2025 Minutes

Public Forum: By leave of the Chairman two members of the public made representations about the LCC proposed parking arrangements in North Street. See minute reference 170.

Action

168    To receive an update on progress & resolutions for the meeting held on 2 December 2024. 

Full council minutes:

The Clerk will arrange a meeting with Meridian Solar as agreed by Council.

Amenities:

The Clerk has received a request for a meeting from Crowland Town F C and will seek available dates to arrange a meeting in respect of the compound.

Clerks outstanding issues:

Farms and Gardens:

Arrange a meeting with National Grid to relocate the allotment electricity supply and discuss the cemetery extension.

GJH

GJH

GJH

169    Chairman’s Report.

The Chairman hoped everybody had an enjoyable Christmas and a happy New Year.

The Carol Service at the Abbey was well attended and thanks go to Cllr Elphee for delivering the reading on behalf of the parish Council.

The Christmas Eve carol service was also well attended and thanks go to the Chapel for organising this popular event.

The potential changes to local government in Lincolnshire will create a great deal of uncertainty in the coming years and as a council we will need to keep up to date with any opportunities that may arise.

170

Parking restrictions in North Street

Members discussed the LCC proposals which had been put out to consultation, felt they were too aggressive and believed that restrictions outside the Spar shop for six spaces was adequate. The Chairman remarked that we will need to see the outcome of the consultation and react accordingly.

171    Amenities Committee.

To consider the minutes of the recent meeting and any recommendations therein.

A report was distributed to members prior to the meeting. Cllr Kempton reported that the Pavilion Working Party had met the architects and agreed a timetable, they will also help with the parishioner survey.

Spalding cycling club want to book two events in 2025 and have again requested a 10% discount on the Not For Profit standard rate.

This was proposed by Cllr Kempton, seconded by Cllr Williams and agreed by all.

The large basket swing needs a repair of the existing mechanism or replacement of the broken part, which Cllr Kempton will progress.

This was proposed by Cllr Davis, seconded by Cllr Williams and agreed by all.

The Clerk was requested to ensure the weekly safety checks are both completed and documented.

GJH

172    Finance and Admin Committee

To consider the Chairmans report and any recommendations therein. A report was distributed prior to the meeting.

Following the agreement of the budget at the December meeting the Chairman explained that the increase in the Band D rate was 7p per property per week.

173    Accounts for Payment.

A report was distributed prior to the meeting.

To note bank balances and investments at 20th December 2024

Account ending 338       £ 430,007.99

Account ending 461       £   19,078.22 

Petty cash                      £         50.00    

It was proposed, seconded and resolved,

1. Orders for payment made in the sums of £ 18,977.69
2. Incomes received in the amounts of £ 11,613.47

Proposed by Cllr Davis– Seconded by Cllr Boor - and all agreed.

The Clerk was asked to review cost code 390 regarding No 2 Parish Mews.

GJH/

 TC

174

Membership of LALC

Members discussed the merits of membership following the request for the annual subscription fee for 2025-26. Membership was proposed but not payment for the training fees.

Proposed by Cllr Boor– Seconded by Cllr Pepper - and all agreed.

173

Farms & Gardens Committee

To consider the Chairmans report and any recommendations therein, a report was

distributed prior to the meeting.

Cllr Boor invited members to view the Reform St hedge to see if the remedial work was acceptable before CTPC staff take the cutting on.

A second batch of trees with protectors for planting on the new cemetery boundary need to be purchased within a budget of £600 ex vat.

Proposed by Cllr Davis – Seconded by Cllr Williams - and all agreed.

The allotment roadways need for remedial work and Cllr Boor will obtain prices for 20 ton of   

chippings.

174

Planning Committee

To consider the minutes of the recent meeting and any recommendations therein.

A report was distributed to members prior to the meeting.

Cllr Williams reported that the next VE day meeting is organised for the end of the month.

Members had completed a visit to Thorney Lane which will be discussed at the next committee meeting.

175     Safety & Security Committee

The latest figures had been circulated prior to the meeting, Cllrs would like a representative of the Police to attend to explain the numbers.

Cllr Alcock reported that the annual servicing for the fire extinguishers was due and this was agreed to go ahead on a one year, rather than long term agreement

Proposed by Cllr Boor – Seconded by Cllr Boot - and all agreed.

GJH

/TC

GJH

/TC

176    Assets Working Party.

To consider the Chairmans report and any recommendations therein, a report was distributed prior to the meeting and Cllr Alcock reported that any progress was slow at the moment.

177   Emergency planning

The Clerk reported that LCC now have an online application to develop a plan and he will liaise with Cllr Boot on this.

GJH

178   Proposal addendum to the Bowls Club Lease

Cllr Kempton presented an addendum to the lease with the Bowls Club, which all parties had agreed, regarding the maintenance of the toilets.

Proposed by Cllr Boor – Seconded by Cllr Davis - and all agreed.

The Chairman thanked Cllr Kempton for this.

179   Matters to be considered for inclusion on a future Council Agenda.

Cllr Kempton suggested that the Council carefully consider the LCC proposals to move to a unitary authority and potential threats/opportunities at a future meeting.