Minutes 2020

Navenby With Skinnand Parish Council Meeting Minutes

 Date/ Time: Tuesday 3rd March 2020, 7pm.

Location: The Parish Office, The Venue, Grantham Road, Navenby.

Present (Cllrs): Mr B O’Sullivan, Chairman; Mr K Gunning, Vice Chairman;

Mr G Morris; Mr M Burt; Mr A Watts; Mr K Lamyman; Mr C East; Mrs L Taylor, Mrs C Hall & Mr S Woollas.

In Attendance: Ms S Letham (Parish Clerk)

Absent/Apologies: Mrs J Thompson-Burt

1. Chairman’s - Welcoming Remarks

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Public Session

Three residents were present at the meeting, and discussion took place in respect of:

NJFC Proposed Pitch Maintenance Programme. The 2 representatives from NJFC advised the Council on the proposed works to improve the condition of the football pitches on the John Cutforth Playing Field. Approval was requested to proceed with the Football Foundation funded works.

NB This item was formally considered by the Council under AGENDA Item 14e.

Speed Indicator Device. The resident from Green Man Road commented that the device was being seen to have a positive effect on slowing traffic.

Lindum Homes Development – mud on Green Man Road. The resident from Green Man Road advised that there was an excess of mud on the road and asked if the Council could speak with Lindum. It was agreed that the Clerk would write to CSC Highways and report the state of the road.

To be actioned by Clerk

Allotments on the High Dyke. The resident enquired if there was a waiting list for these allotments. The Clerk advised that there were currently 10 residents on the list. It was also stated at this point that as of 31 Mar 20 the Parish Office would cease to operate as a Local Access Point for NKDC. An Information Leaflet would be issued nearer the time by NKDC.

3. Apologies for absence and declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011. Consider any applications for dispensations in relation to disclosable pecuniary and/or prejudicial beneficial interests.

The Clerk confirmed that Cllr Thompson-Burt had given her apologies.

4. To consider and sign the minutes from the previous Parish Council Meeting, held on Tuesday 4th February 2020.

It was proposed by Cllr Gunning and seconded by Cllr Woollas and therefore Resolved that the minutes from the previous Parish Council meeting, held on Tuesday 4th February 2020, should be accepted as a true record of the meeting. It was agreed that the Clerk would make a correction to Item 14m iro the Speed Indicator Device locations.

To be actioned by Clerk

5. To consider the financial report and authorise payments (Appendix A).

Discussion took place regarding the transactions listing presented for the month of February 2020. The Current Account balance as reconciled at end of February 20 was read out. It was proposed by Cllr Gunning, seconded by Cllr Hall and therefore Resolved, that all expenses (except for transaction No 336) listed in appendix A should be authorised to be paid.

Transaction No 336 – after discussion it was agreed that the Clerk would write to CSC Highways with a view to seeking reimbursement for the emergency tree removal works provided by a resident on the 9 Feb 20, in order to keep the A607 open. In the meantime, it was proposed by Cllr Morris and seconded by Cllr Burt and therefore Resolved that Transaction No 336 for the sum of £75 be approved for payment.

To be actioned by Clerk

6. To consider the Clerk’s report. Please see Appendix B.

The Chairman read out the key points from the Clerks Report. There were actions in respect of the following items:

Ser No 1 – Rippon Homes Development, Headland Way Road Closures. After discussion, it was agreed that the situation would be monitored.

Ser No 2 – Energize Youth Club SLA. After discussion, it was agreed that the letter being sent to parents advising of the revised personal contribution rates also make mention of the NPC contribution and that the Venue accommodation was provided free of charge. Cllr Hall took an action to amend the draft letter.

To be actioned by Cllr Hall

Ser No 15 – North Lane Play Area gate signage. The Clerk presented photos of the current signage for consideration. After discussion, it was agreed that (1) the Parish Caretaker look at cleaning up the signs or advise if replacement was necessary. And (2) the Clerk to contact the PCSO regarding the wording of the signs iro people trespassing after the gates were locked.

To be actioned by Parish Caretaker/Clerk

Ser No 16 – Clerk to the Venue Trustees Vacancy. Cllr Burt confirmed that a handover to the successful applicant was now underway.

7. To consider updates from District/County Councillors.

Cllr Hagues was present at the meeting.

Cllr Hague briefed on the following matters:

Scrutiny, Flood & Water Management Meeting – action plan promised on the 18th May 20.

Sleaford Business Park – NKDC could deliver 500 jobs & create around 485,000 sq ft of business space.

Conservation @ Mrs Smiths Cottage – educational Projects ongoing. Interior work has started, and the facility is due to open in the summer.

8. To consider updates from local police.

Cllr Gunning advised that the information provided via the monthly Police report remained inadequate and months out of date. After discussion it was agreed that the Chairman would raise the matter at the next Cliff Cluster meeting and request that they attend the next parish meeting. It was also agreed that the Clerk would hasten Cllr Overton for an update on the actions she had taken away from the last meeting. The Clerk was also to contact the PCSO and advise that drug dealing from 2 Bus Stops in Navenby had been witnessed by a resident.

To be actioned by Chairman/Clerk

9. To consider planning Applications

Please see Appendix C:

There were no observations.

10. To consider correspondence.

Please see Appendix D:

The matters arising (Actions) & decisions from the Correspondence were:

Ser No 29 – Army Cadets Navenby, Request for Grant. The Clerk advised that the initial application had contained little information but that it had now been supplemented with a more informative statement of requirement. After consideration, it was agreed that the Clerk would acknowledge receipt of the request and advise that the Council were unable to approve funding. The provision of a banner was deemed to be something that should be funded & provided from the military supply chain, as part of the Army Cadet syllabus.

To be actioned by Clerk

Ser No 33 – Rippon Homes Headland Way, Hedgerows. The recent damage to the hedgerows was discussed and it was noted that there should be no maintenance of said, during the period 1 Mar to 30 Sep20. It was agreed that the Clerk would check the development planning approval for anything that may have contravened them.

To be actioned by Clerk

Ser No 37 – LALC E News 2.3.20 Requirement for a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA). Discussion took place regarding a possible MUGA being situated on the John Cutforth playing field. The Chairman advised that he would look to bring up the proposal at a future Cliff Cluster meeting, therefore NFA or consideration required currently.

11. To consider the offer of sponsorship in respect of a bench outside the CO-OP.

After consideration, it was agreed that the offer of sponsorship be accepted. The Clerk took an action to inform Mrs Agius that NPC were pleased to accept the kind gesture of sponsorship of a bench outside the CO-OP, and confirm the costs.

To be actioned by Clerk

12. To consider & Resolve for the second time due to a price increase, the purchase of two new village benches.

After discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Burt and seconded by Cllr Taylor and therefore Resolved that 2 new benches were to be purchased at a cost of £529 exc VAT.

13. To consider & Resolve the NKDC 2020 NPC Tree Inspection & associated costs of £303.60.

After discussion, it was agreed that the Clerk should seek quotes for the remedial tree works identified by the NKDC 2020 Tree Survey. Approval for the cost of the Tree Survey has already been given at Item 5 of the Agenda.

To be actioned by Clerk

14. Updates from Portfolios Holders:

a. Cemetery

No comments.

b. Highways

A607 Emergency Tree Works & associated costs of £75. Approval given under Agenda Item 5.

c. Youth Club

No comments.

d. Navenby Car Scheme

AGM scheduled for the 25th Mar 20.

e. Play Areas

North Lane Play Area – outstanding remedial works to Play Equipment, the Clerk took an action to hasten EKM Ltd.

To be actioned by Clerk

NJFC – proposed Pitch Maintenance Programme. Further to NJFCs brief at Agenda Item 2, additional discussion took place regarding the proposal. The Clerk took an action to advise NJFC that the Council was content to approve the proposal and that it would confirm its approval in a formal letter. Cllr Morris took an action to draft a letter highlighting that there would be NIL cost to NPC and that the field would remain open to all residents.

To be actioned by Clerk/Cllr Morris

f. Schools House Trust.

No comments.

g. Cliff Cluster

The Chairman advised that the next meeting was scheduled for the 18th Mar 20 and that he intended to bring up matters such as the Police Report, Police resources on the ground in Navenby and the condition of the roads in the run up to the VE Day celebrations. Cllr Taylor advised that she would look into the possibility of holding a VE Day Event at The Venue.

To be actioned by Chairman/Cllr Taylor

h. Library

Cllr Watts advised that the new IT equipment was due to be delivered on the 4th Mar 20 and be connected on the 11th Mar 20. Until such times as advised that the new IT installation was complete, the Clerk was to continue to keep the BT phone & Broadband lines live. Training for the Library Volunteers was due to commence on the 4th Mar 20.

i. Finance & Administration

BT Phone & Broadband Package – Cllr Hall advised that she had managed to negotiate a new deal with BT which would result in a reduction of £150 per quarter. The Chairman thanked Cllr Hall for her efforts.

Review of continuing requirement for LALC Annual & Training Subscriptions. After discussion, it was decided that the Training Subscription need not be renewed as any training required would be purchased as and when required and would work out to be more cost effective. In respect of the LALC Annual Subscription, the Council asked that the Clerk speak with NPCs Internal Auditor & LALC about the value of remaining within the scheme and to report back at the next meeting.

To be actioned by Clerk

j. Website

New Town & Parish Website – Training Day 4th Mar 20, it was accepted that the Parish Office would have to close. In respect of the Clerks attendance at the EDGE Webinar it was proposed by Cllr Morris and seconded by Cllr Gunning and therefore Resolved that the fee of £40 be approved.

k. VENUE Trustee Chairman

Vacancy for Clerk - The Trustee Chairman confirmed that he had a meeting on the 7th Mar 20 to confirm the appointment.

l. Mrs Smiths Cottage

Archiving of Maurice Addison Collection – formal response from NKDC to NPCs enquiry about cover for loaned items. After discussion, it was accepted that with the collection not being quantifiable and consisting mostly of photographs – it was difficult to ensure for every eventuality.

m. Speed Indicator Device (SID).

The Chairman advised that he’d contact RIPPON Homes to discuss removing their traffic diversion sign from the NPC post on the grass verge opposite Urban Angels in order that the SID could be installed.

To be actioned by Chairman

The Chairman thanked all present for their participation and declared the meeting closed at 21.45 pm.

Date & Time of next meeting to be the 7th April 2020 @ 7pm.