Minutes of the meeting held 16th May 2024
WILLOUGHBY DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 16TH MAY 2024
Present: Cllrs Eyre; Jenkinson; Mulhearn; Fairfield; Hale; Cook
4 members of the public
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
During the public session the issue of drainage problems on Bonthorpe Road/Church Lane was again raised, with no progress as yet. It was noted that work to the school corner was programmed in for August. Concern at the verge being churned up on Bonthorpe Road, and the grass growing in the playing field. It was noted that there was some fly tipping in a field gateway at Claxby.
1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
It was proposed (Cllr Fairfield), seconded (Cllr Mulhearn) that Cllr Eyre be elected Chairman. There were no other proposals, and Cllr Eyre agreed. It was therefore resolved that Cllr Eyre be elected Chairman for the forthcoming civic year.
2. RECEIVE CHAIRMAN’S DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE
This was signed by Cllr Eyre and counter signed by the Clerk as Proper Officer.
3. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN
It was proposed (Cllr Cook), seconded (Cllr Jenkinson) that Cllr Hale be elected Vice Chairman. There were no other proposals and Cllr Hale agreed. It was therefore resolved that Cllr Hale be elected Vice Chairman for the forthcoming civic year.
4. APOLOGIES
Apologies and valid reasons for absence were received from Cllrs Hedges and White. The Council sent its best wishes for a speedy recovery to Cllr Hedges. Cllr Havel also sent his apologies via text during the meeting.
5. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were none.
6. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 18TH APRIL 2024
It was resolved that the Chairman sign the minutes of the meeting held 18th April 2024 as a correct record.
7. UPDATES FROM THAT MEETING
The email from LCC regarding works to be commenced at School corner was noted.
8. REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES
There was no LCC representative, and Cllr Eyre (ELDC) had nothing to update.
9. FINANCE
It was resolved that the following accounts be paid by BACS:
Clerks salary & PAYE (May) £172.64
Insurance £704.05
(see minute 10)
Internal Auditor £ 30.00
Online Playground (swing parts) £ 47.00
R. Aldrich (grass) £438.57
10 VILLAGE MATTERS
a) Playing Fields
It was noted that the play equipment work was now almost complete, and it was resolved that an inspection be arranged. Everyone who turned out to help with the repairs and refurbishment of the equipment was thanked, including Mr Talbot Jones who continued to assist after he left the Council, and the Chairman thanked Cllr Cook for taking on this project. Clerk to obtain quotes and liaise with Chairman.
It was also noted that the value of replacement of the equipment was now in the region of £51,000 which would result in an increase in insurance costs. It was resolved that this increase be paid.
b) Village Green
St Helena’s school had requested use of the Village Green for Sports Day on 12th June, including marking of lanes, and this was approved. Clerk to ask grass cutter to cut the Green short on the 10th.
c) Allotments
Clerk read out letter from occupier of adjacent property regarding the trees on the boundary overgrowing his land. It was agreed to defer this until the next meeting when Cllr White could update members on the actual boundary again.
11 ADMINISTRATION MATTERS
It was resolved that the following policies be approved:
Standing Orders
Risk Assessment
Financial Regulations
Asset Register (to include list of play equipment)
Data Protection Policy
Code of Conduct
Allotment Policy
Planning Policy
12 CORRESPONDENCE
Clerks and Councils Direct – circulated
13 PLANNING
There were no applications or decisions to note.
The new National Grid proposal for underground cabling, in addition to pylons, was noted and the Council resolved to object strongly.
14 ANY OTHER MATTERS
Plaques for trees – it was agreed to purchase a plaque for the Coronation Tree, but family needed to decide wording for tree for Ex Cllr Pridgeon.
Thanks to all those who provided refreshments for the Annual Parish Meeting.
The road between Hogsthorpe and Sloothby was again noted to be in poor condition.
15 NEXT MEETING
This is confirmed as 20th June 2024.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8:40pm