September 2019 Minutes
GLENTHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council on 11/9/2019
Present:- Cllr A. Shaw (Chairman), Cllr J Summers, Cllr R. Summers, Cllr P. Smith, Cllr V. Smith, Cllr S. Shaw.
In attendance: Helen Pitman (Clerk).
Visitors: One.
1. Apologies for Absence and Reasons Given:- None.
2. Co-option of Councillor:- Martin Doyle. Proposed, Cllr J. Summers. Seconded, Cllr A. Shaw. Duly elected. Cllr Doyle completed the acceptance form and took his seat.
3. To receive declarations of interest in accordance with the 2011 Localism Act:- Cllr J. Summers declared a personal interest in item 14 as a committee member of the village hall.
4. Notes of last meeting on 10th July 2019, to be approved as minutes:-
The minutes were signed as a true record.
5. Chair and Council’s Comments:- The Chairman had no comments to make. Cllr P. Smith raised the matter of promised funds towards the new play equipment being donated by former residents. To be discussed at next meeting if not forthcoming before then.
6. Reports from District and County Councillors:- County Cllr L. Strange sent his apologies and had no report to give.
Cllr J. Summers gave an update on the new crematorium which is due to open in January 2020. He also announced he has resigned from the Conservative Association but will remain as district councillor for Waddingham and Spital as an independent.
7.. Crime & Vandalism:- Police report circulated to council prior to meeting.
8. Clerk's Report on Matters Outstanding:- Clerk reported she has received the handover manuals from Wicksteed now that the play equipment has been installed. These include inspection sheets which were handed to Cllr V. Smith who is happy to continue with the monthly inspections. Council agreed the clerk authorise Wicksteed to carry out the annual safety inspection in December. The clerk advised that council includes an amount in its annual budget towards maintenance and repairs to ensure equipment is adequately maintained.
A cheque for £75 has been received from K9 for damage to the planter on the village green.
LCC has been requested to cut overgrown hedgerows/footpath as discussed at last meeting but Little Hill is still outstanding.
The defibrillator check has been carried out and all is in working order, apart from replacement pads needed which have been ordered. Cllr Doyle agreed to be responsible for the equipment and will undertake the weekly check.
9. Planning:- No applications/decisions. Council discussed whether there is a need for affordable housing following the request for information from an agent. Cllr J. Summers suggested a housing needs survey be conducted in the village to ascertain whether there is a need for smaller properties to allow older residents to downsize and free up larger properties in the parish. Council agreed this is a good idea. The clerk suggested she contact Community Lincs to enquire whether they are able to assist.
10. Correspondence:- Clerks & Councils Direct; Call Connect/bus information for notice board.
11. Finance & Accounts for payment:-
Payments for authorisation: Resolved to pay: salary costs: £533.75; LALC: £6.25; H. Pitman re invoices for MKS Groundcare Ltd: £600; Imperative Training Ltd: £104.40; Wicksteed Leisure: £18,962.14; Leisure & Construction Ltd: £240. The clerk confirmed that VAT has been reclaimed and received into the account.
12. To resolve on insurance renewal:- Came & Co at a cost of £360.49. Cllr V. Smith enquired whether the full renewal cost of the play equipment was reflected in the premium. The clerk informed council that it is currently valued at £19,325.73. Council was of the opinion that this was insufficient so Cllr V. Smith will calculate the true amount and inform the clerk. Council also requested that the clerk ask the insurers about cover for councillors and volunteers.
13. To discuss vehicles on the village green:- Council is of the opinion that fencing would prevent access and that this ties in with item 14.
14. To discuss improvements to the road at the village hall:- Cllr J. Summers outlined his view as to what needs to be done but this would cost over £20K. The chairman agreed that it is a problem that needs to be addressed but the consensus of council is that £20K+ is too expensive. Cllr V. Smith suggested matting on the grass to allow parking with a fence to separate from the rest of the green. Clerk to approach a contractor to meet with Cllrs J. Summers and P. Smith. In the meantime the clerk was asked to obtain quote for a sign "Parking for village hall users only". Agenda
15. To discuss a fund raising event towards the cost of the defibrillator:- This is an essential spend which is included in the annual budget. However, it was agreed that donations be requested at the Emergency Services Day to be held in the village hall on 29th September.
15. Items for next meeting:- Parking sign; road widening/parking improvements at the village hall; donation towards play equipment; budget; playground inspection..
Next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 13th November 2019.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.05m