DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Draft minutes of the Annual meeting of the Parish Council held at The Institute on Thursday, 30 May 2002.

Councillor Dilks, Chairman, presided over Councillors Abel, Anderson, Auger, Bulmer-Jones, Chambers, Fisk, Hill, Lewis, Shinkins, Stevens, Thompson, Walker, Warrick, Watkins and the clerk.

2 members of the public were also in attendance.

001    MATTERS RAISED IN THE OPEN FORUM


.1 Cemetery maintenance/Church Walk Concern was registered about the quality of maintenance since the contractor changed earlier this year. Cllr Fisk advised that this had already been noted and action taken. He confirmed the matter would be kept under close inspection. Overhanging bushes on the path in Church Walk will be reported to the Highways Department for attention.
.2 Bridge Street traffic problems A resident came to formally present the survey he recently undertook amongst fellow Bridge Street residents. He concluded that there was a significant problem relating to vehicles using the road to avoid the bypass and that speed was also an issue. Residents now wanted firm action in the form of traffic calming. Members thanked him for the work undertaken and agreed to study the results see 007.2.
002    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE none as all were present.

003    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members notified interests in the following items and completed the Register accordingly:

Cllr R J Auger: personal interest in Minute 007.1 - Cabinet portfolio holder with responsibility at SKDC.
Cllr R J Auger: personal interest in Minute 007.3 - Disposal of cemetery shed.
Cllr M Warrick: personal interest in Minute 008 - Planning application for 35 Rycroft Avenue.

004    ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN, VICE-CHAIRMAN AND OTHER OFFICES

Before vacating the chair, Councillor Dilks gave a brief resume of the council’s achievements over the past year and thanked fellow members and the clerk for their support.

Councillor Auger, seconded by Councillor Lewis, nominated Councillor Fisk for the post of Chair of the Council. There were no other nominations. Councillor Fisk accepted the office and, having signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, took the chair and thanked members for their confidence.

Councillor Warrick nominated Councillor Lewis for the post of Vice-chair but the nomination was not accepted. Councillor Stevens, seconded by Councillor Dilks, nominated Councillor Anderson. There were no further nominations and Councillor Anderson accepted the office.

The following representatives on Committees and other outside bodies were proposed, seconded and unanimously agreed:

Bus Shelters Committee: Councillors Chambers, Lewis & Warrick.
Cemetery Committee: Councillors Auger, Fisk & Lewis.
Finance Committee: Chair, Vice-chair, Councillors Chambers, Lewis & Stevens.
Leisure & Amenities Committee: Councillors Dilks, Hill, Shinkins & Walker.
Planning Committee: Councillors Lewis, Shinkins, Stevens, Warrick and Watkins.
Liaison Group: Councillors Auger, Chambers, Dilks, Shinkins and Stevens.
Deepings Management Partnership: Councillor Shinkins.
Deepings Road Action Group: Councillor Stevens.
Youth Management Committee: Councillors Dilks and Shinkins.
Deepings Friendship Club for the Disabled: Councillor Fisk.
Red Cross: Councillor Chambers.

005    MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meeting held on 25 April 2002, having previously been circulated, were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman after correction of the duplication of the name Stevens’ to Shinkins’ in minute 139.1.

006    MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES


.1 Code of Conduct (138.8) SKDC has confirmed that members’ paperwork is in order and that they would post the statutory advertisement on the Council’s behalf. The clerk confirmed that notice of adoption of the Code had been displayed in the Notice Board. Additional literature from the Standards Board was made available.
.2 Coffee Bar (139.1) It was noted that an expanded meeting of the Deepings Councils Liaison Group was to be held on 17 June 2002, which would be investigating all aspects of youth facilities. It was agreed, however, to keep the Working Party for the time being.
.3 Alcohol bylaws (139.6) The clerk confirmed that the additional sites had been sent to Market Deeping Town Council for inclusion in an Order. Trading Standards would be contacting the clerk shortly to discuss a clamp down on the sale of alcohol to under 18’s.
.4 Planning seminar (140) Members attending the seminar reported that revised guidance from the Government Office of the East Midlands meant that the Local Plan was now on hold and that it was unlikely that the vast majority of the proposed housing for the Deepings would be required. It was noted that this would not affect the major Bourne development currently under way, which will have severe traffic and transport consequences for the entire area.
.5 Playscheme (141) Cllr Anderson reported that the Head Teacher of Linchfield School had enquired about the revised arrangements for this summer. The clerk reported that the Play Leaders were finalising session dates and times and that letters would be sent immediately after the half-term holiday.
.6 Allotment gardens (143.1) The clerk reported that Deeping St James United Charities might be able to provide a piece of land in the Frognall area, which would be available to work in Spring 2005. Members believed that the land in question would not be suitable and asked for clarification of the exact location. The clerk further reported that the land held by the Hall Meadow Estate might also prove suitable and was asked to write to the tenant farmer to see whether he would be prepared to return it to the Charity for allotment gardens for the community.
.7 Gravel site/ Claimed footpath (143.3) The clerk advised that the objector had withdrawn the proposed diversion but it was unclear whether the original objection still stood. Cllr Anderson reported that good progress was being made by Lincolnshire County Council and the gravel extraction company to enact the legal requirements needed to transfer the site to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust,
007    CORRESPONDENCE


.1 Deepings Town Centre Management Partnership Following resignations by the Chair of the Partnership and the Chair of one of the sub-groups, SKDC had taken the opportunity to re-think the objectives of the Partnership and re-launch it. The Parish Council was asked for its views and for nominations for the Chair. Following a lengthy debate, it was agreed to request that a public meeting be called in order that all sections of the community could this time be involved and also enable SKDC to discuss and expand upon the objectives and aims of the Partnership. This would then enable individuals to put themselves forward for the Chair from a position of knowledge. It was further agreed that Cllr Shinkins would continue to represent the Council on the new Partnership.
.2 Traffic Problems Bridge Street The clerk produced the extensive survey referred to in minute 001.2. It was agreed that this should be copied and distributed to each member and that the matter should be an agenda item for the next meeting. In the meantime, the clerk was ask to request that the Highways Department undertake a survey of this street to ascertain where it would fit into the priority list already produced for other roads in the parish. Cllr Dilks announced that the Highways Department had agreed to match fund the Parish Council’s budget of £8,000 for traffic calming measures and that this would mean that the Council would be able to undertake more work than it had anticipated this year. This news was warmly welcomed.
.3 Disposal of cemetery shed Members considered two offers, both for £20, from Jimmy D’s Out of School Club and Mr S McCabe. It was unanimously agreed to sell the shed to the former, as it was a community-based organisation.
.4 Race Relations Act It was proposed, seconded and unanimously resolved that Deeping St James Parish Council acknowledges the general duty placed upon it by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 and that the Council will continue within its functions and policies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and promote racial equality between people of different racial groups.
.5 Other items noted ·    L.C.C. Traditional fingerposts survey.
·    S.K.D.C. Failure to be included in the initial mini-bus trial for the Rural Transport Initiative.
·    C.A.B. Sessions at the Community Centre temporarily suspended due to illness.
·    H.S.E. Request for information concerning travelling fairs and fairground-type rides.
·    D.T.L.R. Consultation paper on the local investigation and determination of misconduct allegations. Parish Council happy with proposals subject to a parish representative being present at any hearing.
·    East Midland Electricity Notice of cable laying works in Eastgate during June.
·    Highways Agency Notice of de-trunking of A16.
·    Market Deeping Town Council Invite to Mayor’s Civic Service on 23 June 2002.
·    Local Policing Forum 18 July at 7.30pm,Corn Exchange, Bourne.
·    R.O.S.P.A. Playground safety seminar 21 June at 7.30pm, Corn Exchange, Bourne.
·    Freemasonry in the Community presentation 27 June at 10.30am, Masonic Centre.
·    Information, Advice & Guidance Service for Adults promotional material.
·    S.K.D.C. - Forward Plan and Council meeting minutes.
·    E.M.D.A. Newsletter.
008    PLANNING MATTERS

Having regard to S.K.D.C.’s probity in matters relating to planning, Cllrs Auger and Bulmer-Jones took no part in the discussion and did not register a vote. It was unanimously agreed to submit no objections to the following applications:


Ref. Address Proposal
S02/0544 r/o 12 Horsegate Erection of dwelling (outline).
S02/0546 5 Rycroft Avenue Single-storey rear extension to form store to shop * providing there is no loss of designated car parking space(s) for the occupants of the flats above the shop units.
S02/0555 1 Bridge Street Single-storey side extension.
S02/0604 4 Towning Close Two-storey side extension.
S02/0609 36 Bridge Street Two-storey rear extension.
S02/0617 35 Rycroft Avenue Single-storey rear extension.
S02/0653 7 New Row Erection of conservatory.
S02/0654 61 Towning Close Two-storey side extension * providing the proposals being contained within the curtilage of the property.
S02/0672 96 Millfield Road Two-storey side and single-storey rear extensions.
S02/0677 62 Towning Close Relocation of 2m boundary fence.
The following applications have been determined by the Planning Authority (S.K.D.C.) since the last Council meeting. The decisions are in accordance with the Council’s previously notified observations:


Ref. Address Proposal Outcome
S02/0071 R/o 153 Eastgate Positioning of 6 static mobile homes & erection of toilet/shower block. Refused.
S02/0300 97 Hereward Way Single-storey side extension. Approved.
S02/0325 27 Park Road Extensions & erection of garage. Approved.
S02/0379 51 Horsegate Extensions to bungalow. Approved.
S02/0432 23 Crowson Way Two-storey extension. Approved.
S02/0433 21 Pawlett Close First floor extension over garage. Approved.
S02/0509 177 Swift Close Two-storey rear & single-storey side extensions. Approved.
009    ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

It was unanimously resolved to pay the following accounts:


Payee Service/Item of Expenditure

Amount

Clerk

Salary

608.06

Shredder from Office World

62.99

L.C.C.

Pension

137.18

Onyx UK Ltd

Litter picking Jubilee Playing Field

11.75


Adcentre Ltd

Meetings advert (subject to 50% reimbursement from M.D.T.C.).

30.55

DSJ United Charities

Room hire 15 May 2002

10.00

Cornhill Insurance

Annual Premium

1,023.99

Welland & Deepings Drainage Board

Rates: Hall Meadow Estate

15.62

B.T.

Quarterly account

140.65

Huddlestone Landscapes

Cemetery maintenance (2)

240.00

Footpath maintenance

50.00

Millennium Wood maintenance

40.00

N J Allsopp

Repairs to The Cross door

400.00

SKDC

Planning application fee (replacement for fee of £110 approved under minute 141)

55.00

Total

2,825.79

The following estimates were approved:

-    Market Deeping Fencing to undertake repairs to the damaged fence in the cemetery - £190.
-    Graytone Printers to supply letterheads and compliment slips - £98 +Vat per 1,000.

010    REPORTS


.1 Jubilee Playing Field project The clerk reported that the District Council had agreed that £2,000 from a Section 106 Agreement about to be entered into with a developer could be directed to the Council’s project to provide new equipment on this field. The clerk further reported that following technical difficulties in completing the planning application papers, Mr T F J Robinson has kindly offered to undertake the task at no charge to the Council as a contribution in kind to the project. Cllr Dilks advised that he had asked the clerk to write thanking Mr Robinson for this gesture on the Council’s behalf and this action was approved.
.2 C.C.T.V. Control Room Cllr Auger advised that he had visited the Control Room to inspect the performance of the Manor Way camera. He reported that the camera was operating 24 hours per day, visibility was good and there had been no reports of malfunction. Incidents captured by the camera had been promptly reported to the police for their attendance and action.
.3 Liaison Group The reports of the meetings held on 30 April 2002 and 9 May 2002 were noted.
.4 Bus Shelters Committee It was unanimously agreed to accept the minutes of the meeting held on 15 May 2002 and the recommendations contained therein. Cllr Lewis reported that L.C.C. had agreed to fund 25% of any bus shelter installation in this financial year. A copy of the report is attached to the official minutes.
.5 Finance Committee It was unanimously agreed to accept the minutes of the meeting held on 15 May 2002 and the recommendations contained therein. A copy of the report is attached to the official minutes.
011    ITEMS TABLED FOR DISCUSSION


.1 Evening bus services Cllr Warrick was thanked for the detailed report circulated prior to the meeting. It was unanimously agreed to commence the campaign by first writing to Stagecoach Eastern to canvass their views. It was further agreed to inform Market Deeping Town Council and Northborough Parish Council of the campaign.
.2 Annual Footpath Walks It was unanimously agreed to hold the Frognall/Stowgate area footpaths walk on Wednesday, 17 July commencing at 7.00pm from outside the Rose Inn. The Linchfield area footpaths will be walked on Wednesday, 24 July commencing at 7.00pm from Jubilee Playing Field. A budget of £30 per evening was approved for refreshments afterwards.
.3 Tree preservation Cllr Stevens proposed that, in view of the number of mature trees lost in recent months, the footpath walks be combined with a tree audit so that Tree Preservation Orders can be sought from S.K.D.C. where appropriate. This was unanimously approved.
.4 Daffodil bulb planting Cllr Fisk proposed that the Parish Council undertake a programme of bulb planting in open spaces this Autumn. An initial budget of £50 was agreed and the following members volunteered to identify planting locations and set up working parties:

·    Cllr Watkins Bank of the River Welland.
·    Cllr Anderson Crowson Way/Thackers Way play area and Linchfield Road.
·    Cllr Fisk Spalding Road/Frognall area.
·    Cllrs Chambers & Walker Broadgate Lane/Rycroft avenue area.
.5 Future gravel extraction works Cllr Anderson advised members that extraction works would be commencing in the next few years in the Stamford Road area of West Deeping and that a golden opportunity for leisure facilities on their completion existed. It was unanimously agreed to write to West Deeping Parish Council to ascertain their views on this and offer the Parish Council’s support.
.6 Deepings Online Cllr Stevens expressed concern that there were still problems with the information relating to Deeping St James on this website and that perhaps this was due to the site being manned by volunteers. It was agreed to keep the situation under review.
.7 The News’ It is hoped to issue the next edition at the end of next month and articles are to be submitted to the clerk by 11 June 2002.
012    PARISH-PUMP


.1 Golden Jubilee Cllr Abel requested that congratulations be sent on behalf of the Parish Council and parish of Deeping St James to Her Majesty The Queen on the eve of the Jubilee. It was agreed that the clerk should send a letter.
.2 Road junction Cllr Anderson requested that the potential dangers of the Thackers Way/Crowson Way road junction be an agenda item for the next meeting.
The meeting closed at 10.08pm.