June 2024 Minutes
GREAT GONERBY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 5th June 2023
At the Memorial Hall, Belton Lane, Great Gonerby
Present: Cllr. T Bridle Chairman, Cllr. K Davey Vice Chair, Cllr. V Beckett, Cllr. M Beckett, Cllr D Jacobs, Cllr. J Cundall, , Cllr. K White, Cllr A Davey Cllr. M Neal.
There being parishioners in attendance the Chairman welcomed them to the meeting starting t 7:15pm. An update had be provided by the PC chairman in relation the neighbourhood plan; It was advised that following consideration from SKDC, the application has been assessed as valid and therefore has been approved; A discussion between the PC and the parishioners in attendance was had in regards to how the two can work together to further the Neighbourhood plan to the next stage. The parishioners asked about the possibility of having an independent consultant to aid with the NP… It was agreed that this would then be looked into to determine if it would be an option within the application for funding to assist the NP. Action groups will be put together to assist in furthering the next steps of the neighbourhood plan and anyone that wishes to volunteer are invited to email the clerk on clerk@greatgonerbyparish.gov.uk. It was agreed there will be a meeting organised away from the parish meeting solely to focus on the neighbourhood plan and its next steps.
1. Apologies for Absence:
Cllr. C Cundall (prior commitments)
Cllr. I Stokes – No correspondence regarding attendance.
Cllr. A Maughan – No correspondence regarding attendance.
2. Co-option
Three applicants applied for the Cllr vacancy. The Cllrs present put this to the vote with the results as follows:
K. Ambrose – 1/9 in favour.
T. Belcher – 2/9 in favour.
E. Austen 6/9 in favour.
E. Austen was then elected as the new Cllr to Great Gonerby Parish Council with the majority votes.
3. Declarations of Interest/Dispensations
a. Cllr K. Davey
Cllr. K Davey declared a declaration of interest for being on the LALC committee, its was voted for and accepted by all Cllrs in attendance.
Proposer – Cllr. M Neal Seconded – Cllr. J Cundall
b. Cllr K. White
Cllr. K White declared a declaration of interest for using his business to supply flowers for the planters located around Great Gonerby. This was voted on and accepted by all Cllrs.
Proposed – Cllr. A Davey Seconded – Cllr. K Davey
4. Minutes signed from the previous meeting.
The Minutes of the meeting held on the 3rd of June were duly agreed and accepted as a true record. Proposed by Cllr. K Davey and seconded by Cllr. G Beckett.
5. Clerk & Members to report back on matters outstanding
a. Safety crossing patrol
The following proposal was put forward prior to the meeting in June following the new road works that took place around Long Street/High Street.
Long Street Crossing Guard Justification
The current road restructuring involves removing and relocating the existing pedestrian crossing further up the High Street, resulting in it being further away from the school entrance. The Highways Department deemed the old pedestrian crossing outside of current legislation for safety reasons, as it was located at a busy intersection with both Long Street / Pond Street and Grantham Road. Because of the new High Street crossing location (near the convenience store), parents and children must now cross Long Street to get to/from school if they come from the north or west of the village. Crossing Long Street is a particularly arduous experience for any individual, particularly for children, the infirm, and those with limited mobility. Given the multiple hazards at this intersection (right turn into Long Street, short-term parent and shop parking, including on-pavement parking) during school hours, this junction becomes extremely busy. Currently, SKDC contribute financially to some parish council services, and with proposal would like to apply for funding for a Crossing Guard. Given that there are 40 weeks in a school year and given that we would request 1 patrol hour per day @ renumeration of £11.44 per hour (minimum wage), the total cost to the council in any one year would be £2,288. I trust that you will consider this proposal positively.
Following the meeting, Cllr. M Neal sought advice from SKDC and highways on this matter. Advice then given to the PC was that on this occasion, it would not be advisable to have a school crossings person in this area due to the new crossing location following the roadworks at this stage. The roads crossing team have since advised that they will monitor the crossing; Traffic wardens will be monitoring and legally make enforcements where necessary.
6. Reports from LCC and SKDC councillors including highways
No cllrs present to provide reports.
7. Official Correspondence & Circulation
All cllrs agreed that they had read all the correspondence sent out through May with no concerns and the following topics hi-lighted:
Community cleaner grant was paid for the current quarter. The new bus shelter and white posts have been installed and completed to a high standard, special thanks to those involved with the process, contractors and volunteers.
Parking in areas of Great Gonerby remain to be an issue, one particular area that was noted on Long Street shall be monitored.
Community orchard – SKDC have authorised with GGPC confirming that they will take control of the maintenance for this new orchard once this is complete. PC will aim to organise a community group to learn alongside the PC how to maintain the area. Cllr. K White will arrange to get a quotation together for taller trees to plant so they won’t be affected by grass/hedge cutting.
8. Review of Risk Assessments, Data Protection and Privacy Statement.
All Cllrs reviewed the above documents and declared they were happy with them and no changed needed to be made.
Risk Assessment – Proposed by Cllr. K Davey, Seconded by Cllr. A Davey.
Data protection and Privacy Statement – Proposed by Cllr. M Neal, Seconded by Cllr. G Beckett.
It was noted during this discussion that the path around the entrance to the memorial hall had deteriorated and Cllr. J Cundall will follow this up with LCC who are responsible for this area.
9. Review of Financial Regulations including quotation amounts
To be reviewed in September’s meeting.
10. Financial Matters
a) Accounts for Payment/Receipts.
PAYMENTS
The Little Post & Chain Co Replacement White posts & Chains 1,361.95
Handyman Gray (chq 61) Removal of Bus Shelter 250.00
SEN Services (Chq 62) 2 x Cemetery Cuts 108.00
SEN Services (chq 62) 1 x Village verge Cut 385.00
Post Office 2 x Books 2nd Class stamps 13.60
Rymans Envelopes and copy paper 10.78
Keith White (chq 63) Plants for High Street Planters 410.00
Mrs G Beckett (Amazon) (chq 64) Microphone for meetings 36.99
Zurich Municipal (chq 65) Annual Insurance Renewal Premium 640.03
Rymans Stationery for new Clerk's Office 132.03
Downtown Compost and feed for High Street Planter 51.99
E J Walker Mileage 31.05
The Shed Man New bus stop completion 3690
LALC Training Membership 180.00
Sen Services 1x verge cut 2x cem cuts 493.00
Sanderson Sculptures - Charlie repair repairs to Charlie’s foot 100.00
Handyman Gray - White posts Installation of new white posts 2,200.00
Staff Salaries May wages including holiday pay for E Walker 1,771.25
RECEIPTS
Virgin Money Cash Back on Expenses Account 1.70
Robert Holland Cemetery Fees - Jeffrey 150.00
SKDC Grant Payment 6,500.00
Robert Holland Cemetery fees 150.00
SKDC Community cleaner Grant 694.98
Bank accounts in May were operationally working. Cllr. K Davey and Cllr. T Bridle are working with the bank provider to gain full access to the accounts due to the change over of Clerks that occurred in May.
The budget was exceeded in May to there being a cross over in the previous clerk handing over to the new clerk thus incurring two salaries in this area opposed to one.
11. Criminal declarations – Discussion and Documentation review.
It was bought to the council for the potential of all Cllrs having an annual criminal search whether they be new or existing Cllrs. A discussion was had between the Cllrs, it was agreed that rather than having annual checks at the yearly AGM… The checks shall be completed at every Co-Option going forward.
This was proposed by Cllr. M Beckett and seconded by Cllr. J Cundall.
12. Frequency of meeting
It was proposed that the council would potentially go forward with Bi-Monthly meetings opposed to monthly meetings. It was voted to stay with monthly meetings until the end of 2024 and then move forward with Bi-Monthly meetings starting in January 2025. The result was in favour with 8/9 Cllrs. This was confirmed by the majority and proposed by Cllr. G Beckett and seconded by Cllr. A Davey.
13. Christmas planning
The PC would like to start creating a community Christmas environment throughout December for all the parishioners to enjoy. The aim is for this to slowly grow and each year the be added to over a time of 4-5 years and become and annual event. It was discussed amongst the councillors that the PC shall purchase a community Christmas Tree with decorations to begin with this year (2024) and work our way up a full light display around for the pond area with a view of this become an annual event. Other areas to be considered for Christmas displays will be considered in the future as the event grows. We will be approaching local businesses to potentially sponsor this cause.
14. Advisory Groups:
a) Planning
It was noted that Saints had approached the PC seeking acceptance to their previous request and subsequently advised that that would need to submit a proposal to be reviewed but they are yet to do as such.
APPLICATIONS
S24/0751
Mr George Thomas – 36 Long Street, Great Gonerby
Renew roof, including dormers (2 at the front, 1 at the rear), inserting insulation between and above rafters. Insullate first floor east gable end wall internally. Renew ground floor front window (east end of north elevation)
s/24/0867
Mrs Monica Stevens – 48 Belvoir Gardens, Great Gonerby
Proposed two storey extension to side, single storey extension to front and rear of existing dwelling.
GRANTED
S23/1868 Mr Ian Reilly (Alison Homes) – Land to the north of longcliffe road and south of Belton lane, Grantham.
Section 73 application to vary conditions one (approved plans)
S23/1699
Mark Bassett – Land north of longcliffe road, Grantham
Section 73 application to vary conditions 4 and 8 approved plan.
b) The Environment & Amenity Areas
Cllr. G Beckett reported back on the environmental areas that she had chased the relevant peoples regarding the emergency plan via SKDC and is yet to hear back any feedback. It has been mentioned that the PC investigate the potential of a hedgehog highways… This was agreed to be investigated and discussed at a further meeting once we have received feedback and guidance on the matter.
Cllr. M Neal completed there walk around of the village to check on all the amenities and reported back the following:
The plants in the planters surrounding the Charlie in the pond area have died and will be tidied up and potentially replaced with perennials to be more hardy and long standing.
The black bollards and still in need of maintenance and will be sorted via a contractor once the weather permits.
Cllrs. M Beckett and G Beckett will complete a risk assessment of headstones and PC amenities over the month of June – results of which are to be discussed in the July meeting.
The new road signs welcoming people to the village are not as welcoming as they could be and new locations are questionable. Cllr. T Bridle has agreed to investigate this and report back in future meetings.
c) Neighbourhood Plan
With the parish Council’s application to designate Great Gonerby Parish as a Neighbourhood Area being accepted… The NP is now able to start working towards the next stage. The PC are aiming to get a plan of action for the next stage involving areas to be considered for grant applications and Action groups to be put together to assist in furthering the next steps of the neighbourhood plan; The aim is for this to be in place by November.
15. Notice of motions for future meetings
Discussion to be had the Memorial Hall to consider having a clothing charity bin for Great Gonerby to use.
Discussions to be had regarding having extra road markings around Marrotts Lane.
Millenium Woods needs attention and maintaining. It has been requested that we reach of to PC Barr to do more spot check patrols around the area.
16. Any matters for urgent discussion
Circulation: All Councillors, Notice Board, Cllr. Maughan LCC, SKDC Councillors, Web Site
2. Declarations of Interest/Dispensations
None.
3. Minutes signed from previous meeting
The Minutes of the meeting held on the 15th May were duly agreed and accepted as a true record. Proposed by Cllr. Fletcher and seconded by Cllr. Neal
4. Clerk and members to report bank on matters outstanding
The Chairman advised that the matter of the “Lockdown” Photobooks had now been resolved and a revised invoice was in course to the Parish Council. It has been agreed to reimburse for two sets of photobooks.
a) Clarification of Voting Procedures
The Chairman advised that clarification has been sought from LALC and the correct procedure to elect Chair and vice chair persons is by way of show of hands.
The Chairman asked for an update on the installation of the village signs and was advised that these should be in situ by the end of this week.
5. Official Correspondence and Circulation
Correspondence from the Secretary of the Memorial Hall with regard to representation of the Parish Council at Memorial Hall meetings and requesting Cllr. Davey to resign as a Trustee as she will no longer be a representative. A long discussion took place with regard to Trustee status and trying to establish a better working relationship with the Trustees, the outcome of which was the Chairman agreed to arrange a meeting with the Chairman of the Memorial Hall to discuss a way forward.
The issue of the picnic bench has also yet to be resolved.
Email from Cllr. Maughan with regard to Public Rights of Way Project Funding to improve public rights of way footpaths/ stiles etc. Again another lengthy discussion regarding footpaths and the Clerk was asked to put forward the footpath which runs from Belvoir Close to Church Lane (Skinny Winton’s Path) for funding to cover the costs of improvement. Another request to resurface the bridge between Cox’s Walk and Long Street had already been submitted.
Letter received from the Police Superintendent of East Division inviting parishes to put questions to senior officers at meetings, the first of which to be arranged in December 2023. The Chairman advised that he would be attending.
6. Review of Risk Assessments, Data Protection and Privacy Statement and Website Accessibility Statement
All the above were reviewed and there being no changes were unanimously agreed.
7. Review of Standing Orders & Financial Regulations including quotation amounts
All the above were reviewed including quotation amounts requiring three quotes for projects costing £1K to £25, three quotes, if possible, for amounts between £100 and £1k; which were confirmed to all Councillors. There being no changes all were unanimously agreed.
8. Financial Matters
The Chairman read the following report from the Clerk:-
The Clerk advised at our last meeting that our Internal Auditor was stepping down. Having been in contact with other local Parish Council they are using auditors arranged through LALC.
Accordingly the Clerk has been in touch with LALC and established that the fee for the Internal Audit would be in the region of £260 for two audits a year:
The proposed fee is £140 more than Malcolm Hall was charging but is subject to amendment according to individual Parish Council needs. It was agreed to arrange the Internal Audit through LALC.
The Clerk is still waiting for confirmation from Virgin Money with regard to change of signatories on the account, in the meantime Cllr. Fletcher and the Clerk have been authorising payments.
The Clerk met with the Chairman to discuss finances and budget reports, and going forward the Chairman will produce an up to date budget report prior to each meeting. Accounts for payment will be presented to each PC meeting in the usual manner.
a) Accounts for Payment
ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
02.05.23 Wilcox Bakers Cakes for Coronation Event 116.00
04.05.23 Cash Float Coronation Event 200.00
04.05.23 Viking Signs Plaque for Coronation Tree 83.81
04.05.23 BDG Mowing 2 x Grass Cutting and 1 x Verge Cutting 584.00
04.05.23 Amazon Balloon Weights Coronation Event 14.99
04.05.23 Amazon Balloon Weights - Coronation Event 12.99
05.05.23 M Selby Payment made to Range for photo frame 14.99
09.05.23 Evri Postage to return Balloon weights due to late delivery 5.96
11.05.23 M L Hall Internal Audit Fee 120.00
15.05.23 E J Walker Downtown - Compost and plant feed for hanging baskets 52.99
16.05.23 Crimson Kings Hedge cutting down Grantham Hill 270.00
Zurich Renewal of Insurance policy 586.08
19.05.23 Lidl Plants for Charlie's Planters 18.51
21.05.23 Raymond Manning Plants for Hanging Baskets 442.50
26.05.23 Staff Salaries May salaries and Computer 647.38
28.05.23 Amazon Water Pump for High Street Watering 14.20
29.05.23 M Selby (chq. 45) Chairman's Allowance 600.00
31.05.23 G Burley & Sons Ltd New Wicks for High Street Planters 58.80
RECEIPTS
02.05.23 Virgin Money Cash Back on Expenses Account 2.21
05.05.23 Amazon Refund for faulty photo frame 26.99
15.05.23 G H Linnell Cemetery Fees in respect of Memorial for Plot 2AC 130.00
11.05.23 Events Committee Cash Deposit 500.00
11.05.23 Events Committee Cash Deposit 1,067.81
11.05.23 Mrs D Vincent Supplement Maintenance Fee for Plot 2Y 30.00
16.05.23 Amazon Refund for balloon weights 14.99
15.05.23 SKDC Community Cleaner Grant 694.98
31.05.23 Virgin Money Interest on 95 Day Deposit Account 54.98
31.05.23 Virgin Money Interest on 30 Day Deposit Account 1.54
The above accounts were approved for payment proposed by Cllr Critchley and seconded by Cllr. Bridle
b) Budget Report
The Chairman presented the following review which had been circulated to all Councillors and the Clerk prior to the meeting.
Income
Our spend Budget for 23/24 is allocated at £34,560
Our current balance across all Bank Accounts sits at £40,959.67
We have received our ½ year precept with a further donation due in October
In addition, we can expect revenue to be generated from Cemetery Fees and VAT refunds though we expect Cemetery Fee funds to be lower than last year.
The Events Team continues to “self-fund” events (these amounts are already considered in the Bank Balances). With this in mind, we have allocated these funds as a “budget” for expenditure.
Expenditure
Our Costs fall into 2 categories Fixed and Variable.
Fixed costs include (for example) Salaries, Grass Cutting, Electricity, Auditors, and Insurances etc.
Variable costs include, repairs, plants, stationary, events etc
Summary
The overall position relates to an overspend YTD of £109.30 and a good start to the year.
9. Setup of Grievance/Disciplinary and Appeal Panels
A lengthy discussion took place following which it was decided four Councillors would sit on the Grievance and Disciplinary Panels. Cllrs. Critchley, Fletcher, Mavros and Bridle volunteered to do this.
The Appeal Panel would consist of Cllr. Selby, as Chairman, and Cllr. Davey and one other being the choice of the interviewee.
It was decided the Planning Panel would be headed up by the Chairman with Cllrs Fletcher, Critchley and Neal.
10. Advisory Groups
a) Planning
APPLICATIONS
None received.
APPROVED
S23/0380
Mr G Thomas
36 Long Street, Great Gonerby
Installation of electric vehicle charging point
S23/0448
Mr J Cook
Dale Farm Holdings, Kestrel Business Park, Gonerby Lane, Allington
Recladding and extension of steel portal building for storage and distribution use.
Notification from LCC with regard to Highway planning requirements in respect of the proposed solar farm on land off Green Lane, Gonerby Moor.
This notification led to a discussion with regard to the Parish Council’s commitment to pay £10.000 to LCC Highways to show commitment towards the proposed new pelican crossing in the High Street. Cllr. Maughan explained the background of the commitment to the new Chairman. This commitment remains and will be paid once community monies are received in respect of the solar farm.
b) Environment
Cllr. Fletcher advised that he has been carrying out monthly risk assessments on the village bus shelters in the High Street, Grantham Road and Kelham Road. Six monthly assessments are also carried out on the block paved Pond area every six months and will start six monthly inspections of the new benches in the village. Cllr Fletcher has also carried out a visual inspection of headstones at St Sebastian’s and reported that one headstone needed to be laid down as very unsafe. He requested the Clerk to try and make contact with the owners.
The Clerk is responsible for checking the cemetery at Hill Top on a monthly basis.
c) Amenity Areas
Nothing reported.
d) Highways
A discussion took place regarding the proposed double yellow lines on Pond Street and Long Street. It was thought these should be timed constraints rather than permanent so that parking for the corner shop does not become a problem. Cllr. Maughan agreed to put details of the proposals on the village Facebook site.
Email received from Marston Parish Council with regard to an unlawful sign on the slip road to the A1. This matter is being dealt with and the sign will be removed.
Cllr. Davey reported the cats eyes on the A1 slip road were not working. Cllr. Maughan reported the matter to Highways England to deal with.
10. Notice of motions for future meetings
The Chairman advised that he would present the business case for a new website at the July meeting.
A discussion place with regard to the pros and cons of drawing up a Neighbourhood Plan for the village following which it was suggested that we make contact with Corby Glen to ascertain their view point and for the proposed project to be re-visited at the September meeting.
11. Any Matters for urgent discussion
None.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.30.
Flag Flying Days: 7th July London Bombing