Parish Council Minutes and Agenda - 7.30pm, 26th September 2023
MINUTES FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 26th 2023
PRESENT: Councillors A Wilson, (Chairman), Cllrs Mrs Penketh, Mrs Patrick, N Eaves, J Lukjaniec, and the Parish Clerk, Mrs S. McIntyre. D/Cllr R Jackson and one member of the public were present.
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.35pm.
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. Cllr Campion, his apology and reason was accepted.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. Block Dispensation – Playpark/Reservoir/Budget, Precept.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING, July 18th, 2023. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Penketh and seconded by Cllr Eaves that the Notes from July 18th be accepted as Minutes. All agreed, the Chairman signed the Minutes.
4. REPORTS FROM VISITING REPRESENTATIVE(S). D/Cllr Jackson gave a brief update on the Sleaford market place project, which has not yet had planning approval. The NKDC newsletter has details of recent funding sources.
5. PLAYPARK.
(a) TREES. There choice of trees, plus suggested site(s) had been forwarded to the Crown Estates. It was agreed to see what the reply is.
(b) RENT. This appears to be sorted after an exchange of e mails between the Crown Estates and the RFO. A periodic rent review is part of the lease, the new rent is around £10 more per year.
(c) ANNUAL INSPECTION. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Penketh and seconded by Cllr Lukjaniec that Wicksteed should be requested to carry out the annual inspection. All agreed.
6. MAJOR PROJECTS – CONSULTATIONS.
Beacon Fen Energy Park – Updates circulated.
7. LITTER PICKING. Details of the 2023/24 grant. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Patrick and seconded by Cllr Eaves that the grant be applied for, this to be paid to Robert when it arrives. He should be thanked when the grant comes through.
8. DEFIBRILLATOR, WEST END. The Chairman explained there is discussion in the village about a second defibrillator, positioned along West End. Once installed, should the PC be responsible for its future maintenance? The location was discussed as was the need for a second one. If a second one is obtained, should there be a third one to the north of the village? Grants are available for funding the purchase, but not future maintenance. It was generally agreed that such funding could be a PC responsibility, but the precept would have to be increased. It was agreed to bring clear information to the November meeting.
9. SURGERY ITEMS BROUGHT TO MEETING.
Footpath/cycle path between Swaton and Horbling. There had been discussion via e mail between the meetings. It was proposed by Cllr Eaves and seconded by Cllr Wilson that Cllr Lukjaniec’s report should be submitted to Lincs County Council Highways. All agreed, the Resolution was passed.
10. FINANCE
• Monthly report from RFO who explained the previously circulated report. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Penketh and seconded by Cllr Eaves that the report be accepted as a true record. The Resolution was passed. The following payments to be made: Clerk’s expenses of £23. Crown Estates – Playpark rental; Wicksteed annual Inspection.
• LCC Grass Cutting Grant. The grant of £524.30 has been invoiced.
• LALC Chairman /Clerk training. Cllr Wilson, Cllr Mrs Penketh and the Clerk are attending the full day course. 3 x lunches at 12.50 will be charged. It was proposed by Cllr Eaves and seconded by Cllr Lukjaniec that this be paid when invoiced. All agreed, the Resolution was passed.
• Cllr Mrs Penketh will work informally with Cllr Mrs Patrick towards handing over the RFO position. A possible Finance Committee to be discussed in November.
11. PLANNING MATTERS. 23/0657/HOUS. Loft conversion, flat roof rear dormer, single storey flat roof rear extension. 1, The Bungalow, Swaton Lane. It was proposed by Cllr Eaves and seconded by Cllr Mrs Patrick that ‘No Objections’ be returned to NKDC. All agreed, the Resolution was passed.
12. L.A.L.C.
• LALC bulletins circulated as received.
• LALC Training. Some training dates already booked. The Clerk stressed the importance of Councillor Training. Cllr Mrs Penketh reported from Planning and Finance courses she has attended.
13. CLERK’S REPORT
• NKDC Engagement event – Oct 10th, Cllrs Wilson and Eaves to attend.
• Road closure A52 between Mill Lane and B1394, 18/10/23, 20.00 -23.00 for overhead line works. Noted.
• Bench, High Street near North Drove.
8.21pm the Chairman closed the meeting. Details of a plaque on the bench were explained to the member of the public.
8.32pm the meeting re-opened. Cllr Mrs Penketh removed the plaque after receiving complaints.
• Bridge wall, North Drove. The damage has been reported to County Council Highways.
• LIVES fundraising letter. Noted. Vintage Day is donating to LIVES.
• Resident adjacent to Crown land orchard. Cllr Wilson will talk to the tenant of the land.
14. DATES OF NEXT MEETING. Remaining 2023 date:
Nov 21st. – preliminary budget.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.30pm.
NEXT MEETING:
Possible Finance Committee.
Future Defibrillator(s) maintenance.
AGENDA
The first 15 minutes of the meeting is for members of the public to ask any questions or raise concerns in regards to the items listed on the agenda. The PC meeting will then open at 7.45. Members of the public may attend the PC meeting as observers, but will not be allowed to speak during the transaction of the PC business. The minutes of the meeting will be posted in November once ratified as true minutes during the PC November meeting,
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. Block dispensation – Playpark/ Reservoir/ Budget, Precept.
3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - Clerks’ Notes from July 18th, 2023, – accepting as Minutes.
4. REPORT(S) FROM VISITING REPRESENTATIVE(S), if any.
5. PLAYPARK :
(a) TREES – After details circulated, the choices of Maple and Elm, plus costs were forwarded to the Crown Estates.
(b) RENT – Details of proposed increase received.
(c) ANNAL INSPECTION. Annual inspection due. Details forwarded.
6. MAJOR PROJECTS – CONSULTATIONS
Beacon Fen Energy Park – Update(s) circulated.
7. LITTER PICKING. Details of the 2023/24 grant received. Does the PC wish to apply? Report (circulated) plus request to be received by November 6th.
8. DEFIBRILLATOR, WEST END. If a second village defibrillator is placed in West End, should the PC consider taking on the future responsibility?
9. SURGERY ITEMS BROUGHT TO MEETING.
From last meeting – Progress of Cllr Lukjaniec’s report regarding footpath/cycle path between Swaton and Horbling.
10. FINANCE –
• Monthly report from RFO, including signing of Cheques/Approval of any BACS payments. Note and Accept.
• LCC Grass cutting grant – details received, Invoice has been forwarded.
• LALC full day Chairman/Clerk training – Cllrs Wilson, Mrs Penketh and the Clerk to attend. A refreshment fee of 12.50 per head is required.
11. PLANNING MATTERS. 23/0657/HOUS. Loft conversion, flat roof rear dormer, single storey flat roof rear extension. 1, The Bungalow, Swaton Lane.
12. L.A.L.C.
LALC e news bulletins – circulated.
LALC Training – Some Training dates already booked. Report(s) from those already attended.
13. CLERK’S REPORT.
• NKDC Engagement event. Cllrs A. Wilson and N Eaves to attend on October 10th.
• Road closure A52 between Mill Lane and B1394 18/10/23, 20.00 – 23.00 for overhead line works.
• Bench, High Street near North Drove.
• Bridge wall, North Drove.
• LIVES – fundraising letter – circulated.
• Resident adjacent to a Crown Land orchard – the PC may need to support a request to tidy the area. Cllr Mrs Penketh.
14. DATES OF 2023 MEETINGS.
Nov 21st. – Preliminary Budget.