August 2019 Minutes
A meeting of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council was held on Tuesday 27th August 2019 in the Village Hall, Middle Street, Metheringham and commenced at 19:15.
Present:
Councillor S Wilson (Chairman) Councillor J Gwillym (Vice Chairman) Councillor N Byatt 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.
1. Chairman’s Remarks:
The Chairman Councillor S Wilson 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
2. To resolve to accept Apologies for Absence and reasons given in accordance with Local Government Act 1972 s85(1):
There were no apologies for absence.
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 D Parry declared an interest in agenda item 8a as a Governor of Metheringham Primary School. Councillor N Byatt declared an interest in item 15 i), as Chair of NKDC Planning Committee.
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 Tuesday 27th July 2019.
The notes having been circulated before the meeting were taken as read and
it was RESOLVED to approve them as minutes of the meeting.
Proposed by Councillor N Byatt seconded by Councillor J Gwillym, Councillor J Kendrick abstained from voting as she was not present at the meeting, all were in favour.
5. Reports from representatives on outside bodies:
a. To receive a report from the County Councillor R Kendrick Recognition for county issues
When Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently visited Boston, senior councillors had the opportunity to meet him and discuss issues such as the disparity in funding for Lincolnshire compared with other areas.
Multi-million pound Food Enterprise Zone:
Good news for our important food sector. Construction of the first building at Holbeach’s new Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) is set to begin, seeing the start of ground works for the University of Lincoln’s bespoke agri-food research and development facility. The Centre of Excellence in Agri-food Technology will be the linchpin of the FEZ, delivering innovation support services, pioneering research, skills provision and knowledge exchange for agri-food businesses across Lincolnshire and beyond.
Work starts on Holbeach's multi-million pound Food Enterprise Zone
A cleaner, greener chapter for mobile libraries:
New, environmentally-friendly vehicles are to be introduced as the county council works to become carbon neutral by 2050. The authority’s three large mobile libraries are coming to the end of their life and need to be replaced. In future, the council will be using smaller, environmentally-friendly vans to serve 234 stops across Lincolnshire. To make sure communities have easy access to books between visits, the county council is approaching a number of parish councils to offer a collection of books to be based within the local community. A cleaner, greener chapter for mobile libraries
Decision expected on future of heritage services:
The results of the recent consultation on heritage services are to be discussed ahead of a decision by the council’s executive. In January, the county council unveiled a proposed blueprint for a more sustainable heritage service, which would save the authority £750,000 a year. This includes ambitious plans to redevelop The Collection Museum in Lincoln to expand its exhibition space, dramatically improving the visitor experience.
Lincolnshire's new fire appliances:
The first of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s new fire appliances has arrived in the county ready for crews to carry out training. A fleet of 33 new appliances will be sent out to fire stations over 3 years, starting in September 2019. Preview of Lincolnshire's new fire appliances
Keeping safe in hot weather:
When temperatures are high, residents are being advised to take some simple steps to stay safe. Useful advice on who is most at risk and what you can do to keep healthy is available on the NHS website. Please look out for further updates.
Holiday time!
No formal County Council meetings take place in August however business continues for the many services run by the Council. Along with fellow councillors I do from time to time have individual meetings with officers at LCC. However as it is the holiday period there may be occasions when a response to an enquiry will take a little longer.
I wish everyone an enjoyable summer break.
b. To receive a report from District Councillor L Pearson
Councillor L Pearson reported whilst dealing with residents’ enquiry during August there was nothing to report.
The NKDC investments; Heart of Sleaford and River Slea developments are progressing.
The NK Community Champion Awards are due to take place during October.
Monthly surgery: the next surgery is scheduled for Friday 30th August in the Parish Council Offices between 10.00am and 12.00noon.
c. Bracebridge Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team: PC Hanson had sent his apologies; but he had not been able to give a report this month due to computer issues. Councillor J Gwillym reported that a letter had been sent to the Rt Hon Priti Patel MP by Dr Caroline Johnson MP, regarding the recruitment of additional Police Officers. The Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police had requested a further 2,000 police officers for Lincolnshire following the Prime Ministers announcement to fund 20,000 new police officers. Councillor Gwillym had visited a resident who had fallen victim to a scam.
Metheringham Airfield is being visited on a daily basis following the recent unsociable behaviour, there are currently no problems but it is on the next Police Panel agenda for discussion. Councillor Parry commented that the ban put in place by NKDC in October 2016 for 3 years had now been lifted as there is no evidence to support extending the ban. Councillor Byatt asked if the Police and Crime Commissioner had cancelled his meeting, Councillor Gwillym advised this conflicted with the police Panel meeting and would hopefully be re-arranged.
The PCC for Lincolnshire has now opened his accountability meetings with the Chief Constable to the public; which are held in the Council Chamber at Lincolnshire County Council, the first meeting having taken place 12th August. Residents are able to send in their questions in advance.
d. Village Hall Committee: Following the meeting attended by Councillors S Wilson and J Gwillym the village hall had reviewed their Terms and Conditions. Councillor Holmes commented that as there had been no further meeting having taken place to agree the revised documents this was not in line with the Constitution. Councillor Parry raised the question, who are they accountable to? Councillor Wilson confirmed they are accountable to themselves as a Committee and the Charity Commission. Councillor Wilson advised there was an open evening on Monday 2nd September for residents following the redecoration.
e. Swimming Pool: Councillor Wilson advised that Radio Lincolnshire had been in touch and done an interview with the Swimming Pool. Councillor I Holmes advised financially the pool are £2,500 over and above their position at this time last year, and it is currently looking that the covers will pay for themselves this year. The covers have a 3 year life span. Attendance over the Bank Holiday weekend had been good.
Work has been done on to register the Swimming Pool with the Charity Commission; which would be responsible for the physical elements, grant funding for larger projects but not the day to day running of the pool. The Constitution is being processed moving the current arrangement to a more secure footing giving the Trustees no liability for debt, power to run the pool and allowing access to larger funding Councillor S Peek left the room 7.50pm - returned to the meeting 7.52pm
f. Library: The notes of the meeting with volunteers 11th July were received. There is a further meeting arranged for Tuesday 3rd September. There is an amount of £8,145 from the LCC Capital Grant which needs to be spent by 07.02.2020, which it is proposed to use to extend the Library into the NHS building. Councillor Walker asked if the remaining grant will be sufficient for the works to be carried out. Suggestion of any surplus grant being used for the purchase of a TV. Councillors to have a site visit following the meeting on 3rd September to see how the building can be best utilised.
g. Bowls Club: Councillor S Walker reported that a Macmillan Coffee morning had been held at the Bowls Club and an amount of £762 raised. As a result of the coffee morning they potentially have 2 new members. The season comes to an end on Saturday 27th August. The AGM is due to take place during the winter months. They are also looking at doing a taster day at the beginning of 2020 season with banners to advertise.
6. To receive verbal or written update reports from Working Groups:
i) Events: The notes of the meeting held 8th August were received.
ii) Project Planning: There had been no further meeting having taken place. The Public Engagement meeting is to take place on Thursday 12th September2019.
iii) Communications: No update available
iv) Environmental Development: Notes received from
Councillor Kendrick regarding the War Memorial Garden. Councillors Kendrick and Gwillym had met with members of the RAF regarding works in the memorial garden, who are keen to assist and will also do a press release. Councillor Kendrick had also met with M Credland who was willing to help with information of the history boards.
7. Clerks Report: The Clerk’s report had been circulated prior to the meeting.
Agreed to accept the report.
8. Financial Matters:
a. Noticeboard – War Memorial Garden: To agree and approve the retrospective purchase of the noticeboard. The noticeboard had been paid for from the Parish Council funds in April 2019. There had been prior email correspondence that the noticeboard could be paid for using MACLA Funds, but there are no minutes relating to this. Councillor Holmes asked what power the Council had to spend the money, and asked the Clerk to look into this. It was RESOLVED to agree the payment. Proposed by Councillor Parry, seconded by Councillor Gwillym, the majority were in favour. Councillor Holmes voted against the resolution.
b. Metheringham Primary School: To consider the use of MACLA Funds to support the grant application received from Metheringham Primary School. It was RESOLVED to award the grant using MACLA Funds. Proposed by Councillor Walker, seconded by Councillor Gwillym and the majority were in favour. Councillor Holmes abstained from voting.
c. War Memorial Garden: To consider and agree funding for works in the Memorial Garden. It was RESOLVED to agree funding of £5,000 and also look at a RAF Covenant Grant. Proposed by Councillor Byatt, seconded by Councillor J Gwillym and all were in favour.
d. Village Hall: To consider and agree the reimbursement of Dyno Rod invoice to the Village Hall. It was RESOLVED to reimburse the village hall. Proposed by Councillor Gwillym, seconded by Councillor Walker and all were in favour. Councillor Holmes abstained from voting.
Councillor Parry proposed that we look at quotations for sanitary bins within the disabled toilets.
e. CiLCA: To consider and resolve the Clerk attends and registers for the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) two day training course delivered by LALC. It was RESOLVED agree the expense. Proposed by Councillor Byatt, seconded by Councillor Kendrick and all were in favour.
f. Accounts for Payment: To consider and approve the accounts for payment. The Clerk circulated the accounts for July 2019. It was RESOLVED to approve the accounts, proposed by Councillor Byatt, seconded by Councillor J Gwillym and all were in favour.
9. Noticeboard: To consider and agree the gifting of the old noticeboard taken from the War Memorial Garden to the Village Hall. It was RESOLVED to gift the noticeboard. Proposed by Councillor Byatt, seconded by Councillor Walker and all were in favour.
10. School Visits: To consider visits from Metheringham Primary School to the Parish Office. The Chair will visit the School to suggest the visits. It was RESOLVED to agree the visits. Proposed by Councillor Byatt, seconded by Councillor J Gwillym and all were in favour.
11. Limespring Hundred Community Magazine: To agree a member to publish articles in the magazine. Councillor Kendrick suggested that ideas were put to the Clerk for publishing in line with the media policy. It was RESOLVED to proceed with Councillor Kendrick’s suggestion. Proposed by Councillor Gwillym, seconded by Councillor Peek and all were in favour.
12. Litter Picker Grant: To agree the annual report for the litter pickers grant application to NKDC; as circulated. It was RESOLVED agree the grant application. Proposed by Councillor Parry, seconded by Councillor Walker and all were in favour.
13. Public Engagement: To discuss and agree the format of the event on Thursday 12th September. The format of the evening was discussed and agreed.
14. Correspondence: To note the correspondence circulated to Members.
15. Planning: Planning applications received from NKDC. Councillor N Byatt declared an interest as District Councillor and withdrew from any debate. Planning applications received from NKDC:
i) 19/0929/FUL – Land adjacent to Unit 24, Moorlands Industrial Estate, Metheringham. Erection of 3 commercial units.
Planning application decision notices from NKDC:
i) 19/0660/FUL - The Kitchen, Sleaford Road, Nocton Heath. Change of use of part of the Nocton Heath Truckstop site to a car wash. Approved, temporary permission for 5 years to enable assessment against any future use of the café building currently vacant upon the wider site.
ii) 19/0790/PNND - Waneham Farm, Sleaford Road, Metheringham. Prior approval for a proposed change of use of agricultural building to 4 dwelling houses. Approved.
iii) 19/0754/HOUS - Stone Lodge, Fen Lane, Metheringham. Demolition of existing rear extension, erection of two-storey extension and demolition of existing porch and erect replacement porch. Approved.
16. Date, time and venue of next meeting: Tuesday 27th September 2019 at 19:15, in the Village Hall.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 21:02