Minutes
MINUTES OF THE FRISKNEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD AT FRISKNEY VILLAGE HALL
ON WEDNESDAY 17TH JANUARY 2024 AT 7.30PM
PCM24001 - PRESENT
Councillors: M Hill (Chair)
K Smith (Vice-Chair)
P Holland
S Holt
D Patrick
D Reeves
R Scott (Part)
A Shaw
A Simpson
W Twigg
K Wickham
R Wood
Attendees: W Trigg – Clerk
PCM24002 - APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from County Cllr Bowkett, Dist Cllr Dickinson and Matthew Weedon.
PCM24003 - PUBLIC FORUM
None present.
PCM24004 - DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None received.
PCM24005 - P3 FOOTPATHS
Mill Lane/Eaudykes (P322 Northern) – Very wet and sheep fencing across the path so unable to complete the walk. Cllr Wood confirmed the fencing had since been removed.
Eaudykes/Lenton’s Lane (P322 Southern) – Grass is okay to walk on.
Sea Lane/A52 (P335) – The ground is starting to dry up.
Sickling Lane/3 Way Post (P336) – Footpath is okay to walk on with some standing water near the footbridge.
Chapel Lane/Eaudykes (P337) – Nothing new to report.
Field Lane/School (P338) – Footbridge has had temporary repairs done. The holes in the tarmac are getting bigger.
Beacon/Church (P339) – Ground is damp but good to walk on.
PCM24006 – DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
The Councillor Community Grant of £2,000 still has £750 left to allocate within the ward. If you are aware of any groups who may need funding, please do ask them to contact Dist Cllr Dickinson.
Residents can now renew/subscribe online for 2024/5 green waste collections. The annual fee of £50 gives 21 collections. The deadline for the full service is 18th February, renew online at www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/greenwaste or by calling 01507 601111.
The Partnership continues to drive forward the Special Interest Group for Internal Drainage Board funding with its membership having increased to 24 councils. The District Council Network is also helping with lobbying and has made a request for Government to formally consider a new funding approach via their Financial Settlement submission to the Treasury. A reception in the House of Commons to discuss the matter with Ministers/MPs whose constituencies are impacted by the levy increases is planned for February.
A separate sheet is available from Dist Cllr Dickinson about mud on roads which may help to answer any queries raised, given the time of year.
PCM24007 – COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
LCC have signed with the Greater Lincolnshire County Councils to take forward devolution for Lincolnshire. This in the first instance would bring an extra £24m for 30 years which will be part of the mayoral investment fund and would bring the total funding to £720m for the county. This is the consultation link www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/devolution but there will be events held for people to talk to officers and read how this can really benefit our local communities.
The latest storm caused further flooding around the county but locally only Church Lane, Wainfleet was impacted. Claims can be made via propertyfloodresilience@lincolnshire.gov.uk but applications will only be accepted from residents or businesses that have been affected by storm Babet.
PCM24008 - CHAIR’S REMARKS
The Vicar is going to meet with Cllr Hill in April/May regarding the cemetery extension consecration.
The new CCTV contractor has been unable to meet Cllr Hill due to a death in the family.
It is with regret that Steve Holland has handed in his resignation as Cemetery Caretaker and will be leaving at the end of March. Action – Clerk to advertise the position and contact previous applicants.
PCM24009 - PREVIOUS MINUTES
The minutes from the November Finance Committee Meeting were presented for approval. These were resolved to be a true and accurate record having been proposed by Cllr Wickham and seconded by Cllr Patrick. However, Cllr Smith did advise that Witham Fourth costs are likely to increase by 8-10%. It was resolved to amend the budget to show an overall 10% increase having been proposed by Cllr Patrick and seconded by Cllr Holt. The minutes from the November Parish Council Meeting were presented for approval. These were resolved to be a true and accurate record having been proposed by Cllr Twigg and seconded by Cllr Holt. Action – Clerk to update budget.
PCM24010 - ACTION LOG
The Clerk gave an update on the new, current and completed actions which are minuted below or within their respective topics.
Cnty Cllr Bowkett is going to liaise with the school regarding parking.
(Cllr Scott joined the meeting)
PCM24011 - PLANNING (Appendix 2)
Highfield House, Field Lane – Change of use reported to Planning Enforcement.
The Bungalow, Sea Lane – Change of use reported to Planning Enforcement.
Sewage Treatment Works, Burgh Road – Decision pending.
Fairfield, Small End – Decision pending.
Land off Low Road – 22no modular homes for over 55s & construction of vehicular access – Decision pending.
Camp Site, Manor Bungalow, Howgarth Lane – Decision pending.
Everest Lodge/Robins Nest, Holland Lane – With enforcement.
Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind Farm – Formal application now with ELDC.
It was noted that Sycamore Cottage on Eaudyke Road appears to have converted their garage to residential use.
It was resolved to formalise a complaint about the decision to allow the siting of a modular home to the rear of a property in Yawling Gate. This was proposed by Cllr Smith and seconded by Cllr Reeves. For the record, this was a majority vote of 9 in favour, 3 against.
PCM24012 - FINANCE (Appendix 3)
All January payments were resolved for payment having been proposed by Cllr Twigg and seconded by Cllr Reeves.
PCM24013 - VILLAGE HALL
All internal woodwork has now been varnished. A new water boiler and glass washer have been purchased and quotes are being sought for cleaning moss off the external walls.
The Craft Fair was a great success with people already booking for the next one. The open bars in December were again very popular, especially New Years Eve with approx 100 people attending.
The toys form the Toddler Group have been donated to the primary school.
A wedding license is being applied for.
PCM24014 - PLAY AREA
The invoice for tarmac repairs from Vere Bros is still pending. Cllr Twigg to chase.
The gym equipment tool has been handed to Cllr Twigg and the new handle cap is on order.
A tree has come down in the conservation area but is not causing an issue.
PCM24015 - CEMETERY/CHURCHYARD
Cllr Hill advised that pest control has been carried out in respect of moles so an invoice is pending.
PCM24016 - ALLOTMENTS
Cllr Wood advised that there are issues with the allotment drainage. Cllr Smith has already dug out some of the drainage at his own expense but believes a contractor will need to carry out further maintenance. It was resolved to set aside a cost of up to £1,500+VAT for this work having been proposed by Cllr Simpson and seconded by Cllr Twigg. Action – Clerk to make contact with contractors.
PCM24017 - CORRESPONDENCE
The Woodland Trust are offering free tree packs for communities. It was resolved to apply for 100 hedge plants and 20 wild wood trees for the cemetery extension having been proposed by Cllr Twigg and seconded by Cllr Patrick. Action – Clerk to make application.
The ELDC precept form was signed by Cllr Hill having already been approved in the budget at the November Finance Committee Meeting. Action – Clerk to submit to ELDC.
The National Grid are updating their high voltage electricity transmission network and have invited the Parish Council to attend an online consultation. It was resolved that Cllr Smith attend having been proposed by Cllr Patrick and seconded by Cllr Reeves. Action – Clerk to notify National Grid.
Witham Fourth IDB are holding a Storm Babet event. It was resolved that Cllr Smith attend the meeting having been proposed by Cllr Patrick and seconded by Cllr Holt. Action – Clerk to notify Witham Fourth.
Lucy’s Lawns have made contact with regard to quoting for Grounds Maintenance works. It was agreed it would be good to get a quote from them for existing work and potentially the Cemetery maintenance too. Action – Clerk to request quote.
Friskney United Charities advised of a rent increase for the car park to £146.00.
PCM24018 - HIGHWAYS ISSUES, REPAIRS & DEFECTS
A large pothole in the middle of the road near Ode Farm on Low Road South. Action – Clerk to report online.
Potholes outside Sea Breeze on Sea Lane have already been reported but are getting worse. Action – Clerk to report online.
Large potholes on Skirmore Road/Howgarth Lane. Action – Clerk to report online.
Potholes along Wrights Lane between the Old Post Office and Xanadu have been patched but have broken up already. Action – Clerk to report online.
Pothole outside Coppers Rest on Low Road. Action – Clerk to report online.
The 30mph sign at the end of Cllr Holland’s drive needs replacing. Action – Clerk to replace.
Potholes near No1/2 on Lentons Lane. Action – Clerk to report online.
The willow tree on the corner of Chapel Lane needs cutting back. Action – Clerk to contact resident.
PCM24019 – COUNCIL DOCUMENT REVIEW
An updated Complaints Procedure was presented for approval. It was resolved to adopt the new version having been proposed by Cllr Patrick and seconded by Cllr Smith. Action – Clerk to update website.
PCM24020 - URGENT MATTERS
Cllr Holland raised the issue of the grass cutting on the sports field. He did not consider it to have been adequate last season and the Clerk agreed to obtain alternative quotes so the matter can be formally discussed at a later meeting.
Cllr Shaw advised that there had been good interest in Friskney Show and a bank account was now open.
PCM24021 - DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The next Parish Council meeting will be on Wednesday 21st February 2024. There being no other business the Parish Council meeting closed at 8:45pm.