BISHOPSBOUNRE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting of the Council
Wednesday 8th May 2024 at 18:30
Present: Cllr Jamie Cole (Chairman); Cllr Bryony Dutta; Cllr Emma Homewood; Cllr James Thorneycroft; Cllr Mike Sole (CCC & KCC); 3 Members of the Public; Mrs Steph Woods (Clerk)
1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN FOR THE COUNCIL YEAR 2024/25
Cllr Dutta nominated Cllr Cole for the role of Chairman which was seconded by Cllr Homewood. No further nominations were received so Cllr Cole was elected as Chairman.
Cllr Cole nominated Cllr Homewood for the role of Vice Chairman which was seconded by Cllr Thorneycroft. No further nominations were received so Cllr Homewood was elected as Vice Chairman.
Both signed the declaration of acceptance which was witnessed and signed by the Clerk.
2. Chairman opening remarks, apologies and approval of absences:
The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting. Apologies have been received from Cllr Tapley.
3. Declarations of interest:
None were received.
4. Public Forum:
Members of the Public in attendance were afforded the opportunity to ask a question or make a statement.
- One member raised the Pothole in Rose Lane which is causing vehicle damage on right hand side of road coming down. To be reported to KCC again.
- The Flood Warden reported that the river is running well with the maintenance people booked until end of month. Ground water has gone down. If no more wet weather confident maintenance works will finish end May. If not, we will be notified by third week of May if needs extension.
- Library project was discussed. Litchgate is to be renovated but may not be the best site for the library. PC happy to contribute to renovation.
- Grass cutting at churchyard was raised and asked if contractor can put box on when mowing. Clerk to speak to contractor.
5. Finance:
a. Annual Internal Audit
This has been completed and circulated to all Councillors. There were no problems identified during the internal audit and the Statement of Internal Control for the year ending 31st March 2024 was signed by the Chairman and Clerk. The document will be put onto the Parish Councils website as part of the 2023/24 Annual Finances.
b. Certificate of Exception
This was signed by the Chairman and Clerk. The Clerk will email this to Mazar’s, the external auditor, with the other information they requested.
c. Annual Governance Statements for 2023/24
This was signed by the Chairman and Clerk and will be put onto the Parish Councils website as part of the 2023/24 Annual Finances.
d. Accounting Statements 2023/24
The annual bank reconciliation was signed by the Chairman and the Clerk. The Explanation of significant variances in the accounting statements – AGAR Section 2 for 2023/24 will be circulated tomorrow by email. Both documents will go onto the Parish Councils website as part of the 2023/24 Annual Finances.
e. Payments and Receipts: Precept received 29/04/23.
Bank Balance as of 3rd May 2024: £26,804.12 (£8,549.40 current account and £18,254.72 savings account)
Payments:
Stephanie Woods – Clerk Salary (Mar & Apr 24)
HMRC – Clerk PAYE Direct Debit
Unity Trust – Service Charge – £18.00
Stephanie Woods – Reimbursement for Marathon Sponsorship – £112.50
Kent Association Local Councils – Annual Membership – £188.14
It was also agreed by all councillors to pay April 2024 grounds maintenance invoice, by A J L Garden Services, received after the agenda was published, at a total of £480.
The above payments were proposed by Cllr Homewood and seconded by Cllr Dutta. ALL AGREED.
f. Cllr Thorneycroft proposed a £6,000 transfer be made from current to savings account following precept receipt which was seconded Cllr Homewood. ALL AGREED.
g. Annual Insurance Renewal
The annual renewal was discussed and it was agreed that the Clerk contact Gallaghers to see if we can remove some unnecessary cover to reduce costs. This renewal was previously agreed for a three year period by the previous clerk.
6. PLANNING
a. New applications:
- CA/24/00489 – Gilda Bakery, Court Lodge Farm, Frog Lane, Bishopsbourne – Retrospective planning application for a rear extension – neutral with no further comments.
b. Decisions:
None received.
7. ITEMS FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION
- Tidiness of outside tadpole tearooms was raised and Cllr Cole agreed to speak to them.
- The defribulator owned by the PC outside the Village Hall has a problem with the code and it’s not registered. Clerk to register it. Training is also needed again.
- Cllr Cole to speak to Vanessa about having a community meadow instead of allotment.
- Gate in top corner of Neame Meadow is always open and it was agreed the gate needs to be removed. Cllr Homewood to obtain quote to remove gate and Cllr Thorneycroft to look at a temporary solution.
8. CLOSE
There being no further business, the meeting was closed to the public at 19:27.
Signed …………………………………………………………………. (Vice Chairman)
Date ……………………………………………………………
Please note these Minutes remain as draft Minutes until they are approved by the Parish Council at their next Parish Council meeting on 10th July 2024.
Dates of Future Meetings:
10/07/24, 11/09/24 and 13/11/24