July 2018 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF KIRTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE UPSALL ROOM, KIRTON TOWN HALL ON THURSDAY 19th JULY 2018.
Present: Councillors: D Danby – Chairman
Councillor: S Ransome – Vice Chairman
Councillors: R Bemrose, C Brotherton (and Borough), S Swan-Smith, C Rylott (and Borough), R Foster, P Watson, C Sharp, D Smith, M Brookes (County), A Austin (County)
Also Present: Mrs B Buttery – Clerk of the Council
2 residents
Public Forum
2 residents attended.
I resident came as he had submitted planning application B/18/0226 and was keen to hear the Council’s views on it.
The 2nd resident came to ask the council to reconsider the decision made in April regarding the additional precept monies received. He wanted the additional money he would be paying this financial year refunding to him by cheque. He accused the council of being unethical by keeping the money and suggested that the council had acted illegally in its obtaining. The resident also requested a copy of the Parish Council’s complaints procedure. (Clerk will email to him).
The Chairman read the resident the statement which is the position of the Parish Council: ‘There has been an administrative error which resulted in the wrong amount of precept being requested. To rectify this would result in the parish paying upwards of £30,000 which is deemed not a good use of precept money. The parish council will be ringfencing the additional funds and will be looking to make improvements within the villages with them. The precept will be the correct figure next year. To ensure that this error does not happen in future, we have put in place process improvements in regards to all financial “sign offs” in future.
Cllr Brotherton arrived.
105/18 Chairman’s comments
The Chairman thanked the Fete committee for their time to arrange the village day which was a huge success. He also thanked those councillors who gave their time to attend the village day to specifically speak to residents about the role of the council within the Parish.
106/18 Apologies for absence and reason given
Cllr Turner and Cllr M Hannay sent their apologies and reasons for absence which were accepted by the Council.
107/18 Receipt of any declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011, and to consider any written requests for dispensations in relation to members’ disclosable pecuniary interests.
Cllr Bemrose declared a personal interest in item 11. Town Hall on the agenda as her mother is Chairman.
Cllr Ransome declared an interest in Planning as she is Vice Chairman on the planning committee at the Borough, she will take no part in discussions in this item. Cllr Ransome is also a member of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan committee.
Cllr Rylott declared an interest in Planning as she is on the planning committee at the Borough, she will take no part in discussions in this item. She is also Vice-Chairman of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan committee.
Cllr Brotherton declared that he is a substitute member on the planning committee at the Borough and as such will not take part in discussions regarding planning.
Cllr Bemrose also declared a personal interest in planning item B/18/0293 as the applicant and architect are personally known to her . She will take no part in discussions on this item.
108/18 Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting
It was resolved that the notes of the meeting held on the 21st June 2018, previously circulated, should be recorded as the minutes.
109/18 Police Matters
No Police attended, however it was reported that the PCSOs have collected the anti-social behaviour diaries from the residents down Church Lane. Disappointingly, on the 4 were returned. The Police have now set up an online reporting site where incidents can be reported without having to dial 101. This is especially useful for recording of incidents where no Police need to attend, but a log of events is necessary.
The incident that occurred outside the Kirton Cottage is under investigation.
110/18 Viewpoints on questions from members of the public
Is was deemed that there was no further action necessary to be taken.
111/18 Matters for the attention of Lincolnshire County Councillors/Boston Borough Councillors
Cllr Brookes informed members that the jetting in the dyke has been completed outside of Dennis Estate, however, the jetting of the gullies to the pipe in the dyke is still not complete but is programmed to be done. The dyke is now running.
Cllrs Brooks and Austin will attend a ‘walkabout’ in the Parish with Highways Officers.
Cllr Austin informed members that the Toucan crossing upgrade on the A16 is likely to take 4 days.
She also informed members that the roundabout signage should be replaced after being damaged last year, this month.
Cllr Austin updated members about the flood investigation works on Station Road. As of yet there is not a solution as it is unclear where the water from Station Road is going – it is thought extra gullies will be needed. This work will likely go one into the next financial year.
Cllr Austin also reported that following on from the request/enquiry about lowering the speed of the road on Skeldyke Road, it may well be possible to do this without raising a traffic order. The senior highways officer is beginning this process.
Cllr Brotherton reported the hedges at the A16/Station Road – Boston side are overgrowing the footpath. – Clerk to report to LCC.
Cllr Rylott reported that at the recent Boston Cabinet meeting a vote of no confidence was given in United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust – The Borough Council has resolved to so as much as it can to stop services being lost at the Pilgrim Hospital.
Cllr Rylott also announced that there is expected to be some good news for Boston this week which will positively affect tourism.
Cllrs Austin and Brookes left, along with the resident who complained about the precept. The resident was thanked for coming and sharing his views.
112/18
Accounts for payment/Finance
After a proposal from Cllr Rylott which was seconded by Cllr Swan-Smith, the accounts for payment as per payment sheet dated July 2018/19 (4 of 12) were resolved to be paid.
113/18 Report from the minutes of the previous meeting/Clerk’s report
a. I have contacted sign writer to update the Chairman’s board. He will come to the office (not made it twice after being arranged so far) and collect the board from the Upsall Room.
b. Chased Cllr Austin and Andy Wharf regarding the outstanding work on the A16 roundabout (metal chevrons and blue arrow signs). Nothing from Cllr Austin, however, Highways now confirm that they will be doing the work this month. They wanted further information regarding the lights on the roundabout not working, but this has now been provided.
c. Kier contacted regarding the eyesore that is the land next to the Methodist Church. They will be sending someone out to tidy up the site.
d. Chasing around done at LCC to try and get hold of the road speed policy so that it can be ascertained whether Skeldyke Road is suitable/it is possible to get the speed reduced from 60mph. Still not received suitable information, so contacted Cllr Brookes to ask whether he could request it on our behalf, Cllr Brookes forwarded me the policy document.
e. Following on from the decision at the June meeting to make an initial donation to the Old Kings Head project by Lincolnshire Heritage and contact from Cllrs Sharp and Danby regarding the possibility that some of the money the Council received extra in precept this year, information gained that Lincolnshire Heritage is open to the suggestion of possible investment by the Parish Council into this project. This has already been put in place by another party.
f. Following on from the reports from the Borough Play Inspector, I have ordered the parts needed from the company who installed the play equipment in the Park in the first place. Just waiting for them to come so that I can instruct the builder who is going to carry out the work to go ahead.
g. Quotation received and go ahead given to the decorator to paint the Town Hall office. Just waiting for a date that he can start.
h. Light for office – contractor has installed a new, brighter light.
i. Sign to go in the Noticeboard informing where the defibrillator is located, ordered and collected from sign maker.
j. 1st ¼ of the year’s figures collated and sent out to all.
k. Liaison with Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership regarding the volunteers who wish to undertake speed gun training. This is ongoing as the Road Safety Partnership are still gathering information at this time, no training has been given as yet.
It was resolved that the Parish Council joins LCC’s Community Speed Watch as the first step, with training given at a date when it is available.
l. Costs obtained regarding the equipment that is needed for the volunteers to carry out speed gun training.
m. Attended the Parade Marshall Seminar held at Joint Police and Fire HQ at Nettleham.
n. Event Management forms completed and sent to LCC ahead of the Remembrance Parade.
o. Bin outside Jhay stores reported to BBC as broken.
p. Facebook and Website updated.
q. Liaison with Borough regarding the number of adverts/posters they wish me to display in the village for events in Boston. Compromise as space limited, they will email them to me to put on Facebook and where possible/space allows, on the noticeboard.
r. Cemetery tap leaking. Cllr Danby slowed flow and put notice on tap not to use. Cllr Brotherton informed as Cemetery Committee Chairman – he has made some repairs. Further work required.
s. I found a tree had been planted without permission in the cemetery. Reported to Cllr Brotherton. We are due to meet at the Cemetery next week and will take further action then.
t. Liaison with relative after grave space sinking (due to extreme dry weather). He is happy for me to instruct the grave digger to top up some graves and also put extra soil around/under his family’s headstone to fill the gaps in.
u. Lighton Avenue – overgrown Hedges over footpath – Reported to LCC
v. Penny Gardens to Hemmington Way – overgrown footpath – Reported to LCC
w. Kirton to Sutterton footpath – impassable at places – Reported to LCC
x. Liaison with residents regarding concerns re precept figures.
114/18 Correspondence received which the Council are invited to resolve on
a. Correspondence received from Father Paul requesting that the Parish Council pay for the work in its entirety to the church clock.
This is to be discussed in closed session later in the meeting.
b. One resident emailed to ask that the additional money received by the Parish Council be used to tackle the issue of speeding in the village. He asks particular attention be given to Boston Road where there have been 3 accidents in the last couple of months.
c. Lincolnshire County Council – Advance Notification of Road Improvements Scheme: Kirton, Spalding Road/Station Road – Pedestrian/Cycle Crossing – the dual pedestrian/cycle crossing is to be replaced by a Toucan Crossing with new ELV LED type equipment. From 30/7/18 for approx. 5 weeks.
d. Lincolnshire County Council – Temporary Road Closure – Swineshead and Kirton
Station Road (London Road to A16 ) 06.08.18-24.08.18 (2 days within this period)
e. Lincolnshire County Council – Temporary Road Closure – Seadyke Lane – 06.08.18
f. Lincolnshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Annual Report – in reading.
115/18 Town Hall
1. To consider tree work quotations for work needed to tree line at rear of Town Hall
To be discussed in closed session later in the meeting.
2. To consider whether to replace or repair the guttering at the Town Hall.
It was resolved that this should be carried out when the pointing is being done and the scaffolding is already up. Clerk to liaise with builders for a quotation for the work. It was also proposed by Cllr Watson that the painting around the exterior windows be done at the same time to complete the exterior of the building. This was agreed unanimously.
3. It has been brought to the Parish Council’s attention that the ramp at the rear of the Upsall Room is not a proper emergency exit ramp. It was resolved that this should be upgraded to ensure safe exit from the rear of the building should it be necessary. Clerk to get quotations for this work to be carried out.
4. Cllr Sharp reported that the Town Hall Management Committee had held a successful children’s disco plus the very successful village day. They have renewed the music licence and are looking to install Wi-Fi in the building. There are further events planned for later on in the year.
116/18 Cemetery
A tree has been planted in the Cemetery and should not be there as permission was not given for it to be there. Cllr Brotherton will sort out removal of the tree to a more suitable location when the weather is more favourable to its removal.
117/18 Parish matters
a. Reports from committee meetings held since last Council meeting.
Quotation received for Management Committee to cater the Pensioners Xmas party. This will be further discussed at the next committee meeting.
b. Consider purchasing and installing football nets/posts in the park to replace the one removed.
It was resolved not to replace the football nets/posts in the park for the time being.
c. Update on Park Inspections
Spare parts now received and play equipment will be fitted with them in the next week.
d. To consider how to spend additional precept monies with in the Parish.
It was resolved that the ‘idea bashing around the table’ will be done in closed session to allow a true list to be drawn up before residents are asked for their opinions on the suggestions.
e. Update on ‘There but not There’ structure.
This is ongoing as Cllr Bemrose is looking for funding.
f. To consider doing a Neighbourhood Plan
Deferred to next meeting.
g. To consider revamp of existing Town Hall CCTV and to have infrared cameras/motion detectors
Deferred to next meeting
118/18 Reports for Various Bodies
Nil
119/18 Planning applications:
B/18/0230 – Erection of detached double garage at 38 West End Road, Frampton – NO OBJECTIONS
B/18/0039 – Approval of reserved matters (scale, layout, landscaping and appearance) following outline approval B/16/0380 (Erection of up to 195 dwellings including access off Middlegate Road West, public open space and drainage infrastructure) at Land north of Middlegate Road (west) Frampton – NO OBJECTIONS
B/18/0272 – construction of single storey passive house with living green walls at Land at the corner of Burnham Lane and Marsh Lane, Skeldyke – FULL SUPPORT FROM COUNCILLORS
B/18/0222 – Construction of steps and ramp access to entrance doors at Kirton Methodist Church, London Road, Kirton- NO OBJECTIONS
B/18/0226 – Outline planning application to erect single dwelling house and paddock with details of access, with all other matters relating to appearance, landscaping, layout and scale reserved at Leyland, 322A Willington Road, Kirton – EXISTING ACCESS NOT SUITABLE FOR MORE THAN TWO DWELLINGS ON THE PLOT, NOT WITHIN THE VILLAGE ENVELOPE.
B/18/0293 – Construction of a 1 bedroom starter home (class C3) following demolition of a builders storage shed at Land rear of 7 Willington Road, Kirton – WITHIN A CONSERVATION AREA, NOT IN KEEPING WITH A CONSERVATION AREA, PLANS SHOW A SHARED DRIVE WHICH IS VERY NARROW. REQUEST THIS APPLICATION BE SEEN BY PLANNING COMMITTEE FOLLOWING ON FROM RECENT REFUSAL ON SIMILAR APPLICATION AT 52 STATION ROAD.
Planning Decisions:
B/18/0109 – Erection of first floor side extension at The Laurels, Beck Bank, Kirton Holme GRANT
In view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted, it is advisable in the public interest that the press and public be temporarily excluded and they are instructed to withdraw.
Remaining resident left.
120/18 Closed session
1. Town Hall tree quotations were discussed and a contractor agreed upon.
2. The request from Father Paul that the Parish Council pays for the church clock to be fixed in its entirety was discussed and a figure suggested to add to the list for possibilities to spend the additional precept money on
3. There were various suggestions made from councillors with ideas and costs also discussed.
4. The Clerk will draw up a list of the suggestions and costs and circulate to councillors before releasing to the village.
121/18 Date & time of the next Parish Council Meeting
Date & Time of the next Meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 16th August (Christ Church Hall, Kirton Holme) beginning at 7 pm. There being no further business to discuss, the Chairman thanked those in attendance and declared the meeting closed at 9.40pm.
Dated: Chairman: