November 2024 Extra Ordinary Meeting
KIRTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF AN EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON TUESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2024
Present: Councillors: Cllr D Jarvis, Chair, Cllr C. Astill, Cllr F. Baillie, Cllr A Bowen, Cllr M Elston, Cllr P Head, Cllr Pryke, and Cllr C Rylott.
Also Present: Clerk D. Fairweather.
136-24 TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Cllrs O’Connor and Sohail. All resolved to accept reasons given.
137-24 TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST UNDER THE LOCALISM ACT 2011
None
138-24 TO APPROVE NOTES OF MEETING HELD 5TH NOVEMBER 2024.
Proposed Cllr Elston seconded Cllr Astill that, following a couple of errors, these be accepted as a true copy to be called minutes. Unanimous.
139-24 TO RECEIVE UPDATES FROM CLERK
Notice out for co-option. 3rd December date for residents to choose an election.
Kirton End Defib – a resident had previously attended a meeting for a defib at Kirton End. Received email regarding 50% funding, Claire advised that Kirton Holme’s is at end of life, so put in for two. Total cost £1500 for two, first come first served. They are approx. £1200 if purchased independently but we have not budgeted for it. Cllr Head suggested to make defibrillators the project for fund raising at next years’ picnic in the park. All agreed, but to agree to this quotation in order that in a chance of received one for half price. Cllr Bowen had asked two questions of residents; the main one being feeling safe. Defibrillator falls into that category.
UKSP – communication still poor, Cllr Elston and Clerk working with Heritage Lincolnshire to put together work realm for final expenditure is now £26,140. Clerk gave listing of items suggested with money. All agreed with suggested projects.
Cllr Baillie – gentleman has Christmas tree but will require assistance in moving it. Clerk to arrange a day to give to volunteers. Christmas light switch on 29th November. Children attending.
140-24 FINANCE - TO DISCUSS PRECEPT 2024-2025 & STREETLIGHTS
Cllr Rylott, as Finance Committee member made a statement.
Three areas to manage. Kirton, Kirton End and Kirton Holme, feels financial help should be split as equal as possible on a what is done for one should be done for the other basis. The ideal situation would be having representatives from each village to ascertain their needs.
Clerk is paid for administration and guidance at meetings, should not be involved in tasks in the village which should be down to Councillors. Also, projects which may be of interest to the PC should be brought to the table at first hand without the Clerk doing any, potentially unnecessary, investigations beforehand. It is felt there is too much time spent on emails which the Clerk must deal which again is costing money. Decisions are often last minute, and decisions should be made and adhered to. Example being the EOM meeting regarding Dame Sarah Swift. Decisions made but now amending that decision.
Some work conducted in the village, i.e. hedge trimming, is a waste of money and onward expenditure should be alleviated if possible.
We need the residents to start appreciating the PC and the only way to do that is we all work as a team.
After the finance meeting, many questions came to mind. One concern is we are spending 40% of our precept on wages, so less funds for other tasks in the village. One question being, what are hours of clerk and what is job description and what support is Chair.
Sadly, whilst trying her best to lead Kirton PC forward, someone needs to be leading the Clerk. Hours were increased in 2023, for involvement in community group, is that still relevant.
Should the clerk be at the Town Hall every Friday morning and be approachable to assist the public in any questions they may have? Would be interesting to see if Councillors agree. Is that not part of her role. Chair requested a copy sent to Councillors. Cllr Astill agreed with too few Councillors working for Council, also money being wasted on maintenance work with no Council consultation. Cllr Pryke felt that Council is a public body and not necessarily to do work required to be done.
Precept: proposed Cllr Rylott increase by 10% seconded Cllr Elston. Cllr Pryke, knowing the information of increases from other authorities felt a 10% was too high for the residents of the village. Voting seven for, one against.
Streetlights: to do in one complete transaction, replacing all of them. Seven for – 1 against
141-24 TO RECEIVE UPDATES ON CHRISTMAS MEAL
Chef would like any vegetables the week before please.
Raffle prizes received from two businesses. To approach other businesses.
Ninety tickets sold. As this is more than previous years, should PC offer to contribute? Cllr Rylott suggested we ask, as he may not want a donation.
Pink Papers brief discussion on potential public project. Whilst in support with concerns, Council agreed Chair and Cllr Elston to speak with volunteers.
Date of next meeting 3rd December 2024.