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4. Finance
Budget 2000/2001: The Clerk reported that the Finance Committee had met to consider the Budget for the coming year and all members had been circulated with the details, including a recommendation that the precept for the year 2000/2001 be £18,500. Bob David proposed that provision of £6,500 should be made in the Budget in respect of the L-shaped Field project. This amount would cover the cost of first year’s repayment on a loan raised to meet the capital cost and he considered that this need only mean an increase in the precept of £5,000-£5,500. The Clerk indicated that he considered that if such a provision were to be approved, the precept should be raised by the full amount. The proposal was defeated by 1 vote in favour to 5 votes against. Bob David then indicated that he felt that the Parish Council should make provision for a contribution towards the cost of the proposed Millennium Beacon, the exact costs and details of which were not available. The Clerk indicated that if the Council were disposed to make a provision in the Budget, he would again recommend that the precept be increased by the full amount of any such provision. It was then agreed by 4 votes to 1 that the Budget recommended by the Finance Committee be accepted and that the precept for 200/2001 be £18,500.
b. Grants:
(1) Crimestoppers Funding Appeal: The Clerk had circulated a copy of the letter appealing for financial support. It was agreed that a donation of £25 be made.
(2) Kemsley Road Residents: The Clerk reported that he had received an application for a grant. He had already advised the applicants that there were no funds available until the start of the next financial year. The applicants would then submit a more detailed application.
Tatsfield/Vern Assoc: The Clerk reported that he had received an application for a grant. He indicated that a grant of £300 was made in April 1999 to assist with the then forthcoming visit from Vern. The Budget for 2000/2001 contained a provision for a grant of £200 and it was agreed that this amount could be paid over immediately after 1 April 2000.
SCAPTC: The Clerk reported that the subscription for 2000/2001 would be £446.00 + VAT. This was provided for in the Budget.
c. Payments: as at Appendix B were approved.
5. Highways & Rights of Way
Highway Matters: Bob David reported on the following matters:-
B2024 Clarks Lane: Bob David indicated that he had placed in circulation the notes of the last meeting that indicated that the matter was proceeding.
White Lane: Bob David indicated that this matter had been placed on the back burner.
Approach Road: The replacement white plastic posts had been purchased and would be installed on the bend opposite the White House shortly.
Ricketts Hill Road: It was possible that Ricketts Hill Road would be re-surfaced in the coming year. If this was confirmed, SCC Highways would delay white-lining until after it was complete. If it was not confirmed, then white-lining would be carried out as soon as possible.
Fallen Leaves: Bob David reported that these had been cleared in the central village area.
FP564: Whilst there had been no further complaints about the loose shingle on this footpath, it was agreed that David Wood would contact SCC Rights of Way Officer to request that some action be taken to make the use of the path easier for the elderly and for pushchairs.
Road Salting: Following a complaint from a member of the public that it was not possible to contact SCC Highways to arrange road salting at short notice, it was agreed that enquiries would be made.
Tatsfield School: It was noted that there was a problem caused by parents collecting children from school who parked on the Rag Hill/Church Hill junction. After discussion, it was agreed that the Clerk should write to SCC Highways, the Police and to the School indicating the Council’s concern and requesting some action.
Footpath Obstruction: Bob David indicated that he had received complaints about overgrowing vegetation along the Ship’s boundary with Ship Hill. The Chairman noted the complaint.
SCC Provisional Transport Plan: It was agreed that the Plan would be considered by Bob David, Tony Erbes and David Wood and that their recommendations would be submitted to the next meeting.
Claimed Public Bridleway Rights: The Clerk indicated that he had been served with a formal notice indicating that Tatsfield Bridleways were applying to modify the definitive map. He had circulated a copy of the plan showing the route of the claimed bridleway. It was agreed that this matter would be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.
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