Metheringham Parish Council
Metheringham Parish Council Minutes
Minutes 09/2010 of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 23rd February 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 S Peek, M E Reynolds,
G H Roland, A M Waddington, Mrs A F Webb, 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 Councillors G W Chambers Mrs Creasey, Mrs R Parker and Mrs P Bradwell (County Council). 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 6f because her husband is receiving a salary.
Cllr Waddington declared a personal interest for agenda item 6f because he was receiving a payment.
3. Reports from representatives on outside bodies:
a) Nothing to report from the County Council.
b) Cllr Rose reported there are to be a further 16 council properties built in NKDC. £750,000.00 is available this will be match funded by NKDC. There are 732 privately owned empty properties in the district. NKDC are working to help resolve this problem. Provisional figures for the council tax based on a band D property in NKDC are increases of LCC – 2.5%, NKDC – 1.76%, Police 3.0% and Parish Councils 7.4% (The increase for Metheringham is 2.5%).
c) MVHMC report to be given later in the meeting.
PCSO Paul Flannigan joined the meeting. At 7.27pm it was resolved to suspend Standing Orders to allow PCSO Flannigan to give the police report, this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by the Chairman and all were in favour.
The meeting resumed at 7.34pm.
4. Notes of the last meeting: Held on 26th January 2010, 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 Reynolds one abstention (Cllr Roland) and 6 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. Waiting details from 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 – waiting for reply.
d) Bus shelter on High Street is desperately needed. Site meeting held with Lincolnshire Co-op and Royal Mail regarding the re-positioning of the post box. Waiting further information from Royal Mail.
e) A meeting is to be arranged with JMC members and MACLA.
f) Fly tipping - piece of concrete at playing field and general litter B1202 reported to NKDC 15-02-2010. Request for litter bin to be installed at lay-by on B1202.
g) Grit bins – have been re-stocked. Letter received from LCC stating 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. Cllr Ford has produced plans and details relating to MPC land and property.
i) Complaint received about fouling behind Co-op pharmacy and access between car park and Townsend Way – NKDC contacted to clear. Co-op notified of problem.
j) Ongoing problems with dog fouling north end of Shiregate - NKDC requested to clean footpath at end of Shiregate. New NKDC no dog fouling signs to be erected.
k) Complaints received about dog fouling on the playing fields and Shiregate, dog warden to monitor situation.
l) Letter sent to occupant of 10 Shiregate re: overgrown/untidy area to the north of their property, requesting it is maintained.
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. Clerk progressing all items.
n) Metheringham Youth Council – meeting to be arranged in the New Year with Mission X and other interested parties.
o) Community Plan meeting arranged for 16th March, in the Church Hall at 7.00pm. All welcome.
p) Letter sent to Stamford Homes re: maintenance of trees adjacent to Dunston Road. Site meeting held 7th January, Stamford Homes are to prune the trees adjacent to16 Blacksmith Court. Further meeting to be held with Stamford Homes, NKDC and MPC to establish long term ownership/maintenance of area.
q) Litter bin outside the Library has been re-installed. Still concerns over new cobbled area handyman to monitor area.
r) 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.
s) Letter received from land registry re: MPC have four areas of land registered. All other areas of land to be registered.
t) General Elections to be held in the Village Hall – date to be confirmed.
u) Letters sent to Pizza Plus and Kelly’s Catch requesting they install litter bins at their premises.
v) Letter sent to East Midlands Electricity re: request for land for allotments.
w) NALC – notified that MPC are eligible to use the Power of Well Being.
6. Financial matters:
a) To consider making a donation of £100.00 to the Silver Sounds Band for playing at the Quality Status Presentation Evening – It was resolved under s137 of the Local Government Act 1972, to make a donation of £100.00, this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Mrs Peek and all were in favour.
b) To resolve to purchase three new litter bins at a cost of £116.95 each, two to be installed on the grass area between Station Road and Grange Road and one to replace damaged bin at Prince’s Street Play Park – It was resolved to purchase the new bins, this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Roland and all were in favour.
c) To resolve to purchase five new rubber swing seats at a cost of £30.00 each for play equipment at Shiregate and Prince’s Street Play Parks – It was resolved to purchase the replacement seats, this was proposed by Cllr Roland, seconded by Cllr Reynolds and all were in favour.
d) To consider annual subscription to Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils 2010/2011 at a cost of £367.00 – It was resolved to subscribe for 2010/2011, this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by
Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour.
e) To approve payment to Lincolnshire County Council of £5,000.00 as our contribution towards the Village Centre Regeneration Project – Following a discussion it was resolved to pay the £5,000.00, this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour.
f) To consider accounts for payment:
| Payment to | Amount £ |
|---|---|
| Party Planet – QS Balloon Decorations (DC) | 29.95 |
| Tesco – QS items (DC) | 7.00 |
| Waddington Post Office – Postage (DC) | 20.22 |
| Sainsbury – QS items | 144.92 |
| Penny Mardon – Flower display QS function | 30.00 |
| Silver Sounds Band s137 donation | 100.00 |
| A Waddington – printing costs | 20.10 |
| LALC – Annual subscription | 367.00 |
| Handyman Salary & Expenses | 128.08 |
| Handyman Expenses | 265.85 |
| Village Caretaker Salary | 229.80 |
| Public Toilet Caretaker Salary | 176.40 |
| Pavilion Cleaner Salary | 75.60 |
| Clerk Salary & Expenses | 1071.83 |
| LCC Pension Scheme | 302.70 |
| Parish Dog Warden | 394.00 |
| HM Revenue & Customs | 304.79 |
| MVHMC – Hire of Hall | 65.00 |
| St Wilfrid’s – Hire of Hall | 7.00 |
| E-on - Public Toilet Lighting | 58.12 |
| E-on – War Memorial Lighting | 76.60 |
| Anglian Water – Water/Sewerage Charges | 140.79 |
| Anglian Water – Water Supply to sports field | 25.90 |
| NKDC - Annual charge emptying dog bins | 990.00 |
| Starlite Ass. Use of domain (Metheringham.org.uk) | 75.00 |
| PJA Plumbing – Remove old & Fit new urinal | 300.00 |
| TOTAL FEBRUARY 2010 | 5406.65 |
It was resolved to make payment of the accounts, this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Dobbs two abstentions (Cllr Mrs Honisett and Cllr Waddington) and 5 were in favour.
g) To receive a report from the RFO on the PC finances – Cllr Ford informed members that the ESPO – swimming pool gas bill for November-December 2009, should not have been instigated. There were no questions or queries for the RFO on the financial position.
7. Planning Committee Notes of the last meeting: Held on 10th February 2010, having been previously circulated, to be approved as the minutes – Following a short discussion it was agreed a further meeting should be arranged with MPC and Lincolnshire Co-op, in relation to application 10/0071/CAC, Clerk to arrange. It was resolved to sign the minutes as a true record of the meeting, this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Mrs Peek and all were in favour.
8. Correspondence:
a) To note general correspondence – Please see Appendix 1.
9. To receive reports on Outside Meetings:
a) Standards Committee – The Chairman gave a brief report on the last meeting held on 10th February, one parish has recently applied for dispensation and new protocol for handling complaints is to be introduced.
b) Nocton Dairy Farm Planning Consultation: The Chairman gave a brief report on the consultation presentation held on 11th February – NKDC Planning personnel gave a presentation with details of where the site is to be located, number of cattle, accommodation etc. Full details can be found at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk application ref: 09/1040/FUL. Cllr Rose thought there may be another meeting held with the Applicants, waiting confirmation.
It was resolved to suspend the meeting at 8.28pm for a short refreshment break.
Cllr Rose left the meeting at 8.44pm.
The meeting resumed at 8.45pm
The Chairman reminded members that working groups do not have power to make decisions they can only advise council of actions that may need to be taken. It is then the decision of members at a full council meeting to decide accordingly. The Planning Committee has delegated powers, so they can make decisions but they must also report back to full council.
10. To receive reports from Working Groups:
a) Fayre and Feast – Minutes were available. The theme for the event is Heroes and Heroine’s. The next working group meeting is to be held on Wednesday 17th March 2010 at 7.00pm in the Star & Garter. Cllr Mrs Honisett and Cllr Mrs Webb gave their apologies. ACTION: Working Group
b) Highways, Footpaths and Car Parks – Cllr Waddington provided the Clerk with his report for the Annual Report. Various highways issues are being dealt with by LCC Highways. Any further issues to be reported to the Clerk who will notify LCC.
ACTION: Working Group
11. Recreation field and related issues: MPC are to register playing field car park and play park. Letter received from LCC stating why they cannot relinquish the existing lease of 999 years. Copy sent to MPC solicitors for information/action. A meeting has taken place with MACLA they are still totally committed to the new pavilion project. MACLA are in agreement that MACLA and JMC should amalgamate. It was suggested that the football club should contact the football foundation regarding grants. A JMC meeting is arranged for Monday 1st March, to confirm the school still requires use of the Star & Garter field. A Forward Planning Meeting is arranged for Wednesday 3rd March at 7.30pm in the Methodist Chapel School Room. ACTION: Working Group
12. Allotments: Letter received from the agents acting on behalf of the diocese stating they are now unsure what will happen to the Glebe land as the vicarage and associated land may be sold. Clerk has written to East Midlands Electricity 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 is meeting with NKDC and Stamford Homes on Monday 29th March to establish long term ownership/maintenance of the area. ACTION: Clerk
13. The Quality Parish Scheme: The Chairman thanked everyone who attended the presentation evening. It is thought the evening was a great success. The only disappointment was the non attendance of the County and District Councillors, this was a special one off event which will not be repeated. A discussion took place as to where the Quality Status Certificate should be displayed. Members thought the main hall in the Village Hall would be appropriate. ACTION: Clerk
14. Annual Village Meeting 2010: Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance have kindly agreed to attend as guest speakers. All leaders of working groups - Allotments: Cllr Mrs Honisett, Children’s Playgrounds and Playing Fields: Cllr Roland; Fayre & Feast: Cllr Reynolds; Highways, Footpaths & Car Parks: Cllr Waddington (already received), Risk Assessment: Cllr Ford, Street Lighting: Cllr Reynolds, War Memorial and Spring: Cllr Mrs Webb are to submit their reports for the Annual Report to the Clerk before 15th March 2010. ACTION: Clerk/Working Group Leaders
15. NALC – Local Council Awards: Following a short discussion it was agreed to enter ‘Much improved council of the year’ it was resolved to apply, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Webb, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk
16. Metheringham Spring: Grant of £800.00 previously awarded by NKDC, Clerk to purchase seat and history sign. It was resolved the Spring Garden will be open to the public from 1st April – 31st October from dawn to dusk. During the winter months it will be accessible by prior agreement with the relevant key holders. This was proposed by Cllr Roland, seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk
17. Metheringham Play Parks: The Clerk previously circulated a report from the working group site meeting, detailing all actions required at both play parks.
i) Health & safety issues relating to existing play equipment - It was resolved the handyman should progress these items in consultation with the Clerk and working group, this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Ford and all were in favour.
ii) New Outdoor Fitness equipment for children and adults – three quotations have been received; it was hoped funding could be obtained for this project but due to the urgency of new equipment for the play parks it was agreed that to apply for funding would be too lengthy a process. It was resolved a Special Meeting would be held on Wednesday 3rd March at 7.00pm in the Methodist Chapel School Room to consider this item, this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by the Chairman and all were in favour.
ACTION: Clerk/Working Group
18. New Residents information Pack: Proposed suggestions were previously circulated, it was agreed this could be useful to new residents, additions to the list included website details, copy of MACLA, copy of MPC Annual Report, bus timetables, bus details to local shops eg Asda & Tesco and NKDC bin collection days. It was resolved to produce the information pack, this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Reynolds and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk
19. Training: LALC training events for 2010 were circulated at the January meeting. A skills/training matrix has been produced detailing training, courses, AGM’s and conferences and issued to members. Consideration should be given by all members to their individual training needs. Cllrs Mrs Peek and Mrs Webb to attend Councillors training on 7th July 2010. ACTION: Councillors/Clerk
20. Date, time and venue of next meeting: Tuesday 30th March 2010 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 10.30pm.
Addendum 09/2010 of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council Meeting, held on Tuesday 23rd February 2010 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall
1. Police Report
PCSO Paul Flannigan was present and gave the police report, during the period 26/01/2010 and 23/02/2010 there have been 8 crimes recorded, which relate to:- 4 – Theft, 2 – Burglary steal property, 1 - Criminal damage and 1 – Arson. A number of crimes have occurred in the Fen, tools stolen and scrap has been taken, but on this occasion the offenders were arrested. It would appear the offenders are wearing hi-visibility jackets so they appear to be official, but if in doubt contact the police. If anyone sees any vehicles acting suspiciously please note the registration number and contact the police immediately.
2. Public Forum
There was one member of the public present at the meeting, there were no questions or statements to the council.