The Minutes of the Meeting of Bolney Parish Council held on Tuesday 18^th December 2007

PRESENT:

Mr E Hazel (Chairman) (EH)

Mr P George (Vice Chairman) (PHG)

Mr D H Williams (DHW)

Mr F White (FW)

Mr K Mayer (KM)

Mr P Hopgood (PH)

Mr T Ricketts (Clerk for meeting)

4 members of the public

Questions/Comments from Members of the Public

Issues raised by residents related to the Car Park and the A272.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Mrs A Moir and Mrs J Dennis.
 

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 18 NOVEMBER 2007 

It was agreed by all that the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2007 be approved and signed by the Chairman.
 

3. MATTERS ARISING (for information only) 

On the report from Sue Seward in connection with household refuse, a query was raised about forthcoming collection dates. It was established that a calendar of such dates was available.

Report from District Councillor

There was no report on this occasion..

Report from County Councillor

WSC Councillor Mr P Griffiths had provided the Chairman with a written report which dealt with issues relating to:

- the new village hall and the news that the County Council had agreed to lease part of the new village hall for 25 years for the purpose of establishing an information point and a Children’s Centre;

- information on the A23 northbound slipway widening was still awaited; the lighting on Ryecroft Road should soon be installed;

- the Highway Rangers were available for vegetation clearance  highway.rangers@westsussex.gov.uk;

- stile repairs had been carried out to footpaths 27b and 28b; final recommendations on the Health consultation do not look likely to be formed until May 2008.
 

4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 

There were none.
 

5. FINANCE SUB COMMITTEE REPORT – BUDGET 2008/9 

The Budget for next year was discussed following work by EH, PG and JD. Each item of the budget was addressed and the reason for the proposals explained. The precept would need to take into account potential repayments to the Public Works Loan Board. It was resolved to set a precept for the next financial year in the sum of £29,620.
 

6. FOOTPATHS SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT 

PH reported some concerns about footpath 29A and a nearby electrical fence. It was queried whether the footpath had at some point been diverted? Reference would need to be made to the definitive map to establish the position.
 

7. EMERGENCY SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT 

No report.
 

8. PROGRESS ON RECRUITMENT OF A NEW PARISH CLERK

An update was provided. Efforts to recruit a Clerk were continuing..
 

9. VILLAGE HALL

a) Project Progress

DHW reported that expressions of interest for the project had been invited and 5 positive responses received. Post tender interviews have commenced and initial indications are that the sum likely to be raised from the sale of the existing site in order to finance the new build is consistent with or may even exceed budgetary expectations. The programme is currently being reviewed and refined to deliver best value consistent with the earliest practical site start date, unlikely to be before April 2008. A full presentation of the design of the development is scheduled for 10 February.

b) Finance – MSDC Cabinet (Grant and Lease) update

DHW reported that a grant of £100,000 or 9% of the project cost whichever is the lesser had been approved unanimously by MSDC Cabinet at a recent meeting. The lease proposals for the land at Batchelor’s Field were also approved with MSDC agreeing to meet their own internal legal costs.
 

10. NEW SEWER 

Impact on village hall project currently under review and details awaited from Southern Water.
 

11. CORRESPONDENCE

i.   Southern Water – proposed new hosepipe laws.
 

13. FINANCE

i.   List of accounts for payment circulated and approved;

ii.  Requests for Grants – none;

iii. Withdrawal of provision of internet access at the Post Office noted;

iv.  Cheque received from Football Club.

14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Tuesday 15 January 2008 following the Planning Meeting at 8pm

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.20pm.

Signed:…………………………………………………..

                                    CHAIRMAN

Date:…………………………