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The monthly meeting of the Parish Council was held on Monday 10 January 2005, in the Jubilee Hall, High Street, Heighington and started at 7.30pm
No residents attended. District Councillor J.C. Clarke was in attendance. Councillor Bliss' additional role as County Councillor for the area was noted for information.
Apologies from Councillor Dziadkiewicz for lateness and Councillors Chahal and Hopewell for absence were noted together with those from District Councillors Mrs Brighton and Oxby and Police Constable Julie Kelly.
Present:- Councillor Group Capt. W.E. Bliss CBE - Chairman
Councillor Mrs E.G. Hutton - Vice-Chairman
Councillor R.S. Bushell
Councillor Mrs C.J. Dunning
Councillor J.R. Dziadkiewicz
Councillor R.I. Hill
Councillor C.M.Green
Councillor Mrs C.E. Walter
Councillor Mrs B. Webster
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm. District Councillor Clarke was invited to update on District Council matters and he advised that the District Council band ‘D' Council Tax looked likely to be increased by 4.5 %
1. Declarations of Interest: None to record at this stage.
2. Minutes from the previous meeting: To approve the Clerk's notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 6 December 2004, as the minutes of that meeting: a copy of the notes had been displayed on the notice boards in the village and distributed to Members prior to the meeting and were taken as read. Following the correction of typewriting errors it was proposed by Councillor Green and seconded by Councillor Mrs Hutton that the notes be approved as minutes for signing by the Chairman and this was agreed.
3. Matters Arising/Clerks Report:
3/1 page 1515 item 3/1 Police Matters/Skateboarding Problems: A resident from Stoyles Way referred to the receipt of a copy of our letter to Highways that outlined the position to joint funding a Highways initiative to discourage skateboarding activity in the cul-de-sac of Millstream Road at the junction of Stoyles Way. The resident also expressed a willingness to contribute towards the costs of the works, but pointed out that they had not been notified of the costs. The Clerk confirmed that she had not heard anything from Highways since the previous meeting. It was agreed to carry the item forwarding pending receipt of a plan of the works and an estimate of the costs.
3/2 page 1515 item 3/2 Public Footpath No. 2: Carried forward to monitor the delineation of the track either side of this Public Right of Way on the Definitive Rights of Way Map that was being looked into by the Legal Department at the County Council but no timescale had been given.
3/3 page 1515 item 3/4 Risk Assessments: Carried forward to monitor number ‘5' being replaced on the traffic sign at the entrance to the Sportsfield by County Highways staff.
3/4 page 1515 item 3/5 Quality Parish Councils - Clerks Accreditation: The intention of the Clerk to complete the course for accreditation when time permitted was acknowledged and carried forward to monitor.
3/5 page 1515 item 3/6 Door latches: Carried forward to monitor the installation of latches to exterior and office doors at the Jubilee Hall.
3/6 page 1516 item 3/7 Disposal of computer and associated software from Parish Council Office : The Finance & General Purposes Committee recommended that an enquiry be made at the local Millfield Community Primary School to see if the computer was of any use to them and this was approved by Members. Councillor Mrs Walter volunteered to contact the School.
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3/7 page 1516 item 3/8 Village Signs: Offer from Millfield School to be progressed.
3/8 page 1516 item 3/9 LCC Walks Leaflet: Councillor Mrs Webster agreed to liaise with Ms Braund about providing photographs for inclusion in the Walks Leaflet. The Clerk advised that Ms Braund was due to visit the village and meet with Councillor Green at the office on Wednesday 12 January 2005, to review a draft of the Leaflet
3/9 page 1516 item 3/10 Fen Road: There was no update on any action taken by PC Kelly regarding parking and speeding problems on this thoroughfare.
3/10 page 1516 item 3/11 Land along Fen Road: No update had been received from NKDC Enforcement Officers regarding improvements on this land. The Clerk was asked to progress.
3/11 page 1516 item 3/13 NKDC Improvements to Green Space at Almond Avenue: No update had been received from NKDC about the improvement scheme.
3/12 page 1516 item 3/14 Planning application N/32/1006/03 Erection of three dwellings on land to the rear of Park Lane, Heighington: No update had been received from NKDC about the determination of this planning application
3/13 page 1516 item 3/16 LCC - Canwick Hill, Lincoln: The Chairman said that there were grave difficulties with the phasing of a camera with the traffic lights although he understood the concept was still being investigated by Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership.
3/14 page 1516 item 3/18 Jubilee Hall Management Committee: The Chairman congratulated all those involved in the carol singing event which had raised £150, and this was supported by Members.
3/15 page 1516 item 3/19 Village Web Site: Councillor Hill updated that 45 letters had been sent to various businesses to introduce and outline the Village Web Site facility but to date he had not received any replies. Subsequently he had produced a notice to advertise the Web Site for display throughout the Village. This was noted by Members for information.
3/16 page 1516 item 3/20 Station Road Recreation Ground Improvements to Tennis Court Area: Carried forward to monitor completion of the contract in colour spraying, line marking and new nets and posts to be implemented in Spring, and the claiming of Grant Aid towards the project.
3/17 page 1517 item 3/21 Recycling Waste at the Jubilee Hall: There had been no reply to our enquiry about ‘recycling' waste at the Jubilee Hall. District Councillor Clarke advised that the matter was being looked into by NKDC and offered to progress.
3/18 page 1517 item 3/22 High Street Bus Shelter: The Chairman pointed out that Members might have noticed that the Bus Shelter roof had been renewed and that it had been undertaken by Mr Salter using new felt and tiles donated by Mr Oxby. He advised that further discussion on this issue would take place at item 12. The Clerk reported that Mr Salter had advised labour costs for the work would be in the region of £180, but that figure did not take into account re-staining weather boards etc. Permission to clear the account was approved on receipt of same.
3/19 page 1517 item 3/23 Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 - Parish Council Property: The Clerk was asked to progress a reply to the Area District Commissioner following an enquiry regarding asbestos products at the Jubilee Hall which was used for Girl Guiding.
3/20 page 1517 item 3/24 Inspection of Play Areas: An un-accompanied inspection of the Children's play areas had been undertaken by Wicksteed Leisure Ltd and a report received. The Chairman highlighted points of concern to include an Operators Sign at both locations that did not meet BS Standards and it was agreed to update those signs, with the one at Almond Avenue being done when NKDC undertook improvements. At the Station Road Recreation Ground play area we were asked to monitor wear and tear on the net of the New World Play Unit, and consider a recommendation to install a fence at this site because it was close to a football pitch. Councillor Bushell recalled an earlier written recommendation that a fence should not be installed because of a conflict with footballers who might be injured by the presence of a fence. At the Almond Avenue play area the roundabout was found hard to rotate and it was considered might be a result of wear and tear; it was recommended to consult with the supplier to carry out further investigations.
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3/20 Members recalled problems with the roundabout since installation and agreed to ask the SMP Representative to look at the current situation. Safety surfacing under the Horizon Play unit failed BS En 1176 and an increase in the safety surfacing area was recommended. Ground erosion around the site was observed with a recommendation to top up with soil and re-seed. In discussion reference was made to improvements to the Almond Avenue area by NKDC and it was agreed to hold any work until we knew the outcome of that scheme. In the meantime Councillor Green volunteered to speak to SMP Representative to re-assess the safety surfacing under the Horizon unit as it was installed to manufacturers guidelines set to a BS standard in 2001/02, and we required re-assurance in writing.
3/21 page 1517 item 3/25 Lincolnshire Regional Access Centre Network: There was still no reply to our letter to LCC Director of Education & Cultural Services regarding the closure of the Rural Access Centre in the village. The Chairman volunteered to take a copy of the letter to the Director.
3/22 page 1517 item 3/26 Village of the Year Competition: The receipt of an award in this Competition “Regional Winner for Northern England ~ Young People Category” had been well publicized on Radio Lincolnshire and Lincs FM, and in the Lincolnshire Echo, a plaque and newspaper articles were noted by Members. A cheque for £500 had yet to be received from Calor. The Village celebration on Saturday 11 th December at the Jubilee Hall was considered most enjoyable, and letters from Mr John Rose Chairman of CPRE Lincolnshire, and Washingborough Parish Council congratulating the village were received. An additional letter from Mr Chris O'Bee Area Sales Manager at Calor to Councillor Green was also noted.
3/23 page 1517 item 3/27 New Cemetery or Burial Ground: Letters to/from Washingborough P.C. were highlighted by the Chairman. Paul Goggins MP had responded to Douglas Hogg QC MP about the progress of the Home Office consultation document Burial Law and Policy in the 21 st century and advised that over four hundred replies were to be carefully considered; Government will then consider what steps to take including whether it is important to bring forward legislation or whether there are other ways in which the present system could be improved. It was pointed out that the burial document makes clear that there are at least thirty five different issues to be considered and it will take some time to reach a conclusion on each and every one of those concerns. Members accepted the position as standing. Washingborough P.C. had written to the Rector at St John's Church on 13 December 2004 asking for information about the situation at the Churchyard. The Chairman was of the understanding that the Rector had accepted the invitation to attend a meeting at Washingborough on Thursday 20 January 2005, and a response to the queries was anticipated
3/24 page 1517 item 3/29 Anti-slip flooring Pavilion, Potterhanworth Road Sportsfield: The Clerk was asked to progress the installation of anti-slip flooring with Lincolnshire Flooring.
3/25 page 1517 item 3/31 Campaign to Protect Rural England - ‘A Quiet Country Lane': Reference was made to the query about the name Acre Dyke Lane leading from Fen Road by Councillor Hill and the Chairman explained that CPRE were looking for minor roads that were previously safe areas for walkers etc and had become abused by speeding traffic. Councillor Hill said it was Brinkle Spring Lane that led into Acre Dyke Lane. Councillor Mrs Webster referred to historical names for the area and considered that the current name was a misnomer by the County Council. She also asked for Newcot Lane to be included.
3/26 page 1517 item 3/32 Footway Lighting Programme 2005/06: The Clerk said that in addition to a request for additional footway lighting along Washingborough Road and Fen Road she had received further requests for street lighting improvements at Clarke Avenue and Back Lane near the sheltered housing and had recently submitted these two new request to NKDC for consideration.
3/27 page 1518 item 3/34 Arrangements for Christmas tree: The Chairman advised that the Christmas tree had fallen across the fence over Christmas; with it being a tall tree strong winds had stressed the trunk where it had been adzed to fit the holder and the tree had snapped so it could not be re-positioned. The Christmas tree had been taken down on 29 December 2004 on safety grounds, three bulbs had been broken. Councillor Dziadkiewicz suggested that the trunk be cut down to a size to fit the holder on future trees as opposed to shaving the trunk to fit, and this was acknowledged.
3/28 page 1518 item 4c Facilities for Teenagers: Councillor Green said that he would be meeting with the County and local Youth Worker on Thursday, 13 January 2005.
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3/29 page 1518 item 5a Register of Electors: NKDC had supplied a copy of the Register for each Member and they had been distributed in the meeting pack.
3/30 page 1518 item 5c Coleby Parish Council - Re Aircraft Noise Protest: Reply to be sent carried forward to monitor progress.
3/31 page 1519 item 5h Stock Options: Councillor Hopewell had returned the summary to the Clerk annotated with comments for return. The Clerk was asked to progress.
3/32 page 1520 item 8 The Licensing Act 2003: The Community Council of Lincolnshire notified a Village Halls Training event on this subject and Councillors Green, Hill and the Clerk had volunteered to attend West Ashby on 9 March 2005 9.30am to 12 noon at a cost of £5 per car. Councillor Mrs Hutton also expressed an interest to attend subject to rearrangement of a prior engagement on that day. Members agreed that the booking fee of £5 be accepted.
3/33 page 1520 item 9 Heighington Beck: Carried forward to monitor action by NKDC.
4. Minutes of Committee Meetings:
4a Recreation & Environment Advisory Forum on 22 November 2004: TO FOLLOW
4b Finance & General Purposes Committee Meeting on 13 December 2004: TO FOLLOW
5. Correspondence
5/1 Minutes/Agenda Four Parishes Group: Agenda from 15 December meeting noted for information together with minutes from previous meeting on 15 September 2004. The Dog Warden and one of her assistants had attended the meeting in December and a comprehensive report from the Dog Warden dated December 2004 was highlighted. The Chairman was encouraged by the efforts of the Dog Warden and her team of assistants and advised of improvements in the service to patrol early morning and the imminent introduction of evening patrols with an assistant who is also a PCSO.
5/2 NKDC Community Safety Partnership - Parish Council Survey: Mike Jones Police Local Authority Liaison Officer asked for completion of a questionnaire detailing facilities and activities available in the Parish. The Clerk was asked to complete and return to NKDC.
5/3 LALC Important Interim County Circular: The Chairman summarised the information in the circular to correct mis-quotes etc in the previous paper, to note 2.5% increase in subscription rates for 2005/06, basic budgeting procedures, a list of courses April 2005 to March 2006, training update and arrangements for the Certification in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) starting 17 January 2005, and Terms and Conditions of Employment. This prompted a reminder to review the Clerk's Contract and Councillors Bushell and Green agreed to undertake this action. Members agreed.
5/4 LincsGreen Newsletter: Members noted the advice given in the bulletin about various treatments for sports-grounds and amenity areas etc especially the cautionary note that it is illegal to purchase/buy any pesticides etc from any person that does not hold a ‘BASIS' Licence of Accreditation. In discussion it was suggested that treatment of the sportsfield and recreation ground be programmed for Spring and Autumn and the Clerk was asked to liaise with Mr Wilkinson at Lincsgreen.
Additional correspondence had been received since the Agenda was published and it was agreed to review same.
5/5 NKDC Community Safety Partnership: Mr Neil Atkinson Community Safety Officer at NKDC advised of a forthcoming Safety Conference to be held on Saturday 14 May 2005 at the Council Chamber Sleaford. Councillor Dziadkiewicz volunteered to attend
5/6 Lincolnshire Police: A notice advised that the Mobile Police Station was to visit Heighington on Tuesday 22 March 2005, and this was noted by Members.
5/7 The Local Channel: A letter advised electronic services available and was noted by Members who agreed no action be taken.
5/8 Local Problems: A letter from a resident noted three queries:-
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5/8: [1] Burnt out litter bin at the side of the Beck at Mill Lane - request to remove remnants before any more of it is thrown into the Beck. It was agreed to ask Mr Salter to remove the burnt out bin and replace it with one of the spare Tuff Tubs stored at the Jubilee Hall.
[2] Post and Rail fence at the side of the balancing reservoir on Millview Estate - two sections have been missing for months. Clerk to contact NKDC and request a repair.
[3] Leaf Sweeping - queried when mechanical sweeper was going to complete the task of removing last autumn's leaves, referred to previous year when operative swept leaves from footways onto the road so that mechanical sweeper could clear and did an excellent job. Clerk was asked to refer to NKDC's Environment Manager for action. Areas noted for leaf sweeping include Potterhanworth Road, Chapel Lane and Mill Lane. No one could comment about the state of the Cycletrack/footway along Station Road.
6. Financial Matters:
6a Three Quarter Year Statement (1/04/04 to 31/12/04): The Clerk said she had to complete the statement with Income & Expenditure for December. It was agreed to carry the item forward.
Monthly Statements for December 2004 - General Fund & Special Accounts, plus Jubilee Hall Fund (copies attached to the minute file ): Accounts paid during the month of December were outlined by the Clerk and the position of the General Fund was noted. Councillor Mrs Walter proposed that the Statement for December be accepted and this was seconded by Councillor Bushell. Members agreed.
6b Accounts for Payment in January 2005 : A list of accounts ( copy attached to the minute file ) to be paid was reviewed by the Clerk. It was proposed by Councillor Mrs Hutton and seconded by Councillor Bushell that the accounts be paid. Cheques were signed by the Chairman and Councillor Mrs Walter. Members asked for a letter of thanks to be sent to Councillor Oxby for his generosity in donating materials to renew the roof of the High Street Bus Shelter.
7 Planning Matters
7a Review Planning Application(s) received from NKDC for Members consultative comments:-
7a/1 N/32/1713/04 Erection of additional changing facilities, Bracken Hill Golf Course, Bracken Hill, Potterhanworth Road Heighington: Councillor Mrs Hutton introduced the application and said she was confused about the description Workshop on the applicants details as opposed to changing facilities on the District Council form. She opined that there was a lot of difference in the interpretation of a workshop and changing facilities although the plans showed a male & female toilet with a shower room and considered the information misleading. In discussion Councillor Mrs Walter proposed that the Clerk contact NKDC for clarification and this was seconded by Councillor Mrs Dunning. Members agreed. It was also agreed that subject to a satisfactory explanation from NKDC Councillor Mrs Hutton (Planning Committee Chairman) be given delegated powers to assess the situation for comments on the development to be returned to the NKDC.
7b Note decision notices issued by NKDC
N/13/32/17/1572/04 Proposed multi user pathway for pedestrians, cyclists and horses, Disused railway land between Five Mile Bridge and former railway bridge, Bardney: A notice from NKDC advised that the application had been withdrawn by the applicant.
N/32/1375/04 & LBC.1875 Erection of dwelling with integral garage and renovation of existing outbuilding, Land to the rear of 7 High Street: application withdrawn by applicant
N/32/1155/04: A note was made of an Appeal to the Planning Inspectorate by Mr Martin at Westfield Cottage, High Street against the decision of the District Council to refuse permission for the erection of a bungalow at land adjacent to Westfield Cottage. The appeal was to be determined by written statements and any additional comments needed to be sent to the Planning Inspectorate at Bristol by 9 February 2005. Councillor Mrs Hutton recalled that we had no objections in principle to the development other than to observe the close proximity of the proposed bungalow on the south/east corner to an existing 2.2 metre high brick wall and suggested re-orientation on site In this regard there were no additional comments to submit to the Planning Inspectorate as a copy of this Council's aforementioned comments had already be sent by NKDC.
N/32/0814/04 Erection of replacement dwelling at Middle Fen Lane, Heighington approved 29/12/04
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7c Local Development Framework Consultation: The Chairman introduced a letter from NKDC Director of Housing, Planning and Community Services Mr Clive Redshaw with a leaflet enclosure outlining terms of the new Framework for Local Plan preparation. Mr Redshaw advised that NKDC were interested to identify any new planning policies over the next three years and if so what issues should be covered; should those issues relate to the whole of the district, or a particular part of the District - comments were invited. The Chairman considered outline policies should include the allocation of open spaces and amenity areas and maintenance plans for such areas. Section 106 Agreements and how money might be spent, affordable housing and adoption of highways and lighting, and these were agreed by Members.
District Councillor Clarke took an opportunity to highlight the removal of trees in a grass verge near the railway bridge on the eastern side of Potterhanworth Road. The Clerk was asked to look in to the situation.
8 Parish Precept 2005/06 Financial Year: Councillor Bushell Chairman of Finance introduced this item and referred to an outline paper that he had produced and each Member had been given a copy ( copy on minute file for reference ). The Finance & General Purposes Committee recommended a precept of £61,470 for the financial year ending 31 March 2006. Local Government Spending had been notified by NKDC on a likely increase of 8%, but aided by a grant from Central Government it was more likely to be 4.5% as pointed out by District Councillor Clarke earlier that evening. The Chairman advised that the County Council increase was 4.9%. There was no information available regarding Police Authority funding for 2005/06.
Reference was made to Parish Council spending plans and these were noted in categories. Wages/Salaries £21,832 ( showed a slight increase of £646 due to nationally negotiated rates being applied ). General Administration £14,030 ( increased by £2,221 and included minor increases to many headings under this section but the main increases of £1,300 for the Combined Insurance premium, £200 for annual audit (both Internal & External Audits undertaken by chartered accountants), and £350 National Non-Domestic Rate (NNDR) for the Jubilee Hall that had recently been re-valued by Inland Revenue ). Public Works Loan Repayments at £6,233 ( shows a small decrease of £255, capital payments had reduced the amount outstanding ). Open Space £11,500 ( had decreased over the previous year due to the completion of a project in the development of the tennis court area to multi use space. In being mindful of unexpected expenditure incurred in the current year on repairs and maintenance of Parish Council Property, the Property Maintenance Fund had been increased from £2,500 to £3,500. A small increase in grounds maintenance was also noted this contract was considered extremely good value for money ). Turning to Projects for 2005/06 £7,200 had been set aside for a number of new projects all of which had been included in a forward programme considered by the Parish Council. ( These were outlined to include £500 to renew filing cabinets and typist chair in the Parish Council Office. Renew flooring in the kitchen and bar area at the Jubilee Hall to anti-slip at an estimated cost of £1,200. £1,500 to extend grass crete area at the Recreation Ground. £2,000 saving towards resurfacing the car park and renovation of stone walls at the Jubilee Hall and Recreation Ground. £1,000 allocated for Facilities for Youth, and £1,000 to profile and maintain trees on Parish Council land (Health & Safety Risk Assessment ). Finally £1,475 in grants and donations ( £600 for H'Ton Village Hall Committee, £785 to Washingborough with Heighington Parochial Church Council towards Churchyard expenses, £30 gratuity for Flag Raising in the village on ceremonial occasions, and £60 for vouchers/Village in Bloom Competition ). Total expenditure £62,270 against £800 income from rentals gave a figure of £61,470.
Councillor Bushell referred to the Jubilee Hall and highlighted running costs estimated at £7,236, against anticipated hiring fees of £5,500 to show a deficit of £1,736. No provision had been made in the Precept to meet that possible deficit. The Finance & General Purposes Committee considered it in-appropriate to place a deficit in the Precept as it was expected the Jubilee Hall Management Committee would address this issue and do their best to ensure that expenditure mentioned is met by income.
Reference was made to General Reserves. It was considered impossible to accurately calculate what the figure might be at the end of the financial year (31 March 2005); although it might be prudent to retain at least £6/8,000 and it was anticipated that this might be the case.
To conclude Councillor Bushell pointed out that the recommended Precept of £61,470 showed an increase of £4,558 over the current year's precept of £56,912. In percentage terms it represented an 8% increase. The charge on a Band ‘D' would increase from £54.46 to £59.03 which is an increase of 4.5%.
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8: Councillor Bushell pointed out that over the past five years the Precept had increased by £11,000 and had been spent to improve amenities in the village for a growing population and it was considered good value overall, he emphasised that it was clear that the only area where savings could be made was under Projects which would have to be undertaken at some stage.
The Chairman thanked Councillor Bushell for his presentation and accepted and approved what had been stated. He looked to Members for comment. Councillor Mrs Walter queried that no allocation had been made towards a Burial Ground and recalled that Washingborough Parish Council had set funding aside. The Chairman said that we were not up to date with the position at Washingborough Churchyard and considered it fair that no more allocations be made in the Precept. He also considered that Parish Councils generally were trying to deal with the dilemma of burial grounds and that it was becoming a national problem and one for higher Councils to review, in our case NKDC.
Councillor Hill referred to the Jubilee Hall situation and said that the Management Committee had no control over expenditure. He recalled a recent proposal to remove the payphone thus saving expenditure that was rejected outright by the Parish Council. Councillor Bushell agreed that a fair point had been raised but stated that if income drops by the level of use that had to be compared against expenditure incurred. Councillor Hill referred to a suggestion to run the Jubilee Hall similar to the Village Hall and the Parish Council's reluctance. He pointed out that the Jubilee Hall Management Committee had a meeting on Wednesday at which they were to review hire charges, he considered that the charge was low at the bottom end of the business and referred to clubs/groups and a usual customer being frightened away, and random charges. Councillor Bushell repeated that it was in-appropriate to precept for a deficit and affirmed the position regarding that situation.
It was proposed by Councillor Bushell and seconded by Councillor Green that the recommendation of the Finance & General Purposes Committee to Precept the Billing Authority of North Kesteven being the District Council in which Heighington Parish Council is situated be directed to pay £61,470 (Sixty One Thousand Four Hundred and Seventy Pounds) to meet the expenses payable by the Parish Council in 2005/2006 financial year, be accepted. The Chairman added that it be paid in two instalments of £30,735 payable on 1 st April and 1 st September 2005. This was unanimously agreed.
9. Dog Warden - Revised Contract & New Services: The Chairman introduced a revised contract that the Dog Warden had submitted to the Four Parishes on 15 December 2004, when it was proposed that each individual Council should review. In summary the details outlined an increase in the £6 hourly pay in the current contract agreed from 1 st October 2003; to £6.75 from 6 April 2005, and placed the contract on a more business like footing. In discussion the Chairman pointed out that Washingborough had queried the current contract as they did not appear to have a copy, and that payment of this service was supplemented by an Agency payment of up to 80% by the NKDC. The Chairman proposed that the new contract be accepted and this was seconded by Councillor Mrs Hutton and unanimously agreed. Additions to the Dog Warden Service noted a ‘Dog Fouling Hot Line' to encourage reports of fouling incidents and information on dealing with stray dogs Telephone “0784 087 6054”. It was suggested that it be published on the Village Web site and Members agreed. ‘Poop Squad‘ outlined other services that did not qualify for supplementary payments under NKDC's agency scheme ~ footpath cleaning at £12.50 per hour (Level 1. to include removal of dog faeces and litter), footpath cleaning at £15.50 per hour (Level 2 as level 1 to include strimming/mowing), Dog Bin Scrub £3.50 per bin (minimum of 5 bins). It was proposed by the Chairman and seconded by Councillor Green that general maintenance continue in-house, and that the Bin Scrub be programmed so that all of the bins in the Parish were cleaned in rotation and this was also agreed.
10. Freedom of Information Act: The Chairman introduced a Legal Update from the National Association of Local Council that outlined the final phase of the FOI Act 2000 and came into force on 1 January 2005. This final phase gives a General Right of Access subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. The paper from NALC was noted by Members.
11. Local Government Pension Fund: The Chairman introduced correspondence from Lincolnshire County Council who administer the Local Government Pension Scheme and outlined the overall funding position which had deteriorated significantly over the three year valuation period on the back of poor investment returns. A recommendation on the rates that should be adopted in terms of the maximum deficit recovery period to apply were given and noted as 20 years deficit recovery period. Members were also notified about a forthcoming Seminar at the Council Chamber in Lincoln at 2pm on 3 rd February 2005, at which the actuary will be present to discuss the valuation. Councillor Bushell volunteered to attend.
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12. Disposal of Surplus Pantiles: The Chairman said that while the work to re-roof the Bus Shelter on the High Street was being undertaken he had received a telephone call from a resident expressing an interest to acquire the tiles that had been removed. The Clerk pointed out that disposal arrangements would need to be agreed and the Chairman suggested £1. This prompted a lively discussion about scrap as opposed to reclamation, and concluded when Councillor Mrs Walter proposed a charge of £1 for the tiles, this was seconded by Councillor Dziadkiewicz and Members agreed.
13 Asian Disaster (Tsunami) Request from a Parishioner that Parish Council Organise and Appeal for Funding in the Village: The Clerk reported this request. During a discussion Members observed various appeals in local shops, supermarkets, local schools etc. Councillor Mrs Walter considered that gifts should be left to individuals and the Chairman supported that arrangement. It was also pointed out that it would not be legal for the Parish Council as a Body to make such a donation. Members agreed to leave the situation as standing.
14. Urgent Items for Consideration:
14/1 Jubilee Hall: The Clerk reported problems at the Jubilee Hall over the previous weekend. She had made a visit to the Office on Sunday 9 January and found broken beer and spirit bottles, waste bins displaced and salt thrown in the car park. She had reported the matter to Police Constable Kelly who promised to patrol the area.
14/2 Tree Planting: Councillor Mrs Webster advised that tree planting had commenced along Park Lane.
14/3 Grass Cutting: Councillor Bushell said he was surprised to see the grass on the Open Space at Garrett Close being cut at the end of December.
Agenda Part ‘B' CHAIRMAN MOVED: that in conjunction with the Public Bodies Admission to Meetings Act 1960 the remainder of the business be held in “Committee” and both the Public and Press be excluded therefrom for the reason that the business to be transacted or advice tendered is that of a confidential nature which is considered prejudicial in the Public Interest to publicise. Members agreed.
15. Matters Arising from Previous Part ‘B' Minutes:
15a page 1521 item 13/1 Village Hall Lease:
There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.28pm.
Signed W.E. Bliss Dated 14 February 2005