November 2022 Minutes
Minutes from the meeting of Bardney Group Parish Council, which was held at Bardney Methodist Hall on Thursday 17th November 2022 at 7pm
Attendees
Cllr Robin Darby – Chairman
Cllr Peter Waddington – Vice Chair
Cllr Frank Bates
Cllr Luke Cluett
Cllr John Papworth
Cllr Charles Shaw Cllr Malcom Speed
Laura Allen (Admin Assistant)
Absences
Cllr Mary Corbould and Anna Lawson (Clerk/RFO)
Members of the Public
Two members of the public present.
Public Forum commenced at 7.00pm
A member of the public asked the following questions:
- Who initiates legal proceedings within the Parish Council?
The response given was that it was up to the Council and the Office, then depending on the issue the council will resolve to make a decision. Therefore it is not one person making the decision.
- How much does the Parish Council spend on legal fees?
The response given was that legal fees appear in the annual figures, we also reserve an amount for the solicitor we consult with on any legal matters.
- Who from the Parish Council feels harassed by them?
It was asked who the person was and the member of the public formally introduced themselves. The Chair declined to answer their question any further.
- Another member of the public asked who they should talk to about using the Methodist hall?
The Chair said they would pass the information on who to contact to them the following day.
The public forum concluded at 7.05pm.
Meeting commenced at 7.06pm
The Chair informed the Council that the Clerk was unable to attend this evenings meeting due to illness and that we all send our regards. The Parish Office will be manned and normal duties resumed from Monday. For this meeting the Admin Assistant will be standing in for the Clerk.
86-2022/23 To inspect the Insignia and Apologies for Absence i.a.w Local Govt Act 1972, Sch 12, para 40. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting.
Apologies were received and accepted for Cllr Mary Corbould.
87-2022/23 To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 – being any pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on Member’s Register of Interests.
None.
88-2022/23 To receive and consider any dispensation requests on agenda items and decide whether they are to be granted.
None.
89-2022/23 To approve as a correct record the notes of the meeting held on 20th October 2022 and to authorise the Chairman to sign the official minutes.
PROPOSED Cllr Shaw SECONDED Cllr Speed to APPROVE the minutes, with six in favour and one abstention.
90-2022/23 To receive the report from the Chairman
The Chair shared that the Remembrance Service was very well attended. We also had our two new memorial benches formerly unveiled. It was very nice to see such a great turnout and level of support for the village. It was also noted that the service in Southrey was also well attended and we are awaiting news from Cllr Corbould on the ceremony at Stainfield.
On Warm Spaces, the Chair stated that two new warm spaces have been created, one at the Gateway Centre and one at the Open Door. The use of these two spaces will grow as we move through the winter and will be a great service for the community.
91-2022/23 To receive update on actions arisen at the 20thOctober 2022 meeting and report from the Clerk to the Council.
Clerks Report:
In the absence of the Clerk, it was relayed that the First Warm Welcome meeting took place yesterday afternoon, which was very successful. The initiative is headed up by Bardney Christian Community Trust and Vicky Pearson. Bardney Group Parish Council are providing support and admin to the initiative and funding is being applied for, therefore there is no financial cost to ourselves.
Cllr Shaw wished to share that an affiliation to look at for the next meeting would be on how to maximise an opportunity to be part of the East Midlands Local Government along with County and District Councils.
92-2022/23 Financial matters:
- To approve the bank reconciliation statement for October 2022
Bardney Group Parish Council
Bank Reconciliation for October 2022 as at 30.09.22
Balance as at 01.10.22 £60565.39
Income
Handyman 270.00
Allotment 13.75
CiL 3861.63
Grasscutting 628.23
VAT Rebate 1181.11
Total income £5954.72
Expenditure
Admin 739.73
Salaries 4268.57
Handyman 272.64
Grant 93.98
Community Land 132.00
Total expenditure £5506.92
Balance as at 31.10.22 £61013.19
PROPOSED Cllr Shaw SECONDED Cllr Speed with six in favour and one against.
- To ratify payments of accounts, salaries, BACS payments & payments already made
PROPOSED Cllr Darby SECONDED Cllr Waddington with six in favour and one against.
93-2022/23 Planning matters. To note any approved applications received and to consider any planning applications and decide any comments that the Council wishes to make.
Reference no: 145760
Proposal: planning application for removal of agricultural building and erect 1no. dwelling.
Location: land at manor farm main road stainfield LN8 5JJ
Application type: Full Planning Application
No responses or comments to make.
94-2022/23 To receive a report from the Representative from the Village Hall Committee
The Village Hall Representative stated there were no significant updates as the next meeting is not until January 2023. News was given that the local Christmas Fayre is being held in the Village Hall on Sunday 20th November.
95-2022/23 To receive an update from the Portfolio holder for the Cemetery
- Topple test project
The Portfolio Holder for the cemetery shared that he and the Clerk had attended an online talk by the Governing Body of Monumental Masons. They are raising awareness of the dangers of monuments and gravestones as there have been more injuries and deaths in recent years. They have suggested a topple test is performed by exerting a controlled 80kg force, and if the stones move they should be put down flat to render them safe. Once they are faced down flat, it is then the ERB holder’s responsibility to rectify them using a qualified mason.
The Clerk is currently looking at what equipment is needed and how often tests would need to be performed. Once these details have been obtained, including the insurance aspects and the risks involved, a report will be provided to the Council in order to make a decision.
- Bardney Memorial Improvement Group
An update was provided that the paperwork has now been supplied as requested and work has now started to take place again in the cemetery. This was a positive outcome for all.
96-2022/23 To receive an update regarding Anti Social Behaviour in Bardney
A report was provided that the Clerk has spoken to the ASB Team at West Lindsey who have been working with the Police and have noted that incidents have dropped recently.
97-2022/23 To consider adoption of the Dignity at Work Policy
It was agreed to adopt the policy in total subject to an annual review.
PROPOSED Cllr Darby SECONDED Cllr Waddington to adopt the policy, with six in favour and one abstention.
8.00pm A member of the public left the meeting
Cllr Shaw declared an interest in Agenda Item 98 as they are part of a group looking at this for other Parish Councils, but this did not exclude them from the discussion.
98-2022/23 To consider adoption of the Civility and Respect Pledge
There was no support to adopt this pledge due to the consensus that the policy approved in item 97 was more relevant for our council.
99-2022/23 To consider training and analysis needs project
Cllr Waddington has agreed to assess training needs for councillors and staff with recommendations given from Cllr Shaw to ensure all our training needs are being met. It was discussed to look at training and come up with proposals. It was noted that Cllr Papworth was about to begin the training process and all councillors and staff are also encouraged to participate.
100-2022/23 To receive update on Local Government pay negotiations
The Clerk has passed on information that we have been notified that pay increases for our sector have been finalised with a set increase of 2.75%.
101-2022/23 To ratify the draft Precept
PROPOSED Cllr Shaw, SECONDED Cllr Darby and unanimously RESOLVED to accept the 8% precept increase for 2022-2023.
102-2022/23 Establishment – to resolve to go into closed session in accordance with Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960 to discuss the following matters; PROPOSED Cllr Darby, SECONDED Cllr Shaw and unanimously RESOLVED to go into closed session.
103-2022/23 To receive update on instruction to the solicitors
104-2022/23 To confirm date of next meeting Thursday 19th January 2023 - Venue TBC
Meeting Closed 8.05pm