Metheringham Parish Council
Metheringham Parish Council Minutes
Minutes 05/2009 of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 29th September 2009 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall
PRESENT: Councillors Dr M J Allen (Chairman), Mrs R Creasey, N Dobbs,
P D Ford, Mrs J Honisett (Vice Chairman), Mrs R Parker,
Mrs S Peek, M E Reynolds, G H Roland, A M Waddington,
Mrs A F Webb, Mrs P Bradwell (County Council), J C Rose (District Council) and Ms S N Wetherall (Clerk).
1. To resolve to accept Apologies for absence and reasons given: Apologies were received from Cllr G W Chambers. It was resolved to accept the apology and reason, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Honisett, seconded by Cllr Mrs Creasey and all were in favour.
2. Members Declarations of Interests: Declarations of interest were made by the following Councillors:
Cllr Mrs Honisett declared a personal interest for agenda item 6g because her husband is receiving a salary.
Cllr Mrs Parker declared a personal interest for agenda item 10f because of her connections with Blankney Estates.
3. Reports from representatives on outside bodies:
a) Cllr Mrs Bradwell gave a report on the library area, Arts NK are responsible for planting of the area and maintenance for a maximum of one year, after this time it is expected a voluntary organization in the village will take responsibility. MPC are very concerned that this is a focal point of the village and has not been maintained or properly planted in over a year, this reflects badly on the village and the Parish Council. In relation to Item 11, Cllr Mrs Bradwell stated she was extremely disappointed with the poor response from the LCC solicitors. The HOT document has now been converted into legal terms. MPC are extremely disappointed as the document is no longer readable to the layman.
Cllr Mrs Bradwell left the meeting at 7.36pm.
b) Cllr Rose stated the District Council are to start building council houses again. £1,000,000.00 has been allocated and this is to be match funded by the district. Building work is to begin in March 2010 and be complete one year later. Nineteen properties are to be built across the district. There are currently 2,500 people on the waiting list for a council property.
c) The Clerk read the dog warden report for September, there are no major problems at this time. Cllr Mrs Peek stated there is an issue with fouling on Alfred Avenue.
MADPSA and MPC arranged a meeting with Mr Hawbrook re: his donation to MADSPA, but unfortunately he did not attend, MPC are now considering this matter to be closed.
4. Notes of the last meeting: Held on 25th August 2009, having been previously circulated, be approved as the minutes – It was resolved to sign the minutes as a true record of the meeting, this was proposed by
Cllr Mrs Honisett, seconded by the Chairman, 1 abstention (Cllr Roland) and 8 were in favour.
5. Clerks report on matters outstanding:
a) LCC Highways contacted re: markings on road at top of Princes Street need re-painting. Complaint from residents on Townsend Way, there is a problem with car’s parking along Townsend Way especially near to the junction with Lincoln Road. Request for double yellow lines to be placed on both corners. Request for drop kerb on Princess Margaret Avenue - waiting response. A programme for installing drop kerbs on Princes Street will take place next year. Complaints received from residents on Westfield Close regarding pedestrian access across B1189. Another request received for drop kerb on Station Road to gain access to Manor Road. Steve Welsh from LCC Highways has requested a meeting to discuss outstanding issues, arranged for 12th October at 9.30am at the Fire Station.
b) Complaint received from resident on Townsend Way, re: street cleaning and street light not working – Both issues reported, problems with paperwork from Anglian Water, still waiting for date of when street is to be adopted by LCC.
c) Request to LCC for bus stop sign or bus stop road markings outside D & K News, due to ongoing problems with Brylaine buses not stopping at this stop. LCC to investigate installation of single bus stop pole, site meeting held, funds are available from LCC but MPC would have to order and install.
d) Bus stop improvements on High Street, are now complete. Site meeting held with Lincolnshire Co-op regarding erection of bus shelter. Waiting for response.
e) Request from resident on B1188 - Sleaford Road to reduce the speed limit from 50 to 40, clerk contacted LCC Highways, speed limit is to be reviewed, Cllr Mrs Bradwell stated this would be done sometime in the future.
f) Parish Plan meeting date to be arranged.
g) Contacted NKDC re: erection of new street sign for Butters Corner, NKDC to contact Chanceoption.
h) Letter sent to Mr Hawbrook re: donation to MADSPA. Meeting arranged for 28th September at 9.30am at Info-Links. Mr Hawbrook did not attend, letter sent stating matter is now closed.
i) Damage to fence at Princes Street car park – In production waiting delivery and installation. Invoice to be sent to Aviva.
j) Signs ordered for Shiregate Play park and public toilets.
k) Metheringham Youth Council – to agree a way forward, see item 9(c).
l) Cllr Mrs Creasey has received complaints regarding the collection of wheelie bins on High Street, since the new timetable has been introduced the bins are not being emptied until late afternoon, this is causing a problem with access. Clerk contacted NKDC to request the bins are emptied first thing in the morning. Waiting information from NKDC.
m) Request from resident for dog bin to be installed on Millfield Road. Working group and dog warden to investigate possibility.
n) Letter sent to Ringrose Law re: accident at railway crossing.
o) Letter sent to Stamford Homes re: maintenance of trees adjacent to Dunston Road.
p) Letter sent to Mr Woodhead re: street naming new properties on Lincoln Road and Barley Close.
q) Letter sent to M Gadd at NKDC re: Valuation of PC Assets.
r) Letter sent to occupants of 87 Lincoln Road re: overgrown plant covering street sign.
s) Letter sent to occupant of 91 Lincoln Road re: overgrown hedge obstructing footpath.
t) Letter sent to Mulberry Bush re: tree branches blocking street light.
u) Local Code of Conduct training – date to be arranged.
v) Meeting to take place on 3rd November at 9.30am with the NK Access group, to establish accessibility of buildings in the village, this is a continuation from a consultation that was carried out in 2008.
w) Letters received from land registry re: voluntary registration of MPC landholdings, check to be carried out to establish what land is registered.
x) E-mail sent to Doddington Hall farm shop requesting prices for Christmas tree, contact on holiday waiting reply. Tree to be dressed and undressed by Paul Chambers with help of Councillors.
6. Financial matters:
a) To consider and approve quotations received for the purchase and installation of parking signs in the war memorial garden and village car park – following consideration of the three quotations it was resolved to purchase one of each design at a cost of £85.00 each from TMS, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Creasey, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour.
Cllr Mrs Honisett declared a prejudicial interest for item 6b because her husband is an employee of Metheringham Parish Council, she left the room at the appropriate time.
b) To approve a pay increase of 1.25% on SCPs 4 to 10 inclusive from 1st April 2009 jointly agreed by NALC and SLCC – it was resolved to accept the pay increase, proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Waddington and 8 were in favour.
Cllr Mrs Honisett returned to the meeting.
c) To approve a pay increase of 1.00% on SCPs 11 to 49 inclusive from 1st April 2009 jointly agreed by NALC and SLCC – it was resolved to accept the pay increase, proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Waddington and all were in favour.
d) To approve Conclusion of Audit for 2008/2009 and posting of Notice for a period of 14 days – following the successful completion of the audit it was resolved to post the notice, this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Waddington and all were in favour.
e) To approve formal valuation of Parish Council Assets at a cost of approximately £350.00 – following a short discussion it was resolved MPC should have a full valuation of assets, this was proposed by Cllr Waddington, seconded by Cllr Mrs Parker and all were in favour.
f) To consider a request from Sleaford and District Citizens Advice Bureaus for a donation towards their activities – Cllr Rose stated NKDC contribute to CAB, it was resolved a donation would not be made on this occasion this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Mrs Webb and all were in favour.
g) To consider accounts for payment:
| Payment to | Amount £ |
|---|---|
| Argos – Shelf unit for public toilets (DC) | 19.59 |
| Metheringham PO – postage (DC) | 6.04 |
| LALC – AGM attendance x 2 | 37.00 |
| MPC - Cash | 100.00 |
| Clement Keys – Audit fee 2008/2009 | 550.00 |
| RoSPA – Annual play parks inspection | 144.00 |
| SCIS UK Ltd – repair to Clerks computer | 50.00 |
| NALC - QPS portfolio application fee | 115.00 |
| Gardener/Handyman Salary & Expenses | 215.91 |
| Village Caretaker Salary | 279.10 |
| Public Toilet Caretaker Salary | 174.16 |
| Pavilion Cleaner Salary | 74.65 |
| Clerk Salary & Expenses | 1290.31 |
| LCC Pension Scheme | 397.48 |
| Parish Dog Warden | 340.00 |
| HM Revenue & Customs | 637.09 |
| Veolia – grass cutting | 137.04 |
| E-on street lighting | 666.09 |
| MVHMC – Hire of Hall | 39.00 |
| St Wilfrid’s – Hire of Hall | 7.00 |
| Bonnetts Ltd – materials for toilets | 40.35 |
| ESPO – Gas supply for swimming pool | 43.72 |
| TOTAL SEPTEMBER 2009 | 5363.53 |
It was resolved to make payment of the accounts, the Chairman proposed payment, Cllr Waddington seconded, 1 abstention (Cllrs Mrs Honisett) and 8 were in favour.
f) To receive a report from the RFO on the PC finances – The RFO stated the second half of the precept has been received from NKDC. There were no questions or queries for the RFO on the financial position.
7. Planning Committee Notes of the last meeting: Held on 9th September 2009, having been previously circulated, to be approved as the minutes – It was resolved to sign the minutes as a true record of the meeting, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Webb, seconded by Cllr Waddington and all were in favour.
8. Correspondence:
a) To note general correspondence – Please see Appendix 1.
9. To receive reports on Outside Meetings:
a) The Chairman gave a report on the Parish Partnership Evaluation Workshop held on 15th September. Attendees were split into groups, the Chairman and Clerk both gave their views on the cluster group meetings, waiting for feedback from NKDC.
b) The Chairman, Cllrs Dobbs, Mrs Honisett, Mrs Parker Mrs Peek and Ms Wetherall attended the Power of Wellbeing training held on 17th September, attendance certificates will be issued on 30th October. Cllrs Ford, Reynolds, Roland, Waddington and Mrs Webb to attend on 14th October at Middle Rasen Village Hall. 80% of members must attend the specialist training – this covers the legislation relating to the use of the power of wellbeing.
c) The Clerk and Cllr Waddington attended Engaging with Young People training held on 23rd September – The Clerk circulated a report on the meeting, presentations were given by Mary Silverton and members
from North Hykeham Town Council and LCC. Volunteers required to assist in the formation of the Metheringham Youth Council. Meeting to be arranged with Mission X and other interested teenagers.
d) The Chairman gave a report on the Standards Committee Meeting held on 23rd September. Most of the items covered were internal issues. A revised code of conduct is to be issued in May 2010. Random checks are to be made on Parish Councils relating to members declarations of interest forms.
e) The Chairman gave a report on the Community Lincs AGM held on 24th September 2009 – Unfortunately Parish Council members in attendance were not admitted to the AGM, therefore members cannot report on the AGM. Presentations were given by the Bishop of Lincoln, Richard Childs – Commission for Rural Communities and Hugh Wykes – National Farmers Union. It was suggested a letter is sent to Community Lincs asking why members were not allowed to participate in the AGM.
It was resolved to suspend the meeting at 8.50pm for a short refreshment break.
Cllr Reynolds left the meeting at 8.53pm
Cllr Rose left the meeting at 9.05pm.
The meeting resumed at 9.06pm
10. To receive reports from Working Groups:
a) Children’s Playgrounds and Playing Fields – Cllr Roland stated the litter bin in Shiregate Play Park was full and broken glass on the floor. RoSPA annual play parks inspection report received, copies to Cllr Roland and Paul Chambers for action. Working group to establish what equipment is needed in current play parks and additional equipment for young teenagers.
ACTION: Working Group
b) Consultation and Questionnaires – Cllr Waddington to review
questionnaire on the closure of the Aveland High School, Billingborough in 2012. ACTION: Working Group
c) Fayre and Feast – Working group meeting took place on 8th September. Entertainment is in hand, road closure consent has been given, trailer for entertainment has been organized, steps are required. Next meeting 7th October at 7.00pm in the Star and Garter lounge.
ACTION: Working Group
d) Highways, Footpaths and Car Parks – A meeting has been arranged with LCC Highways for 12th October at 9.30am at the Fire Station.
ACTION: Working Group
e) Risk Assessment – The Chairman, Cllr Ford and Clerk reviewed the risk assessment document at a meeting on 24th September. Copies to be circulated to all Councillors. To be added to agenda for next meeting to be approved by full council. It has been identified that the Clerk and RFO require a more effective method of data backup. It was agreed stand alone hard drives and backup are required at a cost of £75.00 each, all were in favour, Clerk to purchase. ACTION: Councillors/Clerk
f) War Memorial and Spring – Working group suggest the hedge is
retained at 6’ high and the gap is filled with a fence panel. It was resolved MPC are to maintain the eastern boundary, this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett, 1 abstention (Cllr Mrs Parker) and 7 were in favour. Clerk to inform Roythornes Solicitors.
ACTION: Working Group/Clerk
11. Recreation field and related issues: MPC are waiting for feedback from our solicitors. A forward planning meeting is to be arranged.
ACTION: Clerk/Cllr Mrs Bradwell
12. Metheringham History Leaflet: Final draft document has been received incorporating photographs of the new cross. It was resolved subject to final proof reading of members involved, that the document be approved for printing. This was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour.
ACTION: Councillors
13. Allotments: Clerk has sent details of proposed plan for allotments, car park and pavilion to NKDC Planning department for their comments, they have no formal objections. Site meeting held, MPC to decide whether to progress the purchase of land from the diocese. Formal costing to be produced for project.
ACTION: Working Group
14. Metheringham Railway Station: Cllr Waddington recently attended the NKDC transport forum. LCC are actively involved with Network Rail. An hourly service is possibly due to begin in 2013 between Peterborough and Lincoln.
15. The Quality Parish Scheme: The Clerk has completed the portfolio for Quality Status. It is to be reviewed by the accreditation panel on Thursday 8th October 2009.
16. New Cross: The new cross is to be dedicated by the Archdeacon of Lincoln the Venerable Tim Barker. It was resolved all to meet at
St Wilfrid’s Church at 1.30pm on 24th October and proceed to the new cross for the dedication, followed by the official opening of the Fayre and Feast at 2.00pm. This was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Ford and all were in favour. Concerns were raised regarding the base as it has not yet been cleaned satisfactorily, Clerk to contact NKDC again. If no response is received Clerk to contact CDS.
ACTION: Clerk/Councillors
17. Library and Health Clinic: Clerk to establish location of litter bin and confirm repair work to cobbles has been carried out satisfactorily. If this has not been done, Clerk to write to LCC and ArtsNK.
ACTION: Clerk
18. Discipline Procedure MPC/005-R2: Councillors were provided with the revised document prior to the meeting, one amendment was made to item 3.1.1 - replace ‘society’ with ‘council’, it was resolved to accept the document this was proposed by Cllr Waddington, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour.
19. Grievance Procedure MPC/006-R2: Councillors were provided with the revised document prior to the meeting, it was resolved to accept the document this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour.
20. Date, time and venue of next meeting: Tuesday 27th October 2009 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 10.16pm.
Addendum 05/2009 of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council Meeting, held on Tuesday 29th September 2009 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall
1. Police Report PC Simon Gordon was present and gave the police report, during the period 25/08/09 and 29/09/09 there have been 6 crimes recorded, which are as follows: 2 – criminal damage, 2 – theft, 1 – theft from motor vehicle and 1 – burglary dwelling. PC Simon Gordon informed MPC there have been no calls from residents on Princes Street relating to anti social behaviour in the car park.
2. Public Forum There were no members of the public present at the meeting.