Minutes 21 April 08
Present: Cllrs Rose (Chair), Fairhall (Vice Chair),Forrester, Horlock, Peacock, Thompson and Worsley. R Ling (Clerk to the Council). Representative from Harwich and Manningtree Standard. 5 Members of the Public
Apologies: Cllr Rayner
25.08 Declarations of Interest
Cllr Rose Forrester declared a prejudicial interest in item 7 of the agenda but, as there was no discussion on the item, remained at the meeting but took no part in voting thereon.
26.08 Casual Vacancies
The Clerk reported that no elector had called for an election to fill the two casual vacancies and the Council could now co-opt suitable persons. A notice is displayed on the notice boards, and on the web site, inviting applications. The notice expires on 30th April and three applications had so far been received.
27.08 Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting held on 10th March 2008 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
Proposed Cllr Horlock
28.08 Matters arising from the minutes
a. Feeding of birds along The Walls
The Clerk reported that he was still awaiting legal advice from the National
Association of Local Council regarding what legal powers are available to
curb the feeding. He stated that TDC had offered no help other than
suggesting a cull of the geese. It was agreed to investigate a planting
scheme to deter the birds and to investigate whether the foreshore could be
leased from the Crown Commissioners which would allow the Council to
control the activities thereon.
b. Village Hall.
The Chairman gave a report on a recent meeting with the Football Club
which discussed possible changes to the management structure of the Hall.
A letter from the Stour Residents Association was circulated by Mr B
Flynn. It was agreed to hold further meetings with the Football Club and
report back to a future meeting.
c. Foundry Court
The Clerk reported a letter from ECC stating that Foundry Court would
remain open as a Day Centre for two days a week for the time being and a
working party of local organizations would be set up to discuss the future
of the Centre.
d. Public Access to Mistley Quay
The Clerk was asked to arrange a meeting with Manningtree Town Council
on either 6th or 9th of May and this Council would be represented by Cllrs
Fairhall and Rose.
29.08 Public Voice
The meeting was adjourned between 8.10 p.m. and 8.40 p.m. to allow
members of the public to speak. Matters raised were (1) feeding of birds at
The Walls (2) the Village Hall (3) public use of the Quay and (4) pathway to
the Hall.
30.08 Action on matters raised under Public Voice
Under (2) the matter will be dealt with under minute 23.08(b) and (4) the Clerk will take this up with the Furze Hill Warden
31.08 Finance
a. The following direct debits and standing orders were noted:
£669.00 (salaries) £81.99 (hire of photocopier)
b. The following payments made since the last meeting were noted:-
Essex Police £6750.00 Status Office Services £44.57
Essex Woodlands £1509.88 May Gurney £122.81
Bowling Garrad £681.50
c. The following payments were approved:-
B Forrester £177.59 R Ling £250.00
Macemain+Amsted £232.14 May Gurney £221.15
E.A.L.C. £429.12 E.A.L.C. £90.00
John Collins £75.00 C.P.R.E £28.00 (S137 payment)
Mistley Quay &Forwarding £25.00 Abbey National £510.00
Essex County Council £30.00 P Liverton £963.00
Tendring History Recorders £25.00 (S139 payment)
R Gwinnell and Sons £217.00
Friends of Essex Heritage £10.00 (S137 payment)
Proposed Cllr Horlock
d. The Clerk reported that he had sought three quotations for a three
year street light maintenance contract. One Company D.W. Windsor
declined to quote. Quotations had been received from T Cartledge
and A and J Lighting Solutions. The quotations were based on unit
prices for various items of work and, analysing them on work carried
out over the last twelve months, the quotation from A and J Lighting
Solutions gave the best value for money and was accepted.
Proposed Cllr Peacock
32.08 Planning
a. Recent planning decisions made by TDC since the last meeting were noted.
b. There were no objections to three new applications.
.
33.08 Correspondence
Recent correspondence was reported by the Clerk and is available from him.
Decisions made were (1) letter from Mr W Gull regarding the footpath between Remercie Road and Harwich Road – Chairman to inspect and Clerk to contact TDC regarding litter clearance and dog fouling (2) letter from Mr B Flynn requesting free use of Furze Hill for table top sales – approved subject to no encroachment on playing areas, public liability insurance, litter clearance and agreement of dates (3) letter from Trinity Free Church requesting use of top end of redundant grave yard for a children’s play area – Chairman to contact Pastor.
34.08 Date of next Meeting
Tuesday 27th May (Annual General Meeting) at the Church Room, Chapel Cut commencing at 7.30pm.
Meeting closed at 9.20pm
