Minutes 2019

Thimbleby Parish Council

Minutes Of The Council Meeting Held At 7.00 Pm On The 20th November 2019 At Thimbleby Village HalL

Present Councillors

Cllr M Jamieson

Cllr Mrs A Doody, M Doody & P Devlin

Cllr Mrs Bradwell (LCC)

In Attendance Mrs C Newton (Clerk)

2 Members of the public

The Meeting Began with a presentation on the Emergency Plan from Steve Harris LCC Emergency Planning & Business Continuity Officer. Followed by a 15-minute public participation session

1 Chairman’s welcome

The Chairman welcomed everyone present, including the Chairman of Edlington & Wispington Parish Meeting

2 Apologies for absence

Cllr Mrs Barrett, ELDC Councillors Cllr Mrs Martin, Cllr Mrs Campbell Wardman & Cllr Avison

These absences were formally approved, by vote, having considered and accepted the reasons for absence

3 Declarations of Interest

None

To sign as correct the minutes from the last meeting held on the 24th September 2019 – It was unanimously agreed that these should be signed

4 Matters to Report from last meeting

LCC Highways contacted & They confirm that there are no verges cut by LCC in the Parish, apart from the A153

Noted

J H Plant contacted re the grass cutting within the Village

It was unanimously agreed to continue using these contractors for the amenities grass cutting in the Village

The Clerk has investigated the request to join the Tree Charter, the cost this year is £6.99 per elector – discussed & unanimously agreed that the PC would not join the Tree Charter

Planning Department advised that although the PC agreed that paper plans were not required the Clerk is still receiving them

Noted

5 Correspondence Received

Request from the Treasurer of Horncastle Matters periodical – Request for a donation – sent to Councillors before the meeting Councillors were split as to whether to fund; agreed to postpone the decision until January meeting

Chairman of Edington & Wispington Parish Meeting – invite to meeting sent to Councillors before the meeting

Noted

6 Planning

Decisions S/181/01486/19

Planning Permission - Extensions and alterations to the existing dwelling to provide a porch, replacement roof and enlarged kitchen on site of part of the existing dwelling which is to be demolished and erection of a detached single garage on the site of the existing garage which is to be demolished.

North Cottage, North Street, Thimbleby, Horncastle, LN9 5RE

No Objections

Full Planning Permission Granted

S/181/01710/19

Planning Permission - Extension to existing dwelling to provide an enlarged and an additional bedroom and an entrance porch.

Spindrift, Main Road, Thimbleby, Horncastle, LN9 5RB

No Ojection

Full Planning Granted

S/181/01736/19

Planning Permission - First floor extension and alterations to existing dwelling to include the provision of dormer windows on the front elevation.

Raybecca, Main Road, Thimbleby, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 5RB

No Objections

Full Planning Granted

S/049/01560/19

For the construction of a covered digestate storage lagoon Wood beck Farm Edlington

OBJECT – Cllr Mrs Bradwell had spoken at the meeting on the Parish

Councils behalf

Permission Granted

Submitted

S/201/01555/17

Planning Permission - Erection of 4no. additional poultry rearing units and siting of 4no. silos on existing agricultural site.

Valley Farm, Hemingby Lane, West Ashby, Horncastle, LN9 5PW

No Objections

7 Feedback from the ELDC & LCC Councilors

LCC – Discussion between the PC & Cllr Bradwell concerning the drain and Highways problems. The roadway drainage within the village is very poor, many FixMyStreet reports have been raised, some dating back to summer. Drains are cleared Spring & Autumn, however any further assistance that Cllr Bradwell can lend to sort these out is most appreciated.

8 Finance

Cllr Devlin has now assumed the role of Finance portfolio holder

Bills Paid Between Meetings October Salary £74.56

Inland Revenue £55.20

JH Plant (grass cutting) £360.00 inc £60 reclaimable VAT

Bills to pay

Councillor Mileage (for courses) £25.20

Councillor Mileage (for courses) £ 32.85

LALC (Conference) £24.00 inc £4 reclaimable VAT Salary Nov £74.56

Postage £0.61

LALC Lunch (agendas, minutes/financial planning £10.80 inc £1.80 reclaimable VAT

Clarks Clerical Services (½ yearly audit) £21.45 St Margaret’s Church (Grass cutting) £500.00

It was unanimously agreed that these bills should be paid

Balance of Accounts

Current account £5900.66 Petty Cash £8.77

Noted

Internal Audit

The letter to the chairman, confirming that the accounts had been checked for the half year, was read out. It was also confirmed that the clerk had received the signed copy of the Appointment of Auditor for a further 3 years. The Clerk had also been advised that due to the arrangements with LALC more checking of the Council’s regulations will be made at the Audits and this in term will increase the time taken to complete the audit

Noted

Confirmation received from the Bank that signatories have been changed

Noted

Budget & Precept – sent to Councilors before the meeting

This was discussed at length, and at points somewhat acrimoniously. It was proposed by Cllr Jamieson, seconded by Cllrs Mr Doody that the Parish Council raise the precept sufficiently to enable the PC to fund the asset maintenance of the items that the PC have a duty to maintain, specifically Benches, Bus Shelter at Harper Garth, and notice boards. This would therefore exclude the donation previously made to the Church towards grass cutting

For 3 Against 1

It was therefore agreed that the precept should be set at £4100 for the coming year

10 Speed watch

Report -Cllr Doody

Further speed checks have taken place and information reported to speed watch; summary statistics:

Mill lane:

Total vehicle count: 61 Vehicles 35mph>: 11

Vehicles 40mph>: 5

Max speed : 46mph

18% above 35 mph

B1190

Total vehicle count: 50 Vehicles 35mph>: 16

Vehicles 40mph>: 11 Max speed : 52mph 32% above 35mph

11 Footpaths & Highways

Reported

4126577 – Awaiting delivery of Grit Bin 353140 – Pavement impassable due to weeds Noted

Beeswax Farms – Cllr Devlin

The Chairman reported that he has spoken to Beeswax concerning the reinstatement of public footpaths across two fields; the Beeswax representative acknowledged this as being a Beeswax responsibility and apologized, but the wet weather is hampering reinstatement.

There are however other concerns – timings of hedge cuttings alongside the pathway, their plans concerning future pheasant shooting, and whether the seasonal restrictions on the permissive pathways (Hallgarth Farm) need remain in place if no further shooting is planned. It was unanimously agreed that the clerk would invite a representative from Beeswax to the next meeting

Grass cutting – details re the verge cutting within the village

The Clerk confirmed that LCC only cut the grass verges of the A153, and the Parish Council have been using a local contractor for the amenities cutting

Noted

12 Policies & Procedures

To Propose Portfolio holders for Staff Matters & Others as appropriate – Cllr Jamieson

To discuss the draft Standing Orders and amendments

It was unanimously agreed that agenda items 12a & 12b should be carried forward to the next meeting

Communication Policy – sent to Councillors before the meeting It was proposed by Cllr Jamieson, seconded by Cllr Doody

& unanimously agreed to adopt this policy

Complaints Policy

It was proposed by Cllr Jamieson, seconded by Cllr Doody & unanimously agreed to adopt this policy

Council relations with Local Businesses and neighboring Parishes Cllr Mrs Doody

The Parish Council should have good working relationships with Business and residents that live and work in the area; it was agreed that this should be reviewed half yearly

13 Reports on Meetings Attended

Edlington & Wispington Parish Meeting Cllr Doody

Cllr Doody reported that he visited the November meeting of Edlington & Wispington parish meeting where their issues with Beeswax

were discussed

Broadband meeting hosted by Victoria Atkins – Cllr Jamieson – Although interesting, the way forward for Thimbleby is not clear at the moment, aside from seeking volunteers to monitor

broadband speeds and provide feedback.

Corporate Strategy Workshop – Cllr Jamieson – attended the ELDC meeting, which sought input and ideas from representatives of Parishes within the area as to the ELDC priorities around projects and budget spend. A very interesting meeting, no further action for the Parish Council; there may be further opportunities to become involved.

14 Lap Top – The Clerk

Costs & Risks

Clerk provided budgetary costs for capital expenditure and ongoing revenue costs. It was unanimously agreed that the Clerk should purchase a lap top and software, using the funds already allocated within the budget.

15 Annual Parish Council Meeting & Annual Parish meeting arrangements – currently booked for May 20th, 2020

Revised dates were discussed as 20th will not work due to pre-planned Councillor holidays. The Clerk will investigate booking a different date, Weds 6th of May agreed as the one most appropriate assuming Village Hall is available. Clerk to advise ASAP.

16 Councillor Feedback

None

17 The Emergency Plan – next steps

It was agreed that Cllrs Doody & Devlin would give the Clerk permission to provide their mobile phone numbers to the resilience team.

It was also agreed to discuss the way forward with the Emergency plan at the next meeting.

18 Agenda Items for the next meeting

Use of Notice Boards Cllr Jamieson

Neighborhood plan/community review Cllr Devlin

Newsletter (Horncastle Matters)

Portfolio Holders for staff & other matters – Cllr Jamieson Standing Orders – Cllr Jamieson

Next Meeting 22nd January 2020 Meeting Closed At 10.05 PM