1.

PRESENT

Cllrs Adam, Brown, Gething, Lutener, Mannington, Newton, Reed (in the Chair), Reid, Scott, Spain and Tippen.  County Councillor Eric Hotson, Borough Councillors Rodd Nelson-Gracie, Paddy Germain and Annabelle Blackmore, the Clerk, 3 members of the public and 1 member of the press.

2.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

There were no apologies for absence.

3.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

4.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meetings of 9th November 2004 were agreed and signed as a true record.

5.

MATTERS ARISING

a)

Ms Ann Widdecombe - Marden Station.  Request a search of land registry to ascertain ownership.  The Clerk to undertake.

b)

Standards Board  - Papers regarding Lobby Groups and Dual-Hatted members were circulated to all councillors.

c)

Scarab Cleaning Equipment - Further to a resident asking why the village was not used by Scarabs for demonstrating equipment to customers Cllr Mannington had spoken to the company who were happy to do this.  The Clerk to write to inform them of the Council's agreement.

d)

b - Cllr Tippen has asked whether the new Sub-Committee structure had been agreed.  Cllr Adam had just finished drafting new Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.  These would be read and discussed at a future meeting with councillors.  Sub-Committees would also be discussed at this meeting.

6.

PARISH MATTERS

a)

Stilebridge Site.  Several councillors had attended a site visit in Stilebridge Lane and a list had been drawn up of works which need to be addressed at some point.  It was hoped that Operation Cubit + could attend and tidy up entrance but unfortunately this has been cancelled.  The Clerk to obtain costs of a litter pick and hedge cutting along the front of the site.  A further site meeting would be arranged in February/March.

Write to MBC regarding grant funding.

b)

Parish Newsletter - Distribution of the newsletter needs to be addressed at the next sub-group.  Outlying properties caused concern for deliveries.

It was discussed that perhaps coloured paper could be used together with a different heading/coat of arms.  Cllr Scott suggested approaching the school for the children to create one.

c)

Freedom of Information Act - Cllr Adam asked if a policy had been drawn up regarding this.  Nothing has been devised to date.  Further information to be obtained.

d)

Not on Agenda

Christmas Card - A card had been received from Marden Pre-School thanking the Parish Council for providing a Christmas tree in the hall.

e)

Invite - The Chairman and guest had been invited to attend Staplehurst PC on Monday for Christmas drinks.  Cllr Reid to attend with the Chairman.

f)

Electoral Role - Leaflet had been received regarding use of the electoral role.  Anyone wishing to view it must visit MBC offices.

7.

MEMORIAL HALL

Nothing to report.

8.

CORRESPONDENCE

a)

Letter from Member of public re parking - A local resident had parked on yellow lines which helping at Vestry Hall.  A ticket was placed on his car and letter addressed what could be done.  Marden's Traffic Consultation document had details of change of restricted hours and it was suggested that a questionnaire would be sent in the near future to residents who lived in the areas concerned to see how they felt regarding changes.  It was felt that the Parish Council should have overall say of hours rather than MBC.  The subject of the lines in the car park was raised together with yellow lines at emergency access.  Borough Councillors to speak to MBC.

b)

Standards Board - Guidance notes for members received.  Cllr Adam to read.

c)

Telecommunications Development Document - Cllr Brown to read.

d)

Environment Agency - Flooding Guide - Cllr Lutener took leaflets.  Library to be approached to see if they had any for distribution.

9.

PLANNING

a)

Minutes of Planning Minutes - previously circulated

b)

MBC Decisions - previously circulated with list attached to minutes in file.

c)

Overview of Kent Design Guide - Interested councillors to read and place on next planning agenda.

d)

Enforcement

(i)       The Royal Indian Restaurant - still being investigated

(ii)      Russetings (velux windows) - permitted development.  MBC closed file.

10

HIGHWAYS

a)

Kent Highways - Additional Salting Routes - Further roads had  been added to the Winter salting routes which included Hunton Road, Underlyn Lane, Howland Road, Marden Road and Summerhill Road.  The clerk to contact MBC to query why Sheephurst Lane had not been included as main bus route.

b)

MBC Rural Sweeping Arrangements - New weekly list had been received but several roads had been missed off list.  Clerk already contacted MBC who will rectify this.  Councillors and residents both feel that the service now received is greatly reduced compared to previous years.  Gulley cleaning should have been carried out but areas still have not been covered.  MBC to be contacted.

c)

MBC - Highways Arrangements - letter received re change over and staff.

d)

Winchet Hill (not on agenda) - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council cannot see a problem with the area.  MBC still chasing.

11

CEMETERY

Nothing to report.

12

PLAYING FIELD

a)

MBC Report - Epic Engineering repairing swings, fences etc.  Rocking Horse needs to be seriously looked at.

13

FINANCE

a)

Balances as at 1st December 2004

Post Office £14,461.01  Current Account £00.00  Reserve Account £48,729.85

b)

Payments for Approval - all payments agreed and cheques signed (list attached to minutes in file)

c)

Minutes of Finance Meeting - previously circulated

d)

Budget/Precept for 2005/06 - Following finance meeting the precept for 2005/06 would be sent at £42,000.  Proposed by Cllr Lutener and all councillors in agreement. 

                                                                                                Carried

e)

One-off bid for Concurrent Functions - Three quotes had been received for Lucks Way Play Area and Councillors agreed Park Leisure quote was most favourable.  Application to be submitted to MBC.

f)

Kent Police - Contribution - A request had been received for funding of a push bike.  The Chairman asked councillors if they were in favour of the parish purchasing a bike for both P C Tim Stanley and our new Community Warden to use.  It would therefore remain in the parish.  Discuss at next meeting.

g)

Request for Donations - Several requests had been received for donations.  All did not have any real significant to Marden residents.  It was therefore decided that no donations would be made.  Cllr Brown asked if at the next Finance Meeting a standard letter could be drawn up for responding to letters such as these.

Maidstone Borough Council

Agendas Committees

Minutes of Meetings

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

Weekly Planning Lists

News Releases

Mayor's Charity Quiz Night

Mayor's Valentine's Ball

Others

Parish Magazine

Kent Police Newsletter

KCC - Rural Directory

KCC - Feedback on Discussion Period - Trauma And Orthopaedics

Narconon - Drug Rehabilitation and Education Services

Inland Revenue - Online filing