1.

PRESENT

Cllrs Adam, Gething, Newton, Reed (in the Chair), Reid, Spain and Tippen.  The Clerk, 2 members of the public, 1 member of the press, Martin Smith (Community Warden), Headcorn Community Warden and Borough Councillor Rodd Nelson-Gracie.

2.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllrs Brown, Lutener, Mannington and Scott.  All councillors approved apologies.

Borough Councillor Paddy Germain together with PC Tim Stanley also gave their apologies.

3.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

4.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meetings of 11^th January 2005 were agreed and signed as a true record.

5.

MATTERS ARISING

a)

Parish Sweeping - A new list had been provided with dates but as yet Stanley Close/Oak Tree Close still had not been included.  The Clerk to chase again.

b)

Freedom of Information Act - Cllrs Adam and Tippen were putting together a briefing document regarding charges, what it is etc.

c)

Affordable Housing Survey - All Cllrs agreed with this front sheet and the Clerk to forward to Jennifer Shaw.  It would be distributed at end of May beginning of June.

6.

PARISH MATTERS

a)

Clean Sweep - KCC offered a package to anyone wishing to litter pick their area which included all equipment and insurance.  Information to be included in the newsletter.

A 24 hour telephone number was now available to report fly-tipping and KCC were able to install cameras in predominant areas if necessary.

b)

Newsletter - Cllr Tippen undertaking the draft for circulation and agreement early next week.  Cllr Gething asked if a website address could be included for the recent natural disaster which was available for anyone to help donate.  Cllrs to view the website and decide.  Could be placed on village website and parish magazine.

c)

Parish Website - Email received from KCC - still on course to be ready by end of March.  Clerk would undertake training.

d)

Standing Orders - Item 41b first paragraph to be deleted and item 42b should read "with the exception of Finance".  Cllrs agreed to adopt the Standing Orders following these amendments.  Cllr Adam was thanked for all his work.

e)

KAPC New Legislation Information Day 23/02/05 -  The Clerk to attend.

f)

Stilebridge Caravan Site - Site visit in March - It was agreed to arrange a site visit on Monday 14^th March at 12noon.

g)

SRA Meeting - 31/01/05 - Several Cllrs attended at Staplehurst where Ann Widdecombe, Malcolm Robertson and Pauline Stockell spoke.  Ms Widdecombe encouraged everyone to write to her with concerns over changes.  Marden Parish Council will also write.  Cllr Tippen asked for agreement to arrange for flyers to be handed out to commuters regarding the changes and addresses to write to.  This was agreed.

7.

MEMORIAL HALL

Keith Hatcher, MBC Licensing Officer, would be attending the hall AGM on 7^th March and all residents would be welcome to attend.

8.

CORRESPONDENCE

a)

KCC - Kent Minerals and Waste Development Framework - Cllr Gething to read.

b)

Copy letter from resident re revised train timetable - Cllr Adam read and felt the points were quite fair although the response from SE Trains was not very helpful.  Cllr Tippen took letter away to discuss with SE Trains representative at site meeting tomorrow.  Cllr Adam asked clerk to write to SE Trains to enquire why Parish Councils were no longer notified of timetable changes.

c)

Copy letter from Pattenden Lane Residents Association - In regard to sign being erected at Tomkinsons Yard.

d)

MBC - Improvement Works to Marden Gypsy Site - List of works ongoing at the site - monitor.

e)

ODPM - Freedom of Information Act - Qualified Person - The Clerk and Chairman would be the qualified persons.  Cllr Adam to read.

f)

MBC - Scrutiny Review into Rural Roads - Traffic Consultation document to be emailed and minutes from Highways meeting with highlighted points.  The Clerk to contact Jim Williams to ask for final version of TRAMP document.

g)

SRA - Stakeholder Briefing Document - Cllrs already read in respect of item 6(g) above.

h)

Marden History Group - Letter received from the Chairman of the History Group indicating their proposal of a Community Heritage Centre.  All felt good idea and the clerk was asked to write to the Chairman inviting him to attend a council meeting once the feasibility study had been undertaken.

9.

PLANNING

a)

Minutes of Planning Minutes - previously circulated

b)

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

c)

KAPC Planning Information Day - 19/03/05 - Information Day was to be held at Hawkinge any Cllrs interested should contact the clerk before 11^th March.

d)

South East Plan - Consultation Document - Cllr Adam had started to read through - very difficult to comment on but would prepare a brief report for councillors.

10

HIGHWAYS

a)

Minutes of Highways Meeting - circulated.  The Clerk to chase regarding bollard at Tandoori.  Gullies to be checked to see if work had been carried out.

b)

Surface Programme 2005/06 - Road closures - Only one road in Marden was due to be closed for works to be undertaken which was Sherenden Lane.  All residents would be notified nearer the time.

11

CEMETERY

Blantyre House had contacted the Clerk to agree works to be undertaken.  This would take place within the next few weeks and the Council had been asked to provide all necessary equipment and lunch. 

12

PLAYING FIELD

a)

Quote for Rocking Horse - A quote for repairs to the horse had been received from Hop Engineering to the cost of £840 plus VAT.  All Cllrs in agreement.

b)

Trees at Cranham Square/Playing Field - Borough Councillor Germain to be contacted as he was looking into this.

Other Issues

Cllr Reid had been approached regarding grass cutting - he would look at playing field and report back to the clerk if grass needed mowing.  Quote for heating had not been received.  The Clerk to chase.

13

FINANCE

a)

Balances as at 19^th January 2005

Post Office £14,461.01  Current Account £00.00  Reserve Account £45,444.31

b)

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

c)

Finance Regulations - Cllrs all in agreement that these regulations be approved.  Cllr Adam was thanked for his work in this.

Maidstone Borough Council

Agendas and Minutes for MBC Committees

Weekly Planning Lists

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

Record of Decision

Others

Parish Magazine

Parish News

Downs Mail