutters & Co July invoice £65. Total £1,555.96
Resolved, proposed Cllr Murdoch, seconded Cllr Waples, that these payments be made. Unanimously agreed.
9. Obtain further signatures on bank mandate change form
These will be completed at the next meeting.
10. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
None.
11. To discuss the progress of the planning application for the traditional village sign project
An application was submitted on 19th September and there has been no response from the planning department to the application or to a follow up email. Councillor Waples will continue to chase this.
12. Councillors to familiarise themselves with and discuss a copy of a Deed of Grant of Easement obtained from HM Land Registry
The councillors read and discussed a deed which recently came to light. It concerns access rights across a section of road between Patmore Heath and Heath Farm. The road is used by a number of residents and requires some repairs. The clerk agreed to forward a copy to the grantees mentioned in the deed to allow them an opportunity to put forward their interpretation of its meaning ahead of further discussions.
13. To discuss the response to our request for traffic calming measures in the village
Highways have agreed to supply Albury with one radar speed sign and the parish council are to pay for a second one. These will be installed early 2019. Various road marking are to be re-painted. Highways said it would be difficult to have a 20 MPH limit outside the school but are considering a request for 30 MPH from the A120 all the way through Albury End. The 30 MPH zone at the bottom of the hill by the village hall is to be introduced earlier and the 60 MPH between the village hall and the church may be reduced to 40 MPH. Signage on the A120 will be repositioned so it is clearer that Albury End is unsuitable for heavy traffic.
14. To discuss the allotment clearance, hedge trimming and disposal of the waste created
The allotment clearance and hedge trimming has made a vast improvement. The same people are to be asked to quote for clearance of the pathway from the village hall towards the school and the area where it is hoped to position the new village sign. Allotment holders have new agreements to keep the allotment gardens clear right up to the boundaries of the Bourne properties.
15. To the plans HMWT are drawing up for the management of Patmore Heath
A report will be supplied by HMWT in the new year.
16. To give an update of the Albury Playground Committee meeting held on 23rd September 2018
The meeting was attended by the clerk and 6 residents. The residents are going to apply for grants and organise fund raising activities. They will also invite some new companies to provide designs and quotes.
17. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council Meeting to be held Tuesday 6th November 2018 at 7.15pm at the Village Hall
Village sign, quotes for clearance of path and sign site, traffic calming, Deed of Easement, allotment waste disposal

Meeting minutes 04.09.18

Meeting minutes 04.09.18

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 4th September 2018, 19.15 at the Village Hall

 

Present: Cllrs Davis, Kent, Murdoch, Wheatley and Waples.
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk), and 2 members of the public.

The chair opened the meeting at 7:25

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Walne.
2. To receive declarations of interest. None.
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 5th July 2018. 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
These will be reported in agenda points.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.
A member of the public asked when a hedge in the village hall car park will be trimmed. Councillor Murdoch replied that it would be done soon as the growing season is now over.
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 5/7/2018 £30,635.71
Income: Bank interest £12.62, UK Power wayleave £29.90, New Homes Bonus grant £979.00
Outgoings: As agreed 12/5/18 £1,056.36
CHBT Annual subs £422.40, Village hall crockery £282.00, Internal audit fee £180.00, Allotment mowing April £65.00
Balance at 4/9/2018 £29,651.47
8. To agree payments due
Grasscutters & Co June invoice £65, Land Registry search fees £49, Playground Inspection £52.32, Allotment water harvesters £516.84. Total £683.16
Resolved, proposed Cllr Waples, seconded Cllr Murdoch, that these payments be made. Unanimously agreed.
9. Obtain further signatures on bank mandate change form
These will be completed at the next meeting.
10. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
HMWT have erected a new information sign at Patmore Heath as planned.
11. To discuss the progress of the traditional village sign project
Cllr Murdoch is waiting to hear back from his contact at Herts County Council as to whether a particular site is acceptable. Another site at the south end of the village near the white railings was suggested. At the same, time this whole area could be tidied up and the railings repaired and painted. Cllr Waples agreed to submit a planning application for a sign at this site to East Herts Council.
12. To discuss progress in confirming ownership of a section of road at Patmore Heath
The clerk has requested information from HM Land Registry and will circulate the documents to the councillors as soon as it is received.
13. To discuss the response to our request for traffic calming measures in the village
Cllr Murdoch met with Herts County Council Highways department and showed evidence of various traffic problems in Albury. He discussed the need for various traffic calming measures and was told these were reasonable. He has since heard that funding may be available for items such as radar speed signs. These cost £5000 each and the councillors discussed purchasing one as soon as possible and that, hopefully, we might be given funding to purchase a second one.
14. To discuss the progress if installing a rainwater harvester at the allotments harvester at the allotments
Cllr Davis has installed two large rain water harvesters and they are working well. He will be fencing them off soon and adding a padlocked gate to restrict use to allotment holders.
15. To discuss new allotment agreements
Cllr Davis agreed to review the current agreement and amend as necessary ready for the clerk to circulate by the end of September.
16. To discuss the allotment clearance quote
The quote came in at £350. The councillors were happy as long as this includes the over grown hedge at the edge of the village hall car park.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Murdoch, seconded Cllr Davis, that this quote is acceptable, and that the clearance should be carried out. Unanimously agreed.
17. To discuss trimming of hedge adjacent to village hall car park
The people clearing the allotments are to be asked to trim this hedge as part of the same job.
18. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council Meeting to be held Tuesday 2nd October 2018 at 7.15pm at the Village Hall
Speed signs, village sign, HMWT plans, hole in road at Patmore Heath

The Chair closed the meeting at 9pm

Meeting minutes 05.07.2018

Meeting minutes 05.07.2018

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Minutes of the meeting held Thursday 5th July 2018, 19.15 at the Village Hall

 

Present: Cllrs Davis, Kent, Murdoch and Waples.
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk), and 2 members of the public.

The chair opened the meeting at 7.20 pm

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence.
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllrs Walne and Wheatley.
2. To receive declarations of interest. None.
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 9th June 2018. 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. Councillor Davis to sign a declaration of acceptance of office
This was duly signed by Councillor Davis and the clerk
5. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
Councillor Murdoch ascertained that the hedge adjacent to The Bourne in the village hall car park should be maintained by the parish council.
6. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.
A member of the public asked who is responsible for cutting a particular hedge and keeping the ditches clear at Hixham Lane. The clerk agreed to find out who is responsible for the hedge and Councillor Murdoch said he would look into who should clear the ditches (Note: the hedge was subsequently trimmed within a couple of days of this meeting)
A member of the public offered to purchase some new crockery for the village hall as previously discussed and the parish council confirmed she would be reimbursed.
7. To consider planning applications
None received
8. To discuss the Albury 60 Plus group’s request for a grant of £300 towards their Christmas lunch
It was agreed that this grant should be paid but that the clerk will ask HCC if they will reimburse this grant as per last year. Resolved, proposed Cllr Waples, seconded Cllr Murdoch, that a grant of £300 will be paid to the Albury 60 Plus group. Unanimously agreed.
9. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 14/5/2018 £30,635.71
Income: Returned cheque from ICO £35.00 (Exempt from fee)
Returned cheque from Markwell £382.00 (wrong payee name)
Outgoings: As agreed 12/5/18 £417.00
Balance at 5/7/2018 £30,635.71
Balance per bank statements: £30,673.71 – £30,635.71 = £38.00
Unpresented cheques to date: D Muller £38.00
10. To agree payments due
Clerks salary £711.36, Litter picker 1 £130, Litter picker 2 £130, D Muller £20, Grasscutters & Co May invoice £65, Internal Audit fee £180. Total £1,236.36
Resolved, proposed Cllr Waples, seconded Cllr Murdoch, that these payments be made. Unanimously agreed.
11. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only). None.
12. To obtain further signatures on the mandate change form
Postponed in Councillor Wheatley’s absence.
13. To receive an update on the Albury Newsletter distribution
Councillor Kent accompanied the editor on the distribution round and will take on this responsibility going forward.
14. To discuss the progress of the traditional village sign project
A suitable site is still to be established. The verge near High Hall Farm (opposite the post box and noticeboard) is being considered.
15. To discuss the interest from residents in creating a playground committee
A Facebook request for volunteers was well responded to so it is hoped a meeting can be arranged soon.
16. To discuss the progress of the discussions with HCC with respect to the hole in the bridge at Patmore Heath
It has been suggested by HCC that Albury parish Council own the part of the road in question, but maps are not clear. It was agreed to apply to Land Registry for clarification. Resolved, proposed Cllr Waples, seconded Cllr Murdoch, that Land Registry searches to a maximum cost of £100 can be carried out by the clerk. Unanimously agreed.
17. To discuss parking at Patmore Heath and the new entrance sign
HMWT submitted their design and the parish council have approved it. The sign is to clarify where parking is allowed.
18. To discuss progress of request for radar speed signs each end of the village
Councillor Murdoch spoke to Highways and is going to submit an application.
19. To discuss the possibility of installing a rainwater harvester at the allotments
The councillors thought this would be a good idea. Resolved, proposed Cllr Murdoch, seconded Cllr Waples that a water harvester up to the value of £500 can be purchased. Unanimously agreed. Councillor Davis agreed to order one and install it next to the village hall.
20. To discuss the possibility of installing a blind spot mirror at parsonage Lane
Councillor Murdoch will discuss this with HCC highways department.
21. To suggest agenda items for the Parish Council Meeting to be held Tuesday 4th September 2018 at 7.15pm at the Village Hall
Village sign, hole at Patmore Heath, radar speed signs, rainwater harvester.

The Chair closed the meeting at 9 pm

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