May 2021 Minutes Annual Parish Council Meeting
Stickford Parish Council
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL at STICKFORD Community Centre
Tuesday 25th May 2021 @ 7.30pm
MINUTES
No. of Residents present : 3 Official attendees read Y for attending N for non-attendance
Chairman Councillor Mrs Pamela Bryant Y Vice Chairman Councillor Mr Graham Bradley Y
Councillor Mrs Lesley Reeson Y Councillor Mr Robert Morley N
Councillor Mr Clive Kingswood Y Councillor vacancy
Councillor Mr John Howlett N Parish Clerk Nicki George Y
Lincs C C Councillor Mrs W Bowkett Y ELDC Councillor Mr Jim Swanson N
1. The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed all present.
2. Apologies for absence. John Howlett & Jim Swanson
3. Public Forum:
a) A resident is declaring on objection to a planning permission request for a 4 bedroomed 2 storey house on land to the side of her residence with several points to raise as an objection, including garden grabbing. The proposed patio is only a metre away from her garage where her husband spends a lot of time working on cars. She is concerned that the land will not drain when raining and that dykes will fill up and over flow. Her neighbour’s bungalow will lose its view as the proposed build is 2 storeys high and will be overlooked so losing their privacy. It has also been noted that Great Crested newts are living within 500metres in a pond which is a protected species and that swift’s nest nearby. Large vehicles use the narrow Fen Road and the driveway would be on a blind bend.
b) A request has been put forward for there to be more litterbins, one by each Bus Stop. Following the recent litter collecting exercise it has been noted that one bin has been removed thus leaving just one, when there are 4 bus stops. ELDC will be contacted to request the replacement of one, and for 2 new ones.
c) A suggestion has been submitted that a request be put forward to Viking Link for a grant to cover costs for the repair and required maintenance of the War Memorial Clock? It has been noted that often when a construction companies work effects a parish, there are often funds available to be used for local education, environment and tackling loneliness & poverty. The clock is due to be assessed on 3rd June and they will be asked for a fully comprehensive report and quote to get the clock working and then a request for a grant can be submitted. The aim will be for the work to be completed in time for the centenary of its construction in 2023.
4. There was no declaration of interest.
5. Election of Officers: The clerk called out each position and requested and received a proposer and a seconder for each position. The list of positions is Appendix A to these minutes.
Pam Bryant stepped down as Chairman of the council after 27 years but remains a councillor.
6. Report from Mrs Wendy Bowkett, Lincolnshire County Councillor:
• Report attached as Appendix B.
• Fen Road is due a complete resurface, date as yet to be confirmed
• Lancaster Farm entrance – the verge is looking to be widened to allow for the swing in of the large lorries and farm vehicles and the road to be levelled out before being resurfaced.
• More signage is needed to direct the large lorries away from the village.
• A request will be submitted to LCC via Wendy for the reduction of the speed limit on A16 to 50 mph, highlighting the number of accidents that have already taken place and that school buses are using the bus stops with children getting on and off twice a day. The Road Safety Partnership will need to do an assessment and make a report.
• The traveller’s encampment on the airfield was discussed as it is getting larger and another camper van is now pitching in the vicinity. Concern was expressed that it is devaluing properties in the area. There are now 5 units , when only allowed 4. Wendy agreed to contact Enforcement re the 5th van and suggested that the parish write to the land owner asking his views and whether permission has been given for the travellers to be using his land.
7. No report from East Lindsey District Councillor, Mr Jim Swanson as he was unable to attend the meeting. A new Hub is at Horncastle, funded by ELDC.
8. Meeting of the Parish Council 23rd December 2020 was approved
Proposed by Councillor Pam Bryant, Seconded by Councillor Clive Kingswood
9. Matters Arising from the December minutes.
A temporary filling in of pot holes in Fen Road has taken place, before full resurface.
10. Meeting of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 18th May 2021 was approved
Proposed by Councillor Graham Bradley, Seconded by Councillor Pam Bryant
11. Matters Arising from 18th May 2021 minutes:
• Potholes – LCC to resurface
• Speed limit on A16 – request to LCC for reduction to 50mph
• Dog Bins – request to ELDC for a new bin by the Green Barn
12. Health & Safety Regulations: HSE has been consulted re volunteers using Parish owned equipment eg. Mower and strimmer and it was confirmed that this falls under Civil Law. The parish has a duty of obligation and a Risk Assessment must be carried out for each volunteer, provide suitable PPE and have Public Liability Insurance. Each volunteer must sign to say they have read the manual for the equipment and that they understand how to use it. The Parish must ensure the equipment is regularly serviced and is in working order.
13. Financial Matters.
a) There were 4 payments due for payment
i) Zurich Municipal (Insurance) £297.60
ii) LALC £159.27
iii) Toner printer £23.60
iv) ECBS £72.00
All accepted the proposal for the payroll work for the Parish Clerk salary to be done by an external company. Details of a local lady from Stickney has been sought and she will be contacted to carry out this work independently.
The internal audit is currently being done by the new auditor Jayne Bonsor. She has highlighted that we need to put in place a Fixed Assets Register which gets added to when new assets are purchased. We need to work out our base figure and work forwards from there.
No invoice received as yet from the Internal Auditor as still ongoing.
All agreed to request a delay/extension to the deadline for the submission of part 2 on the AGAR form, Certificate of Exemption, to after the date of the next meeting in July, as the Audit is not yet complete and the figures needed have not been checked. Clerk to email PKF Littlejohn.
Section 137 – grants to local clubs/organisations must all be recorded and listed separately.
All agreed to select and order a new bench to replace the broken one, pending monies to be received from Zurich Insurance, as enough funds in bank account.
All agreed that some of the ring-fenced monies in savings account of £250 can be used towards LALC training course for new parish clerk.
14. Correspondence: Environmental
Appendix C: copies of emails submitted by Ken Richard in support of issue with Travellers on airfield.
Appendix D: the ELDC letter that Ken Bishop received in May 2020 following a complaint from a resident over the day / evening of VE celebrations re alleged noise nuisance caused by loud music / heavy bass beats and DJ announcements was discussed. All present felt strongly that one unhappy person in the village should not spoil or set precedence for future celebrations. Many other residents enjoyed the festivities and watched live on line. Clerk to write to ELDC for a letter of advice for proposed future parish organised celebrations.
15. Planning
Shenzi – outline plan – objection as detailed previously on grounds of garden grabbing etc.
Mr Mangion, Stickford Lodge – full planning permission granted
Appendix E: see attached for full details
16. Anti-Social Behaviour Petition
The Petition is currently being taken around the village asking for signatures.
17. War Memorial
An inspection is due on 3rd June 2021 where a fully comprehensive report will be requested.
Permission has been given by the councillors to Cheryl Steele to apply for a grant on their behalf, when a report is submitted.
18. No issues to report that have not been included in the agenda
19. The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.30pm. Date of next meeting 6th July 2021
Appendix A
STICKFORD PARISH COUNCIL
ELECTION OF OFFICERS for 2021
Annual Parish Council Meeting 25 May 2021
For year 2021 to 2022 up to the next Annual Parish Meeting in MAY 2022
1. Position of CHAIRMAN Elected Name: Lesley Reeson
Proposed by Councillor : Pam Bryant Seconded by Councillor : Graham Bradley
2. Position of VICE- CHAIRMAN Elected Name: Graham Bradley
Proposed by Councillor : Lesley Reeson Seconded by Councillor : Clive Kingswood
3. Position of Environment officer Elected Name: Lesley Reeson
Proposed by Councillor : Pam Bryant Seconded by Councillor : Graham Bradley
4. Position of Finance Risk Assessment Officers x 2.
Elected Names: Lesley Reeson & Graham Bradley
Proposed by Councillor ; Pam Bryant Seconded by Councillor : Graham Bradley
Proposed by Councillor : Lesley Reeson Seconded by Councillor : Clive Kingswood
Position of Internal Auditor Elected Name: Jayne Bonsar
Proposed by all Councillors
Yes/No YES
Councillors with special responsibilities:
Planning Pam Bryant Proposer: Lesley Reeson
Seconder: Clive Kingswood
War Memorial Clock John Howlett Proposer: Lesley Reeson
Seconder: Pam Bryant
LALC Lesley Reeson Proposer: Graham Bradley
Seconder: Pam Bryant
Community Centre Pam Bryant Proposer: Lesley Reeson
Seconder: Clive Kingswood
B Cllr. Wendy Bowkett – May's brief:
The latest on, what’s happening in the public sector in Lincolnshire.
I would like to thank you all for the last four years, and to thank everyone who voted for me in the recent elections, and I'm very excited to tell you I have been given a position on the Executive Board at LCC, I am now in charge of Adults and Public Health.
When reflecting back, I don't think we could have written or foreseen what has happened and the impact both now and for the future. However it has been an honour and also a privilege to serve on Lincolnshire County Council. We don't get everything right but we learn from our mistakes and rectify when we can. Our response to the Covid issues has been a credit to all those involved and I could not think of a better place to live throughout these times, well to be honest, it is the best place to live even in normal times.
Going forward our economy is vital, creating good employment for all ages but ensuring our children and those starting out on their career paths have great opportunities for employment or starting out on their own. In Lincolnshire we do have some exceptional industries, from agricultural to food, engineering both on and off shore, tourism and leisure and all those other vital sectors which support and lead their own fields.
Finally we have over the last year, have had to adapt to new ways of working especially in adult services, health and the NHS and children services, some good and some we have hopefully seen the back of, with restrictions now being eased hopefully life will begin to become more normal again. We do need to capitalise on the good and innovative ways to bring about efficiencies and a more joined up approach to these valuable services which really do support and bring benefits of great services to our residents!
Levelling up for Lincolnshire:
Organisations from the voluntary and community sectors, Higher and Further Education, local councils and business support organisations are being invited to bid for revenue funding for projects supporting growth in Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire is hoping to bid for up to £9m of revenue funding as part of the government's Levelling Up agenda. Projects of at least £500,000 are encouraged, with delivery in full required by March 2022. The Invitation to Bid document and all of the information organisations will need to apply is available here Mandy Ramm for Funding and Investment: CommunityRenewalFund@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Lincolnshire 'levelling up' funding opportunities 2021
Business Accommodation & Expansion Opportunities:
If you are a new or nearly-new business, out-growing a home office or just looking for a new location to grow your business in Lincolnshire, one of the challenges you may face is finding affordable premises or offices with the facilities you need. Get ahead for businesses
Highways & Innovation:
The way we are looking after the county’s roads is changing thanks to new high-tech practices. The county council’s highways teams are embracing a range of new ways of working to be more effective and save money. To help us deal with potholes and other road defects even more quickly, we are trialling software that can assess the size and depth of a pothole, just by snapping a picture with a mobile phone. When the team receive them it gives an accurate reading, so they can schedule the repair and calculate the material needed. The council has also trialled the new JCB Pothole Pro. The all-in-one machine can cut out the defect, remove waste material and sweep the area – all tasks that would ordinarily have to be completed manually. The company claims it can reduce repair times to as little as eight minutes. Only two such machines are currently on trial in the country!
Last year, we put in new hotboxes at our depots to store hot tarmac to be used for pothole repairs. Now, instead of each gang having to go and pick up hot material each day, it can be delivered in large batches to the depot, and they can set off with it all ready.
Technology for super highways
Extra Care Housing:
A multi-million pound programme, in partnership with district councils and housing associations creates new and improved housing for older people. Housing and the place we live have an important influence on our health, independence, and wellbeing.
Unsafe or unsuitable homes can increase the risk of injury and lead to physical and/or mental health problems. That’s why the county council is committed to expanding the choices available, and to help deliver the best possible outcomes for the people of Lincolnshire. Extra care housing for older people
Online Jobs and Careers Fairs:
Since November 2020, the Greater Lincolnshire Online Jobs Fairs have supported over 4,000 individuals to access information about jobs, training and employment support. If you know someone who would benefit from attending the next fair, please signpost them to www.greaterlincsjobsfair.co.uk. Attendance is free for both exhibitors and visitors.
Natalie Poole, Skills Delivery Manager, GLLEP.
The Big Ask launches:
The Children’s Commissioner for England has launched the largest ever survey of children in England called The Big Ask. It will use the feedback to show the Government what children think and what they need to live happier lives. Please help make this a success by encouraging any child you know to take part here.
Recycling with a difference:
Looking to donate unwanted items rather than take them to a Household Waste Recycling Centre or throw them away? There are a whole host of ways to give to good causes. For example, some charities are offering 'drive-thru' donations, such as St Barnabas Hospice. The British Heart Foundation has a freepost donation service , while Cancer Research UK also has remote ways to donate vintage goods as well as books, CDs and DVDs through Ziffit and Virgin Money Giving.
Lincolnshire's Historic Environment Record:
For the first time, over 75,000 records from Lincolnshire's Historic Environment Record are now available to the public online at the newly launched Lincolnshire Heritage Explorer, enabling everyone to discover the amazing wealth of evidence of our county's past.
Have your say on plans for walking and cycling schemes across the county:
Local people are being asked for their views on eight prospective schemes to make walking and cycling easier around the county. A survey is now open until Sunday 16 May. Find out more and take part in the survey on our website.
I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Thank you
Wendy
Cllr Wendy Bowkett
07930 354723 cllrw.bowkett@lincolnshire.gov.uk
STICKFORD PARISH COUNCIL
Planning Information - Appendix E
For AGM Meeting 25th May 2021
Mr Mrs Mangion, Stickford Lodge, Keal bank, Stickford
Planning reference S/168/02287/20
Full planning permission
Mr Mrs D Phillips
Show People
Planning reference S/169/02219/20
Stickford Parish Council consulted as a neighbouring village.
Full planning permission
Mrs L Cunningham
Shenzi, Fen Road, Stickford
Planning reference S/168/00932/21
Outline planning
Stickford Parish Council – Objection.
STICKFORD PARISH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL UPDATE MAY 2021
COMMUNITY ACCOUNT = £15793.21 which includes £4700 Precept and £1312.50 allotments
BUSINESS PREMIUM = £ 8094.08
To Pay :
£297.60 Zurich Insurance
£72.00 ECBS
£23.60 cartridge toner for printer
£0.75 new receipt book
£159.27 LALC
Grants yet to be issued :
£45 WI
£50 Flowers War Memorial
£45 Keals Club
£500 Church