2022 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

HECKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of a meeting of Heckington Parish Council held in Heckington Village Hall, High Street, Heckington on Monday 25 July 2022 commencing at 1930hrs

Attendance: 

Chairman P/Cllr Mrs J Palmer

Parish Councillors – Mr T Atkinson, Mrs M Cooke, Mr A Garlick, Mr R Higgs, Mr R Kemmett, Mr M West, Mr R Woods

County Councillor – Mr A Key

District Councillors – Mrs S Tarry

Minute Taker – Clerk, Ms J Hudson

Police Representative – None present

Press Representative – None present

Members of the Public – 7

1.   Chairman’s welcome and opening remarks

1.1   The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and went through Health & Safety, fire procedures etc

1.2   She confirmed that comments from Members of the Public MUST be made during the Public Participation section and not during other agenda items.

1.3   She confirmed that the combined ‘public open surgery’ with the local PCSO’s went very well and that a number of Members of the Public took the opportunity to speak with Councillors and PCSOs regarding their concerns.

2.    To receive apologies for absence 

2.1   Apologies received and accepted from D/Cllr Mr S Ogden and P/Cllrs Mr M Jones and Mr D Long

3.   To receive a declaration of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 

3.1   P/Cllr Mr R Higgs declared an interest in item 12 1 iv. (neighbour)

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 Monday27th June 2022

5.i   Proposed by Cllr Mr M West, seconded by Cllr Mr R Kemmett it was resolved that the minutes were approved and signed. (P/Cllr Mrs J Palmer abstained as she was not present.  Unanimous vote of those present)

5.ii.1   Matters arising – it was confirmed that new signs had been erected on the cemetery gates regarding entry of dogs, and that a new amendment application had been received regarding the Burton Road planning proposal.   

6.   Public Participation 

6.1   P/Cllr Mr R Higgs raised concerns with parking around the Christopher Close area during Show weekend.

6.2   A resident referred to a previous resolution regarding the handover of maintenance of St Andrews Churchyard to North Kesteven District Council and pointed out that the Parish Council had previously indicated a full public meeting was proposed prior to a decision being made, which it had not done.  The Chairman stated that ‘events had taken over events’ and that during the research process due diligence had been completed to the satisfaction of the Council and its Members.  The Vice Chairman also reminded those present that the matter had been discussed in open session at previous meetings.  Other residents joined in expressing their concern that a public meeting had not been held.

6.3   A resident asked for confirmation as to who paid the legal fees regarding legal action taken as a result of the letter sent to residents in June 2021, and the Chairman confirmed that the Parish Council had paid them.  She went on to state that action had been brought against the Council in respect of the contents of the letter, but that the Councils position had been upheld.  The Vice Chairman also confirmed that the research into the transfer had also incurred part of the legal costs. 
   
7.   Financial Matters 

7.i   To approve payments as listed separately – payments as listed below were approved unanimously

7.i.1   Proposed by P/Cllr Mr R Higgs, seconded by P/Cllr Mr R Woods

7.i.2   Vote results – unanimous

7.i.3   Resolved – to approve payments as listed 

7.i.4   The Clerk had also prepared and presented the first quarterly figures for inspection and comments as follows

(Please contact the office for a paper copy)

7.i.5   The current overspend on item ‘MI - Miscellaneous’ was explained and accepted to be the additional and ad hoc donation to the Cricket Club as previously ratified.

7.i.6   No other queries were raised and the quarterly figures were accepted as presented.

7.ii.   To consider quotes for electricity providers send by Utility Aid brokers.

7.ii.1   The various energy supply options and quotes had previously been circulated to Councillors

7.ii.2   Proposed by P/Cllr Mr R Higgs, seconded by P/Cllr Mr R Kemmett

7.ii.3   Vote results – unanimous

7.ii.4   Resolved – for the Clerk to instruct Utility Aid brokers to transfer to the energy supplier considered the best value for money as per their quoted figures at the appropriate time. (Contract with Total Gas and Power ends November 2022, and will transfer to EDF at that time.)

7.iii   To discuss and accept Insurance renewal quote

7.iii.1   It was re-stated that Came & Company specialise in Council Insurance and therefore remain best placed to provide advice to the Council.  

7.iii.2   Proposed by P/Cllr Mr R Higgs, seconded by P/Cllr Mr R Woods

7.iii.3   Vote results – unanimous

7.iii.4   Resolved – for the Clerk to accept the quote and advice as proposed by Came & Company to renew the Councils Insurance Policy with Hiscox at a cost of £2370.20.  

7.iv   To review Financial Regulation 11.h in respect of spending/quote limits

7.iv.1   The advice detailed in the internal auditor’s report was considered.

7.iv.2   Proposed by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick, seconded by P/Cllr Mr R Higgs

7.iv.3   Vote results unanimous

7.iv.4   Resolved – to revise and adopt the Financial Regulation 11.h, based on the internal auditor’s advice   

7.iv.5   The Chairman reported that she had received confirmation that the initial costs for the materials in relation to the project to repurpose the old play area, had risen in line with general price rises.  As the project is run by LCC, the Parish Council does not have a choice in which contractor is used for this work and the overall project had already been agreed.  Therefore, the general increase to the cost of the materials was agreed to be inevitable in the current climate.

8.   To receive a report from the Police – none present, but the C/Cllr Key reported that he was aware that there were some very active (relationship) money scams currently working and that people should be very cautious.

9.   To receive a report from the County Councillor and District Councillors 

9.1   The C/Cllr was thanked for his involvement with highlighting the concerns about the Burton Road planning application with the Senior Development Management Officer, although he informed the meeting that he was very restricted in the type of comments he can make.

9.2   He reported that consideration was being given to reducing the speed limit on Howell (Heckington Road) from 60mph to at least 40mph and the Parish Council gave general support to this proposal.

9.3   He reported that some changes in staffing were proposed at the Sleaford Fire Station and that a consultation was taking place from July to August.

9.4   He wished the Heckington Show committee a successful weekend and thanked all the volunteers involved in some way.

9.5   The D/Cllr reported that she had met with residents of Stirling Court in respect of the Burton Road application and confirmed that she could only ‘call it in’ when there were strong planning issues, but would try her best to help raise the concerns.

9.6   She thanked the residents for offering cold drinks to the dustbin men during the very hot weather recently.

District Councillors left the meeting at 20.10pm

10.    To receive a report from the Clerk 

10.1   The Clerk reported a late received planning application approval reference number 22/0780/FUL and that the Solar Farm proposal representatives are scheduled to be at the Show for any questions.

10.2   The Clerk presented figures resulting from the recent ARCHER traffic report from the High Street, which concluded that the 4048 vehicles that passed in the week were travelling at an average speed of 21.9mph.  There had only been one recorded collision in the area which was non-fatal.  The conclusion was that there were not sufficient grounds to implement any fixed or mobile speed enforcement actions.

10.3   P/Cllr Mr A Garlick presented figures collated from the new SID devices on Sleaford Road and on Boston Road which indicated that the devices were having a positive effect in slowing drivers down.  The Boston Road device recorded that 93% of inbound traffic, and 68% of outbound traffic was travelling at less than 30mph.

11.   To receive reports from Councillor’s relating to their affiliation to local organisations.

11.1   As item 10.3 above.

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.   22/0920/TCA – carry out essential works as detailed in attached report – St Andrews Church, St Andrews Street, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire

ii.   22/0892/TPO – T1 Lime – reduce canopy by 2-3m – Land between 43 Millers Way and 32 Bramley Close, Heckington, Sleaford Lincolnshire, NG34 9JG

iii.   22/0928/HOUS – PROPOSED ERECTION OF REPLACEMENT GARAGE – 46 Kyme Road, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9RS

iv.   22/0954/TCA – G1 – reduce conifers height by 1 metre below previous cuts; T1 – reduce Cherry by 2 metres; T2 – Prune weeping Birch off roof – 4 Cowgate, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 9RL (RH declared an interest)

v.   22/0748/FUL – Receipt of amended details – Millview medical Centre, 1 Sleaford Road, Heckington

vi.   22/0990/TCA – T1 Ash – fell – 99 High Street, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9QU

vii.   22/0746/OUT – Erection of 1 dwelling (outline with means of access to be considered) – 16 Burton Road, Heckington, Sleaford 

(2)   Applications approved     

I.   22/0426/FUL – Proposed change of use of land to allow for the siting of 2 no. shepherd’s huts and 1 no. timber structure to be used as a holiday/spiritual retreats and associated activity room – Court Row Barn, Kyme Road, Heckington Fen

II.   22/0581/ADV – Erection of illuminated sign displaying business names (Revision of 21/1783/ADV – Erection of illuminated sign displaying business name (restrospective)) – Abby Parks Farm Shop, Boston Road, East Heckington

III.   22/0704/HOUS – Erection of single storey rear extensions with room in the roof – 18 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 formally agree offering new allotment tenants an initial ‘rent-free’ period in order to tidy plots

13.1   Proposed by P/Cllr Mr T Atkinson, seconded by P/Cllr Mr M West

13.2   Vote results – unanimous

13.3   Resolved – to offer new allotment tenants an initial ‘rent-free’ period in order to tidy plots

14.   To discuss on going costs of groundwork machinery – Nilfisk

14.1   The Chairman had previously notified Councillors of mechanical issues with the groundworks machinery (Nilfisk) via emails.

14.2   She explained to the meeting that the current machine has completed 5 seasons of work and it has recently broken down and required new a new fuel tank amongst many other parts.

14.3   Research information compiled by P/Cllr Mrs J Palmer in conjunction with the Vice Chairman had confirmed that, after looking at 5 other companies and machines, the only suitable replacement machine was an updated version of the same model from supplier Euromec. 

14.4   She confirmed that at each precept meeting, a budget amount was added to the Capital Equipment reserves for this purpose and that it currently stood at £34,000.00.

14.5   She presented the quoted likely cost for a new machine (with a part exchange for the current machine) as £45,290.00

14.6   The remains of the budget for Jubilee celebrations is circa £6,000.

14.7   Any stock parts currently held by HPC would continue to fit the new machine. 

14.8   The lead time for delivery would be 5-6 months as the machine comes from Denmark.

14.9   Proposed by P/Cllr Mr R Woods, seconded by P/Cllr Mrs M Cooke that any new order is put on hold until the end of this season.  

14.9.1   Vote results – 2 x for, remainder against – not carried

14.10   Proposed by P/Cllr Mr R Higgs, seconded by P/Cllr Mr R Kemmett

14.11   Vote results – 5 x for, 2 x against – carried by majority

14.12   Resolved – that, for the purposes of value for money, the Chairman continued financial negotiations with Euromec and to agree placing an order up to £45,290 (with part exchange) for new machine, on the following basis -

•   other quotes had been sourced but the alternative machines were not suitable due to size and specifications
•   Euromec is the supplier of this specific machine and its parts
•   the current stock parts will not be wasted as they will fit the new machine
•   the current machine will likely require continuing maintenance at high costs due to its age
•   less money will be gained in part exchange over the next few seasons as the machine gets older

There followed an interruption to the meeting, which P/Cllr Mrs M Cooke has requested form part of the minutes.  The following is transcribed from the audio recording of the meeting. 

Transcript starts at 58 mins 15 seconds

JP    And funnily enough, this is what we found last time, which is why we ended up with the Nilfisk last time.  Because of the size issue.  They just don’t make smaller, you know, they’re humungous, some of them.  I can’t remember the name of the company, but we’ve done a full report.  Because obviously we have to do due diligence, which we have employed to make sure that there isn’t anything better on the market for our needs.  And sadly, there isn’t.

RW   Seeing as we’ve just spent a lot of money, can we not defer it for 3 months

JP   Well if we do, yeah we could, but if we do then the delivery won’t be until the April/May/June  next year.  The lead time on them, they’re made in Denmark, the lead time on them is…let me just tell you…yeah…its like 5 or 6 months….let me just tell you…if I can find it on the thing, I will tell you…30 weeks.

RW   Yeah, we should get the money’s worth out of…..

MC   Excuse me - Did I just hear…did you say ‘bitch’ ?

AK   I thought I heard that too

MC   Did you say…something, you bitch ?

Resident – yes I was talking to Judy

AK   I heard it here

MC   I’m sorry, I am not accepting that full stop.  Last time I was here someone called me a wanker, and now I have just heard ‘something…you bitch’

JP    I’m sorry, I didn’t hear it, but no, that is not acceptable

MC   I am not sitting here, giving up my time listening to somebody, a man, refer to - me? Janet? Any woman in this room as a bitch

JP   Would you like to withdraw that statement Mr XX…

Resident – if that was interpreted that way, yes

MC   I don’t know any other way that a man will listen and say, when a woman is talking, ‘bitch’

Resident – well…

MC   Not accepting that

Resident – so you haven’t heard the expression ‘life’s a bitch’?

MC   You weren’t talking about life.

Resident – I was talking about this situation

MC   No you weren’t.  I heard what you said

JP   Well, at the end of the day Mr XX, you shouldn’t be talking in the meeting anyway.  I did ask for people to keep their comments to the public participation, because its most distracting for Julie to make notes, for a start.

MC   I’d like it minuted, it wasn’t minuted and I let it go last time that we were called wankers, but I want that minuted

JP   Yep it will be Mandy.  Are you happy to accept Mr XX’s apology   or would you like me to ask him to leave

MC   ….but I don’t want to hear it again

JP   No.  Right.  OK.  Well, I’m sorry, as I say I actually didn’t hear but…that doesn’t make it any better.  It was probably aimed at me anyway, so anyway, whatever.  So back to this Nilfisk…..

Transcript ends at 1 hour, 1 min, 28 seconds

15.   Update on churchyard transfer to NKDC – discussion of email from Waste And Street Scene Manager and to agree to seek further legal advice

15.1   Since the agenda item, it had been found that the Parish Council’s Public Liability Insurance will cover the area until NKDC assume full responsibility for the area.  Therefore no resolution was made.
 
16.   To confirm the next full Council meeting as Monday 26th September 2022 

16.1   Now that restrictions have lifted, it was confirmed that the meeting would return to the regular format and location.  Therefore, the next meeting was confirmed as Monday 26th September 2022 at 7pm, and to be held in the Parish Council Chambers, St Andrews Street, Heckington, Sleaford NG34 9RE

17.   To resolve to go into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (admissions to Meetings) Act 1960

17.1   Item not required 

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending, wished everyone a good Show weekend and holiday.  She closed the meeting at 2030hrs