September 2019 Minutes
Notes of the meeting of the Parish Council Meeting held in the Memorial Hall, Helpringham, Wednesday 11 September 2019
Present: Cllr G Hotchkin – Chairman, Vice Chairman – Cllr J Frizzell, Cllr R Spencer, Cllr M Robinson, Cllr G Frizzell, and Adrian Illingworth – Parish Clerk.
The Chairman welcomed all present.
As there were no members of the public present the Chairman opened the Council meeting at 7.30pm
2.0 Apologies (19/49)
Apologises received from Cllr R Watts, Cllr M Ternouth, Cllr S Tarry and Cllr S Ogden. Reason for absence noted and accepted by Council.
3.0 Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and Dispensations (19/50)
None
4.0 Signing of the minutes (19/51)
The Council resolved to accept the Clerk’s notes of the Parish Council meeting held on the 14 August to be a true reflection of the meeting. Minutes signed by the Chairman.
5.0 Report from District Councillors (19/52)
The Clerk read out a short report from Cllr Ogden. Currently looking at NKDC’s plan and finances and to agree what tax base will be used.
No report from Cllr Tarry
6.0 Matters arising from the minutes (19/53)
6.1 Cllr J Frizzell gave an update on the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership and the placement of 30mph signs.
A survey has been carried out and all paper work submitted. Unable to have a speed trap on South Fen Road as there is no clear line of site. Another point on George Street, (near number 42) has been submitted. Other points are High Street, High Gate (near St Andrews), Station Road, George Street near number 24, corner of the green, North Fen Road and corner of East Street.
Training to be arranged for volunteers. The Council are looking for more volunteers. If residents would like to volunteer, they are to contact the Clerk.
6.2 A policy to address the problem of dog fouling in the Parish has been written by Cllr J Frizzell. Cllr Frizzell is to contact NKDC to see if in line with their policy.
No volunteer has come forward for the role of Parish Environment Officer
6.3 A Public Space Protection Order is to be sort for the playing field not the recreation ground. Documentation has been requested from NKDC to proceed. Cllr G Frizzell confirmed representatives of the Playing Field Committee were in approval. If local wardens were appointed, they would have delegated powers to issue standard penalty notices
7.0 Finance (19/54)
7.1 Council resolved to approve the following payments:
7.1.1 Clerk’s Salary 214.70
7.1.2 P J Haynes – Grass Cutting – August 550.00
7.1.3 Helpringham Memorial Hall – Room Hire 37.50
The following had been received after publication of the agenda. Payments approved
7.1.4 Wave (Anglian Water) 10.59
7.1.5 HMRC – PAYE 2nd quarter 161.20
7.2 Council resolved to accept the Financial Statement. Statement signed by the Chairman.
7.3 The Council resolved to purchase a 365-infinite licence for the Councils laptop.
8.0 Cemetery Report (19/55)
Reported presented by Cllr G Frizzell.
One burial to take place 12 September.
A grave needs levelling. Cllr Frizzell to contact the contractor.
Top of the hedges need cutting. Cllr Hotchkin to arrange.
Weeds have been killed in several areas but the work is ongoing.
The grass contractor has requested further brown bins. Concern was raised as to who would be responsible for putting these out to be emptied. Cllr Frizzell to speak to PJ Haynes.
Survey of the cemetery has been completed and returned to the relevant Government office.
Cllr Frizzell to contact P J Haynes regarding the location of the toppled crosses.
It was explained if relatives of the fallen crosses could be contacted, the cost of re-erecting would fall upon them.
The Church clock is losing approximately losing five minutes a month. Cllr Frizzell to monitor.
9.0 Planning. (19/56)
None received. No decisions made.
All applications can be viewed by accessing NKDC’s Planning Portal on the website.
https://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk.
10.0 Highways (19/57)
10.1 Concerned was raised regarding the proposed closure of the road from High Street to the school and access to the school during the period of closure. (The school had not been informed of any closure) The Clerk to contact Highways to ascertain their intentions regarding the school bus.
10.2 An app is available for smartphones to report highway issues. The app is Fix My Street. Details to be placed on Facebook and in the local magazine.
10.2.1 Road surface on Vicarage Lane is a concern to residents with disabilities as they find it difficult to negotiate. The Clerk to report to Highways.
10.2.2 The speed limit signs, coming in from Scredington, are hidden by foliage. Clerk to contact Highways.
11.0 Christmas Tree (19/58)
A discussion took place regarding funding the Christmas Tree. The Council felt they could not justify making a contribution towards the lights and ducting. However, it was resolved to pay for any electricity used.
Organisers to be directed to Tritton Knoll. co.uk/Community Fund Investment Fund for assistance.
12.0 Matters of Urgency
None
13.0 Date of next meeting (19/59)
The next meeting will be Wednesday 9 October starting at 7.30pm.
Chairman thanked everyone for attending. Meeting closed 8.16pm.