2025 Minutes

Action

204  To receive an update on progress & resolutions for the meeting held on 3 February 2025. 

Full council minutes:

The Clerk arranged a meeting with Meridian Solar which is an agenda item.

The Clerk arrange an open meeting for members to have the opportunity to raise and discuss any issues or concerns they may have' not to merely discuss devolution.

Amenities:

The Clerk arranged a meeting with Crowland Town F C in respect of the compound which is an agenda item.

Signs need to be ordered and fixed in the tennis courts.

Clerk’s outstanding issues:

Farms and Gardens:

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

West Street bus stop.

GJH

TC

205    Chairman’s Report.

A report was distributed prior to the meeting.

The Chairman has set out the position of the current devolution debate, a number of District Authorities are likely to form a South Lincolnshire unitary authority.

Members of the Council met with a representative of Meridian Solar and further details will be discussed in the confidential part of the meeting.

It has been another busy month for staff, not least dealing with the implement shed breakin which will be covered later in the meeting.

I am pleased to confirm the Clerk has signed another fixed term contract.

206

To consider the implications of the impending Mayoral Authority and Local Government reorganisation

The local elections will go ahead as planned in May. There may, as a result of any reorganisation, be an opportunity to consider receiving assets currently owned/managed by South Holland District Council (SHDC) within the Crowland parish, before the unitary authority has been set up.

207    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 damaged mechanism for basket swing for the zip wire needs further work.

The useage of the electric car charging points needs reviewing after liaison with SHDC.

The architects have drawn up a draft report on locations for the Pavilion working party who will respond by letter.

A meeting has taken place with the two Crowland Town football clubs regarding the storage of their new goals. The committee will liaise with the Farms & Garden committee to look at options and bring a proposal to Full Council for consideration.

GJH

/TC

208     Finance and Admin Committee

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

Following the break in two insurance claims have been settled and the new security barrier installed. The repayment of the finance on the old vehicle and purchase of the replacement vehicle may cause a short term cashflow miss match but this can be accommodated within the Councils resources and should not cause any issues. Thanks go to the assistant Clerk for sorting out the insurance claims.

The Council has received an undertaking to be signed relating to section 106 monies coming from the Barbers North development, earmarked for the proposed pavilion replacement. It is in the sum of £42,374.10 for a period of ten years.

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

209    Accounts for Payment.

A report was distributed prior to the meeting.

To note bank balances and investments at 27 February 2025

Account ending 338       £ 411,039.58

Account ending 461       £   25,939.93

Petty cash                      £         50.00    

It was proposed, seconded and resolved,

a) Orders for payment made in the sums of £ 27,942.12

b) Incomes received in the amounts of £ 22,870.32

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

210    Farms & Gardens Committee

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

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

       was stolen, we have sourced a replacement second hand Gator vehicle, this will have an   

       immobiliser fitted to improve security.

       The allotment hedge has been cut and the new cemetery hedge is consolidating well.

       Allotment take up remains slow despite an extensive leaflet drop – this may pick up with the

       better weather.

       There has been some surface damage on the Snowden around the fixed floodlights due to

       over use by the football teams, this area has been rolled but will need better managing next  

       winter.

        A proposal will come forward to the next full council relating to the purchase of a cordless      

        strimmer to replace one of our existing machines.

211   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 Kempton reported that the order for replacement bins had been submitted. Delivery of the bins was agreed for 14 March and fitting that weekend to meet the funders deadlines. Cllr Boor will liaise with our men and the assistant Clerk to ensure the old bins are removed the week before the new bins are delivered.

Thanks were given to Councillors Kempton and Alcock for their involvement in securing the funding for the new bins.

JB/TC

212   Safety & Security Committee

The latest figures to December 2024 were briefly reviewed at the meeting and members noted the general trends.

Cllr Davis reported some subsidence under the slide in the playground that will need back filling by Online play.

Fly tipping remains a problem and Cllr Boor will liaise with the office to ensure current incidents are reported on Fix My Street.

JB/TC

213    Assets Working Party.

To consider the Chairmans report which was distributed prior to the meeting. Cllr Alcock confirmed that the Solicitors acting for the developer were pressing for the deed of easement in respect of the attenuation pond to be signed. Having taken advice from the Councils own Solicitor all concerned see there is no alternative bearing in mind the risk to the Council is small. The AWP were seeking authority to sign the deed.

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

Proposed Thorney Road development site – the developers have submitted revised plans and a meeting has been arranged for the AWP to meet and discuss.

Bungalow investments – opinion has been requested relating to the Clerk or other member of staff being more involved with contractor allocation in respect of property repairs whilst not infringing trading rules. This has been confirmed as long as the involvement does not detract from their day to day duties.

214   Hire charges

Current tariffs had been circulated and members agreed a 3% increase rounded up to the nearest 50p (excluding the Abbey lights).

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

215   Tennis Courts

Quotes had been circulated prior to the meeting. Cllr Kempton outlined the options and thanked Cllr Davis for his work liaising with contractors. A decision will be taken in closed session.

216

Matters to be considered for inclusion on a future Council Agenda

None