December 2022 minutes
The Parish Council meeting was held on Monday 12th December 2022 at 7.00pm in the Jubilee Hall, High Street, Heighington.
Present:
Councillor Buckley-Jones
Councillor Cerrino (arrived at 7:01pm)
Councillor Dziadkiewicz (arrived at 8:20pm)
Councillor George
Councillor Pattle
Councillor Rushby
Councillor Sockell (Chair)
Councillor Sowerby
Councillor Trafford
Clerk – Elaine Atkin
Responsible Finance Officer - Nikki Briscoe
NKDC Councillor Goodwin (arrived at 7:06pm)
Absent:
Councillor Hemlin
NKDC Councillor Tinsley
LCC & NKDC Councillor Carrington
There were 5 members of the public present.
Public Participation
A member of public asked to give a brief background on the Garrett’s Charity, in support of agenda item 7 (minute 140/M/22):
- The charity owns and maintains the Thomas Garrett Heritage Rooms, Chapel of Ease, surrounding gardens and car park
- It was established in 1619
- The Charity would like to refurbish the buildings
- The Parish Council has helped in the past, via a grant which helped to fund a Feasibility Report
- The Charity is now seeking a further grant from the Parish Council, which will be put towards a planning application
There were no other public comments.
2 members of the public left.
134/M/22 To receive apologies for absence, these having been submitted to the Clerk prior to the meeting
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Hemlin and Dziadkiewicz (who was likely to be late).
Apologies were also received from NKDC Councillor Tinsley and LCC and NKDC Councillor Carrington.
135/M/22 To receive Declarations of Interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and receive Requests for Dispensations
There were none.
The Clerk declared an interest in agenda items 25 and 26.
136/M/22 To approve the draft notes of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 14th November 2022 and for the Chairman to sign them as the agreed minutes
It was proposed by Cllr George, seconded by Cllr Pattle and resolved to approve the minutes.
137/M/22 To approve the draft notes of the Property & Finance Committee meeting held on Monday 28th November 2022 and for the Chairman to sign them as the agreed minutes
It was proposed by Cllr Pattle, seconded by Cllr Cerrino and resolved to approve the minutes.
NKDC Cllr Goodwin arrived (7:06pm).
138/M/22 To consider co-option applications for the one councillor vacancy
One co-option application had been received, from Eric Farrington. Eric was invited by the Chair to briefly introduce himself.
It was proposed by Cllr Pattle, seconded by Cllr Rushby and resolved to co-opt Eric onto the council. Eric signed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office form and then joined the meeting.
Financial matters:
139/M/22 To approve the monthly accounts for November, including List of Payments, List of Receipts, Net Position and Bank Reconciliation
The Bank Reconciliation had been checked and signed off by Cllr Trafford prior to the meeting.
It was proposed by Cllr Sockell, seconded by Cllr Buckley-Jones and resolved, to approve the November accounts (List of Payments, List of Receipts, Net Position and Bank Reconciliation).
The bank balances as shared with council were: Unity Trust current account - £90,324.50, Co-op current account - £30,015.24, PSDF (Public Sector Deposit Fund) account - £48,000.00.
140/M/22 To consider a grant application from the Garrett’s Charity
It was proposed by Cllr Buckley-Jones, seconded by Cllr Cerrino and resolved to approve a grant of £1,000 to the Garrett’s charity.
This grant has been awarded under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.
141/M/22 To note the intermediate Internal Audit report for 2022-23
The intermediate Internal Audit was noted, and thanks were given to the RFO for the robust management of council finances.
142/M/22 To approve the following documents:
a. Revised Financial Regulations
It was proposed by Cllr Buckley-Jones, seconded by Cllr George and resolved to approve the Financial Regulations.
b. Absence Policy
It was agreed to defer this item to closed session due to staffing implications.
143/M/22 To consider purchase of a solar-powered speed sign (for a fixed location) and clarify how this would be funded
Details of a potential solar-powered speed sign and indicative costs were shared. This is not currently in the budget and so funding options would need to be investigated. Cllr George agreed to do further investigation and to report back to February Full Council.
144/M/22 To note the Asbestos Reports for the Jubilee Hall and for Potterhanworth Road pavilion
Both asbestos reports were noted. The clerk noted these will be shared with any contractors working at the premises.
145/M/22 To consider two requests from Heighington Cricket Club in respect of the Potterhanworth Road sports ground
A request had been received from Heighington Cricket Club for:
- Permission to lay a water supply from the changing room, connecting to pop-up sprinklers or a lockable stop tap on the cricket square
- Permission to erect a storage facility for a ride on roller and ride on mower
A representative of the Cricket Club was present and clarified that the Cricket Club would fund these items. Questions were raised by council regarding ongoing maintenance. The council would require installation of a separate water meter, to ensure that sewerage charges don’t have to be paid. Planning permission may also be required for the storage facility.
It was proposed by Cllr George, seconded by Cllr Trafford, and resolved to agree to both requests in principle and the Cricket Club were asked to do further feasibility investigation and report back to council at a future meeting.
The Chair swapped agenda items 13 and 14 around.
146/M/22 To receive an update on the state of the recreation grass areas
Cllr Trafford had prepared a report in conjunction with the Bowls Club, explaining the Chafer bug issue and potential options.
The Chafer bugs have now invaded Almond Avenue play area, lower field at Potterhanworth Road sports ground, Station Road recreation area, and they have penetrated the banking in the bowls compound but not the bowls green as yet. If the bugs were to get onto the bowls green, and the crows dig them up, once the grass has been completely destroyed, the only option is to dig it up, lay new topsoil, roll and re-seed.
There are limited chemical options available, but their use is heavily restricted, and we would not be able to use them due to these being public areas. The only real option open to the council is a preventative measure using Pathogenic Nematodes (although this is not guaranteed to stop the bugs). A double application of Nematodes on the bowls green would cost an estimated £744 (including VAT).
Cllr Trafford declared an interest as a member of the Bowls Club.
The update was received, and the Clerk was asked to put this on the agenda for January’s Full Council for further discussion, to agree which areas to focus on, and review who should pay.
One member of the public left at this point (7:50pm).
147/M/22 To consider an opportunity from Better (www.better.org.uk) in conjunction with North Kesteven District Council to run a free health check and potential gentle exercise class, for residents
It was proposed by Cllr George, seconded by Cllrs Rushby and resolved to offer the Jubilee Hall for this session, potentially during Village Halls week in January.
148/M/22 To receive an update on actions from last year’s annual play inspections
The update was shared with council.
It was proposed by Cllr Cerrino, seconded by Cllr Sowerby and resolved, to investigate commissioning a play repair company to address those items identified in the annual play inspections as ‘moderate’ risk. This would ensure that any repairs are guaranteed. Council would then need to ensure there is a rolling programme of maintenance in place for the play equipment.
149/M/22 To receive an update on the flagpole replacement progress
The flagpole planning application is now in with NKDC and a decision is expected by 30th January. The update was noted.
150/M/22 To receive an update on the Zero Carbon Parishes project
Cllr Buckley-Jones gave the following update:
- We are waiting for the LED lighting replacement work at the Jubilee Hall to be scheduled in
- An initial Repair Café meeting has been arranged for Saturday 14th January at 10:00am at the Jubilee Hall, to gauge the level of interest, with a view to taking this forward
- We plan to install water butts at the Jubilee Hall and Station Road pavilion
- We hope to progress bird and bat boxes
- Once the LED lighting has been funded, we can determine how much of the £5,000 Zero Carbon Parishes grant is left and then agree what else to fund
- The deadline for spending the grant has now been extended to March 2024
The update was noted.
Planning Matters and Tree Works:
151/M/22 To consider tree works applications received from NKDC
a. No applications received.
152/M/22 To note tree decision notices from NKDC
a. 22/1580/TPO. Lime tree – crown lift by 4 metres, crown clearout and reduce spread over garden area, Northwest/west/southwest elevations; T1/T2 as per order N732 Silver Birch Trees – crown lift to 6 metres and reduce overall height & spread by ½ metres back to suitable points. **Separate notification needs to be submitted for conservation area trees for all works included on application not listed above**. 2 The Old Stackyard, Heighington, LN4 1RF. TPO works approved.
b. 222/1600/TCA. T1 Hawthorn tree – prune clear of property up to 2 metres; G1 small tree group on driveway – prune round up to 1 metre. 2 the Old stackyard, Heighington, LN4 1RF. TPO not required.
The decisions were noted.
153/M/22 To consider planning application received from NKDC
a. 22/1671/HOUS. Erection of conservatory (retrospective). 31 Almond Avenue, Heighington, LN4 1JW.
b. 22/1675/LDPRO. Single storey rear extension. 17 Garratt Close, Heighington, LN4 1RN.
Council had no comments/objections on these applications.
154/M/22 To note planning decision notices from NKDC
a. 22/1536/PNMAT. Application for a non-material minor amendment (reduce size of extension with flat roof) of 22/1137/HOUS – Demolition of study/entrance to rear and erection of single storey extensions to the front and rear of the dwelling. 97 Washingborough Road, Heighington, LN4 1QP. Prior approval not required.
The NKDC planning decisions were noted.
155/M/22 To receive reports from County and District Councillors (for information only)
Update from County Councillor Carrington:
No update was received.
Update from NKDC Councillor Tinsley:
Covid
Data as at date shown:
- England 54 (3 Dec) positive tests per 100,000 compared to 54 (Nov)
- Heighington area 34 (3 Dec) compared to 46 (Nov)
- Washingborough & Canwick area – less than 3 (3 Dec) compared to 90 (Nov)
Letter from King Charles III
In response to a condolence letter sent on behalf of the Council and District to the King on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the following letter has been received:
“It was so very kind of you to send me such a wonderfully generous message following the death of my beloved mother. Your most thoughtful words are enormously comforting and I cannot tell you how deeply they are appreciated at this time of immense sorrow”.
Cost of Living Crisis
The latest edition of NewsNK has been despatched this week. It includes important information on the Cost of Living Crisis including;
- Financial advice – available benefits, reliable financial advice and loan shark awareness.
- Community Warm Spaces – www.warmwelcome.uk
- Ways to stay healthy for free or at low cost.
- Advice and information via the Council’s Social Media channels - https://twitter.com/NorthKestevenDC?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Anti-Social Behaviour – Community Trigger
Persistent or repeated acts of anti-social behaviour can have a debilitating impact on victims and the cumulative impact of such incidents over a period of time can be underestimated.
NKDC has reaffirmed its commitment to the Community Trigger process which protects victims by providing the right to request a formal review of a case. This process requires a Threshold to be met and in Lincolnshire this comprises:
The victim has reported three separate, but related incidents (within 30 days of taking place) to either the district council, police, or registered housing providers within the previous 6-month period and feel no effective action has been taken to resolve the ASB which persists.
Additionally, the District Council Community Safety Manager/Police Inspector can activate the trigger where they feel it is necessary to safeguard a vulnerable victim of ASB.
Further details on this issue can be found at https://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/residents/living-in-your-area/community-safety/anti-social-behaviour/the-anti-social-behaviour-case-review-community-trigger/
Christmas Cyber Campaign
The National Cyber Security Centre has launched its Christmas Cyber Aware campaign. It promotes three key behaviours for the public:
- Protect you accounts: Use three random word passwords and set up 2-step verification for your email.
- Check before you buy: Research online retailers to check that they are legitimate. Read feedback from people or organisations that you trust, such as consumer websites.
- Report suspicious activity: Forward texts to 7726 and suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk; and report websites via Action Fraud https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Individuals who think they have been a victim of fraud should contact their bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Your District Councillors’ wish all Parish Councillors and Residents a very safe and enjoyable Christmas!
NDKC Cllr Goodwin was asked if she could get an update form Cllr Carrington on some of the traffic issues which had been flagged up on his recent walk-around.
The remaining member of public and NKDC Cllr Goodwin left at this point (8:15pm).
156/M/22 CLOSED SESSION. To resolve to move into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 for the following staffing and sensitive item(s) on the grounds that publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
It was proposed by Cllr George, seconded by Cllr Pattle and resolved to move into closed session.
157/M/22 To approve a recommendation from Property & Finance Committee regarding the draft budget for 2023-24, with the final budget and precept figures to be agreed in January, following issue of the updated NKDC precept calculator.
It was proposed by Cllr Pattle, seconded by Cllr George and resolved that the draft budget for 2023-24 should be an increase of 9% on Band D properties, which approximates to £102,700, noting that this figure may change once the final NKDC precept calculator has been received.
Cllr Dziadkiewicz arrived at this point (8:20pm). The Clerk and RFO left the room.
158/M/22 To ratify recommendations regarding employment matters
It was proposed by Cllr Buckley-Jones, seconded by Cllr Sowerby and resolved to ratify various employment recommendations and for appropriate contract variations to be issued.
159/M/22 To ratify a recommendation regarding the Clerk’s probationary period
It was proposed by Cllr George, seconded by Cllr Pattle and resolved to ratify successful completion of the Clerk’s probationary period.
160/M/22 To approve the following documents:
a. Absence Policy
(Agenda item moved from open session).
A number of revisions were requested, and the Employment Committee agreed to review this document further and bring it back to February’s Full Council for review.
The meeting closed at 8:47pm.
Please be advised that these are notes of the meeting taken by the Clerk and cannot in any way be regarded as the official minutes of Council proceedings until they are approved and signed at the next meeting.