Metheringham Parish Council

Metheringham Parish Council Minutes

Parish Council

Minutes 02/2007 of Metheringham Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 26 th June 2007 at 7.15pm in the Village Hall

PRESENT:
Councillors Dr M J Allen Chairman
Mrs R Creasey
P D Ford
Mrs J Honisett
Mrs R Parker
Mrs S Peek
G H Roland
Mrs A F Webb
J C Rose District Council
Mrs P Bradwell County Council
Clerk Ms S N Wetherall

1. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the Parish Council Meeting. Copies of the agenda were available for members of the public (3 present).

2. OPEN FORUM

 2.1 Police report

Unfortunately neither Community Beat Manager PC Gordon or PCSO’s Duckworth and Flannigan were present. The Clerk gave the Police report – a summary of incidents occurring in Metheringham between 15/05/07 to 26/06/07 are 2 Theft from motor vehicle, 6 Criminal damage and one each drugs offence and possess counterfeit currency. The Clerk to contact PC Gordon to request further details on recorded crimes.

2.2 Public Forum

2.2.1 Mr Steven Ward attended the meeting to inform the PC of the current situation relating to the boundary wall to his property on Drury Street. It was not established who is responsible for the wall, the PC are concerned due to health & safety issues. Cllr Mrs Bradwell is to check with Highways. Mr Ward stated he will check his deeds, and if it is his responsibility, he does not have any immediate plans to repair it due to the costs involved.

2.3 Reports from representatives on outside bodies

2.3.1 Cllr Mrs Bradwell reported the reconstruction work to Fen Lane footway at the railway bridge will commence on Monday 30/07/07 to Saturday 04/08/07 the Road will be closed during the day. The Clerk requested confirmation that the footway is to be completed to the east and west of the railway bridge.

2.3.2 Cllr Rose reported Anglian Water are to start work at Station Road laying new pipe work at a cost of approximately ½ million pounds. Cllr Rose attended NKDC Parish Partnership meeting he informed the Parish Council that Cluster Group 3 has been split into three smaller groups, with Metheringham being incorporated with the cliff villages, but this is still to be confirmed in writing by NKDC.

2.3.3 To receive reports from other outside bodies – The Chairman informed the PC that the Village Hall Management Committee have a new Chairman, Cllr Mrs Honisett has been appointed with immediate effect. The next meeting takes place on 27/06/07.

3. COUNCIL MEETING

3.1 Apologies for absence and reasons given

Councillor G W Chambers
Councillor Mrs Morrison
Councillor A M Waddington

Reasons for absence accepted by the Council.

3.2 To receive declarations of interest

Cllr Mrs Honisett declared a personal interest for item 3.9.1, because her husband is receiving a salary.
Cllr Dr Allen declared a personal interest in item 3.8 because he has written in support of the Scarf & Goggles planning appeal .
Cllr Mrs Parker declared a personal interest in item 3.5.6 because of her involvement with Blankney Estates.

3.3 Notes of the last meeting held on 15 th May 2007, to be approved as the minutes – The signing of the minutes was proposed by Cllr Mrs Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Parker, and all were in favour.

3.4 Clerks Report – The Parish Council Drop in Surgery continues on Saturday 7th July at the INFO-LINKS Office from 10.30am – 12.00pm.
Complaint received about overgrown hedge on footpath at 14 Saxon Close, contacted LCC Highways, letter sent 26/04/07 – Occupants have not yet cut the hedge, Clerk contacted LCC again.
Visit to the Lincoln CCTV Control Room, took place on Tuesday 19th June Councillors who attended were Mrs Creasey and Dr Allen. The Chairman was disappointed other Councillors did not attend, but stated the Control room was very impressive. The initial cost would be approximately £20000.00 for a state of the art camera, and yearly running costs of approximately £3000.00, a decision is to be made by Councillors. If any village organizations would like to attend the Control Room for a visit they are more than welcome. Clerk to send letter of thanks to Shane Harrison. ACTION: Clerk/Councillors
Complaint received about overgrown hedge on footpath at 35 Sleaford Road, contacted LCC Highways.
Signs have been ordered stating No Ball Games by order of Metheringham Parish Council, to be erected at the rear of the Village Hall/Village Car Park.
Spoken to Metheringham Co-op regarding erection of sign stating Car Parking at rear of building.
Contacted Mick Backshall regarding planting scheme for Fen Bridge, waiting for information as to what plants/shrubs are acceptable.
Annual report 2006/07 has been sent for printing.
Letter of thanks sent to resigning Councillors.
Letter sent to occupants of new property on Drury Street requesting information relating to the boundary wall – a new wall is now being built to the front of the property, Clerk to monitor situation of wall to the side of property.
MACLA website updated with new Councillors and Working Groups etc.
Replacement Litter bin received for Fen Road, Litter bin in Princes Street Play Park to be moved adjacent to its current position.
The following items have been reported to LCC Highways: - Pot holes in Fen Lane. Subsidence is also becoming a major problem and a general lack of maintenance of the lane in general. Light on pole 1264 Sots hole is permanently lit. Drain on Drury Street/Church Walk near to Doctors Surgery (does not drain properly after heavy rain). LCC informed me this is not their responsibility, will contact NKDC.
Street sign at Mordern Close has protruding bolts, reported to NKDC 30/04/07 – this has not yet been resolved Clerk to contact NKDC again.
E-mail sent to Tanya Vaughan at LCC ref bus shelter for High Street no reply received, Clerk to chase again
Co-option notice has been placed in the PC notice board – closing date for applications has passed there have been no applicants.
Letter from LCC – re temporary road closure of Fen Lane due to reconstruction of footway.
B1188 – Verge-/Lay-by is to be re-soiled and grassed.
Meeting arranged with new dog wardens, Clerk and Vice Chair for Wednesday 27th June.
Clerk is on holiday from 11 July to 25 July inclusive.

3.5 Matters Outstanding

3.5.1 Fayre & Feast – Letters are ready for distribution. Cllr Ford contacted safety advisory team. Cllr Mrs Morrison and Mike Credland have given this years Feast the theme ‘For England and St George’. A meeting of the working group is to be arranged as a matter of urgency. ACTION: Cllr Ford/Working Group

3.5.2 Chance to Share and related issues – MPC Heads of Terms sent to LCC, PC has not had a response. Clerk sent letter to LCC 25/06/07 requesting a meeting is arranged. Letter received from Paul Andrews 26/06/07. Cllr Mrs Bradwell is not happy with the situation and apologizes. Clerk to arrange meeting as soon as possible. Cllr Mrs Bradwell informed the PC the school’s experiencing problems of vandalism. LCC are to erect a fence at Hall Yard. ACTION: Chairman/Councillors

3.5.3 Village play parks & Youths Recreation Area – Cllr Roland has visited Branston and Washingborough to view Youth Shelters. Working group to decide on type of shelter and location. Cllr Roland visited Shiregate Play Park, there’s a large pot hole at entrance to park, Clerk waiting for quotes to remove palisade fencing and erect 4ft wooden fence. ACTION: Clerk/Chairman/Working group

3.5.4 New pavilion and changing rooms – The PC do not have permission from Lincolnshire County Council. The Chairman has been in contact with the architect. Modifications are to be made to the drawings. A full set of drawings and specifications are required, Chairman to pursue with architect. Full planning permission has been granted. ACTION: Chairman

3.5.5 Public Conveniences – The sink has been fitted, Clerk to contact Tony Fox regarding the installation of the hot water boiler. New signs have been erected to the outside of the public toilets. ACTION: Clerk

3.5.6 Gate/Fence between Squash Court, Public Conveniences and Village Hall – Cllr Finter met with John Money it was agreed an 8ft door and fence be erected. The cost is approximately £900, it was resolved Blankney Estates, the Squash Club and the Parish Council would pay £300 each, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Creasey seconded by Cllr Mrs Webb and all were in favour. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Parker

3.5.7 Consider Insurance issues relating to all PC assets – All issues have now been resolved.

3.5.8 Parish Plan – This item is ongoing, the Parish Council have two major projects ongoing at the present time.

3.5.9 Charity Commission – The Charity Commission sent letters to individual Councillors. The PC has responded stating this is highly inappropriate as the PC act as a corporate body. The Chairman has requested assistance from the DC and LCC in this matter. ACTION: Chairman/Cllr Mrs Bradwell/ Cllr Rose

3.5.10 Village Centre Regeneration Project – Design company Electric Wig have been selected by representatives of NKDC, Metheringham PC, MACLA and LCC as lead artists for the regeneration scheme. Tim Denton and Johanna Van Daalen have worked in the District before, having recently completed the successful Billinghay refurbishment scheme. A short questionnaire has been produced and circulated around the Village, Remove it? Keep it? Move it? Asking your opinion about the Village Cross and surrounding area. A meeting has been arranged for 17th July 2007 at 2pm in the Village Hall with LCC Highways, DC and PC. ACTION: Councillors

At 8.50pm the Chairman adjourned the meeting for refreshments.
At 9.05pm Cllrs Mrs Bradwell and Cllr Rose left the meeting.
At 9.10pm the Chairman reconvened the meeting.

3.6 New Business

3.6.1 To reconsider format of working groups and representation on outside bodies - This was due to the resignation of Cllr Mrs Webb as leader from the Highways and Footpaths working group due to personal reasons, it was resolved that Cllr Waddington be appointed as leader, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Creasey, seconded by Cllr Mrs Peek, 5 in favour and 1 abstention (Cllr Ford). Following a discussion it was agreed the Joint Management Committee only requires three representatives, it was resolved that Cllr Waddington’s position on the JMC should be relinquished, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Honisett seconded by Cllr Mrs Webb, 5 in favour and 1 abstention (Cllr Ford). ACTION: Clerk

3.6.2 To confirm payment of £1000 towards the outstanding swimming pool gas bill and to agree future arrangements –The Chairman has liaised with ESPO, last years gas bill is £2067.62. It was agreed the PC will contribute £1000 towards this bill. Clerk to write to MADSPA stating PC will pay the total bill and MADPSA are to pay £1067.62 excluding VAT, back to PC within 28 days. All future gas bills are to be addressed to the PC. MADSPA to supply monthly financial reports to the PC. ACTION: Clerk/RFO/Chairman

3.6.3 To approve the amended Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2007 No. 1159 for Parish Councils –Following a brief discussion it was resolved to adopt the Model Code of Conduct this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Mrs Webb and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.4 To consider access route from the Village Hall to High Street between Mowgli Indian Restaurant and Pizza Plus 13a and 13b High Street – Clerk received a letter from City Designs who are representing Mr Miah, the Chairman and Cllr Ford have seen the deeds. The PC need to investigate the boundary’s as they do not correspond with our assessment of the area. Clerk to write to City Designs. It was resolved the PC need to seek legal advice this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Creasey seconded by the Chairman and all were in favour. ACTION: Chairman/Clerk

3.6.5 To consider increasing working hours of the Clerk from 19 to 25 hours per week – After a short discussion it was resolved to increase the working hours to 25 per week this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Honisett, seconded by the Chairman and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.6 To resolve to become members of the Society of Local Council Clerks – It was resolved to become members, the annual subscription is £105, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Creasey seconded by Cllr Roland and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.7 To adopt the Freedom of Information Publication Scheme – Following a review of this document it was resolved it would be adopted, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Webb seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.7 Correspondence

3.7.1 To note general correspondence – Please see Appendix 1.

3.7.2 To consider correspondence requiring action by the Council

3.8 Planning

3.8.1 To note a report from the planning committee

The Planning Committee met on Wednesday 13 th June 2007 and the following were discussed:

Planning Applications:-

Ref: N39/0592/07 – Proposal: Erection of car port at 7 Londesborough Way, Metheringham. There were no comments or objections.

Ref: N39/0461/07 – Proposal: Erection of extension at 28 Paddock Lane, Metheringham. There were no comments or objections.

Ref: N39/0410/07 – Proposal: Loft conversion including roof lights (revised scheme) at The Old Orchard, Shiregate, Metheringham. There was no objection but a comment, in the form of a suggestion, was made that the glass used for the gable end window should be opaque, as it overlooks the garden of Field Farm House.

Ref: N39/0643/07 – Proposal: Single storey rear extension at 36 Alfred Avenue, Metheringham. There was no objection to the proposal, but the following comment was made: “As there are still ongoing problems with the sewerage system in the village, we strongly object to the proposal to allow the surface water to be connected to the main sewer, as surface water should be connected to the land drainage system only.”

Ref: N39/0536/07 – Proposal: Two storey side extension at 8 Rossington Close, Metheringham. This was discussed retrospectively, as the response had to be returned before the date of this meeting. There were no comments or objections.

Tree Preservation work:

N15/13 – concerning trees at the Manor, Manor Lane, Metheringham. Permission has been granted for the work to be carried out.

Planning permission has been refused for :

Ref: N39/0403/07 – Erection of new dwelling to form a terrace of three dwellings at 20 Alfred Avenue, Metheringham.

Planning Permission Refusal Appeal:

Ref: N39/0260/07 – Removal of condition 2 of planning permission N39/0346/03 restricting occupancy of converted residential units in the car park to guests or employees only of the public house at Unit A and B, The Scarf and Goggles, High Street, Metheringham. Mr Nigel Powell of the Scarf and Goggles has appealed against the decision made by North Kesteven District Council, the Parish Council fully support Mr Powell in his appeal.

The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet next on Wednesday 11 th July 2007 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall.

3.9 Financial matters

3.9.1 To consider accounts for payment

Payment to

Amount £

LMS – New mower

938.83

Lincs Playing Field – Donation

75.00

Metheringham DIY – Weed killer for Spring

14.00

Allen Signs – Village signage

241.70

Village Caretaker

301.28

Public Toilet Caretaker

187.00

Clerk Salary + Expenses

951.29

Parish Dog Warden Services

239.13

Inland Revenue

186.87

Clerk – N/I Refund

7.71

TOTAL FOR MAY 15/05/07 – 31/05/07

3142.81

 

Payment to

Amount £

ABB Ltd – Repair to SL o/s Gulf Garage

27.58

ABB Ltd - Standard charge for 197 columns

794.71

ABB Ltd – Replace bracket 211- Station Rd

176.25

Village Hall Hire

39.00

Village Caretaker

263.71

Cllr Mrs Morrison Expenses

30.00

Public Toilet Caretaker

154.00

Clerk Salary + Expenses

749.98

Parish Dog Warden Services

264.31

Inland Revenue

123.18

Starlite Assoc – Producing Annual Report etc

146.39

St Wilfrid’s – Hire of Hall

7.00

Darwood – Supply & fit sink public toilets

223.25

Powergen – ‘new’ unmetered supply charge

299.26

Bonnetts Ltd – Public toilet materials

53.76

Thoracic Surgery Fund re: B Creasey

50.00

P Ford – Echo obituary re: B Creasey

37.69

P Ford – RFO expenses

25.30

Wybones – Litter bin

410.86

Smart & Cook – Insurance for PC Assets

3564.75

G Allbones – Work to Play park

1116.25

LALC – Contribution towards PC IT kit

58.75

MADSPA – Gas Bill

2067.62

TOTAL FOR JUNE

10683.60

Chairman proposed payment of accounts, Cllr Mrs Creasey seconded, with 1 abstention (Cllr Mrs Honisett) and 5 were in favour.

3.9.2 To receive a report from the RFO on the PC finances

PC Income June 2007

Amount £

Interest from Premier Account

275.85

Interest from Deposit Account

2.79

TOTAL

278.64

The RFO stated the Audit Return is to be sent to the Auditor on 27/06/07.

3.10 Date and venue of next meeting – Tuesday 31 st July 2007 at 7.15pm in the Village Hall.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 10.07pm.

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