July 2023 Minutes
Minutes of Ordinary Parish Council Meeting of Metheringham Parish Council which will be held in the Parish Council Office, High Street, Metheringham on Wednesday 26th July 2023 at 18:30.
Present: Chairman Cllr K Parker, Cllrs B Nelson, D Parry, F Pembery, M Worthington, R Grummitt, J Simpson, J Tatton and M Westerman. LCC councillor R Kendrick
Public forum
Two members of the public were present and addressed the council over the proposed anaerobic digester to be situated on Martin Moor. They were part of “Fighting MAD”. They expressed their concerns for their village as well as what may happen to Metheringham, if it went ahead.
Figures obtained suggest an annual tonnage of approximately 135,000 tonnes of chicken effluent to be processed at the site with the subsequent number of heavy goods vehicle traffic through a number of local villages, including Metheringham.
A copy of a letter from Martin Parish Council was given to Metheringham Parish Council for information.
The chair and council thanked them for their contribution, and it was agreed to make this an agenda item for Metheringham Parish Council.
Meeting started 1830hrs
1. Chair’s remarks
The chair thanked the council for the nomination for Councillor of the year, in particular Councillor Parry.
The Auditor has now completed their work – agenda item later.
The Chair welcomed Councillor Simpson to his first council meeting.
2. To resolve to accept apologies for absence and reasons given in accordance with Local Government Act 1972 s85(1)
Apologies received from S Peek. Proposed by Councillor Tatton and seconded by Councillor Grummitt. All in favour.
No apologies were received from Councillor Toynton.
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 Worthington declared a none pecuniary interest in item 22b
Councillor Pembery declared an interest in item 12.
b. Dispensations: To consider and grant dispensation to relevant members in accordance with Metheringham Parish Councils Code of Conduct.
N/A
4. To approve the notes of the Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 28th June 23 as a true and accurate record.
Proposed by Councillor Tatton and seconded by Councillor Westerman. Councillor Grummitt abstained. All other Councilors in favour.
5. To resolve to appoint Councillor Pembery on to the interviewing panel for the Clerk applications
Councillor Westerman proposed to amend agenda to include handy person panel as well as clerk. Seconded by Councillor Nelson. All in favour.
6. Reports from representatives on outside bodies:
a. To receive a report from the County Councillor.
Councillor Kendrick addressed the council and gave a further update on the anaerobic digester for Martin. When the formal application is submitted the LCC has 16 weeks to conduct their analysis. The main concern is the number of vehicles that may end up driving through the villages.
He also updated the council on the proposed repairs to the B1191. The closure for 88 days has now been postponed until October, to allow farmers to harvest the local fields without the disruption of the road closures.
b. To receive a report from the District Councilors.
Both district councilors were present. Councillor Pembery had submitted her report earlier for circulation. Councillor Parry delivered his to the assembled council.
c. To receive a report from the Bracebridge Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team.
No report. The representative had sent her apologies.
7. To receive reports from representatives to other village organizations and committees:
a. Village Hall Management Committee
No representative present and no report received. The next village hall meeting is 27th July and the council were unsure if their representative would be present. The chair would check with the village hall following their meeting.
b. Metheringham Swimming Pool
Councillor Worthington had received a report from the pool, albeit at the last minute. The council raised questions over the expenditure but were unable to question any pool representative. The chair asked for the report to be forwarded to the parish clerk address as this had not been circulated to this extent.
c. Metheringham Bowls Club
Councillor Grummitt. The season is three quarters through. Membership holds strong. The finals of the inter club competitions are to be held on the 3rd and 4th September, weather permitting. The funding group continues to raise money for the club.
d. Metheringham Community Hub
Councillor Westerman gave an overview of the Hub and the continuing (slow) rise in numbers using the library and hub. The after-school club has finished for the summer but will be back when term starts again only this may be for longer and more often.
e. Metheringham Football Club
Councillor Parker informed the council that the football club had recently had their AGM. There had been a complaint about the shelters and the edges of the playing field, regarding abusive graffiti. This had been cleaned off by NKDC. There were also reports of youths riding motorbikes across the pitches and there was also concern over the state of the grass, in terms of length and cutting regime.
9. To elect a council representative to Metheringham Village Hall
10. To consider and resolve to support a litter picking group
A resident has requested to start a litter picking group.
They have asked if the council would provide bags and hoops to facilitate this.
They would also like to borrow Parish Council high viz jackets.
The council felt this was a good idea, given the fact that the employed litter picker is on long term sickness. It was proposed by Councillor Tatton to put aside up to £100 for equipment for the team. Seconded by Councillor Grummitt and all in favour.
11. Policies: To review and approve the following policies.
a. Agenda Items
It was agreed that the Agenda policy was still current. Proposed by Councillor Westerman and seconded by Councillor Nelson. All in favour.
b. Social Media Policy
With a number of revisions highlighted to this policy and the following one, it was agreed to defer this item to the next meeting. In the meantime the sample policies from LALC would be obtained for guidance. Councillor Westerman proposed and seconded by Councillor Nelson.
c. Recording and Filming of Council and Committee Meetings
Defer to next meeting
12. Asset Register: To consider and verify the asset register for 2022-23, if available (deferred from last meeting) or receive update if not complete.
Councillor Nelson will complete the Asset register. The Auditor provided guidance in terms of purchase costs for gifted items and replacement values. Defer to next meeting for completed list. Councillor Tatton proposed and seconded by Councillor Grummitt. All in favour.
13. Financial matters:
a. To consider and approve the bank reconciliation for end of June 23
Not available for the meeting. However no expenditure has been undertaken since the last meeting. Prepare one for the next meeting. Councillor Tatton proposed and seconded by Councillor Pembery. All in favour.
b. To consider and approve payments made between 27th June and 27th July 23
The chair informed council that apart from Direct Debits, no payments had been made in this period. Councillor Parker to print bank statements and the item deferred to next meeting. Proposed Councillor Nelson and seconded Councillor Grummitt. All in favour.
c. To approve the accounts for payments to be made
Npower invoice questioned over unpaid amount. MW noted there didn’t appear to be any payment in the April/May period. Proposed by Councillor Grummitt to pay for current period and the council to question the payment request for the other payment demand. Seconded by Councillor Pembery and all in favour.
d. To receive the report from the internal auditor
The chair reported that the expected return from the internal auditor was not available. As soon as it is available the council will receive it.
At this point Councillor Worthington proposed to extend the meeting. Seconded by Councillor Grummitt and all in favour.
14. Quotes: To consider quotes received, if available
a. To consider expenditure towards new fire panel and alarms as outlined in A1 securities report
The chair informed council that a quote had been received but did not include some of the requested work. A revised quote had been requested and was awaited.
b. Refurbishment of public toilets
Despite numerous attempts by the clerk to secure a quote for the repairs, not one company as yet has submitted a quote. Councillor Worthington rosed to offer some builders names, in a hope of finally acquiring a quote for the work to be conducted. Deferred until next meeting. Proposed by Councillor Westerman and seconded by Councillor Parker. All in favour.
15. To receive an update on the swimming pool MOU review.
To include response regards Soil heap
To include Land claimed from LCC
To include parking on grass next to Pool
Following the report from the pool it is now claimed the soil heap has been removed. Councillor Parker to check. There is still doubt over the ownership of the land from LCC. The grass in front of the pool entrance has been noted as being used as a car park.
There has been no further response from the pool over the MOU.
Councillor Worthington informed the council that recorded minutes only show that there would be an approach made to LCC over the land. There is no record of any ownership change.
Councillor Parry stated that as the new MOU is not in place, the existing one still stands and a clause in that states if there is no agreement then the original MOU can be negated, given notice.
Councillor Nelson asked if the MOU is pulled, do we as the Council inform the charities commission?
The chair proposed that the item be put on the next agenda – to review next actions. Seconded Councillor Westerman and all in favour.
16. To Receive update on Old cross refurbishment
The chair circulated a copy of the awaited insurance document, meaning that work can now go ahead on the old cross.
17. To retrospectively agree to employ services to cut grass in Pavilion and play areas
It was unanimously agreed to retrospectively agree to Pay Levex for cutting grass once in pavilion and play areas
18. To receive updates, and resolve actions where necessary, on the following matters:
a. MUGA preplanning application
The application was filled in over 2 months ago and a decision is still awaited. Councillor Parry will follow up with NKDC.
At 2045hrs Councillor Tatton apologized and had to leave the meeting.
b. Windmill community asset consent
The council had received communication from NKDC that the mill was to be for demolished. Apparently Lafford Homes and NKDC are in communication with the landowner to develop it. BUT – the landowner does not own the mill! Councillor Parry asked for the correspondence from NKDC to be sent to him so he can follow up as a matter of urgency.
c. Playground equipment following a recent inspection and repair
The playground equipment has now been repaired and the council is awaiting the report.
19. Planning Applications:
a. Planning Application 08-Mar-2019 10:20 AM
Erection of an entrance porch, replacement of bay window, application of render to front elevation, introduction of new window openings and replacement boundary treatments. - 2 Norman Crescent Metheringham Lincoln Lincolnshire LN4 3DN
Councillor Grummitt proposed and seconded by Councillor Nelson. All in favour.
b. Planning Application 08-Mar-2019 10:20 AM
Application for a non-material amendment (roof adjustments) following a grant of planning permission 22/0589/HOUS - Replacement of existing glazed roof with new tiled roof, replacement of existing flat roof to rear elevation and reconstruction of existing rear wall - 40 High Street Metheringham Lincoln Lincolnshire LN4 3DX
Councillor Grummitt proposed; seconded by Councillor Nelson. Councillor Worthington abstained. All other councillors in favour.
c. Planning Application 08-Mar-2019 10:20 AM
Application to remove condition 2 (building re change of use shall not be used as a separate unit of living accommodation) of planning permission 04/0533/FUL - Conversion of garage into separate annexe accommodation - The Cottage Fen Lane Metheringham Lincoln Lincolnshire LN4 3AQ
Deferred
d. Planning Application 08-Mar-2019 10:20 AM
Erection of single storey extensions to front and rear - 21 Bentley Way Metheringham Lincoln Lincolnshire LN4 3EN
Councillor Grummitt proposed, seconded by Councillor Nelson and all in favour.
Notice of Decisions:
d. Application Reference: 23/0193/VARCON
Proposal: Application to remove condition 2 (building re change of use shall not be used as
a separate unit of living accommodation) of planning permission 04/0533/FUL - Conversion
of garage into separate annexe accommodation
Location: The Cottage Fen Lane Metheringham
20. Public bodies (admission to meetings) act 1960 exclusion of the press and 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 public be excluded.
21. To receive update on the ex-Clerk.
The chair gave council an update on the departure of the clerk. The council thanked her for her hard work in helping to sort the finances and other outstanding items.
22. Recruitment: To discuss and approve actions for the following positions
a. Update on Appointment of new Clerk
The advertisement for a replacement clerk is still active, so no further update.
b. Update on the handyperson position
Interviews will be held on 31st July. There are three candidates shortlisted, as one had pulled out.
c. To discuss and resolve payment method to pay for locum clerk services in the interim.
Councillor Grummitt proposed, seconded by Councillor Pembery and all in favour.
23. Date of next meeting
30th August 2023.
Meeting closed 2110hrs.