July 31st 2024 Agenda
You are summoned to an ordinary meeting of Metheringham Parish Council which will be held on Wednesday 31st July 2024 at the Parish Council Offices, High Street, Metheringham, LN4 3DZ at 6.30pm. A public session, lasting no more than 15 minutes, commences at 6.15pm. Members of the public and press are welcome to attend.
K A Parker
Signed:
Keith A Parker
Chair
Metheringham Parish Council
26th July 2023
AGENDA
1. Chair’s comments.
2. To resolve to accept Apologies for Absence and reasons given in accordance with Local Government Act 1972 S85(1)
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
b. Dispensations: To consider and grant dispensation to relevant members in accordance with Metheringham Parish Councils Code of Conduct
4. To approve the notes of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 17th June 2024 and 26th June 2024 as a true and accurate record
5. Reports from representatives on outside bodies:
a. To receive a report from the County Councillor.
b. To receive a report from the District Councilors.
6. To receive reports from representatives to other village organizations and committees:
a. Village Hall Management Committee
b. Metheringham Swimming Pool
c. Metheringham Bowls Club
d. Metheringham Community Hub
e. Metheringham Football Club
f. Metheringham Gardening Club
7. To appoint a representative for Metheringham Village Hall.
8. To discuss and resolve TOR for the Finance, Staffing and communications committee.
9. To discuss and resolve Clerk’s Vacancy
i to resolve advert for Clerk
ii to resolve working hours for clerk
ii to resolve pay grade for clerk
10. To receive an update on grass cutting
11. To Discuss and resolve swimming pool items from MOU review
12. Financial matters:
i. To consider and approve the bank reconciliation for end of September 23
ii. To consider and approve payments made between 27th September and 24th October 23
iii. To approve the accounts for payments to be made
iv To receive an update on staff payments
v To confirm notice for public viewing of AGAR requirements
|
Invoices for payment |
||
|
Name |
Due |
Amount inc VAT |
|
Eon Street Lighting(May, June & July) |
31/07/2024 |
£20,440.80 |
|
Pristine Window Cleaning |
31/07/2024 |
£19.00 |
|
Pristine Window Cleaning |
30/06/2024 |
£19.00 |
|
N power Street Lighting |
31/07/2024 |
£5,711.94 |
|
Eon Sports Field |
31/07/2024 |
£131.12 |
|
Tyson Mowers 2 stroke Petrol |
31/07/2024 |
£49.01 |
|
Glendale Grass Cutting |
31/07/2024 |
£1,671.60 |
|
Total |
£28,042.47 |
|
|
Paid By DD or SO |
||
|
Total Energies Electricity Libray |
31/07/2024 |
£90.82 |
|
SSE Energy Supply |
05/07/2024 |
£252.18 |
|
SSE Energy Supply |
05/07/2024 |
£235.74 |
|
Onyx Trophies Sports Day Medals At School |
21/07/2024 |
£275.00 |
|
Total |
£853.74 |
13. To Discuss and resolve to appoint councillor/s to advertise on social media and web site council business
14. To receive an update on public toilets, and discuss and resolve to have Mag-Locks fitted to outer doors on an morning open and evening close basis only to allow toilets to re-open very soon
15. To Receive an update following meeting with Football club
i To resolve fees for hire of Field / Pavillion
ii To resolve the rectification of training area on football field
iii To resolve who is responsible for strimming edges after grass cutting
16. To Discuss and resolve a response to questions raised by a Parishioner.
i I went through the finances that were published on the council website from 03/04/2023 to 25/03/24 and have a few concerns.
ii It appears that the Parish clerk was earning around £70k per year. How can the parish council justify a payment of this amount to an individual when the current average wage in Lincolnshire is £28k
iii With regards the cross refurbishment. It appears that the total cost of this was £18,245 which ses excessive for what has been done. I was unable to find any evidence of multiple quotes for this work prior to it taking place. I would like to see a copy of the quote and why the builder who was chosen to do the task was selected in the first place.
iv Regarding the mower that was purchased on 22/08/2023 and has not been used. 10 months have passed since this purchase so why was the training course not booked prior to this so work could have commenced upon delivery.
V I would also suggest that the council look into training on a hedge trimmer and strimmer/brush cutter along with safe use of pesticides after hearing about the requested tools list this evening.
Vi The book keeping seems vague on certain items such as wages. As this is public money I feel that there should be complete transparency on these items. I feel all quotes should be added as an annex to the minutes of the meeting they have been ratified at to ensure that the village who provide these funds know exactly how their tax funds are being spent.
Vii As an additional item for transparency reasons, I woukd like to request that all quotes recieve are added to the copy of the minutes online so the constituents can see that the council are spending the public money correctly. Can you please let me know when these items will or have been discussed so I can check the minutes of the specific meeting.
17. Date of Next Meeting 28th August 2024