2025 Minutes

No.

Action

13.

Apologies for Absence

The meeting was advised that apologies had been received from Cllrs J Levesley & C Elphee. It was Resolved: That apologies with valid reasons for absence had been accepted from Cllrs J Levesley & C Elphee.

14.

Declarations of Interest  - Cllr Warner re Crowland Town F C non pecuniary

15.

To approve the minutes of the last F&G meeting

It was proposed subject to two amendments,

Minute 6 to read Reform St hedge, Minute 12 to read Somerley Estate

by Cllr Davis and seconded by Cllr Kempton that the minutes of the previous meeting dated 20 January 2025 be accepted as a true record. This was agreed by all.

16.

Matters arising/progress

The Chairman advised that,

The Clerk will check that the implement shed roof has been cleaned.

The pond maintenance has been done, our groundsmen will attend to the cut reeds.

TC/GJH

17.

Allotments

The annual rent review was discussed and moved into Closed Session

Investigation for electricity to be moved to the inside of the Allotment Shed. National Grid to be contacted by the Clerk and invited to do a site visit.

Repair of roadways – Cllr Warner to provide the contractor details for the Clerk to obtain a quotation.

There are three trees that will need to be removed to clear the cemetery entrance, with the planning application now submitted we will need to contact the planning officer for agreement to remove them pending the outcome of the planning application.

There is weeding/tidying of the entrance needed where the roses have been planted. It was resolved by Cllr Boot, seconded by Cllr Davis, that Steven Warner be allocated 5 hours in time to do this, this was agreed by all.

TK

GJH

DW

JB

18.

Grass cutting for the coming season

Members agreed that Cllr Boor review all the LCC plans detailing the cutting areas with our groundsmen to ensure that the priority areas are cut a minimum of three times during the year (this will now be completed by Cllr Searle).

A second set of plans should be obtained and kept in the parish office.

We also need to investigate if we have up to date plans for the SHDC cutting areas.

Cemetery Hedge – there are signs of growth on the first batch that were planted, our groundsmen will attend to attach protective tubes where necessary.

GS

TC

19.

Highway Verge Parish Agreement Scheme 2025

The Clerk confirmed the cutting area and cost which members agreed to accept.

20.

Trees and hedges

The Clerk advised that there had been no more contact regarding the LCC request to cut back the Crease Drove hedge.

The Millenium trees have been girdled and will soon start to thin out. The Centenary trees have recently been girdled and at some stage we will need to liaise with the Forest school about relocation.

21.

Machinery replacement

The Chairman reported that he had obtained some further details of the cost of purchasing a Stihl battery powered strimmer. Members discussed the merits of having all our battery powered equipment on compatible batteries to be cost efficient.  Cllr Warner will review options and recommend the best way forward.

DW

22.

Field grass care

The Chairman advised that we need to obtain quotes to do a weed control treatment on the Snowden and the Clerk will obtain quotes

GJH

23.

Goal storage area

The Chairman reported that he and Cllr Kempton had met the football club on site to discuss that the new goals are too large to store in the existing compound. The club would prefer to utilise a secure area between the implement shed and the scout hut. Members discussed this proposal and were not in favour without evidence that all other options had been explored.

JB/DK

24.

Any other matters to be included on a future agenda

Cllr Alcock the conversion of part of the implement shed into a secure area to store the groundsmen equipment.

17

Allotments

The annual rent review was discussed and on the proposition of Cllr Boot, seconded by Cllr Kempton, it was resolved to increase the rent by 3% round up or down to the nearest 50 pence, this was agreed by all.

TK

25

Machinery

The Chairman advised that the quotes for the Stihl were from B Burgess £890.00 plus vat and Chandlers £820 plus vat, the purchase will be on hold now until battery compatibility has been explored.

26

Junior football club pitches

The Chairman reported that he had received a complaint about the length of the grass on the football pitch for the 6 and 8 year olds on Snowden field, he has replied advising that we take great care preparing the pitches which he believed were playable.