1.

PRESENT

Cllrs Adam, Brown, Lutener, Mannington, Newton, Reed (in the Chair), Reid and Spain.  Cllr Scott would be late.  Borough Councillors Rodd Nelson-Gracie and Paddy Germain, the Clerk and two members of the public and one member of the press.

2.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Cllrs Gething and Tippen gave their apologies which were accepted.

3.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

4.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meetings of 12^th October 2004 were agreed and signed as a true record.

5.

MATTERS ARISING

a)

Ms Ann Widdecombe - Marden Station.  In reply to Parish Council's letter regarding the old Coal Yard at the Station.  Request was made for a detailed plan to assist in obtaining further details.  Cllr Adam to undertake.

b)

Citizens Advice Bureau - Letter received in response to Parish Council's request to ascertain how many residents used the CAB Outreach Service.  Letter deferred to Finance Committee for decision on donation.

c)

Maidstone Housing Trust (not on Agenda) ­- Reply regarding Conifer Trees request for further information/plans.  Borough Councillor Germain to take forward.

6.

PARISH MATTERS

a)

New Committee Structure/Membership of Committees and Sub-Committees.  The Clerk to amend the structure chart and circulate to all councillors for agreement.

b)

Christmas - Quote from STS for £910 plus VAT to check, install and remove Christmas Trees and £102 plus VAT plus bulbs for new lights on the tree at The Allens.  Councillors agreed to accept this quote.

Shop Judging prizes of £25, £20 and £15 together with £25 for residents vote.

Marden Working Mens Club had written to offer the use of the Club on 18^th December.  Cllr Lutener and Reed offered to help the Clerk with arrangements if necessary.

c)

Archiving Documents - The safe was becoming full and the Clerk asked if quotes could be obtained for archiving minutes etc.  It was agreed that quotes would be obtained for storage and placement onto disks for easy access of information when required.

d)

Stilebridge Liaison Group - A short meeting had been held between several councillors and the new Gypsy Liaison Officer of MBC together with the Site Manager.  It was agreed that a meeting would be held on site to meet with residents on 16^th November at 12.30.

e)

Operation Cubit+ - MBC were operating a week long clean up of five parishes.  Marden being one and have one complete day allocated to them.  Suggestions were needed as to what work could be done.  Discuss at Plans Meeting.

f)

Standing Orders Revised for Adoption - More work involved than first thought.  Cllr Adam will circulate to all councillors once amendments been made.  The Clerk to order electronic version.

7.

MEMORIAL HALL

John Banks spoke regarding the new Licensing Act which would come into force next year.  Concern raised as to liquor licence for the hall.

8.

CORRESPONDENCE

a)

MBC - Rural Conference - Letter of thanks to all in attendance.  Cllrs Brown and Scott attended and Cllr Scott has contacted the Funding Officer at MBC for more information.

b)

The John Aspinall Foundation - Request for donation - defer to Finance Committee.

c)

South West Kent NHS Forum - Meeting at Maplesden Noakes School on 11^th November 2004.

d)

ODPM - New Ethical Framework Regulations - full details were on Website if councillors wished to read.

e)

Letter from Resident - Play Area in Chainhurst - The Clerk to reply with contacts at MBC and to suggest ways forward.

f)

Countryside Agency - Gateway Stations Programme - Details had previously be circulated but it was agreed that we would wait for site meeting with South Eastern Railways.

g)

Boddingtons - Request for Meeting - Cllrs discussed whether to meet with the Managing Director before a new planning application was received or after. 

Voting For - 1; Against - 2; Abstained - 4.  The Clerk would write to inform Boddingtons of decision.

h)

MBC - Licensing Act - Consultation period ends 19^th November.  Document being circulated with comments needed by Clerk by 16^th November.

Code of Conduct - Lobby Groups and Twin Hatted Members - Cllr Adam had read paperwork and asked that all councillors be provided with copies as some items concerned parish councils.

9.

PLANNING

a)

Minutes of previous Planning meeting circulated prior to meeting.

b)

MBC Decisions - list previously circulated.

c)

Appeal - 1 Tilden Cottages, Tilden Lane - Reiterate comments made on planning application

d)

Enforcement - The Royal, High Street - A resident had sent photographs of the building before and after signage/lights were installed.  MBC Enforcement Officer was arranging a meeting with the owner to discuss issues.

10

HIGHWAYS

a)

MBC - Winchet Hill -  Contractor instructed to undertake ditch clearance to assist drainage on the hill.

b)

Kent Highways - Salt Bins - Letter received re positioning of salt bins.  Cllrs asked to give clerk information re sitings of these.

Other Highways Issues (not on agenda)

Gullies  - Cllr Lutener to chase Highways Unit re clearing of gullies.

Highways Unit - Cllr Adam had read papers on Highways change over to KCC. 

The Clerk to chase Jamie Hare following traffic consultation meeting in July.

11

CEMETERY

12

PLAYING FIELD

a)

MBC Report on play equipment

b)

Estimate for Repairs and maintenance - Epic Engineering had estimated up to £300 for works to be carried out.  This was agreed by councillors.

Cllr Adam asked if signs could erected re Byelaws.  The Clerk to get costs for metal signs.

13

FINANCE

a)

Balances as at 27^th October 2004

Post Office £14,461.01 Current Account £00.00 Reserve Account £50,882.89

b)

Payments for Approval

Invoices were agreed for payment and cheques signed.

c)

Finance Meeting - To be held on 30^th November

d)

Adoption of revised Financial Regulations - Cllr Adam in the process of updating these.  Cllrs will be copied in once drafted.

Maidstone Borough Council

Agendas Committees

Minutes of Meetings

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

Weekly Planning Lists

News Releases

Others

Parish Magazine

Downs Mail

Kent Police Newsletter

Playing Fields Newsletter

Youth & Community Newsletter

Parish News

Booklet - Quality Parish Councils

Lord Lieutenancy Leaflet