15 October 2019
Middle Rasen Parish Council
Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council on 15/10/19
Present:- Mr M Stamp (Chairman), Mr D Pattison, Mrs G Dennis, Mr P Dawson, Mr M O’Connor,
Mr T Smith and Mr J Oxley
Also Present: Mrs J Trotter (Clerk)
Visitors:- Cllr S Bunney
1) Apologies for Absence:- Cllrs L Strange and J McNeill (Work Commitments) & PCSO Neil Harrison
Resolved: To accept above apologies.
2) To receive declarations of interest in accordance with the 2011 Localism Act:- None.
3) Notes of last meeting on 17th September 2019, to be approved as minutes:-
Resolved: That the minutes be signed as a true record.
4) Chair and Council’s Comments:-
The Chair reported that there a leak from Manor Farm’s second entrance flooding the junction of Stockmoor Lane and North Street – Clerk has reported to Highways Officer.
Cllr Dawson stated that Low Church Road is flooded by the full width of road, and parishioner’s driveway. Council agreed with Cllr Dawson that Highways have not treated this area of road despite repeated complaints by the Council. It is a clear hazard to motorists. Clerk to report to Highways again.
Streetlights in need of replacement - Clerk to report to Highways:
• Low Church Road - 11PN.
• Footpath from Dovecote to Church Street – middle street light.
• Church Street Streetlight – opposite Church Hall.
Cllr Pattison stated that there had been an increase in parking on the pavement outside the Methodist Chapel – concern that it is a hazard. Clerk to report to PCSO team.
5) Reports from District and County Councillors:-
WLDC:
Cllr Bunney informed the Council that:
• Further works are being completed at the development at junction of A46/A6313 and enforcement officer will visit the site once complete.
The Council asked where the water will divert to – this information will be relayed by WLDC Councillor to Council when available.
• At the November meeting of WLDC – a motion is to be put forward regarding Climate Change. It looks likely that a climate change champion may be nominated by WLDC. Cllr Bunney and Cllr Smith explained the possible remit of this position.
LCC:
• Streetlights – timings of lights going out of sync with clock change.
• Change of highways contractor.
A brief discussion ensued regarding potholes and the damage that excess water on the highway causes.
• Has there been a flood risk and traffic risk assessment for the proposed development on Church Street?
Cllr Bunney stated that these reports should be uploaded to the online planning portal, and if these are not forthcoming, this planning application can be brought to the attention of WLDC Planning Committee.
A further discussion ensued with regard to the information forwarded from the LCC Councillor regarding the highways response. The Clerk reviewed the online planning portal and Council noted that a Flood Risk Assessment report dated October 2019 had been provided. The Council were concerned that the water will run off into the watercourse which is not owned by the developer, but by a neighbouring landowner, and a discussion ensued as to where the watercourse identified would outfall.
6) Crime & Vandalism
• Cllr Stamp reported on burglaries of agricultural machinery within 5 miles of the parish.
• It was noted that there had been a police presence at the Garage on the A631 – however no PCSO report has been made available.
7) Clerks Report on Matters Outstanding:-
• Drain at shop still being resolved.
• Computer fix – additional costs required to stabilise hard drive - £35+VAT
8) Planning:-
140079 – 10 Fern Drive, Middle Rasen, LN8 3NU
Planning application for a loft conversion – No objections.
9) Correspondence:-
LCC – Planning response, Adoption of Community Involvement Statement
WLDC – Notice of Meetings
CPRE – Conference information
Horticultural Society e-mail
Parishioner e-mails regarding broken streetlighting and dangerous parking on The Furlongs
10) Finance and Accounts for Payment
Income:- HSBC – Interest £ 8.91
Invoices:- Green Grass Contracting – Grass Cutting £ 43.20
Lincolnshire Landscapes – Grass Cutting £570.00
Salaries £461.20
Resolved: All Invoices were passed for payment and Quarter 2 reconciliation approved.
11) Reports from Meetings:-
None.
12) Consider and resolve on Climate Change Emergency decision as raised at August PC Meeting
a. Declare a climate emergency
b. Call upon WLDC to declare a climate emergency
c. Support the member of the public who wishes to form a group to inform members of the parish about climate change and how the community can prepare for the future.
It was proposed by Cllr D Pattison, seconded by Cllr M Stamp and
Resolved: That the Council would resolve to call upon WLDC to declare a climate emergency in the first instance.
13) To review Budget 2019-20 and proposed 2020-21
Clerk had disseminated half-yearly review and proposed 20/21 budget prior to meeting for consideration. The Clerk outlined the variances to date for 19/20 budget year, and asked Councillors to review the proposed 20/21 budget and consider notes as outlined and resolve a decision at the November Meeting.
Resolved: To accept 19/20 budget variances, and to review 20/21 proposal, and resolve estimate precept at November meeting.
14) To discuss and resolve on costs to move bench to Ernie’s Garden and maintenance to gate
£204.80 in total. Cllr O’Connor reported that parishioners are utilising the bench on the road.
It was proposed by Cllr D Pattison, seconded by Cllr P Dawson and
Resolved: That contractor quote to move the second unused bench from Gods Acre to Ernie’s Garden.
15) To discuss and resolve on donation to Royal Legion Poppy Appeal
£50.00.
It was proposed by Cllr P Dawson , seconded by Cllr T Smith and
Resolved: To donate £50 to Royal Legion Poppy Appeal.
16) To discuss and resolve on purchase of additional flower bulbs
Crocus bulbs around the benches and Gods Acre bank. Cllr Stamp to purchase appropriately mixed colours.
Resolved: To purchase £100 (including VAT) of crocus bulbs to be planted around benches and on Gods Acre bank and on bridge ends.
17) Items for next meeting
• To discuss and resolve on costs to move bench from Gods Acre to Ernie’s Garden and maintenance to gate of Ernie’s Garden
• To resolve on Precept for 20/21
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.55pm.
Date……………….....…. Signed…………………………………… (Chairman)