2023 Minutes of Meeting

Minutes of the meeting for Scotter Parish Council held on 18 December 2023, held at Scotter Village Hall.

Parish Councillors Present: Cllr Kevin Watson (Chair), Cllr Paul Boulton, Cllr Ian Thomas, Cllr Rachel Hunter, Cllr Dave Ward, Cllr David Green, Cllr Colin Wotherspoon

Parish Councillors Absent: 3

In attendance:  K Mathieson – Clerk, District Cllr Lesley Rollings, 11 Members of Public, 

Public Participation

The following concerns were raised by various members of the public regarding KCOM.

- When are they going to seal the roads properly?

- Why are Lincolnshire County Council highways department not checking the reinstatement?

- Can we have a copy of the specification for reinstatement?

- Grass cutting is going to be a problem due to the reinstatement.

District Councillor Lesley Rollings advised that WLDC have tried to speak to KCOM/LCC but they are not being listened to and advised any problems should be referred to the County Councillor.

Flooding – District Cllr Lesley Rollings gave an update of all the work that has been carried out over the last 3 years in getting all the agencies together to collaboratively work on flood alleviation methods.  She expressed her disappointment that an email had been circulated by one of Scotter Parish Councillors regarding funding for works.  It was clarified that this email was not sent on behalf of Scotter Parish Council and was the Councillors personal thoughts on the matter.  DCllr Rollings suggested an informal meeting with the agencies involved would benefit the Parish Councillors as many of them are new and unaware of the process that has been followed so far.  She advised the EA are trialling having the penstock gates open 3 weeks out of 4.  Members of the public mentioned that the EA have refused previous requests to open the gates when the village gauge board reaches 3.25 in the village.  A willow tree was reported as blocking the river on 19th October and this still hasn’t been removed.

Member of the Public requested that the No Ball Game signs in Granary Park be removed.

Chair of the Playing Fields Committee confirmed the date of 13th July for the village fayre.  

Chair of the Village Hall Committee advised that the hire charges for the village hall are not going to be increased even though they are expecting increases in the gas bills. 

Cllr Watson (Chair) opened the meeting at 7.38pm

2312/1 Apologies for Absence.

None

2312/2  To receive dispensations or declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011.

No declarations of interest received and no dispensations given.

2312/3 To approve as a true record the Full Parish Council Meeting minutes held on 20 November 2023 and sign accordingly.

Resolved to accept the minutes as a true record and duly signed by the Chair of the meeting.

2312/4 Clerks Report and update on matters from the last meeting.

The new Christmas tree lights are not working properly.  This is being investigated and will be rectified.  Pleased to announce Rookery Park renovation is complete, just awaiting sign off from Sutcliff Play.  The large village community grant from WLDC could not be changed as requested however as the existing grant had not all been claimed WLDC have agreed to include a further application for the hire of a marquee to be used at the summer fayre.

2312/5 Sub Groups, Community Clubs and Associations Items for Update or Discussion.

a) Speedwatch – SID report circulated by email on 12/12/2023

Noted.  Clerk to circulate yearly Speedwatch figures.

b) Scotter Pre School - To consider and agree the shared building agreement.

Proposed, seconded and Resolved to approve the shared building agreement.

2312/6 Correspondence Items for noting.

LALC News,  – Circulated by email on 27/11/2023 & 11/12/2023.

Neighbourhood Policing Team Newsletter – circulated by email 15/11/2023.

Neighbourhood Policing Team Christmas Safety Information - circulated by email 11/12/2023.

LCC Town and Parish Council Newsletter - circulated by email on 11/12/2023.

WLDC Parish News Letter - Circulated by email 28/11/2023.

LCC Town and Parish News, Greater Lincolnshire Devolution Consultation Launched – circulated by email 11/12/2023.

Resolved to note the items.

2312/7 Correspondence items for discussion and or action.

Email from Police Inspector Mike Head regarding priorities for the area asking for imput.  Circulated by email 04/12/2023.

Meeting closed at 7.43pm and reopened at 7.44pm to allow a member of the public to participate.

Proposed, seconded and Resolved to respond advising that the 101 service is not adequate and concerns that the village hall needs patrolling more due to recent ASB.

Clerk to reiterate the importance of reporting crime and using the 101 service.

2312/8 Flooding Group Update

Meeting closed at 7.46pm and re-opened at 7.52pm to allow members of the public to join in discussion.

Consider request from a member of public to invite Sir Edward Leigh MP for a meeting with residents effected by flooding and write to the Environment Agency holding them responsible for the recent flooding by dredging up stream and impacting the residents down stream.

Member of the public gave an update that he had spoken to Sir Edward Leigh MP’s agent and was advised that all the points were forwarded the MP would address them and pass to the Environment Minister.

Proposed, seconded and Resolved to set up a meeting to keep everyone informed.  Invite Lincolnshire County Council, West Lindsey District Council, Environment Agency, MP, Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Water Management Board and Residents.

2312/9 To consider and agree the budget and precept for financial year 2024/2025

Reviewed the proposed budget by the clerk and agreed no increase on last years precept.  

Proposed, seconded and Resolved to confirm precept request of £73,200 to WLDC.

2312/10 To consider the following grant applications.

a) Scotter Wheelworks – further information provided.

Proposed, seconded and Resolved to approve to pay the quote submitted of £600.  Approval given to pay this from 23/24 financial year if required and then allocate to 24/25 financial year.

b) Scotter Playing Fields Committee.

Proposed, seconded and Resolved to approve the grant application of £6,000 in the financial year of 24/25.

c) Eau Centre.

Proposed, seconded and Resolved to approve the grant of £1,000 in the financial year of 24/25.

d) Village Hall.

Proposed, seconded and Resolved to approve the grant of £1,500 in the financial year of 24/25 upon proof of quotations.

2312/11 To review the additional information received from Lincolnshire County Council and West Lindsey District Council.  To consider their request for the Parish Council to become responsible for the maintenance of the watercourse at Darbeck Road.

Meeting closed at 8.07pm and re-opened at 8.10pm to allow members of the public to join in discussion.

Proposed, Seconded and Resolved to agree to the maintenance of the area noted in the email confirmation from LCC.  Clerk to add to the grounds persons maintenance contract.

2312/12 To review the installation of ‘No Ball Games’ signs at the Granary Park following complaints from members of the public.

Meeting closed at 8.12pm and re-opened at 8.15pm to allow members of the public to join in discussion.

Proposed, Seconded and Resolved to remove the signs.

2312/13 Finance update and payments.

a.) To consider upgrading the existing accounting system to allow more efficient practises at a one off cost of £120.00

Proposed, Seconded and Resolved to approve.

b.) Approve Parish Council Current Account payment schedule/bank reconciliation for the period of 01/11/2023 – 30/11/2023

Account Start Balance £51,594.51 

Payments £560.77 

Receipts £80.00 

End Balance £51,113.74 

c.) To approve authority for the Clerk to pay Sutcliffe Play and East Ferry Timber invoices as per original quotes from reserves, and then submit the bank statements to FCC Communities for refund via the approved grant.

Proposed, Seconded and Resolved to approve.

d.) Confirm Bank Balance and Statements as at 30/11/2023

Co-operative Bank Account No 61038985 – balance £51,113.74

Co-operative Bank Account No 61797792 – balance £157,968.98 Ear Marked Reserves

Co-operative Bank Account No 61797404 – balance £14,980.30 General Reserves

e.) Payments for approval

PDH Plumbing, allotment work £660 inc Vat

Poppy wreath donation, £50.00 (S137)

SWMPFC - MUGA Electric £83.51

Proposed, Seconded and RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation which was duly signed by the Chair, agreed bank balances and statements as seen by council and approve payments.

2312/14 Urgent Highways or Maintenance Matters.

Pot hole on Hobb Lane

2312/15 Agenda next meeting – to take any items for members.

Forecasting

Update from Kcom

2312/16 To Confirm Date of Next Meeting – 15 January 2024.

Confirmed.

Meeting closed 8.18pm.