2020 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF KIRTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD at CHRIST CHURCH HALL, KIRTON HOLME 20TH AUGUST 2020.

Present:    Councillors: Cllr I Cole

Councillors: S Watson, P Watson (and Borough), C Brotherton, L O’Connor, M Brookes (County)

Also Present:     Mrs B Buttery – Clerk of the Council

Public Forum

There were no public but a resident did email in some queries he wished to have answered for the public forum: 

1)    Memorial bench – Since it delivery this has been held in the residents workplace.

2) Coop funding - In the meeting taken place in May it was decided that Cllr Lorraine O'Conner should apply for Coop funding.  Was the application made, and if so, was the Council successful?

3) Climbing frame by town Hall - When is the fence going up? 

4) Allotments - in Junes meeting this was going to be investigated, with the possibility of a public consultation. Has any progress been made about this and how much would this initially cost the Parish to both set up and manage?

5)The EGM on 10th August 2020 - Why was the public excluded? 
                    
112/20    Chairman’s comments

Cllr Cole welcomed all to the meeting both to those who were in the room and reported that the ‘zoom’ link was open for anyone who wished to ‘attend the meeting’ virtually.

The Chairman also congratulated Cllr Brookes for his recent appointment to Chairman of the County Council.

113/20    Apologies for absence and reason given

Cllr Austin sent her apologies and reason for absence which was accepted by the Council.

114/20    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 P Watson is on the Boston Borough Planning Committee and will not take part in discussions on planning applications.

Cllr S Watson declared an interest in that her husband, Cllr P Watson is on the planning committee at Boston Borough Council

115/20    Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting

It was resolved that the notes of the meeting held on the 16th July 2020 and the Extraordinary Meeting held on 10th August, previously circulated, should be recorded as the minutes.  

116/20    Police Matters

The Policed were unable to attend the meeting, however, the following information was sent via email to the Clerk who picked it up after the meeting:

20/07/20 – Theft, Kirton Medical Centre – under investigation
24/07/20 – Arson, London Road – 1 arrest, under investigation
26/07/20 – Racially aggravated public order, Costcutter, Boston Road – under investigation
03/08/20 – Theft from motor vehicle, Penny Gardens – under investigation
07/08/20 – Theft of moped, Swift Gardens – under investigation
12/08/20 – Damage to motor vehicle, Keel Drive – under investigation
20/08/20 – Theft of moped, Kings Court – 1 arrest, under investigation

Members asked that the Clerk follow up the restorative justice that was supposed to happen following on from the fire.  Nothing has been done as yet.  

Members have received complaints of drug use in the Churchyard, where youths are gathering from about 4pm until approx. 11pm.  The complaint is that it leaves residents feeling too intimidated to use the footpath through the Churchyard.  

It was resolved that the Clerk should contact the local policing team and also to contact Inspector Harrod to ask for help with these issues.  It was also resolved that the Clerk should put something on Facebook and ask that residents report issues to the police on 101 or on the online form.  Even if no one attends immediately, the incidents are logged and therefore the police will be tasked to such areas where there is deemed to be an issue.

117/20    Viewpoints on questions from members of the public

In response to the points made:

1.    Cllrs P Watson and I Cole will collect the bench and erect it in the War Memorial.  Cllr Cole said he would contact the resident to collect when convenient.

2.    The funding date passed without the Council being successful in its application as Cllr O’Connor could not answer some of the questions on the application form due to the Parish Clerk being off sick.  She said she would try again at next year’s round of applications.

3.    The quotations had not all been received.  One had come through today on the day of the meeting.  This item will be looked at for resolution at the next Parish Council meeting.

4.    The public will be consulted about the actual need/requirement for allotments.  If one can be established then the Parish Council will further this on with enquiries for land in the Parish.  Costings will come at a later date.  Management would ideally be via an allotment committee that would stand alone.

5.    The public were excluded to the items on the agenda only being discussed in a procedural manner.  There were no decisions needed to be made just agreement on an approach to various matters.

It was resolved that the Clerk will email the resident with these answers so that he has them as soon as possible rather than having to wait.

118/20    Matters for the attention of Lincolnshire County Council/Boston Borough Council from/to County/Borough Councillors

Cllr Brookes reported that he and Cllr Austin had met the Flood Risk Manager and the Highways Manager at the sites of previous flooding to try and further on the solutions to the flooding of 2 and 4 years ago.  A feasibility study had been completed at the end of last year but then there were more incidents of flooding throughout the county followed on by Covid which has meant that nothing has gone forward yet.  A potential multi agency scheme has been identified and discussions are taking place with the Black Sluice IDB to develop and design the scheme and then to secure funding and a programme allocation.

Cllr P Watson reported that there had been, in addition to known areas very recent flooding (over the weekend of 16th August) on Willington Road and asked if Cllr Brookes was aware of it.  He wasn’t but urged photos to be uploaded along with reporting it to Fix my street where highways will be made aware. 

Cllr Cole reported that due to the Superfast Broadband Project in Lincolnshire drawing to a close very soon, Kirton Holme was still on ridiculously low speeds.  Cllr Austin in her written report to members said that she would be bringing this up at the Economy Scrutiny Committee which is meeting next month.

Cllr P Watson said that he constantly struggles with his internet and finds virtual meetings nearly impossible. He has had to go to the Borough where he can log onto the WIFI in the Council Offices to attend virtual meetings elsewhere in the building.

Cllr P Watson reported that the planning application for Boston West had been called into committee for decision.  Here it was approved to go ahead, which is felt to be a boost to the area in terms of tourism and jobs. 

He also reported that he had again taken up the bin issue outside Jhay stores and asked Jenny Moore at the Borough Council to have it investigated thoroughly.

Cllr S Watson asked Cllr P Watson to chase up the issues of dog fouling within the village with the Environmental Enforcement Team.  The signage in Dame Sarah Swift Park needed looking at too as residents are still using the Park to exercise their dogs.  Also, the green area to the rear of the Town Hall needs to be looked at with regards to signage and environmental enforcement with it now being a play area.  

Cllr S Watson had asked the Clerk to contact Cllr Austin with regards the signage on Skeldyke Road.  Her reply was: I spoke briefly to Kyra about Skeldyke Road. She remembered the situation and was sure that she had sent the request to the Traffic Regulations section for consideration of a slight extension to the 30-mph zone. As I've said to you recently, this is the "sticking point" as any alterations to speed restrictions, however slight they may seem, have to go through a set process and, if necessary, go through committee if there are any objections.
 
119/20    Finance

1.    Accounts for Payment – as per payment sheet dated August 2020/21 (5 of 12) 

It was resolved unanimously that the payments should be made.

2.    To consider if it should be spent/what to spend on/when to spend the £10000 grant money received

The grant was made to the Cemetery and it was agreed unanimously after a proposal by Cllr Brotherton, that there are going to be some considerable expenses with regards carrying out the findings of the tree report over the next couple of years and the money should go towards that.

3.    To consider the next step with regards to the funds held in United Trust Bank

It was resolved unanimously that the money should be invested for a further 12 months, but the Clerk will make investigations into whether there is a better account with another lender prior to the reinvestment which is due in October.

4.    To consider approval of the Annual Governance Statement and the Annual governance and Accountability Return for 2019/2020

Members approved the Annual Governance Statement and the Annual Governance and Accountability Return for 2019/2020 was signed.  The Clerk will forward this onto the Auditors and put on the website as soon as possible.

120/20    Report from minutes of the previous meeting/Clerk’s report

121/20   Correspondence received which the Council are invited to resolve on

1.   From Kirton Interim Minister, Rev Sue Rose – The PCC has responded regarding the letter sent to them asking for permission for works in the Churchyard.

-   The PCC would like to have a meeting with the Parish Council to discuss all the matters raised prior to anything going ahead.  This will need to wait until after lockdown restrictions have been lifted.

It was resolved that the Clerk should set up a meeting.

2.   Lincolnshire County Council – temporary traffic restriction – King Street (between London Road and a point 60m southeast) – between 17.08.2020 and 25.08.2020 for sewer connection.

3.   Citizens Advice – requesting a donation/grant from the Parish Council

It was resolved to not donate as traditionally the Parish Council will only donate to organisations within the Parish.

4.   Lives – requesting a donation/grant from the Parish Council

It was resolved to not donate as traditionally the Parish Council will only donate to organisations within the Parish

5.   Email from resident requesting the Parish Council do some tree work in the cemetery as a tree is overhanging their property

It was resolved that the tree report will be followed and only maintenance required within the report will be carried out at this time.  Clerk to write to resident and inform them of this.

6.   Email request from property Manager at The Square, Kirton asking for Parish Council’s help to get double yellow lines installed.

Members resolved to approach both the Police and Cllr Austin with regards to this, because even if double yellow lines were installed, they would have to be enforced.  Clerk to write to both the Police and Cllr Austin. To the Police to keep an eye on parking, and to Cllr Austin to take this up on behalf of the Parish Council.

Cllr Brookes left the meeting.

122/20   Town Hall

The Clerk has obtained signs for the Park and the Town Hall play area regarding Covid.  Cllr P Watson will erect them.

123/20   Cemetery

The Clerk has obtained signs for the cemetery regarding Covid.  Cllr Brotherton will erect them.

124/20   Parish Matters

a.   Reports from committee meetings held since last Council meeting

None held

b.   Consider adopting following policies:

i.   Anti-bullying and harassment Policy

ii.   Updated Financial Regulations

iii.   Annual Leave Policy

iv.   Proposed strategy for Grants and Loans

v.   Cemetery and Recreation Areas Terms of Reference

vi.   Consider adopting Terms of Refence for Staffing Committee.

Members resolved to adopt all the Policies and terms of Reference.                    

c.   To consider upcoming domain renewal for website for Neighbourhood Plan.

It was resolved to let it go.  It was resolved that due to the lack of numbers that the Neighbourhood Plan would be put on hold until there are sufficient members to take this up again.

d.   Remembrance Parade 2020

Due to Covid this is something that is not finalised.  The Clerk and the Royal British Legion will follow any guidance as it comes along.

e.   To consider whether to hold zoom meeting for September or physical meeting for Parish Council Meeting on the 17th. 

It was resolved to hold a physical meeting for the next meeting and to advertise as previously and also to hold on Zoom for those who don’t wish to attend physically.

125/20   Reports for Various Bodies

Cllr P Watson reported that due to the heat, the Community Speed Watch session last week had been cancelled, but one had taken place that day.  He asked if there could be a call out for more volunteers.

126/20   Planning applications

B/20/0285 – Listed Building consent for the installation of a built-in cupboard to the first-floor landing at Old Kings Head, 28 High Street, Kirton – NO OBJECTIONS

B/20/0043 – Change of use of land to form an increased curtilage, the erection of a detached and attached garage, single storey and two storey extension, realignment of boundary wall/fence and building alterations at Hazelnut Barn, Kirton Holme Road, Kirton Holme – NO OBJECTIONS

127/20   Date & time of the next Parish Council Meeting

Date & Time of the next Meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 21st May via Zoom and at The Upsall Room, Kirton Town Hall beginning at 7 pm.  There being no further business to discuss, the Chairman thanked those in attendance and declared the meeting closed at 9.42 pm.