May 2024 Minutes Annual Parish Council Meeting

The Annual Meeting of Canwick Parish Council was held on Monday 20 May 2024 at the Village Hall, Montagu Road, Canwick.  County Cllr Cawrey, District Cllr Goodwin and the Clerk were also present.

Present:

Councillor L.J. Pennell – Chairman
Councillor H.L. Dowson
Councillor C.M. Griffin               
Councillor R.C. Narborough
Councillor L.T. O’Melia

The Chairman welcomed all present. 

1.   Election of Chairman for the Ensuing Year & Declaration of Acceptance of Office:    The retiring Chairman asked for nominations for the position of Chairman.  Cllr O’Melia proposed that the current Chairman continue and this was seconded by Cllr Narborough.  There were no further nominations and the resolution was unanimously agreed.  Cllr Pennell accepted the position of Chairman.  The Declaration of Acceptance of Office was duly signed.

2.   Apologies and Declarations of Interest:  Apologies had been received from Cllr Carrington and District Cllr Harrington.  There were no Declarations of Interest.  The Chairman reminded members they could make the appropriate declaration at any stage should it become necessary.  

3.   Election of Vice-Chairman for the Ensuing Year & Declaration of Acceptance of Office:  Nominations for the position of Vice-Chairman were invited.  The Chairman proposed Cllr Carrington and this was seconded by Cllr O’Melia.  There were no further nominations and the resolution was unanimously agreed.  Cllr Carrington had indicated he would accept the position if nominated.  The Declaration of Acceptance of Office to be signed as soon as possible.  

4.   Appointment of Members to Committees:  The Chairman proposed to re-appoint members en-bloc.  This was seconded by Cllr O’Melia.  Agreed by all.

Planning:  Lead Member Cllr Carrington, Cllr Pennell, Cllr Griffin and Cllr Dowson. 
Environment:  Lead Member Cllr O’Melia and Cllr Dowson.
Finance:  Lead Member Cllr Pennell and Cllr O’Melia.
Bank Signatories:  Revalidated Cllr Pennell, Cllr Carrington, Cllr Griffin and Cllr O’Melia. 
Communication:  Lead Member Cllr Carrington, Cllr Narborough and Cllr Dowson to assist.

The Chairman and Vice-Chairman Ex-Officio Members on all standing committees

5.      Clerk’s Notes from the Meeting held on 15 April 2024:  The notes from this meeting had been distributed to each member.  The Chairman proposed that the notes be accepted and approved as minutes for signing and this was unanimously agreed.  

6.       Matters Arising:

6a.   Information Packs for New Residents:  None.

6b.   Website:  Routine maintenance. It was noted there was a change of email address for the Webmaster.

6c.     Portrait of HM King Charles 111:  The Portrait had been received and would be given to the Village Hall Trustees      for display in the Village Hall.

7.   Planning:    The Chairman reminded members that any District Councillor present could not express an opinion on any of the planning items. 

7a.    23/1421/VARCON – New Dwelling and Garage – Glebe Farm, Heighington Road:  Passed by NKDC

7b.    24/0298/HOUS – Erection of Detached Car Port and Attached First Floor Balcony – Highfield Grange, Branston Road:  Passed by NKDC.

7c.    24/0229/TPO – Tree Works – Shetlands, Hall Drive:  Passed by NKDC.

7d.    Items Notified since Publication of the Agenda:  An e-mail had been received from NK–Talk Planning informing that the City of Lincoln Council, West Lindsey District Council and North Kesteven District Council had worked jointly to develop a set of local validation lists. Following a consultation period these had now been adopted and would apply to all planning applications submitted from 20 May 2024. 

8.   Environment:

8a.   Highways Issues:  Cllr Dowson reported that not all the potholes had been repaired on Pelham Lane.  The Clerk to report to LCC ‘Fix My Street’ again.

Cllr Dowson also reported that the smashed bollard on Pelham Lane had not been completed contrary to the ‘Fix My Street’ report. The Clerk to report again.

It was noted the traffic cones and debris were still on the side of Heighington Road.  To be re-visited next month.

Cllr Cawrey reported they were having issues with the Highways contractors which were presently being investigated.

9a.   NKDC Parish Council Newsletter:  The April and May editions had been received and e-mailed to members. Noted.
  
9b.     Police Correspondence:  It was noted the Police Newsletters are now published on their website. A link has been created by the webmaster to publish on our website.

9c.    LCC Town and Parish Council Newsletter – April 2024:  This had been e-mailed to members and was noted.

9d.    NKDC Climate Change Member Champion:  This had been e-mailed to members.  The Chairman stated this is a new initiative and asked members to contact Cllr Mervyn Head if they had any questions.

9e.    Canwick Playing Field:  This had been e-mailed to members.  Members agreed that, if necessary, they were content to add the Bowling Green to the regular cut.  

9f.    LCC Councillor Volunteer Schemes 2024:  This had been e-mailed to members.  The Chairman asked members if they knew of any worthwhile projects to let the Clerk know.  The Clerk to forward the e-mail to the Playing Field Association, the Parochial Church Council and the Village Hall Social Club.

9g.   Lincs Highways Newsletter:  This had been e-mailed to members and was noted.

9h.   Street Numbering:  This had been e-mailed to members.  It was noted 2 Sibthorp Gardens was now called Prospect.

9i.    Items Received since Publication of Agenda:  The Chairman read an e-mail that had been received and forwarded to members reference a campaign for the safety of Lithium Ion Batteries and E-Bikes and Scooters. It was agreed we would offer support where we could.

10.    County and District Councillor Reports:  Cllr Cawrey reported planning permission had been granted for the Hykeham Relief Road and work would be started in the next 3 years.  

Cllr Goodwin reported that there was a new Council Chairman, Cllr Andrew Hagues and Vice-Chairman, Cllr Chris Goldson.

It was noted on 1 April 2024 it was the 50 Year Anniversary of NKDC.

It was also noted that Citizens Advice Mid Lincs had moved into the NKDC building.

The Chairman asked members if they had any questions.  No questions raised.

11.    Finance:   

11a.  Bank Account Update:  The Chairman reported that the precept had been paid as requested.  On 30 April the balance of the deposit account was £46,017.70 with £51.00 new interest.  The current account balance was £97.50. 

11b.  Village Hall:  No update.  

11c.   PWLB - Repayment:  A direct debit payment of £184.38 was due on 3 June.  Payment agreed.   

11d.   Insurance Renewal:  An insurance renewal invitation for £633.93 which included £45 arrangement fee had been received from Clear Councils who now administered the Local Councils Insurance policy.  The Chairman proposed we accept it.  All agreed.  

11e.   Payments Due in May/June:  See 11c and 11d.  The Chairman proposed we allow for a grass cut by Glendale should the invoice need paying before the next meeting. All agreed. 

11f.   Transfer of Funds: The Chairman proposed transferring £1000 from the deposit account to the current account to cover the payments due.  All agreed.

11g.   Audit:  On-going.  

12.     Urgent Items for Information:  Cllr O’Melia reported he thinks that the pungent smell has come back in the garden of the property next door to him.  To be investigated.

He also reported damaged grass verges and iron fencing on Hall Drive.  To be investigated.

He also suspects that a rented property on Hall Drive is running a business from there.  The Clerk to contact Enforcement at NKDC.

Cllr Dowson reported a business was being run from Wisteria House on Pelham Lane.

13.    Date of Next Meeting:  The next meeting was scheduled for 7pm on Monday 17 June 2024 at the Village Hall, Montagu Road, Canwick.

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8pm.