2019 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

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Minutes of a meeting of Crowland Parish Council held on Monday 4th November 2019 at 7.30pm in the Parish Rooms, Hall Street, Crowland.

Present - Coun B Alcock, Mr D Ancill, Mr M Atkinson, Mr R Boot, Miss C Elphee, Mr P Green,

Mr L Quince Mr D Ringham, Mr G Searle, Mrs A Williams & Ms J Woodroffe

Also Present – Coun J Astill & Coun N Pepper

In the Chair – Mr D Kempton

Clerk - Mrs B Stanojevic

The chairman welcomed the new members to the Parish Council.

143) Apologies for Absence

Mr J Boor & Mrs J Head

Mr W Brown – Lincs Free Press & Guardian

144) Declaration of Interests as per the LGA 2000

Royal British Legion – Mr Boot, Miss Elphee

Crowland Cares –Mr Atkinson, Mr Ringham, Mr Searle

Voluntary Car Scheme – Mr Searle

Crowland Abbey – Mr Atkinson

145) To Agree as a correct Record the Minutes of the Previous Meetings

Proposed as a true record by Mr Green, seconded by Mr Ancill.  All agreed.

146) Assets working party – Report

There have been some more encouraging developments since our last meeting with the application for the residential development of the old allotments site. Following further pressure from members of the AWP we understand that virtually all of the information required has now been submitted. We are also able to report that, at last, the 106 agreement is being progressed and should be with the developer’s solicitor early next week - commencing Nov 3rd. The AWP has met with a representative of the developers and are pleased to say that, whilst he is as frustrated as us, he remains keen to get the application granted and to start work on site.

We are however advised that the road and drainage schemes, that are part of the information submitted, may take up to three months to be dealt with by LCC. A meeting with the case officer, architect, Seagate’s representative and the Council’s representative, is to be arranged to ensure the council can confirm that everything required to determine the application is to hand. As a result of that time scale we have agreed with the developers to extend the terminal date of the agreement we have with them by 6 months and instructions has to go to the respective solicitors. Income from the project now not expected until the 2021/2022 financial year.

The external details of our properties have been chosen, buff bricks, stone windowsills, cream windows, coloured doors and slate look roof covering. They will not be the same combination as other properties on the site.

The AWP has met with a commercial estate agent regarding our industrial land and his advisory report is expected shortly. Members are also scheduled to meet a potential development partner today. Further information from them expected by the end of November.

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147) Finance and Admin Committee – To receive the Minutes of the meeting

There is now a delay when the income from the AWP residential development comes in. 

The council’s budget is under pressure this year and all council expenditure must be carefully considered by the full council with strong justification for any expenditure.

In recent years the council has been spending more than its income.

The budget considerations will be to either reduce expenditure or increase income.

An example – mole control, source new cheaper supplier, do we need at all?

Actions Clerks – to obtain new quotes for the Mole Control for the Farms & Gardens Committee

148) Farms & Gardens Committee – To receive the Chairman’s Report

1. Posts have been placed in potential access points around Parish Council land to prevent illegal access. Thanks to Coun Alcock, Mr Atkinson and Mr Flowers.

2.  Dash camera fitted to tractor

3. Grass roadway at rear of Thorney road has now been added to the SHDC cutting contract.

4. Tree work ongoing – work assessed before quotes obtained.

5.  Implement Shed access road gate – 3 quotes requested, 1 received so far.

6. Implement shed toilet – site visit from contractor awaited.

7. Gaitor type vehicle being hired for 2 weeks to see if it would suit our needs.

8. Grass cutting season is ending – condition of the Snowden is a concern – Farms and Gardens are looking at.

9. Allotments are running smoothly. There doesn’t appear to be opposition to Mrs Murphy being the allotments tenant’s representative.

149) Planning Committee - To receive the minutes of the meeting

Previous supplier of the hanging baskets has been asked whether to quote for the 2020 season.

Action - Clerks

Concern as to whether the Pavilion electrical capacity can cope with the 2 proposed electrical vehicle charging points when in use as well as the normal usage and when then is a function on that is using the power.

Mr Boot believes that it is upto its maximum loading capacity now.

Action - This will be revisited by the planning committee.

150) Fitness and Wellbeing Centre WP Report– To receive the Chairman’s report

Priorities programme going forward with target dates

1.  Prepare Business Plan.  Completed with basic costs and income.  Further information being sought to report to the Working party at a meeting in 2 weeks to then be forwarded to council members prior to December’s full council meeting. A special council meeting may be more appropriate.

2.     Application to form a charitable incorporated organisation being processed including writing a governing document to register with the charity commission.  Registration takes approx 6 weeks from applying.  Discussion with working party concerning trustees and management etc for members to consider.

3.     Quotations for refurbishment have being sought.  One supplier provided initial costings and is now preparing a more detailed quote following a further meeting on site. To be discussed at Working Party meeting for presentation to members at Decembers full council.

4.     Ongoing discussion with LCC concerning funding.  Meeting to be arranged with them on site once quotes and drawings received to request an advance payment - to be ring fenced. Last spoke with them on 31st October

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Action - Mr Ringham will organise a tour of the building for the three newest members before the next full council meeting

151) Amenities Committee –To receive the Chairman’s Report

No meeting this month – next meeting 25th November – items for the agenda include CCTV, MUGA, Youth Club, The Parish Room Heating Quotations

Skate Park

Official Open Day on 12th October was well attended. Thanks to Mrs Williams for the refreshments.

Remedial work required by Gravity including repairs to minor damage.

Improvements to landscaping schedule during winter months as well as seating and signage.

Tennis Courts

Awaiting contractors from NHS Property to remove branches and repair fence. They are aware of our concerns with the delay and have issued instructions to the contractor to finish the job as the facility is currently closed to the public on H & S grounds.

Action - The chairman will to write stating repairs to be done within 7days or the Parish Council will do the necessary repairs and then recharge.

Adventure Playground

Some remedial work to landscaping may be required and scheduled for winter months.

Equipment being well used.

New signage being progressed including access to the Snowden signs.

Junior Play Area

Awaiting specification from developer for upgrading as agreed.  This to be compared with our own requirements.  Work to be started at early stage of development.

Pavilion

Repairs carried out following break-in damage.  New lock assemblies ordered.  Exterior painting and repairs being carried out by our workers. Cleaning programme being re-visited include equipment requirements.  Being used more now including two regular sessions of the Dementia café.

Funding from the Lincs Co-op of £1,384 now received and is for Environmental Projects. Investigating how best to use this. The car park side of the Pavilion is one possibility with the entrance to the Pavilion as well to make the building more welcoming and the general outside area also needs improving. We will tell the Co-op when decision made on what the funds will be spent on to allow for a photo/publicity opportunity for them and us.

The manhole cover still needs repair – other contractors to be asked to quote.

Action – Clerks

152) Safety & Security Committee – To receive the Chairman’s Report

Method statements being worked through

Next meeting 4th December at 2pm.

Action – Clerks to send GDPR information to Mr Ancill

153) Communications Proposals – update

Coun Astill assisting Mr Green with the PC`s face book page.  Should be live at next month` meeting.

Action Clerks - to take projector and laptop to December’s full council meeting

New web site under investigation – there would be a cost to the council.

154) Arrangements for Remembrance Sunday

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Members to meet at the Parish Room at 2.45pm to then walk to the War Memorial at 3pm for the short service and wreath laying. Chairman lays the Parish Council Wreath. Mr Green will supply a

centrepiece for the wreath. Parish Council workers to be asked to attend later on in the day to secure the wreaths. Service sheets in the Parish Room to be handed out.  Church service follows in the abbey.

Monday 11th – 2minuts silence at the War Memorial at 11am – Mr Boot organise the “flashes” that start and finish the silence.

155) Police Matters

Mr Ancill will organise reports with the clerks that will show trends.

Action – Mr Ancill

Members expressed disappointment that investigation into a serious incident over 4 weeks ago was only followed up last week. CCTV footage normally on a monthly loop.

Anonymous information passed on but wouldn’t investigate as anonymous

Suggested that the police complaints commission be written to.

Youths on the Hub roof – not at all worried that the police were being called.

Anti-Social Behaviour Department at SHDC have requested that all instances are reported direct to them as well as to the police.

Concerns raised at the proposals for Radar Corner and the Thorney Road junctions and the response from the police to accidents.

Coun Pepper invited to explain the proposals which are –

A16 Radar Corner from the South (from Peterborough) Can go straight on and turn left or right

A16 Radar Corner from North (from Spalding) can go straight on and left but not turn right.

A16 Thorney Road junction from the South (Peterborough) can go straight on and both left and right

A16 Thorney Road junction from the north (Spalding) can go straight on, and turn left but can’t turn right (into Crowland)

The scheme is due to start early in the New Year and is due to go on for 18months maximum – may be 1 year.

Red and white water filled barriers will be used. New signage will be put in place.

60MPH limit still applies.  Regular traffic counts are undertaken

Members concerns that vehicles will be performing dangerous U-turns and concerned with safety of the scheme but pleased to see that the County Council have admitted there are problems with both junctions.

White lines on the junctions almost non-existent.

Traffic lights haven’t been considered.

Action- Clerks to invite the Road Safety Partnership to the Parish Council to discuss the safety of theses junctions.

Action Chairman – to write to LCC with our concerns on this trial scheme

156) Christmas Lights Switch on – Report

Saturday 30th November

Road closure approval for North Street received from LCC

Santa has the date in his diary and will be attending – his grotto will be in the same venue as last year in South Street

Letters sent to all businesses/orgainsations inviting them to participate

Lincs Fire & Rescue will be attending

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Marshalls required for one-hour slots from12.30pm – please let the office know if you and your partner can help.

157) Judging of Best Dressed Shop Windows and Houses

Chairman will do the judging – Mr Green will do posters advertising this.

158) Clerks Report

·       Thanks to Miss Elphee for taking the notes at the last full council meeting

·       Skate Park Open Day - Deputy Chief Constable attended as well as 2 “professional” skaters.  Opened by Diane Beeken.

·       Congratulations to Mr Ringham for being Runner up in the Councillor of the Year for Lincolnshire – Mr Ringham thanked members and staff for their support. It had put Crowland on the map.

Action Clerks – to ask LALC details of the Council of the Year for next year.

·       Licence is required to move planter in West Street - it sits on the actual pavement - no charge - details sent to highways requesting permission

·       3 companies contacted regarding quoting for new hand dryer at the Parish Rooms - one reply so far.

·       Details of electrical contractors being obtained – Action Clerks to follow-up

·       Visit by Enya’s childcare to the library car park to see the Parish Council tractor on Monday 4th November

·       Whizz Dogs will come for an on-site meeting in April with Amenities before their next show in May

·       Nikita is finishing her job with Positive Futures and a replacement is expected to be appointed in the New Year

·       Bookings for the Snowden Field for 2020 so far are –

May – Whizz Dogs

Early June - Crowland Juniors Football Tournament

June – Crowland Show

July Agility Dog Show

Hirers of the field for events to meet with members prior to events.

Signage on the Snowden Field ongoing – Action Chairman

Community Pay Back – Mr Boot still investigating, it seems the best way is to identify a project first.

Trail Boat Festival – Miss Elphee dealing with

Action – Clerks to report damaged concrete around light under Trinity Bridge to Richard Walters at Lincoln.

159) Correspondence

1. Wendy Quinnell, Crowland Festival of Art – Email thanking the Council for the donation. Noted.                                                                                                                                                  2. LCC – Notice of Temporary Traffic Restriction in North Street on Saturday 30th November 2019 for the Christmas Lights switch on and Street Fayre. Noted.                                                   3. S Pembroke-Smith, Environment Agency – Email advising of the annual campaign to encourage people to know what to do in a flood situation.  Flood Action week is from 11-17th November. Mr Green to put on new Facebook page.                                                                       4. George Barnett, Lincolnshire Ones Venue – “A Story of My Time” is an art bases free project in South Holland. Noted.                                                                                                                 

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5. Danny Jackson, Crowland Juniors Football Club – Follow up email to the meeting held with Parish Council members.  They suggest that a hard surface MUGA isn’t the way to go and one of their members has installed a MUGA for Peterborough City Council and is willing to assist with the project.  Our own rules state that dogs are not permitted on the pitches so the Whizz Dogs should not have been permitted to set up on the football pitch. Damage to the pitch was done on 29th June and has not been fully rectified, nor has the one at the side of the Bowls Club.             Mr Jackson also wants to know why his is the only user group that has been sent the draft document on the field hire and why has the email sent on the 7th October not been replied to. The Council was disappointed to receive this letter as it believed that all issues had been resolved at the recent meeting with the club.                                                                                                                                        6. Anna Brown – Email requesting a larger bin for the Broadway junction as it is well used and often full. Workers to be asked to empty more regularly.  Pass to planning.                         7.Artists of Crowland- Email concerning the 6th Festival of Art held in Crowland Abbey on 15th, 16th & 17th November. Entry on Friday 15th is by ticket only at 7pm, £5 including a glass of wine and refreshments Rsvp by 9th November. Open 16th & 17th 10-4pm. Noted.                                  7. CPRE – Special AGM on Monday 25th November at University of Lincoln between 2-4pm.   8. Nikita Hudz, Crowland Dance Company – The Dance Company have just acquired a unit in Pinnacle Close, Crowland.  They are requesting funding of £328.80 from Crowland Parish Council for a water station which will supply fresh water for their students and educate them on the importance of hydration. Unable to assist as this is a commercial venture but wish her well with this new venture.                                                                                                                      9. K Smith, Abbey Walk – Email reporting incidents of anti-social behavior in Abbey Walk.  Rocks and stones are now being thrown at houses from the entrance of the Snowden that runs alongside the graveyard – just out if reach of the streetlight. The police have been informed but say little can be done because of lack of light. Can an additional streetlight be installed to the entrance of the Snowden please? We can’t assist with a new light but will ask the Anti-Social Behavior Officer at SHDC to assist.

160) (i) Accounts for Payment

Miss Elphee declared an interest in voucher 177

Concern expressed at the ongoing cost for various lights which needs to be investigated.

Action - Amenities Committee

The NHS to be invoiced for half the cost of the cark park lights. Action - Clerks

Mr Green can acquire a printer for the Parish Office which can do colour or back and white at no cost to the council. Will obtain further information on servicing cost and speed of doing.

The above accounts were proposed for approval for payment by Mr Ancill, seconded by Miss Elphee.  All agreed.

Action Clerks - Clerks to investigate length of contract on existing copier

   (ii) S137 payment - O Blood - £25, M Hallam - £25, T Young - £25.

161) Matters to be considered for inclusion on a future Council Agenda

Resident is 100 years old this week – The Parish Council will send flowers.

Meeting closed 10.10pm