1.         TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE      

 

            Cllrs R Hart, L Daley. 

 

 

2.         TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 8^TH OCTOBER 2007

 

Cllr S James proposed that the minutes be accepted as a true record, seconded by Cllr M Carter and agreed unanimously.

 

 

3.            DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

            No declarations were notified.

 

 

4.                  PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND RELATED MATTERS

 

There were no plans for discussion as the Planning Committee had dealt with them under delegated authority at their meeting earlier in the evening.  Comments to be forwarded by The Clerk to Rochford District Council by the end of the week.

Action:  The Clerk.

 

Cllr D Collins advised members that with regard to planning application no. 07/00946/LDC, Golf Driving Range adjacent to 33A Aldermans Hill, Hockley application for use as a restaurant open to the public, the Planning Committee had noted that the situation of this property is in a dwelling area and is therefore unsuitable for use as a restaurant.

Action:  Noted.            

 

 

5.                  PUBLIC SPEAKING TIME

 

There were no members of the public present.

 

 

 

 

6.         TO CONSIDER CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED.

 

1)      Letter of thanks from Rochford & Rayleigh Citizens Advice Bureau Ltd for the donation of £400 from Hockley Parish Council towards the work at the bureau.  Members were grateful for the letter of thanks and noted its comments.

Action:  Noted, Newsletter Working Group.

2)      Letter of thanks from Peaceful Place for the donation of £300 from Hockley Parish Council towards the mini bus appeal.  Members were grateful for the letter of thanks and noted its comments.

Action:  Noted, Newsletter Working Group.

3)      Letter from a Hockley resident requesting the introduction of waiting restriction in Oak Walk, Hockley over a limited stretch of road where dangerous bends are included.  Copy petition signed by local residents and copy letter from Essex County Council enclosed.  There was a short discussion and members are in support of the waiting restrictions and request that the Clerk write to Highways explaining how the footpath is often blocked by parked cars and requesting the introduction of a waiting restriction.

      Action:  The Clerk.

4)      Letter from Hockley Parochial Church requesting a donation towards the funding of Disabled Access and Toilet Facilities, copy application and accounts enclosed.  Cllrs R & L Vingoe expressed a personal interest in this matter and requested an exclusion from any discussion. 

      There was a short discussion and members suggested this be considered by the       Policy and Procedure, Finance, Personnel and Donations Working Group.

Action:  Policy and Procedure, Finance, Personnel and Donations Working Group.

5)      Letter from Hockley Parish Plan thanking members for attending the launch of the parish plan and requesting the council’s overall comments on the quality of the draft Action Plan and help with the follow through  of the Plan.  There was a short discussion and members agreed a meeting should be held with Hockley Parish Plan and request the Clerk arrange this, preferably on a Monday evening, in order to discuss the draft Action Plan.

Action:  The Clerk.

6)   Letter from Havens Hospices requesting a donation towards meeting the costs of running the hospices.   Members discussed this request and felt confused at the mention in the letter of ‘all Churches in the local area to have a retiring collection on our behalf’.  Members agreed that this matter should be considered by the Policy and Procedure, Finance, Personnel and Donations Working Group and clarification should be made as to the issue of local churches or Parish Councils before any support is given by the Council.

      Action:  Policy and Procedure, Finance, Personnel and Donations Working Group.  The Clerk to telephone re. clarification.

7)   Email from Rochford Parish Council regarding planning enforcement training with a planning consultant and enquiring whether other Parishes would be interested in participating and sharing the cost.  Members discussed this and agreed they would be interested in this training subject to costs, times, dates and location.  Members requested the Clerk obtain details before a final decision is made.

      Action:  The Clerk.

8)   Letter of resignation from the Lettings Officer of Hockley Parish Hall.  Members were sorry to receive this resignation and are most grateful for her 30 years of service as Lettings Officer and for her offer of help in training a new Lettings Officer.  Members agreed the position should be considered by the Policy and Procedure, Finance, Personnel and Donations Working Group.

      Action:  Policy and Procedure, Finance, Personnel and Donations Working Group.         

 

 

7.            FINANCIAL REPORT

(Including bank balances, cheques paid under prior authority and to examine wages book)

 

1)      The list of bank balances and cheques for ratification and payment was made available for inspection.  Cllr S James proposed the cheques for ratification and payment be approved, seconded by Cllr B O’Shea and agreed unanimously. 

Action:  Responsible Finance Officer.

2)      The bank statements and wages book were made available for inspection.  Cllr G Powell proposed that the bank statements and wages book are signed, seconded by Cllr V Randall and agreed unanimously.

Action:  Responsible Finance Officer.

 

(a)  To consider the Precept for 2008/09.

      The Precept papers had been made available for inspection.  There was a short discussion on one or two items and the Clerk answered members’ questions.  An amendment was made to the Parish Hall items and the insertion of a new toilet floor, new shed and new front door made.   Cllr R Vingoe proposed the draft Precept 2008/09 be approved in the sum of £253,425 seconded by Cllr B Hazlewood and agreed unanimously.

      Action:  Responsible Finance Officer and The Clerk. 

 

 

8.         TO RECEIVE REPORTS OF WORKING GROUPS

(including outstanding-current and new issues)

 

1)      Footpaths Working Group

 

(a)   To consider/approve notes of the meeting of 9^th October 2007.

The notes had been circulated with the agenda for this meeting.

Cllr B Hazlewood briefed members on the Working Group’s considerations and asked for any comments and questions.

There was a brief discussion before Cllr B Hazlewood proposed that the notes of the meeting be approved and actioned, seconded by Cllr V Randall and agreed unanimously.    

Action:  Footpaths Working Group.

 

2)      Environmental Working Group

 

(a)   To consider/approve notes of the meeting of 9^th October 2007.

The notes had been circulated with the agenda for this meeting.

Cllr B O’Shea briefed members on the Working Group’s considerations and asked for any comments and questions.  Cllr V Randall enquired regarding 3. ii. Tree Report, any damage/vandalism to trees who would incur cost of repair?  Members agreed the Council may not always be in a position to fund this sort of cost and a simple letter requesting a donation for replacement tree may have to be written explaining that future maintenance would be the responsibility of the donator.  There was a brief discussion.    

Cllr G Powell proposed that the notes of the meeting be approved and actioned, seconded by Cllr R Vingoe and agreed unanimously.    

Action:  Environmental Working Group.

(b) To consider fencing around Plumberow Mount Play Area.  There was a long discussion amongst members and the general feeling was that a fence will not be of any advantage to this play area.  A vote was taken resulting in 8 for, 3 against and 1 abstention.

Cllr R Vingoe proposed a fence is not placed around the Plumberow Mount Play Area, seconded by Cllr G Powell and agreed unanimously.

Action:  Environmental Working Group.

(c) To consider £200 to be spent on maintenance and plants at Broad Parade.  Members discussed this and agreed the plants looked very good and the Council had received compliments from the public.

Cllr B Hazlewood proposed that £200 be spent on maintenance and plants at Broad Parade, seconded by Cllr R Vingoe and agreed unanimously.    

Action:  The Clerk.

Open Spaces Act 1906, ss.9 & 10.

(d) To consider Health & Safety maintenance at Marylands Nature Reserve in the sum of £950.

There was a short discussion amongst members before Cllr L Vingoe proposed Health & Safety maintenance is carried out at Marylands Nature Reserve in the sum of £950, seconded by Cllr R Vingoe and agreed unanimously.

Action:  The Clerk

Open Spaces Act 1906, ss.9 & 10.   

 

(e) Cllr R Vingoe raised an issue re. shop proprietors at Broad Parade being willing to pay for maintenance of the green area.  This can be considered later once the project is complete and when costs are more widely known.

Action:  Noted.

3)      Policy and Procedure, Finance, Personnel and Donations Working Group

(a)   To consider/approve notes of the meeting of 15^th October 2007.

The notes had been circulated with the agenda for this meeting.

Cllr V Randall briefed members on the Working Group’s considerations and asked for any comments and questions.

There was a brief discussion before Cllr V Randall proposed that the notes of the meeting be approved and actioned, seconded by Cllr C Weston and agreed unanimously.    

Action:  Policy and Procedure, Finance, Personnel and Donations Working Group.

 

 

(b)   To consider donation of £100 towards pantomime held in Greensward College.

After a short discussion Cllr R Vingoe proposed £100 is donated to The Rochford District Players towards their pantomime to be performed at Greensward College, seconded by Cllr B O’Shea and agreed unanimously.

Action:  The Clerk.

Local Government Act 1972, s.137.

(c)   To consider donation of £200 to the R.A.V.S. “Families in Need” Christmas Appeal.  

After a short discussion Cllr B Hazlewood proposed £200 be donated to the R.A.V.S. “Families in Need” Christmas Appeal, seconded by Cllr S James and agreed unanimously.

Action:  The Clerk.

Local Government Act 1972, s.137.

(d)   To consider arrangements with regard to the Parish Hall use, assistance in kind and Financial Support to Hockley Parish Plan Group.  Financial support not agreed due to poor accounts.

After a short discussion Cllr L Vingoe proposed the Hall use and facilities in kind remain in place until the end of the fiscal year for Hockley Parish Plan Group, seconded by Cllr G Powell and agreed unanimously. 

Action:  Policy and Procedure, Finance, Personnel and Donations Working Group.

(e) The Clerk confirmed that a council caretaker had received a leg injury whilst working.  This had been recorded in the council accident book and the council insurers would be advised accordingly.

Action:  The Clerk.

 

4)      Street Lighting, Festive Lighting and Special Events Working Group

            (a) To consider/approve notes of the meeting of 25^th October 2007.

The notes had been circulated with the agenda for this meeting.

Cllr R Martin briefed members on the Working Group’s considerations and asked for any comments and questions. Cllr V Randall was concerned regarding item 5(d) as to the size of the fairground ride and feels this event is becoming a fair rather than a family event.

There was a brief discussion before Cllr R Martin proposed that the notes of the meeting be approved and actioned, seconded by Cllr S James and agreed unanimously.    

Action:  Street Lighting, Festive Lighting and Special Events Working Group.

 

5)      Parish Hall Working Group

            (a) To consider/approve notes of the meeting of 31st October 2007.

The notes had been circulated with the agenda for this meeting.

Cllr G Powell briefed members on the Working Group’s considerations and asked for any comments and questions.  One matter of fact was made by Cllr C Weston who did offer her apologies for not attending the meeting and was not shown.  There was a long discussion amongst members regarding an appropriate recognition for the work of Pat Grisdale, organiser of Hockley Parish Hall Parent and Toddler Group.  Members agreed that Cllr G Powell should discuss the matter with Tracey Rodd.   

Cllr G Powell proposed that the notes of the meeting be approved and actioned, seconded by Cllr B O’Shea and agreed unanimously.    

Action:  Parish Hall Working Group.

 

 

9.                  TO RECEIVE REPORTS OF DELEGATES

 

            1)            Massive Project

 

                        If requested, Cllr V Randall will volunteer to be our delegate.

                        Action:  Noted.

 

            2)            Wildlife Conservation

 

                        Cllr B Hazlewood informed members he has put an item forward for the support of the land purchase                         and for a footpath through Hockley/Hullbridge Marshland.

                        Action:  Noted.

 

            3)            Central Committee

                        Cllr B Hazlewood informed members he attended the latest meeting and there was a long discussion                         regarding new housing and dog fouling.

                        Action:  Noted.

 

            4)            RHALC

 

                        Cllr B Hazlewood informed members that one of the local councillors is not happy with the way the RHALC is run and this needs reviewing.

                        Action:  Noted.

 

            5)            South Essex Area Forum

 

                        Cllrs B Hazlewood attended the latest meeting and there were many speakers regarding the partnership strategy and major projects.   Form filled in at the end with views for consultation.

                        Action:  Noted.

 

            6)            Youth Service Bus/Coach

 

                        Cllrs V Randall and S James informed members the bus is beautiful, but would the children be allowed to have fun?  The bus contains a small bench with a restricted area with videos/leaflets on sex, drugs and alcohol.  Many leaflets are made available on other youth topics.

                        Action:  Noted.         

 

 

10.       ANY MATTERS PERMITTED BY THE CHAIRMAN AS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION BY THE COUNCIL, TO INCLUDE REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS.

 

1)       Cllr L Vingoe enquired about the delivery of invitations to the Christmas Competition.  Delivery is to be made by Cllrs V Randall, S James and C Weston.     

Action:  Noted.

 

2)      Cllr R Vingoe asked for a future Agenda item to consider the purchase and use of a long wheel based bus for the transport of local youths.  Ashingdon and Hawkwell Councils to be asked for their interest.

Action:  The Clerk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting Closed at 9.45pm                                                Chairman……………….