Metheringham Parish Council
Metheringham Parish Council Minutes
Minutes 05/2007 of Metheringham Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 25th September 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
J Partington
Mrs S Peek
G H Roland
A M Waddington
Mrs A F Webb
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 (1 present).
2. OPEN FORUM
2.1 Police report
The Clerk gave the Police report – a summary of incidents occurring
in Metheringham between 25/08/07 to 25/09/07 are 1 criminal damage, 1 theft,
1 theft from motor vehicle, 1 theft of motor vehicle and 1 arson.
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 that the Village Hall 50/50 Auction raised £592 and a very generous donation had been made by the Star & Garter. The VH and Football Club are holding a Race night on Friday 26th October. The next VHMC meeting takes place on 2nd October at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Cllr Ford stated a meeting of the JMC and School must be arranged.
3. COUNCIL MEETING
3.1 Apologies for absence and reasons given
Councillor Mrs Bradwell
Councillor G W Chambers
Councillor Mrs Morrison
Councillor J C Rose
Reasons for absence accepted by the Council.
3.2 To receive declarations of interest
Cllr Mrs Parker declared a personal
interest for item 3.5.13 and item 3.6.4 because of her involvement with Blankney
Estates.
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 28th August 2007, to be approved as the minutes – The signing of the minutes was proposed by Cllr Ford and seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett, 1 abstention (Cllr Partington) and 7 were in favour.
3.4 Clerks Report – The Parish Council Drop in Surgery continues on
Saturday 6th October at the INFO-LINKS Office from 10.30am – 12.00pm.
At the last surgery there were no visitors. I have produced a sign to be
displayed on the morning of the surgery.
Shiregate play park continues to
be a problem with youths and rubbish, Clerk contacted Village Caretaker.
The seats and rubbish bin have been ordered waiting delivery.
Contacted Ian
Penn 06/09/07 to inform him MPC do feel there’s a need
for Affordable Housing in the village.
Three banners have been ordered to promote
the Fayre & Feast; these can
then be reused for other PC events.
Signs have been ordered for the two play
parks stating Metheringham Parish Council, only for children Up to 12yrs
accompanied by an adult, No dogs.
Letter sent to MADPSA 06/09/07, giving details
of MPC rules about having alcohol on the premises.
Letter sent to Moira Sturdy
06/09/07 re: Spring.
Letter sent to Mrs Felton 10/09/07 re: Spring.
Contacted Paul Scholey re: overgrown
gardens in village car park.
Letters sent to Fayre & Feast VIP’s.
The next Parish Partnerships
Cluster meeting is to take place on Thursday 11/10/07 at Nocton Village Hall
7pm-9pm. If anyone has a completed survey please return it to me at the next
PC meeting.
Cllr Waddington attended the mobile traffic speed indicator sign
meeting at Cranwell Village Hall, he has now passed some information to me.
Clerk
to contact bus companies, Stagecoach and Brylaine to request alternate buses
run a slightly different route up Lincoln Road, along Sleaford Road and Princes
Street.
Contacted Shirley Barlow at NKDC re: property 2 Shiregate as they have
moved there fence beyond there boundary. NKDC seem to think it is now in the
correct position. Clerk to check.
Contacted Keith Finter, I am to collect anti-graffiti
paint from him.
Metheringham Parish Council Annual Reports for 2006/07 have
been distributed around the village.
Letter of Thanks received from PCC re:
Lawn mower.
Call from Andy Hubbard at Sleaford Standard Re: Mrs Wiseman request
for a litter bin/dog bin/no litter sign.
Reported to LCC Highways pot holes
at top of Kings Road and poor state of B1202 Heath Road.
Complaint received
about grass verge corner of Wesley Close and Kings Road – reported
to NKDC.
Complaint received about garden rubbish being dumped on the green belt
along north side of Kings Road – contacted NKDC.
3.5 Matters Outstanding
3.5.1 Fayre & Feast – The next meeting of the working group is arranged
for 2nd October 2007 in the Star & Garter Lounge at 7.00pm. The pre Fayre & Feast
meeting to be re-arranged to Thursday 18th October 2007 at 7.00pm in the Village
Hall.
ACTION: Working Group/Clerk
3.5.2 Chance to Share and related issues – A meeting has taken place
with the PC Solicitor. Letter received from Ruth Crouch of LCC, the legal situation
has changed since the last meeting with them. Further discussions are to take
place with the Solicitor and a meeting arranged with LCC. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Bradwell/Chairman
3.5.3 Village play parks & Youths Recreation Area – Nothing to report,
the Clerk to arrange an on site meeting. ACTION: Clerk/Working group
3.5.4 New pavilion and changing rooms – The Chairman has not yet made
contact with the architect, due to cost implications. ACTION: Chairman
3.5.5 Public Conveniences – The hot water boiler has now been installed.
Clerk to purchase a small litter bin for the female toilets. For a trial period
the toilets are to be left open. ACTION: Clerk
3.5.6 Gate/Fence between Squash Court, Public Conveniences and Village Hall – The
erection of an 8ft door and fence has been completed. Cllr Mrs Parker to locate
the key and pass to the Clerk. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Parker
3.5.7 Parish Plan – This item is ongoing.
3.5.8 Charity Commission – The PC Solicitor has spoken to the Charity
Commission. The PC need to locate the Order dated 4th August 1967. Cllr Waddington
suggested writing to the DfES. Clerk to contact the archives to retrieve any
PC documents. Cllr Ford is to retrieve all documents held at the bank and pass
them to the Solicitor. A copy of documents and a list to be kept by the PC. ACTION: Clerk/Chairman/RFO
3.5.9 Village Centre Regeneration Project - A report has been received from
Peter Fender showing various options. Following a discussion it was decided
a cross and column that is very similar in size and style to the original one,
but is slightly less complicated in detail. (This is similar to photograph
1 with the cross, but the cross does not need to have as much detail). Cllr
Mrs Parker suggested a sample of materials should be shown. The PC would also
like some amendments made to the preliminary road layout Option G to include
further drop kerbs outside the war memorial and at the point of the dropped
kerbs a continuation across the road of traditional tegula cobbles. ACTION: Councillors/Clerk
3.5.10 Evaluation of PC Street Lights – Cllr Roland has been provided
with a map of the village. A survey is to be carried out with the assistance
of David Honisett. ACTION: Cllr Roland
3.5.11 Remembrance Day Service – The Methodist Church are to hold the
service this year. Clerk to contact Reverend Jill Riley to arrange a meeting
to finalize details. ACTION: Clerk
3.5.12 Re-design and maintenance of War Memorial Garden - Following discussion
it was agreed not to consider a design change until proposed work around the
library is complete. Maintenance will be carried out. Cllr Mrs Parker informed
the Council the area is maintained three times a year spring, summer and autumn.
The Chairman requested the garden be clean and tidy for the Remembrance Day
service. Clerk to check with NKDC regarding removal of trees that are in a
poor condition. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Parker/Clerk
3.5.13 Spring Garden Drury Street – The Chairman asked Councillors whether
the PC should retain responsibility for the Spring, there were mixed opinions.
It was agreed the PC should continue to act as the owners. The area is to remain
locked.
3.5.14 Affordable Housing – It was agreed any communication from
Community Lincs, relating to affordable housing within the village will be
discussed through the Planning Committee.
At 9.08pm the Chairman adjourned the meeting for refreshments.
At 9.27pm the Chairman reconvened the meeting.
3.6 New Business
3.6.1 To approve retrospective replacement of PC street lighting column between
10 & 12 Franklin Close at a cost of £567.00, it was resolved to make
the payment, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Parker, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett
and all were in favour.
3.6.2 Metheringham Area First Responders (LIVES) – request for a donation
of £500.00 towards running costs – it was resolved to make a
donation of £500.00, this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr
Waddington and all were in favour.
3.6.3 To consider locations for placing cycle racks in the village centre – Two
locations were identified the first outside the post office, Clerk to identify
ownership of footway and get permission, the second outside the library,
Clerk to contact Peter Fender to incorporate into the Village Centre Regeneration
Project. ACTION: Clerk
3.6.4 a) To consider any action necessary as a result of police
investigation of vandalism at the Spring – Following a short discussion
a motion that no further police action should be taken this was proposed by
Cllr Mrs Creasey, seconded by Cllr Mrs Parker, 1 against (Cllr Dr Allen) and
7 in favour.
b) To agree that the Spring will remain locked for health and safety reasons.
A key to be made available to Mrs Felton for maintenance of her property provided
there is no interference with plants and shrubs in the area - It was decided
the above item should refer to both neighbours and should read “A key
to be made available to the adjoining neighbours for maintenance of their properties
provided there is no interference with plants and shrubs in the area”.
To obtain a key the request is to be made in writing to the Clerk. Clerk to
write informing the parties of the above decision. It was resolved the Spring
is to remain locked for health & safety reasons, this was proposed by the
Chairman, seconded by Cllr Waddington 1 abstention (Cllr Mrs Parker) and 7
in favour.
c) To agree that the area will be managed as a
Conservation wildlife area by Hill Holt Wood under
direction from Cllr Mrs Morrison - After a short debate a motion that the area
be maintained as a
conservation area was proposed by the Chairman and seconded by Cllr Partington
2 abstentions (Cllr Ford and Cllr Mrs Parker) and 6 against.
d) To continue investigations into ownership of the Spring area – Following
a discussion in which Cllr Mrs Parker indicated she had made further enquiries
regarding ownership, Councillors were asked to consider if they still wished
to retain ownership of the Spring. This must be formalized and a final decision
will be made at the next meeting. This item is to be deferred until the next
meeting.
ACTION: Councillors
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
a) Parish
Partnership grant application – Paperwork passed to David
Honisett. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Honisett
b) Spires & Steeples Villages design workshop, Saturday 13th October at
10.00am outside Washingborough Community Centre – Nobody was available
to attend.
c) LALC Nomination for Area Committee and County Committee Membership
- The Chairman volunteered to become a member.
ACTION: Clerk/Chairman
3.8 Planning
3.8.1 To note a report from the planning committee
The Planning Committee met on Wednesday 12th September 2007. Cllr Dr Allen
and Cllr Mrs Parker gave their apologies.
The following applications were discussed:
Ref: N/39/0863/07 – Proposal: Erection of single storey garage at 15
Lime Tree Avenue, Metheringham. There were no comments or objections.
Ref: N/39/0912/07 – Proposal: Erection of 9 dwellings (reserved matters)
on land off Lincoln Road, Metheringham. The following comment was made: “Metheringham
Parish Council is happy for this development to go ahead, as the upgrade in
the sewerage system is taking place. Our only comment would be that we are
concerned about parking in this area, as the development is on a sharp right-angled
corner and parked vehicles could cause problems.”
Ref: N/39/1012/07 – Proposal: Extensions to dwelling at 1 Princess Margaret
Avenue, Metheringham. The following comment was made: “We hope due consideration
has been taken to ensure the walls of the existing garage are strong enough
to support the first floor extension.”
Planning permission has been granted for:
Ref: N/39/0994/06 – Erection of bungalow and garage, Plot 2, The Bungalow,
Field Farm, Shiregate, Metheringham.
Ref: N/39/0513/07 – Erection of 3
light industrial units, Plot adjacent 24 Moorlands Trading Estate, The Moorlands,
Metheringham.
Ref: N/39/0821/07 – Single storey front extension incorporating
pitched roof over existing garage and part re-cladding in stone at 42 Drury
Street, Metheringham.
Ref: N/39/0775/07 – Erection of a chalet bungalow,
1 Field Farm Lane, Metheringham.
Ref: N/39/0898/07 – Erection of two storey
extension, 14 Shiregate, Metheringham.
Tree Work:
Ref: N15/14 – application to carry out works to trees at the
Manor House, Metheringham. Tree work granted.
The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet next on Wednesday 10th October 2007 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall.
3.9 Financial matters
3.9.1 To consider accounts for payment
| Payment to | Amount £ |
|---|---|
| LALC – AGM fee for 2 delegates | 37.00 |
| Moore Stephens – Audit Fee | 470.00 |
| Budget Print – Annual Report | 360.00 |
| Anglian Water – general water/sewerage rate | 132.27 |
| Village Caretaker | 197.82 |
| Public Toilet Caretaker | 154.00 |
| Clerk Salary + Expenses | 958.80 |
| Parish Dog Warden | 371.28 |
| Inland Revenue | 254.77 |
| G Allbones – repair of fence at S & G field | 41.13 |
| Leisure Connections – Hire of Skate park | 517.00 |
| Veolia Ltd – Grass Cutting | 108.75 |
| ABB Ltd – Replace column adj to 1 Kings Rd | 666.23 |
| ABB Ltd - Standard charge for 197 columns | 794.71 |
| ABB Ltd – Replace column outside 10/12 Franklin Close | 666.23 |
| Village Hall Hire | 55.25 |
| Lincs Windows – Shutter for pavilion | 881.75 |
| C A Fox - Supply & fit water heater | 277.59 |
| Wybone – litter bin | 451.63 |
| Metheringham FC – Cleaning pavilion | 50.00 |
| A1 Signs – Banners & Signs | 164.50 |
| St Wilfrid’s – Hire of Hall | 7.00 |
| TOTAL | 7617.71 |
Cllr Mrs Creasey proposed payment of accounts, Cllr Mrs Webb seconded, with 1 abstention (Cllr Mrs Honisett) and 7 were in favour.
3.9.2 To receive a report from the RFO on the PC finances
| PC Income September 2007 | Amount £ |
|---|---|
| Interest from Premier Account | 275.77 |
| Interest from Deposit Account | 4.44 |
| Balance of Annual Precept | 31794.00 |
| Fayre & Feast Stall holders | 1145.00 |
| VHMC – repayment for installation of boiler | 725.00 |
| JMC – for Shutter at pavilion | 750.00 |
| TOTAL | 34694.21 |
3.9.3 The RFO stated the Conclusion of Audit for 2007 is to be displayed on
the PC notice board.
3.10 Date and venue of next meeting – Tuesday 30th October 2007 at
7.15pm in the Village Hall.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 10.43pm.