Metheringham Parish Council

Metheringham Parish Council Minutes

Parish Council

Minutes 04/2007 of Metheringham Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 28th August 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
A M Waddington
Mrs A F Webb
G W Chambers District 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 (7 present).

2. OPEN FORUM

2.1 Police report

Community Beat Manager PC Gordon was present and gave the Police report – a summary of incidents occurring in Metheringham between 31/07/07 to 28/08/07 are 1 criminal damage, 1 burglary, 1 assault and 2 thefts. PC Gordon also informed the Council they have 3 football teams, the PCSO’s are actively involved with the youths and are taking a group to Caythorpe outside activity centre in conjunction with Extreme Sport NK.

2.2 Public Forum

2.2.1 There were no questions or statements from the public.

2.3 Reports from representatives on outside bodies

2.3.1 Nothing to report from the County Councillor.

2.3.2 Nothing to report from the District Councillor.

2.3.3 To receive reports from other outside bodies – Cllr Mrs Honisett informed the Council of the Village Hall 50/50 Auction taking place on 1st September.

3. COUNCIL MEETING

3.1 Apologies for absence and reasons given
Councillor Mrs Bradwell
Councillor Mrs Morrison
Councillor J C Rose
Reasons for absence accepted by the Council.

3.2 To receive declarations of interest

Cllr Mrs Honisett declared a personal interest for item 3.6.4 because she is a member of the Parochial Church Council.
Cllr Mrs Honisett declared a personal interest for items 3.6.5 and 3.6.6 because the equipment is currently stored at her property.
Cllr Mrs Honisett declared a personal interest for item 3.9.1, because her husband is receiving a salary.

3.3 Notes of the last meeting held on 31 st July 2007, to be approved as the minutes – The signing of the minutes was proposed by Cllr Ford and seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and 7 were in favour.

3.4 Clerks Report – The Parish Council Drop in Surgery continues on Saturday 1st September at the INFO-LINKS Office from 10.30am – 12.00pm. At the last surgery there were two enquiries about Allotments.
Complaint received about glass in Shiregate Play Park – Clerk contacted Village Caretaker to resolve.
Contacted NKDC re: complaint about overgrown weeds on footpath between Alfred Avenue and Princes Street – NKDC to resolve.
Letter sent to Councillor Waddington Re: Discrimination.
Signs have been erected stating No Ball Games by order of Metheringham Parish Council, at the rear of the Village Hall/ Village Car park.
Metheringham Co-op are to erect a sign to front of building stating Car Parking at rear.
Chairman and Clerk conducted a village tour 09/08/07 various issues to be resolved – Clerk dealing with them.
Letter of thanks sent to Anne & John Harrison.
Contacted Paul Scholey re: overgrown gardens in village car park.
Letter sent to Charity Commission.
Letter sent to Scarf & Goggles re: Fayre & Feast reception.
Letter sent to Standards Board Re: Adoption of Code of Conduct.
The following items have been reported to LCC Highways:- Overgrown hedge along the edge of properties 14, 16 and 18 Saxon Close, these have now been cut, Drains covered on Dunston Road – LCC have been to look but a skip was placed over them, they will re-look at it, 4 “ holes at the side of Dunston Road – this is to be resolved w/c 20/08/07, grass growing through middle of footpaths on Kings Road and Alfred Avenue – LCC Weed spraying takes place in September, Alfred Avenue, car parked on footpath - this is an obstruction and illegal contact police, motorbikes for sale, corner of Alfred Avenue and Lincoln Road – if this is a regular occurrence it is classed as habitual trading off the highway – contact NKDC, Cars parked on grass area Sleaford Road/Lincoln Road – this is not illegal as it is classed as the highway, but it must be maintained to an appropriate standard.
Street sign at Mordern Close has protruding bolts, reported to NKDC 30/04/07 – NKDC stated they had problems in erecting the sign, and had to have brackets made etc – Clerk to request rubber caps are placed over the bolts.
Complaint received about traffic/cars parked on footpath outside Squash Club – Clerk to contact Village Hall Manager and Squash Club.
All Councillors now have a designated folder, if they are not present at the meeting the information will be sent with the minutes. Please leave the folder at the end of the meeting for me to collect.
A mobile traffic speed indicator signs meeting is being held @ 11.00am on September 4 th at Cranwell Village Hall.
Complaint received about youths congregating around the wishing well on Lincoln Road, spoken to Chanceoption site manager, they are to fill the well in.
Request for a new bus stop at the top of Lincoln Road/Kings Road. Waiting for LCC – Transport Services.
The new dog warden has issued a second ticket.
I have a meeting arranged on Thursday 30th August with Val Molendo the new NKDC Parish Partnerships Officer for Metheringham.

3.5 Matters Outstanding

3.5.1 Fayre & Feast – Working group met with the safety advisory group. The group were informed of the new act relating to Fire Risk Assessments. The F & F requires a Fire Risk Assessment. Cllr Ford has downloaded the relevant paperwork, the completed document must be returned to the fire service 2 weeks before the event. British Red Cross First Aiders are to be at the event. LIVES are not insured to give first aid. It was suggested a written contract should be produced between the travelling showmen (Pat Phillips) and the PC. An emergency exit route map and plan is to be produced. The next meeting of the working group is to be held on 4 th September 2007 at 7.00pm in the Star & Garter Dining Room, all Councillor’s are welcome. ACTION: Cllr Ford/Working Group

3.5.2 Chance to Share and related issues – This item is ongoing, PC are waiting for information from LCC. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Bradwell

3.5.3 Village play parks & Youths Recreation Area – Cllr Roland has been conducting a survey with the village teenagers to establish their views on a youth shelter being erected. At present there appear to be mixed opinions, this is to be investigated further. ACTION: Working group

3.5.4 New pavilion and changing rooms – This item is ongoing, Chairman to contact architect. ACTION: Chairman

3.5.5 Public Conveniences – The hot water boiler has not yet been installed Clerk to contact Tony Fox again. ACTION: Clerk

3.5.6 Gate/Fence between Squash Court, Public Conveniences and Village Hall – The erection of an 8ft door and fence is to be completed within 2-3 weeks. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Parker

3.5.7 Parish Plan – This item is ongoing.

3.5.8 Charity Commission – Letter sent to the Charity Commission thanking them for the information in their last letter. The forward planning group are to discuss this and put a proposal forward at the next Parish Council Meeting. ACTION: Forward Planning group/ Cllr Mrs Bradwell

3.5.9 Village Centre Regeneration Project - The Chairman has collated all returned questionnaires, a full evaluation of the results has been published. A meeting has been arranged for Monday 3 rd September at 10.00am in INFO-Links with Peter Fender from LCC to discuss the possibility of funding for the new cross and Cllr Ford’s proposed street design. Cllr Waddington leader of the Highways and Footpaths working group requested the following are to be members; Cllr Roland, Cllr Mrs Peek, Cllr Mrs Honisett and David Honisett. ACTION: Working group/Clerk

3.5.10 Evaluation of PC Street Lights – The Clerk to provide Cllr Roland with a new map of the village. Cllr Roland to carry out a survey of street lights to establish ownership and age. ACTION: Cllr Roland/Clerk

3.6 New Business

3.6.1 To approve Metheringham Parish Council become a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme as a Resolution Body under the regulations – The Chairman stated the details of the Pension Scheme and following a brief discussion it was resolved the Council would become a Resolution body under the regulations this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Waddington and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.2 To co-opt a new member to the Parish Council – Mr Jim Partington was present at the meeting and introduced himself to the Council. It was resolved to co-opt Mr Partington, this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.3 To approve details for Remembrance Day Service to be held on 11 th November 2007 – The Clerk to contact Methodist Circuit supervisor at Sleaford to ascertain where the service will take place. Clerk to arrange wreaths and bugler. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.4 Request from Parochial Church Council to acquire the old Parish Council lawn mower – It was resolved to donate the lawn mower this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Mrs Peek, (1 abstention Cllr Mrs Honisett) and 6 in favour. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Honisett

3.6.5 To agree disposal of old spot lights currently being stored by the Village Caretaker – It was resolved to put the lights into a sale or auction, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Parker, seconded by Cllr Mrs Creasey with all in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.6 To discuss the storage of new mower and other equipment used by the Village Caretaker – Cllr Ford stated the Football Club has no objections to the equipment being stored in the Metal Storage container. Cllr Ford to investigate insurance, this item to be added to next months agenda. ACTION: Cllr Ford

3.6.7 To discuss the need for affordable housing in Metheringham – Ian Penn from Community Lincs attended the PC Planning Meeting and stated they would carry out a survey to establish the needs of the village. The Chairman gave a brief overview and it was decided there may be a need for affordable housing in the village. The Clerk to contact Ian Penn.ACTION: Clerk

3.6.8 To discuss a proposal for the re-design and maintenance of the War Memorial Garden – Following a discussion the Chairman suggested all Councillors should look at the garden and this item would be added to next months agenda. It was resolved to purchase a new flag pole this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Ford and all were in favour, Clerk to obtain quotations. ACTION: Clerk/ Councillors

3.6.9 To resolve to purchase 2 new seats and a litter bin for Shiregate Play Park – Quotations received for seats – Marshalls £511.00 each, Bailey International - £415.49 each and Wybone £460.00 each, it was resolved to purchase the seats from Marshalls this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Mrs Creasey and all were in favour. Quotations received for a litter bin – Marshalls - £599, Bailey International - £239 and Wybone - £349.67, it was resolved to purchase the bin from Wybone this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Creasey, seconded by Cllr Waddington and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk

At 8.33pm the Chairman adjourned the meeting for refreshments.
At 9.03pm the Chairman reconvened the meeting.

3.6.10 To discuss incident at Metheringham Swimming Pool and the consumption of alcohol on the premises – The Chairman read reports from the lifeguard on duty at the time of the incident and the Chairman of MADSPA. The Clerk to write stating the following:- no glass to be allowed on premises; booking form to request a nominated responsible person; one lifeguard and one other person to be on duty; one person to be responsible for serving alcohol. A meeting is to be arranged with MADSPA to discuss health & safety issues at the pool. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.11 To discuss vandalism of Spring Garden, Drury Street – This item was not discussed in Council at the last meeting as it was not an agenda item. The Chairman gave a brief report of the facts so far. It was agreed to change the notice in the Spring to reflect the current situation. It has been confirmed that the Spring is not 'Common Land' but we still need to determine who owns the Spring area. At this stage it will be assumed that the PC are responsible for this area. There are a number of Health and Safety issues to be addressed and the area will remain closed and locked until various issues have been resolved. Vandalism issues were not resolved.

Clerk to obtain quotations for slabs and grate around the Spring. Clerk to arrange meeting to discuss maintenance of Spring. ACTION: Clerk

At 10.01pm Cllr Chambers left the meeting.

3.7 Correspondence

3.7.1 To note general correspondence – Please see Appendix 1.

3.8 Planning

3.8.1 To note a report from the planning committee

The Planning Committee met on Wednesday 8 th August 2007. Ian Penn, from Community Lincs, spoke on Affordable Housing.

Planning Applications:

Ref: N/39/0898/07 – Proposal: Erection of two storey side extension at 14 Shiregate, Metheringham. There were no comments or objections.

Planning permission has been granted for:

Ref: N/39/0643/07 – Single storey rear extension at 36 Alfred Avenue, Metheringham.
Ref: N/39/0410/07 – Loft conversion including roof-lights (revised scheme) at The Old Orchard, Shiregate, Metheringham.
Ref: N/39/0711/07 – Detached double garage at the Old Farmhouse, Metheringham Fen, Metheringham.

Planning permission has been refused for:

Ref: N39/0727/07 – Two storey side and single storey rear extensions at 3 Townsend Way, Metheringham.

Planning Appeal – Ref: N/39/0403/07 – Site at 20 Alfred Avenue, Metheringham. It was agreed to write to the Planning Inspectorate in support of the decision of North Kesteven District Council to refuse planning permission for the erection of a new dwelling to form a terrace of 3 dwellings.

The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet next on Wednesday 12 th September 2007 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall.

3.8.2 To consider planning application: N39/0830/07 – proposal: erection of canopies at the Star & Garter – Prince’s Street, Metheringham. The following comment’s were made:

1) The two photographs which accompanied the planning application papers do not show the same construction for the rear patio area. The one with the canopy superimposed on an existing photograph shows a lean-to type roof, whilst the other photograph shows a stand-alone type construction. However, we have no objections to this proposed canopy.

2) We do not feel the proposed canopy over the side entrance door is in keeping with the building, and will look out of place. It could also cause problems for any large vehicles accessing the rear car park.

3.8.3 To consider planning application: N39/0986/07 – proposal: demolition of existing bungalow and erection of 4 houses with garages including one new vehicular access (outline application) at land to rear of 69 Lincoln Road, Metheringham. The following comment’s were made:

1) It is felt that this proposed application presents too high a density of housing for the size of the plot.

2) As the proposed buildings will be two-storey, it is felt these are out of keeping with the neighbouring properties, which are single storey dwellings.

3) Concern has been expressed at the second drive-way coming out onto the highway at a point where the road begins to bend.

3.9 Financial matters

3.9.1 To consider accounts for payment

Payment to Amount £
NKDC – Parish Election costs 123.45
G Allbones – fitting signs 29.38
Allen Signs – Village signage 75.20
Village Caretaker 246.65
Public Toilet Caretaker 154.00
Clerk Salary + Expenses 923.04
Dog Warden 464.10
Inland Revenue 296.03
Paul Scholey Yearly Contract 50.00
Bonnetts – public toilet materials 73.73
Starlite Ass Ltd – Ink cartridges 44.06
Powergen – War Memorial lighting 68.29
Powergen – Public toilet lighting 62.40
St Wilfrid’s – Hire of hall 7.00
Village Hall Hire 63.50
Veolia ES UK Ltd – S & G grass cutting 127.78
Aquilibrium UK Ltd – New boilers VH 1338.72
Darwood – Install new boilers VH 1581.55
Darwood – Public toilet maintenance 82.26
TOTAL 5811.14

Chairman proposed payment of accounts, Cllr Mrs Creasey seconded, with 1 abstention (Cllr Mrs Honisett) and 6 were in favour.

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

PC Income August 2007 Amount £
Interest from Premier Account 261.55
Interest from Deposit Account 4.56
TOTAL 266.11

3.10 Date and venue of next meeting – Tuesday 25th September 2007 at 7.15pm in the Village Hall.

3.11 To consider a motion to exclude the Press and Public - nothing to discuss.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 10.52pm.

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