December 2019 Minutes
Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held in the Community Centre Tuesday, 10 December 2019
Councillors present: Cllr R Johnson – Chairman, Cllr J Johnson, Cllr N Mason, Cllr A Pywell, County
Cllr A Hagues and Adrian Illingworth – Clerk.
1.0 Welcome remarks by Chairman
Chair welcomed all present and informed the meeting of the recruitment procedure for the vacant Parish Councillor’s position. The last date for 10 or more residents to call an election is December 31. After this date the Council can co-opt.
Three members of the public present. The Chairman opened the public forum at 7.32pm
A resident expressed his disgust at the state of the road on Main Street, near Drove Barn, and asked what the Council was going to do. The Chairman explained Highways had been informed on several occasions but would again report the fault, and copy in the Member of Parliament, for the district, when known. The Clerk stated as there is no hard kerb, for tarmac to be butted up against, it is difficult to resolve the problem.
Cllr Hagues stated he would take this up with Highways. He informed the meeting if any motorist incurs damage to their vehicle, due to potholes, to take photographic evidence and send this with any claim.
All residents are reminded highway faults can be reported via the FixMyStreet app on LCC’s website.
2. Apologies (19/22)
Apologies received from Dist Cllr Jackson. Reason for absence noted and accepted by council members
3.0 Declarations of pecuniary interest and dispensations (19/23)
Cllr Mason expressed an interest in item 6.1.2 on the agenda
4.0 Signing of the minutes (19/24)
The Clerk’s notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 17 September 2019, were resolved to be a true reflection by all members present. The Chairman duly signed and dated.
5.0 County and District Council Matters (19/25)
As Cllrs are in a period of Purdah no matters were discussed, which could influence those present.
Cllr Hague reported work on the A17 at the junction of turn off to Ruskington, is to commence in April next year.
Work on Holdingham Roundabout will commence in the summer and go through to the end of the year.
A full County Council meeting had been arranged to discuss the rate increase for 2020-2021
6.0 Planning Applications (19/26)
6.1 Applications received
6.1.1 S19/0923 Field Farm, Scredington Road – Two storey side and rear extension and porch. No comments submitted.by Council
6.1.2 S19/1304 Helpringham Transport Services, Station Road – Erection of offices and covered way to existing garage. No comments submitted by Council
6.1.3 S19/1165 Orchard Lodge, North Beck Lane – Extension to garage to provide two car spaces and workshop area. No comments submitted by the Council
6.2 Applications approved
6.2.1 S19/0923 Field Farm – Approved 15 October
6.2.2 S19/1165 Orchard Lodge, North Beck Lane – Approved 21 November
All planning applications can be viewed on NKDC’s Planning Portal
7.0 Finance (19/27)
7.1 Income received
None
7.2 Payments made.
The payment to NKDC, drawn 7 December, to cover electoral costs had not been received. A new cheque for £71.25 signed and issued.
7.3 A cheque, for £124, to cover the cost of a Microsoft Licence, which had been approved in September was signed and issued.
7.4 The new Cash Flow statement was approved by Council. This was signed and dated by the Chairman.
7.5 A discussion took place regarding the precept for 2020-2021. The Responsible Finance Officer asked for an increase of 2.5% to cover the cost of inflation. After discussion Cllr R Johnson proposed an increase of 3%. This was seconded by Cllr Pywell and unanimously agreed by all other members.
8.0 Issues affecting the Village (19/28)
8.1 Cllr Pywell to contact Heritage England to obtain the contact point at LCC
8.2 No other issues
9.0 Allotment (19/29)
9.1 The proposal put forward by Mr S Weller to take over payment of the rent was approved by all members. The Clerk to notify Mr Weller.
10.0 Policies and Procedures (19/30)
Council resolved to adopt the following:
- NKDC’s Code of Conduct
- Revised Standing Orders
- Amended Financial Regulations
The Clerk is to prepare documents for signature at the next meeting.
The Clerk read out a communication received regarding the celebration of VE Day on Friday, 8 May 2020. Council agreed to carry this forward to the next meeting and for other organisations in the village to be included.
11.0 Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will take place at the Community Centre on Tuesday 10 March 2020