2019 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Belchford and Fulletby Parish Council

Minutes from Meeting 14th March 2019
(These notes are a record of the meeting and are not accepted as formal minutes until duly signed on behalf of the Parish Council)

Present: Councillors: M Brown (MB), N Brigginshaw (NB), J Newby (JN), D Hodgson (DH), J Smith (JS), P Thompson (PT), I Goodall (IG) .  Also present D Cllr D Andrews (DA) and two members of the public.

Public Forum:  The meeting discussed the condition of a branch on a tree at the recreation area/village green and whose responsibility it is for dealing with this.  Thanks are to be offered to the public spirited person who continues to litter pick within the village.  It is noted that the sign which was damaged by Anglian Water has now been repaired, however it is also noted that the notice board requires renewal – this is at the village green.  It was agreed that the clerk will write to the Village Green Management Committee.  A report from the village green committee is also to be requested.  The recent death of former parish councillor Mrs Caroline Mockford was announced.

1.   Apologies for absence and reasons given – Apologies received from PM, PH, AR and C Cllr HM for non-attendance.  It was RESOLVED to accept the reasons given.

2.   Declaration of interests and requests for dispensations - To receive declarations of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and to consider granting dispensation(s), as per written requests received by the proper officer, to councillors under section 22 of the Act.  There were none.

3.   Chairman’s remarks – JS welcomed everyone to the meeting and would like to comment on how lovely the daffodils are and that he wished for more to be planted and this will be discussed at a meeting in the autumn.  Several bridge/river railings are falling into disrepair and this is to be brought to the attention of the Highways department and our County Councillor for action.

4.   To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 10th January 2019 – it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED unanimously that the official minutes of the last meeting having been previously circulated were approved as a true and accurate record of the minutes, Chairman signed and dated.

5.   To receive reports from the Clerk and Councillors on matters outstanding:  

a.   LALC training scheme – councillors RESOLVED not to sign up to this scheme

b.   Annual Parish Meeting – the date has been confirmed as Saturday 27th April from 11am and will be held in Belchford Church.  Refreshments are to be provided.  This will be followed by a community litter pick.

6.   To receive reports from District and County Councillors, and Police (if available) – D Cllr D Andrews reported that the ELDC budget has been passed last week and there will be a 3.9% increase for band D properties, he was also able to advise that a member of staff has been employed by ELDC to deal with dog fouling.  The C Cllr had given apologies and the Police were not present.  [DA left the meeting at 7.56pm]

7.   To review potholes – the meeting was informed of problems at the bottom of mill lane near the coach house and also at the top of paradise lane, near the mast.  Also opposite the Church on Church Street/Winn Lane.  There are also blocked drains on Church Street, Fulletby and Ings Lane plus Dams Lane in Belchford.  Further pot holes are noted between the Kennels and Hemingby (beyond Morton’s) plus Furlongs Lane and Oxcombe Road in particular outside Pinecroft, Wharf Beck and Avoca House.

8.   To consider any Highways Matters – are as above and the clerk was requested to advise LCC of the broken grit bin at the Kennels cross roads.  There is also a blocked drain on Chapel Lane outside Kettle House.  The meeting also discussed exploring weight restrictions through Belchford.

9.   To discuss Community Woodland initial report – an update was provided which outlined that we are still waiting to hear if LWT has accepted our proposal.  NB will explore the insurance implications and costs.  

10.   To consider correspondence received since the last Council meeting -

Two members of the public left the meeting at 8.20pm.

11.      Financial matters: to authorise the signing of cheques and to note the income for this period.

a)   To receive an updated bank reconciliation form RFO – received and attached – Appendix 1 below.  It is noted that there is £7,595.50 in the account.  

b)   Payment of accounts – members were advised of the list of payments and it was then proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that payments to the sum of £3,429.99 including VAT have been made for this period and income was noted for this period of £3,185.00.  NB advised that he will make a VAT reclaim after 1/4/19 and JS will action purchase of flowers for the previous clerk.

12.   Planning Matters –

a.   S/013/02258/18 – FPP Given.

b.   S/013/02188/18 – FPP Given.

c.   S/013/00144/19 – application withdrawn.

13.   To consider purchase and installation of pin board in bus shelter – PT outlined the proposal for a notice board inside the bus shelter and it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that this action be carried out with a maximum budget of £50.

14.   To receive nomination packs for the forthcoming election – documents were handed out to all present councillors and also for circulation to all other interested parties.

15.   To consider items for the Parish Newsletter 

•   Meeting report
•   Annual Parish meeting and litter pick
•   Encourage reporting of pot holes and dog fouling
•   Requests for items for the next newsletter

16.   To agree agenda items for the 16th May 2019 meeting

•   Community Woodland initial report
•   Barn Owl Box Scheme
•   Village Green Report

There being no further business the Meeting closed at 9.00 pm

Appendix 1: see below