22
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF ALFORD TOWN COUNCIL
HELD IN THE FOCAL POINT MEETING ROOM, ALFORD
ON 15TH AUGUST 2017
Present: Councillors S Devereux (Chairman); G Allan; R. Quantrell; C. Devereux; N. Hogg; G. Hounslow; G. Marsh; M. Freshney; A. Whitcombe; S Lithgow; L Iaquaniello; S Palmer.
L Croft – Town Clerk
Cllr C Davie (LCC)
Cllr C Matthews (LCC)
2 member of the Public
During the public session member of the public bought the continuing problem of flooding on Parsons Lane to the attention of the town council and provided photographs. The lack of response from LCC officers was noted by Cllr Davie who said he would request a formal investigation into the matter.
Member of the public thanked the council for making representations on the Chestnut Homes development at the planning committee meeting.
It was proposed, seconded and resolved to move agenda item 7 to item 4 to allow Cllr. Davie to leave after providing his outside bodies report.
TO RECEIVE AND ACCEPT APOLOGIES WHERE VALID REASONS FOR ABSENCE HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO THE TOWN CLERK PRIOR TO THE MEETING
(Agenda Item 1)
50. None
TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST UNDER THE LOCALISM ACT 2011 – BEING ANY PECUNIARY INTEREST IN AGENDA ITEMS NOT PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON MEMBERS’ REGISTER OF INTERESTS AND ANY WRITTEN REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATION
(Agenda Item 2)
51. None.
TO APPROVE AS A CORRECT RECORD THE NOTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON 18TH JULY 2017 AND TO AUTHORISE THE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN THE OFFICIAL MINUTES
(Agenda Item 3)
52. It was proposed, seconded and resolved that these be signed by the Chairman as a true record.
REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES
(Agenda Item 7)
53. Cllr. Davie LCC Executive Board, portfolio holder for Economy and place was invited to attend the Town Council meeting to respond to questions from councillors.
There is a need to keep the economy moving and invest in skills/training, there is a predicted shortfall of 125,000 workers by 2024 in Lincolnshire.
a. Major plans for infrastructure improvements including an upgrade to A158 and A157. Report on coastal blockages being prepared. Richard Davies portfolio holder.
b. Huttoft Terrace - Camper vans again returned to park overnight. Security to be increased.
c. Signage across Lincolnshire is in a poor state, Signs are dirty and covered by foliage. Towns and parishes could do a better job locally if they were given the budgets held by County and District for the work. Cllr Davie suggested that the town council write formally to LCC with their suggestion.
d. It was suggested that the trend is to give resources to the Lincoln area not the east coast. Links are needed north and south. There is no Boston Bypass. The Crowlands bypass is chock-a-block. Cllr Davie stated that not all investment was in Lincoln area, significant amounts were being invested in Skegness and Holbeach. Government funding would be required for a bridge in Boston to take a bypass.
Councillors welcomed plans for a medical school in Lincolnshire and the fact that Lincolnshire was producing its own pharmacists.
Councillors expressed frustration that in planning application responses highways tend to have no objections even when there are local issues which new developments may impact on. Unfortunately for highways to object to a planning application the impact must be severe and the criteria for what is severe impact is unclear. Also any S106 put on a planning application could prevent many developments where the land value is low, priority should be given to more important problems such as broadband/internet connection which is a major issue.
The chairman thanked Cllr Davie who then left the meeting as did Cllr Allan.
Cllr Matthews – LCC Alford and Sutton Ward.
Had responded to various issues including parking on West Street, the hedge at the Windmill, the flooding on Parsons Lane and brown tourism signs.
P Milson, chairman of board of trustees Alford Sports Hall – The current manager has had to resign and there has only be one respondent to the job vacancy. If no one suitable is found to cover this position then ultimately there will be no sports hall.
P Milson, chairman of board of governors JSTC – Having noted Cllr Davies comments on the need to keep the economy moving and invest in skills/training. He had noted that a number of schools are removing vocational courses from the syllabus due to financial pressures.
Cllr Allan returned.
Cllr Marsh ELDC – The Louth Cattle market Consultation is still live and people are encouraged to take part. There will be announcements soon about new executive positions.
Cllr Allan raised the issue of charities discretionary discounts on rates. The Civic Trust had been refused this discount because they hold a fund for thatching of the Manor House and have been asked to prove that the cost of the thatching will exceed this fund. Once a charity has received discretionary discount this should be an automatic discount on production of accounts each year showing no change in circumstances as it used to be in the past. Cllr Marsh agreed and said he would follow up on this .
REPORT FOLLOWING MEETING 18th JULY 2017
(Agenda Item 4)
54. a. New stocks have now been installed in the Market Place.
b. Response received from Anglian Water regarding the adoption of drains at St Wilfrid’s Close. The foul water sewers became the responsibility of Anglian Water in 2011. Surface water sewers were not included in this transfer and therefore remains the responsibility of the developer. The developer entered in a section 104 agreement with Anglian Water which dictated that the severs will become the responsibility of Anglian Water when they deem them to be of an acceptable standard.
Waterloo Housing has stated that this is something that their contractors and development team are working on.
c. Clerk have contacted the specialists recommended by ELDC tree officer regarding the trees in the cemetery. One has responded and will provide a quote. The work would be best carried out in November when there are no leaves on the trees. He will provide a map with all the main trees plotted on it provide a schedule of work required and also as a second part of the survey make suggestions on what could be done to improve the appearance of the cemetery. Some work is required prior to this survey as 2 trees have broken boughs.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT.
(Agenda Item 5)
55. The Chairman had attended a number of Honour Ceremonies at St Wilfrid’s Church plus the Passchendaele service at the Manor House and the official press release photo session for the Manor house defibrillator.
TABLE CORRESPONDENCE
(Agenda Item 6)
56. a. Market Times – August 2017.
b. Letter from Christina and Glynis to thank us for displaying mice in the window. Plus a report on the success of the trail. (Emailed to all councillors)
c. Notice of temporary road closure.
Parsons Lane 4/9/17 – 8/9/17 as and when required for essential maintenance works by Clarks Construction Service Ltd.
d. Letter of thanks from Chairman of the Trustees of Alford Sports Hall for the donation of £1,000.
e. Letter of thanks from manager of Alford Sports hall for donation
f. Email from Coram Voice a charity that supports children and young people in and around the care system. They are looking for volunteers in Alford to provide a reliable and consistent point of contact for a child who is isolated and has limited or no family contact.
g. Email from resident regarding lawless Alford (Email fwd to all councillors)
Cllr Marsh responded that while there may be some substance in the complaints criticism of the council from someone who has only recently moved to Alford was unjust and the complainant should realise just what members of the council have done for the town over the years all on a voluntary basis.
h. Letter of thanks from Alford Corn Exchange Community Group thanking the Town Council for the donation towards the running of the Corn Exchange.
N/003/00862/17 Plot 2 The Nurseries, 10 Farlesthorpe Road, Alford – Erection of a detached house and carport – Full Planning permission granted.
N/016/00776/17 Land at Ivy House Farm, Farlesthorpe Rd – Application to vary condition 3 – Approval given to vary condition.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
(Agenda Item 8)
57.
a) Accounts for payment
It was proposed, seconded and resolved that the accounts presented be paid.
b) Note accounts ytd.
Noted.
c) Consider purchase of replacement tyres for tractor.
It was proposed, seconded and resolved that new tyres at £250 each be purchased and fitted.
d) Consider donation to Alford Corn Exchange Community.
It was proposed, seconded and resolved that a donation of £200 be made.
CONSIDER MAKING A FORMAL COMPLAINT TO ELDC REGARDING COMMENTS MADE BY PLANNING OFFICER ABOUT ALFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
(Agenda Item 9)
58. It was proposed, seconded and resolved that the chairman and clerk should formulate a response to ELDC on this matter once all the facts had been gathered.
AGREE THE SIGNING OF A 3 YEAR LEASE FOR THE PUBLIC TOILETS, SOUTH MARKET PLACE
(Agenda Item 10)
59. It was proposed, seconded and resolved that the lease be signed.
CONSIDER PROPOSED REDUCED INCREASE IN MARKET COMPOUND RENT FOLLOWING CLLR MARSHES MEETING WITH ELDC OFFICER.
(Agenda Item 11)
60. ELDC based rent on current commercial rate but agreed to half the proposed increase.
It was proposed, seconded and resolved to accept amended increase but to check break clauses in lease and consider other options.
CCTV UPDATE
(Agenda item 12)
61. Cllr Marsh has been contacted by the Chief Executive of BT. Road closures have held up the progress. ELDC are holding back payment due to BT. 3 independent cameras have been offered to cover for some that are no longer working. CCTV to be on next months agenda.
DISCUSS RESPONSE TO LCC LETTER REGARDING THE HISTORICAL TOWN SIGNS AT ULCEBY CROSS ROUNDABOUT.
(Agenda Item 13)
62. Proposed, seconded and resolved to participate in re-vetting scheme and pay for new sign as this is the only way to retain signs.
DISCUSS STATE OF CEMETERY.
(Agenda Item 14)
63. Contractors had been at cemetery and carried out work in line with the contract, hedges still to be cut.
Proposed, seconded and resolved that the cemetery sub-committee provide a list of work required at the cemetery for costing. To be discussed at next council meeting.
CHRISTMAS PLANS – CONSIDER FUNDING FIRST AIDERS AND GENERATORS FOR CHRISTMAS MARKET.
(Agenda Item 14)
64. Cllr Iaquaniello to find out more details regarding type of produce etc for sale also more details about what is provided by East Coastal Events CIC. To be deferred to next meeting.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
(Agenda Item 15)
65 N/003/01217/17 Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Station Road, Alford – Erection of a building to provide a sports hall, store, activity room, plant room, sports viewing room, changing rooms, staff room, science laboratory & prep room, 2 classrooms on the site of the existing redundant swimming pool building and 2 mobile classrooms which are to be demolished .
Proposed, seconded and resolved to support application with observations that the traffic problems around the school should be addressed.
ANY MATTERS FOR GENERAL DISCUSSION OR INCLUSION IN NEXT AGENDA
(Agenda Item 16)
66. None
CONSIDER MOVING TO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING:
(Agenda Item 17)
67. Proposed, seconded and resolved to move to closed session.
RESPONSE TO LCC MATTERS
(Agenda Item 18)
68. Cllr Matthews stayed to update the Town Council of matters pertaining to this item then left the meeting with Cllr Marsh.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45pm
Appendix Agenda Item 57aAccounts for Payment
Meeting / 15th August 2016
Payee / Total / Description
Employee related payments / 2952.55
M Dennis / 40.00 / Cemetery Clearing
Petty Cash / 50.00
Glendale Countryside Ltd . / 1489.50 / Ground maintenance July 2017
British Gas / 40.76 / CCTV elec.
Brent Clark / 200.00 / Replace glass lodge/toilets
ESPO / 60.75 / Toilet cleaning supplies
Alford Focal Point / 90.00 / Hire of meeting room
Alford Corn exchange Community Grp / 4000.00 / Office Rental
Hampshire Flag Company / 33.60 / Red ensign
C C Melaugh (Bay Tree Garden Services) / 385.00 / Floral displays
C C Melaugh (Bay Tree Garden Services) / 250.00 / Mouse Trail donation
Handyman / 54.08 / Cleaning supplies
Openplan / 1658.88 / NP Consultancy fees
ELDC / 108.00 / Lodge rates
A Smith(Alford)Ltd / 45.97 / Landlord report
SSE / 71.55 / Toilet electric
11530.64
Income
19/7/17-14/8/17
Market Income / 646.5
Burial board / 655
Other / 8450.62 / Other details
1315.62 / VAT Reclaimed
Total Income / 9752.12 / 7135.00 / NPG Grant
Petty cash
19/7/17-14/8/17
B/Fwd / -1.60
Petty cash July / 50.00
Stamps / -15.44
Removal of bulk waste / -25.00
Bus shelter cleaning / -20.00
-12.04
BANK RECONCILIATION
Current A/C as at 14/08/17 / 25712.15
High Interest A/c as at 14/8/17 / 99356.27
Memorial A/C as at 14/8/17 / 1881.82
Bruton A/C / 50.22
Petty cash / -12.04
126988.42
Unpresented Cheques/receipts at 16/8/16 / 21401.59
105586.83
15th August 2017 Minute 50 - 68