Folkingham Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 20th January 2011 7.30pm at Folkingham Village Hall
Present: Cllrs Victoria Strauss (chairman), Simon Turner, Jackie Douglass, Ray Wright, Simon Wright, Sally Jones, Charles Hassett
Also present: Cllr Martin Hill (LCC), Brynley Heaven (Clerk), and 2 members of the public
Apologies: Cllr Reg Lovelock (SKDC)
1. Public Questions: Brian Foreman and John Kime outlined the latest position on funding for the proposed permanent pavilion at the Playing Field, Walcot Lane. The Football Association will fund up to £50k providing matching funds are available pound for pound.
The pavilion would cost £106k including VAT. of which 96k relates to the building itself then add foundations, sewerage and electricity. Tranche One would cost just under £20k payable by the end of February.
The promoters have £35k in hand, £2k promised from Rippingale FC, an asset worth about £2k and would like to borrow the multicourt funds held in trust.
The Multicourt fund contains seven and a half thousand pounds maturing in December 2011. There may be a penalty for early release of the money.
Our vice-chairman, Cllr Simon Turner suggested that the multicourt money be loaned to the trustees of the Pavilion Committee for the use of the Folkingham Sports pavilion and no other purpose for five years at a standard rate of interest for the benefit of Folkingham and in view of the multicourt project itself being in abeyance. The Pavilion trustees would be guarantors of the loan.
Our Chairman would consult the Parish Council solicitors, Roythornes, to achieve this objective through a correct process. It was necessary to be clear that any loan would be to the Pavilion Committee trustees as the money was raised for the benefit of Folkingham.
It was moved by Cllr Simon Turner, Seconded by Cllr Ray Wright and agreed that the multicourt moneys should be made available to the trustees of the Pavilion Committee to be repaid over five years at a standard rate of interest and to instruct our solicitor accordingly. It is to be a condition, and clearly understood by both sides, that Folkingham residents would have the use of the Pavilion facilities on ordinary terms from the outset.
2. Brian Foreman was asked what had become of the junior pitch and he said it was now to be incorporated within the area of the main pitch.
3. A number of complaints had been received about residents permitting their dogs to foul public areas, specifically the end of Spring Lane, the unmade extension to Church Lane, the Playing Fields. The Folkingham Flyer #6 would therefore appeal to residents to take responsibility for their dogs.
4. The minutes of our previous meeting on 2nd December 2010 were read and agreed as a correct record and signed by our chairman accordingly.
5. Cats had been shot with an air rifle. Police were aware and dealing with the incident.
6. Chairman outlined the benches earmarked for the play area. Aswarby sawmills had been approached for quotes. A ‘mini playframe’ suitable for ages 3 –12 years was under consideration. There would be a site meeting at 10am on 14th February to provide a further opportunity for consultation and planning the investments in Childrens Play. It was important that it was compatible with the planned Pavilion adjacent. The Childrens Allotment initiative was going ahead as planned and words had been written for the Folkingham Flyer.
7. Clerk to request a new bin and regular bin collection from South Kesteven for playing field in view of the increasing uses of the Playing Field..
The new notice board was operational. Thanks were due to the Folkingham Store and to Julie Watson-Grant for their help..
The Litter Picker vacancy from 1st April 2011 would be advertised on the Notice Board.
8. Cllr Martin Hill gave a report of Lincolnshire County Council. It had been possible to claw back some money for roads maintenance, in view of the effects of the harsh winter, and to alleviate some of the cuts in rural bus subsidies.
Cllr Simon Wright pointed out how Wiltshire County Council had eliminated the District tier of local government altogether.
Changes to the planning system may see an enhanced role for Parish Councils.
Both County and District councils were going for no increase in Council Tax. The Area Forums had been cancelled.
The County would be taking strategic responsibility for flooding issues from April. This would include assessing all new planning applications for surface water clearance.
Councillors noted the estimable work and initiative of Mr Albert Edwards of Billingborough Road, Folkingham in keeping the grille under the A15 clear and once again thanked him for his work on behalf of the whole community. It was reported that he had devised a customised rake to be deployed for this purpose.
9. Cheques were presented and signed for Clerk/Litter Picker; Folkingham Village Hall; and Ray Wright (reimbursement for village green Christmas lights).
10. A report of the Folkingham Past and Present history group was received. Malcolm Wardlaw was coordinator.
11. Gerald Taylor had requested further cutting back of growth in Walcot Lane. It was felt that the bottom of Chapel Lane also required further attention. Chairman would advise Grounds Maintenance.
12. It was agreed to support any initiative for a childrens party in Church Lane on the wedding of Will and Kate.
Meeting closed 8.37pm. Next meeting Thursday 17th March 2011 7.30pm at Village Hall.