Minutes of the meeting of 16th January 2024
Minutes of the meeting of Minting and Gautby Parish Council held on the 16th of January 2024 at Minting Village Hall at 7.00pm. .
Present :- Cllr. E.B.Clark [EC] Chairman / acting clerk, Cllrs. H.Padfield [HP], J.Padfield [JP], L.Bury [LB], J.Stuchfield [JS], Dist.Cllr. W Gray, County Cllr. P. Bradwell and one member of the public.
7.00pm Public forum.
Discussion was concerned with local reaction to, and matters to be pursued following the recent flooding.
7.10pm Council meeting.
[1] Chairman’s welcome, and apologies for absence.
Cllr. Bruntlett sent apologies, citing work pressure. JS proposed acceptance, seconded by LB and resolved.
[2] Declaration of interests.
EC declared a personal interest in item 8g, and would not vote.
[3] To confirm, or amend, and sign the draft notes of the meeting of 28th November 2023.
LB proposed adoption of the draft notes as the true and correct minutes of the meeting of 28th November 2023. EC signed the minutes.
[4] Matters arising from the minutes, and activity since the last meeting.
EC reported communications with LCC Highways Dept concerning the beck culvert near to ‘ Cornerways’. Cllr. Gray advised that funding for the work may be available from the Lincs. Community Foundation, but this would have to be clarified.
[5] Correspondence.
A note from Minting VHC advising of a rise in the price of hiring the hall.
Information from LCC regarding proposed devolution.
E-mails from a resident concerning flood prevention.
Some old papers concerning the Land Registry details for the village greens, from the former Clerk, Mrs V Brown.
Conformation of registry of the Top Minting defibrillator.
[6] Reports from District / County Cllrs.
Dist. Cllr. Gray’s main report being sent to Cllrs prior to the meeting, he mentioned the SWEP scheme to assist the long-term homeless and rough sleepers, the green waste scheme, and the matter of the 45,000 military veterans living in the county and provision for their needs.
County Cllr. Bradwell discussed the matter of the recent flooding, and was hopeful that LCC Highways would offer help with the improvements to the beck culvert. The proposed devolution of local powers would attract much needed extra funding to the area, with more local authority over how money should be spent.
[7] To approve renewal of LALC membership for 2024-25.
JS propose renewal, seconded by JP and resolved.
[8] Finance.
a] To approve a reconciliation of the Lloyds Bank account.
The reconciliation was approved at £9760.83. LB signed the statement.
b] To approve payments :-
EKM Ltd mowing £3998.40
Gautby VHC defib. electricity [ 6 months] £30.00
Mrs. V.Brown ditto “ £30.00
Minting VHC hall hire £50.00
LB proposed approval, seconded by JP and resolved.
c] To agree a half -year payment for defib. electricity to Minting VHC.
LB proposed £30.00, seconded by HP and resolved.
d] To agree a draft budget and to set a Parish Precept for the year 2024-25.
EC presented an approximate list of regular annual costs for the new year, net of V.A.T :-
Information Commissioner’s Office £35.00
Insurance £460.00
Gautby kiosk electricity £50.00
LALC subscription £140.00
Hall hire £100.00
Audit £150.00
Grass mowing £3,350.00
Total = £4,285.00
Cllrs. agreed that an extra £1,500 should be allowed for capital spending on community assets. JS proposed setting a Parish Precept at £5,800.00 -representing an increase of 5.45%, seconded by JP and resolved.
e] To appoint a third cheque signatory.
On the recommendation of the auditor, EC asked for proposals for a third signatory to be appointed. JS proposed LB, seconded by JP and resolved.
f] To consider a request for a small donation to Minting and District Gardening Club.
After discussion, JS proposed a donation of £50.00, seconded by JP and resolved.
[9] To approve and adopt updated versions of Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Code of Conduct and Publication Scheme.
HP proposed adoption, seconded by LB and resolved.
[10] Planning matters.
Cllrs. noted the refusal of the application for an agricultural dwelling at Longlands Farm.
A query regarding planning matters concerning The Sebastapol inn was discussed, but no action was decided upon.
[11] To discuss arrangements for the 2024 Annual Parish Meeting.
A provisional date of May 8th was agreed. EC asked for suggestions for a speaker.
[12] Parish maintenance.
a] To appoint a grass mowing contractor for the new year.
JS proposed EKM Ltd, their quote being the same as for 2023, seconded by JP and resolved.
b] To consider quotations for the supply / alterations to defibrillator lighting.
The quotation from Gladwin Electrical of £349.50 was proposed by JS, seconded by HP and resolved. LB agreed to liaise with the contractors.
[13] Other parish matters.
a] Proposed meeting with MP, Mrs. V. Atkins regarding flooding.
EC said that he was contacting the constituency office to arrange a meeting.
b] Nuisance dogs.
Discussion centred upon dogs at a property on Minting Lane which had caused some trouble to residents. Cllr. Gray recommended contacting the dog warden. LB offered to contact the dog warden.
[14] Any other business, and to agree meeting dates for 2024.
LB mentioned litter pickers. EC to advertise their availability on the website and noticeboards.
Agreed meeting dates for the remainder of 2024 were 26th March, 29th May, 30th July, 24th September and 26th November.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.25pm.