Minutes of the meeting of 18th January 2022
Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Minting and Gautby Parish Council held on the 18th of January 2022 at Minting Village Hall at 7.00pm.
Present :- Cllr. E.B.Clark [EC] Chairman / acting Clerk, Cllrs. H Padfield [HP], J.Padfield [JP], C Bruntlett [CB], and J. Stuchfield [JS].
7.00pm Chairman’s welcome and Public Forum [ 10 minutes].
No members of the public were present.
7.10pm Parish Council meeting.
[1] Apologies for absence.
There were no apologies for absence.
[2] Declarations of interests.
EC declared a pecuniary interest in Item 6[d]
[3] To confirm, or amend, the draft notes of the meeting of 23rd of November 2021.
JS proposed that the draft notes be adopted without amendment as the true and correct Minutes of the meeting. Seconded by JP, and resolved. The Chairman signed the minutes.
[4] Matters arising from the minutes, and activity since the last meeting.
EC mentioned that the Council’s response to the Grundy’s Lane planning application had been forwarded to ELDC Planning Dept.
EC also advised that he had attended a Parish Clerk’s networking day, which included a tuition session on the ‘Prevent’ initiative.
[5] Correspondence
LCC had advised that they were considering a 3% increase in their share of the Council Tax, to fund the rapidly increasing costs of adult social care, and invited Parish Council’s to comment.
Cllrs agreed to reply to the effect that they thought this increase was acceptable.
A request from ‘Lives’ for donations had been received, but Cllrs. referred to the Council’s long- standing policy of refraining from using tax-payer’s money for charitable giving.
An e-mail was received from a resident concerning a property on Lodge Lane, Minting – with planning concerns.
The Lord Lieutenant, Mr. Dennis, had recommended that parishes hold a celebration of some sort to mark the Platinum Jubilee of her Majesty the Queen.
[6] Finance.
[a] To review accounts to date, and agree a Bank A/C reconciliation.
Accounts to date showed a calculated Bank balance of £9,531.20, whereas the Lloyds statement showed £9,555.20, the difference being due to an unpresented cheque for £24.00. The reconciliation was proposed by CB, seconded by HP and resolved. The RFO duly signed the Bank statement.
[b] To agree a draft budget for the year 2022-23.
Cllrs. agreed a draft expenditure budget for the new year of £5,500. Proposed by HP, seconded by CB and resolved.
[c] To set a Parish Precept for the year 2022-23.
EC explained that there would be a considerable amount of V.A.T. to be reclaimed for the year 2021-22 amounting to around £1500, in addition to the Precept. However, that will be a ‘one-off ‘ bonus that should not be taken into account when setting a Precept. After discussion, HP proposed a reduction of the Precept from £6000 in 2021-22, to £5,500 for the year 2022-23. Seconded by JP and resolved.
[d] To approve payments :-
Eon - kiosk electricity £38.77
EKM Ltd grass mowing £2736.00
EKM Ltd beck fence repair £498.58
Parish Noticeboard Co. deposit £1,110.00
Cllr. E.B.Clark } Safelincs [ defib. parts] £155.48
“ } X2 Connect [ kiosk light] £58.80
“ } LALC – Clerks meeting £18.00
Approval was proposed by CB, seconded by JP and resolved.
[7] Parish maintenance.
[a] Minting notice board.
EC reported that the order had been placed, and a 50% deposit paid.
[b] Minting beck fence repair.
The work had been completed by EKM Ltd.
[c] Defibrillator maintenance.
EC reported that both units now had replacement parts fitted.
[d] Tree pruning on the Green, Minting.
EC thanked CB for his voluntary effort in pruning the lower branches.
[e] ‘The Green’ sign in Minting.
JS explained that the residents of the Green were required to leave their wheelie bins in a position which obscured the sign, which resulted in parcel deliveries going astray. They have requested another sign to be attached to the left side fence. EC estimated that the cost would be £50 - £60. JS proposed the provision of a new sign, seconded by CB and resolved.
[f] To appoint a grass mowing contractor for 2022.
The quotation from EKM Ltd showed no increase in prices compared with 2021. JS proposed appointing EKM Ltd again for 2022, seconded by JP and resolved.
[8] To decide upon dates for ordinary meetings for 2022, and a date for a Parish Meeting.
EC proposed the following dates for ordinary meetings :-
29th of March
24th of May [ Annual Parish Council Meeting]
26th of July
27th of September
22nd of November
Also 10th May [Annual Parish Meeting]
[9] Any other business.
Suggestions for speakers for the Annual Parish meeting included EMAS and the Police.
HP questioned the road closure sign on Hungram Lane. EC said that he had had no notice of any road closures.
The recent spate of robberies in the area was discussed, hence the suggestion of a Police speaker at the Annual Parish meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 7.50pm.