2022 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Minutes of Fishtoft Parish Council meeting held Monday 14th November 2022 at Playing Fields Pavilion, Fishtoft commencing at 7pm

PRESENT:     Councillor Helen Crawford presiding as Chairperson
        Councillor Joff Williams presiding as Vice-Chairperson
        Councillors Elizabeth Armstrong, Richard Lenton, Margaret Ordway and Roly Ashley
Councillor Judith Skinner representing as both Parish and Boston Borough Councillor (arrived at 7.12pm)
Councillor Paul Skinner representing as Parish, Boston Borough and Lincolnshire County Councillor (arrived at 7.12pm)

Boston Borough Councillor Johnathon Noble
Fishtoft Parish Council Clerk – Sarah Knowles

PUBLIC FORUM
There were no members of the public present to ask any questions or make short statements during the time allocated.

Councillor Noble reported the following as Boston Borough Councillor:
•    A meeting has been held with both MPs Matt Warman and James Wilder with the local fishermen in relation to the new rulings from IFCA on fishing for cockles and how this will affect their livelihood.
•    A resident from High Grove Crescent had contacted him in regards to receiving a penalty notice for littering at Tesco.  The resident informed Councillor Noble that the bin was full and therefore placed the litter on top of it instead.  This is being reviewed by Matt Fisher at the Borough.
•    Mud on the road was reported along Toot Lane from the new Woodthorpe Avenue building site.  Councillor Noble said he had spoken with the site manager and relayed that there was currently no water on site and no limestone down at the entrance therefore only currently sweeping the road.
•    A report had been received relating to overhanging trees in between Ryder Gardens and The Chase as well as the neighbouring substation roof.  This has been looked into and it is scheduled for crown lifting and branch thinning to be done.
•    The town Christmas Tree and lights cost has increased.  BTAC offered £5000 but more monies were required to fund the project.  Therefore, it has been decided that this year the tree will be plastic and will be placed near to the Butterfly Trust Hospice.  Also, there will be no lights along High Street this year.  Businesses in Pescod Square have agreed to fund this area themselves.
•    Tenders have been received for a contract to deal with Fly tipping, Graffiti etc.

Councillor P Skinner reported the following as Lincolnshire County and Boston Borough Councillor:
•    The review associated with the A16 speed limits has resulted in that north of Kelsey Bridge does not meet the criteria for change. However, following a survey  the south of Kelsey Bridge could be reduced from 50mph to 40mph and will be going to consultation to discuss this further.  Cllr P Skinner relayed that he will continue to try and get speed limit to Hurn Lane to 50mph especially as on the A52 there are several 50mph limits that have the same criteria as the A16.
•    A Date with Dan is a ticketed event being held online in December which will help give parents, carers and professionals the tools to keep children and young people safe online.
•    From 1st December to 4th December Annual Lincoln Castle Christmas Market will be taking place.
•    Cases of Avian Flu have been confirmed in areas of Lincolnshire.
•    Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue would like to hear what residents think are the biggest risks to their safety. Residents can take part by going to https://www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk/crmp and fill in the short survey.
•    Lincolnshire Young Voices was among the winners at the National Association for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities sixth annual awards for their work in helping pupils.
•    Lincoln Castle, The Collection Museum and Usher Gallery have received VisitEngland’s Accolades, recognising them as among the best visitor attractions in the country.

Councillor J Skinner reported the following as Boston Borough Councillor:
•    At this evenings Environment and Performance Committee meeting the Waste Centre was discussed.  One item discussed was that it seems all sites close on the same days therefore could this be reviewed to be that they varied on the days closed.
•    There is a future meeting with the new Markets Manager to discuss several matters including possibly expanding.
•    On 24th November the Illumination Parade will be taking place
•    On 11th December the Annual Santa Race will be taking place

The meeting opened at 7.22pm

1.     Chairman’s remarks
Councillor Crawford welcomed everyone to the November’s meeting.  She relayed that it was an honour to lay the wreath at the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday.

2.     Apologies for absence - To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting
All Parish Councillors were in attendance.

3.     Declarations of interest – (if any) To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 – being any pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on Members’ Register of Interests
    Councillor P Skinner declared an interest to Item 6 on the agenda.
    Councillor Lenton declared an interest to Item 7d on the agenda.

4.     Notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 13th October 2022 - To resolve as a correct record and to authorise the Chairman to sign the official minutes
After an amendment and with no objections it was resolved to accept these notes as a true and accurate record and thereby signed by the Chairman.

5.     Finance
a) Payment of accounts to be approved

Following proposal by Cllr Crawford, seconded by Cllr Williams and with no objections it was resolved that these payments should be made.

b) Additional payments to be approved after setting of the agenda
No additional payments have been made.

c) Payments & receipts: since 13th October 2022 - Appendix A
Only payments recorded in the 13th October 2022 minutes and as per Appendix A were made.

Since the 13th October 2022 two receipts of payment have been received

d) Bank Account as of 30th September 2022
All members had received a copy of the bank statement via email prior to the meeting of which showed that balance of the bank account as of 30th September 2022 was £77875.70.

e) Bank Account as of 31st October 2022
All members had received a copy of the bank statement via email prior to the meeting of which showed that balance of the bank account as of 31st October 2022 was £76871.05.

f) Savings account - Bank needs to be contacted by a signatory
The clerk relayed that though the mandate had been updated the online banking side had not and a new form had to be completed but once able to access she will look into applying for a Savings Account.

g) Budget for 2023/2024 Financial year Precept
The budget was reviewed by the councillors.  Information had been received for the costing of the Footway Lighting, which is to be paid out of the next Precept funds with a slight rise but it was indicated that when reviewing the following budget, it would need to increase quite substantially as the estimated billing would be more than double considering the rise in electricity costs, and is only an approximation as the Footway Lighting is paid on arrears.  

Majority of the Footway Lighting consists mostly of the old structured bulbs more than the LEDs.  The clerk was asked to find out what the costing would be on changing the old to the new so determined whether this would be more beneficial fee before actually setting the 2023/24 precept to consider including some of the following years costs.  Therefore, this was deferred to the next meeting.

6.     Planning matters - Town and Country Planning Act 1990: To consider and make observations on all planning applications received and to note planning approvals, refusals, enforcement complaints and appeal decisions advised by the Borough Council.  To include applications received after this agenda has been posted and the day of the meeting
a) B/22/0424 - Proposed erection of attached motorcycle garage and store at 19, The Furrows, Fishtoft, Boston, PE21 0PE
    There were no objections to this planning application.

b) B/22/0426 - Proposed erection of 2 no. detached dwelling at 27, Marshall Close, Fishtoft, Boston, PE21 0RX
There were no objections to this planning application.  However, there were concerns in how they plan to raise the levels?  If they bring in additional soil this may course problems for neighbours and therefore if built up to higher floor level neighbours may be concerned about being overlooked.  

c) B/22/0428 - Hybrid application seeking outline planning permission with some matters reserved for residential development (up to 320 dwellings) and a care home (Class C2) and detailed proposals for Phase 1 (153 dwellings and site access) at Land west of Toot Lane, Fishtoft, Boston PE21 0PT
Several issues were addressed regarding to this planning application.  These were:
•    Building on Grade 1 land 
•    Not truly in keeping with the area.  The design aspect is more for town houses not for rural areas.
•    Concerns that the properties are only for rental purpose.
Conditions would need to be imposed on this large development being:
•    Assurance that there will be a Management Plan to look after the communal areas therefore being self-sufficient and not relying on public funds.
•    That litter/dog bins be installed on the site and an installation of a Noticeboard to post parish notices.

d) B/22/0439 – Proposed extension to existing agricultural building at Wombwell House, Fishtoft Road, Fishtoft, Boston PE21 0QR
    There were no objections to this planning application.

e) B/22/0444 - Proposed Installation of water storage tank, pump house and service pipework to provide fire suppression system at Metsa Wood, Fishtoft Road, Fishtoft, Boston PE21 0BJ.
There were no objections to this planning application.

f) Planning Reports and Information received including Planning Application decisions
One planning application had been received since the setting of the agenda - B/22/0457 - Single storey side/rear extension including integral garage at Coachhouse Cottage, Fishtoft Road, Fishtoft, Boston PE21 0QR
After deliberation it was decided that there were no objections to this planning application.

7.      Members reports and business
a) Clearing and tidying the wooded area near the Hobhole pumping station - Update from Councillor Ordway
Councillor Ordway relayed that the tools have now been collected but no known date when work be done in the area as there are reduced numbers of residents at present and the Governor would prefer that those remaining are in paid work. 

b) Fishtoft 400/Buoy - Any updates
Councillor Armstrong relayed that she has no information to update on at present as still looking for a suitable venue to house the Community Group.

A suggestion was made that it may be nice to decorate the buoy with lights this Christmas.

c) Notice boards: Renewal of noticeboard in Rochford Tower Lane – Quotes received and form Working Party of additional Parish Council Noticeboards 
Several companies had quoted on a new noticeboard (aluminium or wooded) and a report was circulated to the Councillors. After deliberation it was decided to go with the one quoted from Noticeboard.Online.

It was agreed that Councillor Williams and Councillor Ashley would form the Working Party to assess the work and costings on refurbishing the other noticeboards.

d) Fishtoft playing fields - To discuss Football Clubs report from the Annual Parish Meeting
No information has been received from The Football Club therefore this was deferred to the next meeting.

e) Establish ownership of Pilgrim Memorial Car Park – Councillor Armstrong
Councillor Armstrong enquired about this on behalf of the Woodcarvers who would like to install the frame around the plaque.  Councillor P Skinner informed her to contact Phil Perry at Boston Borough Council and he would be able to aid with this.

8.     Correspondence received, Events & Reports
    a) Branching Out Fund Grant
    It was believed that the Wooded Area may benefit from this.

    b) Application to Woodland Trust
Following inspecting the literature associated with this it was believed that this was not appropriate at the present time.

c) Letter received from Outer Dowsing
A letter received from Outer Dowsing expressing that a parcel of land owned by the Parish Council could be an area that the new cables would be laid to the Offshore Wind Farm and would like to meet representatives to discuss matters associated with this.

d) Discuss any other correspondence or reports received after posting of agenda and day of meeting
    Other correspondence received and reports that were discussed:
•    Tree Planting in Dion Wood
•    Winter 2022 Co-op Community Champions – Collecting will begin from the 4th December 2022.  Waiting response on advertising literature.
•    As reported by Councillor P Skinner earlier in the meeting, an email had been received relating to the request for the speed limit on the A16 to be reduced.

9.     Fix My Street, Highways and Boston Borough Council - To receive any updates on reported issues Appendix B
    Matters associated with Appendix B was discussed.  Concerns were raised in why correspondence back from Highways was either non existent or were taking so long to reply.

10.     Dates for future meetings

There being no further business the meeting finished at 8.59pm

Appendix A

Item 5c on agenda             

FISHTOFT PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS FOR PERIOD

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2022

Payments made as approved at 13th October 2022 meeting

Payments to be approved

Payments received

Appendix B

Item 9 on agenda                       FixMyStreet, LCC & BBC

No.     AREA                                  ISSUE                                                         HOW     REF          OUTCOME

1        A16 Hilldyke-Sibsey            Traffic Calming - Joint letter with Sibsey                                    Does not meet criteria

2       Tower/Priory/Eastwood        Archers Report                                                                           Waiting outcome

3        Sibsey Road                       2 x Damaged pavement, trip hazard            FMS     404599      Informed work be done when funds available

4        Woad Lane                         Gouges, potholes & flooding                        FMS     390639      Work completed

5        Whitehouse Lane               Lamp out                                                       BBC      404325      Lamp number required

6        Church Green Road           Footpath uneven and damaged                    FMS     4153606     Proposal for works South Division – request update from LCC

7        Eastwood Road Footpath  Footpath uneven and damaged                    FMS     4164960      As above

8        Freiston Road Footpath     Footpath uneven and damaged                    FMS     416496        As above

9        Church Green Road           Extension of path – Email                             LCC     4169782      Chase LCC for update

10      Scalp Road                         Pot holes & need for layby                           LCC                          13/12/21 P.S. Unadopted – sponsors being looked for – Environment agency have                                                                                                                                                                  patched