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Minutes of a Meeting of Ellisfield Parish Council
held in the Memorial Hall on Monday 07 November 2005 at 7.30 pm
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Present
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Tim Guinness (Chairman)
Caroline Cazenove, Steven Gould, Peter Hopwood, Alison Swanston and Rose Taplin (Councillors)
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In Attendance
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Jacqueline Matthews (Clerk)
PC Andy Reid
2 members of the public
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1.
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Apologies for Absence. None
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2.
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Minutes of the Meeting held on 19 September 2005. Agreed and signed as a true record.
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3.
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Matters Arising from the Minutes (for which no relevant Agenda Item is listed below). None
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OPEN FORUM
PC Reid reported that there had been no crime in Ellisfield since the last Parish Council meeting. Chairman asked if anyone had reported the tyres that had been dumped at the corner of College Lane, Winslade Lane and Bushy Warren Lane; PC Reid confirmed that the Police had been made aware of this and explained that local landowners were taking action to address the issue of Flytipping. He reported that there were plans for several local landowners to purchase infra-red cameras that would be used at sites where there is frequent flytipping. These cameras are activated when a hidden beam is broken and take several thousand pictures that are timed and dated, therefore can be used in court as evidence. There will be an article in the local press intended to inform and deter.
PC Reid was asked for his comments regarding local concerns about the planning application for Merritt’s Farm and the potential increase in traffic along Bell Lane and surrounding roads. PC Reid confirmed that the Police operate from reported accident statistics and that there are no records of accidents along Bell Lane. He explained that the road has no restrictions; speed, width, height etc, so there is nothing for the Police to enforce. PC Reid confirmed he would contact the Road Traffic Policing Unit and seek their views. Chairman asked if the Police would be able to write a letter to support residents concerns, but PC Reid said he thought this was unlikely as there is nothing (statistically) they can write.
Michael Courage, supported by Duncan McCallum made a number of points in connection with the Planning Application for change of use (B1 to B8) for Merritt’s Farm;
- Has previous B1 Planning Permission expired and if so is this a completely new application? Duncan McCallum will investigate and establish whether it is possible to interchange between B1 and B8 as suggested on some internet websites
- Planning Case Officer, Graham Wyatt is no longer employed by BDBC and the application will now be considered at the BDBC Development Control (DC) meeting on 07 December rather than 16 November.
- Duncan McCallum to investigate whether an appropriate person can be found to counteract BDBC Highways report. BDBC Planning Officer’s Development Control Advice regarding Highways makes no objection to this application and it appears to be based on the fact that there are no restrictions on Bell lane, ‘a 60 mph road although the actual vehicle speeds are predicted to be lower due to low width of the lane and lack of forward visibility due to the alignment of the highway.’ The Planning Officer recommends approval subject to the following condition; T19 vehicle parking space; T291 Visibility requirements (stipulated for access only) T43 loading/unloading and turning. The document includes a plan showing how a 10 metre lorry would be able to turn on the site to enable it to enter and leave in a forward gear. It appears they are more concerned with access to the site than road safety.
- David? from Ivy Cottage has produced an excellent report focusing on the fact that Merritt’s Barn is in the Ellisfield Conservation area and this fact should be taken into consideration.
- Tim Guinness has established how much the rents are for the farm buildings and Michael Courage reported there had been some discussion amongst local residents about renting the buildings themselves.
- Whilst there have been no accidents along Bell Lane that have been reported to the Police, there have been many accidents and these are to be collated
- Doreen Lonergan has agreed to speak to Maria Miller and Joanne Thomas of Bell Lodge has organised a petition that is currently circulating around the village
- A reporter from the Basingstoke Gazette has spoken to Michael Courage and Jacqui Matthews and is keen to feature the story with photographs. It was discussed and agreed that this would best appear 2 weeks before Development Control meeting to raise awareness and enable discussion via ‘letters to the editor’ page.
- It was confirmed that Duncan McCallum would be objector’s spokesperson at the meeting.
- A meeting of local residents/objectors on Friday on 28 October had agreed a political approach was best and they plan to lobby borough councillors who are members of DC committee by telephone, following this with written evidence supporting objections.
- De Haas and two others to have a meeting with John Jervoise on Wednesday 09 November
- Tim Guinness asked if there was anything to learn from the experience of other villages, notably Shalden/Lasham and Brown Candover who have had similar planning applications in recent years. Michael Courage reported he had visited Brown Candover site (Box-It) and said it was quite alarming – the size of building and volume of traffic and the potential for growth at Merritt’s Farm once planning permission had been granted, particularly as the large barn on the site is not included in this application. Jacqui Matthews reported that following discussions with Brown Candover Councillors and Parish Clerk, it appeared that despite achieving some restrictions to planning permission granted, these had been largely ignored.
- The Ramblers had written an excellent letter of objection, CPRE are not able to object as they did not do so within initial timescales.
- Summary – All objections will focus on traffic concerns
Chairman thanked Mr Courage and said the Council would discuss the matter at the appropriate point on the meeting and it was likely that the Parish Council would write another letter.
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4.
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To receive a report and approve any action needed on:
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i.
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Highways: Cllr Hopwood reported that work on white lining has been started on Axford Road; solid and dotted lines had been painted along the edges of the road last week but that they did not seem to have had much effect on the speed of traffic and they were already covered with mud and not very visible; The centre white lines had not yet been removed. The meeting with Keith Pauw (HCC Highways) due last Wednesday, 02 November had been rescheduled to Wednesday, 09 November. Cllr Hopwood to take digital photographs of Mr Pauw’s pictures of Village Gateways, to be shown to councillors unable to attend meeting and perhaps residents via noticeboards. Following Paul Turner’s comments at the last meeting; The need for Village Gateways at Grammarsham Lane and Saucy Corner was discussed and it was agreed that reasonably large signs saying ‘Welcome to Ellisfield – Please Drive Carefully’ would suffice and that the bulk of the money available would be best spent on the Axford Road where the danger of speeding traffic is greatest. Action: Cllr Hopwood
Cllr Hopwood reported there had been a report on BBC South in which a Berkshire Policeman had reported that ‘pinch-points’ in the road had more effect on speeding traffic than speed cameras. Cllr Hopwood to contact BBC South and obtain more details Action: Cllr Hopwood
Cllr Swanston reported there was an article in The Basingstoke Gazette reporting that Up Nately Parish Council had recently persuaded HCC to introduce a 30mph speed limit through the village. Clerk to contact Up Nately Parish Clerk. Action: Clerk
Clerk reported that following an email form Chris Thomas at Hampshire County Council regarding changing the Cycle Route signs at the bottom of Green Lane in which it was stated that it was necessary to consult BDBC who are directly responsible for these signs; Rebecca Heath at BDBC had sent a copy of the plan submitted to HCC who need to approve and issue a work number before the work can start. Chris Thomas away on leave at present, so another email has been sent and we await his response.
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ii.
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Web Site: On Sunday 16 October, new webmaster Mark Thomas from Bell Lodge, Chairman and Clerk attended at training session with Paul Turner who has now formally handed over responsibility for web. It was noted that the Parish Council is very grateful to Paul Turner for administering the website so efficiently in the past and to Mark Thomas for taking on this responsibility.
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iii.
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Land and Property: Cllr Gould reported that following a meeting with a representative from South East Water on Thursday 03 November, an estimate of £914.33 +VAT had been received to make the connection to the mains and install a water meter. The position in Green Lane (adjacent to The Fox car park and the bottom of the track leading to Honeysuckle Barn) had been marked where the connection to the mains would need to be made and SE Water had confirmed it is not possible to connect to Honeysuckle Barn supply. Cllr Gould also reported that the Parish Council would need to get estimates/appoint contractors to dig and place pipes along the track from The Fox to allotments and this would be likely to cost £3/4000. Contact details of two contractors; Hamlin Water Mains, 01189 891 555 and Chris Girlin, 01252 332 323. It was discussed and agreed that it may be possible to secure an alternative water supply via Portsmouth Estates who are believed to have a water supply in adjacent fields. Cllr Gould confirmed that once there had been a frost, it would be possible to start to clear the groundcover and then estimates for fencing could be obtained. Action: Cllrs Gould and Taplin
It was discussed and agreed that once estimates had been obtained, Clerk should again contact Brian Saunders BDBC allotment advisor and make enquiries about grants. Action Clerk
Chairman reported that he had made further enquiries into the cost of replacing the aluminium noticeboards; he had contacted a local supplier and visited boards supplied to Preston Candover and Beech – these were slightly disappointing and a quote is to be obtained from supplier of Lower Common noticeboard, also review the aluminium noticeboards again to determine whether they really need replacing and speak to Sid and Rose Gray who may know who organised them originally. It was discussed and agreed that Clerk should contact BDBC make enquiries about POPPI grants. Action Chairman, Cllr Hopwood and Clerk
Cllr Gould reported that Steve Brabbin had inspected the Bus Shelters and both require new roofs. A written quotation to be obtained from Steve Brabbin. It was discussed and agreed that Clerk should contact BDBC make enquiries about POPPI grants. Action Cllr Gould and Clerk
Chairman reported details of a conversation with Ray Ingram (brother in law of Pauline Avis of Cresta Run) regarding a parcel of land at the bottom of College/Green Lane - behind Wykens/Roblyn/Woodside/Greystones etc. Mr Ingram would like to give this land approx. 1/3 acre to the village. He initially spoke to Tim Sullivan, who reported this to Clerk who told Chairman who spoke to Mr Ingram. There is a need to confirm title to the land in question before anything can be done and Mr Ingram will do this.
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iv.
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Burial Ground: Cllr Cazenove reported that she had checked the seat in the burial ground and didn’t think it looked too bad, but it was discussed and agreed that it should be exchanged with one of the seats from The Gravel Pits, which get less use and are in better condition. The memorial plaque also to be exchanged. Action Cllrs Cazenove and Hopwood
The Draft New Burial Ground regulations and charges were discussed and approved and it was confirmed that the size of memorial plaque for the cremated remains section should be 12" x 12". Copies of new regulations to be circulated to local Funeral Directors. Action Clerk
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v.
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Environment: Cllr Swanston reported that work on the sewage leak into the Kit Lane right of way from houses (Cooper’s Farm, Fairviews and Hedgerows) in Bell Lane was scheduled to start that day (07 Nov). Environment Agency finally given permission for discharge. Clerk reported that HCC had been contacted about clearing the roadside surface water soakaways (Grips) following recent heavy rain and Autumn leaf fall.
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vi.
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Swing: Cllr Gould reported swing requires a new bolt and new seat, but otherwise in good order. Action: Cllr Gould and Clerk
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vii.
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Neighbourhood Watch: Nothing further to report following PC Reid’s report.
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viii.
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Memorial Hall Cllr Swanston reported that the next Memorial Hall Committee meeting is 29 November 2005 with Christmas Fair on Saturday 19 November
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Basingstoke District Association of Parish & Town Councils: Cllrs Hopwood and Taplin attended meeting on Thursday 29 September. Cllr Hopwood had circulated a report via email and confirmed that Maria Miller MP thought that SEERA had been very un-democratic in the way it had completed their report that was now being submitted to the Government Ministers for consideration, and that it would "fail". To her knowledge there had been no discussions by Government on financing of the services and infrastructure. She indicated that the Government did not work in this way! Several councillors (including Cllr Hopwood) suggested that this is the usual lack of forward planning by Government resulting overloading of existing public services. The following speaker was Tony Curtis of BDBC who presented the level of housing allocations for North, Central, and South Hampshire. He also showed the two changes that had taken place of the borderline between North and Central Hants. North Hants delegates were very unhappy with the large allocation of new housing to the Borough, and passed a resolution that the proposed rate of new house building was not achievable and that new build should be retained at the present rate. The new build figures for rural Central Hants were small and very much in line with the existing figure of 600 houses per annum. Mr. Curtis pointed out that no further consultation would be permitted until early next year.
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5.
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To receive an update on current Planning Applications and to consider any new Planning Applications.
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The Clerk provided a written report as follows:
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Application Number
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Details
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Parish Action
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Outcome
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TCA 1947
Orchard House, Church Lane
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Notice of intent to cut back branches of beech tree overhanging garage and outbuildings. Also Sycamore tree to be topped or felled
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No objections (during summer break, consulted via email)
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No objection valid for 2 years from August 2005
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BDB 61655
Sylvan Lea, Green Lane
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Erection of side conservatory
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No Objection
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Granted subject to 2 conditions
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BDB 61551
Merritt’s Farm, Bell Lane
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Change of Use from Class B1 offices, research & development and light industrial use to Class B8 wholesale warehouse, distribution centres and repository use
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Parish wrote in support of 23 objections from local residents. Essentially unsuitability of site in Bell Lane for traffic
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To be considered by Development Control Committee in the New Year
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BDB 61986
Kandahar Cottage, The Green
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Erection of part two storey, part single storey rear extension and entrance porch
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No Objection at 7/11/05 meeting
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Approved
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BDB 61856,BDB 61857
Coopers Farmhouse,Bell Lane
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Conversion of existing store to office
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No Objection at 7/11/05 meeting
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Approved
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BDB 61870
The Old Stables,College Lane
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Erection of garden room with lantern light to south elevation. Erection of a bin/garden equipment store adjacent to garage
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No Objection at 7/11/05 meeting
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Approved
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Summary:-
BDB 61551: It was reported that this application now to be considered at Development Control meeting 07 December 2005. After discussion, it was agreed that another letter should be written to BDBC regarding this application making the following points.
- Confirm that Merritt’s Farm does actually have B1 planning permission at present.
- Make the point that Merritt’s Farm is in the Ellisfield Conservation area and is mentioned in the Appraisal Document as a significant group of buildings.
- Make reference to similar situations in Brown Candover and Shalden and related problems.
- Emphasise that the focus of the BDBC Highways report is on access rather than volume of traffic.
BDB 61986: There were no objections
BDB61856/7: There were no objections
BDB61870: There were no objections
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9.
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To receive a report from the Clerk on Administration Matters.
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Clerk reported that The Annual Return had been returned by Audit Commission with no recommendations for changes to systems etc. In line with requirements a copy of the External Auditor’s certificate and opinion was placed on Lower Common noticeboard together with a summary of The statement of Accounts and notification of the right of any local elector to view the annual return.
A draft of the Parish Newsletter was discussed, amended and approved for printing. To be delivered weekend of 12/13 November. Action Clerk and all Councillors
A sample of a Welcome Pack to be given to all new residents was discussed and it was agreed this should be delivered to all residents who had moved in to the village in 2005. In future Welcome Pack and a cake to be delivered as soon as new residents move-in. Judith Richards of September had suggested and volunteered to make cakes. Action Clerk
Schedule of Incoming Mail: Copies of this schedule had been previously circulated and updated copies were distributed at the meeting. The following items were discussed:
Audit Commission
BDBC
- Questionnaire - Your council. Your say. Part of Boundary Committee review of electoral arrangements Copy for each Councillor to be returned by Friday 18 November
- Invitation to Chairman and 2 other representatives for Mayor’s Annual Parish Council’s Reception on Wednesday 23 November 2005 @ 7.00pm RSVP
- Details and application form for Parish Grant 2006/7 - £1025
- Notification of new Clerk for Preston Candover & Nutley Parish Council from 1st November 2005, contact details:- , Diane Richardson, 1 Axford Lodge Cottages, Axford 01256 389505 Email peteanddirichardson@yahoo.com
Hampshire Playing Fields Association
- Notification of Annual General Meeting Tuesday 22 November 2005 at Winchester Tennis & Squash Club @ 1.45pm. Discussed and agreed to renew our membership of Hampshire Playing Fields Association
HCC
- Public Rights of Way in Hampshire notification of change of Rights of Way Officer, now Matthews Beal, previously Public paths Partnership Officer. He suggests we visit their website www.hants.gov.uk/countryside/row
Lasham Gliding Club
- Invitation to Chairman and guest or substitute to Open Evening Saturday 19 November 2005 7.30pm. RSVP asap Peter Hopwood to attend.
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10.
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To receive a report from the Clerk on Financial Matters.
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The Clerk provided a written report (see Appendix 1). Report noted and approved.
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The following payments were approved and cheques signed:
Audit Commission - £58.75
Information Commissioner (Data Protection Register) - £35.00
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11.
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To discuss any matters which the Chairman considers urgent.
Chairman reported that he continued to be in correspondence with BDBC regarding Cannon Close and looking forward, how BDBC operate their allocation process for Old Housing Stock which includes Cannon Close and Park View and is managed by Kingfisher. The current system allocates points and the rules allow people with local connections to take precedence on ‘the list’ however, for these purposes, the list combines Ellisfield, Farleigh Wallop and Cliddesden and those with the highest number of points all appear to live in Cliddesden. Chairman requested that Ellisfield be considered separately, but this apparently is not a decision BDBC Officers/Kingfisher can make – one for Borough Councillors. Chairman made the point that when Cannon Close had been built, the then Chairman of the Parish Council, Capt. E J Guinness, had gone to a good deal of trouble to ensure that local Ellisfield people were eligible to be housed there. Chairman confirmed that he is exploring the possibility that Cannon Close and Park View could be put on the same footing as Farrier’s Field and managed as a rural housing project. Clerk to approach Wessex Housing Association to explore this further. Action Chairman and Clerk
Chairman also confirmed that he continues to explore the issue of Affordable Housing and plans to contact other Hampshire Parishes who have undertaken an affordable housing project recently and potential housing associations; he expressed his concern that it appears that once a need is established, the process is removed from the hands of the Parish Council and handed over to the appointed housing association and landowner. Clerk reported that one local resident who had expressed an interest in affordable housing is keen for the shared equity approach to be explored.
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12.
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To decide upon the date of the next Meeting. Monday, 05 December 2005
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The meeting closed at 9.53pm
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Open Forum. None as no members of the public present at this stage of the meeting.
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Chairman …………………………………………… Date ……….…..…………
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