December 2019 Minutes
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE FISHTOFT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 16 DECEMBER 2019 AT ROCHFORD TOWER HALL COMMENCING AT 7.00PM
Present: Councillor E Armstrong (Chairman), Councillors R Lenton, M Ordway, J Williams, O Snell
Mrs K Partridge (Clerk)
Mrs V Clark (new Clerk)
1 CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS: Councillor Armstrong welcomed Mrs Victoria Clark, the replacement clerk, to the meeting.
It was sad to report the death of previous Parish Councillor, John Harrison, a very devoted member who was involved with many local organisations.
2 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received and accepted from Councillors J skinner, P Skinner, H Staples. Apologies also received from Boston Borough Councillor J Noble and Lincolnshire County Councillor M Griggs.
3 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None.
4 POLICE REPORT: Recorded incidents for the last 4 weeks:
Burglary at Fishtoft Road; concern for safety at Wainfleet Road and Judge Close; suspicious circumstances at Taylor Close; noise nuisance at Rider Gardens; neighbour dispute at Eastwood Road.
Clerk to query the number of incidents reported which appears to be extremely low.
5 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 18 NOVEMBER 2019: It was resolved the minutes be approved and signed, proposed by Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Lenton and agreed.
6 REPORT ON OUTSTANDING MATTERS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
a) Wooded area at Hobhole Pumping Station: Councillor Ordway reported she had been contacted by the Farm Manager at NSC, it is hoped some work can be carried out in the new year, the Community Engagement Team will be approached for assistance.
b) Subsidence at Pilgrim Fathers Memorial Site: Nothing to report.
c) Replica Stocks: Nothing further to report.
d) Highways Issues: flooding at Sibsey Road mini roundabout – Highways would not carry out any work at the present time, the area will be monitored. Agreed the Clerk contact Andy Wharf. Directional Signs at Sibsey Road mini roundabout – Highways will not take any action. Hilldyke Junction: LRSP will carry out an Archer Survey, the recorded data is too out of date to submit in the request to Highways for an extension of the speed limit on A16 from Kelsey Bridge to Sibsey.
e) Meeting Dates 2020: It was agreed to change June and December meeting dates to 22 June and 14 December.
7 CLERKS REPORT:
Query raised by a resident regarding grass cutting: A resident had raised concern the open space areas on Saddlers Way/Rider Gardens had not been cut as many times through the year as that contracted for. Following discussion it was agreed to ask the contractor to inform the Parish Council when each cut had been completed; possibility of a spreadsheet being completed by the contractor.
8 COUNCILLORS ISSUES:
Feedback from BBC Parish Liaison Meeting: Councillor Lenton and Councillor Armstrong attended the meeting, and reported on the following items:
• Reports provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner, these are available from the clerk on request.
• Council Tax – BBC not yet aware of the support that is available.
• Paper and Card trial now being undertaken in some areas; it is hoped the quality will be improved and will be able to sell it on.
• Need to be aware that volunteers are covered on insurance.
• Parish election costs – a breakdown of costs should be forwarded to parishes.
9 FINANCE REPORT:
a) A budget update was presented and accepted
b) To approve payment of accounts:
Clerks salary - £341.90
Mobile broadband, half share - £8.85
Grass maintenance – BBC and LCC areas (1/12th annual charge) - £1,064.22 (£177.37 VAT)
It was resolved the account be paid, proposed by Councillor Lenton, seconded by Councillor Snell and agreed.
c) Payment of parish election charge - £87.38 – it was agreed to request a breakdown of costs from BBC, proposed by Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Lenton.
d) Budget 2020/2021 – spreadsheet previously circulated, costs for laptop and other equipment will need to be taken into account for the new clerk. Agenda item for January meeting when the precept will need to be agreed.
10 MAYFLOWER 400: Councillor Ordway reported the graphics for the walking map will soon be completed. A meeting will be arranged for early January.
11 FUN DAY 2020: It was agreed to set the time for 11.30am to 4.30pm.
12 STANDING ORDERS AND FINANCIAL REGULATIONS: Some amendments had been made, however, further amendments were agreed; updated documents to be produced at the meeting on 20 January 2020.
13 SPEED CALMING INITIATIVE:
Costs received from Unipart Dorman: blue tooth unit, 5 additional brackets, erection and extended warranty for 5 years totals £3,569.00.
It was noted there are some of these signs within Boston, Clerk to enquire who move the signs to different locations.
14 APPOINTMENT OF CLERK: Councillor Ordway reported there were 4 candidates interviewed and was happy to report Mrs Victoria Clark will take up the post from 1 January, a three month handover with the current clerk.
15 PLANNING MATTERS: To discuss the following application:-
B/19/0473 – erection of two storey side extension to form a ground floor retail unit (Class A1) and first floor apartment and the erection of a one and a half storey building comprising a ground floor garage and first floor apartment at 2 Eastwood Road: the following comments to be forwarded to Boston Borough Council.
• Proposed extension forward of the building line on Lindis Road
• Concerns with regard to the lack of parking for customers
• Safety concerns at the additional traffic the proposed development may create, particularly on the junction, many school children cross the road in that vicinity
• Concerns with regard to the foul sewage disposal
• The Air Quality document cannot be accessed online
16 DATE OF NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on Monday 20 January 2020 at the Playing Field Pavilion and will commence at 7.00pm with a 10 minute public forum, if required.
There being no further business to discuss the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.30pm.