April
Date/ Time: Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 7.00 pm.
Location: The Club Room @ The Venue, Navenby.
Present (Cllrs): Mr M Burt Chairman, Mr S Woollas, Mrs E Carless, Dr J Mills, Mr K Lamyman, Mr C East & Mrs E McRitche.
In Attendance: Ms S Letham (Parish Clerk)
Absent/Apologies: Mr K Gunning (Vice Chairman), Mr A Watts & Mr G Morris
1. Chairman’s - Welcoming Remarks
The Chairman welcomed all present and asked that (following last month’s meeting) Councillors ensure that visitors to the meeting are treated with respect and allowed to have their say. The Clerk advised that NPC was bound by the NKDC Code of Conduct and that in due course she would be re-issuing the document to all members and placing a copy on the Website.
2. Public Session
There was 1 resident in attendance at the Public Session.
U3A 40th Anniversary - as part of the celebrations, the resident asked if the Council could consider and approve the planting of 4 memorial trees on the John Cutforth field. Three in the southern end & eastern corners and one along the southern boundary where there were already some fairly mature trees. Cllr Carless gave a brief on the recent meeting with NKDC Planning Enforcement Officer and a member of Tree Team in respect of their future landscaping plans for the open space at Headland Way. After discussion it was agreed that the Clerk would approach NKDC regarding the U3As plans to donate trees and whether or not these could be including as part of NKDCs plans for the area.
Action: The Clerk to liaise with NKDC Enforcement Officer regarding tree donations for the open space.
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.
Apologies received from Mr K Gunning, Mr A Watts & Mr G Morris.
4. To consider and sign the minutes from the previous Parish Council Meeting, held on Tuesday 1 March 2022.
The chairman asked for comments on the DRAFT Minutes and Cllr East advised of an amendment required regarding applications for TESCO Grants. The Chairman duly amended the Minutes. It was proposed by Cllr Carless and seconded by Cllr Watts and therefore RESOLVED that the minutes from the previous Parish Council meeting, held on Tuesday 1 March 22, should be accepted as a true record of the meeting. Cllr McRitchie asked that the Clerk update on the actions taken at the last meeting. The Clerk read out the actions from the last meeting and confirmed that were all now closed.
5. To consider the financial report and authorise payments (Appendix A).
It was proposed by Cllr Carless and seconded by Cllr Mills and therefore RESOLVED that all expenses listed in Appendix A were authorised.
6. To consider updates from District/County Councillors.
Cllr L Hagues – unable to be in attendance.
Cllr M Overton briefed on the following matters:
Proposed Cliff Cluster meeting – to discuss the concerns of the Cliff Village PCs in respect of the cumulative impact of multiple planning applications. Whilst a meeting with the planning committee would not be possible due to a number of applications still being live – it was hoped that some committee members could attend in their role as Parish Councillors and listen to the concerns.
Ukraine refugees – families were starting to arrive locally. Residents in Welbourne Village were extremely keen to take in families. Both the families from Ukraine & British families hoping to provide hoes were subject to a very robust screening process. The latter had already highlighted that of all the offers of accommodation, there had been a number which had been found to be totally unsuitable.
Energy Saving Measures – NKDC were hoping to start issuing the £150 Grant rebate to all residents who currently paid their council tax by direct debit. It would be a slightly more complicated process for those who paid directly.
7. To consider updates from local police.
The Assistant Clerk advised that the monthly report had been received and that it did not contain any specific information relating to the village.
8. To consider Planning Matters
Planning Applications – 22/0323/HOUS The Old Rectory North Lane Navenby – conversion & extension to existing storeroom. Cllr East advised of his concerns regarding the felling of 3 ancient Yew trees at the property. The Chairman advised that the Clerk had written to NKDC regarding a resident’s concerns and had received a formal reply from the NKDC Planning Enforcement Officer who advised that all the felled trees had been done legally. In respect of the remaining Yew trees in the conservation area it was agreed that Cllr East should carry out a survey and look into getting a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) raised with NKDC.
Action: Cllr East to carry out a survey of the remaining ancient trees in the Conservation area and make enquiries with NKDC regarding a TPO.
Correspondence – No comments.
Tree Conservation – No comments.
9. To consider correspondence.
Actions arising from the correspondence received:
f. 14 Mar Resident – concerns in respect of the historical importance of The Old Rectory. A response had been received from NKDC which confirmed that there had been no breaches of planning.
Action: The Chairman to draft a response to the resident.
g. 16 Mar Wellingore PC – concerns iro local development plans. The Chairman briefed the Council on the recent planning meeting with Wellingore PC. It was agreed that the Chairman would draft a letter to NKDC Planning Department expressing concerns about the cumulative impact of multiple planning applications.
Action: The Chairman to write to NKDC planning Dept.
j. 16 Mar Heritage Court Management Committee – concerns about parking. After discussion it was agreed that the PC could not support a restriction that would impact on local businesses. It was suggested that the Management Committee look to speak with their neighbours and try to find a resolution that was suitable for all of them. The Chairman agreed to write a letter advising the latter.
Action: The Chairman to write to Mr Burrows
k. 18 Mar Lindum Homes – invite to Site meeting to discuss closure of the development. The Clerk advised that the Developer was keen to make a donation to the village (ie new benches, noticeboards or postbox). Cllr Woollas suggested perhaps they could look at an additional bus stop outside Holmleigh Care Home. The Clerk advised that she would mention this to Cllr Gunning when he met with Lindum on the 25 May 22.
l. 22 Mar Resident – concerns about speeding on the High Dyke. After discussion it was agreed that the Chairman would write to the resident advising of the road safety measures already implemented and the impending purchase of a 3rd Speed Indicator Device. Cllr Woollas advised that he would speak to Cllr Watts about the purchase of the third device and whether or not it should be purchased from Elancity.
Actions: The Chairman to write to the resident and Cllr Woollas to speak with Cllr Watts.
10. To resolve the issues raised by the NJFC as articulated by the Chairman in his e mail to Councillors on 27 February 2022 and to discuss Service Level Agreement (SLA) due to be renewed 1 April 2022.
The Chairman advised that the SLA had now expired. In order to issue a new SLA the following matters had to be resolved:
Cleaning of the Pavilion by NJFC – it was proposed by Cllr Woollas and seconded by Cllr Carless and therefore RESOLVED that The Venue staff continue to undertake the cleaning of the pavilion at current the current rates.
Proposal by NJFC to take over the grass cutting on JC Sports Field – it was proposed by Cllr Carless and seconded by Cllr Mills and therefore RESOLVED that for an initial period of 12 months the NJFC would cut the grass.
Abatement of annual rent by £1K in lieu of grass cutting – it was proposed by Cllr Woollas and seconded by Cllr Mills and therefore RESOLVED that NJFC’s rent be discounted by £1K per annum.
It was agreed that commencement of the grass cutting and abatement of the rent would not begin until delivery of the grass cutting tractor and the ISO container, along with proof of the appropriate Insurance cover. The Chairman agreed to speak to NJFC regarding the anticipated delivery dates.
Action: The Chairman to speak with NJFC regarding delivery dates for the tractor and ISO container and the need to provide a copy of the Insurance Policy.
11. To consider and approve the appointment of a new Village Caretaker for the Parish Council & The Venue.
After discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Lamyman and seconded by Cllr Carless and therefore RESOLVED that Mr S Robertson be appointed as the new Village Caretaker for the Parish Council & The Venue.
12. To consider and approve the NALC revised pay scale for 2021 and the back dating of pay from 1 Apr 21 for employees.
After discussion it was proposed by Cllr Carless and seconded by Cllr Lamyman and therefore RESOLVED that the revised pay scale for 2021 be accepted for PC employees. In respect of backdating the pay award from 1 Apr 21, it was proposed by Cllr Carless and seconded by Cllr McRitchie and therefore RESOLVED that this also be agreed for PC employees.
13. Updates from Portfolios Holders:
a. Cemetery
No comments.
b. Highways
Cllr Woollas advised that there were potholes on Green Man and Winton Roads – all of which had been reported.
British Legion memorial bench located on The Rise – it was brought to the clerks attention that the bench was now in a state of disrepair and could she contact the British Legion and ask that they look into the matter.
Repair of bollards on the High Street – it was proposed by Cllr Woollas and seconded by Cllr Carless and therefore RESOLVED that the sum of £400 exc VAT be approved for their repair.
Action: The Clerk to contact the British Legion and advise that their memorial bench on The Rise requires repairs.
c. Navenby Car Scheme
Cllrs McRitchie & Woollas advised that a volunteer had come forward for the role of co-ordinator for the car scheme. Cllr Mc Ritchie would assist her and act as an approver for the bank. Cllr McRitchie to take on the NCS portfolio alongside Cllr Woollas.
d. Play Areas
Cllr East advised that he had submitted a GRANT request for £27K to the Lincs Funding Portal. In respect of the cold pour repairs required at North Lane – he would liaise with the new Caretaker for a suitable time to meet at the play rea. Cllr Lamyman advised that he would be contacting the CO-OP to ascertain when we would be likely to receive the money recently raised by them for the play areas.
Actions: Cllr East to meet with the Caretaker at North Lane play area & Cllr Lamyman to contact the CO-OP reference funding.
e. Schools House Trust (SHT).
Cllr Lamyman advised that he had spoken with a member of the Schools House Trust and whilst they could confirm that money had been spent and it was not clear who had benefited.
Post Meeting Note: The Clerk to invite a member of the SHT to the Annual Parish meeting scheduled for the 25 May 22.
f. Library
No comments.
g. WEBSITE/IT
Cllr Carless advised that she was liaising with the new Website services provider.
h. VENUE Trustee Chairman
Cllr Burt advised that all employees at the Venue now had Contracts and were working together well as a Team. Bookings were up and it was hoped that this would continue now that business was returning to normal.
Charity Commission Financial Regulations - Cllr Carless raised concerns that there was no independent check of the Venue finances by a nominated Trustee/Councillor. Cllr Burt agreed to speak to the Treasurer to ascertain the current process. The Parish Clerk took an action to let the Treasurer have a copy of the Financial Regulations for the Parish Office.
Cliff Carnival donation of £400 – the Chairman advised that he’d write to the Cliff Carnival Committee and thank them for their generous donation to The Venue in respect of the support shown by the Venue Staff & the Council toward a successful event last September.
Venue Keys – Cllr Carless handed a spare set of keys for the Venue to the Clerk. She asked that this action be formally receipted by the Venue Treasurer.
i. Community Wellbeing
Cllr Mills advised that the application for the new climbing frame had been submitted and receipt acknowledged.
j. Speed Indicator Device (SID).
The requirement to purchase x 2 new batteries for the SID was discussed and the Chairman advised that there was no need for a separate vote as a sum of money had already been included in the Budget for FY 22/23.
k. Defibrillators.
No comments.
l. Street Lamps.
No comments.
The Chairman thanked all present for their participation and declared the meeting closed at 21.30 hrs.
14. Date & Time of next meetings are 3 May 22 at 7pm. It should be noted that the Annual General meeting will begin at 7pm and the monthly Parish Council meeting at 7.30/45 pm. Both meetings will be held in the Club Room at The Venue. In respect of the Annual Parish meeting, the Clerk was to confirm a date in May 22 to members.
Minutes Accepted: Original Signed Chairman Date: 3 May 2022
