3 October 2022
Minutes of the Meeting of Billinghay Parish Council held at Billinghay Methodist Chapel, Victoria Street on Monday 3 October 2022 at 7pm.
Present:
Cllrs Catlett (AC) - Chair, Dymoke (AD), Fisher (DF) & Miller (RM)
Acting Clerk: Andrew Everard (AE)
Assistant to Clerk: Lou Hird (LH)
1 Member of the Public
Public Session
A resident interested in co-option gave brief details of his interest
Agenda
1. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting.
Apologies were received from Cllrs Liles and Ball. It was proposed by AD, seconded by RM, and agreed unanimously that these be accepted. Apologies were also received from County Cllr Key and District Cllr Ogden as a matter of courtesy.
2. To receive Declarations of Interest under the Localism Act 2011 – being any pecuniary or other registerable interests in agenda items not previously recorded on members’ Disclosable Pecuniary and Other Registerable Interests' declaration.
None declared.
3. To receive reports from County and District Councillors.
County Cllr Key was not present but had agreed to investigate the “missing Planter” issue on Walcott Road.
District Cllr Ogden was not present but had sent in her report and this was circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting.
4. To accept the notes from Meeting held on 5 September 2022 as Minutes and a true record.
It was proposed by RM, seconded by AD, and unanimously agreed that these be accepted as minutes.
5. Matters arising and Clerk’s reports
LH had issued a note prior to the meeting detailing actions taken on specific issues. Each was discussed and the following factors emerged:
- The grass cutting contract was not clear as to length and renewal of same. It appears that it expires in the year ending March 2023 if on a rolling three-year basis. LH will look through minutes for any further details. AE will draw up details so the tendering process can proceed.
- The Old Cemetery was discussed, and AE will obtain an up-to-date estimate for the work.
- AE advised that there was a new LALC website being launched which will be very useful to Parish Councils. Training will be available.
- Availability of LALC training courses was mentioned and Councillors asked to let LH know if they wished to attend any of these.
6. Correspondence/Communications
Correspondence received had already been distributed where appropriate.
7. LCC Highways updates
The rapidly deteriorating state of the Road at the junction the A153 and the Causeway to the bridge was discussed. It was agreed to report this via Fix My Street
New Speed Indicator Device update – since the September meeting, Cllrs Catlett and Ball had met with a Road Safety Officer to discuss locations for use of a SID. Following this, three sites had been identified. These were on the High Street, Walcott Road, and Mill Lane. It was agreed that the Mill Lane site be held in abeyance until the housing development was completed and any revised speed limits introduced. AD had obtained costings for 2 new support posts, a SID with solar panel, an extra solar panel to allow the SID to be used at another location plus fixing brackets. The price for the solar powered SID compared favourably with replacement by a SID of the existing type.
It was proposed by AC, seconded by AD, and agreed unanimously to spend up to £4000 to purchase the equipment and set up the suitable mounting posts.
8. To consider applications for co-option.
Following completion of the laid down procedures, it was proposed by AD, seconded by RM, and agreed unanimously to co-opt Tom Cassidy on to the Parish Council.
9. To approve the revised items below:
The items below had been circulated for agreement
New Code of Conduct - It was proposed by AD, seconded by RM, and agreed unanimously that this be adopted
Policy and Finance Committee Policy - It was proposed by AC, seconded by AD, and agreed unanimously that this be adopted
10. Planning Applications to consider as Statutory consultee
Applications received: Nil
Updates on Current Applications
22/1035/FUL 121 High Street – erection of Bungalow Approved
22/0921/PMA First Hurn Drove – change of use Approved
22/0951/HOUS 20 Park Lane – erection of conservatory Approved
11. Finance
a. To approve amendments to the Bank Mandate / Payment authority & signing
All documents have been sent to Lloyds Bank and it is anticipated that the signatories will be revised in line with our requirements very shortly.
b. To approve payments made during August 2022 (list circulated to Cllrs prior to meeting).
It was proposed by RM, seconded by AD, and unanimously agreed that the payments be approved.
c. To agree to the purchase of the latest Arnold Baker Guide on Local Council Administration for £164.99
AE advised that the Guide was available via LALC at the discounted price of £141.00. It was proposed by AC, seconded by AD, and unanimously agreed to purchase through LALC. LH to order.
d. To approve purchase of petrol for use with the Strimmer in the Cemetery.
It was proposed by RM, seconded by AD, and unanimously agreed to purchase up to £10 worth of fuel for the Strimmer.
e. To accept the revised minimum donation of £25 for the purchase of a wreath for the Remembrance Day Ceremony.
It was proposed by AD, seconded by RM, and unanimously agreed that the revised £25 donation for a wreath be approved.
f. Approve the attendance of AC (plus any other) at LALC AGM on 12 October 2022 - £10.00 plus VAT per person
It was proposed by RM, seconded by AD, and unanimously agreed.
AE is checking that AC is registered for the AGM.
12. Risk Assessment – allocation of Responsibilities
LH had circulated a list of the property/Equipment belong to the Council where a regular inspection is required (as part of risk assessment) to ensure that it is in order. Councillors /Staff volunteered to check as below:
- Zoetropes - Cllr Ball
- Notice Boards - Lou Hird
- Bus Shelters – Cllr Dymoke
- Dog Waste Bins – Cllr Catlett
- Litter Bins – Cllr Catlett
- Public Seats – Cllr Dymoke
- Miscellaneous – Children’s Centre Defib/ Market Place – War Memorial and railings etc/ Cemetery railings – Cllr Liles
- Office – Furniture and Equipment – Cllr Ball
Details of items, locations and check lists were distributed appropriately.
13. To agree Finance Committee Members.
The Committee needed to be set up urgently as the Annual Finance meeting is in November. RM, AC and AD volunteered to form the initial committee and absent Councillors would be able to join if they so desired. AE advised that LALC will be putting a document template form to help Clerks on their new website to assist in the process of budgeting & setting the precept.
14. Emergency Plan Update
An update from Cllr Liles has been circulated. Meeting had been held recently and the response was encouraging. There will be a further meeting shortly when Steve Easton-Harris (Emergency Planner LCC) will attend to give full details of the process.
15. Consider a memorial for the late Queen
This has been suggested by a resident, and certain specific ideas have already been passed to local organisations. It is too early to expect an immediate response so the matter has been deferred to the next meeting.
16. Consider a suggestion from District Council that we provide a warm meeting room for residents during winter.
It was pointed out that such facilities were already available to local residents at Ringmoor House and the Whyche. There are also specific events (e.g., coffee mornings) provided elsewhere in the village at several locations. LH to contact District Cllr Ogden to identify the NKDC coordinator to approach. It was suggested that the Lincolnshirel Co-op be approached as they are sponsoring some initiatives.
17. Reports from Councillors and any agenda items for next meeting.
RM pointed out that there is another Planter on the A153 owned by the Council and not being used. This could replace the missing one on Walcott Road if this is not recovered.
RM also pointed out the state of the Skirth which is almost completely overgrown in areas. He will take photos to illustrate the problem so the matter can be taken up with the responsible authorities.
Meeting closed at 8.12pm
Billinghay Parish Office ∙Ringmoor Close ∙Ringmoor House ∙Billinghay ∙Lincs ∙LN4 4EY Email info@billinghay-pc.gov.uk Mobile 07483 346143 Mondays Tuesdays and Thursdays
Minutes Approved.
Date 7 November 2022
Signed