January 2022 Minutes
TIMBERLAND AND THORPE TILNEY PARISH COUNCIL
These are the Minutes of the Parish Meeting held via zoom on Wednesday 20th January 2021 at 6.55pm.
4 Parishioners Present - Points raised by Parishioners:
A parishioner attended the meeting and made a statement to the Council about the generosity and goodwill shown by Parishioners over this last year.
There were many examples given which included everyone who contributed to the work of MATES, the Lincoln Larder, generous Christmas gifts donations and support to other charities.
The Parishioner acknowledged and thanked everyone for their help and support over this time which demonstrated the strength of the community in which we live.
Those present:
Parish Councillors Stirling, Kornat, Audis, Sharplin, Sharman, Lenton, District Councillor Ogden, County Councillor Kendrick and the Parish Clerk.
1. Apologies
None
2. Declarations of Interest
None
Matters Arising
Included on the Agenda
3. Minutes of the Parish Meeting 18th November 2020
Agreed as a correct record
Proposed: Cllr. Sharplin Seconded: Cllr. Sharman
All Agreed
4. County and District Councillor Remarks
Councillor Kendrick’s written report has been sent to all Councillors and is available on request via the Clerk.
Cllr. Kendrick confirmed that there may be a small amount of funds available to contribute to additional piece of equipment on the Timberland Green.
Councillor Ogden informed the Council that the budget is to be agreed the following week and it was expected to be a balanced budget.
Two Covid Ambassadors have been appointed that although they do not have powers to charge or arrest, they will have an observation and advisory role whilst the pandemic continues. These two posts are funded by Central Government.
Agreed: Clerk to contact Cllr. Kendrick for funding.
5. Planning
All planning submitted can be viewed on line using references below or via the Clerk:
15th December 2020 20/0533/FUL
22ND December 2020 20/1772/TPO
5th January 2021 20/1738/FUL
14th January 2021 20/1738/FUL
The Parish Council has a Planning Policy and will not comment on the above.
The number of new properties over the past four years quoted by NKDC was discussed and also the access to the field from Martin Lane which crosses the pavement.
Agreed: Clerk to check the property figures with the Planning Department and also enquire whether an application has been made for retrospective planning for the access from Martin Lane into what was the cricket field.
6. Highways
Agreed: Clerk to forward to Cllr. Kendrick any outstanding work across the Parish which may be possible to complete before the end of the financial year.
7. Parish Items
7.1 Community Market Update
Cllr. Kornat has circulated all the dates for the year and these will commence when Covid19 restrictions are lifted.
7.2 Timberland Green
Councillor Audis reported that it is very wet at the moment and there are problems with moles.
Concerns remain about the required wall repair as the farmer may want his fencing returned.
A discussion took place with regard to accessing funding for additional play equipment.
Cllr. Sharman referred to an article in the LALC newsletter which may be useful.
Agreed: The Clerk and Cllr. Sharman to look into the possible options for funding.
7.3 Grounds Maintenance
The hedge has been cut on the footpath behind Bayfield.
Agreed: Clerk to put in tender for cutting the Bayfield corner fortnightly through the summer at £16.00 per cut.
Proposed: Cllr. Audis Seconded: Cllr. Kornat
All agreed
7.4 Timberland Sign
Agreed: As soon as Covid19 restrictions are lifted, Cllrs Audis and Stirling will remove the sign and take it to a local artist for a quote for the re-painting to be done.
7.5 Family Fun Day
A date has been agreed for 17th July but it is subject to any Covid19 restrictions that may be in place.
7.6 Village Hall Update
The Chair of the Village Hall committee has informed the Council that the renovations are near completion.
Agreed: The Clerk to forward any details of possible funding opportunities to complete the finishing touches e.g., furniture and soft furnishings.
7.7 Notice Board (VH)
Agreed: This will be made as soon as possible to match the design of the new Village Hall notice board to the value of £600. The new design to include a single door to maximise viewing of display material. The Community Infrastructure Levy received will cover the much of the cost of this.
7.8 Parish Website
Cllr. Lenton and the Clerk will continue to develop the website and ideas have been put forward by Councillors and Parishioners and more thoughts and ideas are welcomed.
7.9 Thorpe Tilney Junction
A site meeting took place last year with a Councillor and Cllr. Kendrick
Agreed: Cllr. Kendrick to follow up the concerns about the hedges in front of the cottages which restrict the view when accessing the highway.
7.10 Local Plan Consultation
The Clerk has written to NKDC raising concerns again about the footpaths and limited access to greenspace. When a response is received it will be circulated to the Council.
7.11 Emergency Plan
Agreed: The Clerk to circulate the plan that agreed some time ago for re-consideration by the Council.
8. Clerk’s Update
8.1 Finance
8.1.1 Cheques for Payment
100701 £69.76 Litter Picker (Salary)
100702 cancelled
100703 36.99 L Kornat (Memory Stick)
100704 509.26 Clerk (Salary)
Proposed: Cllr. Audis Seconded: Cllr. Sharman
All agreed
8.1.2 Bank Statement Balances
Community Account: £ 7572.55
Business Account: £ 1963.58
8.1.3 Standing Orders Recruitment and Selection
Already discussed
8.1.4 Precept 2021-2022
A lengthy and detailed discussion took place with regard to the current contingency amount which has gradually been depleted over the years. Although the formula used on the Council Tax bills may have shown fluctuations (+/-) in percentage terms, the Parish Council’s income has not increased for at least 8 years. The Parish Council’s main concern, when deciding whether or not to increase the precept income, was the impact of COVID19 and how this may have affected households over the last year.
Many other Parishes have increased their precept amount over the years but this Council had constantly voted not to do so. This is a result of the contingency fund being at a level estimated to meet any unexpected expenditure that may arise.
The current contingency fund is now at a level that an increase in the Precept amount should be seriously considered.
It was considered at length and a vote took place.
Agreed: The Parish Council voted 4 to 2 not to increase the amount requested for 2021-2022 and the Clerk will submit the paperwork by the due date.
The Clerk to draft a letter for the next meeting for consideration.
Proposed: Cllr Kornat Seconded: Cllr. Sharplin
All agreed
Agreed
8.2 Correspondence and Communications
Already discussed
8.3 Clerk
8.3.1 Vacancy
Agreed: Due to the current Covid restrictions, the Clerk will remain in post until interviews, induction, handover and face to face meetings can take place. This will be reviewed in September 2021.
8.3.2 Laptop and Printer
Agreed: The Clerk to present the Council via email estimates for replacing the laptop and printer to the value of £500 which needs replacing after being in for diagnostic/repair.
Proposed: Cllr. Sharplin Seconded: Cllr. Kornat
All agreed
9. Agenda Items for the next meeting
9.1 Emergency Plan
9.2 Precept Letter
10. Date of the next meeting :
Wednesday 17th March 2021 via zoom
11. Co-option
Rory Slater who was present throughout the meeting introduced himself declaring his interest in joining the Parish Council. He gave a brief introduction about himself and why he wished to undertake the role.
Agreed: A unanimous decision was to made to co-opt Rory Slater to the Council
Proposed: Cllr. Sharplin Seconded: Cllr. Sharman
The Clerk to forward all necessary documents to Cllr. Slater as soon as possible after the meeting including Acceptance of Office, Declaration of Interest, Good Councillor Guide and Standing Orders.