September 2021 Minutes

STICKFORD PARISH COUNCIL

PARISH COUNCIL STATUTORY MEETING
at STICKFORD Community Centre
Tuesday 7 Sept 2021 @ 7.30pm

THE  MINUTES

No. of Residents present                              2       Official attendees read Y for attending, N for non-attendance 
Chairman Councillor Mrs Lesley Reeson     Y       Vice Chairman Councillor Mr Graham Bradley       Y     
Councillor Mrs Pam Bryant                           Y       Councillor vacancy            
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.    Apologies for absence received from LCC Councillor Wendy Bowkett and were accepted. 

3.    There were no declaration of interest

4.    Residents’ issues: 

a)    It is reported that the lines on the road at the junction of Fen Road and the Cul De Sac are very feint and need to be repainted. Near misses have occurred. Clerk to report to Highways. 
b)    An expression of interest in the vacancy for councillor was received verbally. The Chairman explained that must be put to the Council in writing, to be considered. A second vacancy has occurred         following the disqualification of Robert Morley as a result of failure to attend a meeting for 6 months with no apologies being submitted or accepted. 

5.    ELDC report:
a)    Boston Borough Council, ELDC and South Holland confirm their intention to support the government re Afghan Relocations & Assistance Policy (ARAP).
b)    Covid Update ELDC rates are stable, now the holiday season is ending the numbers should lower. 
c)    Household Waste Recycling: check ELDC website for new opening times and up to date rules.  

6.    No LCC report available 

7.    Lincolnshire Police Report – see Appendix 1

8.    The Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 3 August 2021 were approved. 
        Proposed by Pam Bryant, Seconded by John Howlett

9.    Matters Arising from the Minutes.
a)    The new bench is on order – delayed delivery due to demand for outdoor equipment.
b)    The objection to the Stickford Parish Council Accounts 2020-2021 Public Rights Comments, has been withdrawn as the Parish Council have amended the AGAR document and addressed the             main concerns. PKF Littlejohn LLP confirm that there will be no charge to the Council for the time spent on correspondence relating to the objection on this occasion. 
c)    Litter & dog bins: ELDC have acknowledged the request for more of each and Clerk is to complete forms to be submitted on line. 
d)    Treescapes Fund: A few requests have been received for trees from local residents and the Chairman has submitted the application on line. This has been acknowledged by the Sustainability             Manager at LCC. 

10.    Clerks Report: the allotment letters have been delivered requesting Octobers payment. 

11.    Financial Report 

a)    Authority for Payment :
a)    clerks wage £600 (3 months)
b)    £47.96 G Steele for flowers for the War Memorial Clock.
c)    £126.00 (7 months at £15 + Vat)  LALC , website maintenance
d)    £42.00 Abbey Payroll Services for 6 months payroll for Clerk
        All were approved by all councillors and cheques issued.
b)    Bank balances : as at 31.8.21 when last statement received : Current a/c £13387.44, Savings a/c £8094.28  no o/s cheques previously issued and not yet cashed. 
c)    An invoice for £152.00 has been received from Edmund Czajkowski & Son Ltd for work done to the clock prior to Smiths of Derby being called out. (plus £93 for parts if we require them). It has             been agreed to not pay this until further investigation is done as to what work was carried out under this invoice. 

12.   War Memorial Clock : no information has yet been received following the request submitted to Viking Link asking for monetary assistance in the repair of the clock. It is thought that they may               not be able to provide monetary assistance but are more likely to provide manpower for projects. So it may be prudent to explore other avenues for funds. 

13.   Jubilee Celebrations 2nd – 5th June 2022.  It was agreed by all at the meeting to hold an open meeting at the Community Centre in October to discuss this further. An invite and notice is to be             put in the newsletter at end of September so that all interested parties can come together to discuss and plan. The date of 12th October 2021 has been chosen 7.45pm start time. Clerk is to                 invite Carrington Parish Clerk as they have previously expressed an interest. 

14.  Planning: 
       Planning application reference number:  S/168/01550/21
       Mr A Allenby.
       The Hawthorns, Hagnaby Road, Stickford. Boston. PE22 8ET
       Extension and alterations to the existing dwelling to prove additional living accommodation.
       The Parish Council had no objections.

15.   Correspondence received for this meeting but not covered on the Agenda: 
a)    Brochure received from Elan City advertising electric Traffic speed signage. Clerk is to follow up previous request to Cllr Bowkett re speed restrictions on A16. What do we need to do to start the         process ie. Traffic counting/speed recording. 
b)    Letter received from a resident re the potholes from the Bridge to the bottom of Fen Road and their concern for the disabled in the village not being able to use mobility scooters, along with                   cyclists and motorists.  Clerk to report to Cllr Wendy Bowkett LCC and Highways. 

16.    Other Business – matters for next agenda: Precept , War Memorial Clock update , next quarters payroll payment, Jubilee celebrations. 

17.     The Chairman closed the meeting at 20.53pm. Date of next meeting: 14 December 2021 at 7.30pm