September 2023 minutes
The Parish Council meeting was held on Monday 11th September 2023 at 7.00pm in the Jubilee Hall, High Street, Heighington.
Present:
Councillor Buckley-Jones
Councillor Catlow
Councillor Catterson
Councillor Farrington
Councillor Rushby (Vice Chair)
Councillor Sockell (Chair)
Councillor Sowerby
Councillor Trafford
Clerk – Elaine Atkin
NKDC Councillor Reece Harrington
NKDC Councillor Carola Goodwin (arrived 7:34pm)
NKDC & LCC Councillor Ian Carrington
Absent:
Councillor Watkinson
Councillor George
Responsible Finance Officer - Nikki Briscoe
There were 2 members of the public present.
Public participation
There were no comments or questions.
086/M/23 To receive apologies for absence, these having been submitted to the Clerk prior to the meeting
Apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Watkinson and from the RFO.
087/M/23 To receive Declarations of Interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and receive Requests for Dispensations
There were none.
088/M/23 To approve the draft notes of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 10th July 2023 for these to be signed as the agreed minutes
It was proposed by Cllr Farrington, seconded by Cllr Catterson and resolved to approve the Parish Council minutes, which the Chair duly signed.
089/M/23 To receive reports from County and District Councillors (for information only)
Update reports were received from Cllr Carrington (LCC & NKDC) and Cllr Harrington (NKDC).
In summary:
- NKDC own Lafford Homes, with the latest development being six new affordable homes in Holdingham.
- NKDC Chairman visited the Lincolnshire Airsoft Club, which hosted an inaugural event tailored for wheelchair users.
- NKDC have submitted proposals for the transformation of Sleaford’s Market Place into an enhanced public space.
- NHS have launched a free East Midlands Gambling Harms Service, administered by the Derbyshire NHS Foundation Trust, and accepting self-referral or referral from a healthcare professional.
- The Motive-8 Challenge has been launched and runs from 21 – 29 September. The challenge encourages participants to take up and sustain healthy habits to stay active, motivated, refreshed and engaged.
- Cllr Harrington was recently voted Chair of LALC (Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils).
- LCC have been aware of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) for many years and following a survey of all its schools, has only identified one possible problem in the south of the county. LCC are also working with local academies to determine whether there are any potential RAAC issues in their building stock.
- There has been little progress made regarding devolution.
- A recent LCC energy report highlighted failings in the electricity grid which could impact the local economy.
- LCC Highways have received funding from central government, topped up by its own reserves, for road repairs in the county.
- Cllr Carrington has been chasing proper top dressing for the High Street in Heighington following the recent road works.
- LCC have put a design in place to improve the Pitts Road/Sheepwash Lane junction, specifically on the approach to the junction from Pitts Road. The design is currently being verified and will then have to go to the Capital Works Committee, before it can be agreed for the work programme. No timescales can be confirmed at the moment.
090/M/23 To note the list of correspondence and meetings since the July council meeting
This was noted.
091/M/23 To note the resignation of Angie Hemlin in July and NKDC confirmation that this vacancy can be filled by co-option
This was noted.
092/M/23 To consider co-option application(s) received
Two co-option applications had been received and both candidates were present. The Chair explained that there was only one vacancy available, and council would have to vote on the applicants.
The Chair asked if councillors wanted to move into closed session to discuss the applications and this was proposed by Cllr Farrington, seconded by Cllr Catlow, and resolved.
The two members of the public and NKDC Cllrs Harrington and Carrington left the room (7:25pm).
Following a discussion amongst councillors, the Chair re-opened the meeting and the two members of the public and NKDC Cllr Harrington returned (7:32pm), NKDC Cllr Carrington having left.
The Chair invited each candidate in turn to say a little about themselves and why they wanted to join the council.
NKDC Cllr Goodwin arrived (7:34pm).
The Chair then asked councillors to vote for the first candidate, Sarah Craig – 8 votes were received. Councillors were then asked to vote for the second candidate, George Dziadkiewicz – no votes were received.
It was then proposed by Cllr Rushby, seconded by Cllr Trafford and resolved to co-opt Sarah Craig onto the council. Sarah signed her Declaration of Acceptance of Office and joined the meeting.
Financial matters:
093/M/23 To approve the monthly accounts for July and August, including List of Payments, List of receipts, Net Position and Bank Reconciliation
The RFO had confirmed that the July bank reconciliation had been approved by Cllr Buckley-Jones and the August bank reconciliation had been approved by Cllr Sockell prior to the meeting.
The bank balances as shared with council for August 2023 were: Unity Trust current account - £62,614, Co-op current account - £30015.24, PSDF (Public Sector Deposit Fund account) - £48,000.
It was proposed by Cllr Sockell, seconded by Cllr Catlow and resolved to approve the monthly accounts for July and August.
094/M/23 To note overtime worked in June, paid in July, and also overtime worked in July, and paid in August
The overtime report was noted.
095/M/23 To note the setup of a monthly direct debit covering the O2 payments for the mobile broadband for Station Road (as per minute reference 085/M/23)
The monthly payment of £19.62 plus VAT was noted.
096/M/23 To note the external audit report from PKF Littlejohn
The external audit report was noted, including the comment regarding the asset updates which had been flagged up by our internal audit and which is currently being addressed. Council recorded thanks to the RFO.
097/M/23 To agree to continue with the LALC Internal Auditor service for 2023-24
This was proposed by Cllr Catterson, seconded by Cllr Farrington and resolved.
098/M/23 To note decisions taken under powers delegated to the Clerk/RFO in conjunction with the Chair/Vice Chair, as per July Full Council meeting (minute reference 073/M/23), with there being no meeting in August.
Council noted the following decisions taken under delegated powers:
a. Purchase of surplus rotating book display from Saxilby with Ingleby Parish Council library, for £45 plus VAT. As agreed by the Clerk, RFO and Chair.
b. Decision to commission EKM Ltd for replacement of the universal joint and shackles for the cantilever swing at Almond Avenue (Health & Safety matter), at a cost of £1821.95 plus VAT. As agreed by the Clerk, RFO and Chair.
Planning Matters and Tree Works:
099/M/23 To consider tree works applications received from NKDC
a. 23/0980/TPO. T3 Maple – Reduce back to boundary on Hudsons Lane side including height and canopy by approximately 3m. Crown thinning by up to 30%. 18 Park Lane, Heighington, LN4 1RF.
Council had no comments.
b. 23/0984/TCA. (Intended works to trees in a Conservation Area). T1 Whitebeam – Crown reduction by approximately 2m. Crown thinning by no more than 30%. T2 Lime – Crown reduction and height reduction by 3m. Crown thinning by no more than 30%. 18 Park Lane, Heighington, LN4 1RF.
Council had no comments.
100/M/23 To note tree decision notices from NKDC
None received.
101/M/23 To note the planning applications received from NKDC and considered offline as comments were required before the next scheduled meeting
a. 23/0387/FUL. Demolition of an existing bungalow and erection of three detached houses. The Willows, 36 Park Lane, Heighington. New Flood Risk Report received.
Noted that Council’s objection to this application had been submitted.
b. 23/0977/FUL – Erection of 5.no detached two storey dwellings and 2.no affordable dwellings, with associated garaging including formation of associated access road and junction with Fen Road and provision of footway connection. Land at Holmleigh, Fen Road, Heighington. Amended plans submitted.
Council’s objections had previously been submitted – no further comments as a result of the amended plans.
c. 23/0764/LBC. Proposed internal alterations to create two additional bathrooms. Albert House, 6 High Street, Heighington. Application for Listed Building Consent.
No objections.
102/M/23 To note planning decision notices from NKDC
a. 23/0379/HOUS. Demolition of existing utility room and erection of side and rear single storey extensions. 15 Daniel Crescent, Heighington. Approved.
b. 23/0692/HOUS. Demolition of existing garage and porch, erection of single storey fron flat roofed extension. 5 Fen View, Heighington. Approved.
Cllr Catterson declared a retrospective interest in this application, as a neighbour.
The planning decisions were noted.
103/M/23 To ratify Cllr Watkinson’s membership of the Employment Committee
This was proposed by Cllr Catlow, seconded by Cllr Trafford and resolved.
104/M/23 To review the Disciplinary Policy and Grant Awarding Policy
It was proposed by Cllr Rushby, seconded by Cllr Buckley-Jones and resolved to approve the Disciplinary Policy, and for the Grant Awarding Policy to be deferred to the next meeting as it was not yet ready.
105/M/23 To review the Risk Register amber items (as per May meeting, minute reference 026/M/23)
The Risk Register amber items had been reviewed. Those risks remaining at amber had been categorised as relating to councillor training, public engagement, grants/additional income, asset management. It was noted that whilst councillor training was not mandatory, a basic level of training was strongly recommended, and the Clerk could explore alternative methods of delivering training to councillors, such as the delivery of short bespoke sessions immediately prior to a council meeting. The other amber risk categories were currently being addressed and it was hoped that some of these could move to green status in the future.
106/M/23 To receive an update on the Zero Carbon Parishes project
Cllr Buckley-Jones provided the following update:
- The bulbs are due to arrive soon
- We’re unable to get new Jubilee Hall blinds under the Zero Carbon Parishes grant due to the restrictions imposed by the Police on keeping the blinds partially open (and so negating the thermal properties of closed blinds)
- As an alternative we can look at funding of improved loft insulation for Station Road – the office will obtain quotes
- We still need to get the water butts and cycle racks installed
- Cllr Sowerby will chase up delivery of the trees
- Once we know the delivery date we can organise a community planting event for the trees and bulbs – various community groups have already been engaged
107/M/23 To receive the latest update regarding Chafer bugs on council land (standing agenda item)
Cllr Trafford confirmed that the ground appears to be alright at the moment. The Nematodes for the bowls green have been ordered and will be applied after the autumn renovation.
District councillors Harrington and Goodwin, and one member of the public left the meeting (8:07pm).
108/M/23 CLOSED SESSION. To resolve to move into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 for the following items 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 Rushby, seconded by Cllr Catterson and resolved to move into closed session.
109/M/23 To consider a proposal for tennis coaching at Station Road
It was proposed by Cllr Farrington, seconded by Cllr Rushby and resolved to accept a proposal from Bassline Tennis to run ad-hoc tennis lessons and also run weekday after-school tennis coaching sessions for children (April to October). This will be subject to due diligence to confirm the coach’s public liability insurance, DBS and safeguarding procedures. Access to the toilets in the pavilion will be required. It was noted that the free play tennis for residents should not be adversely affected.
110/M/23 To consider quotes for replacement blinds at the Jubilee Hall
Following a detailed discussion on the merits of replacing all the blinds, it was proposed by Cllr Farrington, seconded by Cllr Catlow and resolved to only replace the blinds on the inner door from the front porch, and those in the kitchen, and that these should be in a matching colour to the current blinds. Dobbs Blind Makers Ltd was the chosen supplier and this will be funded from reserves.
111/M/23 To consider quotes for replacing a failing window in the Jubilee Hall kitchen
It was proposed by Cllr Sowerby, seconded by Cllr Buckley-Jones and resolved to go with the quote from Windoworx for £473.92 plus VAT.
The meeting closed at 8:24 pm.
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.
Correspondence and meetings since the July meeting