Great Bardfield Parish Council  

'ESSEX VILLAGE OF THE YEAR 2009'

There were no members of the public present.

Cllr Hayward proposed that Cllr Dyson be re-elected as Chairman, this was seconded by Cllr Ruffle and unanimously agreed. Cllr Dyson was pleased to continue in this role.

The Clerk read through the conditions under the Code, as recommended by the Monitoring Officer, to enable members to give consideration to the terms under which they carry out their role, following which the Register of Acceptance of Office was duly signed.

Cllr Walsh amended his existing registration form to reflect changes since completion of the previous document. All other members confirmed there were no changes to the existing permission and the Clerk would advise the Monitoring Officer accordingly.

Cllr Ruffle declared an interest under Finance.

Cllr Ruffle proposed that Cllr Hutchinson be re-elected as Vice Chairman, this was seconded by Cllr Hayward and unanimously agreed. Cllr Hutchinson was pleased to continue in this role.

The only change to the circulated list was that Cllr Hockley join the Flooding/Emergency Plan team. It was agreed that the Councillors concerned should meet to progress the completion of an emergency plan. The Clerk would provide a model plan on which they could work and hopefully report back at the July meeting.

Regarding the Housing Association, Cllrs Walsh and Slemmings would continue in their role which might be come more active following the transfer of housing stock to Greenfield.

Cllr Hockley had sent his apologies as he would be delayed.

These were approved and signed as a true record of the meeting. Proposed Cllr Ruffle, seconded Cllr Hutchinson.

(a) Additional Bins: The Clerk was still waiting to hear from the School Council but would write again regarding this.

(b) Community Transport Survey: Although there had only been three replies it was decided that it would be best to liaise with the parties concerned, decide on a date, and organise a trial run.

(c) Speed Indicator Devices: Bob Wiltshire had contacted the Clerk on the morning of the meeting to advise that although it was not possible to by an extra battery (to have on charge) for the SID the manufacturer had confirmed it only weighed 7 kg and it would be possible to charge overnight. This would mean that each Parish would need a nominated person(s) to take on this role as the charge lasted less than a week. The Clerk had contacted the other parishes concerned and hopefully confirmation could be given at the forthcoming Three Fields meeting.

(d) Pavilion: To discuss under item 10.

In addition to the payments for May, notification of agency grants had been received and the annual accounts prepared for signature, together with the Annual Return to the external auditor.

(a) ECC Verge Grant: This has been confirmed for a full cut in Spring and half cut in Autumn with an allowance of £814.53

(b) BDC Street Cleaning Grant: This has been increased to £1080.25 for the forthcoming financial year

A copy of the Accounts had been provided for each member for approval and they were agreed to be a true record of the income and expenditure of the Council during the 2006/07 financial year. Proposed Cllr Walsh, seconded Cllr Hayward and duly signed by the Chairman and Responsible Financial Officer.

The internal audit had been carried out by Mr Richardson, who had completed the Annual Return for Lubbock Fine. This was agreed as a true and correct record of the Council’s financial position and proposed by Cllr Hayward, seconded by Cllr Slemmings, The document was duly signed by the Chairman and Responsible Financial Officer.

Cllr Hockley arrived at this point.

This item had been added to the publicly displayed agenda and needed to be discussed urgently as it was time sensitive. The auction of 32 manorial lordships and five feudal baronies would take place at Ironmongers Hall on 24 May; among these was the Lordship of the Manor of Great Bardfield. It was agreed unanimously that the Parish Council, acting within its powers under the Local Government Act 1972 p.124, should secure this title for the village. Although the existing title holder had not assisted in anyway he had also not obstructed the Council or residents to any degree, but this would not necessarily be the case for any future owner. A maximum figure was agreed and Cllr Hayward confirmed he would be available to follow the proceedings by telephone; unfortunately no member was in a position to attend the auction on the day. The Clerk had already spoken to Strutt and Parker and would contact them again to outline the situation and liaise with Cllr Hayward.

The annual Risk Assessment had been carried out and the following points were noted

(a) Cover increased from £140,580 to £145,159: Covers annual increase and new and increase in Fidelity Guarantee Limit.

(b) Playground Equipment : The safety inspection has now been carried out. There were no high risk items and only three medium risk items. Remedial work and repairs are nearing completion.

As recommended by the External Auditor following the 2006/07 Audit this has been increased from £15,000 to £25,000.

The following sums – increased last year – continue to be appropriate and adequate for purpose.

(a) Libel & Slander (Members and Clerk) : £250,000

(b) As a consequence of Asset Ownership : £5M public liability cover

(c) As a consequence of Employment : Employers Liability £10M

Personal Accident £50K death / loss of limb

£100 per week re temporary total disablement

The question of insurance cover in respect of members over 75 years was raised and the Clerk would confirm with Allianz Cornhill that this was in order.

07/0085/FUL 29 Bendlowes Road, single Storey rear extension. It was not known whether demolition of the garage will have a negative impact on off street parking and it is presumed parking space will still exist. Otherwise the extension is totally unseen from the street and aligns with neighbouring extension. No objection.

(a) Damage: There had been some minor damage to the pavilion and remedial work had been carried out by Mr John Parker who replaced broken glass with boards.

(b) Playground Refurbishment: This work had started and a considerable amount of rubbish already cleared.

(c) New Pavilion: It was disappointing that despite the Council’s cheque for the planning application fee being delivered to the architect on 19 April, this plan had still not been submitted. This has resulted in possible funding opportunities being missed and the project becoming more protracted.

(a) Notification of Model Code of Conduct 2007. This had been circulated and following the recommendations of our District Council this would be formally adopted at the June meeting.

(b) ‘BDC Issues and Options’ document. Cllr Hayward asked if this had been received together with details of a forthcoming meeting. This had not and the Clerk was asked to pursue this to enable members to meet and comment on the document prior to the meeting to be held on 7 June.

Highways – the road adjacent to Bardfield Hall was breaking away from the edge. This would appear to be caused by vehicles having to drive on this side of the road in both directions to avoid the cars parked on the opposite side in the Braintree Road. A report would be made to ECC.

Date of November Meeting: it was agreed to change the date from 21^st to 14^th in order not to clash with the next production of the Bardfield Players.

New Councillors’ Course: Cllr Hockley would be attending this EALC course on 5 June.

This would be held on 20 June 2007.

The Three Fields Cluster would be hosted by Finchingfield on 28^th June – 7.30 at the village hall.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45 pm.

Send mail to clerk@greatbardfield-pc.gov.uk questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2003 -2004 Great Bardfield Parish Council
Last modified: 10/28/09