January 2021 Minutes

A Meeting of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council was held on Tuesday 26th January 2021 via Video Conferencing due to COVID 19 and not being able to meet in line with Government guidance on group gatherings and social distancing.    
Participating:
Councillor S Wilson (Chairman)
Councillor N Byatt 
Councillor R Grummitt
Councillor I Holmes
Councillor J Parr
Councillor S Peek
Councillor K Rymer
Councillor D Sherriff
Councillor S Walker
 
Apologies: Councillor C Redpath
 
Clerk: Karen Steels-Tallett
 
No members of the public had contacted the Clerk to request connectivity.  
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1. Chairman’s Remarks.  The Chairman, Councillor Sally Wilson opened the meeting; made the usual housekeeping announcements, and reminded members that they must abide by the Code of Conduct at all times.  
 
2. To accept Apologies for Absence and reasons given in accordance with Local Government Act 1972 s85(1).   Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Redpath.  
 
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 Byatt declared an interest in agenda item 13 as a member 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 15th December 2020 (circulated with agenda).  The notes of the meeting 15th December 2020 having been circulated prior to the meeting were taken as read and it was resolved to approve them as minutes of the meeting.  Proposed by Councillor Byatt, seconded by Councillor Grumiitt and all were in favour.
Councillor Holmes joined the meeting.
 
5. Reports from representatives on outside bodies:
a. To receive a report from the County Councillor.  A report  from Councillor R Kendrick had been received prior to the meeting.
b. To receive a report from the District Councillor.  Councillor Byatt reported that staff at NKDC would work from home until 6th May 2021.  Government are working towards Elections taking place on 6th May 2021; but there is doubt as to whether there will be sufficient manpower to open the Polling Stations.  This includes the PCC Election, there is also 1 vacant seat at NKDC.  Staff are still available for Business Support as required.  The BBH quarterly report is disappointing.  An IAG member is assisting in East Lindsey with quarterly target setting.  Recruitment of Members for the IAG is now underway, if anyone is interested Expressions of Interest should be submitted by 1st March 2021. 
c. To receive the Quarterly Newsletter from the Bracebridge Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team.  The quarterly Newsletter had been received.  The Clerk is to chase the matter of the theft of a section of the stone from the Village Cross    
d. To receive reports from Council representatives on other outside bodies.
i. Village Hall Management Committee -  the Village Hall continues to be used for Playgroup.  The Committee have enquiries for bookings and provisional bookings for when they are able to reopen.
ii. Metheringham Swimming Pool – the secretary and treasurer are making regular site visits to the Pool.  The Committee are currently concentrating on the Charity Commission return due at the end of January and planning to meet in February to look at the next steps. 
iii. Library – the Library remains closed during lockdown.
iv. Bowls Club
 
 
6. To receive verbal or written update reports from Working Groups:
 
i. Events – attached
ii. Project Planning – no report available – no meeting taken place
iii. Communications – no report available – no meeting taken place
iv. Community & Environmental Development – no report available – a  meeting is scheduled for 27.01.2021.
v. War Memorial Garden Task & Finish Group – no report available – no meeting taken place
vi. Terms of Reference Task & Finish Group – to receive the attached report.  The report was received.  Councillor Holmes commented this was a comprehensive piece of work.  Councillor Byatt thanked the Group for their work and welcomed the suggested proposals.
 
7. Clerks report (attached).  The Clerk’s report was received.  The Clerk is to arrange a meeting with Linden Homes regarding the Tree Belt.
 
8. Financial Matters:
 
a) Urban Grass Cutting:  To resolve to continue with the Contractors for the LCC Parish Agreement Scheme for the 2021-22 financial period and agree on the number of cuts.  It was resolved to proceed with 5 cuts for the 2021-22 season.  Proposed by
 Councillor Grummitt, seconded by Councillor Holmes and all were in favour.
 
      County Councillor Kendrick joined the meeting.
 
b) Recreation Field Grass Cutting:  To resolve to proceed with the quotation received from the Contractors and agree the number of cuts.    It was resolved to proceed with monthly cuts March to September.  Proposed by Councillor Grummitt, seconded by Councillor Rymer and all were in favour.
c) Accounts for payment:  To consider and approve the accounts for payment.   It was resolved to approve the accounts for payment.  Proposed by Councillor Holmes, seconded by Councillor Walker and all were in favour. 
 
9. Approval of Precept proposal for 2021/2022, as recommended by Finance Committee.  To consider and resolve the Precept requirement upon the Billing Authority (North Kesteven District Council) be approved. It was resolved to approve the Precept requirement presented.  Proposed by Councillor Holmes, seconded by Councillor Walker and all were in favour.
County Councillor Kendrick updated Council, there is a programme of roadworks taking place over the coming weeks.  The roaving community team will be out in the coming weeks rectifying any outstanding jobs which they are able to deal with. 
10. Parish Council Meeting Dates 2021/2022:  To agree the schedule of meetings for the period May 2021 to April 2022 inclusive as circulated.  To was resolved to approve the schedule of meeting dates for 2021/2022.  Proposed by Councillor Holmes, seconded by Councillor Parr and all were in favour.
 
11. C.L.E.A.N Hub:  To consider the request from Clean Lincoln Everywhere and Now in partnership with Lincoln Co-op to install a litter picking hub on site for the storage of litter pick equipment, encouraging residents to look after the village.  It was resolved to defer the item to the February meeting for further information.  Proposed by Councillor Holmes, seconded by Councillor Grummitt and all were in favour.
12. High Street, Metheringham, Proposed new bus stop and bus stop clearways:  To receive a report from LCC Transport Services Group regarding a new bus stop and clearways.  It was resolved to object to the location of the proposed new bus stop and suggest a further location High Street between Morden Close and Drury Street.  Proposed by Councillor Grummitt, seconded by Councillor Holmes and all were in favour.
13. Planning: 
Planning Application:  
i. 20/1704/FUL – 27A Drury Street, Metheringham.  Conversion of existing detached garage into annexe.    It was resolved Council had no objections to the application.  Proposed by Councillor Holmes, seconded by Councilor Parr and all were in favour.
ii. 20/1802/FUL – 57 Prince’s Street, Metheringham.  Provision of driveway and highway verge crossing.  It was resolved Council had no objections to the application.  Proposed by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councilor Holmes and all were in favour.
Councillor Byatt abstained from voting on all planning applications as a member of NKDC Planning Committee.
        
 
14. Date and time of the next meeting.  Tuesday 23rd February 2021 @ 18:15.
 
There being no further business the meeting closed at 19:12.