2019 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD AT THE DANNY FLEAR COMMUNITY CENTRE ON TUESDAY, 16th APRIL 2019 at 7.30pm

PRESENT:

Parish Councillors: N Marshall (Chairman), P Bedford (Boston Borough Councillor), J Godwin, R Pearson, B Posey, M Sheldon, T Short and J Tillson

Lincolnshire County Councillor P Skinner

4 members of the Public

Mrs J Barnes (Clerk)

1    APOLOGIES received from Councillors S Pearson and the Police.  Councillor Pearson had sent his best wishes to the council and stating that he was not seeking re-election.

2    POLICE REPORT 

PCSO H Baker had reported on suspicious circumstances on Priory Road and Church Road; also, violence on Church Road; incidents of criminal damage on Church End Road, two on Church Road and two on Butterwick Road and anti-social behaviour on Croppers Lane.

3    MINUTES 

The minutes of the meeting held on the 19th March 2019 having been previously circulated were agreed and signed by the Chairman.
    
4    MATTERS ARISING

4.1    Bus Shelter – The work had now completed on the floor level.

4.2    Park Lane Manhole – It was noted that this still had barriers around it.

4.3    Church Road Speed Signs – Nothing more had been heard, the Clerk stated she would again make further enquiries.

5    NO DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
    
6    PLANNING 

6.1    B/18/0246 – No decision had yet been made on the application for erection of two storey dormer style residential dwelling following demolition of existing pavilion building at Freiston Sports Club, Park Lane for Freiston Playing Field Association.   It was noted that this had been referred to the Secretary of State.

6.2    B/19/0080 – The application for single storey rear extension at Ironda, Jolly Farmer Lane for Mr & Mrs M Schaffarczyk had been granted.

6.3    B/19/0076 – No decision on the outline application with all matters reserved for the erection of a residential dwelling at plot at The Cottage, Oak House Lane for Mrs Lindsey.

6.4    B/19/0105 – The application for single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory at Field View, Church Road for Mr & Mrs French was inspected.  No objections.

7    PARISH MATTERS

7.11    Highways – Notification had been received from Lincolnshire County Council that surface dressing works would be taking place on the main A52 between Church Road and Homers Lane. This work would take place between the 7th May and 6th September 2019.  The notice had been displayed.

7.12    It was noted that the drains along the A52 had been reported.  

7.13    Concern was expressed regarding the Church End Road culvert which had now dipped, and Church Road had areas which were breaking away.  Councillor Skinner would report accordingly.

7.2    Freiston Hall School – No official information had been received by the council, although several observations were noted.  This would be monitored.

7.3    Speed Indicating Devices – Several volunteers had put their names forward for the training, and the clerk was now requested to arrange a date for the training.

7.4    Parish Council Elections – It was stated that Freiston would not require an election as only eight councillors had been nominated; and the council would be able to co-opt at the May meeting.  An election for two Boston Borough councillors would take place on the 2nd May.

7.5    LCC Lighting Policy - Information had now been received regarding the possibility of reversal of part night lighting.  It was noted that only whole streets/areas could be adhered to and the cost was between £150 and £300 per light.  A discussion was held, and it was agreed not to pursue.

7.6    BBC/LALC future meetings – The clerk gave details of proposed meetings by Boston Borough Council and these were noted. Further details would be provided in due course.  LALC was holding a networking day in Lincoln and the Clerk stated that she had booked this for herself, together with an overnight to stay as last year.  This was agreed

7.7    Standing Orders – No amendments were made, and these were again adopted by the Parish Council.

7.8    Asset Register – No further assets had been purchased and these were adopted by the Parish Council.  

7.9    Risk Assessment – No further amendments were made, and these were adopted by the Parish Council.  

7.10    LALC – Information had been received regarding Lincolnshire County Council who had agreed to invest just over £1m in improving the highways service, including potholes, extra grass cutting, and highway gullies being cleaned.

8    CORRESPONDENCE

8.1    Boston Borough Council, Consultation on Airspace – This had been emailed to councillors, no further action.

8.2    Seafarers UK – Information received regarding the Merchant Nay Day on the 3rd September.

9    FINANCE

9.1    The Clerk presented the Accounts for the year ending on the 31st March 2019 showing a balance of payments over receipts of £1806.74.20.   The councillors accepted these and they would now be presented for formal approval at the Annual General Meeting.  The end of year balance was £55,074.03.  Monies were still in hand for the Freiston Playing Field Association and the Church.

9.2    The clerk presented the up-to-date accounts, and evidence of the bank balance.

9.3    The following payments were discussed and agreed.

9.4    Audit – The clerk reported that all information, instructions and documents relating to the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) had been received electronically from PLF Littlejohn LLP the External Auditor.  These had now been printed out and the documents would be approved at the May meeting following consultation with the chairman.  

She stated that arrangements had been made with the Internal Auditor and a timetable of dates produced.  As Freiston was over the £25,000 threshold they would complete AGAR Part 3 with a charge of £200 from the External Auditor.   

10    DATE OF NEXT MEETING

10.1    The next Council meeting would be held at the Danny Flear Community Centre on Tuesday, 21st May 2019 to follow the Annual General Meeting at 7.00 pm. 

11    ANY OTHER BUSINESS

11.1    It was noted that the latest issue of the Parish Magazine had a new format, but with the same level of information.

11.2    Councillor Pearson stated that the seat had now been replaced in the Bus Shelter, and a new sign ordered as the original one had been vandalised.  Mention was made that the bus shelter required re-treating and Councillor Short agreed to help with this.

11.3    It was stated that the defibrillator may require new batteries, this would be checked.  It was agreed that the position of the machine should be advertised in the parish magazine together with notices around the parish.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.15 pm.