MINUTES OF THE BILLINGHAY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY 1 March 2010 AT 7.30PM IN THE VILLAGE HALL
Those Present: Councillors: Wood, Liles, Richards, Miller & Harper with
Cllr. Wilson in the Chair
Minutes Sec/Assistant Clerk: Lou Hird
Community Police Officer PC Daniels
3 Members of the Public
1. Apologies County Councillor Bradwell
District Councillor Powell
Cllr Sharp (work), Cllr Forman (work), Cllr Davies (Ill)
Cllr Dickinson (work) Cllr Long (work)
2. Police Matters
As PC Daniels had attended the meeting, it was agreed to discuss Police Matters first to use up as little of his time as possible.
He confirmed that Officers were now spending much more time on foot patrols in the village. Cllr Wilson said she was pleased with this but that, inevitably, villagers still did not see the Officers around. She asked if it was possible for details to be supplied as to when and where they were in the village so that she could answer residents’ queries. PC Daniels agreed to do this.
He detailed the latest position regarding the Community Officers covering the Billinghay area. Lee is now back at work on light duties. Amy has taken up a post at Sleaford and has been replaced by Mike who had formerly been at Sleaford. Clerk to write to Amy thanking her for all her efforts in the past.
He also confirmed that the Panel priorities remained unchanged with the emphasis on:
· Continuing their anti-social behaviour clampdown
· Continuing to monitor traffic incidents
· Patrolling the village out of their cars
Cllr Richards raised the question of school parking once again, explaining that cars were parking (quite legally) on both sides of Fen Road beyond the Primary School. This prevented large vehicles from progressing and he was concerned about Emergency Vehicles being delayed. Constable Daniels felt that education was the answer rather than yellow lines and said he would raise the issue when talking to parents/staff/schoolchildren and also keep an eye on the situation as a quiet word pointing out the problem may be the answer.
Cllr Miller asked why more places could not be made at the Children’s Centre as the land was available. Cllr Wilson confirmed that this had already been considered but not implemented due to cost constraints.
Cllr Wood asked if the speed indicator had been repaired and Constable Daniels confirmed that it had and it would be back in use next week. Cllr Wilson had still not been able to contact PC Gordon of Bracebridge Heath to extract the relevant statistics from the machine.
3. Public Discussion
The public discussion period was taken up by a discussion regarding the recent grant to the Billinghay Skirth Regeneration Society (BSRS). They had been granted funds to purchase a bench and a strimmer. A previous submission had been for them to use the funds provided to manufacture benches for themselves. Councillors had not been happy with the design diagram provided particularly from a comfort point of view.
BSRS advised that this was a very rough sketch and produced photographs of the type of bench they aimed to produce but using 4” x 2” box with a 1” gap rather than wood.
It was proposed by Cllr Richards and seconded by Cllr Miller that BSRS be allowed to produce their own benches with the grant, using the design principles outlined. This was carried unanimously.
Reg. Johnson of BSRS also asked about the Plaque that had been fitted on “Johnson’s” Bench. This was thought to be in the Parish Office. Clerk to check and pass to BSRS if located.
Cllr Wilson congratulated BSRS on their efforts and progress with their project to date.
4. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Wood – Allotments
5. Acceptance of the Minutes of Meeting held on the 1 February 2010
It was proposed by Cllr Liles and seconded by Cllr Harper and carried unanimously that the minutes be accepted as a true record.
6. Matters arising from the Minutes
The sewage problems relating to Skirth Road and Walcott Road were discussed. Cllr Wilson had spoken to Anglian Water and reported that the problem with sewage in the garden at Skirth Road may have been solved by the fitting of a return valve. Anglian had now looked at the systems in both roads and felt that they could speed up the flow and that this would reduce the odour problem. They are carrying out a full investigation and the Clerk will be following this up.
The damaged manhole cover in Fen Road has still not been replaced/repaired and the Clerk has contacted Highways to investigate as the cover is in the middle of the road.
As agreed in the previous minutes, a contract has been given to Lincs. Bin Cleaning Company to clean the bus shelters. This will be reviewed in six months time (Clerk to add to agenda at suitable meeting).
The clerk has still not heard from the Architect regarding the Church Wall. Cllr Forman advised (prior to meeting) that he has the matter in hand and will provide an update at the next meeting.
Although it had been agreed to include an item on the Agenda to discuss Standing Orders and Financial Regulations, this had not been done as revised details had just been received. The Clerk will send the revised details to each Councillor and include on next month’s agenda.
Councillor Wood asked if any details were available regarding the burial records for the period that the Old Cemetery was used. The Clerk’s Assistant advised that no figures had been received as yet but normal cost of photocopying was 50p per page. He suggested that a visit be made to the Archives to extract the details from the records. Cllr Wood agreed to do this with the Assistant Clerk.
Cllr Wilson reported on the problem parking of two school buses at the Mill Lane & Walcott Road junction. She advised that following County Councillor Bradwell’s intervention, the timing of the buses had been changed to prevent both arriving at the same time.
Whilst Councillors agreed that this was an improvement, the consensus was that they should actually pick up in Mill Lane rather than in Walcott Road as previous Bus Companies had done. Several Councillors also mentioned that the revised timings had resulted in children being late for school. Cllr Liles was also concerned that school buses were exceeding the speed limit now in place in Mill Lane. Cllr Wilson will speak to County Councillor Bradwell about this aspect and report back.
Cllr Wood asked whether a date had been set to walk the village with Georgina Graham of Highways to inspect the footpaths etc for damage. No date had yet been set – Clerk to arrange.
Arising from this, mention was made of an extremely large puddle on the public footpath outside SAT Stores – Clerk to report to Highways.
The problem with cigarette smoking outside the Ship was again raised. The Clerk has spoken to Environment (NKDC) to follow up – report awaited.
The two wooden Parish notice boards had been sorted so that they opened properly but several Councillors reported problems with the metal Notice Board in the Market Place. Cllrs. Richards and Harper agreed to inspect and report back
7. Planning Matters
A. Applications:
1st Floor Extension – 119 High Street no comments apart from:
· Cllr Sharp concerned that increased occupancy may impact on parking requirements
· Sewage system must be able to cope
B. Approvals/Refusals
43 Skirth Road (x2) - withdrawn
In addition to the above copies of plans received from Eon were viewed. These related to the replacement of overhead power lines with underground cables. Agreed no comments need to be sent to Eon.
8. Allotment Business-
Following the recent heavy precipitation, Cllr Miller had inspected the allotments. He confirmed that the drains were running smoothly and there was no apparent flooding on the allotments.
He did report a possible problem with the dyke at the end of the allotments as he felt this needed clearing. It was not clear whose responsibility this was and Cllr Wood agreed to check out ownership etc.
9. Burial Ground Business
Cllr Wood reported that the mower modification had not yet been done but Burdens advised that it would be very shortly. He also advised that an extra cut is unlikely to be needed this year as due to the adverse weather, it should last until the middle of March.
10. Parish Clock
The council had been asked to consider helping with the cost of repairing the Church clock. The Clerk had confirmed that this was possible as it could be regarded as the “village” clock. Councillors were not unwilling to consider but felt they needed more details as to the problem and likely cost. Cllr Wilson will investigate and the Clerk will include on the agenda for the next meeting.
11. Highways Matters
Cllr Wood has spoken to Highways (Georgina Graham) regarding the obscured sign at the Mill Lane & Walcott Road junction. They are going to contact the resident to discuss and agree a way forward in the next 5 or 6 weeks.
12. Correspondence
· Email from LALC which gives legal opinion re use of grit bins – copies handed out showing relevant Portion of email.
· Letter from NKDC re Community Service and Youth Awards – Nomination Forms enclosed. Cllr Wilson took these to consider if anyone in the village could be nominated.
· Latter from NKDC re Dog Bin emptying charges (see cheques for signature)
· No increase for 2010/11 per NKDC Executive
· Letter & leaflet from Energy Saving Trust re Green Communities
· Letter from LCC re new grit bin provisions – copies handed to Councillors
· First Contact News Sheet received
· NKDC – Brains of Kesteven Charity Quiz Night invitation
· Letter from Home Start a charity helping families with a child under five
· Bulletin from LALC re the role of local councillors – copies handed out.
· Cllr Wood revealed that we had received another letter from “Rocket man” and this will be published in the next edition of the Newsletter.
· Comments had been received regarding litter in the streets. This coincided with the Street Cleaner being on holiday and showed how effectively she carried out the job. Clerk to send letter of commendation and recognition to be given in the Newsletter.
· Cllr Wilson had received a letter from the Twinning Association inviting her (and subsequent chairpersons of the Council) to be an honorary member. She confirmed acceptance and asked the Clerk to respond accordingly.
13. Councillor Reports (for information)
· Cllr Liles had reported a problem with surface water outside 75/77 Walcott Road – Clerk to advise current position
· Cllr Liles also reported fly tipping in Mill Lane – Clerk to follow up
· Cllr Sharp, when sending apologies, had asked for the Council to consider whether the garage at the Mill Lane/Walcott Road junction should be allowed to use the blue flashing lights to attract attention to its services. Other Councillors had also noticed these and felt that they may have a deterrent effect on speeding cars! Cllr Wilson to check on their legality & desirability with PC Daniels.
· Cllr Richards asked if the Clerk could contact Twells to arrange for the spotlight outside the showroom to be redirected as it affected traffic at night.
· Cllr Liles commented that Page’s (Overland) floodlight also needed to be redirected.
· Cllr Wood asked when the seat outside the Parish Office would be re-sited and Cllr Miler responded to the effect that this would be done when the weather improved.
· Cllr Wilson requested that the Clerk arrange for the hedge outside the Parish Office to be cut back.
· Cllr Liles referred to the Parish Plan and to the desire for the Mammogram Unit to visit the village rather than villagers make a long journey. She had been told that it needed a site where it could be resident for six months with a suitable electricity supply. Councillors suggested the Coach & Horses or the Village Hall as these both had adequate parking facilities. It was commented that the Village Hall electricity supply may be a problem.
· Cllr Wood mentioned that the tree near the Mosaic at the Fitzwilliam Place/High Street junction needed trimming. However, he commented that the Council needed to decide on the maximum amount that could be paid to a contractor before it was necessary for the work to be put out to tender. It was decided that the Clerk should include this aspect on the Agenda for the next meeting.
· Cllr Liles asked all Councillors to support the local school at every available opportunity. Cllr Wilson supported her stance and gave full details of the School and how the latest Headmaster was bringing about improvements. It was felt that more should be done to emphasise the facilities in the Newsletter although regular articles are now appearing.
· The unusual low attendance of Councillors at the meeting caused comments to be made for the need for full attendance by all members. It was also stressed that commitment to work between meetings is an essential part of the position of Councillor.
14. Finance
a. Cheques presented for signature with supporting documentation
Mrs C Willingham £829.42 Clerks Wages
Mr M Hird £153.20 Office Assistant
Mrs P Gilbert £139.20 Street Cleaner