July 2019 Minutes
REEPHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting
Methodist Schoolroom on Tuesday 30th July 2019 at 7.30pm.
Present: Cllr D Perkins, who presided. Cllrs B Tebbs, C Wilson, A Brammer,
P Stuffins and D World with the Clerk Mr B Wharton.
D/Cllrs A Welburn, C Hill and C Darcel also attended.
MATTERS RAISED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Nil.
1. Apologies.
Cllr N Ward (working)
2. Minutes of the Meeting held on 25th June 2019.
At the proposal by Cllr P Stuffins, seconded by Cllr A Brammer, it was resolved that the minutes be accepted
3. Clerk’s Report
Co-option: One name had been put forward for co-option. Mr Mark Doughty was asked to introduce himself. A vote was taken and at the proposal by Cllr D World, seconded by Cllr A Brammer, it was resolved that he be co-opted onto the parish Council. He duly signed the Acceptance of Office and the Receipt of Code of Conduct. The Declaration of Interest will follow for insertion onto the website and to be copied to WLDC Monitoring Officer.
Discussion over the condition of the trees on Station Rd continue. Clerk to request comments from the Tree Officer at WLDC whilst the Tree Committee produce a suggested plan. Cllr C Wilson was added to the Tree Committee.
There has been progression over the play park – see item 11 Amenities.
The ownership of the Green continues to evade all knowledge. A previous Clerk remembers that work was done to register it in the 1980s – Clerk to continue searching.
4. Correspondence
Cllr I Fleetwood – report for July
WLDC – Agenda.
WLDC – Budget Consultation – request for attendance at a consultation.
LCR – Magazine.
Clerks and Councils Direct – Magazine.
Community Lincs – Newsletter.
Sovereign Play – Brochure.
Creative Play – Brochure.
Police – incidents for June/July.
Hardwood Bus Shelters – Brochure.
A member of the public had sent emails twice with suspicious links regarding the finding of Job Centres in the Local Area: requesting placement of these onto the parish website. The links were not opened neither is this to be acted upon.
NALC – Tree Charter. This is an initiative by NALC for all Parish Councils to sign the Tree Charter. After discussion, at the proposal by Cllr C Wilson, seconded by Cllr D World, it was resolved that the Tree Charter should be signed – there was 1 abstention.
5. Financial Matters
Presentation of Accounts:
Glendale – Grass Cut 01/07 £ 282.22
WLDC - Election Costs £ 145.53
£ 427.75
At the proposal by Cllr P Stuffins, seconded by Cllr B Tebbs, it was resolved that these be paid.
Remittances – Nil.
Reepham News; One year ago £75 was granted to Reepham News with agreement to consider the grant yearly.
At the proposal by Cllr A Brammer, seconded by Cllr C Wilson, it was resolved that a grant of £80 be made to Reepham News.
6. Planning Matters
The following were processed:
139457 10 Chapel Close.
139556 Land adj to Arkle House.
And a decision on:
139724 – Lansdown Villas.
The process for the working of the Planning Committee was discussed and a new way forward using electronic data was sought.
The following process was proposed by Cllr B Tebbs, Chair of the Planning Committee. That only those applications for alterations of existing properties be handled by the Planning Committee which will first address the application on-line. Ad hoc site meetings will follow, if required, before reaching a decision as to returns to WLDC. That all developments of 1 or more dwellings be placed before the full meeting of the Parish Council. A pre-meeting of the Council before the full meeting would decide on actions though some requests for delay may need to be made on those months of no Parish Council meetings. This proposal was seconded by Cllr P Stuffins and it was resolved that this process be adopted.
Planning Training. In co-operation with LALC a planning training session (3 hours) has been planned. This has also been offered to the neighbouring Parish Councils. A maximum cost of £10 was agreed (reducing, if sufficient numbers attended). Dates and times to be detailed by the Clerk in agreement with the instructor and the Methodist Church for use of the schoolroom.
Neighbourhood Planning: A report on the Group’s activities was presented by Cllr D World.
Finances: The following invoices were presented:
Ruddocks - feedback form A4 £ 152.00
Ruddocks – poster (indoors) £ 258.00
Ruddocks – feedback form A5 £ 45.00
Lincoln Copy & Print £ 76.80
£ 532.20
At the proposal by Cllr A Brammer, seconded by Cllr C Wilson, it was resolved that these invoices be paid.
7. Roads and Footways
It is hoped that the kissing gate to Mellows Close footpath be started soon.
8. Reepham Beck.
There is evidence of the Reepham Beck silting up in the stretch between Kennel Lane and the East of Kennel Walk. There has been correspondence with Witham 3rd IDB who would like the Parish Council to be involved. There are 5 residences involved but legally the responsibilities lie with these property owners. Conservation of the beck bottom regarding wildlife was also mentioned.
At the proposal by Cllr D World, seconded by Cllr M Doughty, it was resolved that this matter be left with 3rd IDB and the residents.
9. Field Footpaths and Bridleways
Ongoing.
10. Conservation Areas
This is involved with the ongoing discussions over the trees on the verges of Station Road.
11. Amenity Areas
Following the lapse of the contractor used for work on the play park equipment and also for inspections, a new contractor has been identified: EKM Ltd of Minting, who also do similar work for other local Parish Councils.
Inspection costs would be £20 per inspection (monthly) with a report on any faults and a non-compulsory quotation for repairs.
At the proposal by Cllr D World, seconded by Cllr A Brammer it was resolved that this company be approached to carry out the play park inspections.
The Clerk is also to negotiate a quote for completion of the outstanding soft surface repair and slide repairs for discussion at the next meeting.
12. Business for the Next Agenda
Traffic Parking Forum
Meeting closed at 2055. Next meeting Tuesday Sept 24th at 7.30