Metheringham Parish Council
Metheringham Parish Council Minutes
Minutes 08/2010 of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 26th January 2010 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall
PRESENT:Councillors Dr M J Allen (Chairman), N Dobbs, P D Ford,
Mrs J Honisett (Vice Chairman), Mrs R Parker, Mrs S Peek,
M E Reynolds, A M Waddington, Mrs A F Webb, G W Chambers (District Council), Mrs P Bradwell (County Council) and
Ms S N Wetherall (Clerk).
1. To resolve to accept Apologies for absence and reasons given:
Apologies were received from Cllr Mrs Creasey, Cllr Roland and
Cllr J C Rose. It was resolved to accept the apologies and reasons, 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 6c because her husband is receiving a salary.
Cllr Mrs Parker declared a personal interest for agenda item 16 because of her connections with Blankney Estates.
3. Reports from representatives on outside bodies:
a) Cllr Mrs Bradwell informed members the project to improve the station is waiting for confirmation of funding. LCC to send plans and drawings to the Clerk when this has been approved. Re-stocking of grit bins to be raised by Cllr Mrs Bradwell and information on CRB checks is to be forwarded to the Clerk. Cllr Mrs Bradwell stated LCC could not relinquish the 999 year lease on the current playing field. The new lease on the Star & Garter field would have to be a continuation of the existing lease. This is not acceptable to MPC, further consultation with our solicitor will take place.
b) Nothing to report from the District Council.
c) A meeting with MADSPA has been arranged for 10th February at 10.00am in the pavilion. The Clerk read the dog warden report for January, there have been several problem areas; Kings Road, Shiregate, Church Walk and the Playing fields, these areas are to be monitored closely. Dog warden is to continue handing out leaflets, stating dog owners must clean up after their dogs.
Cllr Mrs Bradwell left the meeting at 7.55pm.
4. Notes of the last meeting: Held on 24th November 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 Cllr Ford and all were in favour.
5. Clerks report on matters outstanding:
a) LCC Highways contacted re: various issues. Waiting for issues to be resolved.
b) E-mail received from LCC stating Townsend Way has now been adopted by the relevant authorities. Concerns are still being raised about the access from High Street to Townsend Way.
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 – waiting for reply.
d) Bus shelter on High Street is desperately needed. Site meeting held with Lincolnshire Co-op regarding erection of bus shelter on their land. They have requested the post box is re-located to outside the post office. Site meeting to be arranged with Royal Mail, Co-op and MPC.
e) A meeting is to be arranged with JMC members and MACLA.
f) Thank you to Paul Chambers, Mike Reynolds, Paul Saffin, Jenni and David Honisett for installing and removing the Christmas Tree.
g) Grit bins – a request was sent to LCC in January 2007 for new grit bins at Shiregate, Caroline Road, Princes Street and Hall Yard. It would appear the grit bins were not re-stocked during the autumn of 2009. Problems with restocking grit bins during the recent bad weather. Clerk received requests for new grit bins to be located at Shiregate and Fen Lane. Clerk spoke to LCC several times they are reviewing their grit bin policy, waiting response from Highways Officer.
h) Site meeting held with Andy Hey – Chartered Surveyor to establish all MPC assets. MPC to provide plans of PC land and property.
i) Letter and precept form sent to NKDC requesting precept for 2010/2011.
j) Metheringham Youth Council – meeting to be arranged in the New Year with Mission X and other interested parties.
k) Complaints received about dog fouling on the playing fields and Shiregate, dog warden to monitor situation.
l) Letter sent to occupant of 14 Saxon Close re: dog noise.
m) Paul Chambers has produced a report on village improvements for 2010, these include play parks, footpaths, bridle paths, certain items concerning the Co-op, the Church grounds, dog bins & fouling, litter bins, salt/grit bins, property and land.
n) Letters sent to occupants of 1 The Old School House and 60 High Street requesting improvements to their properties.
o) E-mail sent to primary school to establish who is responsible for overgrown hedge between school and cadet hut, apparently the hedge belongs to the school, their contractors are to cut in the future.
p) Letter sent to Stamford Homes re: maintenance of trees adjacent Dunston Road. Site meeting held 7th January, Stamford Homes are to prune the trees adjacent to16 Blacksmith Court.
q) Letter of complaint sent to LCC and ArtsNK re: Cleaning of base and maintenance issues outside Library and health clinic. Reply received. Clerk has contacted Peter Fender to establish when the litter bin will be reinstalled.
r) CiLCA section 7 power of well being sent to SLCC for marking – Clerk has now passed.
s) Parish Plan meeting arranged for 19th January has been postponed waiting for new date.
t) Local Code of Conduct training – arranged for Wednesday 20th January 2010 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall
u) Meeting took place on 3rd November at 9.30am with the NK Access group. Metheringham is to be used to publicize the project. NK Access and MPC to be involved in the new year.
v) Letter received from land registry re: MPC have four areas of land registered. All other areas of land to be registered.
w) NALC draft manifesto circulated to Councillors at the November meeting, if anyone has any comments/additions please let me know?
x) CRB checks for volunteers, it would appear we need to have a
written policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders and a written policy statement on the secure handling, use, retention and disposal of Disclosures and Disclosure information and a CRB Code of Practice. At the present time PC employees and Cllr Roland are to be checked through NKDC.
y) Railway Station – Cllr Waddington circulated a consultation document to all members and placed a copy in Info-Links.z) Spires & Steeples Festival – Metheringham village walk to take place on Saturday 15th May 2010, the Metheringham history leaflet could be launched at this time.
6. Financial matters:
a) To consider subscription to the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils Annual Training Scheme for April 2010/March 2011 at a cost of £105.00 - It was resolved to subscribe, this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Dobbs and all were in favour.
b) To consider a request from the Lincolnshire Playing Fields Association for a donation towards their activities – It was resolved to make a donation of £75.00, this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour.
c) To consider accounts for payment:
| Payment to | Amount £ |
|---|---|
| Wilkinsons – Xmas Light Provisions (DC) | 9.75 |
| Sainsbury - Xmas Light Provisions (DC) | 104.16 |
| Waddington Post Office – Postage (DC) | 35.46 |
| Metheringham FC – best dressed stall F & F | 25.00 |
| Karen Grummitt – best dressed business F & F | 25.00 |
| Bonnetts Toilet Materials | 27.40 |
| E-on Repair o/s 65 PMA | 23.47 |
| E-on Street Lighting ¼ Maintenance | 666.09 |
| Handyman Salary & Expenses | 163.81 |
| Village Caretaker Salary & Expenses | 286.70 |
| Public Toilet Caretaker Salary | 176.40 |
| Pavilion Cleaner Salary | 75.60 |
| Clerk Salary & Expenses | 1234.67 |
| LCC Pension Scheme | 366.73 |
| Parish Dog Warden | 340.00 |
| HM Revenue & Customs | 498.87 |
| MVHMC – Hire of Hall | 52.00 |
| St Wilfrid’s – Hire of Hall | 7.00 |
| TOTAL DECEMBER 2009 | 4118.11 |
| Sainsbury – Stationery (DC) | 2.99 |
| LALC – Annual Training Subscription | 105.00 |
| Lincolnshire Playing Fields Association – Donation | 75.00 |
| Handyman Salary & Expenses | 191.77 |
| Village Caretaker Salary & Expenses | 229.80 |
| Public Toilet Caretaker Salary | 176.40 |
| Pavilion Cleaner Salary | 75.60 |
| Clerk Salary & Expenses | 1016.36 |
| LCC Pension Scheme | 291.05 |
| Parish Dog Warden | 340.00 |
| HM Revenue & Customs | 356.00 |
| P Turner – Service Handyman Tools | 123.25 |
| P Baumber – Cut hedges – sports field/allotments | 114.00 |
| Viking Direct – Clerk printer cartridges | 89.97 |
| Darwood Plumbers – Unblock drain ladies toilets | 35.00 |
| E-on – Quarterly energy supply | 812.80 |
| Doddington Farm Shop | 115.65 |
| Penny Mardon – QS catering | 350.00 |
| TOTAL JANUARY 2010 | 4500.64 |
It was resolved to make retrospective payment of the December accounts, the Chairman proposed payment, Cllr Reynolds seconded, one abstention (Cllr Mrs Honisett) and 6 were in favour. The list of invoices for January included ESPO – swimming pool gas bill for November-December 2009. Clarification is required, it was agreed this would be excluded from the list of invoices for payment. It was resolved to make payment of the January accounts, this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Dobbs one abstention (Cllr Mrs Honisett) and 6 were in favour.
d) 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: Only two Councillors and the Clerk were available on 9th December 2009 to hear Roy Pell, Rural Housing Enabler from Community Lincs, give a presentation outlining the “Call for Land” process. Since then there has been a Press Release calling for land for development in Metheringham.
There were no planning applications to consider.
There was notification of two decisions on recent planning applications, namely:
Ref: 09/0720/FUL – change of use from residential to day nursery and single storey side and rear extension to no 47 including link extension to no 45 and revised parking layout at 47 Sleaford Road, Metheringham. Planning permission has been granted.
Ref: 09/0725/HOUS – raising roof to form first floor accommodation and alteration to pitched roof and first floor windows at 36 Paddock Lane, Metheringham. Planning permission has been refused.
Letter received from North Kesteven District Council informed the Parish Council that the pumping station at Waneham bottom will be called “The Pump House”.
The meeting on Wednesday 13th January 2010 was cancelled as no planning applications had been received for consideration.
The next meeting of the Planning Committee is on Wednesday 10th February 2010 at 7.15pm in the Church Hall.
8. Correspondence:
a) To note general correspondence – Please see Appendix 1.
b) Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils (LALC) Training Events for 2010 to agree representation – The Clerk stressed the importance of all members attending regular training events. Councillors Training – 17th March – Cllr Waddington, Dealing with Council Finances – 31st March – Cllr Dr Allen, Cllr Ford and Ms Wetherall, What’s on the Agenda – 26th May – Cllr Dr Allen, Cllr Waddington and Ms Wetherall, Councillors Training – 7th July – Cllr Mrs Honisett, Burials Seminar – 29th June – Ms Wetherall and Employment Seminar – 6th October –
Ms Wetherall.
9. To receive reports on Outside Meetings:
a) Metheringham Area Cluster Group – At the last cluster meeting a vote was taken and it was agreed the money from the devolved fund would be allocated to purchase a bench for each parish. Scopwick Parish Council has since agreed their share of the fund would be allocated to MADPSA. Following a brief discussion it was agreed to go ahead with the purchase of a bench, this is to be located on the grass area between Station Road and Grange Road, Clerk has requested permission to install from NKDC.
ACTION: Clerk
10. To receive reports from Working Groups:
a) Children’s Playgrounds and Playing Fields – 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 – The next working group meeting is to be held on 27th January 2010 at 7.00pm in the Star & Garter. The Chairman, Cllr Dobbs, Cllr Ford and Cllr Mrs Honisett gave their apologies. ACTION: Working Group
c) Highways, Footpaths and Car Parks – Cllr Waddington stated there is a problem with drainage in the village car park. This was discussed but members did not feel there was a significant problem and the costs associated with rectifying the problem could not be justified.
ACTION: Working Group
It was resolved to suspend the meeting at 8.26pm for a short refreshment break.
The meeting resumed at 8.40pm
11. Recreation field and related issues: MPC are to register playing field car park and play park. The existing lease of 999 years is not realistic. This should be reduced to say 20 or 25 years. A JMC meeting is to be organized to confirm the school still requires use of the Star & Garter field. A meeting is to then be arranged with the Forward Planning group and LCC. This situation cannot continue a deadline and ultimatum to be given to LCC. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Bradwell /Working Group
12. Allotments: Letter received from the agents acting on behalf of the diocese. Clerk to write stating we are not prepared to exclude any recreation/leisure activities on this area. Clerk to write to Electricity Board to establish if they would be prepared to sell their land to MPC. Land adjacent to Dunston Road is still responsibility of Stamford Homes, this has not been adopted by NKDC. Clerk to pursue with NKDC and Stamford Homes. ACTION: Working Group/Clerk
13. The Quality Parish Scheme: The presentation evening is a social event. Cllr Mrs Honisett is to obtain two small tables from the Church Hall. All other arrangements are in hand. ACTION: Clerk
14. Annual Village Meeting 2010: Suggested topics for this year’s meeting include History of Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and the Spires & Steeples Trail. It was agreed to invite the Air Ambulance as guest speaker, Spires & Steeples to be invited to have a display. The evening is to have the same format as last year. ACTION: Clerk
15. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: It was resolved the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony would take place on Thursday 2nd December 2010 at 7.00pm in the War Memorial garden. This was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk
16. Metheringham Spring: The revised tenancy agreement was circulated to all members. It was resolved to accept the agreement between Metheringham Parish Council and Blankney Estates Limited, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Webb, seconded by Cllr Waddington, one abstention (Cllr Mrs Parker) and 6 were in favour.
ACTION: Clerk
17. Community Engagement Statement of Intent: The document was circulated to all members. It was resolved to adopt the Community Engagement Statement of Intent in relation to the ‘Power of Well Being’ and publish the document, this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour.
ACTION: Clerk
18. Power of Well Being: Members considered the Power of Well Being checklist and can confirm all the eligibility criteria have been met. It was resolved to adopt the Power of Well Being, this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Waddington and all were in favour.
19. Date, time and venue of next meeting: Tuesday 23rd February 2010 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 9.33pm.
Addendum 08/2010 of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council Meeting, held on Tuesday 26th January 2010 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall
1. Police Report
PCSO Paul Flannigan was present and gave the police report, during the period 24/11/2009 and 26/01/2010 (two month period) there have been 9 crimes recorded, which relate to:- 3 – Theft, 2 – Burglary steal property, 2 – Theft of Motor vehicle, 1 – Theft from motor vehicle and 1 - Criminal damage. An arrest has been made for stealing ladders and their vehicle seized. A number of crimes have been occurring on the Moorlands Trading Estate. If anyone sees any vehicles acting suspiciously please note the registration number and contact the police immediately. Note: The new non emergency police contact number is: 0300 111 0300.
2. Public Forum
There was one member of the public present at the meeting, there were no questions or statements to the council.