July 6th 2026 Draft Minutes (262719)
GREAT GONERBY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 262719
Monday 6th of July 2026
7.15pm
7.15pm
at The Memorial Hall, Belton Lane
Council Members:
Cllr Karen Morrall (Chair) Cllr Ginny Beckett (Vice-Chair) Cllr Terri Rogers
Cllr Mike Beckett Cllr Mike Davis Cllr Marci Neal
Cllr Tina Knight Cllr Sarah Gray
Caroline Marion - RFO/Burials/Grants & Proper Officer – In Attendance
Arlayna Bennet – Clerk & Proper Officer – In Attendance
1. Apologies for Absence
None received
2. Declarations of Interest & Requests for Dispensation
None received
3. Public Forum – 3
Members thanked PC and LCC Councillor Ken Bamford for pushing yellow lines to be done on Green Street. Noted still a problem getting out of Pond Street, Hedge of corner belongs to private property and needs cutting back to create more visibility on the corner for road traffic, PC encouraged to report to FIX MY STREET. Members asked about updates on gifted lands, PC not had any updates yet still waiting to hear from solicitors.
4. Co-option of Councillors
The Council considered the application received from Ms Tina Perry for co-option to the vacant office of Parish Councillor.
Resolved: That Ms Tina Perry be co-opted as a member of Great Gonerby Parish Council.
The resolution was carried unanimously. Proposed and seconded.
5. Minutes
a) The minutes of the meeting held on 1 June 2026 were reviewed by the Council.
Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 1 June 2026 be approved as a true and accurate record and signed by the Chair. Proposed and Seconded.
Voting: Unanimously approved.
b) The minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting held on 16 June 2026 were reviewed by the Council.
Resolved: That the minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting held on 16 June 2026 be approved as a true and accurate record and signed by the Chair. Proposed and Seconded.
Voting: Unanimously approved.
c) To consider an amendment to the public forum attendance record, subject to clarification with all Councillors, for the APCM held on 13th May 2026.
The Council considered a proposed amendment to the public forum attendance record recorded in the minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting held on 13 May 2026.
Resolved: That no amendment be made to the minutes and that the attendance record remain unchanged, the Council being satisfied that the minutes constitute a true and accurate record of the meeting. Proposed and Seconded.
Voting: Unanimously approved.
d) To approve the minutes of the APM held on 13th May 2026.
Resolved: That approval of the minutes be deferred to the Council meeting scheduled for September 2026. Proposed and Seconded.
6. Chair’s Report
The Chair's report was received and noted by the Council.
7. Governance & Communications
a) To note the removal of the existing Parish Council Facebook page.
The Council was informed that the existing Parish Council Facebook page had been removed. The information was noted.
b) To consider the creation of a new Parish Council Facebook page.
The Council considered the creation of a new Parish Council Facebook page.
Resolved: Not to create a new Parish Council Facebook page. The Council agreed instead to utilise existing village Facebook pages to communicate parish council information where appropriate. Proposed and Seconded.
Voting: Unanimously approved.
c) To receive guidance from the Clerk on communication protocols between Members and Proper Officer, as per email circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting.
The Council received and noted the guidance provided by the Clerk regarding communication protocols between Members and the Proper Officers, as set out in the email circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting.
8. Community & Engagement Matters
a) To consider a recruitment campaign for new councillors.
Resolved: To undertake a recruitment campaign to encourage residents to apply for co-option to the Parish Council.
It was further resolved that the Clerk prepare a promotional poster for publication and display within the parish. Proposed and Seconded.
Voting: Unanimously approved.
b) To consider proposal for a “Special Villager Award”.
The Council considered a proposal to introduce a “Special Villager Award” to recognise individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
Resolved: To introduce a “Special Villager Award” scheme.
It was agreed that Cllr Sarah Gray would lead the initiative and launch the scheme at the Parish Council Summerfest event in August 2026. Proposed and Seconded.
Voting: Unanimously approved.
c) To receive an update on the Neighbourhood Plan and agree next steps and timescales.
The Council received an update from Cllr Mike Davis regarding the Neighbourhood Plan.
Cllr Davis advised that a meeting had been requested to assist members in understanding the technical content of the Transport Technical Note and associated highways correspondence relating to the Hook Cliff development proposal.
The Council noted that any such meeting would be informal and for information and clarification purposes only. It would not constitute a meeting of the Parish Council and would not indicate support for, or endorsement of, the development proposals.
It was further noted that any information obtained would be reported back to the Council for consideration alongside advice received from relevant consultees and Neighbourhood Plan advisers.
Resolved: To note the update.
9. Finance & Governance (RFO Report) – Provided by RFO/Proper Officer CM.
a) To approve the bank reconciliations and transfers for the previous month.
Resolved, proposed, seconded and accepted by all
b) To approve staff BACS payments.
Resolved, proposed, seconded and accepted by all
|
7370 Current |
27/06/26 |
Community |
June 26 Pay |
£247.83 |
|
7370 Current |
27/06/26 |
Clerk |
June 26 Pay |
£1,134.72 |
|
7370 Current |
27/06/26 |
RFO |
June 26 Pay |
£990.20 |
c) To approve other BACS and Direct Debit payments.
£7.00 for Clerks mobile. Payment sheet attached
Resolved, proposed, seconded and accepted by all
d) To approve VAT submissions for April, May and June 2026.
Total £609.55.
Change to bank account - moved from 6183 to 6160 (receiving account) to consolidate all monies received into one account by all parties.
Resolved, proposed, seconded and accepted by all
e) To consider budget update including proposal to reduce Chair’s Allowance to £200.
Discussed, Resolved, proposed, seconded and accepted by all
f) To approve donation land solicitors’ fees (£850 estimate).
Resolved, proposed, seconded and accepted by all
g) To approve cancellation of ID Mobile contract, porting of number and setup of new contract in the name of the Parish Council.
Discussed: contract to be cancelled by clerk. Number to be ported & new ccntract/supplier to be set up in the name of Great Gonerby Parish Council.
Resolved, proposed, seconded and accepted by all
h) To approve purchase of walkie talkies (£85.99 plus delivery), noting this forms part of the Events Committee equipment, and to add to the Asset Register.
Retrospectivly Resolved, proposed, seconded and accepted by all and added to events asset register.
i) To note submission of AGAR documentation and any associated requirements.
Noted that AGAR has been submitted.
All bank reconciliations, payments, receipts, transfers and supporting documents are on website or a copy can be requested from the clerk.
General Financial Overview:
j) To note transfer of £7,000 from 95-day account to current account.
95-day account – transfer of £7000 in progress as agreed previously to be transferred into Current Account.
k) To note receipt of £150 compensation.
Complaints compensation £150 to go into our bank account – used towards
payment of the £250 for printer from the EP donation as previously agreed.
l) To note AGAR submitted to PKF with outcome expected by 1 September 2026.
AGAR sent to PKF for audit – will hear back by 1 September 2026. Will then review and put in place any recommendations.
Assets and Operational Matters:
m) To consider Asset Register inspection and update (due July 2026) and request for assistance.
Asset Register – Events Group
|
Purchase |
Asset |
Location |
Net |
Disposal |
|
Dated |
|
|
Cost |
Date |
|
10/11/2025 |
Baubles for Xmas Trees |
Memorial Hall |
£39.26 |
|
|
19/11/2025 |
Christmas trees |
Memorial Hall |
£194.87 |
|
|
11/10/2025 |
Generator |
Clerk |
£302.26 |
|
|
11/11/2025 |
Nativity Scene display |
Diane Gee |
£249.99 |
|
|
18/06/2026 |
Walkie Talkies |
S Gray |
£85.99 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
£872.37 |
|
|
Pre CM |
|
|
|
|
|
17/12/2009 |
Blue solar tree lights x 2 |
On tree |
? |
|
|
19/11/2017 |
Star topper tree lights |
On tree |
£11.11 |
|
|
|
Hot water Urn |
Memorial Hall |
£110.00 |
|
|
|
Microphone |
Location unknown |
£30.82 |
|
|
|
|
IF ALL INCLUDED |
£1,024.00 |
|
Amazon update: Delivery cost for Walkies Talkies was £8.99 so paid for prime for £4.99 for a three-month period and then will be cancelled.
n) To consider tree survey arranged at no cost and confirm no commitment to further expenditure.
Tree Inspection – PC won a free Tree Survey by a Tree Surgery Company, including a Risk Assessment. Proposed GB to be asked to contact them but must keep the Clerk copied in and ensure we are not committed to any expenditure, update will be given to PC when available.
o) To consider defibrillator contracts, maintenance schedule and associated costs (budget £1,000).
Defibrillators: (3 on Asset Register)
2 on contracts – Renews every 4 years
Telephone Box contract ends June 26 cost £196
Church View contract ends Sept 26 cost £196
Memorial Hall – no contract – Proposed should go onto contract October 2026
- Pads replacements in June £68.00
- Battery in September £360
- Unable to go onto contract now & will need to wait until after battery replaced – then 3 year contract at £196/yr
Total spend currently £820 before October 2026. Budget increased to £1000 to cover costs.
Resolve to agree contracts to be renewed/put in place and all costs accepted. Resolved, proposed, seconded and accepted by all.
p) To receive update regarding solar farm meeting (26 June 2026), including expected contributions to the Parish Council.
Sonnedix Gonerby Moor Solar Farm have donated £33,000 to Great Gonerby Parish Council to be spent on projects within the village to benefit the community. A special thanks to K. Davey for her contributions behind the scenes leading to this donation.
Also noted:
Bio – energy: Awarded £2500 for an inclusive picnic area. Information to be circulated to choose what is to be purchased. We have to pay and then send invoices for payment of grant. A plaque on the Table for Moor Bio-energy as donators to be fitted.
q) To receive burial ground update including quotations for groundwork and backfilling at St Sebastian’s Cemetery.
Groundwork quotation sought. Information to be supplied for September PC meeting on back filling at St Sebastians Parish Cemetery.
10. Staffing Committee
a) To appoint a new member to the Staffing Committee following the appointment of Cllr Karen as Chair.
The Council considered the appointment of a replacement member to the Staffing Committee following the election of Cllr Karen Morrall as Chair of the Council.
Resolved: That Cllr Terri Rogers be appointed to the Staffing Committee in place of Cllr Karen Morrall.
The Staffing Committee membership was confirmed as:
• Cllr M. Beckett
• Cllr M. Neal
• Cllr T. Rogers
11. Highways Report
To receive an update from Cllr Bamford.
The Council received an update from Cllr Bamford regarding highways matters.
The report was received and noted by the Council.
12. Project Updates & Working Groups
a) LALC Councillor Refresher Training session at Gonerby Memorial Hall.
The Council considered hosting an LALC New Councillor/Councillor Refresher Training Session at Great Gonerby Memorial Hall.
Resolved: To arrange and host an LALC New Councillor/Councillor Refresher Training Session at Great Gonerby Memorial Hall and to invite neighbouring parish councils to attend. Proposed and Seconded.
b) Events Working Group
i) The Council received an update from the Events Committee meeting held on 3 July 2026. Planning for SummerFest 2026 is progressing well, with arrangements in place for volunteers, safeguarding, first aid, site management, risk assessments and contingency planning. Members noted that the parade and dog show had been cancelled, whilst stage management, event signage and litter management arrangements had been finalised. The Committee also reviewed the event budget and asset register, noting that expenditure remains within the approved budget, and recommended the updated Events Asset Register for approval by Full Council.
c) Environmental Matters
i) To receive a tree inspection update and agree next steps.
The Council received an update following advice obtained from Lincolnshire County Council's Tree Officer. Members noted that the sycamore adjacent to the cremated remains area is an LCC-owned tree, although vegetation encroaching onto the cemetery side may be cut back as required. The Christmas tree was confirmed to be a healthy Norwegian spruce and no remedial works were considered necessary other than the removal of ivy from the trunk. Members also noted that overhead BT telephone lines are the responsibility of the network provider. The Council was advised that a number of trees on the village green, including the cherry and horse chestnut trees, are owned by LCC. It was further noted that LCC's current approach is generally limited to addressing dangerous trees, with routine inspections undertaken periodically. The update was received and noted.
ii) To receive report of installation of benches at Holden Way and note damage to concrete, including consideration to obtain quotations for repair.
The Council received a report regarding the installation of the benches at Holden Way.
Members noted that minor damage had occurred to the edges of the concrete bases during installation. It was agreed that quotations be obtained to assess the cost of any necessary remedial repairs.
The Council further noted that the benches had been installed; however, one bench had been positioned incorrectly. The Proper Officers were requested to contact the installer to arrange for the bench to be repositioned correctly.
Resolved: To obtain quotations for repairs to the damaged concrete bases and to request that the installer correct the positioning of the bench.
Memorial Hall
i) To consider access arrangements in relation to CCTV for memorial hall.
The Council considered access arrangements for the Memorial Hall CCTV system.
Resolved: That access to the Memorial Hall CCTV system be granted to Cllr G. Beckett, Cllr M. Beckett, the Clerk (A. Bennett) and the Responsible Financial Officer (C. Marion). Proposed and Seconded.
Voting: Unanimously approved.
ii) To consider keyholding and access requests for memorial hall.
The Council considered keyholding and access arrangements for the Memorial Hall.
Resolved: That the Clerk (A. Bennett), the Responsible Financial Officer (C. Marion) and Cllr K. Morrall be appointed as authorised keyholders for the Memorial Hall on behalf of the Parish Council. Proposed and Seconded.
Voting: Unanimously approved.
iii) To consider leadership/lead responsibilities for memorial hall steering group.
The Council considered leadership arrangements for the Memorial Hall Steering Group.
Resolved: That Cllr K. Morrall be appointed to lead the Memorial Hall Steering Group and act as the Council's nominated lead member for matters relating to the group. Proposed and Seconded.
Voting: Unanimously approved.
e) Maintenance
i) To consider allocation of responsibilities between volunteer groups and contracted services.
ii) To consider quotations for the appointment of a maintenance contractor.
The Council considered quotations for the appointment of a maintenance contractor.
Resolved: To defer a decision on the appointment of a maintenance contractor until the September 2026 meeting, pending receipt of final quotations for consideration by the Council. Proposed and seconded.
Voting: Unanimously approved.
13. Motions for the Next Meeting
a) To consider Christmas arrangements including coordination with the Church, choir and volunteers.
b) To consider collection of the School Bell from St Sebastian’s Junior School.