February 2023 Minutes
Croft Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at Croft Village Hall on Monday 6th February 2023 commencing at 7pm.
The Chairman welcomed all present. As no members of the public were in attendance, it was resolved to move into formal session.
Present:
Cllrs N Dowlman (Chair), E Peacock (Vice-Chair), G Bowser, A Coxall, S Dennis, C Moore, and P Vokes.
1. Chairman’s Welcome
The Chairman welcomed all present, reminding attendees to turn off mobile phones and of appropriate escape routes in the event of a fire.
2. Apologies
It was resolved unanimously to accept apologies from Cllr S Blackburn.
3. Declarations of Interest
None
4. To confirm the minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday 5th December 2022.
With no matters arising, the minutes from December were resolved unanimously.
5. To approve the list of accounts submitted for consideration.
a. December Income and Expenditure
b. January Income and Expenditure
With no comments, it was resolved unanimously to accept the list of accounts.
6. To receive updated bank reconciliation for:
a. January Bank Reconciliation
b. February Bank Reconciliation
The Clerk provided the bank reconciliation for information purposes only.
7. To approve payments for:
a. LALC Subscription 2023-24
b. LALC Annual Training Scheme 2023-24
c. To reimburse Cllr Vokes for the costs of the defibrillator equipment.
d. To reimburse Cllr Dowlman for the Lindsey Marsh Drainage Board invoice.
It was resolved unanimously to approve payments.
8. To receive a budget review for the 3rd quarter of the financial year.
The Clerk advised the budget review is up to date as of 31st December and explained a number of items for clarification, including the donation (to Sue Ryder), miscellaneous was the return of an overpayment from ELDC and subscriptions included LALC and ICO.
Cllr Vokes mentioned on line 37 for the village hall, the touchscreen should be allocated elsewhere. Cllr Dowlman suggested miscellaneous as if was a one-off purchase as it belongs to the Parish Council rather than the village hall.
The Clerk mentioned that the HMRC have overpaid the VAT refund by £5,204.47. HMRC have been notified but received no reply.
9. To discuss community matters which need referring to the District and County representatives for a response.
Cllr Dennis mentioned ELDC has sold Tedder Hall and now moved to The Hub at Horncastle. PSCO numbers are going to be cut by approximately 50% due to a lack of funds. Cllr Dennis mentioned positive works regarding homelessness but also mentioned some negatives regarding caravans and the licensing department in ELDC due to the small staff numbers in the department.
Cllr Vokes asked Cllr Dennis for an update on the swimming pool issue as there are concerns the residents are still using the pool for business purposes.
10. To receive notification of any planning permissions, refusals, or amendments.
a. S/039/02417/22 | Planning Permission granted - Gibraltar Barns, Croft Marsh
Cllr Dowlman asked about the location of the extension which Cllr Bowser clarified.
b. S/039/02497/22 | Sunset Brook Caravan Park - ELDC to investigate people living in holiday caravans at this site
The Clerk report Councillors concerns to ELDC regarding people living in holiday caravans at this site. ELDC advised they would investigate.
Councillors clarified with the Clerk the issue with a white picket fence on the roadside on Croft Lane, within a metre of the road and the 2m high fence at Bank House on the A52. The Clerk to make this clear to ELDC enforcement. Cllr Dowlman advised that as the fence was 2m high on the front boundary, it needs permission.
11. To receive reports from the Chairman and Clerk to the Council.
The Clerk updated Councillors on bringing the website up to date with the webmaster at LALC. LCC Highways have been notified about issues with damage to the 30mph sign and a missing street sign on Washdike Lane.
The Clerk informed Councillors that a grant application for funding for the bus shelter has gone for approval.
The Clerk has also requested quotes for flashing speed signs from a further 3 companies. The Clerk asked Cllr Dennis is there was any funding available from his allowance to donate to Croft’s Coronation celebration event. Cllr Dennis to check.
The Chairman asked Clerk to follow up with Lyndhurst Garden Centre, so as not to miss the opportunity to plant this spring. Cllr Dowlman also reported that a representative from Lindsey Marsh Drainage Board made contact regarding an unpaid invoice. Cllr Dowlman voiced his displeasure at the tone from the Rating Officer at LMDB. Cllr Dowlman paid the invoice and was reimbursed. To avoid a similar scenario, the Clerk was asked to create a list of suppliers to be notified in the event of a change in Clerk.
The Clerk advised that future drainage rates will be paid by the tenant at the allotments, not the Parish Council
12. To receive a report on the Village Hall.
Cllr P Vokes reported that the hand dryer has been replaced, and spoke about the potential to replace the strip lighting with LED lighting. The Clerk mentioned grant funding for village halls with a view to installing LED lighting.
The Defibrillator still works but there is difficulty finding replacement parts due to shortages.
Cllr Dennis left at 7:45pm to attend another meeting.
13. To receive an update on the event to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023.
Cllr Coxall advised Councillors a band has been booked for the event which will be held on Sunday 7th May. Received 2 quotes for mugs which detail “Croft Parish Council” on the mug. Cllr Dowlman offered to pay for the mugs.
Cllr Coxall requested help in organising the event as well as for help on the day. Cllr Coxall requested a budget be proposed. Already have games which were purchased for the Queen's Jubilee, can be used. Speakers for music to be arranged.
Cllr Coxall suggested purchasing bunting, flags, and balloons to decorate the park. Leaflets and posters also need to be printed and distributed advertising the event and in case of bad weather, the event to be held in the village hall.
Councillors expressed concerns over the help needed to organise the event. A notice requesting help from volunteers to be posted in the noticeboard and on the website.
14. To receive an update on the allotments.
Cllr Dowlman recommended that the Council put the allotments out for tender in the interests of fairness and transparency. Councillors recommended heeding the advice of the agent at Brown & Co regarding the rent offered.
15. To consider the budget for 2023-24.
The Clerk explained the draft budget for 2023-24, line by line, with Councillors making recommendations on amendments to lines such as donations, miscellaneous, office maintenance and village hall. It was resolved unanimously to accept the draft budget with the amendments discussed.
16. To consider the precept for 2023-24.
Councillors discussed the potential increases in the precept, the impact an increase would have on residents and the effect on the budget. After careful consideration it was resolved unanimously to increase the precept 10% to £12,261.70.
The Chair of the Council closed the meeting at 8:35pm.