MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

							           MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
                OF HIGH WYCH PARISH COUNCIL
                 HELD ON TUESDAY, 26 MAY 2009
                 AT HIGH WYCH MEMORIAL HALL


     Present:              DSmith (Chair)
                           W Marks
                           D Saunders
                           M Sykes

                           M Bayes (HCC)
                           Hertfordshire Constabulary - Items 1 and 2


  1.    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

        Apologies were received from Cllrs M Carver, S Clark and M Howarth.

  2.    REPORT FROM HERTFORDSHIRE CONSTABULARY

        PCSO Paul Lillie reported that speed checks using speed guns had been
        carried out in the High Wych and Allens Green areas. There had been a
        drop in the number of crimes and it is hoped that now that the CCTV
        cameras have been installed at The Manor of Groves, the downward trend
        will be continued.

        M Sykes commented that the junction between West Road and High Wych
        Lane is very dangerous due to the current lack of road markings.
        D Smith had reported to Herts Constabulary a suspicious looking vehicle
        on 3 June in Great Hadham.

3.      MINUTES OF MARCH HWPC MEETING

        Having been circulated, these Minutes were agreed and duly signed.

4.      MATTERS ARISING FROM ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

        Item 2. Fly tipping
        This is still an ongoing problem.

        Item 7a. Footpath
       Mary Bayes reported that the draft is now out for consultation and that
       HCC have started to clear the footpath. A letter is to be sent to the owners
       of Bakers Farm outlining the current situation.
                                                                    Action: Clerk
      Item 7b. Dog Litter
      One bin had been installed on the High Wych Road on a site which falls
      within the district of Sawbridgeworth. There was some confusion as to
      whether this was one of the three dog litter bins which are scheduled for
      erection within the parish of High Wych. Situation to be clarified.
                                                              Action: W Marks

       Item 7c. School Parking
       W Marks having looked at the section of the highway in question, she
       does not see parking as a major problem and has spoken to the parent who
       originally reported it


5.   REPORT BY CLLR. M SYKES

      a. Allotments
      The allotment association had held their first plant sale and made a profit of
      £270.00. It was agreed that prizes value £20 and a small trophy, £10 and
      £5 should be given to the owners of the best kept allotments. Discussion
      with Allotment Association as to what form these monetary payments
      should be made.
                                                                  Action: M Sykes

      b. Police
      The next meeting of the Police Liaison Committee will be attended.
                                                             Action: M Sykes

6.   REPORT BY CLLR. W MARKS

a. Footpaths
   Mick Howarth to be advised of overhanging tree in Broadfields
                                                            Action: W Marks
   Nicholas Maddox is to be asked to provide details of Parish Paths
   Relationships and any other relevant information.
                                                            Action: W Marks

7. REPORT BY CLLR. D SAUNDERS

a. Memorial Hall
   The hall is still making a profit

b.   Car Park
     Nothing further has been resolved regarding long term repairs.

c.   Consultation Documents
     Nothing to report
8.        REPORT BY CLLR. D SMITH

a.        Guide Hut
          The guides still have the unpaid solicitors bill. Despite several attempts to
          arrange a meeting between the parish council and guide committee to
          discuss the financial aspects of the lease, the guides have not yet come up
          with a date.

b.        Website
          All minutes for this and last year are now available on the website. Any
          other useful information for inclusion on the site to be sent to David Smith.
          (Website: Highwychandallensgreen.co.uk)

c.        Stansted Airport
          Everything is very quiet at the moment. Mary Bayes reported that HCC
          feel that BAA should withdraw the application.

9. AUDIT

          The internal audit had been carried out by Marilyn Thorpe. The accounts
          were signed off by the Parish Council in order for them to be sent to the
          External Auditors by 1 June 2009.

10. RECYCLING

            It was agreed to invite Laura White of EHDC to come to the next Parish
           Council meeting to speak about the changes in refuse and recycling
           services.
                                                                   Action: Clerk

11.         MATTERS ARISING

     a. Note from Cllr. M Howarth - the swinging plank in the playground has
           been repaired.
     b. Note from Cllr. S Clark – planning application for Surrounded has been
        refused.
        The question was raised – once work has started on an approved planning
        application, is there a time limit in which the work has to be completed?

 12.         CHEQUES PAID SINCE LAST MEETING

           A list of cheques paid since the last meeting was given to Parish
           Councillors.

           The renewal premium for the annual insurance was discussed before the
           cheque was signed and posted.
   13.    ELECTION  OF  OFFICERS    TO   SERVE   ON                          THE
          UNDERMENTIONED BODIES OR ORGANISATIONS

          It was agreed that the under-mentioned bodies or organisations be
          represented by the following councillors:

          High Wych Memorial Hall Committee – D Saunders
          King George V Playing Field – M Howarth and S Clark
          Guide Headquarters – D Smith
          Sawbridgeworth United Charities – D Saunders
          Allens Green Village Hall Committee – M Sykes

          Janet van de Bilt and Ken Barden to be advised.

   14.    ALLOCATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

          Responsibilities are to remain as they currently are.

          S Clark:    Planning
                      Stop Harlow North/East of England Plans
          M Howarth: Playing Field/Grass cutting
                      Highways
          W Marks:    Litter Picking
                      Footpaths
          D Smith:    Guide Headquarters
                      Web site and communications
                      Stansted Airport
          D Saunders: Consultation Documents
                      Car park
          M Sykes:    Allotments
                      Legal/Police liaison/Neighbourhood Watch


   15.    ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN

          It was proposed, seconded and unanimously RESOLVED that David
          Saunders be elected to the post of Chair and Michael Sykes to the post of
          Vice-Chair from the end of this meeting to end 15 July meeting.

    16.   DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

          The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, 15 July at 8 pm in High
          Wych Memorial Hall. Additional dates will be set at this meeting.


There being no other business, the meeting closed at 9.45 PM