2021 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SUDBROOKE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY 2 DECEMBER 2021 IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SUDBROOKE

PRESENT: Peter Heath (Chairman), Mrs Tracey Bowman (Vice Chair), Andy Cottam, Simon Crampton, Paul Fido, Bhikhu Mistry, Dave Scott

County Councillor Sue Rawlins,

Mrs Christine Myers (Clerk), Mrs Bridget Solly (Treasurer)

135 – 21/22 PARISHIONERS ITEMS

Concern from resident at speed of vehicles travelling along West Drive, many allegedly from the livery. It was noted that Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership were to conduct a speed survey along this road and the Clerk was asked to write to the owners of the livery to advise their clients.

Resident of Main Drive asked what the Parish Council were going to do about the use of the drive by other than residents. It was pointed out that this was a private unadopted road and as such it was out of the hands of the Parish Council, this being a matter between the residents and developer of The Parklands.

A request had been made for a Roll of honour plaque to be sited on the Millennium Stone.  It was noted that a Roll of Honour was in the church.  A vote was held between members as to whether this should be discussed at a future Parish Council meeting and the vote was unanimously against.

136– 21/22 TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND REASONS GIVEN

District Councillor Bob Waller - That the reason given be accepted unanimously Resolved.

137– 21/22 NOTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 4 NOVEMBER 2021 TO BE APPROVED  FOR CHAIRMAN TO SIGN AS MINUTES

That the notes be signed as a correct record as minutes unanimously Resolved.

138– 21/22 COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT

CC Sue Rawlins stated that there would likely be a 5% increase in the LCC element of the council tax for the next financial year due to inflation and fuel price.

CC Rawlins also stated that she would attend the Extraordinary meeting of the Parish Council on 7 December to discuss the proposed Active Travel route between Sudbrooke and Nettleham.

139– 21/22 REPORTS ON MATTERS OUTSTANDING

A   Burial space/new cemetery – An enquiry about the possible purchase of some land had been made with another landowner and a reply was awaited.

B   Christmas Tree Switch on Event – The event had been a success on a cold and crisp afternoon. It was considered that the event had been enhanced by the lighting provided by employees of Clancy Docwra who had attended in their own time with floodlights used normally for their works.

Thanks were extended to all those involved in the event and the erection and lighting of the tree.

Councillor Simon Crampton confirmed that PAT testing of the lights was unnecessary to their low voltage.

C   Highway issues – speed indicators, Scothern Lane – Councillor Dave Scott confirmed that he was still awaiting a response from Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership re the speed checks within the village.

140   – 21/22 THE PARKLANDS

A   Report of informal meeting with Project Manager – The Chair reported that he and Cllr Bhikhu Mistry had walked around the site with the Project Manager. They viewed the area of woodlands where a team had been thinning the trees and dredging the ponds. The southern area of water is quite shallow being about 3 feet deep but the northern part is deeper. The plan is to use the cut down trees to reinforce the banks of the pond to make accidental slips less likely. Trees have been cut back surrounding the ponds to allow much more light onto the water which should in turn reduce the algae build up. The current paths are on hold while the effect of the leaf mould on the pathways to soften the current surface is assessed.

Within the development Phase 1 is almost complete and they will commence phase 2. Phase 2 is the area north and south of West Drive to the west of the triangle. Whilst the houses are being built the temporary road behind the current show house will remain in operation and will be maintained to prevent potholes etc. Once the houses to the South of West Drive are completed then the area around the oak tree will be completed as green space.

The signage depicting the amount of funds to be passed to Ellison Boulters School and the S106 Agreement was discussed and the Project Manager agreed to send the documents relating to that agreement to the Parish Council.

The building being done behind the blue fence is the construction of a new show house to be used for the duration of the build. The current one is a non-standard in design so is proving difficult to persuade interested purchasers to switch to a different design (they have a lot of interest in the existing show house). The pub will be commenced soon and they are seeking interested parties to take on the project. They are looking for a non-chain to run it.

B   To consider the request from The Parklands for Name the Bear competition – Members agreed that the Parish Council participate in this competition with the developers.

141   – 21/22 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE 2022 SEASON

A   To confirm agreement of joining the Lincolnshire County Council Highway Verge Parish Agreement Scheme 2022-23 – This agreement offered the Parish Council a contribution towards the verge cutting in the parish, the Parish Council seeking its own contract and number of cuts. The contribution currently standing at £1528.768 but under review.

That the Parish Council continue with the LCC Parish Agreement Scheme for 2022-23 unanimously Resolved.

B   To consider quotation from Glendale Countryside for grounds maintenance contract 2022 - Members agreed that they were satisfied with the current Grounds Maintenance Contractors, being local and having a good knowledge of the village.  It was noted that there had been a higher percentage of an increase in the quotation than in previous years, this being clarified as an increase in fuel costs (use of white diesel and not red with effect from April 2021) and parts for machinery.

That the quotation from Glendale Countryside Ltd be accepted unanimously resolved.

142   – 21/22 TO CONSIDER PRICE AND FITTING OF SIGN AT STUART CURTIS FIELD

With reference to minute 111 – 21/22 – the cost of the sign supplied by Signs Express would be £285.71, fitting £160. If not fitted the cost of delivery would be - £19.99. An alternative price for fitting had been sought at a cost of £100.00.

Following discussion, that Signs Express supply and fit the sign at a cost of £445.71 unanimously Resolved.

143   – 21/22 PLAY EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS

Notification had been received from EKM Ltd that operational play equipment inspections would increase to £50 per site inspection per month.

Welton Parish Council’s Facility Team could carry out visual inspections of the play areas at £30.00 per site inspection per month, but not carry out repairs.

Prices/inspections were considered and that EKM continue with operational play equipment inspections at a cost of £50 per site unanimously Resolved.

144 – 21/22 FINANCE

A To consider purchase of laptop for Treasurers use – It was noted that the Treasurers laptop was in need of replacement due to age. That a new laptop be purchased unanimously 

B   To consider request for grant from Citizens Advice Lindsey – That a grant not be paid unanimously Resolved.

C   Accounts for payment

That the above accounts be paid by Bacs unanimously Resolved.

Income - Monies taken at Christmas Tree Event – £272.30

Bank Account position

D   Precept 2022/23 to consider the budget and set the Precept on West Lindsey District Council

Figures for the next financial years Precept were considered and agreed as follows:-

That Sudbrooke Parish Council Precept on West Lindsey District Council the sum of £29,800 for the 2022/23 financial year unanimously Resolved.

145   – 21/22 PLANNING - Nothing to report

146   – 21/22 RESPONSES RECEIVED FROM RESIDENTS RE ARTICLE IN SUDBROOKE  NEWS

There had been twelve responses to the article in Sudbrooke asking for comments on various issues in the village, these had been acknowledged and copied to all Councillors for information and noting.

The majority of responses had emphasised the use of the play equipment/areas in the village and the requirement to continue to maintain and replace as and when required.

147   – 21/22 REPORTS BY COUNCILLORS WHO HAD RECENTLY ATTENDED TRAINING  COURSES

Councillor Dave Scott reported on his attendance at New Councillor training and asked for further training on Planning.

Councillor Simon Crampton had attended ‘Understanding Planning’ training which he reported as being very useful.

148   – 21/22 CLERKS REPORT

The Clerk reported that a new larger base tube was required for the Christmas tree for next year due to deterioration in the state of the current tube. A quotation had been requested.

149   – 21/22 CHAIRMANS REPORT

The Chairman stated that he was shocked at the receipt of the email from County Councillor Richard Davies suggesting the proposed closure of Nettleham Lane to vehicular traffic and it being used only for walking and cyclists. He further stated the short notice given for the consultation – three weeks. He had called an Extraordinary meeting for Tuesday 7 December when the matter was the only item on the agenda and it was hoped that a good response would be made by residents.

150   – 21/22 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING

* Sent to residents email list

29.10.2021 – Local Transport Plan consultation 2.11.2021 – LALC Weekly E News
5.11.2021 – Groundwork UK – Request for end of grant report
*8.11.2021 – Nettleham Medical Practice Winter newsletter 9.11.2021 – LALC Weekly E News
10.11.2021 – Reply from PCC to Chairman’s letter of 30.9.2021
*12.11.2021 – Nettleham Medical Practice Winter Newsletter
16.11.2021 – LALC E News
18.11.2021 – Letter from Dale & Co solicitors re trees on Wragby Road
18.11.2021 – Update from Website Administrator re Jadu control Centre for LCC websites 19.11.2021 – YMCA Lincolnshire News bulletin
19.11.2021 – Civility and Respect Newsletter
22.11.2021 – Anglian Water – Information on Working in partnership with Anglian Water to help vulnerable parishioners
23.11.2021 – LALC Weekly News
24.11.2021 - Admission Policy Consultation on 2023-2024 Admissions Arrangement

151   – 21/22 DATE OF NEXT MEETING(S)

Extraordinary meeting 7 December 2021, 7.30pm, Stuart Curtis Hall, Sudbrooke Village Hall Parish Council meeting – 6 January 2022, 7.30pm, Bramham Lounge, Sudbrooke Village Hall

152   – 21/22 TO RESOLVE TO MOVE INTO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS STAFFING  MATTERS/TREASURERS APPRAISAL

County Councillor Sue Rawlins left the meeting at this point.