May 2019 Minutes
A meeting of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council was held on Tuesday 14th May 2019 in the Village Hall, Middle Street, Metheringham and commenced at 19:15.
Present: Councillor S Wilson (Chairman)
Councillor N Byatt Councillor J Gwillym Councillor I Holmes Councillor J Kendrick Councillor D Parry Councillor S Peek Councillor S Walker
Clerk: Karen Steels-Tallett
There were no members of the public present.
Councillor Wilson as Chairman opened the meeting and 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.
1. To elect a Chairman of the Council
Councillor S Wilson was nominated as Chairman by Cllr Byatt, seconded by Councillor Peek. Upon being put to vote it was resolved that Councillor Wilson be elected as Chairman for 2019-2020, in accordance with Local Government Act 1972 s 15 (2).
2. To receive the Chairman’s declaration of acceptance of office
Councillor Wilson thanked Members for their support and signed the declaration of office, witnessed by the clerk.
3. To elect a Vice Chairman of the Council
Councillor Gwillym was nominated as Vice Chairman by Councillor Byatt, seconded by Councillor Parry. Councillor Holmes was nominated by Councillor Walker. Upon being put to vote it was resolved that Councillor Gwillym be elected as Vice Chairman for 2019-2020.
4. To resolve to accept Apologies for Absence and reasons given in accordance with Local Government Act 1972 s85(1). Apologies were received from District Councillor L Pearson (NKDC commitments).
5. 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.
6. Appointment of Members as representatives to outside bodies: Members should consult with Council prior to attending meetings and report back to Council on a regular basis
a. Lincolnshire Association of Local Council County Committee: it was resolved that Councillor Wilson be appointed, all in favour.
b. B1188 Community Police Panel: it was resolved that Councillor Peek be appointed, all in favour.
c. Metheringham Village Hall Committee: it was resolved that Councillor Kendrick be appointed, all in favour.
d. Metheringham Swimming Pool: it was resolved that Councillor Holmes be appointed, all in favour.
e. Metheringham Bowls Club: it was resolved that Councillor Walker be appointed, all in favour.
7. Appointment of Members to the following Parish Council Committees:
a. Finance Committee: Councillors Wilson, Holmes, Kendrick, Parry and Walker
b. Staffing committee: Councillors Byatt, Gwillym, Holmes and Parry
It was resolved to appoint the above members to the committees of the Parish Council, all were in favour.
8. Appointment of Members to the following Parish Council Working Groups:
a. Community & Environment Developments Committee: Councillors Byatt, Gwillym, Holmes, Kendrick, Peek, Wilson and Walker
b. Communications: Councillors Holmes, Kendrick and Peek
c. Events: Councillors Wilson and Walker
9. Asset Register: To consider and verify the asset register for 2019/2020 (circulated with the agenda). It was resolved to accept the asset register following some additions, proposed by Councillor Parry, seconded by Councillor Gwillyn – all were in favour.
10. To agree the annual rent for the Parish Council Allotments: It was proposed by Councillor Parry and seconded Councillor Peek to increase the annual rent to £40.00 per allotment per annum and £20.00 per annum for a half plot, all were in favour.
11. To approve the notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 26th March 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.
12. Reports from outside representatives and outside bodies:
a. To receive a report from the County Councillor. Mental Health Awareness Week - 13–19 May:
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. Public Health England is piloting its Every Mind Matters campaign in the Midlands ahead of a nationwide launch in the autumn.
Healthy Minds Lincolnshire Service – annual stakeholder survey
Healthy Minds Lincolnshire Service, the local emotional wellbeing service for children and young people, would like to hear your views on what it is doing well or any improvements it could make. Please take part in this short annual stakeholder survey.
The NHS in Lincolnshire has launched the Healthy Conversation 2019:
An engagement exercise, which will run into the autumn of this year. Information can be accessed at https://www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk/healthy-conversation We have been asking for NHS organisations to publish their future plans and have an honest conversation with the public for far too long, and at last it seems there is a firm commitment to do this.
Do you know a young carer who need support?
The Lincolnshire Young Carers Service supports those under the age of 19 with caring responsibilities at home for someone with health issues. This often means that their own wellbeing can be affected. If you know or work with a young carer – or would simply like some more information, please contact 01522 553275 or email youngcarers@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
Lincolnshire's Inspired Communities Event:
An action-packed day full of inspirational community based project stories, networking opportunities and discussing 'what's next?' for communities is taking place on Thursday 23 May, 9.30am - 3pm at Hemswell Court, Gainsborough, DN21 5TQ. More information, including how to register for the event, is on Eventbrite .For further details, please email communitycollaboration@lincolnshire.gov.uk or phone Bex Allen on 01522 550798.
Promoting healthy eating in schools:
Children's Services is launching a School Food Standards Certification Scheme to support statutory requirements that school food should be healthy, nutritious and tasty. It's available to all maintained schools and academies with either in-house catering or private caterers, and aims to influence healthy eating. For more details please email foodeducation@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Dambusters:
A new exhibition, is exploring the story of the Dambusters’ activities following their most famous raid. Beyond the Dams… A special exhibition running at The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre until the end of September 2019. The BBMF Visitor Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 5pm. For further details, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/bbmf
The Collection Museum announces its 2019 artists in residence: Michael Shaw, Belén Cerezo and Ros Lorimer have been selected as the OPEM Artists in Residence for 2019. OPEM is a biannual open-call exhibition run by The Collection Museum in Lincoln, showcasing artists working in the East Midlands. From 11 May to 23 June 2019, the museum’s New Curtois Gallery will be transformed into public studio space for the artists in residence. The Collection is open from 10am until 4pm daily. For more information, visit www.thecollectionmuseum.com .
Gear up for county's first Cycle Fest:
A brand new event celebrating all things cycling promises a host of free, family fun this summer. Cycle Fest is a free event taking place in the grounds of Doddington Hall on Saturday 1 June - the day before the Giant Lincoln Sportive. Gear up for county's first Cycle Fest Access Lincoln is a Lincolnshire County Council initiative, supported by Lincoln BIG and funded by the Department of Transport. For more on Access Lincoln visit www.accesslincoln.co.uk .
A royal addition to county's Tennyson collection:
A personal letter from a grieving Queen Victoria to poet Alfred Lord Tennyson is the newest addition to the county’s extensive Tennyson archive. To arrange access to the Tennyson collection, email lincolnshire.archives@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 01522 782040.
Invitation to see the County Council in action:
Recently at Parish Meetings I have been inviting residents to come and see the Council at work. I was delighted recently to welcome the Vice-Chairman of Metheringham Parish Council to County Offices to observe the work of the Health Scrutiny Committee and have a brief tour. She was able to see senior NHS managers talk about and be questioned on a number of issues including the "Healthy Conversation" mentioned above. If you would like to visit County Offices when I am there for a meeting please let me know (though I can fit in other times subject to commitments) please contact me.
b. To receive a report from the District Councillor.
Councillor Byatt recently elected as District Councillor advised he was currently completing his induction training.
c. To receive a report from the Bracebridge Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team
During the period 31st March 2019 to 30th April 2019 there have been 5 recorded crimes:
01/04/2019 - A male captured on CCTV damaging a car in Princes Street. The images are not sufficient quality to identify the male.
09/04/2019 – A van was broken into in Kings Road where three males were disturbed while drilling out the lock to the rear doors. Nothing was taken.
26/04/2019 – 4 alloy vehicle wheels were taken from the rear garden of a property in Station Road. A scrap merchant left a card enquiring about a vehicle at the address. He denied having taken the wheels. 20-26/04/2019 – Sometime during this period a farm trailer was taken from an isolated location in The Barff.
25-28/04/2019 – During this period a quantity of heating oil was syphoned from the external tank at a property in the High Street.
d. To receive a report on Street Lighting from Councillor Gwillym:
The maintenance had been carried out 2 weeks ago with lanterns being changed and Western Power are to inform the energy supplier accordingly. Electrical testing is carried out on a 6 yearly basis and is next due in 2021.
The cost of replacing a concrete column is currently £1,049. Councillor Wilson proposed that the Parish Council implement a 5 year plan to complete the replace of the remaining concrete columns. Councillor Holmes requested information on the saving of converting the lanterns to LED. Councillor Gwillym is to contact e.on to enquire if there is a discount for replacing multiple columns and how many the council would need to replace to secure the discount. Councillor Parry asked if it was possible to obtain a second independent quotation for the replacement of the columns
e. To receive reports from Council representatives on other outside bodies.
i) B1188 Community Police Panel
The Panel had not met. Councillor Gwillym reported that NPT community beat managers will no longer carry out fill in duties as they are now to also cover the response car.
PCSO Sarah Kennedy is now located in Grantham as a PC. Councillor Gwillym reported that she had requested that they look out for unmarked white vans in the area possibly door stop calling.
ii) Metheringham Village Hall Management Committee Councillor Kendrick confirmed that they have the AGM Thursday 16th May. It was agreed to schedule the option of a car charging point in the car park for the June meeting.
iii) Metheringham Swimming Pool
Councillor Holmes reported there had been a number of meetings taken place over the last month. They are looking to develop the site and future proof to cover opening costs. Councillor Holmes has been working with Mel Wright on banners to promote the pool. They have secured the services of 6 lifeguards but were still light of volunteers. They are looking at replacement the covers as the existing covers are encumbersum and not being used’ resulting in a large gas bill to heat the pool. They are looking into new rollers, mechanism and covers which would give a saving of circa £2,000 pa in gas bills enabling them to end the year solvent. They are also looking into separate third party electricity and water meters being installed and a meeting is being arranged with the school. Councillor Holmes has a meeting scheduled with Mel and Terry 15th May 2019. Councillor Gwillym asked if the pool committee were still fundraising. Councillor Holmes confirmed they are looking at strategic planning for cost saving and grant funding e.g. re-tiling, resurfacing around the pool. The Swimming Pool are seeking either a loan of £2,000 or a grant of £5,000 to enable them to open the pool on 25th May. Councillor Parry proposed a grant of £5,000, seconded by Councillor Gwillym – all were in favour.
It was agreed to schedule a review in September.
iv) Metheringham Bowls Club
Councillor Walker reported that the season has just begun and they now have 20 members.
13. Library:
Councillor Wilson reported that the transaction had now been completed and the library insured. There is a meeting of volunteers scheduled for next week. Councillor Parry requested the actual budget cost for 2018/2019.
Meeting adjourned 8.45pm
Reconvened 8.50pm
14. Clerks Report:
The clerk gave a quick resume of the present position, a schedule detailing actions taken and outstanding items will be produced for future meetings.
15. Financial Matters
a) Insurance:
i) To consider and approve the Council's Insurance renewal premium due on 1st June 2019 at an approximate cost of £3,369.29. This takes into consideration a 3 year long term agreement and includes an annual 5% no claims discount (budgeted item).
ii) To consider and approve the parish council pay for the Metheringham Swimming Pool Management Committees insurance premium at a cost of £1,027.52.
iii) To consider and resolve the parish council pay for the Metheringham Village Hall Management Committees insurance premium at a cost of £302.85.
It was resolved to renew the insurance premiums as detailed above, proposed by Councillor Kendrick , seconded by Councillor Holmes, all were in favour. Councillor Parry asked that the insurances be reviewed, this is scheduled for the clerk to review in 6 months in time for the 2020 renewal.
b) Noticeboards: To consider the purchase of 2 additional notice boards to be located outside the Chemists and on Caroline Road, Councillor Walker proposed that the boards are funded by the MACLA funds, seconded by Councillor Parry, the boards will be annotated “Funded by MACLA”, all were in favour.
c) Hanging Baskets: To consider the purchase of hanging baskets, brackets and plants to be sited at the front of the office up to the value of £150, Proposed by Councillor Holmes, Seconded by Councillor Walker, all were in favour.
d) Lighting: To consider quotations for the repair of the pavilion pathway. Councillor Walker proposed to accept the quotation from Selmec Ltd, seconded by Councillor Holmes, all were in favour.
e) Accounts for payment: The Chairman thanked Councillor Byatt for his work as acting RFO over the past 3 months. To consider and approve retrospective payment of the April accounts. It was resolved to approve the accounts, proposed by Councillor Holmes, seconded by Councillor Peek, all were in favour.
f) Financial Report: Councillor Byatt had verified accounts due for payment and there is a clear paper trail for the clerk to finalise the accounts. There is still an ongoing query with SSE regarding standing charges. It was resolved to agree Councillor Byatt’s verbal report, proposed by Councillor Gwillym, seconded by Councillor Holmes, all in favour.
g) Swimming Pool: To agree the purchase of 2 banners to support the swimming pool. It was resolved that the banners should be paid for out of the grant awarded, proposed Councillor Kendrick, seconded by Councillor Holmes, all were in favour.
16. Correspondence:
To note general correspondence (publications and letters are available for inspection at the meeting). A thank you card had been received from Doreen Cope, Volunteer at the Library who had now retired thanking the Parish Council for her bouquet of flowers presented at the Village Meeting.
17. Electronic Playground Inspections: To agree inspection reports to be kept electronically. Agreed to contact Rospa to ascertain how long records have to be kept and if this has to be in paper format. To be deferred to the June meeting pending further information.
18. Working Groups: No working group meetings have taken place.
19. Planning:
Planning applications received from NKDC
18/1598/FUL Brick Yard Day Care, High Street, Metheringham. Change position of doors on orangery and colour of windows of main dwelling at Brick Yard Day Care. Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council considered this application and resolved to make no comments. Proposed Councillor Parry, seconded by Councillor Holmes, all were in favour. Councillor Byatt abstained
Planning application decision notices from NKDC
i. 19/0004/FUL. Unit 12 The Moorland, Metheringham. Change of use from B1 to D2 (gym). This application had been approved.
ii. 19/0208/HOUS 32 Londesborough Way, Metheringham. Erection of single storey front extension. This application has been approved.
iii. 18/1624/LBC Pitts Farm, 43 Middle Street, Metheringham. Erection of single storey front extension. This application has been approved.
iv. 19/0093/LDEXI The Kitchen, Sleaford Road, Nocton Heath Confirmation use as Café is lawful
20. Annual Village Meeting 2019: Councillor Peek commented that she had received positive feedback from the meeting. Councillor Holmes commented that he felt it was a good evening, well received by the parishioners. The Village Report has yet to be completed and 50 copies will be placed in both the Library and the Parish Council offices together with being posted online.
21. Date, time and venue of next meeting: Tuesday 18th June 2019 at 19:15, in the Village Hall.
22. 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.
23. Staffing Matters:
It was agreed to resolve issues in connection with staffing matters.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 22:05