July 2022 Parish Council Minutes
GREAT GONERBY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 11th July 2022
At the Memorial Hall, Belton Lane, Great Gonerby
Present: Cllr. Hutchinson Chairman, Cllr. H Fletcher Vice Chairman, Cllr. T Bridle,
Cllr T Critchley, Cllr J Critchley, Cllr. C Cundall, Cllr. K Davey, Cllr M Davey-Dunerdale, Cllr. M Neal, Cllr R Plant
Cllr. K Rice-Oxley (SKDC)
There were six members of the public in attendance at the meeting.
Mr Thompson wished to publically thank the Parish Council for funding the Platinum Jubilee Party in the Park and also special thanks were afforded to Cllr. Davey for the enormous commitment and hard work she showed in ensuring that the event was a success. The Chairman acknowledged and agreed with Mr Thompson’s thanks.
Mr Thompson also asked if the Parish Council would be willing to fund the cost of three further plaques for the High Street where pubs used to stand. This was agreed in principal.
Mr Thompson requested that Sarah Tieney be invited to the next meeting. This was agreed.
A parishioner again bought to the attention of the Parish Council the terrible state of the High Street road near to the zebra crossing and the awful affect the uneven surface of the road is having on her residence. Her concerns were acknowledged and agreed with.
Another Parishioner spoke further about the High Street road problems and whether proposed works would include the junction with Green Street. The Chairman advised that he did have a map of the proposed works but at the present time it was confidential but it was thought the Green Street junction would not be included.
Cllr. K Rice-Oxley introduced herself and a discussion took place with regard to Parish boundaries.
More discussion took place with regard to High Street zebra crossing proposals and the Chairman advised that the Parish Council have committed £10k towards the costs of up grading the crossing.
Mr Thompson advised that the High Street planters were looking splendid and he was happy to continue watering and feeding them. The Chairman thanked Mr Thompson for looking after the plants.
1. Apologies for Absence: Cllr. A Mavros – Work Commitments (in retrospect)
Cllr. A Maughan (LCC)
2. Declarations of Interest/Dispensations
None
3. Minutes signed from previous meeting
The Minutes of the meeting held on the 11th May 2022 were duly agreed and accepted as a true record. Proposed by Cllr. Fletcher and seconded by Cllr. Davey.
4. Official Correspondence & Circulation
In his absence Cllr. Maughan had submitted a report which is attached to these Minutes.
A discussion took place with regard to LC Highways Funding shortfall following the Government’s refusal to replace the missing millions. The Chairman advised that this had resulted a huge shortfall of funding which meant road conditions were likely to get worse.
An update on the Grantham relief road was read and it was noted this is now subject to a delay resulting in further expense. Opening date possibly in 2023.
An email regarding the Mini Meadow project advising that this project will be taken forward later in the year. Cllr. Neal will report back.
Letter from Asda Community Foundation with regard to £500 Grant afforded to the Party in the Park Celebrations
Two South Kesteven District Council Electoral Register Updates.
Email correspondence with regard to the state of Belvoir Gardens footpaths. This matter is being dealt with by LCC.
Email correspondence received from Neighbourhood Policing Priority Setting Meetings. This was replied to in June.
Further email correspondence with regard to Locked Footpath No.4. A further discussion took place regarding the matter. The Chairman put forward an idea to Mr Thompson who is handling the matter.
Correspondence from Zurich Insurance regarding a change to their UK Legal Status.
Email correspondence from Lottery Community Fund confirming Parish Council has been awarded a grant towards the cost of a new defibrillator.
Email Correspondence from Cllr Maughan with regard to the possibility of sharing our Speed Watch equipment. This matter was discussed later in the meeting and agreed.
Email correspondence from London Hearts offering a Grant of £300 for a new defibrillator, but this is not needed.
5. Clerk & Members to report back on matters outstanding.
a) Position of Chairman
The Chairman confirmed that he will be stepping down next May. He is aware of interest in the position but does not want to pre-empt the situation. Any member of the Committee can step up to be Chairman but the handover can only be done at next year’s AGM.
A discussion took place and the Chairman asked if anyone is interested in the role of Chairman to contact him to discuss what the role involves privately.
b) Village Signs
The Chairman explained that the original idea of white gateway signs was not feasible due to Newark Hill siting problems. The project has been taken forward and the three new hanging signs are now in course of production. A quotation of £2,160 had been agreed previously and Roll and Scroll have confirmed this price will stand, however it was envisaged there will be further installation costs in the region of £1000. The Clerk is applying to SKDC Community Fund for a grant towards the cost of the signs.
Lockdown Bench
The Chairman advised that the back of the benches are now completed and Roll and Scroll are working on the seats and forming the benches into a horseshow. The Cost of this is £3,500. There will be further costs for toughened glass and installation. With £1500 in the budget the Chairman asked for permission to use some funds from reserves so the project could be completed. This was unanimously agreed.
6. Review of Internal Audit Plan and Health and Safety Policy
The Chairman read out the Internal Audit Plan to the Councillors, the Plan was reviewed and accepted.
Cllr. Bridle expressed an interest in the Internal Audit procedures and the Clerk was asked to enquire of LALC regarding Training Courses.
The Health and Safety Policy was established in 2010 and having received no updates from LALC was left unaltered. Unanimously agreed.
7. Review of Fixed Assets Register
Cllr. Fletcher kindly reviewed the Fixed Asset Register and reported that the village sign need attention and enquired if Tony Jackson was still proposing to mend the post. It was confirmed that he was but the Clerk agreed to chase him in this respect.
The Bus shelter on Grantham needs attention but it has been agreed that the cost of a replacement shelter would be included in next year’s budget.
Cllr Fletcher advised the picnic table had caused a number of issues but has now been re-varnished and coated to protect from further vandalism.
8. Review of Flag Flying Days
The flag flying days were reviewed and accepted without change. Unanimously agreed.
9. Financial Matters
a) Accounts for Payment
The Clerk presented the following for payment:-
Date Payee Description Amount
01.04.22 LALC Annual Subscription 466.68
07.04.22 PWLB Loan Repayment 4,923.67
07.04.22 BDG Mowing 2 x Grass Cutting 196.00
07.04.22 WH Smiths Arch lever file, dividers and USB for Clerk 21.98
25.04.22 Amazon Raffle Tickets for Party in the Park 10.99
27.04.22 Staff Salaries April Salaries and computer 563.02
30.04.22 Rymans San Disc for New Councllor and A4 paper 12.98
03.05.22 Roll & Scroll Jubilee Bench Final Payment 650.00
04.05.22 BDG Mowing 2 x Cemetery Grass Cutting and 1 x Verge Cutting 571.00
05.05.22 SKDC Temporary Entertainment Licence for Party in Park 21.00
09.05.22 Ray Manning Plants for High Street Planets 398.75
11.05.22 Advantage Digital Party in the Park Cinema Hire Package 1,841.58
11.05.22 Advantage Digital Generator Hire & Film Licence 742.80
11.05.22 Wood Finishes Direct Oil for Charlie 28.60
15.05.22 The Range Two Paint brushes re oil for Charlie 7.88
15.05.22 Oldrids & Downtown Compost for High Street Planters 30.00
15.05.22 Timpson Additional Key for Hill Top Cemetery Gate 8.00
16.05.22 Gonerby Moor Construction Removal of old village Bench 80.00
17.05.22 B S Hutchinson Chairman's Allowance 600.00
17.05.22 Hollis Road Flowers Plants for Charlie's Planters 20.00
20.05.22 Amazon Cable Ties for Party in the Park 8.97
22.05.22 K Davey l(The Range) Camp Chairs for Party in the Park 51.96
22.05.22 K Davey (Matalan) Raffles Prizes for Party in the Park 44.93
23.05.22 Zurich Insurance Renewal Premium 478.97
23.05.22 EJ Walker Home Bargains Plant food for Charlie's Planters 3.99
27.05.22 Staff Salaries May Salaries and computer 563.02
27.05.22 Oldrids & Downtown Moon Shoes (Raffle Prize for Party in the Park 26.99
27.05.22 Range Various Items for Party in the Park 40.82
27.05.22 Range Cable Ties for Party in the Park 1.69
27.05.22 Boyes Jubilee Apron for Party in the Park 17.97
30.05.22 Oldrids & Downtown Prize for Party in the Park 218.49
30.05.22 Oldrids & Downtown Prize for Party in the Park 98.99
30.05.22 Oldrids & Downtown Prize for Party in the Park 39.60
31.05.22 Cash Float for Party in the Park 200.00
04.06.22 Emma Weston Flowers for 70th Birthday 25.00
04.06.22 S Martin Fruit Hamper for Raffle 30.00
06.06.22 M L Hall Internal Audit Fee 120.00
04.06.22 J Walker (Home Bargains) Toilet Paper for Party in the Park 4.99
07.06.22 BDG Mowing Grass Cutting Village Verges, 2 x Cemetery grass cutting and weed spray burial ground 592.00
07.06.22 K Davey Banners supplied by 247 Clothing Direct for Party in the Park 120.00
08.07.22 Great Gonerby Memorial Hall Wi-fi Payment for 12 months 60.00
08.07.21 Great Gonerby Memorial Hall Hire of Meeting Room March 22 to March 23 100.00
08.06.22 Rymans File dividers and Envelopes 14.37
13.06.22 Mrs A Setchfield WI Plaque for Memorial Tree at Hill Top Cemetery 65.00
16.06.22 Post Office 8 x 2nd Class Stamps 5.44
22.06.22 Belvoir Tree Services Removal of roots next to headstone at St Sebastian's 96.00
24.06.22 Heartbeat Annual Support 126.00
24.06.22 Amazon Anti-graffiti Coating for Picnic Bench 23.19
24.06.22 Amazon Paint Brushes for Anti-graffiti Coating 2.99
27.06.22 Cash Jubilee Helpers' drinks 100.00
27.06.22 Staff Salaries June Staff Salaries & Computer 562.82
RECEIPTS
01.04.22 Brought Forward 41,527.66
05.04.22 SKDC Half Year Precept 14,418.00
07.04.22 Robert Holland Purchase of Plot 2 Y- Vincent 820.00
04.04.22` Virgin Money Cash Back on Expenses Account 0.03
20.04.22 HMRC VAT Refund 1,871.08
29.04.22 Virgin Money Interest on 95 Day Deposit Account 13.97
05.05.22 Alan Roberts Purchase of Plot 2Z and Supplementary Deposit for Plot 2AC 490.00
03.05.22 Virgin Money Cash Back on Expenses Account 0.12
10.05.22 South Kesteven DC Refund of Entertainment Licence Fee 21.00
20.05.22 Asda Foundation Grant for Party in the Park 500.00
31.05.22 SKDC Community Cleaner Grant 694.98
31.05.22 Virgin Money Interest on 95 Day Deposit Account 20.63
06.06.22 Cash Deposit Profit and return of £200 float from Party in the Park 2,505.20
06.06.22 Virgin Money Cash Back on Expenses Account 0.35
09.06.22 Listers Donation for Party in trhe Park 300.00
30.06.22 Virgin Money Interest on 95 Day Deposit Account 26.22
30.06.22 Virgin Money Interest on Deposit Account 7.72
All payments approved proposed by Cllr. Neal and seconded by Cllr T Critchley.
b) End of Q1 Accounts.
The Clerk presented the following report for the end of the Quarter:-
Expenditure
Hall Rent – Paid
LALC Annual Subscription paid
Office Costs- Within Budget
Donations/grants- The Clerk has applied to SK Community Fund for a Grant to help toward the cost of the proposed village signs.
Insurance- Paid -
Audit fees- £120 paid to Malcolm Hall. Payment to PKF Littlejohn will be made later in the year.
Training –None undertaken so far but Cllr. Cundall is booked to attend a New Councillors Course in September
Community Heartbeat Annual Subscription paid £126.00
Burial Ground – Expenses running within budget
Grass and Verge Cutting within budget Cutting
Expenses – Chairman’s Allowance has been paid.
S137 – No expenditure
Staff salaries- within budget
Receipts:
Burial Receipts are far in excess of the expected income.
Yorkshire Bank Interest – this is in excess of the forecast as interest rates have risen this year.
Party in the Park Accounts
The Clark has applied to Virgin Money to open a separate Deposit account for the Social Committee, thereby keeping their money completely separate from that of the Parish Council.
The Party in the Park received several donations towards the very successful event
The Parish Council agreed a contribution of £3,200 of which £3579.12 has been spent but the Parish Council will be able to claim back £931.02 in VAT leaving £551.90 unspent after refund.
A donation of £450 from Howden was used to buy a Raffle prize and raffle tickets, of this money there is £79.02 left.
Asda kindly donated £500 which again was used to buy Raffle prizes, jubilee chairs and various decorative items in the sum of £535.29, but again after the VAT is claimed back next year there will be a credit balance of £50.81 for the Social Committee.
A further donation of £300 was received from Listers of which £29.50 has been allocated to purchase refreshments for the volunteers. This leaves a balance of £270.50 for the Social Committee
The event raised £1305 profit. Many congratulations to all those involved who worked extremely hard.
Therefore, the Parish Council finances at the present time include £2283.96 of Social Committee money. A full break down of the Party in the Park accounts is attached to these Minutes.
Can the Councillors please give the Clerk permission to transfer this sum to the new Deposit Account and for the VAT to be retained by the Parish Council next April. Or would you prefer the money transferred to be less the VAT refunds? It was agreed to transfer money including VAT refund now.
The Parish Council Accounts and Bank balances were reconciled at the end of Quarter 1 and duly signed off by the Chairman.
The Clerk advised that started the LCC Volunteer scheme, she had not realised that materials would have to be purchased. It has been agreed via email to complete the Millennium Wood path project but this will involve a cost of £1606 which was not in the Budget for this financial year.
The Jubilee bench has now been installed and again there is an unforeseen expense of £725.00
It was agreed that excess expenditure could be taken from the Parish Council’s reserves. Unanimously agreed.
c) Internal Audit Report.
The Chairman had received a letter from Malcolm Hall, the Internal Auditor, confirming that the Audit for 2021-22 had been completed satisfactorily and the required objectives had been achieved throughout the year.
10. Advisory Groups
a) Planning
The following were present to the meeting:-
S22/0871
Unit 1, College Farm, Old Great North Road, Great Gonerby
Extension to existing industrial/warehouse unit
S22/0900
Mr R Bailey
38 Grantham Road
Great Gonerby
Two storey side extension, first floor extension, new porch and new double garage.
S22/0883
Mr A Bedells
44 Pond Street, Great Gonerby
Removal of existing porch and creation of larger porch.
S22/1097
Mr Martin Chambers
38 Belvoir Gardens
Single story flat roof extension on rear of property and erection of single garage.
S22/1269
Mr G Still
Home Farm, The Farm House, Allington Lane, Allington
Convert existing garage into annexe.
S22/1247
Mr J Cook
Home Farm, The Farm House, Allington Lane, Allington
Erection of steel portal framed building for combined agricultural and storage/distribution uses.
APPROVED
S22/0710
Mrs S Brennan
Shire Cottage, 7 Marratts Lane, Great Gonerby
Erection of single storey from extension and single storey rear extension
S22/0459
Mr and Mrs N Baxter
19 Belvoir Gardens
Extension to rear of bungalow
S22/0883
Mr A Bedells
44 Pond Street, Great Gonerbey
Removal of existing porch and creation of larger porch
S22.0871
Mrs C Donger
Unit 1 College Farm, Old Great North Road, Great Gonerby
Extension to existing industrial/warehouse unit.
REFUSAL
S21/2272
Dr & Mrs M Langdon
61 Belton Lane, Great Gonerby
Outline application (with matters reserved for appearance and landscaping) for the erection of one dwelling and associated access.
S22/0900
Mr R Bailey
38 Grantham Road, Great Gonerby
Two storey side extension, first floor extension, new porch and new double garage.
b) The Environment
Cllr. Critchley advised the meeting of plans to alter the car park and access road fencing at Hill Top and install a further gate. It was confirmed that the Parish Council have no issues with the proposed alterations.
Cllr. Davey advised that the backing plate for the Millennium Wood sign needs replacing. The clerk was requested to ask Tony Jackson to carry out the work.
Cllr. Davey is organising a Scarecrow competition and asked if a scarecrow could be attached to the flag pole. This was agreed.
c) Amenity Areas
No issues were raised
d) Highway Matters
Cllr Davey reported on the Speed Watch scheme and advised that the volunteers were struggling with dates this year but the scheme is still going and dates are to be arranged.
Also discussed was Stubton PC’s request to share our equipment. This was agreed on the proviso that Stubton agree to pick up and return the equipment.
Cllr. Bridle enquired about the Bell Tower project. The Clerk was requested to enquire of LALC whether such works can be funded by the Parish Council.
11. Notice of Motions for future meetings.
None raised.
12. Any matters for urgent discussion
Co-option voting procedures were discussed. At the present time this is done by a show of hands if there is more than one candidate and with all candidates in attendance. It was thought that it might be better to hold a vote with the candidates out of the meeting and the Clerk was asked to enquire of LALC correct procedures
Cllr. J Critchley tendered her resignation from the Parish Council due to family commitments. The Chairman expressed his regret and thanked Cllr. Critchley for all her support during her time as a Councillor. The Clerk was requested to commence the Co-option process.
Cllr. J Critchley queried if planning permission had been sought for the “Cross”. This was not known but deemed to be the responsibility of the land owner. Cllr. Cundall will clarify the position.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.15.
Flag Flying Days: 14th August V J Day (Victory in Japan)
3rd September Merchant Navy Day
11th September 9/11 Twin Towers (to be flown at half-mast)
15th September Battle of Britain Day