July 2021 Minutes

STICKFORD PARISH COUNCIL
PARISH COUNCIL STATUTORY MEETING
at STICKFORD Community Centre
Tuesday 6 July 2021 @ 7.30pm
THE MINUTES
No. of Residents present, 1                  Official attendees read Y for attending, N for non-attendance 
Chairman Councillor Mrs Lesley Reeson     Y        Vice Chairman Councillor Mr Graham Bradley N      
Councillor Mrs Pam Bryant                 Y        Councillor Mr Robert Morley              N             
Councillor Mr Clive Kingswood                Y        Councillor vacancy                                    
Councillor Mr John Howlett                    Y        Parish Clerk Mrs Nicki George                       Y                                                
Lincs C C Councillor Mrs W Bowkett        N        ELDC Councillor Mr Jim Swanson                Y                      

1.    The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed all present. 2 items are being added to tonight’s Agenda
1) Allotment Review 2) Payroll

2.    Apologies for absence received from Graham Bradley and Wendy Bowkett

3.    There were no declaration of interest

4.    a) The litter situation around the village is much improved, but there is still some, mainly along A16. 
b) Some dog owners are not putting their full bags of dog poo in the bins provided but leaving them along footpaths, probably with the intention of picking them up on their return journey but not doing so. This has been seen at the end of the Cul de Sac. Clerk to write to the Dog Warden asking for new signage. 

5.    ELDC report – Jim attended the extra ordinary Council Meeting on 30/6/21 at Horncastle. At this meeting a proposal in principle was put forward to bring South Holland into the current strategic alliance with Boston & ELDC, to be called South East Lincolnshire Council Partnership (SELCP), on the grounds of economic money savings. SELCP would cover 306,919 residents, 1112 square miles, 1000 staff and 122 democratically elected members. The next meeting is 21/7/21 at which a vote/decision will be made. The Chairman has also changed. 

6.    LCC report – Although Wendy was unable to attend this meeting, she sent an email as an update regarding the travellers on the airfield: “ As discussed at previous meeting, the family living in caravans at east Kirkby, I have spoken to the family who farms the land around the area, and they have no issues. Indeed, they allow them to use their woods for logs etc. The farmer said they think of them as neighbours now and have been there for over 10 years. The land they are on is what he called no man’s land, it isn’t owned by anyone,  but did suggest as they have lived there so long they will have rights, possibly of ownership.I have asked enforcement to look at the area again and will await what they come back with.  I will keep you updated. “

Using the registration numbers, one of the councillors has checked that the 2 mobile homes that are parked on the airfield are taxed and insured. One of the cars has no tax or insurance. The other car is yet to be checked.

7.    The Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 22 June 2021 were approved with one amendment under 4. ELDC report – Jim remains on the ELDC Planning Committee and the Drainage Board of Lindsey Marsh.
Proposed by John Howlett, Seconded by Clive Kingswood. 

8.    Matters Arising from the minutes.
Payroll: 2 quotes have been obtained by the Chairman for Payroll services ie. Clerks salary. It was agreed by all the councillors to go with the 2nd quote, Claire Tunnard at £84 per annum inclusive. 
9.    Bench: A new quote has been obtained and the price has increased to £580.98. This does not include fitting it into place. Bolts are provided but they do not offer this service. All councillors agreed to go ahead with ordering a new bench on these terms. 
Mr Swanson left the meeting at 8.30pm
10.    Councillors’ Community Grants: Clerk to read up on the rules to see who the grant is suitable for and what the monies can be used on. Is it possible to use it for fixing the bench into place? 

11.    Financial Matters.
One request for a payment has been received since the compilation of the Agenda: £500 for the grass cutting of the churchyard. This money is set aside in the Precept. Proposed by John Howlett, seconded by Pam Bryant. 
12.    Planning – Shenzi : outline planning granted

13.    Financial Regulations and Standing Orders – Pam, Lesley & Nicki met on 1/7/21 to start to update both of these. Another meeting is to be arranged to complete the job and will then be brought to the next meeting to discuss with the other councillors. 

14.    Correspondence received for this meeting but not covered on the Agenda – 

a)    Queens Jubilee : email received from Carrington Parish Clerk asking what plans & celebrations we are planning, if any, for the Queens Jubilee in 2022, with a view to us maybe joining forces. We have no plans as yet and will put it on as an Agenda item at next meeting in September. 
b)    Police Report – Appendix A
c)    Footpaths : email received from Ken Richard in relation to the footpath between Back Lane and Hagnaby Lock that passes behind Harvest House – it is impassable with the oil seed rape crop blocking transit. Clerk to write letter to Craven asking for the footpath to be reinstated and maintained through the crop whilst it is in full growth. 


15.    Allotment Review – It was agreed by all councillors that the rent should remain the same for the next 3 years. Next review due March 2024 to give notice to be ready to be implemented in March 2025. 

16.    Other Business – matters for next agenda: War Memorial Clock 

17.     The Chairman closed the meeting at 20.55pm. Date of next meeting: 7 September 2021 at 7.30pm