Metheringham Parish Council

Metheringham Parish Council Minutes

Parish Council

Minutes 08/2008 of Metheringham Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 29th January 2008 at 7.15pm in the Village Hall

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

1. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the first Parish Council Meeting of 2008, wished everyone a Happy New Year and stated he hoped the Parish Council would be able to move forward with major projects. Copies of the agenda were available for members of the public (3 present).

2. OPEN FORUM

2.1 Police report

PCSO Paul Flannigan gave the Police report – a summary of incidents occurring in Metheringham between 27/11/07 to 28/01/08 are 9 criminal damage, 6 theft, 1 damage to motor vehicle and 1 burglary (commercial). PCSO Flannigan stated there had been anti social behaviour problems at the train station and the British Transport Police had been informed.

2.2 Public Forum

2.2.1 A parishioner stated he was concerned about the public toilets being left open at night. The Clerk is monitoring the situation. Mrs Robinson Chairman of MADSPA gave details of solar heating quotations and possible funding. The Chairman suggested a small working group be formed to include MADSPA and VHMC. ACTION: Clerk/Cllr Mrs Honisett

2.3 Reports from representatives on outside bodies

2.3.1 Nothing to report from the County Councillor.

2.3.2 Cllr Rose stated meetings were being held to formalize council tax rates, current proposed increases NKDC - 4%, PC - ?, LCC - 3.5%. However the Police have requested an 80% increase, this will have major implications on the LCC figure. Last year the police received a £3.5million grant and have requested this again.
Improvements to Sleaford Household Waste Recycling Centre off Mareham Lane, will mean the public benefit from safer and easier access to the site. Lincolnshire County Council has now arranged for improvement works, set to take place from 1 st February to 3 rd March 2008 inclusive, during which time the site will be closed.

2.3.3 To receive reports from other outside bodies – A report from the Village Hall Management Committee – On Friday 21 st December the committee hosted a Christmas party, which was well attended. VHMC are applying for grants for their 21st Century Energy Efficiency Improvements project, and would like written support from the Parish Council. The improvements include double-glazing, two windows, cavity wall insulation for one wall, waste water recycling system, solar panels for water heating and closed circuit TV security system. The next Village Hall Management Committee meeting is on Tuesday 4 th March 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 Bradwell
Councillor G W Chambers
It was resolved to accept the above apologies and reasons, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Morrison seconded by Cllr Ford and all were in favour.

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.

3.3 Notes of the last meeting held on 27 th November 2007, to be approved as the minutes – The signing of the minutes was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Mrs Morrison, with 3 abstentions (Cllrs Mrs Honisett, Mrs Parker and Partington) and 6 were in favour.

3.4 Clerks Report – The next Parish Council Drop in Surgery will be on Saturday 1 st March 2008 at the INFO-LINKS Office from 10.00am – 12.00pm.
Request made to NKDC to add local allotment information to their website.
Co-op to provide cycle racks outside the Post Office.
Reported the following to LCC Highways: - Missing Illuminated bollard Dunston Road/ High Street and missing shield from beacon at pelican crossing. Pot hole B1188 junction B1202, improve lay-by on Sleaford Road, new sign ordered (sharp deviation to right) on Station Road.
Letters sent 06/12/07 to allotment tenants requesting their rent.
Letters received from Mrs Felton16/12/07 and 29/12/07.
Letter sent to Mrs Felton 06/12/07 re: Spring .
Letter sent to Mr & Mrs Andrews 07/12/07 re: Spring.
Letter received from Mr & Mrs Andrews 14/12/07.
Letter of Acknowledgment sent to Mrs Felton 02/01/08 re: Spring.
Letter sent 07/12/07 to Standards Board re: Revised Code of Conduct.
Bus shelter at High Street to be completed by March.
Clerk contacted bus company, Brylaine to request alternate buses run a slightly different route up Lincoln Road, along Sleaford Road and Princes Street, unfortunately because Metheringham is the main Interconnect 5 stop, they cannot alter the routes.
Letter sent 12/12/07 to NKDC re: application to vary the premises licence at the Squash Rackets Club.
Poster produced advertising the Annual Village Meeting.
Letter sent to occupants of 9 High Street requesting overhanging bushes are cut.
Letter sent to Paul Andrews 17/12/07.
Letters sent 04/12/07 to residents of Princess Margaret Avenue re: Access to Playing Field.
Letter sent to Lloyds TSB requesting a donation towards two new seats for the war memorial garden.
Letter sent to NKDC regarding planning application Ref: 07/1278 Dunston Road, details are very confusing.
Parish Partnerships Cluster Meeting took place on 10 th January 2008, copy of notes are available in Correspondence to note. Next meeting will take place on Thursday 10 th April 2008 at Potterhanworth Village Hall starting at 7pm.
Following reported to the Police - Car Parked in Middle Street since November, car regularly parked on footpath Lincoln Road and cars blocking drop curb, Princes Street.
Site visit organized for 23/01/08 at 1.30pm at Witham St Hugh’s Primary School to view the eco-friendly facility.
The following Fluorescent coats and vests have not yet been returned after the Fayre & Feast, 1 XL Coat, 2 XL vests and 1 L vest, if anybody still has theses items or knows where they are could you please return them to me a.s.a.p.
LALC Training for 2008, if possible I would like all Councillors who have not recently attended a training session, to attend one of the Councillors Training Events on Tuesday 8 th July 2008 at Faldingworth Memorial Hall, Market Rasen at 7.00pm – 9.00pm OR Tuesday 11 th November 2008 at Osbournby Village Hall, Sleaford at 7.00pm – 9.00pm.
Letter from LCC – Re: Highways issues.
Registration of Spring is in progress.
Concerns have been raised about the use of the Parish Council notice board outside the Co-op, if anyone would like details please let me know.
Dog Warden has been approached with a request for a dog bin to be located on the Millfield Estate.
Contacted Paula Robinson at NKDC Housing maintenance, regarding the poor condition of the fence along the Star & Garter field and Hall Yard. Awaiting a response.

3.5 Matters Arising

3.5.1 Fayre & Feast – A meeting of the working group has been arranged for Wednesday 19 th March at 7.00pm in the Star & Garter Lounge. Concerns have been raised regarding the payment of the groups, the figures must be clarified. It was resolved to make a donation of £20.00 to the Methodist Chapel for refreshments. This was proposed by Cllr Waddington, seconded by Cllr Mrs Parker and all were in favour. ACTION: Working Group

3.5.2 Chance to Share and related issues – It was resolved to discuss this item in closed session, this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour.

3.5.3 Village play parks & Youths Recreation Area – Cllr Roland has been making regular visits to the play parks, there is a litter problem, this is to be monitored. The proposed location for the Youth/Meeting Shelter is the Princes Street car park. The Clerk has obtained 3 quotations the details were shown to Councillors. Grant Application has been made to the Rural Fizz Fund for £3,000.00, and NKDC Young People’s Fund for £1,000.00. ACTION: Clerk/Working Group

3.5.4 New pavilion and changing rooms – This item is ongoing. ACTION: LCC

3.5.5 Parish Plan – Cllr Waddington has produced a poster and an article has appeared in the Lincolnshire Echo requesting volunteers for the steering group, unfortunately at this stage there has been no response. ACTION: Councillors

3.5.6 Village Centre Regeneration Project - The project will commence on 18 th February 2008. ACTION: LCC

3.5.7 Evaluation of PC Street Lights – Cllr Roland has produced a map with details of all street lights. All the information is now on an excel spreadsheet and details are being finalized. ACTION: Working Group

3.5.8 Re-design of War Memorial Garden - Councillors are to consider ways of improving the garden. Cllr Mrs Parker believes it would be better to leave any work until the VCRP has been completed. ACTION: Councillors/Clerk

3.5.9 Storage of Parish Council records at the Lincolnshire Archives – There have been concerns raised in relation to storing the PC documents at the archives, alternatives are being investigated. ACTION: Clerk/Chairman/Cllr Ford

3.5.10 Erection of Historical notice boards – Councillors are to make a decision as to what information should be on the notice boards and contact the Clerk. ACTION: Councillors

3.5.11 Arrangements for the Annual Village Meeting – Cllr Mrs Parker suggested “the future of Metheringham Primary School”. Following a short discussion it was decided to have a “Going Green” theme to include a presentation by NKDC on recycling and possibly the SustainNK Roadshow. ACTION: Clerk

At 9.01pm the Chairman adjourned the meeting for refreshments.
At 9.01pm Cllr Rose left the meeting.
At 9.12pm the Chairman reconvened the meeting.

3.6 New Business

3.6.1 To consider a bye law to prohibit alcohol in designated areas of the village – It was resolved to pursue the bye law this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Morrison, seconded by Cllr Mrs Creasey with all in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.2 To agree Metheringham Parish Council produce a letter head to include a suitable logo – All were in agreement it was suggested the Clerk contact the School Headmistress regarding a competition for the school children. This was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Mrs Parker and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.3 To approve Metheringham Parish Council Mission Statement - It was resolved to accept the Mission Statement as presented to all Councillors, this was proposed by Cllr Waddington, seconded by Cllr Mrs Morrison and all were in favour.ACTION: Clerk

3.6.4 To consider subscription to the Annual Training Scheme offered by Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils for April 2008/March 2009 at a cost of £105.00 – It was resolved to subscribe, this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.5 To confirm members of working groups –

Working group Leader Members
Children’s Playgrounds Cllr Roland Cllrs Ford and Mrs Morrison
Fayre & Feast Cllr Ford Cllrs Mrs Morrison, Mrs Peek, Mrs Creasey and Mike Credland.
Forward Planning Cllr Dr Allen Cllrs Ford, Mrs Parker, Mrs Honisett, Mrs Webb.
Highways & Footpaths Cllr Waddington Cllrs Roland, Mrs Peek, Mrs Honisett and David Honisett.
Playing fields Cllr Ford Cllrs Dr Allen and Mrs Creasey
Street lighting Cllr Roland Cllr Waddington
War Memorial Spring & Public Open Spaces Cllr Mrs Parker Cllrs Dr Allen, Mrs Honisett, Mrs Morrison and Mrs Webb.
Risk Assessment Cllr Ford Cllrs Dr Allen and Partington

Following a short debate the above details were agreed, this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Roland and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.6 To approve repairs to the entrance wall to the Village Car Park, Middle Street – The quotations were given it was resolved to accept the quotation from Darwood Builders & Plumbers at a cost of £450.00, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Creasey, seconded by Cllr Ford, 3 abstentions (Cllr Dr Allen, Cllr Roland and Cllr Mrs Honisett) and 6 were in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.7 To resolve professional cleaning of the war memorial is carried out - Following a number of questions this item was deferred until the next meeting.ACTION: Clerk

3.6.8 To agree Children’s Playgrounds working group carry out Play Area inspections on a weekly/monthly basis – NKDC are to offer training sessions in relation to play parks. Cllr Roland suggested the inspections be carried out on a monthly basis, this was resolved by Cllr Roland, seconded by Cllr Ford and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk/Working group

3.6.9 To agree Highways and footpaths working group carry out a survey of vehicles parked on High Street – There were some concerns raised regarding legal implications of taking car registrations. Clerk to contact Alan Brown at LCC Highways to confirm details. This item has been deferred until the next meeting. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.10 To agree Highways and footpaths working group carry out checks of the roads, footpaths and road/street signs on a quarterly basis – Following a short discussion the above was agreed it was proposed by Cllr Mrs Morrison, seconded by Cllr Waddington and all were in favour. ACTION: Working group

3.6.11 To consider employing a gardener/handyman to undertake general jobs around the village – A proposal was circulated to all Councillors, concerns were raised as to whether the Parish Council could afford to employ someone. This has been forecast in the budget for 2008/09. It was resolved to advertise for the position this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Honisett, seconded by Cllr Ford 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 12 th December 2007. The following application was discussed:

Ref: N39/1278/07 – Proposal: Residential development – 15 dwellings (outline – access only) at 16 Dunston Road, Metheringham. The following comments and objections were made:

Metheringham Parish Council feels there has been some confusion over what it should be discussing with regard to this application. We were informed by letter and the accompanying plan that we were to discuss only the first 10 metres of the access road (outline only) – the rest of the plan would appear to be supposition. However, in a letter from Jane Wells to the Parish Clerk, dated 27 th November 2007, it would appear that the outline proposal was for 15 dwellings with access, which was, presumably, what residents in Hunters Drive had been told.

It would be appreciated if, in future, we could have a clear idea of what we should be discussing. Therefore, Metheringham Parish Council wishes to object to this proposal on the following grounds, following guidance from Alan Oliver on Tuesday 11 th December 2007:

Planning permission has been granted for:

Ref: N39/1142/07 – Proposal: Erection of two storey side extension at 8 Rossington Close, Metheringham.
Ref: N39/1070/07 – Proposal: Erection of dwelling and detached garage (larger garage to that previously approved) at Plot 2 Tanvats, Metheringham Fen.

The Planning Committee did not meet on Wednesday 9 th January 2008, but members were notified that there was one application, namely:

Ref: N39/1441/07 – Proposal: Single storey car port and kitchen and study extension and bungalow; modernisation (revised scheme). There were no comments, as planning permission had already been granted for the original scheme, and the revised scheme was an improvement on the original.

Planning permission has been granted for:

Ref: N39/1205/07 – Proposal: Conversion of flat roof to pitched with addition of solar panels, extension to sun room at 22 Middle Street, Metheringham.

Planning permission has been refused for:

Ref: N39/1290/07 – Proposal: Erection of smoking shelter at Londesborough Arms, Middle Street, Metheringham. It was suggested by North Kesteven District Council that it is likely a smoking shelter situated on the southern side of the building would be considered more favourably, subject to a suitable design.

The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet next on Wednesday 13 th February 2008 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall.

3.9 Financial matters

3.9.1 To consider accounts for payment

Payment to Amount £
Starlite Associates 95.27
Cllr Waddington – Printing costs 13.50
Bonnetts – public toilet materials 37.37
Darwood Builders – Village Hall ramp 176.25
Village Caretaker 221.18
Public Toilet Caretaker 154.56
Clerk Salary + Expenses 958.60
Parish Dog Warden 464.10
Inland Revenue 288.83
ABB Ltd – lighting costs 794.71
P Baumber – cutting hedges 88.13
Village Hall Hire 52.00
St Wilfrid’s – Hire of Hall 14.00
Veoila – grass cutting S & G 42.59
TOTAL DECEMBER 2007 3401.09
Village Caretaker 500.91
Public Toilet Caretaker 193.20
Clerk Salary + Expenses 847.67
Parish Dog Warden 646.09
Inland Revenue 375.38
Metheringham Methodist Chapel – donation 20.00
Inland Revenue 221.56
LCC – Archives 5.23
Land registry 40.00
Darwood Builders – Unblocking toilets 41.13
ABB Ltd – repair s/light Viking Way 27.58
Metheringham FC – cleaning pavilion 89.42
Sparks Electrical – repair to hand dryer 55.23
LCC – Pension Scheme 224.72
TOTAL JANUARY 2008 3288.12

It was resolved to make retrospective payment of the December accounts and payment of the January accounts, Cllr Mrs Creasey proposed payment, Cllr Mrs Morrison seconded, 1 abstention (Cllr Mrs Honisett) and 8 were in favour.

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

PC Income December 2007 Amount £
Interest from Premier Account 293.55
Interest from Deposit Account 4.57
VHMC – payment on loan 97.78
Annual Allotment Rent 80.00
NKDC – towards litter picking 1252.08
NKDC – towards dog warden 1184.40
TOTAL 2912.38
PC Income January 2008 Amount £
Interest from Premier Account 291.71
Interest from Deposit Account 1.95
VHMC – payment on loan 97.78
TOTAL 391.44

3.10 Date and venue of next meeting – Tuesday 26 th February 2008 at 7.15pm in the Village Hall.

3.11 To consider a motion to exclude the press and public, this was proposed by Cllr Dr Allen, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour.

3.12 The Chairman explained the latest situation relating to the meeting with LCC and PC held on 28 th January 2008. Possibility of relinquishing the lease on the “Chance to Share field”, in exchange for a lease on the Star & Garter field and this area to be fenced in accordance with LCC school regulations. There is no change proposed in the Village use of either field. A heads of terms agreement is being prepared for discussion.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 10.44pm.

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