Fotherby Parish Council
Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday, 1st October 2018 at St Mary’s Church
Present: Councillors Pridgeon, Cotterill, A Thompson, L Thompson, Lane and Cllr Tony Bridges (LCC)
Six Parishioners were present.
Introduction: Cllr Pridgeon welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Public Forum:
There was no public forum for this meeting, parishioners pre-submitted emails with points they wished to be raised for inclusion under Correspondence.
1. Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllr Odlin and Cllr David Buckley (ELDC).
2. Minutes of the Parish Council Meetings held on 3rd September 2018
The minutes from the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record. Proposed by Cllr Cotterill – Seconded by Cllr L Thompson.
3. Matters Arising from the Minutes
3.1 Dock Area – fence
Cllr Pridgeon reported that the fence work had started and was due for completion this week; he also confirmed that the quoted costing of £650 was inclusive of VAT (payable on completion).
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Peppin Lane Development – lighting
It was noted that the footway lighting problem had been resolved with no further action required. Proposed by Cllr Lane – Seconded by Cllr L Thompson.
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Highways (bus stop markings and potholes)
Cllr Bridges and Parish Councillors confirmed that the village potholing work had commenced, with final maintenance work and bus stop markings to be completed by the end of October 2018. Action – Clerk to include on the next meeting’s Agenda, update to be provided.
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Grass Cutting
Item to be included on the next meeting’s Agenda.
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Public Byways and Pathways
An update was provided concerning the four areas of obstructed pathways across the village. Two of these areas had been cut back with a further two areas to be trimmed. Action – Clerk to email LCC and/or ELDC to look into the matter.
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Councillor Resignation - update
The Clerk confirmed that the resignation letter had been received from Cllr Morgan-Anstee. Following discussion it was agreed that the vacancy be filled at the May 2019 open election. Action – Clerk to inform ELDC.
4. Accounts
4.1 Amounts Received
No amounts had been received in September 2018.
4.2 Invoices to Pay
The following invoices for payment had been received:
Ali’s Gardening Service (Dock Maintenance) £ 61.50
Bush Landscaping and Fencing (Grass Cutting) £408.00
Mechanised Garden Services (Dock Tree) £ 60.00
Anglian Water (Allotments) £ 11.70
LALC (Councillor Networking Day x 2 attendees) £ 20.00
Clerk’s Salary £175.32
TOTAL £736.52
Proposed by Cllr Cotterill – Seconded by Cllr L Thompson
4.3 Accounts Summary and fixed asset register
Cllr Lane distributed the Accounts Summary and confirmed that as at the year to date there was an underspend of £107.00. It was noted that there were anticipated costs still outstanding.
Following discussion the Fixed Assets list was agreed as accurate; Cllr Lane confirmed this had to be reviewed and assets inspected on a regular basis.
4.4 Budget and Precept
A draft budget for 2019/2020 was presented by Cllr Lane which incorporated a 5% increase to cover grass cutting and dock maintenance. An additional amount of £300 was also included for additional verges to be cut; Councillors highlighted that this amount may need to be increased. Action – Clerk to contact Bush Landscaping and Fencing to obtain preliminary costs for the verges and to include Budget and Precept as an Agenda Item for the next meeting.
5. Laxfield Development
Councillors confirmed that the issue concerning smoke and fires burning on the Laxfield Development Site had been resolved.
6. Bottle Bank Provision
Suggestions regarding the location for a Bottle Bank included placement in the Alms Houses Car Park. Action – Cllr Pridgeon to raise at the next Alms Houses meeting; item to be included on the next meeting’s Agenda.
7. Old School Room
An update was invited from a Parishioner regarding the Old School Room and Parish Council support for grant and funding applications; it was noted that this would be in a moral capacity rather than financial. Action – Clerk to send an email to this effect.
8. Peppin Lane Development (Hedges)
Cllr Pridgeon confirmed that these were the responsibility of the land owner. The land owner also asked for the Council to consider the felling of a tree growing partially in the dyke. Action – Clerk to write letter to request a meeting between Councillors and the land owner (at a convenient time) for further discussion.
9. Remembrance Sunday (100 years Commemoration)
It was noted that an article had been placed in the Fotherby Keyhole regarding the plan for the village remembrance activities; financial support had been offered by the Jubilee Committee. The Parish Council agreed to provide support through Councillor attendance during the day.
10. LALC Training
10.1 Local Council Networking Day Training
Cllr Cotterill provided a report on the recent Local Council Networking Day that her and Cllr Pridgeon had attended.
10.2 New Councillor Training Session
The Clerk informed Councillors that the 2-1/2 hour Training Session had been arranged for the 27th November 2018 in Louth at 6.00pm. Action – Clerk to contact LALC and register names of attendees.
11. Parish Council Website
The Clerk distributed a Handout highlighting the necessary amendments and inclusions for the Parish Council Website. Following discussion it was agreed that due to Cllr Morgan-Anstey’s resignation the Councillors would take on the responsibility of Safeguarding Officer collectively until this role was filled. Action – Clerk to update the Website accordingly and email updated documents to Councillors prior to forthcoming meetings for approval.
12. Correspondence Received
The Clerk presented the correspondence received for September 2018 as follows:
Village pathways and overgrowth – It was agreed that the Clerk write to ELDC Arborist Department and report the remaining overgrown areas to them for action.
Environment disturbances – ELDC had replied to the issue raised by the Clerk and advised that they could not take any action until contacted by the individuals concerned. Letters from the Parish Council had been sent to the residents advising them of this. It was noted that this matter has now been resolved.
Parishioner query concerning level of projected reserves at year end – Cllr Lane produced a summary which Councillors agreed could be forwarded to the Parishioner.
Lincolnshire East CCG consultation on inpatient services at Louth Hospital – Clerk to produce notice for display on the noticeboard and website.
Elections ELDC (review of Polling Stations) – Clerk to send response to keep the existing arrangements in place for Fotherby.
Parishioner query regarding processes around insurance renewal – Cllr Pridgeon reported that because of late receipt of the renewal notice there was no time to obtain additional quotes. Agreement from Councillors had been received to renew the policy, with advice also being sought from ELDC. Cllr Pridgeon apologised as he believed he had acted in the best interest of the Council (confirmed by ELDC) and invited the parishioner to contact ELDC if wishing to take the matter further – Clerk to send email address to parishioner.
Litter Pick Correspondence– Parishioner confirmation of attendance.
Parishioner email concerning Declaration of Disposable Pecuniary Interests form on website – The Clerk confirmed that all forms were in order and had been accepted by ELDC (no further action required). Cllr Pridgeon pointed out that meetings were held to discuss parish business and not for singling out individuals.
Countryside Access Volunteer Warden – New warden being appointed, agreement to produce monthly email reports for Parish Council meeting.
Community Lincs and ELDC Newsletters – to be emailed to Councillors for information.
13. Planning
13.1 Appeal Decision
Notice of dismissal of appeal ref: APP/D251/W/18/3197488.
13.2 Tree Preservation
Tree Preservation Order ref: 0086/18/TPA (responses required by 18th October) – Clerk to contact arborist for comments.
14. Other Business
It was agreed that the Public Forum should take place at each Parish Council meeting as per the Standing Orders. Action – Clerk to include on Meeting Agendas.
Meeting closed 9:02pm
The next meeting will be at 7.00pm on the 5th November 2018.
Signed …........................................................ Dated …..........................………………
Chairman