Metheringham Parish Council

Metheringham Parish Council Minutes

Parish Council

Minutes 07/2007 of Metheringham Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 27th November 2007 at 7.15pm in the Village Hall  

PRESENT:
Councillors Dr M J Allen Chairman
Mrs R Creasey
P D Ford
Mrs H Morrison
Mrs S Peek
G H Roland
A M Waddington
Mrs A F Webb
G W Chambers District Council
Mrs P Bradwell County Council
Clerk Ms S N Wetherall

1. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the last Parish Council Meeting of the year and stated the priority for the meeting was to approve the budget and precept for 2008/2009. Copies of the agenda were available for members of the public (3 present).

2. OPEN FORUM

2.1 Police report

PC Simon Gordon gave the Police report – a summary of incidents occurring in Metheringham between 27/10/07 to 27/11/07 are 3 criminal damage, 1 theft, 2 theft from motor vehicle, 4 damage to motor vehicle and 1 burglary (commercial). PC Simon Gordon stated there are problems in the village, but the police are doing everything possible to resolve the issues.

2.2 Public Forum

2.2.1 A parishioner stated he was extremely concerned about the theft of computers from the doctors’ surgery, as they will contain personal information. The PC advised him to contact the PCT.

2.3 Reports from representatives on outside bodies

2.3.1 Nothing to report from the County Councillor.

2.3.2 Cllr Chambers explained the situation relating to the sale of land adjacent to 8 Cavalry Court. The occupant over the years has experienced ongoing problems with youths kicking footballs at the property. NKDC state the builder should have extended the boundary perimeter, following a short debate the PC agreed it would be satisfactory for the land to be purchased by the owner. Cllr Chambers provided the PC with minutes of the last MACLA meeting.

2.3.3 To receive reports from other outside bodies – A report form the Village Hall Management Committee - The knotweed saga continues but is hopefully getting sorted. The Chairman, Treasurer, and the Harrisons have had a meeting with Sue Chambers about how to apply for grants to fund future projects. The concrete slope was installed to remove any steps on the path from Fen Road into the Village Hall car park. The Senior Citizens’ Christmas Coffee morning, with entertainment by the Pre-School Group, will be on Thursday 20th December. The next Village Hall Management Committee meeting is on Tuesday 4th December at 7.30pm in the village hall. It is hoped that all organisations will be represented.

3. COUNCIL MEETING

3.1 Apologies for absence and reasons given to be approved by the Council.

Councillor Mrs Honisett
Councillor Mrs Parker
Councillor J Partington
Councillor J C Rose

It was resolved to accept the above apologies and reasons, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Morrison seconded by Cllr Waddington and all were in favour.

3.2 To receive declarations of interest – none.

3.3 Notes of the last meeting held on 30 th October 2007, to be approved as the minutes – The signing of the minutes was proposed by Cllr Mrs Webb, seconded by Cllr Mrs Morrison, and all were in favour.

3.4 Clerks Report – The Parish Council Drop in Surgery continues on Saturday 1 st December at the INFO-LINKS Office from 10.30am – 12.00pm. At the last surgery there was 1 visitor.

Letter received from NKDC re: funding for Parish Dog Warden and Litter picker.
Letters of thanks sent to all that were involved in the Remembrance Day Service.
Reported the following to LCC Highways: - overgrown trees and bushes on Station Road, poor state of footpath on Princess Margaret Avenue.
E-mail sent to LCC - Ellie Baker requesting details of cost etc to replace the zebra crossing with a panda crossing (traffic lights) on Lincoln Road, waiting for reply – Cllr Mrs Bradwell reported the cost would be in the region of £50,000.00 - £70,000.00, LCC are in the process of a survey and a new policy is to be issued shortly.
Contacted LCC Highways regarding problems with cars parking and blocking a drop curb at Princes Street, Clerk requested white lines are marked. LCC state they cannot do this, Cllr Chambers suggested contacting the local police.
Letters of thanks sent to all who volunteered at the Fayre & Feast.
Poster produced and placed on MACLA website asking for volunteers for the 2008 Fayre & Feast.
Clerk has spoken with Mrs Felton and Mr Gardner; they requested a key to the Spring be given to them on a permanent basis.
Letter of Acknowledgment sent to Mr Gardner 05/11/07 re: Spring
New seats and litter bin have been installed in the Shiregate Play Park.
Clerk has notified NKDC of the new litter bin in the Shiregate Play Park.
Clerk contacted bus company, Brylaine to request alternate buses run a slightly different route up Lincoln Road, along Sleaford Road and Princes Street waiting for reply.
Contacted Shirley Barlow at NKDC re: property 2 Shiregate as they have moved their fence beyond their boundary. NKDC seem to think it is now in the correct position. Clerk has met Shirley Barlow on site and it is agreed the fence needs to be moved back to its original position.
Letter of thanks sent to Mr B Webb for his tremendous efforts in helping to resolve the sewerage and flooding problems in the village.
Clerk has applied to Booker Cash & Carry to open an account for MPC and the Village Hall.
MPC now has an account with Eastern Shires Purchasing Organization.
E-mail sent to NKDC asking if they carry out a survey of their street signs in the village, as some are looking rather old and to request that old dog fouling signs are removed.
Applied to “O2 It’s your Community” on 12/10/07 for a Grant of £800 towards improvements to the Spring, we were short listed but unfortunately on this occasion were not successful.
Letters of complaint sent to NKDC regarding planning applications appearing in the Lincolnshire Echo, without the prior knowledge of the Parish Council.
Meeting took place on Friday 2nd November with dog warden to discuss progress.
Meeting took place on Thursday 15 th November with the public toilet caretaker – new contract produced for P Broome to include a 3 month probationary period.
New toilet sign ordered to replace the vandalized sign.
Public toilet caretaker requested to paint over graffiti in male toilets and to monitor situation.
Leaving gifts presented to M Credland the previous Clerk and J Duggins a former Councillor.
PC Surgery timetable, meeting dates and important diary dates for 2008 are included in Councillors folders, placed in notice boards, Info-Links and on MACLA website.
Complaint received about access along Field Farm Lane, spoke to Cllr Chambers and relayed information back to complainant, but he is still unhappy about situation. Clerk to request assistance from Cllr Chambers.

3.5 Matters Outstanding

3.5.1 Fayre & Feast – The Chairman thought the de-briefing meeting went well and some valid points were raised which are to be noted for next year. Presentations were made to Mike Credland the previous Clerk and John Duggins a former Councillor ACTION: Working Group

3.5.2 Chance to Share and related issues – The Parish Council met with Lincolnshire County Council on Monday 19 th November 2007. LCC now have a copy of the PC Business Plan and planning permission. At the meeting in October the PC suggested erecting a fence around the playing field to give the school a secure area for the children. LCC believe there may be a problem with the properties on Princess Margaret Avenue as some of the gardens have access, LCC are seeking legal advice. PC to write to owners/occupiers stating they have no legal right of access. Cllr Mrs Bradwell informed the PC that Ruth Crouch was in the process of reading the Business Plan, and believes if the Pavilion/Changing Rooms are for school and community use they feel things can move forward quickly. All Cllrs received a copy of suggested wording to be added to an historical notice board for the playing field. It was resolved to call the area the Londesborough Playing Field, proposed by Cllr Mrs Creasey, seconded by Cllr Waddington and all were in favour. A meeting of the Forward Planning group has been arranged for Thursday 13 th December 2007 at 6.30pm at the Manor. ACTION: Working Group

3.5.3 Village play parks & Youths Recreation Area – The new seats and litter bin have been installed at the Shiregate Play Park. The Children’s Playground working group has met with the local police to discuss possible locations for the youth shelter. The proposed location at the present time is the Princes Street car park. Clerk to obtain 3 quotations and make enquiries about outside funding options. ACTION: Clerk/Working Group

3.5.4 New pavilion and changing rooms – This item is ongoing, awaiting further information from LCC. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Bradwell

3.5.5 Parish Plan – This item is ongoing, a steering group is to be formed to consist of volunteers from local business, community, shops, pubs, church and other organizations. Cllr Waddington has offered to represent the Parish Council. ACTION: Councillors

3.5.6 Village Centre Regeneration Project - The Clerk has written to Peter Fender informing him of the decisions that were made at the last PC meeting relating to the new cross. PC are now waiting for LCC. Cllr Mrs Bradwell offered to make enquiries to establish the current position. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Bradwell/Peter Fender

3.5.7 Evaluation of PC Street Lights – Cllr Roland and Cllr Waddington having nearly completed the survey. All the information is now on an excel spreadsheet, once this is complete a copy will be given to the Clerk. ACTION: Working Group

3.5.8 Remembrance Day Service – The Chairman thought the service went well and the reading of the names by Mike Credland at the war memorial was very moving. Other Councillors felt things could have been better e.g. procession from the Chapel to the memorial garden, seating arrangements and number of parishioners present.

3.5.9 Re-design and maintenance of War Memorial Garden - Councillors are to consider ways of improving the garden. This item is ongoing. Clerk to obtain 3 quotations for the cleaning of the war memorial. ACTION: Councillors/Clerk

3.5.10 Spring Garden Drury Street – It was resolved to carry out repairs to the spring retaining walls and erect a fence around the spring, it was proposed by The Chairman, seconded by Cllr Mrs Creasey that the work is carried out by Hill Holt Wood at a cost of £295.35 and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.5.11 Storage of Parish Council records at the Lincolnshire Archives – this item is ongoing. ACTION: Clerk/Chairman/Cllr Ford

3.5.12 Erection of Historical notice boards – All Councillors were in agreement, that the village assets that have been donated over the years should be recognized. ACTION: Chairman/Clerk

3.6 New Business

3.6.1 To consider arrangements for the Annual Village Meeting – The Meeting will take place on Tuesday 29 th April 2008, Cllr Chambers stated there should only be one external speaker. The meeting will follow the same format as last year, Clerk to invite all voluntary village organizations. Councillors are to contact the Clerk with suggestions for possible topics to be presented. To be added to the next agenda. ACTION: Councillors/Clerk

3.6.2 Sleaford & District Citizens Advice Bureau, request for a donation towards the work they carry out – It was resolved that a donation would not be made on this occasion, this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Webb and all were in favour.

3.6.3 To agree the Fayre & Feast will take place on Saturday 18 th October 2008 – It was resolved the Fayre & Feast would take place, it was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Mrs Creasey and all were in favour. The theme would be the 90th Anniversary of the ending of the 1st World War. ACTION: Working Group

3.6.4 To resolve payment of half costs to purchase a fence between the Star & Garter field and the school playground. Up to a maximum of £4,500.00 subject to confirmation by Lincolnshire County Council of the deeds and suitable quotations – Following a short debate and a request to Cllr Mrs Bradwell to clarify details of the quotations and a copy of the deed it was resolved to make a payment of £4,500.00 towards the new fence, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Creasey, seconded by Cllr Waddington and all were in favour. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Bradwell

At 8.53pm the Chairman adjourned the meeting for refreshments.
At 9.05pm Cllr Mrs Bradwell left the meeting.
At 9.09pm the Chairman reconvened the meeting.

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 14 th November 2007. The following applications were discussed:

Ref: N39/1237/07 – Proposal: Erection of 10 houses and garages (outline) on land to the east of Barley Close, Metheringham. The following comments were made:

Ref: N39/1290/07 – Proposal: Erection of smoking shelter at Londesborough Arms, Middle Street, Metheringham. The following comments were made:

Planning permission has been granted for:

Ref: N39/1101/07 – Raise roof height to accommodate loft conversion at 8 Manor Close, Metheringham.

LCC Ref. No. N39/1245/06 – To extract dimension limestone block and limestone aggregate at Metheringham Heath Quarry, Metheringham Heath Lane, Metheringham.

The Appeal lodged by the Scarf & Goggles (ref: N/39/0260/07) has been dismissed.

On Tuesday 13 th November 19 parishioners attended the public meeting in the Village Hall to hear and discuss the forthcoming Housing Needs Survey. Ian Penn, County Rural Housing Enabler, gave a presentation on the types of housing resulting from surveys in other areas. He explained the criteria involved, and answered questions from the audience. It is hoped all households will complete and return the survey form, which will be distributed with the MACLA magazine in December.

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

3.9 Financial matters

3.9.1 To consider accounts for payment

Payment to Amount £
Gadsby’s Lincoln – Ex Clerk gift 207.00
Bates Sound – Remembrance Day 117.50
Speed Frame – Ex Cllr gift 53.53
Paul Scholey – Village Hall car park 205.00
Village Caretaker 268.09
Public Toilet Caretaker 154.56
Clerk Salary + Expenses 1199.39
Parish Dog Warden 417.80
Inland Revenue 294.61
G Allbones – install 2 benches & bin 170.00
Star & Garter – de brief 100.00
J Betts – F & F entertainment (underpaid) 75.00
RFO Expenses (Aug – Nov) 53.49
M Allen – Remembrance Day Bugler 20.00
Powergen- lighting war memorial 59.08
Powergen- lighting public toilets 58.14
Village Hall Hire 52.00
St Wilfrid’s – Hire of Hall 14.00
Metheringham FC – repair water main 233.15
Metheringham FC – cleaning dressing rooms 121.13
Marshall’s – 2 new seats 1273.70
Pitney Bowes – F & F printing 38.82
E-on – electricity charges 997.81
Veoila – grass cutting 85.19
TOTAL 6268.99

Cllr Waddington proposed payment of accounts, Cllr Mrs Creasey seconded and all were in favour.

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

PC Income November 2007 Amount £
Interest from Premier Account 312.61
Interest from Deposit Account 7.62
VHMC – payment on loan 97.78
Outstanding monies Fayre & Feast 30.00
Mitier Comms – overpayment on invoice 4.50
TOTAL 452.51

3.9.3 To discuss and approve a budget for 2008/2009 – Following a detailed appraisal of the proposed budget, it was resolved to approve the budget for 2008/2009 as presented by the RFO, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Creasey, seconded by Cllr Mrs Morrison and all were in favour.

3.9.4 To agree the precept for 2008/2009 – The proposal from the RFO was a 7% increase, after discussion it was resolved to accept 7%, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Creasey, seconded by Cllr Mrs Webb and all were in favour.

3.10 Date and venue of next meeting – Tuesday 29 th January 2008 at 7.15pm in the Village Hall.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.46pm.

top

Site maintained on behalf of macla - (c) the weaver 2001, 2008.