2022-23 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 15th February 2023 at 2pm.

Present:

• Cllr G Kent (Chairman)
• Cllr Mrs J Aspinall
• Cllr Mrs B Bland
• Cllr R Clark
• Cllr M Gibbons
• Cllr R Harrington
• Cllr Mrs L Simons

In Attendance: Mrs E Salter (Assistant Clerk)

Also Present: Cllr Carrington (NKDC)

1. Public Forum - None
2. Report from LCC - Attached
3. Report from NKDC – Attached

Cllr Carrington left the meeting.

80. Localism Act 2011 requirements
    1. Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Whipp, Cllr Peck, Cllr Fothergill, District Cllrs Goodwin & Tinsley and County Cllr Cawrey.
    2. Declarations of Interest received – None.
    3. Applications for Dispensation – None

81. Draft notes of the Parish Council meeting held on the 18th January 2023 were proposed, seconded and approved for signature as the minutes.

82. To Discuss matters raised at public forum – none.

83. Clerks Report:
    1. It was advised that the Tree Survey for Chapel Park has been completed, with only two areas needing work.
    2. The upgrade line to the Telecoms mast, by BT Open Reach has been laid.
    3. The windows in the Civic office have been replaced and blinds ordered.
    4. Two new litter/dog bins have been purchased and will soon be in situ in the village.
    5. That communications have been received regarding rental levels for the Telecoms mast, following a brief discussion it was proposed, seconded and resolved not to move forward, however due to this not being an item for discussion the resolution will be an agenda item for ratification at the March meeting.

84. The following items were resolved as stated:
    1. The proposal from Cllr Mrs Gibbons, regarding a regular community litter pick. After some discussion it was proposed, seconded and resolved not to organise a regular litter pick as a group of volunteers pick on a regular basis as well as, the Environmental Warden. A community litter pick could be arranged if the need arises.
    2. Parish Council Meeting dates and times for May 2023 – May 2024. It was proposed, seconded and resolved to accept the dates and change of venue to the Pavilion and to trial the May meeting at the start time of 6pm. It was resolved to discuss the times of future meetings at the annual meeting of the Parish Council in May. There was one abstention from the vote.
    3. To seek quotes for all annual maintenance works, to ensure best value for money. Following some discussion, it was proposed, seconded and resolved for the clerking team to obtain quotations for all annual maintenance work. These quotes will be discussed at a future meeting.
    4. To discuss the quote for replacement windows and doors for the Community Centre. It was proposed, seconded and resolved to accept the quote.
    5. To discuss the Commemorative Seat for the Coronation of HRH King Charles III and possible new planters for the Community Centre. Following a discussion, it was proposed, seconded and resolved to purchase a commemorative bench for the play park and planters for the Community Centre with any remaining funds to celebrate the coronation on HRH King Charles lll.

85. Planning Matters.

86. Financial Matters.
    1. The payment schedule February 2023 was proposed, seconded and resolved, and the salaries noted.
    2. The accounts and budgets were noted.
    3. The Unity Trust Bank balance of account for January 2023 was noted.
    4. To note that the VAT payment from the third quarter has been received.

87. Items for information.
    1. It was noted that the Clerking team had received a letter from the Royal Air Force, regarding the Ex Cobra-Warrior exercise, which will take place from 20th February to 31st March 2023.

88. Under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, it was proposed, seconded and resolved to move into closed session for the following item(s).

89. Staffing Matters.
    1. The Staffing Panel advised that a member of staff is now long-term absence and the appropriate policy is being followed. The Chairman thanked members of staff for their support & hard work during this absence.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 3.15 pm.

SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS: February 2023

District Councillors' Report

Heighington, Washingborough & Canwick

February 2023

New Fearless Website

Fearless is the youth arm of the Crimestoppers charity which allows young people to provide information about crime with 100% anonymity. The website at - https://crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless provides information on the service, contains a dedicated section for young people to learn more about a range of crime topics and has a useful FAQ section.

UK100 Climate Emergency Action Plan case study

UK100 is a network of council leaders from across the UK who are committed to accelerating climate action. A case study has featured NKDC’s approach which includes continual review and scrutiny and an annual update cycle demonstrating the importance we place on addressing the climate emergency. The case study can be read at; https://www.uk100.org/projects/knowledgehub/north-kestevens-responsive-climate-action-plan?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Ward members and Planning

It is timely to restate the role of Ward members when considering planning issues. District Councillors can act in one of two distinct roles. Firstly, Strong Community Advocate. In this role, a Ward member can hold a pre-determined view or strong opinion and can speak with some freedom on behalf of the local community. However, they must remain aware of their role as a District Councillor and must not disregard the planning framework or make inappropriate statements or promises.

The second role involves those District Councillors who either sit on the Planning Committee or are named substitutes. These Councillors make decisions on behalf of the whole NKDC community and although they can speak with developers, objectors and supporters, they must be mindful that any comments they make do not make them appear pre-determined. In order to appear at the Planning Committee, they must keep an open and impartial mind and consider all information and relevant evidence.

Whilst considering planning issues at Parish Council meetings, it is worth appreciating the constraints that your District Councillors operate within and that they will avoid saying anything that might prejudice the smooth and legal operation of the planning process.

Personal Safety for Councillors

A Government funded webinar has been arranged on Councillor personal safety and handling online abuse and intimidation. The webinar will take place on 21 Feb 23 from 2pm to 3.30pm. To book a place visit; https://lgaevents.local.gov.uk/lga/frontend/reg/thome.csp?pageID=587165&eventID=1692&traceRedir=2

District, Town and Parish candidates, agents and clerks briefings

A series of briefings will take place for candidates, agents and clerks involved in the upcoming local elections.

For District Council candidates and agents two sessions will be offered:

• Thurs 9 Mar at 6.30pm in the Civic Suite at NKDC
• Tues 14 Mar at 6.30pm online on Teams

For Town and Parish Councillor candidates and interested Clerks:

• Wed 22 Feb at 6.30pm in North Hykeham Town Council offices

• Thurs 23 Feb at 6.30pm online on Teams
• Mon 27 Feb at 6.30pm in the Civic Suite at NKDC

To register, email nk-corporatecivicsupportteam@n-kesteven.gov.uk stating Election Briefing and Date and include number of attendees with contact details for each.

Lincolnshire County Council Report

I am happy to confirm a Highways ward walk on 4 April, while I already have a list of matters to address, as ever, I invite members to let me know what they would like me to raise. I have already raised the matter of the Give Way sign at the junction of Sheepwash and Heighington Road and this is on the agenda, as well as Fen Road and School Lane.

It is the budget full council on Friday at which members will be voting on whether to accept the executive recommendation for the rise in council tax. While we all acknowledge that any increase in household bills is to be avoided where possible, we also have a responsibility to deliver public services to our communities. We may also have to cover the proposed 7% increase in firefighters' pay which is being put to a union members' ballot shortly.

The proposed increase of 4.99% will mean a Band D property would pay a county council precept of £1,503.63 for 2023/24

You may have seen in the media that four Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue firefighters and their specially-trained sniffer and rescue dog, Colin, are currently in Turkey helping to locate and rescue people trapped in collapsed buildings following the devastating earthquake. I know our firefighters, who volunteered for this mission, helped in the rescue of at least 8 people and I am sure members of Washingborough Parish Council will wish to join with me in thanking everyone involved in organising the rescue mission and in supporting our firefighters when they return home.

Thank you!