Download GREAT HALE PARISH COUNCIL

GREAT HALE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 4th March 2013 at Hale Magna Village Hall,
Great Hale.
PRESENT: Councillor Mrs V Kemmett
Councillor Mr M Barnatt
Councillor Mrs E White
Councillor Mr J Cope
Councillor Mr M Prior
Councillor Mr N Turner
Also District Councillor S Ogden and the Clerk Mrs S Tarry, also in her role as District Councillor.
No members of the public attended the Open Forum. The meeting opened at 7.00pm.
1.
CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS
The Chairman Cllr Mrs V Kemmett welcomed everybody to the meeting and hoped everyone was
well.
2.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received and the reason given accepted by the Council from Councillor Mr N
Read.
3.
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS AND WRITTEN REQUESTS FOR NEW
DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTEREST (DPI) DISPENSATIONS
Cllr Mrs E White and Cllr M Barnatt declared a personal interest in agenda item 8.11 Triton Knoll
Offshore Wind Farm Onshore Electrical Infrastructure Consultation in respect of an onshore
electricity substation by reason of having a possible future interest in the development due to
having land in the vicinity of one of the proposed sites.
Cllr Mrs V Kemmett advised that she had taken advice from the Deputy Monitoring Officer at
NKDC in respect of planning application 13/0096/FUL due to knowing the applicant. Cllr Mrs
Kemmett advised that she can talk about the application and vote on it if she wants to, but she has
decided not to take part in any vote due to her position as Chairman of the Parish Council.
No applications for a disclosable pecuniary interest dispensation were received.
4.
TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 4th
FEBRUARY 2013
The Chairman Cllr Mrs V Kemmett asked if the minutes of the last meeting held on Monday 4th
February 2013 could be signed as a true and correct copy. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs E White,
seconded by Cllr M Prior and agreed by those eligible to vote that the minutes were correct
[2013/11]. The minutes were duly signed by the Chairman Cllr Mrs V Kemmett.
5.
CLERK’S REPORT ON MATTERS OUTSTANDING
The Clerk advised that the website needs updating. The Clerk advised that a review of
effectiveness of internal audit needs to be carried out every year. Arrangements are to be made in
the near future for a meeting between Cllr Mrs V Kemmett (Chairman of the Parish Council), Cllr
M Prior (Responsible Financial Officer), Mrs A Bourne (Internal Auditor) and the Clerk. An
update in respect of the review to be provided to members at the April meeting.
6.
REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES
A written report from County Cllr B Young in respect of Heckington Railway Crossing was
deferred until agenda item 12.
7.
ORCHARD GREEN MATTERS
7.1. No grass cutting was carried out in February. Request to be made for the play area and
churchyard to be cut once in March. A copy of the grass cutting contractor’s insurance
documentation has been received. One further query is to be raised regarding the wording in
respect of the play area.
7.2. Play area inspections in February were carried out by Cllr M Prior. He reported that there was
a small amount of litter; the grass is in need of cutting and the play equipment needs
cleaning. Cllr M Prior reported that it was pleasing to see the 5-a-side-goal posts being used
properly for a game of football. Play area inspections in March to be carried out by Cllr J
Cope.
7.3. Confirmation of the annual play area inspection by Wicksteed Leisure Ltd has been received.
It is due to be carried out at the end of July/beginning of August.
7.4. Arrangements are to be made in the near future for a tidy up of the play area. This will include
cutting back of the briars and cleaning of the play equipment.
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7.5. Cllr Mrs V Kemmett advised that a dog poo fairy sticker has been put on the dog bin by the
play area.
8.
GROUNDS MATTERS
8.1. A litter pick was carried out on Thursday 21 st February by Cllr M Prior and two parishioners.
Quite a lot of rubbish was collected and it was noted that a number of dog poo bags were left
on the ground or hung up on branches. The date of the next litter pick is Thursday 21st March.
8.2. Three quotes have been received in respect of the repairs to the notice board at the corner of
Church Street and Little Hale Road. Cllr M Prior declared a personal interest by reason of
knowing one of the joiners well, and it was noted that one of the other joiners was well
known to most members. Following consideration of the quotes it was proposed by Cllr Mrs
V Kemmett seconded by Cllr M Barnatt and agreed by three members to appoint J.E. Severs
Joinery to carry out the repair to the notice board. One member abstained from voting
[2013/12].
8.3. Highways have advised that the dangerous hole in the middle of the footpath in Leas Road is
due to be repaired, and the manhole cover replaced on Wednesday 6th March providing the
contractors do not get called away for emergency works.
8.4. The ‘No Cold Callers’ stickers for individual properties have been received from Trading
Standards.
8.5. The fly tipping by the roadside, beyond Great Hale Drove No.1 Level Crossing, has been
collected by NKDC.
8.6. The rubbish along the roadside, near the cemetery, on the B1394 has been removed.
8.7. Highways have advised that the street light in Church Street has been repaired. A street light
in King’s Lane has been reported again following notification from a parishioner that it was
not working. Highways have advised that it is not a straight forward job and the expected
completion date for the repair is Wednesday 5 th March.
8.8. Members considered a letter from a parishioner in respect of two trees in the churchyard.
Members in agreement that they would not agree to the trees being felled and the
parishioner’s reference to one of the trees being dead was queried by members as an
inspection of this tree has shown green shoots appearing. Due to the parishioner stating he
would be prepared to fund the tree work request to be made for the parishioner to provide a
schedule of works from a qualified tree surgeon and for it then to be forwarded onto the
Church authorities.
8.9. The two overhanging trees, one by the electricity substation and overhanging the footpath and
the other one further along, beside the B1394 have been cut back.
8.10. The dog poo fairy stickers have been received from Keep Britain Tidy. They are larger than
expected but one has been placed on each dog bin and the litter bin. The aim is for the
stickers to be distributed around the village if possible.
8.11. Notification has been received from RWE npower renewables regarding the Triton Knoll
Offshore Wind Farm and the onshore infrastructure consultation in respect of an onshore
electricity substation. Members commented that if the substation was built at Great Hale Fen
traffic and access would be a major issue, but more information was required to comment
fully. Cllr Mrs E White and Cllr M Barnatt to attend a public exhibition event at Swineshead
Village Hall.
8.12. Cllr N Turner advised that he had called, unsuccessfully, on a number of occasions at a
property on the High Street to speak to the parishioner in respect of the overhanging
vegetation from his garden. Letter to be sent to the parishioner advising that unsuccessful
attempts have been made to contact him and request that vegetation (ivy, lilac) overhanging
the footpath is cut back by the end of March otherwise the matter will be referred to LCC
Highways.
8.13. Cllr M Prior reported that the churchyard is in need of a tidy up. Item to be placed on April’s
agenda.
9.
PLANNING MATTERS
9.1. Two planning applications were received.
13/0039/HOUS Proposal: Erection of two storey side extension. Location: 46 Leas Road,
Great Hale, Sleaford NG34 9LP. Following consideration of the planning application
members in agreement that clarification is requested in respect of the boundary treatments
(eastern and northern) at the site and consideration is given to the local detailing of the lintels
so they are in keeping with the rest of the village.
13/0096/FUL Proposal: Demolition of dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling with
off street parking. Location: 50 Grove Street, Great Hale, Sleaford, NG34 9JZ. Following
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consideration of the planning application no objections were raised. It was noted that the
application states the location as 50 Grove Street although the Parish Council believe it to be
50 Leas Road. Cllr N Turner also raised concern that he was not able to locate the public
planning notice. NKDC to be advised accordingly.
9.2. Notification of one approval was received: 13/0001/HOUS Proposal: Erection of detached
double garage and store. Location: Mastins Farmhouse, Great Hale Drove, Great Hale,
Sleaford, NG34 9LS.
9.3. Notification of NKDC Planning Committee consideration has been received in respect of
13/0051/HOUS Proposal: Erection of single storey front extension to form attached double
garage, erection of porch to front of dwelling, erection of conservatory to rear of dwelling
and construction of flat roof dormer to rear (resubmission of 12/0631/HOUS) Location: 26
Grove Street, Great Hale, Sleaford. The planning committee meeting is being held on
Tuesday 12th March and Cllr N Turner is to be registered as the Parish Council’s speaker.
District Cllr S Ogden left the meeting at 8.22pm.
10. FINANCIAL MATTERS
10.1. Interest was credited as follows: £0.11 (11/02/13) to the Business Instant Access Account as
per bank statement dated 22/02/13. Current bank balances – Treasurers Account £3.70 as per
bank statement dated 26/02/13. No cheques are outstanding as at statement date. Balance of
Business Instant Access Account £1917.51 as per bank statement dated 22/02/13. Scottish
Widows Bank plc A/C £6077.84. Total balance: £3.70 + £1917.51 + £6077.84 = £7999.05
Four cheques were presented for authorisation and signature.
000695 £36.00 Hale Magna Village Hall – Hire of Meeting Room
000696 £511.70 S C Tarry – Salary – 01/01/13 – 31/03/13
000697 £214.80 Smith of Derby Ltd – Annual Clock Service
000698 £12.50 S C Tarry – Clerk’s Expenses – 01/12/12 – 28/02/13
A transfer of £775.00 to be made from the Business Instant Access Account to the Treasurers
Account to cover the payments. Proposed by Cllr M Prior, seconded by Cllr N Turner and
agreed unanimously [2013/13]. A financial statement detailing the above information and
two bank statements were duly signed by the Chairman Cllr Mrs V Kemmett.
10.2. Following consideration of the offer of a price freeze from Smith of Derby Ltd in respect of
the servicing of the church clock for the next three years (i.e. three years of servicing – 2014,
2015, 2016 at the 2013 price) it was proposed by Cllr M Prior seconded by Cllr Mrs V
Kemmett and agreed unanimously to apply for the price freeze. [2013/14].
10.3. Information in respect of subscribing to the LALC Annual Training Scheme was noted by
members.
10.4. Information from HMRC in respect of the changes to the way PAYE is reported wef April
2013 was noted by members.
11. HIGHWAYS MATTERS
11.1. Notification has not yet been received that an inspection of Great Hale Public Footpath No 2
has been carried out.
11.2. Repairs to the pot holes and disintegrating carriageway edge from Poplar Farm down to Last
Farm have been carried out.
11.3. There is still a direction sign at the junction of Grove Street/Little Hale Road which has not
been replaced.
11.4. The pot holes along Chapel Lane have not yet been filled in.
11.5. The rutted carriageway edge on Leas Road near to the dog bin has not yet been filled in.
11.6. Only some of the pot holes reported have been filled.
11.7. Verbal notification has been received from Highways that slurry seal work is to be carried
out on the High Street footpath and Magna Crescent footpath when the warmer weather
comes. It is understood that the residents in the vicinity of the work will be notified.
11.8. An email has been received from Highways requesting the Parish Council reconfirm that it
will be taking on the amenity grass cutting in 2013. Confirmation to be duly given.
12. HECKINGTON RAILWAY CROSSING
A written update was received from County Councillor B Young in respect of the railway crossing
advising that, in response to a letter he had written to the CEO of Network Rail, a reply has been
received advising that it has been forwarded to the company’s Head of Level Crossings who will
conduct an investigation. A site inspection by Mr R Smith, Area Highways Manager, accompanied
by Cllr Young has also been carried out and Mr Smith will now be liaising with Network Rail as to
how and when the necessary work should be carried out. Cllr Young has advised that
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responsibility for rectifying the problem rests partly with Network Rail and partly with LCC and
he is looking for a co-ordinated approach which will produce a lasting solution.
13. NKDC: PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING RENEWAL STRATEGY CONSULTATION
NKDC’s Private Sector Housing Renewal Strategy Consultation was noted by members. No
comments were made.
14. PARISH CLOCK AND CLOCK WINDER .
A query has been raised in respect of the insurance and employment position of the clock winder
taking into account that the Parish Council is now registered with HMRC as an employee. Advice
to be obtained from LALC (Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils) and the Parish Council’s
insurers.
15. THE CLERK’S CONTRACT - AMENDMENTS
An updated version of the Clerk’s contract with amendments in respect of place of work, hours of
work, frequency of pay and salary scale was provided to members prior to the meeting for
consideration. The updated version was duly signed by the Chairman Cllr Mrs V Kemmett and the
Clerk.
16. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION AND NON AGENDA CORRESPONDENCE
Cllr M Prior advised that he has resigned from the St John the Baptist Church Parochial Church
Council due to the Chancel Repair Liability issue.
LINCOLNSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS
 Notification of LALC AGM 15/10/13 – Coningsby Community Hall
 Notification of Section 137 figure for 2013/14
 Quality Council Scheme – Review update
 Via LALC: NALC Policy Briefing - Commons political and constitutional reform cttee
publishes central/local report
 Via LALC: Community Learning in Rural Areas
 Via LALC: NALC Allotment garden tenancy agreement
 Via LALC: Onlincolnshire – Onlincolnshire Digital Conference
NORTH KESTEVEN DISTRICT COUNCIL
 LCC Elections – 2/5/13 – request to display notices
BRITISH RED CROSS
 First Call Service Working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support
COMMUNITY LINCS
 Wdl of support to CPRE for delivery of Best Kept Village and Market Town Competition
SLEAFORD AND DISTRICT NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
 Request for parish council to join initiative and display posters etc (members were happy to
join the initiative and an acknowledgment to be duly sent)
CLERKS AND COUNCILS DIRECT
 March 2013
NHS BLOOD AND TRANPLANT
 Notification of blood donor sessions
17. MATTERS FOR THE NEXT MEETING
Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Onshore Electrical Infrastructure Consultation – possible
onshore electricity substation at Great Hale Fen
Churchyard tidy up
Clock winder – insurance and employment position
18. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 8th April 2013, 7.30pm at Hale Magna Village Hall, Great Hale.
The Chairman Cllr Mrs V Kemmett thanked everyone for coming, and the meeting closed at 8.50pm.
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