2020 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Belchford and Fulletby Parish Council

Minutes from remotely held Parish Council Meeting 9th July 2020.
(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: P Thompson (PT), J Smith (JS), I Goodall (IG), N Brigginshaw NB), J Leedham (JL), R Short  (RS).  Also present D Cllr D Andrews.

Public Forum:  There was no public forum.  The meeting began at 7.34 pm.

Meeting – Agenda

1.   Apologies for absence and reasons given – Apologies were received from J Newby, Z Henden, P Morris and Police.

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 commented that road are busy in both parishes.

4.   To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 12th March 2020 – following suggested amendments to the minutes it was proposed, seconded, voted 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.   Community Grant Applications – we have made two applications through our District Councillor and are awaiting further information.
It is also noted that the clerk has received a letter to confirm that the permissive loop footpath has now been closed.

6.   To receive reports from District and County Councillors, and Police (if available) – Mr Andrews advised the meeting of the strategic alliance formed with Boston BC which will save £15 million over the next 10 years.  The Chief Executive, monitoring and planning officers will be the shared.  There is a possibility of some job losses but there will not be a cut in services.  ELDC has had no revenue during Covid and they are looking at other ways of saving money.  Mr Andrews confirmed that ELDC are moving to Horncastle and the original timeframe should have been for September 2021, this will now be put back.  The Manby site will be sold when it is unoccupied.  Police report was sent via PCSO Wass – Patrols continue in the area, there are no issues to report.

7.   To receive an update/condition report on the Village sign posts (legs) – Costs were discussed and agreed at £100 for paint and £100 for new steel posts.  The RFO confirmed that this is within our budget and it was RESOLVED to go ahead with these improvements.

8.   To discuss Belchford Public Waste Bins – the bin in front of/directly opposite the Blue Bell Inn is scruffy and shabby and following discussion D Cllr Andrews is to investigate whether it can be changed.  A photo of the bin was requested. 

9.   To receive an update from the Village Green Committee on the proposal for a children’s play area – The report from Simon Miller has been circulated to all electronically.  Questions were raised, why has the village green not been mown recently?  The clerk was asked to thank the committee for their report, to advise that the colour for the container was acceptable and to ask for a timeline for the planning application.

10.   To review any potholes & other Highways matters:   The railings and bridge ends are in total disrepair, this matter is to be raised with our County Councillor again.  It is noted that repairs have been done in both parishes and drains are to be cleared fully in Fulletby.  The condition of Oxcombe Road is appalling and it was suggested that passing places on this road are requested.

11.   To receive an update on the Community Woodland – JS brought to the attention of the meeting the management of the grass as last year it was cut, bailed and burnt as there was lots of ragwort.  There are lots of saplings growing, mainly ash but the ragwort needs attending to or the whole areas needs topping or mowing and the ragwort destroying.  It was concluded to top it again this year.

12.   To choose a name for the Community Woodland – the clerk has received 12 suggestions which have all been circulated by email.  Following discussion it was agreed to give the residents 3 options to vote for 1) Hayes Furlong, 2) Boundary Wood and 3) 5 Acre Wood.  This will be put into the newsletter and votes can be cast by email directly to the clerk.

13.   To consider correspondence received since the last meeting:

a.   All Covid-19 and urgent correspondence has been circulated electronically

b.   There has been no other correspondence.

14.   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.  The current balance is £8,518.27.  There is no large expenditure expected and we are in a healthy position.

b)   Payment of accounts – To consider and resolve payments since last meeting including clerks’ salary and LALC Training Scheme £102.  

c)   Internal Audit to year end 31.03.2020.  NB confirmed that this has been done and completed.

d)   Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) It was RESOLVED to agree Year end Accounts to 31.3.2020 and Complete and approve Annual Governance Statement 19/20.  

15.   Planning Matters: 

a.   FPP Given for S/013/00177/20, Dial Cottage, Belchford.

b.   FPP Given for S/013/00580/20, Little Ryehill Farm, Belchford.

16.   To consider items for the Parish Newsletter:

•   Names for the Community Woodland
•   Pub re-opening on 22nd July
•   Tractor Run report and funds raised.

17.   To agree agenda items for the 10th September 2020 meeting, this will also be held by Zoom.

There being no further business the Meeting closed at 8.41 pm

Appendix 1: see below