Metheringham Parish Council
Metheringham Parish Council Minutes
Minutes 06/2009 of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 27th October 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, G W Chambers (District Council) and
Ms S N Wetherall (Clerk).
1. To resolve to accept Apologies for absence and reasons given:
Apologies were received from Cllr J C Rose. It was resolved to accept the apology and reason, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Honisett, seconded by Cllr Mrs Peek 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 6e because her husband is receiving a salary.
Cllr Mrs Parker declared a personal interest for agenda items 5h and 10d because of her connections with Blankney Estates.
3. Reports from representatives on outside bodies:
a) Nothing to report from the County Council.
b) Nothing to report from the District Council.
c) The Clerk read the dog warden report for October, again there are no major problems at this time. The dog warden patrols the village seven days a week, day and night. The dog warden is to distribute leaflets reminding dog owners they need to clean up after their dogs. Meeting to be arranged with MADPSA to discuss outstanding issues. LALC AGM and conference to be held on 7th November Clerk and Chairman were to attend but unfortunately the Chairman is not available, Cllr Roland offered to attend in his place.
4. Notes of the last meeting: Held on 29th September 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 Roland, seconded by Cllr Mrs Parker and all were in favour.
5. Clerks report on matters outstanding:
a) LCC Highways contacted re: various issues. Complaints received from residents on Westfield Close regarding pedestrian access across B1189 – LCC to investigate options eg. Slow road markings or pedestrian signs. Another request received for drop kerb on Station Road to gain access to Manor Road. Village site meeting held on 12th October with LCC and MPC regarding outstanding issues.
b) Complaint received from resident on Townsend Way, re street cleaning and street light not working – Adoption notice to be issued 20th October for a one month period. Once this is approved the street will be adopted by LCC.
c) Request to LCC for single bus stop pole outside D & K News, due to ongoing problems with Brylaine buses not stopping at this stop. Funds are available from LCC but MPC would have to order and install. During Site meeting with LCC Highways MPC requested footpath is widened.
d) Bus stop improvements on High Street, are now complete. Further site meeting arranged for 28th October at 9.30am with Lincolnshire Co-op regarding erection of bus shelter.
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. During site meeting with LCC Highways, as a programme is already underway, this will be reviewed at the same time.
f) Letter sent to NKDC requesting funding towards litter picking and dog warden.
g) Contacted NKDC re: erection of new street sign for Butters Corner, NKDC to contact Chanceoption. Not yet installed.
h) Letter sent to Roythornes Solicitors re: Eastern Boundary of Spring Garden Drury Street.
i) Site meeting arranged with Andy Hey – Chartered Surveyor to establish all MPC assets.
j) Signs ordered for Shiregate Play park and public toilets.
k) Metheringham Youth Council – meeting to be arranged in January with Mission X and other interested parties, to agree an action plan. Councillors interested please provide suitable dates to the Clerk.
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. MPC currently have thirteen dog bins in the village and need to be mindful of the costs associated with purchasing, installing and emptying the bins. The dog warden has been monitoring the area and does not believe a bin is needed at the present time. MPC to monitor situation.
n) Letters sent to all Fen Road residents re: Fayre and Feast Road Closure and No Waiting Restrictions.
o) Letter sent to Stamford Homes re: maintenance of trees adjacent to Dunston Road. Still waiting for reply, Clerk to follow up.
p) Letter and members amended forms sent to NKDC re: Members Registers of Interests.
q) Letter sent to Branston Ltd to request funding towards disabled toilet facilities at playing fields.
r) Letter sent to Community Lincs re: attendees being excluded from the AGM.
s) Letter sent to occupant of 91 Lincoln Road re: overgrown hedge obstructing footpath. LCC to send letter.
t) Local Code of Conduct training – dates have been given but there are problems with availability of hall and people – Provisional date of 25th November – Unfortunately Councillors are not available – date to be arranged in the new year.
u) 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.
v) Letter received from land registry re: MPC have four areas of land registered. All other areas of land to be registered.
w) E-mail sent to Doddington Hall farm shop - 6’ tree £140.00 a 5% discount will be given. Tree to be dressed and undressed by Paul Chambers with help of Councillors.
x) Remembrance Day Service – Civic Party to meet at the Vestry in the Methodist Chapel at 9.40am Reverend Martin Amery will conduct a short prayer.
6. Financial matters:
a) To consider and approve quotations received for the purchase and installation of new urinals for the gents public toilets - following consideration of the three quotations, due to the large variance in prices and the technical installation it was agreed a specialist plumber may be required, Cllr Chambers suggested we contact Michael Gadd at NKDC for further information. This item was deferred until the next meeting.
b) MADSPA request to MPC to purchase chemicals for the pool at an approximate cost of £700.00 – The Clerk informed members the chemicals required are chlorine granules at a cost of £49.33 per drum, total cost £591.96. It was resolved to purchase the 12 drums this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Waddington, one abstention (Cllr Ford) and 8 were in favour.
c) To discuss and approve a budget for 2010/2011 – Following a detailed review of the proposed budget, it was resolved to approve the budget this was a 2.5% increase for 2010/2011, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Creasey, seconded by Cllr Reynolds and all were in favour.
d) To approve the Precept for 2010/2011 – The precept proposal was £82,000.00, this was a £2,000.00 increase on last year’s figure, following a discussion it was resolved to accept the 2.5% increase, this was proposed by Cllr Waddington, seconded by Cllr Dobbs and all were in favour.
e) To consider accounts for payment:
| Payment to | Amount £ |
|---|---|
| A1 signs – amend banners re F & F | 15.00 |
| Staples printing street plan | 15.00 |
| M Credland – expenses phone/postage/printing | 150.00 |
| Lincs Hospital Radio | 120.00 |
| Walcot Skip Hire | 180.00 |
| Starlite Twirlers | 100.00 |
| MAD | 130.00 |
| D Robinson – steam organ | 80.00 |
| Silver Sounds Band | 100.00 |
| Earthbound Misfits | 200.00 |
| R Currie | 40.00 |
| W G Johnson | 140.00 |
| T McKeating | 280.00 |
| Mission X | 100.00 |
| B A Allen - Reception Scarf & Goggles | 300.00 |
| Jessops | 20.00 |
| Branston Ltd | 10.00 |
| Fayre & Feast Expenditure 2009 | 1980.00 |
| Staples – Stationery for QPS portfolio (DC) | 4.19 |
| Metheringham PO – postage (DC) | 8.28 |
| Anglian Water – public toilets | 110.71 |
| Tesco – Stationery | 5.96 |
| JTF/Wilkinson/PPG Materials/plants | 49.54 |
| British Legion – s137 donation re: wreaths | 75.00 |
| TMS – 2 x Car park signs | 170.00 |
| Wickes – bark chippings for play park | 52.17 |
| Handyman Salary, Back pay & Expenses | 274.75 |
| Village Caretaker Salary & Back pay | 268.69 |
| Public Toilet Caretaker Salary & Back pay | 189.46 |
| Pavilion Cleaner Salary & Back pay | 78.09 |
| Clerk Salary, Back pay & Expenses | 1172.18 |
| LCC Pension Scheme | 318.69 |
| Parish Dog Warden | 340.00 |
| HM Revenue & Customs | 449.57 |
| Veolia – grass cutting | 91.36 |
| E-on street lighting | 812.80 |
| E-on street light repairs Middle St & Station Rd | 54.74 |
| MVHMC – Hire of Hall | 39.00 |
| St Wilfrid’s – Hire of Hall | 7.00 |
| SLCC – CiLCA Power of Well-Being | 15.00 |
| ESPO – Gas supply for swimming pool | 1185.23 |
| TOTAL OCTOBER 2009 | 7752.41 |
It was resolved to make payment of the accounts, the Chairman proposed payment, Cllr Mrs Parker seconded, one abstention Cllr Mrs Honisett) and 8 were in favour.
f) To receive a report from the RFO on the PC finances – There were no questions or queries for the RFO on the financial position.
7. Planning Committee Notes of the last meeting: Held on 14th October 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 Dr Allen, seconded by Cllr Mrs Parker and all were in favour.
8. Correspondence:
a) To note general correspondence – Please see Appendix 1.
b) To consider a letter from The Lafford High School, Billinghay, inviting members to the Prize giving ceremony 2009 on Thursday 26th November at 7.00pm – Cllr Waddington agreed to attend, Clerk to notify them.
c) To consider a letter from NKDC inviting members to attend a workshop re: Shaping the Future of North Kesteven, to be held on Thursday 12th November at 6.30pm at the Council Chamber, Sleaford – The Chairman, Cllr Waddington and Cllr Mrs Parker are to attend.
9. To receive reports on Outside Meetings:
a) Cllrs Ford, Reynolds, Roland, Waddington and Mrs Webb attended the Power of Wellbeing training held on 14th October, attendance certificates will be issued on 30th October. Members commented on the excellent presentation of the training event. The Chairman thanked members for attending, the Clerk must now produce a Community Engagement Statement of Intent and submit section 7 of the CiLCA portfolio to SLCC, a resolution must then be passed by full council to use the Power of Wellbeing.
b) The Chairman gave a report on the Metheringham Area Cluster Group meeting held on 21st October 2009. Reports were given on the use of the SID in the cluster, unfortunately it had been out of action for two months, therefore there were no statistics. Hill Holt Wood gave a report on their work in the cluster. NKDC gave a presentation on the updated Planning website that is now live, all information relating to planning applications will be online. Historical information dating back to 1974 are on the system. Cllr Rose gave an update on the garden sharing scheme, 6 gardens in the district have been identified to carry out a one year trial. A vote was taken on how the devolved fund should be spent it was agreed a bench for each parish would be purchased any surplus funds are to be allocated to MADPSA. Parish updates were given from the representatives present.
10. To receive reports from Working Groups:
a) Children’s Playgrounds and Playing Fields – Cllr Roland stated a one ton bag of wood chip had been placed in the slide area at the Princes Street Play Park, but this had not made much difference. A meeting of the working group is to be arranged as a matter of urgency to discuss equipment at both play parks.
ACTION: Working Group
b) Fayre and Feast – Positive comments have been received about this year’s Fayre and Feast. A de-briefing meeting will be arranged for Parish Councillors and Stewards.
ACTION: Working Group
c) Highways, Footpaths and Car Parks – A meeting took place on 12th October with LCC Highways, various issues raised, waiting further information from LCC.
ACTION: Working Group
d) War Memorial and Spring – Clerk has sent a letter to Roythornes Solicitors informing them that MPC will maintain the eastern boundary, waiting for revised tenancy agreement.
ACTION: Working Group
It was resolved to suspend the meeting at 8.57pm for a short refreshment break.
Cllr Chambers left the meeting at 9.13pm.
The meeting resumed at 9.15pm
11. Recreation field and related issues: MPC have received comments from our solicitor in relation to the heads of terms document. There are a number of issues that need to be addressed. A forward planning meeting is to take place on Monday 9th November at 4.30pm at the Manor. ACTION: Working Group
12. Allotments: Clerk has written to agents acting on behalf of the diocese, asking if they will reduce the asking price of £8,000.00 per acre for the western glebe land. Working group to produce a formal costing for the project. A tenant of an allotment has surrendered his plot, working group to establish if the plot could be divided into two. Clerk to contact next person on waiting list. ACTION: Working Group/Clerk
13. The Quality Parish Scheme: The Chairman was delighted to announce Metheringham Parish Council has been awarded Quality Status. It was suggested a special presentation evening should be organized, leaders of local village organizations, principal authorities, neighbouring parishes and local police should be invited. Date agreed Friday 29th January 2010. Clerk to send official invites. ACTION: Clerk
14. New Cross: The new cross was dedicated by the Archdeacon of Lincoln the Venerable Tim Barker on the 24th October 2009. The Clerk did not receive a satisfactory response from NKDC relating to concerns that the base had not been cleaned satisfactorily. Therefore week commencing 19th October, MPC instructed a contractor to clean the base. This has now been completed to a satisfactory standard. Letter has been sent to LCC and ArtsNK complaining about the situation. ACTION: LCC/ArtsNK
15. Library and Health Clinic: The litter bin has not yet been located. Work has not been completed to repair cobbles and general maintenance of the area has not been done. This reflects badly on the centre of the village, letter of complaint has been sent to LCC and ArtsNK. ACTION: LCC/ArtsNK
16. Risk Assessment MPC/009-R5: Councillors were provided with the revised document prior to the meeting, there were no comments or queries, it was resolved to accept the document, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Honisett, seconded by Cllr Mrs Webb and all were in favour.
17. Training Statement of Intent MPC/014: Councillors were provided with the document prior to the meeting, it was resolved to adopt MPC/014 Training Statement of Intent, this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Waddington and all were in favour.
18. Joint Management Committee: The Chairman explained the need to re-organize the JMC, at present the school and MPC are involved in meetings. This needs to include a wider variety of representatives to include users of the pavilion, playing fields swimming pool, football club and bowls club. It was suggested the committee could be re-named Recreation Facilities Committee. Members could not agree on a format, therefore this item was deferred until the next meeting. ACTION: Councillors
19. Parish Plan: An initial meeting was held on 15th October, there were four Councillors, the Clerk and two village representatives present who are interested in the parish plan. It was decided letters should be sent to all village organizations and businesses requesting they send a representative to the next meeting. The two individuals in attendance were very positive and enthusiastic towards the project. Next meeting arranged for Thursday 19th November 2009 at 7.15pm in the Village Hall.
20. Date, time and venue of next meeting: Tuesday 24th November 2009 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 9.59pm.
Addendum 06/2009 of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council Meeting, held on Tuesday 27th October 2009 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall
1. Police Report
PCSO Lisa Duckworth was present and gave the police report, during the period 29/09/09 and 27/10/09 there have been 7 crimes recorded, which are as follows: 3 – damage to property, 2 – theft of pedal cycles, 2 – damage to motor vehicle. PCSO Lisa Duckworth gave details of the incidents of anti social behaviour in the village on 23rd and 24th October. An additional ten officers were required in the village on the Saturday night, however no arrests were made. Details are to be discussed at the Fayre and Feast de-brief and the Safety Advisory Group de-briefing meeting.
2. Public Forum
There were two members of the public present at the meeting, there were no questions or statements to the council.