January 2024 DRAFT Minutes (31st)
Metheringham Parish Council Meeting
Minutes of Meeting held at The Parish Council Office, Metheringham
Wednesday 31st January 2024 at 6.30pm
Present: Cllr K Parker (Chair)
Cllrs R Grummitt B Nelson R Castle S Peek F Pembery M Worthington
In Attendance: Miss A Driver (Clerk & note taker)
8 members of the public
Public Forum: None
00026. CHAIRS COMMENTS
The Chair opened the meeting with general housekeeping and welcomed those present.
00027. TO RESOLVE TO ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND REASONS GIVEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972 S85(1)
The meeting was advised that apologies had been received from Cllr D Parry, Cllr J Simpson and Cllr M Westerman.
Proposed Cllr B Nelson, Seconded Cllr R Grummitt and Resolved: That apologies with valid reasons for absence had been accepted from Cllr D Parry.
Proposed Cllr S Peek, Seconded Cllr F Pembery and Resolved: That apologies with valid reasons for absence had been accepted from Cllr J Simpson.
Proposed Cllr R Grummitt, Seconded Cllr M Worthington and Resolved: That apologies with valid reasons for absence had been accepted from Cllr M Westerman.
00028. TO RECEIVE MEMBERS DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
a. Members are required to declare any declarations of interest at this point and may also make them at any point during the meeting in accordance with Metheringham Parish Councils Code of Conduct
None received
b. Dispensations: To consider and grant dispensation to relevant members in accordance with Metheringham Parish Councils Code of Conduct
None received.
00029. TO RECEIVE AS A CORRECT RECORD THE DRAFT NOTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 10TH JANUARY 2024
Proposed Cllr B Nelson, Seconded Cllr R Grummitt and Resolved: That the draft notes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on the 10th January 2024 be approved as the official minutes.
00030. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FRO OUTSIDE BODIES
a. To receive a report from the County Councillor
Verbal update received from Cllr R Kendrick. The devolution consultation closed on 30th January 2024. Government are giving twenty million to the council to be spend this year and it is being broken down in areas and being distributed across the County. Residents are being encouraged by Cllr R Kendrick to continue and use fix my street.
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b. To receive a report from District Councillors
Reports previously circulated to Council members under correspondence. No questions raised by Council members present.
c. To receive a report from the Neighbouring Policing Team
Verbal update received from June Gwillym of the Independent Advisory Group. The Chief Constable has now left Lincolnshire Police. Residents are reminded to remain vigilant as card scams are taking place via the telephone where callers are purporting to be from the Metropolitan Police and appearing credible. Some simple advice to avoid this, the Police will never give you a link to type into your home computer, nor will they ask for your bank details.
00031. TO RECEIVE UPDATES FROM REPRESENTATIVES TO OTHER VILLAGE ORGANISATIONS AND COMMITTEES
a. Village Hall Management Committee
Cllr B Nelson no update received as Village Hall Committee meeting was taking place at the same date as the Parish Council meeting.
b. Metheringham Swimming Pool
Cllr M Worthington provided a verbal update following a recent meeting in which he attended on Monday. End of season bills have been paid and appear to have a healthy bank account funds. The is a wish by the swimming pool to improve disabled facilities available. There is a MOU review meeting schedule between the Trustee’s of the swimming Pool and Council members on Monday 5th February 2024.
c. Metheringham Bowls Club
Cllr R Grummitt provided a verbal update, whilst the bowls club is closed for the season the flooring within the club house is being renewed. A new fence has been erected to the rear and the work has begun preparing the green.
d. Metheringham Community Hub
No update received from Cllr M Westerman.
e. Metheringham Football Club
No update received from Cllr K Parker.
f. Metheringham Gardening Club
No update received from Cllr F Pembery.
00032. TO RECEIVE THE CLERKS REPORT, CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND TO CONSIDER ANY RECOMMENDATIONS
a. To consider whether to hold a Parish Council children’s Easter egg hunt over the Easter bank holiday, agree age bracket and associated budget.
Proposed Cllr B Nelson, Seconded Cllr F Pembery and Resolved: To defer to the Events Committee for discussion and decision.
b. To consider a budget for the purchase of wool to enable crochet and knitted poppies to made and form a display inside of the memorial garden for Remembrance.
Proposed Cllr B Nelson, Seconded Cllr F Pembery and Resolved: To defer to the Events Committee for discussion and decision.
c. To consider whether to hold a Scarecrow Festival Trail event during August 2024 in conjunction with Branston, Heighington and Washingborough Parish Council.
Proposed Cllr B Nelson, Seconded Cllr F Pembery and Resolved: To defer to the Events Committee for discussion and decision.
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Correspondence Circulated
NKDC December report Cllr D Parry 04/12/23
Greater Lincolnshire devolution consultation - closes 29/01/24
LCC December update report Cllr R Kendrick 06/12/23
LALC E-news 08/12/23
Engagement Session Lincs Police & PCC – update report Cllr M Westerman
Temp TRO - Boothby Graffoe/Metheringham Heath TTR006086
Post-Parish Council Engagement Session 07/12/23 Presentation and Recording
LALC E-news 22/12/23
LCC January update report Cllr R Kendrick
LALC - D-Day 80: 6th June 2024
NKDC January update report Cllr D Parry
E-News NK 09/01/24
Springwell Solar Farm Consultation Email x2 11/01/24
Springwell Solar Farm Statutory pre-app consultation Letter 11th January to 22nd February
LALC E-news 12/01/24
LALC E-news 26/01/24 & January Training Bulletin
NKDC January update report Cllr F Pembery
00033. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM THE SQUASH CLUB AND REQUEST TO BOOK THE FIELD BEHIND THE STAR AND GARTER FOR A BEER FESTIVAL ON 31ST AUGUST 2024. REQUIRED FROM THURSDAY 29TH AUGUST TO MONDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER 2024.
Proposed Cllr R Grummitt, Seconded Cllr B Nelson and Resolved: To allow Squash Club use of the field between 29th August to 2nd September 2024 to hold a Beer Festival on 31st August 2024. It was Resolved for an amendment to includes conditions: That all appropriate and adequate insurances are in place and to ensure a clean-up operation of the hired area and ground reinstatement.
00034. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FOR CONSIDERATION TO BE GIVEN TO THE RE-LOCATION OF THE DOG BIN LOCATED ON DUNSTON ROAD METHERINGHAM ALONG WITH THE RE-LOCATION OR REMOVAL OF THE ADJOINING LITTER BIN
Proposed Cllr R Grummitt, Seconded Cllr F Pembery and Resolved: That both bins located on Dunston Road are to remain in situ in their existing location and not be moved.
00035. TO CONSIDER THE PURCHASE OF HI-VIS BREATHABLE WORKWEAR JACKET AND TROUSERS FOR THE HANDY PERSON
Cllr M Worthington declared a pecuniary interest.
Proposed Cllr B Nelson, Seconded Cllr S Peek and Resolved: To purchase jacket and trousers for use by the handy person in line with clothing issued to NKDC refuge collectors.
00036. TO RESOLVE THE BEST DRESSED HOME AND BUSINESS CHRISTMAS 2023
Proposed Cllr R Grummitt, Seconded Cllr B Nelson and Resolved: That the best dressed home was 2 Bona Close and best dress business The Haven Residential Home.
00037. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
a. To consider and resolve the appointment of two additional council members to the Finance, Staffing and Communications Committee to bring the membership to a maximum of six
Proposed Cllr R Grummitt, Seconded Cllr F Pembery and Resolved: For Cllr John Simpson to join the Finance, Staffing and Communications Committee bringing membership to a total of five.
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b. To consider and resolve the appointment of three additional members to the Environment Committee to bring the membership up to a maximum of seven
Proposed Cllr F Pembery, Seconded Cllr B Nelson and Resolved: For Cllr R Castle to join the Environment Committee bringing membership to a total of five.
Proposed Cllr F Pembery, Seconded Cllr B Nelson and Resolved: For Cllr S Peek to join the Environment Committee bringing membership to a total of six.
00038. D-DAY 80 ANNIVERSARY 2024
a. To consider and resolve holding a D-Day 80 Anniversary event along Fen Lane
Proposed Cllr F Pembery, Seconded Cllr R Castle and Resolved: For a D-Day Anniversary event to held along Fen Lane.
b. To consider and resolve on the 6th June 2024 including the reading of The International Tribute alongside the lighting of the Beacon at 9.15pm and associated budget
Proposed Cllr B Nelson, Seconded Cllr M Worthington and Resolved: For the lighting of the Beacon or Lamp and the reading of The International Tribute ay 9.15pm on the 6th June 2024.
00039. TO CONSIDER AND RESOLVE THE COLLECTION OF THE RIDE ON LAWNMOWER PURCHASED BY THE PARISH COUNCIL FROM ITS LOCATION IN SPALDING AND TRANSPORTATION TO METHERINGHAM BY USE OF A LOW LOADER WITH DRIVER AT A COST OF £180 +VAT AND AGREE WHERE THE ITEM IS TO STORED
Proposed Cllr B Nelson, Seconded Cllr F Pembery and Resolved: For the ride on lawnmower to be collected by A J Commercials.
00040. TO CONSIDER THE ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO THE COMPOUND LOCATED ON PRINCESS STREET AND THE ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENT TO ENABLE THE SAFE MANOEUVRING AND UTILISATION OF THE TRAILERS AND STALLS STORED THERE DURING THE VARYING SEASONS IN PARTICULARLY WHEN THE GROUND IS WET
Proposed Cllr R Grummitt, Seconded Cllr M Worthington and Resolved: For the Clerk to ascertain three quotes and bring back before the Council.
00041. TO CONSIDER AND RESOLVE FOR A MEETING TO TAKE PLACE BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE METHERINGHAM FOOTBALL CLUB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND TO DISCUSS RECENT SOCIAL MEDIA PUBLICATIONS(S)
Proposed Cllr K Parker, Seconded Cllr R Grummitt and Resolved: For the Clerk to arrange a meeting between Metheringham Football Club representatives and Council members Cllr K Parker, Cllr M Westerman and Cllr R Castle.
00042. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM THE SECRETARY OF METHERINGHAM FOOTBALL CLUB FOR CONSIDERATION OF WHAT MEASURES COULD BE TAKEN BY THE PARISH COUNCIL IN RESPECT OF REMEDIAL GROUND MAINTENANCE TO THE STAR AND GARTER FIELD. SINCE THE FAIR HAS DEPARTED THE GROUND SEEMS TO BE UNABLE TO TAKE ANY AMOUNT OF RAINFALL DUE TO POSSIBLE COMPACTION
Proposed Cllr K Parker, Seconded Cllr R Grummitt and Resolved: That no remedial improvements work required.
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00043. TO REVIEW THE HIRE FEES FOR THE USE OF THE PAVILION, STAR AND GARTER FIELD AND VILLAGE HALL CAR PARK AND THE USE OF THE PAVILION AND ITS FACILITIES BY REGULAR HIRERS/USERS
Proposed Cllr R Grummitt, Seconded Cllr F Pembery and Resolved: That there will be no change to the half day, day/daily rate, weekly rate and additional hourly rate for the use/hire of the Star Field, the Pavilion and the Village Hall Car Park.
00044. STREET LIGHTING METHERINGHAM
a. To consider the replacement of the burnt out old/obsolete 35w sox lantern located in the Doctors surgery car park with a new 18w LED lantern controlled by an all-night OR fit part-night photocells which go off at midnight until 6am. Cost £350 +VAT
Proposed Cllr M Westerman, Seconded Cllr R Castle and Resolved: For the lantern to be replaced and to be controlled by an all-night photocell.
b. To consider works identified from report dated January 2023 and urgent works identified in September 2023. Quotation to replace old concrete/wooden columns with new 6 metre steel columns complete with 18watt TRT LED lanterns (use around 68% less energy) controlled by part-night photocells (midnight to 6am) including double pole isolators, transferring the D.N.O. underground electricity services and removing disposing of the old concrete columns. Cost would be £1,350 +VAT each (43 in total which equates to £58,050 +VAT of which 20 are listed below for initial consideration and associated works)
Urgent x5
I. 4, 5 and 6 Skipwith Crescent (hedgerow would require removing from No.4 to enable works)
II. 73 Field Farm Lane
III. 1 Norman Crescent
Other x15
I. 72 Field Farm Lane
II. 14 Station Road
III. 1, 2 and 3 Ashdale Close
IV. 1 and 3 Bentley Way
V. 15, 18 and 19 Caroline Road
VI. 2 Cherry Tree Way
VII. 1, 2, and 3 Flinders Close
VIII. 1 Franklin Close
Above works equates to 20 street lights at £27,000 +VAT (5x urgent £6,750 +Vat and x15 other £20,250 +Vat).
Proposed Cllr R Grummitt, Seconded Cllr B Nelson and Resolved: Council members agreed for the works to twenty street lights with Cllr R Grummitt and Cllr B Nelson looking in person at each of the twenty locations to identify which lanterns should be considered as part-night or all-night photocells. To report their findings back to Clerk by mid-February to enable discussion and resolution to take place at the next meeting of the Council.
00045. FINANCE
a. To review and consider payments of accounts
Proposed Cllr B Nelson, Seconded Cllr F Pembery and Resolved: Council members approved the payment of accounts.
b. To consider and agree for the Clerk to seek and appoint an independent internal auditor from LALC to carry out a review of the 2023/2024 accounts.
Proposed Cllr B Nelson, Seconded Cllr R Castle and Resolved: For the Clerk to appoint an internal auditor from LALC for the 2023/2024/ audit of accounts.
c. To note the purchase of plumbing equipment and box of tiles to the value of £78.79 nett under delegated authority to enable repairs to the pavilion to be undertaken.
Noted by Council members present.
00046. TO CONSIDER AND RESOLVE IF THE COUNCIL WISHES TO SUBMIT A RESPONSE IN RELATION TO THE SPRINGWELL SOLAR FARM PUBLIC CONSULTATION WHICH ENDS ON THE 22ND FEBRUARY 2024
Proposed Cllr B Nelson, Seconded Cllr R Grummitt and Resolved: The Council will wait until a formal planning application is received prior to any response being considered and submitted.
00047. PLANNING
a. To consider planning and tree applications received since the last meeting of the council and any new applications received after the publication of the agenda.
Ref 24/0076/TPO - Description of works: T1 - Cherry - Remove centre stem to approximately 10ft (first lower canopy leader) and lower branches encroaching on the street light - Location: 12 Pullman Close, Metheringham, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN4 3JH.
Proposed Cllr B Nelson, Seconded Cllr M Worthington and Resolved: No comment or observations made.
Ref 24/0121/FUL - Proposal: Erection of a dwelling and integral garage (resubmission of 23/0572/FUL) Location: Land to the rear of 16 Lincoln Road Metheringham Lincoln Lincolnshire LN4 3EE.
Proposed Cllr B Nelson, Seconded Cllr M Worthington and Resolved: No comment or observations made.
b. To note planning and tree decisions received since the last meeting of the council
APPROVED - Ref 23/1069/VARCON - Proposal: Application to vary condition 2 (opening hours) attached to planning permission. 20/0768/FUL - Change of use from offices to combined A1 retail and A3 café, Location: 15A High Street Metheringham Lincoln
APPROVED - Ref 23/0778/HOUS - Proposal: Erection of detached outbuilding for use as single bed annex, store and carport. Location: The Old School House High Street Metheringham
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Council members present noted decisions for planning and tree application received.
00048. TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FOR THE CO-OPTION OF ANY NEW COUNCILLOR(S) TO THE COUNCIL AND WHETHER TO MOVE INTO A CLOSED SESSION TO ENABLE A DISCUSSION SURROUNDING THE CANDIDATES TO TAKE PLACE BEFORE RETURNING TO THE OPEN SESSION AND CO-OPTION VOTE. Public bodies (admissions to meetings act 1960 exclusion of the press and the public: to resolve that in accordance with section 1(2) of the public bodies (admissions to meetings) act 1960 and by reason of the confidential nature of the remainder of the business the press and public be excluded
Proposed Cllr K Parker, Seconded Cllr R Grummitt and Resolved: To co-opt Malcolm Wallace onto the council.
Proposed Cllr F Pembery, Seconded Cllr B Nelson and Resolved: To co-opt Catherine Redpath onto the council.
Proposed Cllr M Worthington, Seconded Cllr B Nelson and Resolved: To co-opt Asia O’Sullivan onto the council.
The meeting closed at 8:30pm