Minutes of Meeting of Rippingale Parish Council,
Held 7th December, 2009, 7.30p.m. at Rippingale Village Hall.
Present:
Cllrs D. Sankey, Chairman; Cllrs B. Flatters, M. Hallas, J. Latham, P. Moseley, M. Exton.
In Attendance: D. Diess & T. Bladon, Members of the Public.
PUBLIC FORUM:
1. Mr. Diess requested progress report on repairs to wall in Station Street.
Cllr Hallas advised that LCC are still waiting for SKDC to carry out work behind the wall to create a drainage channel, then LCC can do pavement repairs. The County Council is anxious to see this matter finalised, and all are frustrated by SKDC lack of action. M. Hallas will continue to pursue this matter, which is increasingly a Health & Safety issue.
2. Mr. Bladon reported street lights 44 (churchyard) and Station Street by Sands Court are obscured. Cllr Flatters to check and report to authorities, Cllr Exton to instruct Mr. Boyfield to cut back, if appropriate.
3. Mr. Bladon reported that riders are using footpath East Street – Doctor’s Lane as a bridleway . Item to be placed in Newsletter.
There being no further questions from the public, the Chairman opened the Parish Council meeting at 7.35p.m.
1. CHAIRMAN’S OPENING REMARKS:
The Chairman offered the Parish Council’s congratulations to Cllr & Mrs. Moseley on the birth of their son, Oscar.
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Cllr Mrs. C. Rice (Family matters) and D. Cllr Mrs. A. Webster who is ill.
3. TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST:
· Cllrs Flatters & Exton as Allotment Holders
· Cllr Hallas as member of Village Design Committee & Surgery Action Group.
4. MEETING 12th NOVEMBER, 2009.
The Notes of Meeting 12th November 2009 were approved as Minutes – proposed by Cllr Latham, seconded by Cllr Hallas.
5. CLERK’S REPORT
5.1 RIPPINGALE DOCTOR’S SURGERY- PROPOSED CLOSURE
5.1.1 A report of Open Meeting 19th November has been published in the Newsletter. Correspondence from Glenside Practice Doctors addressed to the Parish Council, together with reply from New Springwells Practice Doctors had been circulated to Councillors.
5.1.2 Surgery Action Group:
a) Cllr Hallas advised that an Action Group has been formed to express opposition to the proposed closure of the surgery. The inaugural meeting will be held 8th December, which he will attend on behalf of the Parish Council. Group members include: Dr. P. King, retired G.P., K. Cotton, retired Practice Manager, P. McGuiness, Financial expert and Mr. E. Page. Cllr Hallas will report to the Parish Council to ensure that any decisions and action taken by the Group are approved by the Council.
b) The Group aims to ensure that all avenues for retaining a Rippingale surgery are explored; a Steering role, rather than one to raise objections. The group is in contact with Mr. Wilf Mason who successfully led a Newborough (Peterborough) Action Group. Peterborough PCT has also been helpful.
c) Under the Freedom of Information Act, Lincolnshire PCT has been asked for a copy of the report on condition of Rippingale Surgery building, referred to at the Open Meeting.
d) It was confirmed that correspondence between the Doctors (5.1.1 above) could be made available to the Action Group.
e) Matter of Planning Application regarding Billingborough Surgery extension would be considered by the Action Group.
f) Cllr Moseley requested proceeding with caution: it was not correct to assume that all the community opposed closure of the surgery. Residents who attended the meeting were overwhelmingly against the proposal, but there will be those in favour, and those who are ambivalent.
(g) IT WAS AGREED THAT Cllr Hallas would report back at next meeting of the Parish Council.
5.2 LCC FREE TREES ALLOCATION – Collection arrangements passed to Cllrs Exton and Moseley for action. Use of J. Scholes’ trailer was volunteered.
5.3 TREE MAINTENANCE – MINUTES ARCHIVES
5.3.1 Archived Minutes 1995, 1997 indicate that the Parish Council has historically maintained lime trees on High Street approach to the village. Cllr Exton requested that a motion be put on next Agenda to authorise the Council to continue this practice. This was unanimously agreed, proposed by Cllr Exton, seconded by Cllr Flatters.
5.3.2 In view of the complaint recently received and to avoid future problems, it was agreed that the Agenda be published and that notice be published in the Newsletter. Clerk to agree wording with Councillors and LALC before publication – gist being that the Parish Council intends to maintain as necessary all approach roadways/paths/verges into the village.
5.4 COMPLAINTS’ PROCEDURE
The Clerk distributed (a) Guidance Notes for Councillors and (b) Guide for Complainant. Councillors to peruse and advise Clerk for amendments before next meeting.
6. FINANCE
6.1 ANNUAL PRECEPT 2010 – 2011
6.1.1 Draft Budget and Projections prepared by Clerk previously circulated. It was agreed that :
a) all expenditure should be closely monitored;
b)that the sum of £1,500 be included for purchase of Storage/Container unit (playing field)
c) that the current Precept £15,500 would be requested for 2010 - 2011: proposed by Cllr Sankey, seconded by Cllr Latham and agreed by unanimous vote.
A copy of the Budget, as approved by the Parish Council is attached to these Minutes.
6.2 Bills for Payment, Bank Accounts, Budget.
6.2.1 Bills for Payment:
S.M. Scholes £361.53
M. Morgan (N/letter) £ 60.00
B. Hammond (N/letter) £306.34
Sainsburys (N/letter) £ 76.56
Anglian Water £ 7.04
C. Boyfield £229.40
Payment to Mr. C. Boyfield includes work on tennis court, costs to be identified for grant aid and Cllr Moseley to be advised all payments and receipts relating to the project.
6.2.2 Receipts
SKDC Community Cleaner balance £301.60
O2 Foundation re tennis court £700.00
Kirkby Underwood HCS contribution £ 27.90
6.2.3 Budget Statement and Bank Accounts as at 5th December, 2009 previously circulated. Total funds £19,827 of which £11,479 is Reserves. Transfer of £3,500 from current to deposit account was approved.
6.3 Clerks’ Conditions of Employment & Remuneration.
6.3.1 The Chairman proposed that the employment conditions of the Clerk, currently contracted to work 5 hours weekly be reviewed. The Contract and Job Description,have not been reviewed since 2000, since when the role of the Clerk has developed considerably. The Chairman will set up a group of councillors to carry out the review and seek the expertise of Mr. B. Hutchison. Clerk to supply Local Society of Clerks portfolio.
6.3.2 The Clerk confirmed her willingness to defer, if necessary, increase in remuneration in view of Annual Budget agreed above. It was that the cost of broadband ISP facility (currently £15.00 per month) used by the Clerk would be reimbursed by the Parish Council.
7. PLANNING MATTERS .
7.1 (SKDC) Electronic Consultations – SKDC offer to demonstrate facility of notifying applications on-line. Clerk to make further enquires with view to attending with Cllr Hallas. It is currently thought more useful to have paper copies of applications.
7.2 “Effective Response to Planning Applications” – Training evening attended by Councillors was of limited benefit.
7.3 Land to rear of 135 Station Street: SKDC Planning Enforcement Officer advises that there is unauthorised use of land and is investigating.
8. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
8.1 (SKDC) 4th Town Parishes Conference programme.
8.2 (SKDC) Local Forum 28th January, 7.00p.m., Billingborough – Budget Consultation.
8.3 Rural Links, Autumn/Winter 2009.
8.4 (Mrs. R. Atkinson, 5.11.09) – Playing field. The letter was read and contents noted.
8.5 (LCC) Road works information www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/futurehighwayworks
8.6 (SKDC) Request for Councillors details re Parish Council Audit – Clerk to Action.
8.7 (Mr. D. Diess) Thank you and good wishes.
9. RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
9.1 GRASS CUTTING & MAINTENANCE. – Cllr Exton.
9.1.1 Final seasonal cut to grass has been completed.
9.1.2 Playing Field Rubbish Clearance. Cllr Exton requested Clerk write letter of thanks to Mr. P.Maplethorpe for use of forklift and removal/disposal of three trailer loads rubbish from tennis court area. This was done at no cost to the Parish Council.
9.1.3 Storage Container – £1,000+ for good condition second hand container, delivered to site. Cllrs Exton and Moseley to look into further and report back.
9.2 TENNIS COURT REFURBISHMENT – Cllr Moseley
9.2.1 The £700 O2 grant is for purchase of equipment.
9.2.2 Contractors have begun work on the court. Mr. Boyfield to treat hardwood baseboards; Cllr Moseley advised this cost was not included in project budget.
9.3 PLAYING FIELD & FOOTBALL CLUB MEETING UPDATE.
9.3.1 The Chairman advised an exchange of e-mails regarding proposed Fitness Boot Camp and he would report further.
9.3.2 MEETING WITH FOOTBALL CLUB OFFICERS 28th NOVEMBER, 2009.
Cllr Moseley advised that it had been a useful meeting. General issues and the draft Letting Agreement had been discussed and Fixtures List supplied. Meeting notes made by Cllr Sankey & Mrs. Durrant (Secretary of Club) will be available shortly and shared with the Club. Next meeting arranged for 9th January, after which this matter will then be referred back to the Parish Council.
Subsequent to the Newsletter publication of income & expenditure, an e-mail complaint had been resolved by Cllr Moseley and the Club Secretary.
In reply to questions, Cllr Moseley confirmed that it is necessary to set up an Agreement to create a fair situation about the ongoing use of the field, which will include paying to use the facility. The Parish Council has a duty to maximise the value of the playing field asset. It has been an achievement to open discussions with the Club and it is intended to effectively negotiate a way forward. It is hoped to have a formal agreement in place by the beginning of the Financial Year. It was acknowledged that in fairness to all, other issues should be resolved – notably the problems of parking.
9.5 OUTSTANDING & REPORTED MAINTENANCE MATTERS. Cllr M. Hallas.
9.5.1 LCC will trim the footpath hedge Station Street – Playing Field.
9. 5.2 Cllr Flatters advised that SKDC have completed repairs to pipework rear of Dovecote bungalows.
9.5.3 Cllr Hallas was asked to report water collecting at junction Station Street / B1177 where recent drainage/kerbing work has been done.
9.6 COMPUTERS FOR ALL –Nothing to report.
9.7 PARISH COUNCIL PLAN – Nothing to report.
10. REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVE ON OUTSIDE BODIES.
10.1 Aveland School Closure: Cllr Latham wishes to confirm points with C. Cllr Hill before publishing a Newsletter Report.
11. MATTERS OF AN URGENT NATURE. Nothing to report.
12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
MONDAY 4th JANUARY 2010 – 7.30p.m. Public Forum/Question Time
7.45p.m. Parish Council Meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.35p.m.
Sheila Scholes,
Clerk to the Council,
13th December, 2009.
Provisional 2009/2010 Meeting Dates
February MONDAY 1st
March THURSDAY 11th
April THURSDAY 8th
