Minutes & Agendas

HELPRINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Draft Minutes of the Meeting held by Zoom at 7.30pm on Wednesday 14 April 2021

PRESENT

Councillors Geoff Hotchkin, Julie Frizzell, Mark Robinson, George Frizzell, Malcolm Ternouth and Robert Spencer.  Parish Clerk Julie Dixon and  District Councillor’s Sally Tarry and Stuart Ogden.

PUBLIC SPEAKING TIME

There were no members of the public in attendance. 

1. WELCOME REMARKS BY CHAIRMAN

The Chairman welcomed everybody and thanked them for their attendance, a one minute silence was observed in memory of HRH Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh following his death on Friday 9th April 2021.

Following the minutes silence, Parish Council Chairman Geoff Hotchkin shared with the meeting some of his memories of The Duke of Edinburgh, including the time that his eldest daughter was awarded a Duke of Edinburgh award at St James’s palace.

An entry has been placed in the book of condolence for North Kesteven County Council and the Parish Council expresses it’s condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and her family and wish them all the best for the future.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Councillor Will Watts.

3. SIGNING OF THE MINUTES

It was resolved to adopt the minutes of the meeting of 10th March 2021 as a true and correct record.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

District Councillor Sally Tarry gave rise to an incorrect name within the minutes at item 6.0 where the name should have read Jenny Bailey and not Jenny Bradley, this will be changed in the minutes.

5. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & DISPENSATIONS 

There were no declarations of pecuniary interest.

6. REPORT FROM DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

District Councillors S. Tarry and S. Ogden had nothing to report.

7. PLANNING APPLICATIONS 

There were no planning applications for consideration.

8. FINANCE

8.1    The financial report as shown below, presented by the Vice Chairman was accepted.

We conclude the year on £12,000.00, but this should be viewed through a sensible filter.  Not only have we received compensation from Adrian Illingworth, but we also received funds from Lloyds Bank.  Furthermore, there were significant savings on not having a clerk for half the year, and no grass cutting contract for the majority of the financial year too.  To this end, we have a comfortable financial buffer, but we must remember that there are funds yet to come from this – grants, special projects (bench/pond area/dog poo bins); not only does this enable us to report a strong financial position at the end of an extremely challenging year (financially let alone covid) but it importantly allows us to reassure the parishioners that with strong governance, passionate councillors, a super clerk and reviewed procedures, we are in probably the strongest position the Council has seen for many years.  We are also able to wisely invest in the village, benefit charitable and community groups, as well as campaign for higher authority support of major issues such as our roads, environmental health and planning issues.

8.2 The bank reconciliation was accepted as correct.

8.3 The purchase of more dog waste bins was discussed and it was decided that following the suggestion of NKDC, it would be preferable to have dual purpose bins in place instead of just dog waste bins.  Therefore the Clerk will obtain prices and a decision will be resolved at the next meeting.

8.4 A quote has been received for the clearance of the village pond area to be carried  out in November/December when ground cover is at its lowest and no chance of disturbing nesting birds etc.

Concern was expressed by Cllr Mark Robinson about disturbing the natural wildlife habitat of amphibians generated by the overgrown brambles and vegetation around the pond, also a concern over opening up the pond to predators such as Heron’s. It was accepted that these were valid points and that it would be wise to seek the advice of an environmental expert before deciding anything.

8.5 The Pinfold Rent – It was advised by the Vice Chairman Cllr Julie Frizzell that the rent  is to be paid by Direct Debit.

8.6 The upcoming Insurance renewal was discussed and it was resolved to ask for a quote from the existing Insurance Company, Came & Company.

8.7 Vice Chairman Cllr Julie Frizzell has offered to contact the lady that carried out last years internal audit to see if she is willing to act again this year.

8.8 The following payments were approved at the meeting.

9. CEMETERY MATTERS

9.1 There were no cemetery matters to report but Councillor George Frizzell made comment to the wonderful job being done by CJP Garden Services.

10. CHURCH CLOCK

The Church Clock appears to be running around two minutes fast at the moment, Councillor George Frizzell will correct.

11. HIGHWAYS.

It was reported that although multiple correspondence has been sent, as of yet it seems  to be proving difficult to arrange a visit with our MP Dr Caroline Johnson to see the state of the roads in Helpringham and the surrounding areas.

12. MATTERS AFFECTING THE VILLAGE / CORRESPONDENCE

12.1     A letter has been received from a parishioner whose family would like to replace the old bench outside of 15 High Street Helpringham in memory of  family members Ken and Linda Bassett. Both were very much part of the community , with Linda being the school secretary for many years. The proposal was accepted by the Parish Council on the condition that the new seat meets safety regulations and is in keeping with the rest of the village. The family will be invited to submit designs for the next meeting.

12.2     It is looking likely that Face to Face meetings will recommence after 7th May 2021

12.3     A letter has been received from the Helpringham Feast Committee, requesting permission for the event to once again go ahead this year (Covid permitting) on Saturday 7th August 2021.on the Village Green. It is also requested if the Parish Council will be kind enough to cover the cost of the public liability insurance for the event again this year, as in 2019.

It was resolved to accept the above request and the Clerk will obtain a cost for the Public Liability insurance from existing insurance company Came & Company.

13. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 5th May 2021 via Zoom.   It was noted that following Government guidance, it was likely that this will be the last meeting via zoom and future meetings will be returned to Face to Face..

Topic: Helpringham Parish Council Meeting - 1930 start

Time: May 5th 2021 19:15 London

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Meeting ID: 980 055 2536