March 2019 DRAFT Minutes
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE FISHTOFT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 18 MARCH 2019 AT THE PLAYING FIELD PAVILION COMMENCING AT 7.00PM
In attendance:. Councillor E Armstrong (Chairman), Councillors H Staples (Vice Chairman), O Snell, R Lenton (left at 7.38pm), J Flynn, J Skinner, P Skinner, D Walkerley, N Fitton
Boston Borough Councillor J Noble (left at 8.20pm)
Mrs K Partridge (Clerk)
1. CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS: Councillor Armstrong welcomed all to the meeting, permission requested for items 9.1 and 14 be brought to the beginning of the meeting to allow for Councillor Lenton to attend another meeting, agreed.
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received and accepted from Councillor M Ordway. Apologies also received from Lincolnshire County Councillor M Griggs.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Councillor P Skinner declared an interest in all planning applications through his role on the Planning Committee at Boston Borough Council and took no part in the discussions. Councillor J Skinner declared an interest in planning application B19/0101 as the applicant is known to her, Councillor H Staples declared an interest in planning application B/19/0062 as the applicant is known to her.
9.1 (brought forward) Police Commissioner: Councillor Lenton asked if it would be acceptable to invite the Police Commissioner to attend a meeting, this was agreed.
14 (brought forward) Allotment Review: Councillor Lenton had studied the Parish Council’s tenancy agreement against the LALC model copy, there were differences as the LALC model is for garden allotments. It was agreed the Parish Council’s tenancy agreement is adequate. There is a need to decide whether it is viable to commission a professional valuer to re-assess the rents; it was resolved to look into costing, proposed by Councillor Staples, seconded by Councillor P Skinner and agreed.
4. POLICE REPORT: Reported incidents for the last month received:-
11 x ASB (7 relating to off road bikes); 1 x burglary; 6 x concern for safety; 2 x criminal damage; 2 x fly tipping; 2 x theft; 5 x RTC; 2 x sexual; 6 x suspicious circumstances; 1 x transport hazard; 7 x violence.
With regards to issues with off road bikes at Pilgrim Fathers site and Scalp Road, it was suggested the Parish Council look into the possibility of putting up barriers to stop the bikes accessing the bank; it wasn’t felt this would alleviate the situation, particularly as they also use the road, costings could also be prohibitive. It has been noted that there have not been any issues for a couple of weeks therefore it is hoped the presence of PCSO’s at the memorial car park has acted as a deterrent.
5. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 18 FEBRUARY 2019: Following a correction to the date from March to February it was resolved the minutes be approved and signed, proposed by Councillor P Skinner, seconded by Councillor H Staples and agreed.
6. REPORT ON OUTSTANDING MATTERS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Replacement dog bin: It was not possible to claim costs from the insurance cover. It was resolved to purchase a replacement bin, in metal, at a cost of approximately £200.00 + VAT. Clerk to order.
7. LITTER PICKING GROUP REPORT: Councillor Fitton reported he regularly collects bags of dog waste that has been thrown into the hedges along Pinfold Lane and Hobhole Bank towards the pumping station.
Councillor Lenton left at 7.38pm.
8. CLERKS REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED: General correspondence received was available and included Clerks & Councils Direct.
I.. Request for speed signs at Whitehouse Lane: Request received from a resident for some form of speed calming; it was agreed to look into the initiative already being used by Butterwick, costs are £300 and 8 volunteers are needed, data is recorded. It was proposed by Councillor Staples, seconded by Councillor P Skinner to put on the agenda next meeting. It was noted the 30MPH signs in place are in need of replacement, Clerk to get price from LRSP.
II.. Change of Administration to Annual Insurance Policy: The policy has been administered by Community Lincs Insurance Services and underwritten by Zurich, from 1 April 2019 it will be administered by a dedicated team within Zurich, there will be no change to the policy. Further details due shortly.
III. Computer Repair: The Clerk reported the computer was not recognising the Parish Council email address at the moment, it was agreed to contact PC Care for a repair.
IV. Change of Annual Meeting date: It has been necessary to change the date from 20th May to 13th May as the meeting needs to be held within 14 days of an election.
V. Traffic Regulation Orders: All TPO requests from members of the public now need to be supported by the Parish Council in the first instance and then requested via the local County Councillor.
VI. Reporting on Highways Issues: All highways issues should be reported via www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/faultreporting, the online system is available 24/7. Matters can be raised via customer services at 01522 782070. For more complex matters an annual meeting can be requested with the local County Councillor and the highways team.
VII. Briefing on Ethical Standards: The Government recently published a report on the subject of ethical standards in local government, there are implications for Parish Councils. A meeting with Parish Clerks will be held at BBC on 1 April; unfortunately clerk not able to attend but all information will be available. Further report at the next PC meeting.
9. COUNCILLORS ISSUES:
Rural Isolation: Councillor Armstrong reported on the findings of the Rural Isolation Group, more information will be available at a later date. It is hoped to set up small groups and volunteers will be welcome; it was suggested to host an event in Fishtoft that could be used for Councillors to interact with local residents. Agenda item at the next meeting.
10. BOSTON BOROUGH AND LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS:
Councillor J Skinner thanked those who attended meeting at BBC when the Pilgrim Fathers 400 was discussed.
Councillor Noble reported on the following:
Distribution Road, funding available and hoped BBC will be able to tap into it.
Some residents dismayed that meetings at BBC are no longer recorded.
Survey at www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk in relation to services at Pilgrim Hospital and other hospitals on a number of services provided.
Councillor P Skinner reported on the following:
Survey been carried out on a number of street lights, huge discrepancy in costings from previous reports.
11. FINANCE REPORT:
a). a budget update was presented and accepted.
b). To approve payment of accounts:
Clerks salary - £333.19.
Clerks expenses – £35.03
Grass cutting amenity/open space areas (2/10ths of annual charge) - £1443.84 (£240.64 VAT)
Grass cutting LCC areas (1/10th annual charge) - £633.60 (£105.60 VAT)
Playing Field Pavilion – donation towards cutting of trees - £400.00
Playing Field Pavilion – donation - £950.00
Playing Field Pavilion – hire of hall for meetings - £120.00
Rochford Tower Hall – donation - £350.00
Rochford Tower Hall – hire of hall for meetings - £100.00
St Guthlacs Church – donation for maintenance of churchyard - £700.00
LALC Training Fee - £168.00 (£28.00 VAT)
Chairman’s allowance - £100.00
It was resolved the accounts be paid, proposed by Councillor Staples, seconded by Councillor J Skinner and unanimously agreed.
Councillor Armstrong wished it to be recorded that the Chairman’s allowance will be donated to the fund for Fishtoft 400.
c). Investment of funds. Clerk to contact Barclays who it is understood have a Community account that would pay interest.
12. PILGRIM FATHERS ANNIVERSARY UPDATE: Councillor Armstrong reported it has been a very busy time for the committee: applications for funding are underway, prices for various initiatives have been sourced including work by the Wood Carvers, a glass mosaic, the walking map, a buoy, signage and local school children are being invited to become involved with creating a banner.
13. PLANNING MATTERS: To discuss the following applications:
B/19/0101 – single storey side and rear extension at 8 Saddlers Way – no comments/objections.
B/19/0080 - single storey rear extension at Ironda, Jolly Farmer Lane, Freiston – no comments/objections.
B/19/0062 – change of use and alterations to form a hairdressing salon and part storage at 13 Sandringham Gardens – no comments/objections.
Appeal to Secretary of State:- B/18/0291 – erection of detached 1.5 storey annexe and garage, following demolition of existing outbuildings at Bramley House, Wainfleet Road – an appeal has been made to the Secretary of State against the decision of BBC to refuse to grant planning permission. Previous comments made by Parish Council have been passed to the Secretary of State, no further comments to make.
Item 14 moved to beginning of meeting.
14. ANNUAL CIVIC DINNER: Following discussion it was agreed to have the dinner nearer to Christmas, Clerk to check availability at The Limes, Boston College for last week of November.
15. PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS: Nomination packs handed out.
16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on Monday 19 April 2019 at Rochford Tower Hall 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 8.43pm.