PC Meeting Minutes - 19th July 2022
PRESENT: Councillors A Wilson, (Chairman), Cllrs Mrs Penketh, Mrs Patrick, C Campion, and Mrs S. McIntyre - Parish Clerk. Also present – Mrs Farley and Mr Eaves to be co-opted as Councillors at item 5
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. Cllr Richardson – his apology and reason was accepted.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. There were none.
MINUTES OF MEETING, May 17th 2022. It was proposed by Cllr Campion and seconded by Cllr Mrs Penketh that these be accepted as Minutes. Resolution passed. They were signed by the Chairman. The Notes from the Annual Parish Meeting were noted.
REPORTS FROM VISITING REPRESENTATIVE(S). D/Cllr Jackson was unable to attend, he submitted a report prior to the meeting, which was noted.
CO-OPTION OF 2 NEW COUNCILLORS. It was proposed by Cllr Wilson and seconded by Cllr Mrs Penketh that Mrs C Farley and N Eaves be co-opted as Councillors. All agreed, the Resolution was passed. Cllrs Mrs Farley and Eaves signed their Declarations of Acceptance and their Dispensation forms. They handed in their completed Register of Interests documents and Electoral Roll requests.
PLAY AREA. Cllr Wilson produced a suggested sign for the Playpark, in line with a recommendation by the Playpark Inspector. He had attempted to obtain quotes from 3 companies, only one was returned. It was agreed in principle to the expense and the company. However, the PC is within the catchment area for grant from the Renewable Energy Plant. This grant may cover the signage plus a piece of equipment. It was agreed to discuss various options and ideas between meetings and bring any resulting suggestion to the September meeting.
A good quantity of used Astro Turf has been donated by Smith Construction. A letter from the PC will thank them for this.
HM The QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE. The poor weather on the Sunday limited the numbers a bit, but it was a good weekend of celebration and fundraising. The Chairman “manned” a burger van which produced around £200 profit. A breakdown showing how the PC’s budgeted £500 was used was requested for the September meeting.
COUNCILLOR RESPONSIBILITIES. The following was proposed by Cllr Wilson and seconded by Cllr Campion:
Councillors’ Responsibilities :
Police/Speeding/ASB Cllr Mrs Penketh.
Play area Cllr Mrs Penketh; Cllr Wilson
Road and Path Lighting Cllr Eaves; Cllr Mrs Patrick
Grants and Fund Raising Cllr Mrs Penketh
Planning/Open Spaces Cllr Campion
Responsible Finance Officer Cllr Mrs Patrick
Footpaths and Bridleways Cllr Wilson; Cllr Mrs Patrick
Flooding Liaison Cllr Richardson
Tidy Village Cllr Eaves
Health and Safety Officer Cllr Mrs Farley
Website Manager Cllr Mrs Penketh.
WARNING SIGNS. Cllr Campion said a parishioner had enquired about warning signs for Horses at each end of the village.. C/Cllr Key had enquired and found the request from the parishioner had been made directly. The PC could write supporting this if they wished. Cllr Campion will liaise with the parishioner.
DOG MESS WITHIN THE VILLAGE. It was noted that this problem had increased recently, particularly along Peppers Lane and just beyond the village speed limits. It was noted that it was difficult to police. The Clerk will contact other Clerks and NKDC for ideas/signage and advice.
BROADBAND. Cllr Mrs Penketh explained the background. Cllr Wilson explained the government voucher scheme. An original price from OpenReach in 2021 was probably attainable. However, a current updated quote is double the cost and is unaffordable for residents. This is ongoing and Cllr Wilson is trying to get an open table discussion with OpenReach.
FUTURE PROJECTS. Cllrs agreed to discuss any possible PC projects which could benefit the village. Possible project(s) and costings to be brought to the September meeting ready for the Budget setting procedure.
CODE OF CONDUCT. A revised NKDC Code of Conduct, replacing the existing one, was circulated. The Clerk will try and attend one of the briefing sessions. Cllrs to look at the revised Code with a view to adopting it for Swaton PC in the September meeting.
FINANCE.
Monthly report from RFO who explained the previously circulated report. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Farley and seconded by Cllr Mrs Penketh that the report be accepted as a true record, Clerk’s expenses of £23 be paid. Agreed, the Resolution was passed.
Litter Picking. Grant received.
Internal Auditor. Cllr Eaves proposed and Cllr Mrs Penketh seconded that Mr B Marshall be appointed Internal Auditor for the current financial year. All Agreed, the Resolution was passed.
Banking. The RFO explained that dealing with Nat West is very difficult and time consuming. It was agreed that Cllr Mrs Penketh should have full access to the PC banking, and Cllr Campion to have Read Only Access.
PLANNING MATTERS. There were none.
CLERK’s REPORT.
LALC bulletins circulated.
Access to PC Files. It was noted that measures were, or will be, in place for more than one person to have access to financial matters/website management.
Community Safety Charter. Cllr Mrs Farley will investigate this further.
Lincs Strong Voices Project. Noted.
Heckington Solar Park. Noted.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING. September 27th. 7.30pm and November 22nd. 7.30pm.
There being no further business, the meeting was closed at 8.55pm.
Carried to Next Meeting.
PlayPark signage/grant.
Platinum Jubilee – use of PC funding.
Dog Mess – ideas on how to manage the problem.
Future Project(s) for PC to consider.
Community Safety Charter.
Code of Conduct – formally adopt the NKDC revised Code.