January 2021 Minutes
GREAT GONERBY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 5th January 2021 at 7.30pm via Zoom
Present: Cllr. Hutchinson Chairman, Cllr. J Thompson Vice Chairman, Cllr. A Critchley, Cllr. J Critchley, Cllr. K Davey, Cllr. H Fletcher, Cllr. A Mavros, Cllr. M Neal, and Cllr. R Plant
There being members of the public in attendance the Chairman opened the meeting by welcoming them and advising that he will deal with issues relating to Hill Top Cemetery under Matters Arising from previous meeting.
All of the attendees were interested in becoming Councillors and were invited to stay and watch proceedings.
1. Apologies for Absence Cllr I Stokes – Work Commitments
2. Declarations of Interest/Dispensations
Cllr. Thompson declared in interest in the Accounts for Payment having been repaid for spring bulbs purchased for the grass verges by the church and plant feed for the High Street hanging baskets.
3. Minutes Signed from Previous Meeting
Minutes were duly signed by the Chairman as a true record proposed by Cllr. Thompson and seconded by Cllr. A Critchley.
4. Matters Arising:-
Hill Top Terms and Conditions:-
The public forum opened and a discussion took place with regard to the proposed amended terms and conditions for Hill Top Cemetery.
It was thought that the proposed metre length for the maintained area was too long and it was agreed that this should be shortened to ½ a metre as this would be more manageable.
It was also discussed that one of the terms should be annual plants only rather than perennials.
It was also requested that a disclaimer be inserted in case of any damage is caused to plants, vases, ornaments etc either by the Parish Council or their contractor so that they are not responsible for damage.
All the above amendments were agreed and a re-worded document will be circulated for final approval.
5. Correspondence and Circulation
Correspondence received from Virgin Money advising Yorkshire Bank is to be amalgamated with Virgin Money. No action need be taken by the Parish Council with regard to the switch.
Update received from Cllr. Maughan with regard to highway encroachment at Toll Bar Road.
Email received from LCC advising of contribution towards verge cutting for 2021-22 in the sum of £1052.47
Updated Electoral Register received from SKDC.
Email received from LALC with regard to proposed S137 charity payment to LALC in the sum of £20 to be made in respect of help received in setting up the new web site. This was proposed by Cllr Hutchinson, seconded by Cllr. Thompson and unanimously agreed.
Email received from Duncan & Toplis advising our application to the Margaret Brown Trust for a grant towards the cost of the new defibrillator had been agreed.
Email received from villager expressing concerns with regard to activities on the all-weather pitch. This was passed to the Memorial Hall to deal with. Cllr. Thompson advised that the all-weather pitch is kept open due to vandalism reasons and that it was up to the general public to obey lockdown rules.
An application for Co-option had been received from Mr N Johnson, this together with other applications are to be dealt with at the March meeting. There being no deadline previously quoted it was requested all applications to be with the Clerk by Tuesday 23rd February 12 noon Unanimously agreed to defer to March meeting.
The Chairman explained the voting system which would take place for the Co-option of the new Councillor.
6. Clerk and Members to report back on matters outstanding
Acknowledgment has been received from Fix My Street with regard to the broken stiles on Footpath No3 reported following the last meeting confirming they will receive attention.
7. Financial Matters
a) Quarterly Summary of Accounts to 30th December 2020 – the spreadsheet showing the summary had been distributed to all Councillors prior to the meeting and no questions were raised. The Clerk’s Budget Report had also been distributed and again no questions were forthcoming. Both documents attached to Minutes. The Chairman confirmed the Bank balances
b) Accounts for Payment
The following spreadsheet was circulated to all Councillors before meeting:
No issues raised and payment was agreed proposed by Cllr. A Critchley, seconded by Cllr. Fletcher.
New payee Laser Tech agreed.
c) Agree Budget for 2021/22
Several Items of proposed expenditure were presented for consideration:
a) Provision of dog bins for the village with a proposed budget of £1000. It was advised that each dog bin would cost in the region of £115 but it would not be feasible to ask volunteers to empty the
bins on a regular basis. The Clerk was asked to ascertain how much a contractor would charge for this service and would report back to the next meeting in March before a decision could be made.
b) Solar Traffic Calming - following the meeting in November the Clerk was contacted by a French Company called ElanCity who provided the following quotation:
Solar Speed sign would be £1889 plus £30 for clips and then the cost of a post. The cost of a battery operated sign would be £1850, the advantage of this is that it could be moved round the village.
The signs are compatible with Windows and data is downloaded through wi-fi. The message can also be changed.
The previous quotes were for £3955 and £3274 (solar) and £3825 (battery).
A discussion took place and it was agreed to see how the hand held speed gun scheme works once the restriction surrounding Covid are lifted. The Clerk advised that the speed gun and hi-viz jackets had been received but training was on hold until restrictions were lifted.
c) Picnic Bench for the Field. This project was given the go ahead and Cllr. Davey is making the arrangements. This was proposed by Cllr. Davey and seconded by Cllr. Fletcher. All in favour.
d) The new Bench incorporating the Covid Lockdown stones for the Pond area in the sum of £1500 was also agreed. Proposed by Cllr. Hutchinson, seconded by Cllr. J Critchley.
e) Six White Entrance Gates for the village costing £4000. Again discussed and thought would look good but there could be a problem placing them on Newark Hill. It was though agreed to go ahead with the proposal despite the fact it could be that only four gates will be possible. The quotation is for £4000, with provision of £2000 in the budget, the remaining monies to come from reserves.
The Chairman asked if there were any other additions to the Budget. Cllr Thompson requested the restoration of the bell tower at the school be revisited soon.
The full agreed budget is attached to these Minutes.
8. Advisory Groups
a) Planning Applications
S20/1816
Mr George Thomas
36 Long Street, Great Gonerby
Listed Building Consent – Replacement roof to rear extension.
S20/1926
Mr and Mrs Fowler-Birch
33 Belvoir Gardens, Great Gonerby
Resubmission of approved scheme – Single storey extension to side and rear of existing dwelling.
S20/1927
Mr S Martin
The Old Bakehouse, 18 High Street, Great Gonerby
Replace Windows in the house – Listed Building Consent.
S20/2066
Mr Marsh
16 Green Street, Great Gonerby
T1 – Reduce horse chestnut by up to 2m, around 1/3 in total size. Give more clearance away from building, up to 2.5m.
S20/2089
Mrs L Gamble-Creswell
31B Long Street, Great Gonerby
Proposed single story extension to rear of existing dwellings including garage conversion.
S20/2111
Mrs M Embling
9B Grantham Road, Great Gonerby
Section 73 application for the removal of condition 3 (boundary hedging) of planning approval S05/1628
GRANTED
PLANNING APPLICATION NUMBER: S20/1292 (PL/0081/20)
DEVELOPMENT: TO VARY CONDITION 2 AND 7 OF PLANNING PERMISSION REF: S37/1976/16 – TO REFLECT PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE SITE LANDSCAPE PLANTING SCHEME
LOCATION: GRANTHAM WASTE TRANSFER STATION, OCCUPATION ROAD, GREAT GONERBY
Lincolnshire County Council has granted permission for the development referred to above. A copy of the Decision Notice is attached for your information.
S20/1664
Mr L Borrett
44 Manor Drive, Great Gonerby
Take down existing out house and replace it with a single storey garage to the side of the property.
S20/1705
Mr and Mrs Whitney
4 Pond Street, Great Gonerby
Submission of details reserved by Conditions 3 (soft and hard landscaping detail) and 5 (Land Levels) of planning approval S19/1901 (Erection of bungalow and detached double garage)
S20/1816
Mr G Thomas
36 Long Street, Great Gonerby
Replacement of roof to rear extension
S20/1926
33 Belvoir Gardens
Single storey extension to side and rear of existing building (resubmission of approved scheme S20/1329)
NOTIFICATIONS
Public Speaking at Planning Committee reference Section 73 application for removal of Condition 8 (pedestrian footway) and vary conditions 2 (approved plans) and condition 6 (schedule of materials, of planning permission S19/1136
b) The Environment
Cllr. Thompson confirmed a “walking party” would soon be convened to try and re-establish the correct route of Footpath 4. Cllr. Maughan advised that he was inviting the Environmental Office to join the walk.
c) Amenity Areas
i) Burial Ground Fees:
The clerk advised that fees at St Sebastian’s had not been increased since 2016. A discussion took place and it was agreed to increase the fees by 10% with effect from 1st April 2021.
It was agreed that fees at Hill Top Cemetery are to remain the same as they were increased by 5% in April 2020.
Proposed by Cllr. Thompson and seconded by Cllr A Critchley. Unanimously agreed.
ii) Maintenance to Flagpole and lamp post on corner of Long Street
Cllr. Fletcher advised that the flag pole could do with a wash and offered to do this when the weather is a bit warmer.
It was also reported that the black paint to the Lamp Post on the corner of Long Street is peeling and needs attention. Cost to come from maintenance budget.
iii) Neighbourhood Scheme
Cllr Neal spoke of the Good Neighbourhood Scheme and enquired if there was a similar scheme already in existence in the village. A long discussion took place about Facebook, the Community, Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, and general involvement of villagers in many ways. Cllr. Neal will make further enquiries to ascertain the viability of the scheme including inviting Samantha Smith, Senior Rural Officer of the Good Neighbourhood Scheme, to address the next meeting and including a link on the Community Facebook page.
It was suggest that the Parish Council have a page linked to Facebook to publicise their minutes and make announcements and this is something that will be looked into and discussed again at the March meeting.
Cllr. Fletcher asked if it would be possible to have a communications boards at the bus stops but this has been done before and the boards were vandalised. Not agreed.
d) Highway Matters
Cllr Maugham’s December and January Hough Reports were circulated to all Councillors prior to the meeting.
Cllr. Maughan advised that he is chasing LCC with regard to the promised assessment of the zebra crossing with a view to changing the layout of the safety zone and he appealed to villagers to contact him with their concerns about the crossing. It was pointed out that not all villagers know how to contact but Cllr Maughan advised that he monitors comments and gives contact details.
Villagers are encouraged to report pot holes/lighting/over grown hedges etc to LCC through Fix My Street, a link to this can be found on the Parish Council web site.
Cllr Maughan was informed some cats’ eyes were not working on the A1 slip road and he is dealing with this.
9. Staffing Matters – Set appraisal dates for February
The Chairman advised that he would advise dates to the Clerk and Community Cleaner.
10. Notice of motions for future meetings
The Clerk was requested to add Communications to the March Agenda.
11. Any matters for Urgent Discussion
The Chairman asked for volunteers to take special responsibility for village areas. This was discussed and agreed.
The Clerk advised that Ladywell Pay will cease trading at the end of March so it will be necessary to find another company to handle the Parish Council Payroll.
The Clerk requested a new filing cabinet be purchased as the current metal one does not open and close properly any more. This was agreed
There being no further Business the meeting closed at 21.40
BUDGET REPORT
As at the end of Quarter 3 I can advise the following:-
Expenditure:
Hall rent has been paid in the sum of £220
Office costs running well within budget, £395 spent against a budget of £500
As previously advised, subscriptions are showing a very slight excess (£1) this year
I advised in November that donations are showing an excess due to £500 grant received from LCC for help during Covid lockdown and this figure will be carried through to the end of the year.
Insurance costs slightly in excess of budget by £30.
Audit fees paid £320 against a budget of £400
Still no training expenses
Expenses to date total £631 against a predicted budget of £627.
Other payments are showing an excess at the present time £14,296 against a predicted budget of £12,423 but I heard just before Christmas that our application for a Grant towards the cost of the second defibrillator and I am pleased to advise that the Margaret Brown Trust have awarded us a grant of £1,800 towards the total cost which was £2140 including the installation.
Maintenance costs are running within budget having spent £8883 against a budget of 10,713 and I am confident the end of year figures will be within budget.
Income:
Burial predicted Income is in excess of budget as a number of villagers have reserved plots.
