September 2021 minutes

A meeting of the Property and Finance Committee was held on Monday 27th September 2021 in the Jubilee Hall, High Street, Heighington and commenced at 19:30 hours.

 

Present:               Councillor Sockell (Chairman)

                              Councillor Buckley-Jones

                              Councillor George

                              Councillor Rushby

                              Councillor Pattle

 

Clerk                                                   E Salter               

Responsible Finance Officer        N Briscoe

 

Public Participation

There was one member of the public present.


 

12/G/21              Chairman’s opening remarks and welcome.

The Chairman welcomed those present and thanked them for coming.

 

13/G/21              Apologies, Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensations.

Apologies:  Apologies were received from Councillor Grimshaw.

Declarations of Interest:  There were no Declarations of Interest.

Requests for Dispensations:  There were no Requests for Dispensations.

 

14/G/21              To approve the Clerks notes from the meeting of the Property and Finance Committee on Monday 28th June 2021.

The notes having been distributed beforehand were taken as read and approved as minutes of the meeting.

 

Planning Matters:

  • Tree works received from NKDC.

15/G/21 21/1364/TCA 7A High Street, Heighington, Lincoln. T3/T4/T5 unspecified species – fell. Members considered this application and resolved to leave the matter to the Tree Officers discretion.

 

16/G/21 21/1370/TPO 18 Kenyon Close, Heighington, Lincoln. T1 Beech – reduce overall height and spread by 1-2 meters to clear overhang from property. Reduce spread over neighbouring gardens and reshape crown, reducing over-extended branches back to canopy line. Crown clean out, removing small internal/epicormic growth up to 2.5 metres to open up crown and lesson sail effect on tree Crown lift to 5 metres and remove any significant deadwood: T2 Sycamore – crown lift to 5 metres. Remove smaller suppresses stem to front of the tree. Reduce crown height by2/3metres and reshape to suit. Members considered this application and resolved to leave the matter to the Tree Officers discretion.

 

  • Tree works decision notices received from NKDC.

17/G/21 21/1264/TCA 27 Back Lane, Heighington, Lincoln. T1 Cypresses – reduce from 10m in height to 8m in height; T2 Hornbeam – reduce from 10m in height to 8m in height; T3 Cypresses – reduce from 8m in height to 6m in height. Notification from North Kesteven District Council that a TPO is not required.

 

  • Planning applications received from NKDC.
    • 18/G/21 21/1172/HOUS 8 Millers Close, Heighington, Lincoln. Re-submission of 21/0389/HOUS (Remove existing conservatory and replace with wrap around single storey extension to provide additional living space and small annex) – addition of window to ground floor east elevation. Members considered this application and had no comments to make.

 

  • Planning application decision notices received from NKDC.

19/G/21 20/1247/FUL Poplar Bank Farm, Bardney Road, Heighington. Retrospective planning application for the change of use of agricultural land and retention/completion of trenches and bunds for airsoft leisure use. Notification received from North Kesteven District council that this application has been approved.

 

20/G/21                             Clerk’s report (for information only).

  • The additional works to align the gates at Potterhanworth Road have been carried out at a cost of £280.00.
  • The Memorial clock at St. Thomas’ received its annual service on 2nd August at a nett cost of £115.00.
  • The Legionella testing was carried out at all three sites on 24th August, all tests came back negative.
  • The annual fire extinguisher servicing has been carried out at Jubilee Hall and Potterhanworth Road.
  • Heighington Bowls Club would like to thank the Parish Council following the completion of the annual autumn renovation works to the bowling green.
  • The clerking team have received confirmation from Lindum Construction that works will be carried out at Potterhanworth Road the week commencing 4th October.
  • To note that the Clerk and Chairman met virtually with Fields in Trust to discuss the final step on completing the registration.
  • To note that the community litter pick in conjunction with Heighington Spar will take place on Sunday 10th October, all councillors and residents are invited to attend to support this community event.
  • The new equipment at Station Road is due to be installed the week commencing 11th October.
  • To note that Came and Company Local Council Insurance is rebranding to Gallagher on 4th October 2021.
  • To note that North Kesteven District Council have donated a litter picking kit to the Parish Council.

 

21/G/21                             To receive an update on outstanding maintenance works and projects going forward. The clerk informed members that the refurbishment of the containers at Potterhanworth Road and the repainting of the water hydrants were complete.

An update was given on the following outstanding maintenance works:

Telephone Box

Reflections Glass Group have one more piece of glass to install in the telephone box on the High Street. Members agreed that a solar light should be installed, and it was suggested that the telephone box be used as a community hub for sharing information and the swapping of books, seeds, and plants.

 

Flagpole

Following a discussion with the playground checker regarding the refurbishment of the flagpole the group of residents that previously refurbished the flagpole no longer wish to volunteer due to concerns over safety. A brief discussion took place, and the clerk was tasked with obtaining quotes for refurbishment of the old flagpole and the installation of a new one.

 

Station Road Noticeboard

The new noticeboard which is due to be placed on Station Road has suffered a delay due to the supplier wanting to replace the fittings prior to shipping. (Minute no 8/G/21) Members resolved that the notice board on Canterbury Drive should be removed due to unauthorised use and the difficulty in maintenance due to the overgrown hedge.

 

Stone walls at Jubilee Hall

The clerk is still awaiting a start date for the works to be carried out, the last correspondence suggests November, but no date has been given, the clerk has emailed the builder several times and is awaiting a reply.

 

Bowling Green footpath

The clerk is awaiting a further quotation for the works, this will then be discussed at a subsequent meeting.

 

Projects.

Station Road play equipment

The new equipment is due to be installed the week commencing 11th October. The Clerk informed members that the area will be closed off and suggested that it would be a good opportunity to refurbish the existing play equipment which requires cleaning and painting.  A quotation for the materials had been obtained and members agreed for the work to be carried out.

 

Potterhanworth Road pavilion

The Chairman of the Parish Council informed members that the pavilion on Potterhanworth Road needs refurbishment. Members discussed various options with the possibility of updating the kitchen area. The clerk was asked to obtain quotations for suitable flooring.

 

22/G/21                             To consider the quotation for the installation of an additional CCTV camera at Station Road to monitor the entrance to the recreation ground.

Following the installation of CCTV at Station Road it has become apparent that we need to utilise the fourth port to cover the main gate and bowls club entrance. Following a brief discussion members resolved to use the quotation of £591.60 to install a top mount camera for maximum coverage. There was also some discussion regarding the pavilion use & maintenance over the coming winter months. Members resolved to cease the contractors weekly clean until the bowls season starts next year due to the pavilion not being used over the winter months.

 

23/G/21                             To note the revision to the introduction of the Social Media policy.

Further to minute number 090/M/21 from the Full Council meeting on Monday 13th September 2021, members approved Councillor George’s revision to the social media policy.

 

24/G/21                             To consider the quotations for a winter weed and feed treatment at Potterhanworth Road sports field.

Following the infestation of chafer grubs and the unsuccessful use of nematodes in September 2020 the groundsman has worked the ground using his harrow to improve the playing surface on the football pitch.  The groundsman now suggests that we treat the field with a winter treatment of weed and feed. Two quotations had been obtained and members agreed to use the quotation of £550.00 from Premier Turfing.

 

25/G/21              To consider the quotation to repair the gates & fencing at Almond Avenue play area.                                           

The playground checker alerted the clerking team to the damaged gates and railings at Almond

Avenue, the Clerk had obtained a quotation from On Site Welding Services. Members agreed to use

The quotation providing the railings and gates are Parish Council owned. The Clerk agreed to contact                        

NKDC for clarification over ownership.

 

26/G/21              To receive an update on the half yearly budget.

Councillors were informed the accounts that were distributed prior to the full council meeting on 13th September were the up-to-date accounts. The RFO has no concerns with the council’s financial

position at this time.

 

27/G/21              To discuss the continuation of our current gas contract.

The Parish Council has received notification from ESPO asking us to decide whether we wish to continue participating in the new gas contract commencing 1st April 2023. Members resolved to continue participation.

 

28/G/21              Date of Next meeting.

Monday 6th December 2021.

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:05.

 

 

Signed:                                                                     Date: