Present:
Mr Senior (Chair), Mrs Adams, Mrs Aylott, Mrs Elphick, Mr Hardy, Mr Watson and Mrs Williams, District Councillor Keith Baker, Mrs Lancey (Clerk), 1 member of the public.

Public Forum
Mr Hodgson had attended the meeting at HDC when the planning application for the airbase had been discussed. He complained that whilst some conditions were already being adhered to by the owners of the site, others were not. Specifically the hours of operation had not changed. Mr Senior pointed out that noise coming from the site was an issue that concerned Stukeley Parish Council rather than Alconbury. Councillor Baker confirmed that it had been agreed that the owners would comply with all conditions. It was agreed that an on site meeting might be useful. This would be an agenda item for November.

95. Apologies for Absence
Apologies received from Mrs Dyer, Mrs Hathaway and County Councillors Peter Brown and Laine Kadic.

96. Councillors' Declaration of Interest for items on the Agenda
Mrs Williams and Mr Watson declared a personal interest in the agenda item dealing with Maypole Square, living in close proximity to the site. Mrs Williams declared a prejudicial interest in planning application 0802641FUL as the occupants were known to her and she lived in close proximity, and Mr Watson declared a personal interest in the same application, living in close proximity. Mrs Williams declared a personal interest in agenda item 103 as the land owners were known to her.

97. To sign and approve minutes of previous meeting held on 30th September 2008. (Draft copy had been amended to add the time that Mrs Williams left the meeting.) Minutes proposed by Mrs Aylott and seconded by Mr Hardy. Minutes duly approved and signed.

98. Resignation - Mrs Mary Watkin
It was noted with great regret that Mrs Watkin had resigned from the Council due to personal commitments. Mr Senior expressed his appreciation for the huge benefits she had brought to the Council and her hard work over the past seven years. She would be sorely missed. A letter of acknowledgement had already been sent to Mrs Watkin.

99. Co-option of New Parish Councillors
HDC had confirmed that two new Councillors could be co-opted in place of Mr Brown and Mrs Watkin. Mr Ray Pickering and Mr Roger Sale had both applied for the vacant positions. They were both in attendance and were duly co-opted onto the Council. They both signed their Declaration of Acceptance of Office and were welcomed to the Council.

100. Work in the Churchyard
Mr Scott, Churchwarden had requested further clearance of undergrowth to be carried out in the Churchyard. A quotation had been obtained from Mr. Michael Cullum for £585 for the work required. £1500 had been set aside in the Precept, £400 of which had already been spent. It was agreed to accept Mr Cullum‚Äôs quotation.

101. Grass Cutting
The standard of grass cutting in the village was discussed. Alan Summerfield the current contractor would not be increasing his prices for the forthcoming season. The Clerk was also obtaining quotes from other contractors. The possibility of working alongside the ASSC was also discussed. It was agreed to pursue this further at the Precept meeting on 3rd November 2008.

102. Request for Tree Work on the Village Green
Quotation for tree work on the village green had been received from Global Tree Solutions. The total was for £1190 but only £705 remained in the budget for the year. This had been discussed with the Tree Warden, Peter Rowlings and he had suggested that work on the horse chestnuts could be delayed, but the other remedial work in the sum of £665 should be accepted. This was agreed by Parish Councillors. Clerk to action.

103. The Community Orchard (Mrs Williams declared a personal interest)
After discussions with the valuers, it was agreed that the Clerk should contact the land owner to try to agree a price that would be acceptable for the purchase of the land in question. It should also be made clear that several other facts needed to be established, such as access to the site. Clerk to action.

104. A14 Engineer's Visit - report from Mr Watson
Mr Watson and Mrs Williams had accompanied an engineer involved in the A14 scheme on a local inspection of locations of concern. The engineer would arrange for traffic measurement figures and the estimated increase in traffic flow to be provided, hopefully for the November Parish Council meeting. It was felt that, in part, the Parish Council’s concerns had been recognised. Exhibition of the scheme to be held on 30th November, and 1st and 2nd December. Clerk to confirm opening times.

105. Maypole Square - update from Mrs Aylott (Mr Watson and Mrs. Williams declared a personal interest)
Mr Hardy, Mrs Adams, Mrs Elphick and Mrs Aylott had organised and completed painting and planting at Maypole Square. The new pump stand had been delivered and the pump and stand would be fitted as soon as possible. Clerk to write a letter of thanks to Neighbourhood Watch for supplying the planters.

106. Huntingdon Flood Forum - update from Mrs Elphick
The Parish Council had asked what impact overgrowth of vegetation in the brook was having on wildlife and flooding - especially leading out of the village towards the racecourse. The response was that this stretch of the river was classified as low risk and that in times of flooding if the water overflowed in this area no persons or property were at risk. Clerk to copy response to resident who posed the original question. Mr Pickering volunteered to attend any future Flood Forums.

107. Request from resident for signage on the B1043 - Ermine Street - towards Alconbury Hill
Clerk to contact Highways accordingly. It was agreed that road signage in and around the village should be an agenda item for November.

108. Request for donation from 1st Alconbury Guides
As requested, further information had been obtained from the 1st Alconbury Guides. A donation of £200 was agreed (Section 137).

109. Request for donation from Huntingdon Community Radio.
The Parish Council did not feel this was a cause benefiting a large proportion of the community and it was decided therefore not to make a donation.

110. Request for donation - The Thursday Club
A donation of £200 was agreed (Section 137). The Parish Council felt this was a most worthy group.

111. Request for donation - The Poppy Appeal
Donation of £50 agreed. (Section 137)

112. Small Scale Environmental Improvement Scheme - 2009 Bid
Councillors were asked to consider this Scheme. It would be discussed at the November meeting.

113. Neighbourhood Watch - update from Mrs Aylott/Mr Hardy
A date for the Village Affair had been set for July 11th 2009 and Neighbourhood Watch sought permission from the Parish Council to use the village green. Clerk to confirm permission in writing. The bench in memory of Barry Stock will shortly be re-sited beside the path leading to the Memorial Hall. A new noticeboard had been provided on the corner of Field Close and Manor Lane. Clerk to write a letter of thanks.

114. Alconbury Sewage Treatment Works
The Clerk had passed contact details of the school to Skanska Aker Solutions in the hope they might be able to help with work in the playing field.

115. Emergency Planning
Meeting planned for 11th November 208 at 8.00pm in the Manor. Working Party would be joined by Mr Pickering and Mr Sale.

116. The Scout Store
Nigel Murphy had asked the Parish Council to look over the plans for the Scout Store prior to submission. It was agreed that the planning application should be submitted in the name of the Scouts and a notice served on the Parish Council as land owners. These new plans should also be put before the Memorial Hall Committee.

117. Bi-monthly Newsletter
It was agreed that Mrs Williams would continue as editor until the AGM in May 2009 but she would liaise with Mr Sale during this time. Mr Pickering would take over the deliveries for Manor Lane and Field Close, and Mr Sale would take Coulson Way, Frumetty Lane and Lordsway Park.

118. Clearance of path between Bell Lane and Rusts Lane
Quotation received for £200 from A.C. Green was accepted.

119. Committee Reports
(a) Planning Applications Received (Mrs Williams left the meeting for this agenda item having declared a prejudicial interest)
0802641FUL - replacement pitch roof to garage - Maypole Square. It was agreed this would enhance the area. Recommend approval.

Applications Determined by HDC
0802467FUL - Extension to Surgery and part enclosure of entrance porch - The Surgery, School Lane - permission granted.
080262FUL - Erection of agricultural grain and general purpose building - Land at Great North Road. - permission refused.
0802692FUL - Alterations and extension to dwelling - 12 Spinney Lane permission refused.
Construction of Chemical Dosing Kiosk - permission granted under delegated powers.

(b) Clerk's Infrastructure Report
Churchyard: Nothing to report
Village Green: HGV had damaged the village green on the corner of Mill Road. This had been reported to CCC and the Police.
General: Complaints received of an HGV parking along the Great North Road. This had been reported to the Police
The interactive speed sign was now working.

(c) Bramble End: Monthly inspection carried out. Nothing to report.
The family of the late Mrs Yvonne Hawkins were pleased to erect a bench in her memory alongside the existing bench in Bramble End.

Mrs Williams/Mr Watson reported on the progress of enhancement to the area. Details and costs now needed to be identified. Mr Watson would proceed with organisation of grants and Mrs Williams would commence consultation with prospective users. The total cost of the scheme was considered to be in the region of £40K - £50K and it would be aimed at pre-school (up to 4 years old) and the 6-9 age group. This should be an agenda item for November and funding would be discussed at the Precept meeting.

120. Correspondence
Freedom of Information Act - New Model Publications Scheme
The Information Commissioner's Office was changing the emphasis in the approval and operation of publication schemes to a generic model which needed to be adopted and operated by all public authorities from 1st January 2009. Clerk to organise with adoption at November meeting, possibly with the assistance of Mrs Dyer.

Update of Register of Financial and Other Interests - Clerk reminded Councillors of the need to confirm or amend these details.

CPALC Constitution - new version issued with amendments from the last EGM - passed to Mrs Dyer.

121. Responsible Finance Officer's Report
Mr Senior and Mrs Aylott agreed to become new signatories on the Youth Group account. Mrs Williams agreed to become the new signatory on the Lloyds TSB accounts in place of Mrs Watkin. Clerk to organise.

Cheques for signature:
Demon - Webhosting October 08 - £11.75
Donation to Caresco (Section 137) - £150
Pipex Internet (October 08) - £14.99
Donation to Friends of Alconbury Church (Time Inspired) - £500
Juidith Aylott - Sundry Costs, Maypole Square - £85.92
Pump Stand, Maypole Square - £39.73
Donation to Citizens Advice Bureau - £100
Clerk‚Äôs Salary October 2008 - £407.11
H M Revenue & Customs - PAYE/NI - £529.39
Youth Group - CCC - youth worker and resources - £532.40
Payments were proposed by Mrs Adams and seconded by Mrs Williams.

Cleared Balances: C/A £5,383.65. D/A £36,759.86. The Youth Group £1,213.48.

122. Date of Next Meeting
25th November 2008 at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.

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