March 2019 Minutes
A meeting of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council was held on Tuesday 26th March 2019 in the Village Hall, Middle Street, Metheringham and commenced at 19:15.
Present: Councillor S Wilson (Chairman)
Councillor N Byatt Councillor I Holmes Councillor D Parry Councillor S Peek Councillor S Walker Councillor M Ward Clerk: W Skelton
There were no members of the public present.
1. Chairman’s Remarks
The Chairman welcomed those present and made the usual housekeeping announcements. The Chairman reminded members that they must abide by the Code of Conduct at all times. Welcome to Wendy who is helping until the new clerk is on board.
2. To resolve to accept Apologies for Absence and reasons given in accordance with Local Government Act 1972 s85(1).
Apologies were received from Councillor J Kendrick, reason for absence was considered and it was resolved to approve them. County and District Councillor R Kendrick and District Councillor Money also sent apologies.
3. Members Declarations of Interests:
a. Members may make any declarations of interest at this point but may also make them at any point during the meeting in accordance with Metheringham Parish Councils Code of Conduct. Councillor Wilson declared an interest in item 7b.
b. Dispensations: To consider and grant dispensation to relevant members in accordance with Metheringham Parish Councils Code of Conduct.
There were no requests for Dispensations.
4. To approve the notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Saturday 9th February 2019 (circulated with agenda).
The notes having been circulated before the meeting were taken as read and it was resolved to approve them as minutes of the meeting with one minor alteration. Item 1 to read: Councillor Byatt was on the B1188 police panel.
5. Reports from representatives on outside bodies:
a. To receive a report from the County Councillor.
Leader's budget speech:
Council leader Cllr Martin Hill's budget speech on Friday 22 February discussed meeting both present and future needs. See our website for more details.
An increase to the county council’s element of council tax of 4.95% (2% of which will be exclusively spent on adult social care). We continue to be one of the lowest-charging English shire counties for council tax. Council sets service spending budgets for upcoming 2019/20 financial year.
Adult Social Care is a massive part of the County Council's spending. We spent on average £600,000 A DAY on adult social care! Reporting Highways Issues:
All highways issues should be reported via www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/faultreporting . The online system is the quickest and easiest way to report problems and is available 24/7. There is also the mobile app: fixmystreet
However, you can also raise matters via customer services (by calling 01522 782070 or emailing cschighways@lincolnshire.gov.uk). Lincolnshire's Risks:
The top risks which could affect Lincolnshire have been published in the ‘2018-2021 Community Risk Register’, helping emergency services and authorities to be better prepared for emergency situations. Compiled by the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum (LRF). New risk register for Lincolnshire published
Lincolnshire Young Voices launch event:
Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are being invited to play their part in shaping services aimed at supporting them and their families. Lincolnshire Young Voices is a new group of young people with SEND. If you work with or know a young person with special educational needs and disabilities who would like to be involved and/or receive further information please pass on these details. (Michelle White, Children's Services, 01522 555373)
Have your say on the future of Lincolnshire's heritage service: People are being invited to share their views on a proposed blueprint for the future of Lincolnshire County Council’s heritage service. The county council revealed plans that would see changes at The Collection and Usher Gallery, Gainsborough Old Hall, Discover Stamford, Lincoln Castle and windmills in Lincoln, Alford and Burgh Le Marsh.
Have your say on the future of Lincolnshire's heritage service
Full details on the proposals and a link to an online survey can be found at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/heritageconsultation. Alternatively, people can request these in a different format by emailing hmt@lincolnshire.gov.uk or calling 01522 782040.
Big Conversation Meeting
I recently attended the "Big Conversation" Meeting which is an event where children and young people who are in care including fostering can share their views on their experiences. It was interesting to hear what their aspirations and concerns were. All credit to the staff who organise this opportunity for this group of young people to have their views heard.
Counter Fraud and Investigations Team scoops national award:
Lincolnshire County Council’s Counter Fraud and Investigations Team beat off teams from around the country to win the Excellence in Raising Fraud Awareness Category in the Government Counter Fraud Awards. This is in recognition of its fraud awareness for schools campaign. Business in Lincolnshire:
LCC and the Greater Lincolnshire LEP continue to help businesses to promote their job opportunities to potential applicants. We have established a website full of information, video and photography that businesses can use to explain what a great place this is to live and to invest. It's called www.promotelincolnshire.com Lincolnshire Joint Strategy for Dementia launched:
Lincolnshire County Council along with NHS partners has today launched the Lincolnshire Joint Strategy for Dementia. Lincolnshire joint strategy for dementia launched
The Lincolnshire Joint Strategy for Dementia can be downloaded here, where useful links to advice and support can be found for people living with dementia and their families.
How Lincolnshire's towns have changed over time:
A project bringing together new and old archaeological information, will for the first time ever, show how 30 Lincolnshire towns have changed since the Middle Ages.
How Lincolnshire's towns have changed over time For more information on the project, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk Armed Forces Covenant newsletter:
If you are interested in finding out more details about the Armed Forces Covenant and related issues, then see the latest edition of our newsletter. Sign up here to receive it straight to your inbox. Or call Liz Dockerty, covenant development officer: 01522 553487.
Veg on menu of Lincolnshire schools:
Lincolnshire schools are taking part in a national campaign to encourage children to eat more fresh vegetables. Veg Power and ITV have joined forces to launch the initiative to improve the nation’s health. Veg on menu of Lincolnshire schools
New art installation to The Collection:
The Collection Museum will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first walk on the moon with a spectacular art installation. From 2 March to 28 April 2019, the Lincoln attraction will host Museum of the Moon, a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram. I saw the giant moon at Tintern Abbey last year, it is quite something!
New art installation brings giant model moon to The Collection Awards success for North Sea Observatory:
The North Sea Observatory was among the winners at Greater Lincolnshire’s Construction and Property Awards 2019. The new Chapel St Leonards attraction was named Development Project of the Year. For more on Lincolnshire’s natural coast, visit www.lincsnaturalcoast.com. The North Sea Observatory has a good café with sea views. Though having been there in February it was busy even that early in the year so I would recommend getting there fairly early in order to get seat with a good view! It also has an exhibition area and information on what wildlife can be seen. In warmer weather you can sit outside too.
Walkers to enjoy new 16-mile public path in Lincolnshire
b. To receive a report from the District Councillor. There was no report from the District Councillor.
c. To receive a report from the Bracebridge Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team (circulated separately).
The report from the Police Team had not yet been received. However a report from the Police Panel meeting said they would be moving to North Hykeham when Bracebridge Heath Station closes later in the year.
Members requested that the Police give more notice as to when a panel meeting would be held, so it could be advertised allowing members of the public to attend.
d. To receive reports from Council representatives on other outside bodies.
i. Village Hall Management Committee
A report from the Management Committee was not available.
ii. Metheringham Swimming Pool
A meeting was held at the Parish Offices on March 21st with the Chairman and one member to discuss ways forward. Cllr’s Walker the pools PC representative) Holmes and Wilson attended.
They have 3 members at present and they are looking for a grant towards running costs and refurbishment of ticket office and entrance. It was suggested that help will be given towards putting the pool on a stable footing by reducing running costs and purchasing new covers for the pool to reduce heat loss. Also to look into how the utilities are supplied to the site.
iii. Library
A very enthusiastic group of volunteers who are looking at further improvements to the service provided. The need for
a Television Licence for the Computer Access section has brought the suggestion of purchasing a television to screen news channels such as BBC News24.
6. Clerks report (circulated separately). War memorial – quotes have been obtained to reduce the hedge around the memorial to 5 feet this will allow the handyman to cut it himself. Other suggestions were put forward such as removing the hedge completely. The feasibility of these will be looked into.
7. Financial matters:
a. Lights: To consider quotations for the repair of the lights at the pavilion pathway.
Quotations have been requested but unfortunately not received in time for this meeting. It was resolved to revisit this matter at the next meeting.
b. To note the transfer of remaining funds from MACLA to Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council. It was noted that the remaining MACLA funds of £4802.22 had been transferred into an account held by the Parish Council.
c. Accounts for Payment: To consider and approve accounts for payment (circulated separately).
i) Financial Report:
As at 25 March 2019 the balances in the bank accounts are as follows:
Treasurers a/c £3213.85 MACLA £4802.22 Business Int 1 £205153.30 Business Int 2 £2505.02
The Clerk is working on bringing the accounts up to date for the month and year end.
8. Correspondence:
To note general correspondence (publications and letters are available for inspection at the meeting).
Correspondence was duly noted.
9. To receive verbal or written update reports from Working Groups: I was reported that all methods of communication (Facebook,Twitter,Instagram) were up and running and the website had been updated.
All computers were now accessible.
The 0800 number had been cancelled and the new (old) number was now in use (01526 323100).
10. Planning:
Planning applications received from NKDC
18/1624/LBC Pitts Farm, 43 Middle Street, Metheringham. Replacement of UPVC windows and doors with timber sash windows and timber and part glazed doors to replicate the original style.
It was noted that this application had run out of response time, however Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council considered this application and would have resolved to make no comments.
Planning application decision notices from NKDC
i. 18/1726/VARCON. Bungalow at The Kitchen, Sleaford Road, Nocton Heath. Application to remove condition 2 & 3 re planning permission N/39/39/85.
This application had been approved.
11. Date, time and venue of next meeting: Tuesday 30th April 2019 at 19:15, in the Village Hall.
12. Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 Exclusion of the Press and the Public: To resolve that in accordance with Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 and by reason of the confidential nature of the remainder of the business, the Press and the Public be excluded from the Meeting.
It was resolved to move in to closed session.
The Chairman asked the public and press to leave the meeting.
13. Metheringham Library Building High Street: To receive an update in relation to the future of the Library building.
The Parish Council’s Solicitor has been working to get replies from Lincolnshire County Council so legal proceedings can continue.
The Library team have a key to the former NHS part of the building and are using it as extra storage for the moment.
It was resolved to get the handyman to tidy the front of the building with a coat of paint. The library team have already placed planters around the front.
14. Staffing Matters:
The Staffing Committee have met and have decided on candidates to fill the posts of Clerk, Responsible Finance Officer (RFO) and Administration assistant.
The candidate for Clerk will also take on the role as RFO.
It was resolved to approach the chosen candidates and offer them the positions.
Remuneration will be according to the NJC/NALC pay scale and suitable scale points will be applied.
The Staffing Committee will be meeting shortly to discuss affordable pension scheme for the new staff and to produce induction packages for the new staff. These will also be given to new Councillors after the elections.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:58