2021 Parish Council Minutes

Public Session.The Chairman prefaced the public session with a notice that this Parish Council intended to continue to provide a fair platform for the public to address the Councillors prior to formal Ordinary meetings, asked for public respect when someone is speaking and to limit the comments to three minutes as per the relevant policy. The Chairman added that if these rules are not respected then the Parish Council may well be forced to withdraw this facility. - A member of the public questioned when the grant policy and associated form were agreed.

 

- A member of the public asked when 'the letter' sent to PC was going to get a response.

- A member of the public wished there not be any politics in respect of the Community Speed Watch as it appeared to be resulting in the loss of members.

- A member of the public didn’t think much of a councillor pointing a finger and stated that Parish Council has previous been lying.

- A member of the public stated that this is the first Parish Council that hasn’t donated to a village event.

- A member of the public complained about the timing of comments from the public.

- A member of the public requested for introductory letters to be sent to new arrivals in the village (covering information such as village matters, clubs, etc.) – there was a suggestion to resurrect a booklet that seemed to go awry when Covid lockdowns started.

- A member of the public requested for the minutes to be placed on the noticeboard for those who are not Internet connected or technology savvy.

 

The Chairman noted that reports delivered from the floor will be taken as part of the public session rather than in the body of the meeting so the the meeting does not have to be closed to receive them. Therefore item 21/22/128 will be brought forward.

 

21/22/128

To receive a North Kesteven District Report from District Councillor Mervyn Head.

- Twin Stream Recycling: The first collection of the green-lidded bins was last week and to give residents a reminder to check what they are putting in the green lidded bins, the collection crews were instructed to look in the bins and if they contain wrong materials, to ‘tag’ the bin to let the resident know that wrong material has been put in the bins. The aim is to educate residents about what we can recycle here in Lincolnshire so that when the next collection happens, they have only put the ‘right things in the right bin’. The following link to the NKDC website would be good to post on the Parish Council Web Page and notice boards at regular intervals over the Autumn, as it has short videos about the new recycling strategy and a frequently asked questions section that deals with the issues that residents have raised about the new strategy. (https://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/residents/waste-recycling-and-environment/right-thing-right-bin/)

- Central Lincolnshire Local Plan: The consultation phase has now closed and the results from over 2,000 replies are being analysed and collated for review. Initial findings are that the general trend is positive.

- Sleaford Transport Strategy: I attended a meeting hosted by LCC in Sleaford on Monday 20 September to discuss options for the public transport network in an around Sleaford. Various options were discussed to try and get people to use public transport, to walk and to cycle more in preference to using the car. The comments from the sessions and others held across the county will be used to help LCC bid for funding to improve our public transport network, cycle paths and footpaths. It was acknowledged that being a largely rural area, the approach to improving our public transport network must involve Parish, Town, District and County Councils all working together to get the best possible outcomes. More involvement at Parish level is something that I wholly support and promote at every opportunity.

 

 

Present: Cllrs Head M (Chairman), Johnson, Moore, Shields, Fioravanzo, Head J; Dermot Daly (Clerk); 9 Members of the public

 

Welcome

 

21/22/123

To receive and agree apologies for absence.

- It was noted that Cllr Alexander cannot attend due to not feeling to well.

 

21/22/124

To receive disclosures of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests, pursuant to section 31 of the Localism Act 2011, and applications for dispensation from Councillors on matters considered at this meeting. - None.

 

21/22/125

To determine which items on the agenda, if any, require the exclusion of public and press under the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960 1 (2) and resolve to exclude public and press for these items.

- 21/22/145 due to the discussion of personal information.

 

MEETINGS

 

21/22/126

To approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 26th August 2021.

- It was RESOLVED to accept these minutes as circulated - p. Cllr Johnson, s. Cllr Head J, Unanimous.

 

REPORTS

 

21/22/127

To receive a Lincolnshire County Council Report from County Councillor Andrew Key. - Not at the meeting.

 

21/22/129

To receive report on behalf of Environmental Warden.

- I have been walking around the village most days at various times; early morning, day time and evenings whilst wearing my high vis jacket with “environment warden” written on it to increase visibility of there being a warden in the village. Since my last report 2 months ago, there has been a rise in litter and dog fouling. There was a period of several weeks where there was very little but particularly in the last 2 weeks there has been a significant rise in fouling and litter. I have spoken to one dog walker who does not live in the village about the importance of picking up dog poo, provided them with some poo bags and reminded them of the potential of a fine. I have spoken with several parishioners regarding hot spots and cases where they have seen people leaving dog mess. This has resulted in me spending more time around these areas with the intention of educating and taking further steps where necessary. I would also like to thank the parishioners who have collected dog poo left by others to protect others and the environment, but please be mindful of the dangers of dog poo when picking up for other people.Unfortunately there was a report via Facebook of a child stepping in dog mess outside their home on a footpath. This area has been a frequent spot recently again, as it was at the beginning of the year, which after a post highlighting this issue back then on Facebook put a stop to it. I have been walking along that spot daily since the parishioner’s post and it seems to have settled again. I would like to ask if I could do a monthly Facebook post similar to my council reports and ad hoc for incidences where there is a pattern of occurrence? I also ask if there is any issues of putting up a camera in that area and whether this option could be explored further? I have put up posters around the village that children have designed, one went near this spot on a post, however I wonder if it was possible to explore the possibility to have a sign mounted on a small post low on the grass in that area? I have found some online and I am happy to share the link if this is something that is considered.

 

There has been an increase of litter, particularly noted since the beginning of September there has been sweet wrappers and crisp packets between Coy’s Bridge and the footbridge. Earlier this week I picked up several energy drink and beer cans further down the river along with a tin of sweetcorn. I have spoken with Councillor Mervyn Head about ideas for signs in the village, particularly where visitors park; the church and off Skinner’s Lane, to highlight where bins are, that there is an environment warden and to educate reasons for keeping the environment clean and tidy. I have been looking at other village notice boards for further ideas of what information to display.I take pride in keeping our village safe and clean for villagers and visitors. I shall continue to educate and take action to keep the village tidy.

 

21/22/130

To receive reports on behalf of local voluntary groups.

- There was no report for the Village Tidy Group.

- The Community Speed Watch report…

This month saw us completing 23 Hours over 21 sessions. We logged a total of 263 Speeding Vehicles and clicked a total of 2,810 passing through the village in those 21 sessions, Which again is a high number of vehicles and I'm pretty sure this is due to the road works at the Holdingham Roundabout .This week is Project Edward week and will see teams from all over the county out in force with the aim of Educating as many drivers as possible. This will also include a visit from Lincolnshire Police force at Clay Bank and at the Golf Course entrance. Pictures of the teams from this week will be posted on our Village CSW Facebook page as well as on the Lincolnshire Police twitter page which will include lots of pictures of other village CSW teams and messages. I would like to thank Everyone from our village who came up to me at the village party last month and enquired about the CSW and said what a fab job the Team were doing, I'd also like to say a big thank you from the team to all those that show their support by waving at them while they are on a CSW session,... its so nice to see smiley faces. It's to that note I would like to thank Everyone on the team for All their Hard work and Commitment to South Kyme CSW. I'm very proud of what you are all achieving .... Well Done Guys.The Chairman noted that there will be continued positive support from the Parish Council as the CSW Team manages it's tasks; and it it is good to see that less than 10% of vehicles are speeding probably due to the continuing work of the CSW Team.

 

21/22/131

To receive reports on behalf of the Kyme Eau Working Group.

- Weed Cutting in the river: State of the river and the Weed cutting regime was discussed. The contract is now awarded on a national basis and the new company is still on a learning curve with procedure and method. The river will be weed cut again in October. Weed levels generally in the Witham and Slea are unusually bad this year.

- Flood Management: Water levels are set at 2.65m ODN at bottom lock which equates to @2.7M ODN in the village. The river Slea is ground water fed and it takes many days after heavy rainfall to cause a significant rise in the river level – prolonged rainfall and high water table gives rise to a higher risk of high water levels in the river. The EA is looking at natural flood defence methods such as creating wetlands and other attenuation methods to slow down the rate at which water enters the river system in high rainfall evets. The sluice gates which control the river levels at Bottom Lock are to be refurbished as the operating mechanisms are currently not operating effectively. - Bank Management: The SNT will ask David Hutchinson of the EA about possibility of more coir rolls funded by the EA for South Kyme for river bank enhancements. Sam MacAllister of the EA was asked to ensure that the river bank tops were cut for The Three Rivers Race being held on the 7 November. - Water Access Point for Canoes: The proposal for creating a specific platform for canoe use was discussed. The EA have no objection, but depending upon location of the platform, a full permit may be required. Sam MacAllister to advise when final location is agreed by SKPC.

- Footpath at Ferry Lane: The option of putting a footbridge across the river above Ferry Lane was discussed if the current blocking of access cannot be resolved was discussed. The EA have no objection on flooding grounds but a full permit would be required if a bridge were to be installed and a planning application may also be required. A site meeting with representatives of the SNT, NKPC, SKPC and Sleaford Ramblers Association was convened and a potential site located at Ewerby Waithe. Discussions are ongoing with the LCC footpaths committee to see if the path can be re-opened at Ferry Farm.

 

PLANNING

 

21/22/132

To discuss and agree response to Planning matters. - None received.

 

FINANCE

 

21/22/133

To discuss and agree actions relating to provision of Broadband service to the Coronation Hall.

- There was confirmation that the Village Hall has applied for funding which has been granted and discussion is to be progressed regarding the action points associated with the fund allocation.

- This item to be actioned at the next meeting when the grant stages are known.

 

21/22/134

Presentation of financial accounts for the period. - The accounts were accepted as circulated.

 

21/22/135

To agree accounts for payment. - There are no accounts to be paid this period.

 

INITIATIVES

 

21/22/136

Update on Kingfisher Repair Work.

- NKDC is to pass ownership of assets to the Parish Council. Paperwork and official decision is awaited.

 

21/22/137

Update on Canoe Portage.

- The old fishing platform could be extended and used. It could be the safest location. The application would need to be submitted to Sleaford Navigation Trust and Environment Agency.

 

21/22/138

Update on Village Questionnaire.

- A circulated questionnaire to be formatted, circulated and agreed. It was RESOLVED to distribute the questionnaire to each electoral resident of the parish – p. Cllr Fioravanzo, s. Cllr Shields, Unanimous.

 

21/22/139

Update on local Heritage Asset Pilot Project.

- Felix Mayle to be chased for progress on the project.

 

21/22/140

To discuss potential local Queen's Platinum Celebrations.

- The intention is to put out feelers to the residents and village groups to see what could be possible and what support can be provided by the Parish Council.

 

GENERAL

 

21/22/141

Clerk's Correspondence.

- We have received confirmation that we can attract government based software licence prices for office software, conference facility and voice links for use as the main Parish Council contact number. The Clerk was asked to follow up on quotes.

 

CLOSE

 

21/22/142

To consider frequency of meetings and to change as required.

- It was RESOLVED to revert to bi-monthly meeting with immediate effect- p. Cllr Head M, s. Cllr Shields, Unanimous.

 

21/22/143

To agree any actions associated with the marking of Remembrance Day 2021.

- It was RESOLVED to purchase appropriate wreaths - p. Cllr Head M, s. Cllr Moore, Unanimous.

 

21/22/144

To consider agenda items for the next meeting.

- New residents letter

- New noticeboard – water-tight and lockable

- Kingfisher repair

- Queens jubilee

- Canoe platform

- Village Hall broadband

- Questionnaire interim results

- Local heritage asset pilot

- Creation of Staffing committee – Cllrs Alexander, Fioravanzo and Head J.

 

21/22/145

To review probationary period of Clerk and agree associated actions.

- The Chairman reminded the attendees of the need to go into closed session due to the confidential nature of the next item.

- Details of this closed item are available under separate restricted cover.

- It was RESOLVED to accept the probationary period for the Clerk and to confirm the previously related dependencies regarding CiLCA training, funding and RFO responsibilities - p. Cllr Shields, s. Cllr Moore, Unanimous.

 

Meeting Close - 20:40