November 2018 Minutes
TIMBERLAND AND THORPE TILNEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
These are the minutes of Timberland and Thorpe Tilney Parish Council meeting held at Timberland Village Hall on Wednesday 14th November 2018.
4 Parishioners attended the Village Hall 10 minute public session.
Parishioners reported the broken street light on Station Road, Fen Road and Norwood Close
The Council and others in attendance were reminded of the forthcoming Bingo Night and Christmas Bazaar being organised by the Village Hall Committee.
A Parishioner checked out the position of the grit bin that has now been delivered.
The police were not present.
Present: Cllrs. Stirling, Audis, Sharplin, Kornat, Phillips, Sharman, Kendrick and the Parish Clerk.
1. Apologies
Cllrs. Matthan and Ogden
2. Declaration of Interests
Cllr. Phillips declared an interest in item 8.6.
3. Minutes from the previous meeting
The minutes were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting on 12th September 2018.
Proposed by: Cllr. Kornat Seconded by: Cllr. Sharman
All agreed
4. County and District Councillor Remarks
A newsletter was received from County Cllr. Kendrick. This newsletter is distributed to the full council and parishioners are able to request a copy via the Clerk.
5. Code of Conduct
Cllr. Stirling raised with the Council the importance of Code of Conduct and the requirement of councillors behaviour in and outside of Council meetings.
A discussion took place with regard to recent events and agreement was made to continue in open session in the spirit of openness and transparency.
Cllr. Audis read out the following statement to the Council.
Fellow councilors I would like to publicly and personally apologise to you and Cllr. Sharman about the remark I made at the July meeting and also like to apologise to the Council what I said at the September meeting. I went on the training course and I have learnt by my mistake and it won’t happen again, can we let the water run under the bridge and put an end to the matter.
Cllr. Sharman explained that the comments made had caused hurt on two occasions and it had been difficult for him to hear and deal with.
Cllr. Sharman wished to move on and thanked Cllr. Audis for his apology
The chair thanked Cllr. Audis for the apology and Cllr. Sharman for his comments.
He also thanked the whole council for working together to deal with what had been a difficult situation.
Cllr. Stirling acknowledged that the council had learnt from this.
He also referred to the good work that is undertaken by the Council and looks forward to this continuing in the future.
Agreed: To discuss in open session.
To have an issue control document which each councillor will sign to say they understand and agree to the content. This document will also identify any updates which will be signed by the full council.
Cllr. Phillips to send an example to Cllr. Kornat who will work with Cllr. Sharman to draft the standing orders control document for the Annual Parish Council meeting.
The final agreed documents will be distributed either hard copy or electronically on the preference of individual councillors.
6. Planning
Prior notice was given to a forthcoming planning application and draft plans were available for viewing by the Councillors
The following was also discussed:
18/0952/FUL Yoga Hut 25 Station Road Notification Received of Approval
18/1206/HOUS Homestead Witham Bank Notification Received of Approval
18/1375/TPO 26 Fen Road Tree Work No comment
See planning on line: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/planning for up to date information.
7. Highways
7.1 It was confirmed that the grit bin has now been delivered as previously discussed.
7.2 The 30mph sign has been chased by Cllr. Kendrick but has not yet arrived.
The RSP signs have now been erected by Cllrs. Phillips and Audis.
7.3 A general discussion took place on the cost and frequency of gritting. Cllr. Kendrick informed the council that a gritting cost the LCC £20000 each time the gritters are out.
7.4 Pot holes continue to be a problem in the parish although it was acknowledged that some work had been undertaken. The road to Kirkby Green was highlighted as a concern.
7.5 Cllr. Kendrick explained that additional money had been given to LCC for highways
7.6 Street Lighting – previously discussed.
Agreed: Cllr. Kendrick to chase the 30mph sign.
It was agreed that the Parish council cannot do any more with regard to the speeding as agreed previously.
Cllr. Kendrick to be copied in to any concerns raised in the future.
The clerk to log a report on the condition of the road into Kirkby Green.
Parishioners and Councillors can contact: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk Click on ‘report a Highway Defect’ – and then report.
7.7 Dyke Oil Leak
It was reported that a serious oil leak had occurred which reportedly has been caused by a Parishioner’s leaking oil tank. Environmental Services, Anglian and LCC are aware of this incident and work is underway.
The Council has been assured that the water source for domestic use has been tested and is safe to use.
Agreed: The Chair to visit the dyke to look at residual damage and the Clerk to report if necessary.
7.8 Grounds Maintenance Contract
LCC had offered to pay the Council a payment to cut their designated grass areas for a very low figure.
A general discussion took place and it was agreed that this was not cost effective and the contract would not be accepted.
All Agreed
7.9 Sign to the Timberland Green
Agreed: the Clerk to chase this up
8. Parish Items
8.1 Community Market Update
Cllr. Kornat reported the success of the last Community Market and the next market is due to take place on Thursday 22nd November. The community market continues to be a success, well supported and always has a good atmosphere. The CM continues to add to the funds for the village hall on a regular basis and this year has raised around £1000 per year.
It was acknowledged that the marketing on facebook by a parishioner helps promote the event.
8.2 Timberland Green
Agreed: Tables etc. to be moved to the Shed for winter storage. Cllrs. Stirling, Sharplin to help Cllr. Audis with this on the 15th November 2018.
8.2.1 Poo Bags needed
Proposed around £35 to be spent on purchasing more.
Proposed by Cllr. Phillips Seconded by Cllr. Audis
All Agreed
8.2.2 Church Wall
This has not been repaired yet. However it has been agreed that the wall will be rebuilt to its original state and the same materials. A builder has been approached and the Diocese are waiting for the builder to agree a starting date.
The stump of the old tree will also be removed asap.
8.5 LALC Networking Day
Three councillors attended and found this a good event and useful for the issues that are faced by Parish Councils on a regular basis across the Parishes.
One example is that the designs of buildings/signs should ensure that vulnerable adults/children needs are considered.
Agreed: The above information to be sent to the Village Hall Committee as they are presently looking into options to develop the building by those who attended.
The Clerk to contact LALC about the consideration of the planned diversity training to take place locally and possibly in the evening.
8.6 Bayfield
The council has now been paid for the 15 cuts on this area of land.
Agreed: The Clerk to clarify how this contract can continue for next year.
8.7 Telephone Box
Cllr. Phillips informed the Council that he has repaired the light and removed the telephone wording to make the Defibrillator sign clearer.
Agreed: Due to low usage it was agreed for a Parishioner to remove the notice board as it is not used and blocks the view of the defibrillator.
8.8 Remembrance Sunday
The chair reported that the Ringing for Peace event was ‘brilliant’.
Cllr. Kornat reported of the lead up to the event which included recruitment of volunteers coming together to ring the bells with some training beforehand.
Several volunteers worked on the bell ringing, beacon, printing, flowers, promotion, risk assessing, refreshments, wreath laying, the last post bugler, poetry recital, historical research exhibition and lighting on what was a moving and memorable event attended by around 200 plus parishioners.
A particular vote of thanks was offered to Cllr. Sharman for the very moving poem in the Church and also to Cllr. Kornat for taking the lead on this event with another parishioner.
Agreed: A wreath to be laid on an annual basis from the Council for Remembrance Sunday.
All agreed
8.9 Dog Fouling
This continues to be a real concern in the Parish.
Correspondence has been received from a Parishioner raising the issue on Bayfield Estate.
Agreed: The council to put up new signs drawing attention to the offence. If anyone were to be seen and named as being an offender the name can be handed to the Clerk who can then explore what options are available. The Clerk to check what action can be taken including contact with the Community Policing Team.
8.10 Street Lighting
Agreed: Clerk to report Station Road, Norwood Close and Fen Road lights are out.
8.11 Litter Picking
Agreed: Letter of thanks to be sent to the volunteer litter picker in the Parish.
9. Clerk’s update
9.1 Finance
9.1.1 Cheques for Payment
100614 £30.00 LALC Networking Day
100615 410.45 Clerk Salary
100616 56.38 Litter Picker
100617 54.00 SLCC
100618 CANCELLED
Proposed: Cllr. Kornat Seconded: Cllr. Sharplin
All Agreed
9.1.2 Bank Statement Balances as at End of October 2018
Business Account £1957.14
Current Account £ 9245.94
9.1.3 Precept 2019-2020
A draft document was presented in preparation for the Precept decision in January 2019.
Agreed: Cllrs. Stirling, Phillips and Audis to meet to look in more depth at the information in preparation for the January meeting. Consideration to be given to a slight increase in the precept request as in the previous year the Council precept was decreased 1.1% because of the way the formula is worked out by NKDC.
Clerk to check out whether there is a cap on any possible increases.
Councillor Audis to claim fuel costs via cheque in 2019/2020.
9.1.4 HMRC
The Clerk informed the Council of notice from HMRC.
Agreed: This refers to historical information and to consider this for the future in the event of HMRC having made an error.
9.1.5 Salary and Minimum Wage
Agreed: The Clerk to continue on the agreed scale and the litter picker to have an increase in line with the minimum wage requirement
9.2 Correspondence
9.2.1 Cllr. Resignation
Cllr. Redwood has sent in her resignation.
Agreed: In view of the 2019 election already agreed the Clerk to check with Member Services to clarify the procedure for vacancies, adverts and elections etc.
Letter of thanks to be sent.
10. Agenda items for January meeting
Church Electricity Emails
11. Next Meeting date:
Wednesday 9th January 2019
Timberland Village Hall
7.30pm