ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held 7th February 2023, 7.15 pm at the Village Hall
Present: Councillors Jolly, Kelly and Klimowicz
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk). East Herts Councillor Geoff Williamson and Andrew Lipski from Gigaclear
The vicechair opened the meeting at 7.15 pm
1. To receive and accept apologies for absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Councillors Clayden, Davis and Brooks
2. To receive declarations of interest.
None
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council annual meeting held on Tuesday 10th January 2023
Resolved, that these minutes be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings
4. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
To be addressed in specific agenda points.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
Andrew Lipski from Gigaclear said they are at the design phase for Albury. Permits are to be applied for to dig and establish where the Gigaclear network has already been installed.
6. To consider planning applications. None received
7. To receive statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 10/1/23 £9,749.18
Payments: R Murdoch for Telephone Library sign £46.20
CHBT Annual Support node 1453 £151.20
Receipts: None
Available balance at 7/2/23 £9,551.78
8. To agree payments due. None
9. To complete a bank mandate change request to update signatories
The paperwork to add Councillors Kelly and Jolly was completed and will now be submitted to the bank.
10. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
None.
11. To discuss the outcome of the Wickham’s Hall solar farm application
Planning permission was granted at the planning committee meeting held on 11th January.
The residents against the development are discussing if they can take any further action.
12. To review quotes for mowing the grass at the village hall and play area from April 2023
We’ve had 2 quotes to mow 18 times per year, keep hedges tidy, clear leaves and clear the patios of weed. The first was £2700, and the second was £2400. Another quote received per individual mow was £225 which equated to £4050 for 18 mows with no other clearance work. A final quote is awaited and the first 2 companies will be asked to requote purely for mowing.
13. To discuss any further information received regarding the Stansted airport flight path changes
A community engagement officer is to respond to questions raised. There is a consultation on the consultation with a deadline of 5th March 2023. Councillor Kelly and the clerk are to review this.
Residents should continue to report noisy aircraft as follows:
At https://stanstedairportwatch.com/take-action/report-noisy-aircraft/ or by calling 0800 243 788
14. To receive an update on our requests for the lowering of the speed limit on the hill leading towards the school, and improvement of the footpath beside it
Highways and Councillor Graham McAndrew are looking at how pedestrian links between Albury School and Clapgate can be improved and to improve the existing path.
Highways are looking into the request for the Speed Limit change on the road between the school and Clapgate, and how this aligns with their Speed Management Strategy, and if any further work is required to justify it. The councillors suggested asking the landowner if a path could continue from the current path around the edge of cow pasture and into the side churchyard gate. The clerk will pass this idea on to Graham McAndrew.
15. To receive an update on our request to repair or replace the rusted railings along the Albury Road
A fault report has been raised (401003187812). The Lead Assistant Highway Manager will inspect them when he is next in the area to review if they can be replaced.
16. To receive any update from Albury Lodge residents with regards to the noise from the A120 Bypass
The residents are in discussion with a surveyor regarding compensation.
17. To discuss the cost of installing security lighting and cameras at the village hall
There are various security camera options and several types of solar security lights at various prices. New funding has come to light so the clerk has agreed to ask if it is possible to receive help with the costs of this.
18. To discuss the cost of litter picking and a new HCC serviced litter bin that’s to be installed at the village hall
Albury parish council will no longer receive a litter picking grant of approximately £1500 from 1st April. Instead, the parish council will have to pay for litter from the precept. East Herts Council have agreed to install and service a larger litter bin at the village hall play area. The councillors discussed the fact that as the new bin will be larger and East Herts are to empty it, this negates the need for a litter picker at the village hall area which will save £520 per year. Resolved, proposed Cllr Klimowicz, seconded Cllr Jolly, that the contract of the second litter picker should be terminated on 31st March 2023.
19. To receive an update on the playground fundraising and refurbishment plans
A wooden tractor and trailer costs £3,143.00 with delivery and installation £275.00 (plus VAT) Councillor Jolly agreed to pass on these details to the playground committee.
20. To discuss any public suggestions received for how to spend money in reserve
Residents suggested the tidying/repairing the railings, improving the path to school, traffic calming measures and 30 MPH signs repositioned. All of these have been passed on to Highways. Another resident suggested installing dog waste bins. The clerk agreed to check if East Herts will service these if we buy and install them as those provided by East Herts Council cost of £400 to £500 per bin, with a £50 installation charge and £170 per year per bin to empty 3 times.
21. To draw the first quarter 200 Club number
Number 29 was drawn and the owner will receive the quarterly prize of £142. The next draw will take place at the April meeting.
22. To suggest agenda items for the next Parish Council meeting to be held Tuesday 7th March 2023
Stansted Airport flight path changes, A120 noise at Albury Lodge, renewing/replacing the railings along the Albury Road near the village sign, village hall mowing, lights and cameras at the village hall, spending reserve money
The vicechair closed the meeting at 8.45 pm
Signed………………………………….. Date………………………..