June 2022 Minutes
HECKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of Heckington Parish Council held in Heckington Village Hall, High Street, Heckington on Monday 27th June 2022 commencing at 1930hrs
Attendance:
Meeting Chaired by Vice Chairman P/Cllr Mr R Higgs
Parish Councillors – Mr T Atkinson, Mrs M Cooke, Mr A Garlick, Mr R Kemmett, Mr D Long, Mr M West, Mr R Woods
County Councillor – Mr A Key
District Councillors – Mr S Ogden, Mrs S Tarry
Minute Taker – Clerk, Ms J Hudson
Police Representative – None present
Press Representative – None present
Members of the Public – 13
1. Chairman’s welcome and opening remarks
1.1 The Vice Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and went through Health & Safety, fire procedures etc
1.2 He confirmed that he would assume the role of Chair the meeting in the absence of Mrs J Palmer
2. To receive apologies for absence
2.1 Apologies received and accepted from P/Cllr Mrs J Palmer and P/Cllr Mr M Jones
3. To receive a declaration of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011
3.1 None received
4. To consider any requests for dispensations received at or before the start of the meeting.
4.1 None received
5. Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held Monday 30th May 2022
5.i Proposed by Cllr Mr A Garlick, seconded by Cllr Mr D Long it was unanimously resolved that the minutes were approved and signed.
5.ii.1 Matters arising – P/Cllr Mr D Long reported a new concern with a larger tree on the Godson Avenue area. P/Cllr Mr A Garlick to investigate.
5.ii.2 The Clerk confirmed that the payments to HAVCS and Heckington Cricket Club, as agreed at the last meeting, had been processed accordingly.
6. Public Participation
6.1 A resident suggested that it would have been useful if full annual details of the 7 year Playing Field maintenance plan had been included in the minutes. He also reported that the contractor had confirmed that there was no likelihood of harm coming to dogs or humans from the treatment and questioned why, therefore, were the areas closed off to the public. P/Cllr Mr R Higgs reminded the meeting that it was the Parish Council that had given a concession to allow dog walkers around the perimeter of the pitches, and therefore this concession could be withdrawn at any time by the Council if felt necessary. On this occasion, there was machinery being used and therefore a potential Health & Safety issue.
6.2 A resident asked to refer to item 15, and he commented that although he agreed that dogs should be on a lead in the cemetery, he would not want to see them banned altogether. It was suggested and generally agreed that the Clerk would review the signage.
6.3 A resident asked when there would be a public meeting regarding the handover of the churchyard as detailed in the letter sent last year by the Parish Council. The Chairman confirmed that the Councillors would be making a decision on the transfer at item 16 and that if it was decided to hand the responsibility to NKDC, then a public information meeting would not be required as it would not then be the financial responsibility of the Parish itself. Another resident commented that decisions affecting the Parish should be taken by all parishioners and not just the Parish Council members.
6.4 The Chairman asked if there were any further public participation comments. There was no response and so he attempted to move to item 7, Financial Matters. He was interrupted by a resident who commented that only 5 minutes had been given to Public Participation and she continued to speak her views on item 12.1.i Planning Matters, after which the Clerk confirmed that the Parish Council had already submitted comments highlighting the same concerns with this application.
6.5 The same resident then highlighted that Heckington in Bloom team had filled a whole skip with gutter debris. It was confirmed that the Council Caretaker does sweep the gutters regularly, however parked cars often cause an obstruction.
6.6 Another resident (of Stirling Court) also spoke of his concerns about the planning application at 12.1.i
7. Financial Matters
7.i To approve payments as listed separately – payments as listed below were approved unanimously
Account movement to 27 June
Date Reference Description Debit Credit
01-Jun-22 PCash Maintenance - Chambers window cleaning 21.00
01-Jun-22 Withdrawal Transfer to Petty Cash Account 100.00
01-Jun-22 Withdrawal Transfer from Lloyds - Instant Account 100.00
01-Jun-22 PCash Jubilee Celebrations - singer for hall 100.00
02-Jun-22 PCash 82 Jubilee Celebrations - Fentec electrical work 86.00
06-Jun-22 Credit83 Miscellaneous jubilee mug purchase 16.00
06-Jun-22 Credit Maintenance - Playing Fields resident refund 20.00
06-Jun-22 Credit Pension Contributions returned payment 30.85
06-Jun-22 DDebit Pension Contributions 30.85
07-Jun-22 Credit84 Miscellaneous jubilee mug purchase 16.00
09-Jun-22 PCash89 Staff Travel parking for clerk to go to accountant1.50
09-Jun-22 Credit Bank Interest 2.20
10-Jun-22 DDebit Bank Charges 9.55
10-Jun-22 Transfer Transfer to Lloyds - Instant Account 10,000.00
10-Jun-22 Transfer Transfer from Lloyds - Deposit Account 10,000.00
10-Jun-22 BACS Tree Works - cemetery trees 775.00
10-Jun-22 BACS Maintenance - Village mole control/weed 569.64
10-Jun-22 BACS AGM - nilfisk mirror 9.77
10-Jun-22 BACS Maintenance - Nilfisk Machine jump starter 83.95
10-Jun-22 BACS Maintenance - Supplies AGM hazard tape 5.18
10-Jun-22 BACS Maintenance - Supplies AGM add hazard tape 10.37
10-Jun-22 BACS Donaldsons DIY 64.60
10-Jun-22 BACS Maintenance - Supplies jewsons board and tape 22.27
10-Jun-22 Credit86 Miscellaneous jubilee mug purchase 24.00
10-Jun-22 DDebit Pension Contributions 89.14
10-Jun-22 DDebit Pension Contributions 30.85
13-Jun-22 4398 Jubilee Celebrations - Jaynes Pantry 660.00
14-Jun-22 Credit Pension Contributions returned payment 30.85
15-Jun-22 DDebit Fuel - chandlers delivery may 500 x 146.23 877.38
16-Jun-22 DDebit Phone 95.23
17-Jun-22 DDebit Pension Contributions 30.85
17-Jun-22 Credit Pension Contributions returned payment 30.85
20-Jun-22 DDebit Electricity – Chambers 260.63
20-Jun-22 DDebit Electricity – Cemetery 30.01
21-Jun-22 BCardJP Carpet cleaner library 17.25
21-Jun-22 BACS Maintenance - Cemetery Alarm call out 78.00
21-Jun-22 BACS Maintenance - Nilfisk Machine cutting blades 108.24
21-Jun-22 BACS Maintenance - Nilfisk Machine bolts for blades 14.40
21-Jun-22 BACS Maintenance - Digital hard drive backup etc 130.00
21-Jun-22 BACS Jubilee Celebrations hire of village hall 100.00
21-Jun-22 PCash87 Jubilee Celebrations use of toilets 30.00
21-Jun-22 BACS Duplicate payment Jewsons-waiting credit note 22.27
23-Jun-22 Transfer Transfer to Lloyds - Instant Account 11,358.00
23-Jun-22 Transfer Transfer from Lloyds - Deposit Account 11,358.00
23-Jun-22 BACS CIL Receipts and Expenditure - fineturf 7 yr plan 11,358.00
23-Jun-22 BACS Council Expenditure - gazebo 50% with HAVCS 94.50
23-Jun-22 BACS Miscellaneous goodwill donation to cricket club 2,000.00
23-Jun-22 PCash88 Jubilee Celebrations LIVES representation 30.00
24-Jun-22 DDebit Pension Contributions 30.85
24-Jun-22 Credit Pension Contributions returned payment 30.85
25-Jun-22 Credit79 Miscellaneous jubilee mug purchase 8.00
26-Jun-22 Credit80 Miscellaneous jubilee mug purchase 32.00
27-Jun-22 BACS Capital Equipment strimmer Burdens 354.75
30-Jun-22 Credit81 Miscellaneous jubilee mug purchase 8.00
SALARIES JUNE 2,518.88
Balances Jun-22 TOTAL 42,239.76 21,676.75
Account Jun-22
1 Lloyds - Instant Account 11,392.39
2 Lloyds - Deposit Account 243,138.69
3 Petty Cash Account 51.55
Total 254,582.63
7.i.1 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr R Woods, seconded by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick
7.i.2 Vote results – unanimous
7.i.3 Resolved – to approve payments as listed
7.ii To review and approve preferred supplier list for 2022/2023
7.ii.1 The current list had previously been circulated to Councillors. During discussions it was agreed to retain the current list of suppliers on the basis of value for money, locality and previous good work standards.
7.ii.2 A local electrician was proposed to replace Daitch Electrical (retirement) by P/Cllr Mr R Higgs due to the good work recently carried out as an emergency, however it was considered appropriate to ‘advertise/tender’ the work, which would be on an adhoc and /or urgent basis.
7.ii.3 It was also noted that a replacement had not been selected for building work, since the previous supplier had been removed from the list. No replacement was proposed on this occasion and it was discussed that any work requirements could be dealt with as and when necessary, in line with the Financial Regulations.
7.iii.4 No other amendments, objections nor proposals were made, therefore the list is approved and adopted.
7.iii. To review and approve Financial Regulations
7.iii.1 It was confirmed that the current regulations are based on the National Association of Local Councils model Financial Regulations, and the current version had been circulated to Councillors and the internal auditor. There were no other amendments, objections nor proposals at this time.
7.iii.2 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr D Long, seconded by P/Cllr Mr M West
7.iii.3 Vote results – unanimous
7.iii.4 Resolved – to adopt the Financial Regulations with no amendments at this time.
7.iv To review and approve payments by BACS/Standing Order and Direct Debits as follows – SO – Salaries, Chairmans Allowance, NIC/PAYE & Pension
DD – Utilities, Bulk Fuel, ICO membership
BACS – all other payments as appropriate and in line with FRs.
7.iv.1 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick, seconded by P/Cllr Mr R Woods
7.iv.2 Vote results – unanimous
7.iv.3 Resolved – to continue to make payments by above listed methods
7.v. To consider quotes for electricity providers send by Utility Aid brokers – All agreed to defer this item until the next meeting as the quotes had not been received.
8. To receive a report from the Police – none present
9. To receive a report from the County Councillor and District Councillors
9.1 C/Cllr Mr A Key reported that he had attended the Lincolnshire Show which had been very successful.
9.2 He also reported that he would be supporting a proposal being considered by Highways to reduce the speed limit on the A17 through East Heckington to 40mph from the current 50mph, and confirmed he would continue to support any speed reduction initiatives across his area.
9.3 D/Cllr Mrs S Tarry reminded the meeting that the website can be used to report incidents of fly-tipping, and that the Community Champion Awards is open for nominations.
9.4 She confirmed that the comments relating to planning had been noted although the D/Cllrs cannot express an opinion.
9.5 The Clerk remarked that a report had been received from a resident regarding the non-emptying of bins at the Carter Plot layby.
District Councillors left the meeting at 20.03pm
10. To receive a report from the Clerk
10.1 The Clerk confirmed and detailed that there had been 3 more planning applications which had been received too late for itemising on the agenda.
11. To receive reports from Councillor’s relating to their affiliation to local organisations.
11.1 P/Cllr Mr A Garlick confirmed that the pole for the new Evolis Speed Indicator device had been installed.
11.2 P/Cllr Mr D Long confirmed that a further allotment inspection had been carried out and the Clerk had written to the plots highlighted as requiring maintenance. It was also suggested that due to the state of some of the plots, perhaps new tenants could be offered the plot free of charge for a period of time. To be added to next agenda for ratification.
12. Planning Matters (The Parish Council does not have the power to approve nor reject applications – it is merely a consultee and can submit comments)
(1) Applications to be ratified
i. 22/0746/OUT – Erection of up to 2 no. detached 2-storey dwellings (outline with means of access to be considered) 16 Burton Road, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9QR The Clerk had confirmed that comments had already been submitted by the Parish Council, and that in general the Parish Council objects to ‘tandem’ or ‘backyard’ developments.
ii. 22/0780/FUL – Erection of a single storey rear extension – Police Station, Sleaford Road, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire
iii. 22/0748/FUL – formation of new car parking area and new access to highway together with erection of access height restriction barrier (amendment to 21/0171/FUL) – Millview Medical Centre, 1 Sleaford Road, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire
iv. 22/0813/FUL – Erection of a pair of semi-detached dwellings – Land North of 63 Kyme Road, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9RT
v. 22/0819/HOUS – Replacement of the existing windows and external doors, replacement of pantiled roof covering and internal alterations – White Horse, 61 Church Street, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire
vi. 22/0820/LBC (locations details as 22/0819/HOUS)
vii. 22/0892/TPO – T2 Lime – reduce east canopy by 2-3m – Land between 43 Millers Way and 32 Bramley Close, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9JG
(2) Applications approved
i. 22//0478/HOUS – Removal of existing conservatory and replacement single storey extension – 21 Christopher Close, Heckington, Sleaford
ii. 22/0330/HOUS – Proposed single storey rear extension and alterations – 10 New Street, Heckington, Sleaford
iii. 22/0103/OUT – Outline application with all matters reserved for erection of a dwelling – Plot to the rear of 67/69 Church Street, Heckington, Lincolnshire
iv. 21/1229/FUL – Replacement of factory unit and erection of new offices and 2 new buildings – the Nut Roasting Company, Station Road, Heckington
i. 22/0557/HOUS – Proposed single storey side and rear extension to form annexe – 26 Oak Way, Heckington, Sleaford
(3) Applications refused
i. None received
(4) Applications withdrawn
i. None received
(5) Prior notifications received (information only – no action required from HPC)
i. None received
(6) Planning appeals
None received
13. To consider proposal for skip at Pavilion for Heckington in Bloom (HIB) removal of debris
13.1 The Chairman confirmed that HIB had already filled a skip with debris and that using Chairman’s financial discretion (in line with FR’s) a further skip had been ordered.
13.2 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick, seconded by P/Cllr Mr M West
13.4 Vote results – unanimous
13.5 Resolved to re-imburse HIB the cost of skip hire.
14. To approve use of policies and risk assessments for year 2022/2023, including Code of Conduct in line with NKDC’s updated version.
14.1 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick, seconded by P/Cllr Mr M West
14.2 Vote result – unanimous
14.3 Resolved to approve use of reviewed policies as detailed above.
15. To discuss increased numbers of complaints of dogs cemetery
15.1 It was reconfirmed that dogs are allowed to visit graves in the cemetery with prior permission, but there had been reports of dogs off leads apparently playing, which was considered disrespectful. It was agreed that the Clerk would review the signage to ensure that the situation is clear to dog owners.
16. To discuss proposed handover of St Andrew’s Churchyard – take over by Parish Council or NKDC
16.1 The Chairman re-capped the following points –
i. The most recent quinquennial report had highlighted various large scale works were required.
ii. The professional advice sought by the Parish Council in respect of works required to trees and repairs to the church wall, conflicted with the current situation/state of both.
iii. It is a legal requirement that responsibility for the maintenance be taken on by either the Parish or District Council.
16.2 The Parish Council had obtained advice regarding works (specifically the wall) and that the advice indicated very high costs are likely, in order to carry out repairs whilst maintaining the integral strength.
16.3 The Chairman stated he had found that recently, another Parish had incurred an expenditure of at least £77,000 for a 20ft stretch of wall.
16.4 The Councillors discussed the advantages/disadvantages of holding responsibility and concluded that the only advantage was that we could arrange for the grass to be cut for ad hoc weddings/events if required.
16.5 It was confirmed that NKDC already maintained 3 other churchyards in the District and was therefore likely to have the infrastructure in place.
16.6 Councillors indicated their concerns about encumbering Heckington parishioners with the whole cost now as well as the long term future, which indications showed were likely to be substantial.
16.7 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr R Higgs, seconded by P/Cllr Mr D Long
16.8 Vote result – unanimous
16.9 Resolved – to formally hand the responsibility of maintenance of St Andrew’s Churchyard on to North Kesteven District Council
There followed another outburst from a resident who immediately left the meeting using offensive language.
17. To confirm the next full Council meeting as Monday 25th July 2022
17.1 Meeting confirmed as above
18. To resolve to go into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (admissions to Meetings) Act 1960
18.1 Item not required
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 2030hrs