June 2019 MInutes
MINUTES OF THE FISHTOFT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 17 JUNE 2019 AT ROCHFORD TOWER HALL COMMENCING AT 7.00PM
In attendance: Councillor E Armstrong (Chairman), Councillors H Staples (Vice Chairman), O Snell, P Skinner, M Ordway, J Skinner R Lenton
Boston Borough Councillor J Noble
Mrs K Partridge (Clerk)
Mr J Williams
348.1 CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS: Councillor Armstrong welcomed all to the meeting including Mr Williams a prospective candidate for co-option to the Council.
348.2 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies received from Lincolnshire County Councillor M Griggs.
348.3 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Councillor P Skinner declared an interest in all planning discussions through his role on the Planning Committee at Boston Borough Council and took no part in planning matters.
348.4 POLICE REPORT: PCSO’s in attendance. Recorded crime figures appear to be very low for the last month, PCSO Baker will check on areas included.
1 x vehicle offence: 1 x nuisance neighbours: 1 x noise nuisance: 1 x vehicle nuisance: 1 x criminal damage
PCSO Baker has been around the area on a bicycle, it is hoped there will be more interaction with residents.
Hawthorn Tree Summer Fayre will be held on 29 June, PCSO Baker will be in attendance with the mini police, which have now combined with Butterwick mini police. Also Summer Fayre at Fishtoft Academy on 12 July, again mini police in attendance.
It is planned to attend the Parish Council Fun Day on 29 September, hopefully mini police and crime prevention will be able to be there.
348.5 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13 MAY 2019: It was resolved the minutes be approved and signed, proposed by Councillor Staples, seconded by Councillor P Skinner and agreed.
348.6 REPORT ON OUTSTANDING MATTERS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Allotment Review: Clerk had calculated allotment rents with those above £100 per annum to be increasedby 10% and below £100 per annum to be increased by 20%. This would raise an additional £165.00 per annum.
Following discussion it was resolved to write to all tenants proposing increases as above; rents will then be reviewed annually as per the tenancy agreement. Proposed by Councillor Lenton, seconded by Councillor P Skinner and agreed.
Wooded area at Hobhole Pumping Station: Nothing further to report following request to ask if a dedicated team could attend the area on a more regular basis. Clerk to chase up.
Litter Bin at Playing Field: Councillor J Skinner suggested a litter bin with a larger access hole could remedy the problem of bags being left at the side of the bin. Clerk to contact BBC to ask if the bin could be changed for one with a larger access.
Police Commissioner: Councillor Lenton queried if the Police Commissioner has been invited to attend a meeting, Councillor P Skinner will arrange this.
349.7 CLERKS REPORT:
Fishtoft Playing Field Trust: A report had been received from the Playing Field Committee. Permission given to include in the minutes.
No meetings held during the last year other than the AGM. 3 car boots held during the last 12 months hosted by Local Hope who also had a summer fair in July. Christmas bingo and childrens Christmas party were held. Defibrillator was presented and thanks to Parish Council for donation towards the purchase of the cabinet. Trees were trimmed in March at a cost of £4,000 and thanks to Parish Council for the £400 donation towards these costs. There have only been a few bookings for meetings and parties.
For the coming year it is planned to hold a charity golf day at Boston West, a food themed evening in September, Christmas bingo and children’s party. There may be a youths Sunday football team starting again, this is not confirmed at the present time. Vandalism is an issue with repairs to both the pavilion and play area having to be done.
Councillor Ordway was concerned that the Parish Council is subsidising other village football teams when the annual donation of £950.00 is to help with the costs of cutting the grass.
Additional venue for Parish Council meetings: Councillor Ordway had asked if it would be possible to hold some meetings within the Willoughby Hills area which will give residents easier access to attend a meeting. Clerk to make enquiries at Pilgrim Hospital. Agenda item for July.
349.8 COUNCILLORS ISSUES:
Flooding Woodthorpe Avenue/Whitehouse Lane/Toot Lane: Councillor Staples had received a report from a resident regarding the flooding at the mini roundabout, possibility that when the new houses were built the drain was blocked off. Vegetation from the area was cleared by Councillor Staples. Councillor P Skinner will report the issue on Fix My Street.
Grass Cutting: Complaints received from residents in the Princess Anne Road area that the grass had not been cut, this has now been rectified. The whole of the area will be monitored.
Pilgrim Fathers Memorial Site: Councillor Staples was concerned at the amount of subsidence at the Pilgrim Fathers site, despite contacting BBC who informed the area was the responsibility of Environment Agency, it is believed the area with the worst subsidence is the responsibility of BBC. Clerk to contact both BBC and EA raising concerns, particularly with the recent events at Wainfleet.
350.9 BOSTON BOROUGH AND LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS: Councillor Noble reported on the following:
Complaint from a Camelot Gardens resident regarding a distressed dog appear to be resolved.
Housing Standards Officers in relation to HMO’s have only reached approximately one quarter of the inspection target.
More people are paying online for services from BBC.
Councillor P Skinner reported on the following:
Fire Service been extremely busy, Derbyshire Service have also been involved in the recent attempts to reduce the flood risk. Hobhole Station and Lade bank pumping stations are on full capacity.
Lincolnshire Show is being held on 19th and 20th June.
NHS Healthy Conversation initiative still ongoing.
Consultation under way regarding the coastline from Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point. More details can be found on LCC website.
The largest haul of roman coins has been found in Lincolnshire.
Councillor J Skinner reported on the following:
It is the first Environmental and Performance Committee meeting this week and it will be looking at the bigger picture over the next 4 years.
350.10 FINANCE REPORT:
a) a budget update was presented, there were no queries.
b) to approve payment of accounts: Clerks salary - £341.90
Clerks expenses - £32.85
Mobile broadband half share - £8.85
Grass maintenance BBC and LCC areas (1/12th of annual charge) - £1,064.22 (£177.37 VAT) Drainage rates - £207.17
Annual insurance premium - £149.96
Replacement and repair to footway lights (as previously agreed) - £4,800.00 (£800.00 VAT) Good Councillors Guide - £45.58 (£1.18 VAT)
It was resolved the accounts be paid, proposed by Councillor P Skinner, seconded by Councillor Staples and agreed.
c) Investment of funds and transfer
Investment of £20,000 had been made into a 12 month fixed interest account at Lloyds with an interest rate of 1.15%. Funds will mature on 29 May 2020.
Closure of Lloyds Business Bank Instant account with transfer of funds into the cheque account, as previously agreed, will be completed shortly. Letter of authorisation signed.
351.11 MAYFLOWER 400: Councillor Armstrong reported quotations for printing of the walking map have been sourced. A stage for the event on 29 September has been promised; Councillor Noble will possibly be able to provide steps. Costings are required to complete the grant application form. Beaver Scouts have confirmed they would like to attend on 29 September and possibly provide a BBQ. Coffee and tea provision to be confirmed. Councillor Noble confirmed dancing school will perform, no fee but possibly a donation; also can provide a PA system and possibility of a singer attending.
Lincs Training will provide training for those wishing to understand the basics of computing, there would need to be at least 8 people interested. They will also be attending on 29 September.
Community Lincs Good Neighbour Scheme – volunteers required. Will attend on 29 September. Councillor Staples invited the reading group to attend on 29 September, no reply to date.
351.12 PLANNING MATTERS:
The following planning applications were forwarded to all Members on 27 May for comments: B/19/0184 – erection of detached garage at Rochford Tower House, Rochford Tower Lane – no comments.
B/19/0188 – prior notification for an agricultural storage building at Wombwell House, Fishtoft Road – no comments.
B/19/0205 – single storey side and rear extension at 81 Camelot Gardens – no comments. The following applications were considered:
B/19/0102 – construction of 10 parking spaces along the side of an access road at Pilgrim Hospital, Department of Psychiatry – no comments.
B/19/0157 – installation of 2 dormer windows in existing garage at 7 Pilleys Lane – no comments.
351.13 FUN DAY INCORPORATING RURAL ISOLATION: Mainly dealt with at item 11.
Councillor Ordway reported there is an online petition where you can vote in relation to the loss of free TV licence for the over 75’s.
351.14 SPEED CALMING INITIATIVE: Councillor Staples expressed concern at the number of volunteers required for the scheme.
Following discussion it was agreed to contact the clerk for Butterwick, Benington and Freiston to ask if it would be possible to join with them for the scheme.
351.15 DATE OF NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on Monday 15 July 2019 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 8.40pm to move into closed session.