2025 Minutes

Action

185   To receive an update on progress & resolutions for the meeting held on 6 January 2025. 

Full council minutes:

The Clerk has arranged a meeting with Meridian Solar as agreed by Council for 10 February

Amenities:

The Clerk will arrange a meeting with Crowland Town F C in respect of the compound.

The Clerk has confirmed that weekly safety checks are taking place and being documented.

Clerks outstanding issues:

Farms and Gardens:

The Clerk is liaising with National Grid to relocate the allotment electricity supply and discuss the cemetery extension.

Safety & Security

The annual fire extinguisher check has been completed.

GJH

186    Chairman’s Report.

A report was distributed prior to the meeting.

The Chairman has set out the position of the current devolution debate, how it has come about and where it may go in the future. The Council agreed with his recommendation that the Clerk organise an open meeting where members can discuss their issues and concerns.

The Council also needs to review, where, within the Council its responsibilities lie in regard to the residential investment properties. The current arrangement through a letting agent needs to be reviewed and if necessary refined so that day to day operations work better. A rent review may also need to be completed.

GJH

187

The implications of the impending Mayoral Authority and Local Government reorganisation

Timescales are rather vague but ideas will be sought during the summer with an initial announcement in the Autumn. The Unitary authority could be set up in 2027 but until then potential changes to local government in Lincolnshire will create a great deal of uncertainty.  As a council we will need to keep up to date with any opportunities that may arise.

188    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 an initial concept was due from the architects as agreed with the Pavilion working party. Members agreed that the Council should progress an opinion/quotes for refurbishment of the car park. The zip wire repair has been completed.

189    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 precept for 2025/26 is £150,589.00, an increase of £10,789.00 or 7.7% which is far less than the predicted increase in staff costs alone. The annual band D charge will be £81.44, a rise of £3.77 per month for all the services the Parish Council provides.

190    Accounts for Payment.

A report was distributed prior to the meeting.

To note bank balances and investments at 28 January 2025

Account ending 338       £ 408,165.09

Account ending 461       £   25,752.35

Petty cash                      £         50.00    

It was proposed, seconded and resolved,

1. Orders for payment made in the sums of £ 21,990.01
2. Incomes received in the amounts of £ 10,27674

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

191    Farms & Gardens Committee

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

       prior to the meeting. Following a break in at the implements shed, where the utility vehicle

       was stolen, we are waiting on the outcome of the insurance claim before deciding the best

       way forward.

       The allotment roadways need remedial work and Cllr Boor has obtained prices for eight ton   

       of crushed brick to complete the work and requested a budget of £200.

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

         Members agreed that the contractors should be requested to undertake more work before the Council is prepared to take over the upkeep permanently.

TC

193.     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 there were no outstanding issues for ratification.

194     Safety & Security Committee

The latest figures had been circulated prior to the meeting and members noted the upward trend.

195    Assets Working Party.

To consider the Chairmans report and any recommendations therein, a report was distributed prior to the meeting and Cllr Alcock confirmed that the option agreement had been signed.

196   Replacement bins

Cllr Kempton reported that the Council had been contacted at very short notice by South Holland District Council about some grant finding that was available. An application was quickly submitted to replace the existing bins in the conservation area for £11,260 including delivery. A grant of £8,294 was agreed leaving a shortfall of £2,966 for the Parish Council to find. Our team will remove the old bins. The Chairman thanked Cllr Kempton and the Deputy Clerk for their work in meeting the tight timescale.

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

Cllr Williams reported that the gym club had successfully applied for a grant of £12,000 from the same fund for gym equipment

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

None