November (26th) 2024 Minutes (EOM)
Great Gonerby Parish Council
Extraordinary Meeting
26 November 2024
7.15pm
Public forum:
1 member of public present - no topic raised for discussion.
Meeting:
Members present: Cllr T Bridle, Cllr K Davey, Cllr M Beckett, Cllr K White, Cllr J Cundall, Cllr C Cundall, Cllr M Neal, Cllr G Beckett
Members absent: Cllr E Austen, Cllr D Jacobs
Apologies received: Cllr D Jacobs
1. Budget Setting 2025/26
Cllr T Bridle presented the circulated draft budget proposal for discussion. He explained the adjustments made to the new budget, with comparisons to previous two budgets. This included review calculations of Burial fees, Staff salaries, Income from reimbursement by SKDC and LCC, Staff salaries, Fixed costs, contingency for grounds maintenance and Village projects.
Comments were raised by councillors on some elements of the budget. Cllr T Bridle responded to these and talked through the various budget sections, line by line. Agreement was made by councillors on £10k budget for grounds maintenance - proposer Cllr M Neal, seconded by Cllr C Cundall.
Village project proposals were discussed for possible budget funding.
It was agreed to seek grant funding for speed indicator signs - proposer Cllr M Neal, seconder Cllr C Cundall
Tree Surgery – Safety Public Highways – Cllr Beckett obtained a quote for £4k, millenium wood overhanging pavement/road and overhanging path down the hill to Gonerby Hill Foot on Grantham Road. Cllr T Bridle proposed putting £2k in the Ground Maintenance budget continued tree maintenance and £2k in the Village Project budget making the Ground Maintenance £10k - proposer Cllr M Neal, seconder Cllr C Cundall.
Signage replacement or new provision for Recreation ground and our two cemeteries. £1500 agreed for essential safely signs and parish board on recreation ground. Proposer Cllr K Davey, seconded Cllr M Beckett
Community Emergency Plan publication print - grant funding will be sought for main print item. £1k contingency agreed. Proposer Cllr M Beckett, seconded Cllr K White
Two topics regarding Memorial Hall funding responsibility were agreed to be discussed further at the Parish meeting on January 6th 2025.
A discussion followed on the likely increase required to the precept, due to the increase in statutory staff costs, consumer price inflation and housing (CPIH), new village projects including urgent remedial work on trees, in addition to existing parish groundwork and amenities responsibilities.
The Budget was adjusted to take on board the agreed amendments and the precept calculated for ‘25/26, pending local authority assessment and approval. The Budget was then approved by councillors - proposer Cllr M Beckett, seconder Cllr C Cundall.
2. Meeting structure and reports
Cllr T Bridle suggested that councillors or the clerk should circulate any reports before the parish meeting date, to enable councillors time to read and digest them - and thus keep meetings more succinct by raising and discussing any relevant issues or queries. Councillors were generally in agreement with this concept for trial run – proposed by Cllr C Cundall and Cllr M Beckett.
Cllr T Bridle also suggested the Chair giving a welcome before the start of the meeting to members of the public and councillors.
Closed session
3. Travel expenses had been received from the clerk and were approved for payment. Proposer Cllr M Neal, seconder Cllr M Beckett
The NJC pay scale has been back dated as agreed at the November parish meeting.
Cllr M Neal, as Chair of the Staffing Committee, sought approval to use the LALC system to publicise the clerk vacancy, which disseminates the advert to relevant outlets. A £75 fee applies. Councillors approved the fee and use of LALC - proposer Cllr T Bridge, seconder Cllr K .white.
Content of the advert was discussed regarding hours and pay scale. Councillors approved the terms for the clerk advert. Proposer Cllr M Beckett, seconder Cllr K Davey
The meeting ended at 9pm.