1.         TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE      

 

            Cllrs C Weston and M Carter.            

 

 

2.         TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 13^TH AUGUST 2007

 

Cllr R Vingoe proposed that the minutes be accepted as a true record, seconded by Cllr G Powell 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 did raise the issue of the Rose Garden at Aldermans Hill.  The licensing application to transform a former tea room into a restaurant has been refused and Rochford District Council Planning Department are reviewing the current usage that may not be approved.

 

Cllr D Collins also raised the issue of the Pump House, Spa Road, Hockley.  Members felt that it may be better as residential use provided it is done in a tasteful manner in accordance with current building regulations. 

 

8.06pm  Meeting adjourned.

 

5.                  PUBLIC SPEAKING TIME

 

There were eight members of the public present.

General discussion took place on support for the HHAPPY project on Youth Activities in Hockley.  ARK II and the Hawkwell Youth project were also discussed.

 

8.16pm  Meeting re-convened.

 

6.         TO CONSIDER CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED.

 

1)      Letter from Rochford Hundred Association of Local Councils enclosing subscription renewal form for the year 2007/08 together with update form for names of representatives.  There was a short discussion and members agreed the subscription of £42 for 2007/08 should be paid.   

Action:  The Clerk.   

2)      Letter from Hockley Parish Plan requesting continued support from Hockley Parish Council with free use of the hall, photocopier and paper for the year.  There was a short discussion and members agreed this should be considered by the Policy and Procedure, Finance, Personnel and Donations Working Group.

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

3)      Notice from Essex Association of Local Councils of the Annual General Meeting to be held on Wednesday, 19^th September 2007 at 6.15pm at The Essex Records Office, Wharf Road, Chelmsford, preceded by a presentation at 3pm hosted by Essex County Council.  Complimentary buffet tea to be served at 5.15pm.  

Action:  Cllrs R Martin and B O’Shea agreed to attend.

4)      Letter from Rayleigh, Rochford and District Association for Voluntary Service informing and inviting members to forthcoming seminars to introduce The Rochford Compact, Voluntary Sector Training and Funding, enclosing registration form.  After a short discussion, Cllrs G Powell and L Daley agreed to attend.   

Action:  Cllrs G Powell and L Daley.

5)      Email from PC Steve Joynes, on behalf of the HHAPPY Group, seeking support from Hockley Parish Council in improving youth facilities in the area and requesting an article be published in the next Parish newsletter to help maintain and raise the group’s profile.  A request is also made for any guidance and advice and any planning considerations members would wish to see addressed.  Cllr R Vingoe declared a personal interest as he was a member of the group.  There was a short discussion and members agreed this should be considered by Policy and Procedure, Finance, Personnel and Donations Working Group.   

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

6)   Letter from Hockley and Hawkwell Methodist Church regarding the demolition of annexe and extension of car park and informing members that the work has now been completed.  The possibility of installing multimedia equipment is being considered by the Church and if this is to go ahead the Church will take the opportunity to view the grant files held in the Parish office. 

      Action:  Noted.

7)   Letter from Mark Francois MP regarding the Hockley Railway Station fence and overgrown foliage informing members that he has written to One Railway and

 

      Network Rail regarding this matter and will be in touch again once replies have been received.

      Action:  Noted.    

 

 

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 R Martin proposed the cheques for ratification and payment be approved, seconded by Cllr P Meacham 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 B O’Shea and agreed unanimously.

Action:  Responsible Finance Officer.

 

 

8.         TO RECEIVE REPORTS OF WORKING GROUPS

(including outstanding-current and new issues)

 

1) Parish Hall Working Group

(a)               To consider/approve notes of the meeting of 14^th August 2007.

The notes of the meeting 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. 

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

Action:  Parish Hall Working Group.

(b) To consider retention of £20.00 deposit for unnecessary use of the lower hall front fire door.

There was a short discussion and where it can be proved we will charge the £20 cash, but the working group should continue reviewing options.

Cllr B Hazlewood proposed that where the door is found to be open by Council staff then it is proved and the hirer should be charged £20 from their deposit, seconded by Cllr B O’Shea and agreed unanimously.

Action:  Parish Hall Working Group.

(c) To consider retention of £20.00 deposit for depositing rubbish in the councils roll away rubbish bin.

There was a short discussion and where it can be proved we will charge the full deposit of £50, but the working group should continue reviewing options.

Cllr R Hart proposed that if rubbish from the hirer was found to be in the bin, then the charge should be the full £50 from their deposit, seconded by Cllr L Vingoe.  A vote was taken 9 For and 3 Against.  

Action:  Parish Hall Working Group.

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

       (a) To consider/approve notes of the meeting of 16^th August 2007.

The notes of the meeting 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 questioned the sponsorship that was agreed to be on behalf of the Hockley Chamber of Trade & Commerce.

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

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

       (b) To consider a Community Awareness Day.

       Cllr S James suggested the date Saturday, 26^th January 2008, use of the hall being free.  Cllrs B O’Shea, G Powell, V Randall and R Hart agreed to take part and plan the day accordingly.  The actual cost of Hall hire for the full day would have been 1st floor - £130 and 2^nd floor - £210.  

       Cllr R Martin proposed the Hall be provided free and date for the Community Awareness Day be Saturday, 26^th January 2008, seconded by Cllr B O’Shea and agreed unanimously.

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

       (c) To consider a Security Awareness Day.

       Cllr R Vingoe suggested the date be in February 2008, use of hall being free.  Cllrs B O’Shea, G Powell, V Randall and R Hart agreed to take part and plan the day accordingly. The actual cost of Hall hire for the full day would have been 1st floor - £130 and 2^nd floor - £210.

       Cllr R Vingoe proposed the Hall be provided free and date for the Security Awareness Day be in February 2008, seconded by Cllr R Martin and agreed unanimously.

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

 

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

       (a) To consider/approve notes of the meeting of 20^th August 2007.

The notes of the meeting 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 short discussion before Cllr V Randall proposed that the notes of the meeting be approved and actioned, seconded by Cllr R Vingoe and agreed unanimously.

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

 

 

       (b) To consider a donation of £400.00 to the local Citizens Advice Bureau.

       Members discussed the request for a donation and agreed this should be made. 

       Cllr V Randall proposed a donation of £400.00 be made to the local Citizens Advice Bureau, seconded by Cllr S James and agreed unanimously. 

       Action:  The Clerk.

       Local Government Act 1972, s.137.   

       (c) To consider a donation of £300.00 to Peaceful Place.

       Members discussed the request for a donation towards the purchase of a new mini bus and agreed to this.

       Cllr V Randall proposed a donation of £300 be made to Peaceful Place, seconded by Cllr R Vingoe and agreed unanimously.

       Action:  The Clerk.

       Local Government Act 1972, s.137.   

 

 

9.                  TO RECEIVE REPORTS OF DELEGATES

 

1)      Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership 

 

      Cllr V Randall informed members that Hockley is at present below average of violent crime in this area.  Prolific offenders are visited at least once a week and the Spray Art Group in Rochford has proved to be very successful.

Action:  Noted.

 

2)      Hockley Public Hall

 

      Cllr R Hart attended a meeting on behalf of Cllr L Vingoe.  The hall is in good condition, but there are a few problems to be resolved.  Cllr R Hart informed members he will update members further once he receives the minutes.  

Action:  Noted.

 

3)      CCTV

 

      Several Councillors had attended the control room at Altek Security Ltd to view the CCTV scheme monitoring.  The cameras are fixed pan and tilt and good quality pictures are received.  The monitoring is carried out only on certain days of the week and the cost of this is approximately £60 per night.  The cost of the hardware can prove very expensive and members agreed the Policy and Procedure, Finance, Personnel and Donations Working Group review the principle of a CCTV scheme for Hockley with a recommendation back to Full Council.

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

 

4)      Parish Plan 

 

      Cllrs L Vingoe and S James attended the pre-launch meeting.  The next meeting and full launch will be on 18^th October 2007 and both Councillors

 

      requested more members try to attend.

      Action:  All Councillors to attend if possible. 

 

 

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

 

1)      Cllr R Hart asked for an Agenda item at next Full Council to consider a plaque for Gordon Grant.      

Action:  The Clerk.

 

2)      Cllr B Hazlewood asked for an Agenda item at next Full Council to consider a replacement for the vacancy on Council.       

Action:  The Clerk.

 

3)      Cllr B Hazlewood asked for an Agenda item at next Full Council to consider entertainment/hospitality for visitors to Parish Hall.        

Action:  The Clerk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting Closed at 9.30pm.                                               Chairman……………….