Minutes 11th March 2024
Minutes of Huttoft Parish Council held on Monday 11th March 2024 at Huttoft Village Hall commencing at 7:00pm
PRESENT: Cllrs. P Lapczuk (Chair), N Sylvester, R Walker, K Golightly, C Meaker & R Ward
IN ATTENDANCE: M Rudd (Clerk), Cllr C Matthews (LCC) & 5 members of the public
4674. WELCOME:
The Chair welcomed Councillors and members of the public to the meeting.
4675. APOLOGIES:
Apologies were received from Cllr R Ganney (HPC) and Cllrs G Marsh and S Devereux (ELDC).
4676. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
A resident raised the issue of dog fouling in the village and parking on double-yellow lines on Mumby Road. These items were covered under item 15 on the agenda.
A resident presented a document to Councillors regarding “excessive light pollution” on Chapel Lane. The resident was advised he should report the matter to ELDC in the first instance.
A resident raised the issue of a neighbours overgrown hedge. The Clerk agreed to email the resident information and guidance produced by ELDC that may help resolve the issue.
4677. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATIONS:
None.
4678. MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS OF 12TH FEBRUARY 2024 TO BE APPROVED:
Proposed, Seconded & RESOLVED that the minutes, having been circulated and read, were approved and signed by the Chair.
4679. CLERKS REPORT ON OUTSTANDING MATTERS:
The Clerk advised Councillors that a revised meeting with residents impacted by the public footpaths claim was scheduled for Thursday 14th March commencing at 7pm at the Village Hall.
4680. FINANCIAL MATTERS:
Payments for Approval:
Printing & Stationery - £17.97
SCIS Ltd Gov.uk email subscription - £7.92
Clerks half-year Salary - £1,496.30
Village Hall Hire Chagres (Oct 23 – Mar 24) - £85.00
Wold Tree Works Ltd - £450.00
Proposed, Seconded and RESOLVED to approve payment.
4681. PLANNING MATTERS:
None.
4682. APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF A HANDYMAN:
The Clerk advised Councillors that following a competitive process, Chris Ralph trading as CR Home & Garden Services had been appointed to the role. The Clerk had received a copy of the Public Liability Insurance Certificate. Cllr Meaker had undertaken a “walkaround” the village with the appointee to confirm the works required.
Proposed, Seconded and RESOLVED to approve the appointment.
4683. NATIONAL GRID: GREAT GRID UPGRADE:
Cllr Lapczuk updated Councillors following attendance at a meeting of Parish Councillors and Clerks hosted by Alford Town Council. A similar meeting for residents is scheduled for Friday 15th March in Alford. Cllr Lapczuk reminded everyone of the importance of providing feedback to National Grid by the deadline of 13th March 2024. The Clerk confirmed the Parish Council had written to National Grid to “strongly oppose” the current proposals.
4684. REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVE BODIES:
ELDC – no report
LCC – Cllr Matthews (LCC) confirmed LCC were opposed to the National Grid proposals and as part of the Lincolnshire Devolution Plans, £9m has been allocated to renewing the road between Sandilands and Chapel St Leonards.
4685. ST MARGARETS CHURCHYARD – TREE MAINTENANCE:
Cllr Meaker confirmed the remaining works agreed in 2022 had now been completed. Following inspection by the Contractor, it was noted that four Yew Trees may need removing and replacing in the near future due to damage by ivy.
4686. VISIT BY P&CC REPRESENTATIVE / ROAD SAFETY FOLLOW UP:
Cllr Walker presented a report to Councillors following the very positive visit by a representative of the Police & Crime Commissioner to the “Warm Spaces” event. A number of initiatives were currently been considered to address speeding and parking issues in the village and at the Car Terrace. The P&CC Representative is to be invited to the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council in May.
4687. HUTTOFT VILLAGE HALL UPDATE:
The Village Hall Committee are looking to promote the availability of the hall to increase usage.
4688. HUTTOFT CAR TERRACE REPORT:
Cllr Walker presented a report to Councillors noting action being undertaken by LCC to clear sand from the terrace and repair of yellow lines to aid parking enforcement. Cllr Walker also noted the increased dog fouling problems on the terrace and in the village. Cllr Walker has made contact with ELDC Dog Warden to discuss ways to increase enforcement and provide better signage throughout the village.
4689. FRIENDS OF ST MARGARETS CHURCH UPDATE:
Due to the absence of Cllr Ganney, this agenda item was postponed.
4690. ANY OTHER MATTERS:
The Clerk reminded Councillors that a “Planning Training Event” had been organised by ELDC for Friday 5th April at the Village Hall.
4691. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Monday 13th May 2024
4692. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8:00pm