1 – Apologies for Absence |
To receive apologies for absence.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, s 85.
2 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests |
To receive disclosure of any pecuniary interests relating to meeting agenda items.
Having declared an interest, a member must not participate in discussion on the matter and must not take part in any vote unless an appropriate dispensation has been granted.
Relevant Legislation: Localism Act 2011, s 31.
3 – Public Participation |
The council meets and makes its decisions in public. A council meeting is not a public meeting. It is a meeting held in public and there is no requirement in law which allows members of the public to speak at such meetings.
However, the council is is keen to encourage public attendance at meetings and will therefore provide an opportunity to local registered electors to show it is committed to community engagement.
A maximum of 3 minutes is allowed per person to speak and the total length of time afforded for public participation at each meeting shall be no more than 15 minutes, subject to an extension of this time, in exceptional circumstances, being agreed by the Chairman.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act, s 100.
4 – Approval of Minutes |
To approve the minutes of the meeting of the council held on Wednesday 23 October 2024.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, Sch 12, para 41 (1).
5 – Co-Option for Councillor in Castle Ward |
For Decision |
To resolve co-option for the position of Parish Councillor in Castle Ward.
Members are presented with a list of nine candidates who have submitted expression of interest forms along with a summary of their responses. Members are requested to consider these applications and resolve to co-opt one candidate who will then become a Parish Councillor and be asked to sign the Acceptance of Office book, before joining the meeting.
6 – Reports from outside organisations |
For Information |
1. Kent County Council
2. Dartford Borough Council
7 – Award for Exceptional Public Service |
For Decision |
To resolve and present the award for long-standing and exceptional public service to the Public Realm Manager Matthew Pearce.
Since 2015, the council has had a Recognition Policy to recognise exceptional or longstanding service to the community. Since 2015, awards have been made to former councillors and employees, community volunteers, and employees of local business. The policy dictates that a monetary figure of £50 is applied for the purchase of an appropriate award gift.
The Chairperson of Stone Parish Council has nominated the Grounds Maintenance Manager, Matthew Pearce for this award after 20 years of service to the Parish. Members are requested to resolve the award and for the presentation of the award to follow.
8 – Finance |
8.1 – CIL Strategy |
To resolve CIL strategy 2024-2029.
8.2 – Pavilion Works |
For Decision |
To resolve CIL expenditure of up to £200,000 to support required maintenance and refurbishment works to Stone Pavilion that are outside of the contractual works in the Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan scheme.
Members are presented with a project financial summary report from Liberty QS that itemises the required maintenance works for Stone Pavilion. Due to the age and use of the building, works are now necessary to replace the floor in River Hall, make improvements and alterations to the lighting and toilets along with the addition of external cladding and the installation of solar thermal, heating and ventilation to help the Council meet its 2030 Carbon Neutral obligations.
8.3 – CIL Grant Request |
For Decision |
To consider a Community Infrastructure Levy grant request received from Reverend Kenneth Clark in respect of the Lantern Community Centre.
8.4 – Pay Awards |
For Information |
To note the Local Government Services Pay Agreement 2024/25.
Members are requested to note that the National Joint Council for Local Government Services (NJC) has agreed the new pay scales for 2024-25 to be implemented from 1 April 2024.
To note the National Living Wage has been increased to £12.60 ph from 1st November 2024.
Members are requested to note the increase of the National Living Wage to £12.60 ph, implemented from 1st November 2024.
9 – Policies and Consultations |
9.1 – Dogs on Lead Policy |
For Decision |
To note the proposed draft Dogs on Lead Policy and to resolve to undertake consultation on the policy among residents and stakeholders to inform the council’s resolution.
Following the tragic incident at Stone Recreation Ground last month where a dog was attacked and killed by another dog, the risk assessment for Stone Recreation Ground has been reviewed in respect of dogs and a draft policy produced which proposes a requirement for Dogs on Leads. With the Masterplan works set to complete next year, the Recreation Ground will offer many more activities likely to generate a larger footfall to the site and variety of users so it is felt timely for this policy to be considered. A fuller review of the risk assessment for the site will be undertaken as works complete but broaching this particular issue now provides the time to carry out public consultation to establish the views of residents.
Members are requested to resolve approval for public consultation to be undertaken on the basis of the attached policy.
10 – Reports on Current Activity |
10.1 – Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan |
For Information |
To note a verbal update on the Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan.
10.2 – Lads of the Village |
For Information |
To note a verbal update on the sale of the Lads of the Village Public House.
10.3 – London Road Green Corridor |
For Information |
To note an update on the London Road Green Corridor project.
Members are presented with Dartford Borough Council’s Active Travel consultation on walking and cycling on London Road. The Consultation has just gone live and will determine the level of support among road users, residents and stakeholders.