January 2022 Minutes
MINUTES OF OLD SOMERBY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY 24 January, 2022 AT 7.15 PM AT THE FOX AND HOUNDS OLD SOMERBY DRAFT
PRESENT: Cllrs: Lowndes, Percy, Stephens and Burrows. Parish Clerk David Holmes.
Also present Cllr Sarah Trotter, SKDC and Steve Brooks, LCC and 2 members of the public.
Prior to the meeting at 7pm a Public Forum was held. One member of the public raised an issue concerning the accuracy of the last minutes.
1 APOLOGIES: Apology from Cllr North – recent bereavement - ACCEPTED.
2. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS OR APPLICATIONS FOR DISPENSATIONS: Cllr Percy declared a pecuniary interest in relation to item 9 (a) on the agenda. It was agreed unanimously. that, as was the case at the last meeting, his presence during the discussion of
this issue was necessary in the interests of persons living in the Council's area in particular in Cold Harbour. He was granted a Dispensation to remain in the meeting.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the meeting held 15 November 2021 were accepted as a correct record. Proposed Cllr Lowndes, Seconded Cllr Stephens. Carried unanimously. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
4. CLERK AND COUNCILLORS' ACTIONS AND UPDATES/LATEST:
a) Speed Indicators: The Clerk reported that he had returned the Charger Unit to the Suppliers and no defect could be found. The Suppliers suggested the Main Unit be also returned for inspection as it may be the battery contained in it is faulty and in need of replacement. AGREED: The Clerk to make necessary arrangements for its return. ACTION: THE CLERK.
The clerk gave details of the costs of replacement Speed Indicators from the current Supplier, Unipart Dorman, and also another company, ELAN. They were similar in price. Examples of those supplied by ELAN could be found at Welby. New roadside posts would be required for them as they cannot be fixed to lamp-posts. AGREED: The Clerk to price the posts. Councillors to visit and inspect at Welby before the next meeting. However, it was noted that Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership suggested we continue to use Unipart Dorman as their Speed Indicators could be affixed to lamp-posts as now.
ACTION: The Clerk/All Councillors. Cllr Trotter offered to supply details of the type of Speed Indicators used by Rppsley PC. ACTION: Cllr Trotter.
b) Roundabout: Work on the Roundabout is progressing. It seemed likely the Roundabout in its new position would be outside the boundary of this Parish. The Clerk was awaiting a reply to clarify this issue. It was considered that if that was the case grass cutting of the roundabout by this PC should cease. Enquiries to be made with the current Contractor to instead cut grass around Cold Harbour. ACTION: The Clerk - to liaise with Cllr Percy on site.
c) Tree Planting: Nothing new to report. The Clerk to make further enquiries when the work of the Roundabout nears its conclusion.
d) Gritting Salt Delivery: The delivery was due on 21 January 2022. The clerk had made the necessary arrangements for it to be stored by the local landowner by agreement.
5. BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY: Steve Brookes, a member of the Broadband Team for LCC, gave an outline of proposals for the way forward. He mentioned the Government Project - PROJECT GIGABIT working through BDUK alongside County Councils including LCC trying to identify clusters of rural premises in the same geographical area that might bundle up as a ‘lot’. Under that scheme eligible residential premises can claim £1,500 and small businesses £3,500 towards a full fibre connection.
There are also other private suppliers with their own schemes. Steve Brooks suggested this PC undertakes a local survey to ascertain expressions of interest and put together a spreadsheet of interested parties. AGREED: To prepare and deliver locally a Leaflet-Drop with the information and call for expressions of interest. A Spreadsheet then to be prepared for Steve Brookes. ACTION: Cllrs Lowndes and Stephens. ACTION: The Clerk to check with Ropsley PC on this subject
6. LCC LOCAL COUNCILLOR UPDATE: It was noted that a local election was due to be held on 24 February, 2022 to fill the vacancy caused by the sad death of Cllr Bob Adams.
7. SKDC LOCAL COUNCILLOR UPDATE: Cllr Trotter referred to:
i) the missing road sign on Ropsley Road (see item 11). Cllr Trotter had spoken to the LCC Area Manager who suggested we design signs for there and for The Pastures and forward them to him for action. ACTION: Cllr Stephens.
Ii) Cllr Trotter also gave an update regarding the SKDC Budget setting and issues concerning the Leisure Centre regarding its future.
iii) The piece of land behind the bungalows was in the use of the SKDC and discussions were taking place as to whether or not they have any plans for it or if it can be made available to this Parish Council. Cllr Trotter to supply a local plan indicating land in the use of the SKDC. ACTION Cllr Trotter.
8. VILLAGE FEEDBACK QUESTIONNAIRE: i) DOG BIN: Action was in hand to provide a further dog bin at the end of the Cul de Sac, as raised by a resident. ACTION: The Clerk.
ii) STREET PARTY: Cllr Stephens had held a very useful meeting with those residents who had shown interest. As a result a Street Party was planned in the area of the Cul de Sac on Sunday 5 June 2022. AGREED: i)to circulate a Leaflet-Drop giving fuller details. The leaflet also to include details relating to Broadband Connectivity as above, the forthcoming Parish Dog Show and a Coffee Morning to be held in the Church. ACTION: Cllrs Lowndes and Stephens ii)ACTION: Cllr Stephens to consider providing momentoes to mark the occasion.
9. PLANNING APPLICATIONS:
a) S18.0944 Traveller Site Cold Harbour: The Clerk had written to the Inspectorate asking for a reason for the change of procedure in not holding a Public Hearing before a Decision was made by the Inspector as previously indicated. The response from the Inspectorate indicated an Internal Review had been held and it was acknowledge there had been a failure by the Inspectorate to properly communicate the change of procedure to interested parties. Our Complaint had been recorded and sincere apologies offered. They recognised that the mistakes created a poor impression. Sadly, it seems there is nothing that can be done to change the Decision of the Inspector.
b) S21/1714 Bungalow Extension, School Lane. An amended application changing the open balcony to a Juliette type was approved by the Planning Committee on 5 January 2022.
c) S21/2310 Retrospective Application for a double garage on School Lane. Approved by Officers.
d) S21/2506 The Old Quarry School Lane. Submission of documents relating to Conditions imposed by the Planners. Decision delayed because the applicant had not supplied the necessary documents as required.
10. FINANCE: To consider a) all payments since the last meeting; b) the Bank Reconciliation & Finance Update. The Clerk produced a document dealing with those issues. Cllr Burrows, Lead Finance Councillor, had inspected the accounts and signed them off on 11 January 2022. APPROVED.(copy ayyached)
c) To set the Budget for 2022/2023 and The Precept for 2022/2023. AGREED i) to finalise the budget at the next Meeting; ACTION: Cllr Burrows to enquire about banking on-line.
ii) No change in precept, for the 4th successive year, which continues at £3,500. ACTION: the Clerk.
d) To consider an application for funding from the Parochial Church Council in the sum of £200. Cllr Stephens declared an Interest and took no part in the issue. The clerk outlined the guidance. Proposed Cllr Lowndes that the application be Approved; seconded by Cllr Burrows and APPROVED. ACTION: The Clerk.
11. CORRESPONDENCE: a) Flood Prevention. An offer from LCC for sandbags was noted. AGREED: no action.
b) Missing ‘Old Somerby’ Sign. Dealt with under 7 above.
c) To consider a NALC bulletin concerning the lobbying of the local MP and Housing Minister regarding the possibility of holding Remote Meetings. AGREED: no action.
12. To Review a Determination made concerning a Resident on 5 August 2019 pursuant to the Council’s Policy relating to Abusive, Persistent etc Complaints. The Chairman proposed that “In view of the behaviour of the Resident at previous meetings of this Council there is clearly no point in engaging with him on this occasion; He continues to send emails direct to Councillors dealing with the same issues as previously contrary to the terms of The Determination – therefore the above Determination should be renewed on the same terms.” Seconded Cllr Burrows and carried unanimously.
13. Date and time of next Meeting. The meeting was fixed for Tuesday 29 March 2022 at 7.15pm with a Public Forum at 7pm.
The meeting closed at 9pm.
Financial Statement for Parish Council Meeting 11 January, 2022
BANK RECONCILIATION 10 January 2022
Bank Statement No. 486 12489.39
Outstanding cheques – NIL
NB The above balance includes a £250 ring fenced donation from
Mitchells and Butlers to be used for a village project. Used so far -
£73.53 for Bus Shelter refurbishment (see below) – balance £176.47.
INCOME since 1 April 2021:
Precept 3500.00
SKDC Community Grant 231.66
HMRC VAT Refund 108.67
LCC Grass contract 294.77
*SKDC Community Grant 231.66
4366.76
PAYMENTS since 1 April 2021: VAT Total inc VAT
D. Warden grass cutting - 85.00
Print Hub 6.48 38.90
Community HeartBeat –defibrillator 14.80 88.80
Zurich Insurance - 372.35
David Warden grass cutting - 85.00
David Warden grass cutting - 45.00
David Warden grass cutting - 85.00
D J Holmes refund – Bus Shelter refurb 7.04 73.53
LALC – Website Maintenance 7.00 42.00
SKDC printing - 42.61
David Warden grass cutting - 45.00
Eurotrade - litter hoops - refund DJ Holmes 7.98 47.94
Discount Clothing- Hi Viz Litter - refund DJH - 30.00
D. Warden grass cutting - 45.00
LALC – Clerk’s Conference/training 5.50 33.00
Print Hub – Questionnaire - refund DJH 6.40 38.40
*D. Warden grass cutting 45.00
*M&S Voucher – Parish Questionnaire 50.00
*Print Hub – Parish Questionnaire 3.36 20.16
58.66 1312.69
*Income/Expenditure since last meeting
David J Holmes Cllr Peter Burrows
Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer Lead Parish Councillor
10 January 2022