DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Draft minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held at The Institute on Thursday, 2 January 2003.

Councillor Fisk, Chairman, presided over Councillors Abel, Anderson, Auger, Chambers, Dilks, Lewis, Shinkins and the clerk. Cllr Stevens joined the meeting at the commencement of agenda item 6 correspondence.

No members of the public were present.

084    MATTERS RAISED IN THE OPEN FORUM None.

085    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received and accepted from Councillors Hill and Thompson. Apologies were also received and accepted from Councillors Warrick and Watkins, who had been present at the Planning Committee meeting held immediately before the Council meeting.

086    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The following members notified interests in the following items, completed the Register accordingly and in the case of prejudicial interests, left the meeting whilst the item was debated thereby taking no part and having no influence in the outcome:

Cllr Anderson Personal interest in minute 087.4
Personal interest in minute 093.1 Chair of Trustees of the Community Centre.
Chair of Governors at Linchfield Primary School.

Cllr Auger Personal interest in minute 087.4 Member of the Management Committee of the Community Centre.

Cllr Dilks Personal interest in minute 093.1 Governor at Linchfield Primary School.

Cllr Shinkins Prejudicial interest in minute 094.2 Employee of Deeping St James Primary School.

Cllr Warrick Personal interest in minute 091 ref. S02/0586 & S02/1540 Known to the applicant.

087     MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2002, having previously been circulated, were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman.

088     AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2001/02

The clerk reported that the audit had been completed on 18 December 2002 and that the only comment raised had been in relation to the appointment of an Internal Auditor after 31 March 2002. Members congratulated the clerk on this achievement. It was unanimously resolved to adopt the report and to publish the statement of accounts together with notice of closure of audit in accordance with the requirements of the Accounts & Audit Regulations 1996.

089    MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES

.1 Re-cycling Centre (071.1) Cllr Dilks provided members with information relating to questions raised at Lincolnshire County Council’s recent meeting concerning the provision of recycling facilities within the county and specifically at the Deeping St James site. This was noted.

.2 Memorial (076.1) The clerk confirmed that the artist had been asked to install the plaque at a raised angle rather than flush to the ground.

.3 Street Map (076.5) The acting Chair of the Deepings Community Partnership has confirmed that it will consider the provision of street maps at locations throughout the area as one of its projects.

.4 Drugs Awareness (076.8) The clerk confirmed that the next meeting would be held at 8pm on 9 January 2003 at the Deepings Community Centre. Members of the Deeping Youth Forum would be present to explore the possibility of starting a coffee bar and using the Deepings School as a venue for live bands.

.5 Rating appeal (077.3) The clerk confirmed that the revised valuation for the cemetery had been entered on to the official Record and that the District Council had amended the account accordingly.

.6 Deepings School (079) Acknowledgement was received in respect of the Parish Council’s donation of the annual presentation prize.

090    CORRESPONDENCE

.1 Banking terms The Council’s bankers issued an offer of free banking in place of interest on the Council’s current account. It was resolved to accept the free banking option in order to achieve a saving of approximately £50 per annum.

.2 Tourism attraction sign Lincolnshire County Council has confirmed approval of the Council’s application for a tourism sign to be placed near the junction with Broadgate Lane which highlighted the location of the heritage of the village. It was resolved to proceed to the next stage of the application and submit the design and survey fee of £50.

.3 Precept 2003/04 A letter from SKDC inviting the Council to submit a precept for the forthcoming financial year was received containing ideas as to how the District Council might assist Parish Councils with their statutory expenses, e.g. insurance, audit etc. The clerk was instructed to consider the suggestions and respond on the Parish Council’s behalf.

.4 Parish/District Liaison meeting It was resolved that Cllr Stevens and the clerk should represent the Council at this meeting which is to be held at Grantham on Monday, 20 January 2003.

.5 Community Cleaner It was resolved under Standing Order 23(d) to move this item of business to the end of the agenda.

.6 Local Access Forums Lincolnshire County Council intends establishing Local Access Forums to help improve access to the countryside. Members welcomed this initiative and hoped that the Parish Council would become involved with the South Forum in due course. A meeting to discuss the launch will be held at Sleaford on 30 January 2003 and it was resolved that Cllr Anderson should represent the Council at this event. It was noted that this meeting was to be held during the day. As the majority of members are not able to attend such meetings through work commitments it was agreed to request that any future meetings were arranged for an evening or a weekend.

.7 Hall Meadow Estate It was resolved to refer letters from the Charity Commission and the Parochial Church Council to the Allotments Committee.

.8 LALC County Circular It was resolved to adopt advice relating to Council documents and archives as the framework for the Council’s policy on document retention. Other information was noted.

.9 Linchfield Playscheme The clerk reported that the leaders of the Linchfield Playscheme had formally tendered their resignation in the light of the new requirements imposed by Ofsted for the running of such schemes. The balance of funds held on account in the sum of £9.65 had been returned to the Council, as had all the materials and equipment which was now stored at The Institute. The clerk confirmed that a letter thanking the leaders for all their hard work over the years had been sent on the Council’s behalf.

.10 Street naming SKDC requested the Council’s opinion on the names proposed by Stamford Homes for the Linchfield Road development. Of the two suggestions put forward, it was resolved to recommend Fen Field Mews as opposed to Farthing Court, the former being more appropriate to the location.

.11 LCC formula funding review The Chief Executive of Lincolnshire County Council reported that funding for Lincolnshire had been set at a fair level compared nationally, although some services had faired better than others with the Fire Service gaining and the Highways maintenance programme losing. Appreciation was expressed for the support given to the lobbying process by Parish Councils. A letter of explanation on the background to the review and confirmation that Lincolnshire had received a grant additionally enhanced by 7.1% was received from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. It was proposed and seconded that the Council should write to the ODPM, with a copy to LCC, thanking the Government for a fair settlement for Lincolnshire. Under Standing Order 10, Cllr Anderson requested a recorded vote:

For Against
Cllr Chambers Cllr Abel
Cllr Dilks Cllr Anderson
Cllr Fisk Cllr Auger
Cllr Lewis Cllr Shinkins
Cllr Stevens

The motion was therefore carried by 5 votes to 4.

.12 Vocal Volunteers forum A questionnaire requesting information about the Council’s services was received with a deadline for completion by 17.12.02. The clerk had completed this on the Council’s behalf and this action was confirmed.

.13 Register of electors The revised electoral register as at 1.12.02 was received. Members noted the new guidance on the use of the register and resolved that the Parish Council’s copy could only be used for the purpose of establishing whether a person is entitled to attend and participate in a meeting of, or take any action on behalf, the parish.

.14 Crime scene evidence booklets It was resolved to purchase 10 copies of this booklet at a cost of £3.50 and to make them available for members of the public to borrow a copy from the Council office. This will also be advertised in the next edition of the newsletter.

.15 Interactive speed trailer It was resolved to request that the interactive speed trailer visits roads that are known to have speed problems. Cllr Dilks requested that a notice of motion to update the road safety campaign undertaken in 2001 be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

.16 Other items noted ·    Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership Newsletter.
·    EMDA Newsletter and Annual report 2001/02.
·    Charity Commission Newsletter.
·    Community Council of Lincolnshire Rural links newsletter.
·    Association of Burial Authorities Newsletter.
·    Deepings Community Partnership copy of circular.

091    PLANNING MATTERS

Having regard to probity in matters relating to planning Cllr Auger, as a member of SKDC, took no part in the discussion and did not register a vote. Cllr Lewis, in the absence of the Chair of the Planning Committee presented the Committee’s recommendations agreed at its meeting held immediately before the Council meeting. It was resolved to accept the recommendations and submit the following observations on the applications before the Council:

Ref. Address Proposal

S02/0586 105 Eastgate Erection of double garage (amended plans). No objection.

S02/1540 Adj. 105 Eastgate Erection of house and double garage. No objection.

S02/1561 45 Church Street Two-storey side extension. No objection.

S02/1583 Broadgate House,
72 Church Street Side extension to factory unit (outline consent sought). No objection.

S02/1585 36 Eastgate Single-storey rear extension. No objection.

S02/1599 40 Bridge Street Replace tiled roof with thatched roof. No objection.

S02/1610 Toll Bar Farm, Spalding Rd Retention of portable office building. No objection.

S02/1621 22 Towning Close Extension above garage and new porch. No objection.

S02/1624 Part OS 1162, Linchfield Road Use of land as builder’s storage compound. No objection providing the land is vacated and returned to agricultural use within one month of the final dwelling being structurally completed.

S02/1639 6 Welland Way Single-storey rear extension. No objection.

It was reported that 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 unless stated otherwise:

S02/0081 67 Frognall Erection of dwellinghouse & replacement garage. Granted.

S02/1344 194 Eastgate Two-storey front and single-storey rear extensions. Granted.

S02/1351 155 Station Road Two-storey side extension. Granted.

S02/1425 Plots 4 & 5 Spalding Rd Erection of two dwellinghouses. Granted.

The clerk was asked to clarify whether planning consent was required for the Sales Centre at the new housing development on Linchfield Road. Further information is also to be sought from S.K.D.C. concerning recent press reports indicating that the 400 houses previously understood to have been withdrawn at the same time as the draft Local Plan are being considered for re-instatement in the new Local Policy Framework currently being produced.

092    ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

It was unanimously resolved to pay the following accounts:

Payee
Service/Item of Expenditure (Relevant power to incur)
Amount

Clerk
Salary (LGA 1972, s 112)
767.21

Printer cartridges (LGA.1972, s 111)

35.98

Inland Revenue
Quarterly PAYE/NIC (LGA 1972, s 112)
674.80

L.C.C.
Pension (LG Pension Scheme Regs 1997)
183.46

Huddlestone Landscapes
Cemetery maintenance (LGA 1972, s 214)
120.00

Adcentre
Meeting advert (2) (subject to 50% reimbursement from M.D.T.C.) (LGA 1972, s 232)
65.80

Onyx UK Ltd
Litter picking Jubilee Playing Field (OSA 1906, s 10)
11.75

Deepings Community Trust Ltd
Storage of Linchfield Playscheme materials Aug 01 Dec 02 (LG (MP) A 1976, s 19)
68.00

S W Fisk
Mileage expenses: Collection of hedge plants for Rycroft Avenue planting scheme (LGA 1972, s 174)
48.91

Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils
Membership fee: Association of Burial Authorities - 2003 (LGA 1972, s 214)
Publications (LGA 1972, s 111)
20.00

8.50

Society of Local Council Clerks
Annual membership fee (LGA 1972, s 143)
68.00

ABB Ltd
Maintenance contract: The Cross lights (PCA 1957, s 3)
10.68

Moore Stephens
Audit fee 2001/02 (ACA 1998, s 3)
411.25

Powergen Plc
Power supply The Cross lights (PCA 1957, s 3)
5.43

Castle Cleaners
Bus shelter cleaning (LG (Misc. Prov) A 1953, s 4
60.00

L.C.C. Highways
Survey/design fee Tourism sign (LGA 1972, s 144)
50.00

Lincolnshire Police Authority
Publications: Crime scenes/evidence/witness statements (L G & R A 1997, s 31)
3.50

Total

2635.20

093    REPORTS

.1 Clerk’s report The clerk’s report to the meeting, which had been previously circulated, was discussed and the contents noted. In respect of the national training strategy for accreditation of the clerk, it was resolved that the work to be undertaken as part of this process was to be treated as in-service training and billed accordingly. It was resolved to purchase an updated copy of the Powers & Constitution booklet produced by NALC at a cost of £6.50. In respect of the Jubilee Playing Field project update, it was resolved to write to the Linchfield Primary School thanking the Year 6 pupils for their marvellous letters of support for the project and to also re-submit an application to the Deepings Raft Race Committee.

094    NOTICES OF MOTION/RECOMMENDATION

.1 Budget & Precept 2003/04 Cllr Lewis tabled a motion that the Council considered and agreed its budgets for the forthcoming financial year and set a precept for 2003/04 accordingly. The clerk reported on the current position of the Parish Council’s finances and it was noted that there would be a projected carry forward of £33,020 at 31 March 2002 due several projects which had not started to attract any costs. Members noted that those projects which would not start before the end of the financial year would see their current budget allocation return to zero and that this had been borne in mind when formulating the base budget. On the clerk’s recommendation, it was resolved to preserve £13,500 of these balances for future liabilities and unanticipated expenses and allow the remaining sum of £19,520 to be used to offset the next budget.

The clerk submitted a net base budget of running costs and outstanding commitments in the sum of £55,030. This consisted of £24,095 for general administration and advertising, £6,000 for playschemes and grant aid, £20,260 for the amenity areas, £7,700 for the upkeep of the cemeteries and £16,495 for the bus shelters programme and other highways/transport related projects. It was then agreed to split the advertising and publicity figure into two distinct headings in order to identify the cost of the newsletter separately and to also add £150 to the amenity areas budget for additional bulb planting. This had the effect of increasing the base budget to £55,180. There was strong concern expressed that the figure attributed to the maintenance of the Jubilee Playing Field once the proposed works had been completed in the sum of £2,500 could not be justified as it had not been properly costed and only represented a contingency sum. Following a debate on this issue, it was proposed and seconded that the base budget of £55,180 be approved. Under Standing Order 10, Cllr Anderson requested a recorded vote:

For Against
Cllr Auger Cllr Abel
Cllr Chambers Cllr Anderson
Cllr Dilks
Cllr Fisk
Cllr Lewis
Cllr Shinkins
Cllr Stevens

The motion was therefore carried by 7 votes to 2.

The clerk’s report is entered into the official minutes of the meeting. Members then debated the following projects as additional budget items:

Road Safety resolved to include £500 for a new campaign.
Illumination of the stone bridge resolved to include £2,500 for this project.
Community cleaning resolved to include £2,000 towards additional cleaning projects.
Illumination of Church Walk footpath. Proposal to include £5,800 towards cost of a shared scheme with South Kesteven District Council. Under Standing Order 10, Cllr Stevens requested a recorded vote:

For Against
Cllr Abel Cllr Anderson
Cllr Auger Cllr Stevens
Cllr Chambers
Cllr Dilks
Cllr Fisk
Cllr Lewis
Cllr Shinkins

The motion was therefore carried by 7 votes to 2.

It was agreed to further investigate the provision of a celebration beacon and additional community policing during the forthcoming financial year but no specific budget provision was made at this time.

These additions to the base budget provided for an overall net budget of £85,500. Applying the uncommitted projected reserves of £19,520 would result in a precept of £65,980, an increase of 3% on last year’s figure. The clerk advised members that the resource equalisation grant which was worth £3.15 per band D’ property last year was likely to be withdrawn by SKDC this year in favour of depressing the council tax that authority charged. This would have the effect of increasing the band D’ figure for the Parish Council by approximately 16% in real terms even though the actual cash increase to the Parish Council was only 3%. It was noted that this was beyond the Parish Council’s control.

It was resolved by 7 votes to 0 with 2 abstentions that the Parish Council submits to South Kesteven District Council, the Charging Authority, a precept of £65,980 for the financial year 2003/04. This precept will result in a band D’ equivalent charge of £28.77, an increase of 33p per month overall.

.2 Applications for grant aid Cllr Fisk tabled a motion that the Council considered the next round of applications for grant aid assistance. Accordingly, it was resolved to make the following grants:

·    Market Deeping Cricket Club - £500 towards the provision of pitch covers to help the junior programme (LG (MP) A 1976 s 19).
·    Deeping St James Primary School - £95 towards the cost of a touring theatre production (LGA 1972 s 145).
·    Deeping Gang Show - £100 towards production costs (LGA 1972 s 145).

On reviewing the information supplied by the Cricket Club in support of its application, it was noted that there were a significant number of members who lived in Deeping St James. It was resolved to ask the Club if it had considered changing its name to The Deepings Cricket Club to reflect this membership and that from the wider area.

095    PARISH-PUMP

.1 River Welland Cllr Chambers advised that a feasibility study into connecting local waterways with a view to making them navigable was expected to get underway in the near future.

.2 Winter salting Cllr Shinkins reported that either a grit bin or the salting vehicle was needed in the Hards Lane vicinity. The clerk advised that this was being pursued with the Highways Surveyor.

.3 Electricity supply In view of the recent and frequent interruptions in the power supply, Cllr Lewis requested that a notice of motion be tabled in this respect at the next meeting.

.4 Burnt out car Cllr Stevens reported that there was a burnt out car on Custom Road. It was understood that the authorities were already aware of this but Cllr Auger volunteered to take the matter up directly with SKDC.

.5 The Cross Cllr Abel remarked that a notice warning vandals of prosecution in the event of damage to The Cross had never been put up as had originally been intended when the refurbishment works were undertaken. The clerk will look into this.

.6 Willow Tree - Park Road The clerk advised the Lincolnshire County Council had found this tree to be in a dangerous condition and requiring immediate removal. The clerk had sought agreement for a replacement tree to be planted in the vicinity and this had been confirmed.

096    COMMUNITY CLEANER

It was unanimously resolved under Standing Orders 23(n) & 61 that, in accordance with Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings Act) 1960, in view of the confidential nature of the following item of business the press and public be temporarily excluded from the meeting in the public interest.

Information concerning the availability of a grant from South Kesteven District Council to provide street cleansing services was discussed. It was resolved to request a meeting with the Head of Business Management Services to discuss the matter further.

The meeting closed at 10.15pm.


Cllr Anderson	Personal interest in minute 087.4 Personal interest in minute 093.1	Chair of Trustees of the Community Centre. Chair of Governors at Linchfield Primary School.
Cllr Auger	Personal interest in minute 087.4	Member of the Management Committee of the Community Centre.
Cllr Dilks	Personal interest in minute 093.1	Governor at Linchfield Primary School.
Cllr Shinkins	Prejudicial interest in minute 094.2	Employee of Deeping St James Primary School.
Cllr Warrick	Personal interest in minute 091 ref. S02/0586 & S02/1540	Known to the applicant.

.1	Re-cycling Centre (071.1)	Cllr Dilks provided members with information relating to questions raised at Lincolnshire County Council’s recent meeting concerning the provision of recycling facilities within the county and specifically at the Deeping St James site. This was noted.

.2	Memorial (076.1)	The clerk confirmed that the artist had been asked to install the plaque at a raised angle rather than flush to the ground.

.3	Street Map (076.5)	The acting Chair of the Deepings Community Partnership has confirmed that it will consider the provision of street maps at locations throughout the area as one of its projects.

.4	Drugs Awareness (076.8)	The clerk confirmed that the next meeting would be held at 8pm on 9 January 2003 at the Deepings Community Centre. Members of the Deeping Youth Forum would be present to explore the possibility of starting a coffee bar and using the Deepings School as a venue for live bands.

.5	Rating appeal (077.3)	The clerk confirmed that the revised valuation for the cemetery had been entered on to the official Record and that the District Council had amended the account accordingly.

.6	Deepings School (079)	Acknowledgement was received in respect of the Parish Council’s donation of the annual presentation prize.

.1	Banking terms	The Council’s bankers issued an offer of free banking in place of interest on the Council’s current account. It was resolved to accept the free banking option in order to achieve a saving of approximately £50 per annum.

.2	Tourism attraction sign	Lincolnshire County Council has confirmed approval of the Council’s application for a tourism sign to be placed near the junction with Broadgate Lane which highlighted the location of the heritage of the village. It was resolved to proceed to the next stage of the application and submit the design and survey fee of £50.

.3	Precept 2003/04	A letter from SKDC inviting the Council to submit a precept for the forthcoming financial year was received containing ideas as to how the District Council might assist Parish Councils with their statutory expenses, e.g. insurance, audit etc. The clerk was instructed to consider the suggestions and respond on the Parish Council’s behalf.

.4	Parish/District Liaison meeting	It was resolved that Cllr Stevens and the clerk should represent the Council at this meeting which is to be held at Grantham on Monday, 20 January 2003.

.5	Community Cleaner	It was resolved under Standing Order 23(d) to move this item of business to the end of the agenda.

.6	Local Access Forums	Lincolnshire County Council intends establishing Local Access Forums to help improve access to the countryside. Members welcomed this initiative and hoped that the Parish Council would become involved with the South Forum in due course. A meeting to discuss the launch will be held at Sleaford on 30 January 2003 and it was resolved that Cllr Anderson should represent the Council at this event. It was noted that this meeting was to be held during the day. As the majority of members are not able to attend such meetings through work commitments it was agreed to request that any future meetings were arranged for an evening or a weekend.

.7	Hall Meadow Estate	It was resolved to refer letters from the Charity Commission and the Parochial Church Council to the Allotments Committee.

.8	LALC County Circular	It was resolved to adopt advice relating to Council documents and archives as the framework for the Council’s policy on document retention. Other information was noted.

.9	Linchfield Playscheme	The clerk reported that the leaders of the Linchfield Playscheme had formally tendered their resignation in the light of the new requirements imposed by Ofsted for the running of such schemes. The balance of funds held on account in the sum of £9.65 had been returned to the Council, as had all the materials and equipment which was now stored at The Institute. The clerk confirmed that a letter thanking the leaders for all their hard work over the years had been sent on the Council’s behalf.

.10	Street naming	SKDC requested the Council’s opinion on the names proposed by Stamford Homes for the Linchfield Road development. Of the two suggestions put forward, it was resolved to recommend Fen Field Mews as opposed to Farthing Court, the former being more appropriate to the location.

.11	LCC formula funding review	The Chief Executive of Lincolnshire County Council reported that funding for Lincolnshire had been set at a fair level compared nationally, although some services had faired better than others with the Fire Service gaining and the Highways maintenance programme losing. Appreciation was expressed for the support given to the lobbying process by Parish Councils. A letter of explanation on the background to the review and confirmation that Lincolnshire had received a grant additionally enhanced by 7.1% was received from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. It was proposed and seconded that the Council should write to the ODPM, with a copy to LCC, thanking the Government for a fair settlement for Lincolnshire. Under Standing Order 10, Cllr Anderson requested a recorded vote: For Against Cllr Chambers Cllr Abel Cllr Dilks Cllr Anderson Cllr Fisk Cllr Auger Cllr Lewis Cllr Shinkins Cllr Stevens The motion was therefore carried by 5 votes to 4.

.12	Vocal Volunteers forum	A questionnaire requesting information about the Council’s services was received with a deadline for completion by 17.12.02. The clerk had completed this on the Council’s behalf and this action was confirmed.

.13	Register of electors	The revised electoral register as at 1.12.02 was received. Members noted the new guidance on the use of the register and resolved that the Parish Council’s copy could only be used for the purpose of establishing whether a person is entitled to attend and participate in a meeting of, or take any action on behalf, the parish.

.14	Crime scene evidence booklets	It was resolved to purchase 10 copies of this booklet at a cost of £3.50 and to make them available for members of the public to borrow a copy from the Council office. This will also be advertised in the next edition of the newsletter.

.15	Interactive speed trailer	It was resolved to request that the interactive speed trailer visits roads that are known to have speed problems. Cllr Dilks requested that a notice of motion to update the road safety campaign undertaken in 2001 be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

.16	Other items noted	· Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership Newsletter. · EMDA Newsletter and Annual report 2001/02. · Charity Commission Newsletter. · Community Council of Lincolnshire Rural links newsletter. · Association of Burial Authorities Newsletter. · Deepings Community Partnership copy of circular.

Ref.	Address	Proposal

S02/0586	105 Eastgate	Erection of double garage (amended plans). No objection.
S02/1540	Adj. 105 Eastgate	Erection of house and double garage. No objection.
S02/1561	45 Church Street	Two-storey side extension. No objection.
S02/1583	Broadgate House, 72 Church Street	Side extension to factory unit (outline consent sought). No objection.
S02/1585	36 Eastgate	Single-storey rear extension. No objection.
S02/1599	40 Bridge Street	Replace tiled roof with thatched roof. No objection.
S02/1610	Toll Bar Farm, Spalding Rd	Retention of portable office building. No objection.
S02/1621	22 Towning Close	Extension above garage and new porch. No objection.
S02/1624	Part OS 1162, Linchfield Road	Use of land as builder’s storage compound. No objection providing the land is vacated and returned to agricultural use within one month of the final dwelling being structurally completed.
S02/1639	6 Welland Way	Single-storey rear extension. No objection.

S02/0081	67 Frognall	Erection of dwellinghouse & replacement garage.	Granted.
S02/1344	194 Eastgate	Two-storey front and single-storey rear extensions.	Granted.
S02/1351	155 Station Road	Two-storey side extension.	Granted.
S02/1425	Plots 4 & 5 Spalding Rd	Erection of two dwellinghouses.	Granted.

Payee	Service/Item of Expenditure (Relevant power to incur)	Amount

Clerk	Salary (LGA 1972, s 112)	767.21
	Printer cartridges (LGA.1972, s 111)	35.98
Inland Revenue	Quarterly PAYE/NIC (LGA 1972, s 112)	674.80
L.C.C.	Pension (LG Pension Scheme Regs 1997)	183.46
Huddlestone Landscapes	Cemetery maintenance (LGA 1972, s 214)	120.00
Adcentre	Meeting advert (2) (subject to 50% reimbursement from M.D.T.C.) (LGA 1972, s 232)	65.80
Onyx UK Ltd	Litter picking Jubilee Playing Field (OSA 1906, s 10)	11.75
Deepings Community Trust Ltd	Storage of Linchfield Playscheme materials Aug 01 Dec 02 (LG (MP) A 1976, s 19)	68.00
S W Fisk	Mileage expenses: Collection of hedge plants for Rycroft Avenue planting scheme (LGA 1972, s 174)	48.91
Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils	Membership fee: Association of Burial Authorities - 2003 (LGA 1972, s 214) Publications (LGA 1972, s 111)	20.00 8.50
Society of Local Council Clerks	Annual membership fee (LGA 1972, s 143)	68.00
ABB Ltd	Maintenance contract: The Cross lights (PCA 1957, s 3)	10.68
Moore Stephens	Audit fee 2001/02 (ACA 1998, s 3)	411.25
Powergen Plc	Power supply The Cross lights (PCA 1957, s 3)	5.43
Castle Cleaners	Bus shelter cleaning (LG (Misc. Prov) A 1953, s 4	60.00
L.C.C. Highways	Survey/design fee Tourism sign (LGA 1972, s 144)	50.00
Lincolnshire Police Authority	Publications: Crime scenes/evidence/witness statements (L G & R A 1997, s 31)	3.50
Total		2635.20

.1	Budget & Precept 2003/04	Cllr Lewis tabled a motion that the Council considered and agreed its budgets for the forthcoming financial year and set a precept for 2003/04 accordingly. The clerk reported on the current position of the Parish Council’s finances and it was noted that there would be a projected carry forward of £33,020 at 31 March 2002 due several projects which had not started to attract any costs. Members noted that those projects which would not start before the end of the financial year would see their current budget allocation return to zero and that this had been borne in mind when formulating the base budget. On the clerk’s recommendation, it was resolved to preserve £13,500 of these balances for future liabilities and unanticipated expenses and allow the remaining sum of £19,520 to be used to offset the next budget. The clerk submitted a net base budget of running costs and outstanding commitments in the sum of £55,030. This consisted of £24,095 for general administration and advertising, £6,000 for playschemes and grant aid, £20,260 for the amenity areas, £7,700 for the upkeep of the cemeteries and £16,495 for the bus shelters programme and other highways/transport related projects. It was then agreed to split the advertising and publicity figure into two distinct headings in order to identify the cost of the newsletter separately and to also add £150 to the amenity areas budget for additional bulb planting. This had the effect of increasing the base budget to £55,180. There was strong concern expressed that the figure attributed to the maintenance of the Jubilee Playing Field once the proposed works had been completed in the sum of £2,500 could not be justified as it had not been properly costed and only represented a contingency sum. Following a debate on this issue, it was proposed and seconded that the base budget of £55,180 be approved. Under Standing Order 10, Cllr Anderson requested a recorded vote: For Against Cllr Auger Cllr Abel Cllr Chambers Cllr Anderson Cllr Dilks Cllr Fisk Cllr Lewis Cllr Shinkins Cllr Stevens The motion was therefore carried by 7 votes to 2. The clerk’s report is entered into the official minutes of the meeting. Members then debated the following projects as additional budget items: Road Safety resolved to include £500 for a new campaign. Illumination of the stone bridge resolved to include £2,500 for this project. Community cleaning resolved to include £2,000 towards additional cleaning projects. Illumination of Church Walk footpath. Proposal to include £5,800 towards cost of a shared scheme with South Kesteven District Council. Under Standing Order 10, Cllr Stevens requested a recorded vote: For Against Cllr Abel Cllr Anderson Cllr Auger Cllr Stevens Cllr Chambers Cllr Dilks Cllr Fisk Cllr Lewis Cllr Shinkins The motion was therefore carried by 7 votes to 2. It was agreed to further investigate the provision of a celebration beacon and additional community policing during the forthcoming financial year but no specific budget provision was made at this time. These additions to the base budget provided for an overall net budget of £85,500. Applying the uncommitted projected reserves of £19,520 would result in a precept of £65,980, an increase of 3% on last year’s figure. The clerk advised members that the resource equalisation grant which was worth £3.15 per band D’ property last year was likely to be withdrawn by SKDC this year in favour of depressing the council tax that authority charged. This would have the effect of increasing the band D’ figure for the Parish Council by approximately 16% in real terms even though the actual cash increase to the Parish Council was only 3%. It was noted that this was beyond the Parish Council’s control. It was resolved by 7 votes to 0 with 2 abstentions that the Parish Council submits to South Kesteven District Council, the Charging Authority, a precept of £65,980 for the financial year 2003/04. This precept will result in a band D’ equivalent charge of £28.77, an increase of 33p per month overall.

.2	Applications for grant aid	Cllr Fisk tabled a motion that the Council considered the next round of applications for grant aid assistance. Accordingly, it was resolved to make the following grants: · Market Deeping Cricket Club - £500 towards the provision of pitch covers to help the junior programme (LG (MP) A 1976 s 19). · Deeping St James Primary School - £95 towards the cost of a touring theatre production (LGA 1972 s 145). · Deeping Gang Show - £100 towards production costs (LGA 1972 s 145). On reviewing the information supplied by the Cricket Club in support of its application, it was noted that there were a significant number of members who lived in Deeping St James. It was resolved to ask the Club if it had considered changing its name to The Deepings Cricket Club to reflect this membership and that from the wider area.

.1	River Welland	Cllr Chambers advised that a feasibility study into connecting local waterways with a view to making them navigable was expected to get underway in the near future.

.2	Winter salting	Cllr Shinkins reported that either a grit bin or the salting vehicle was needed in the Hards Lane vicinity. The clerk advised that this was being pursued with the Highways Surveyor.

.3	Electricity supply	In view of the recent and frequent interruptions in the power supply, Cllr Lewis requested that a notice of motion be tabled in this respect at the next meeting.

.4	Burnt out car	Cllr Stevens reported that there was a burnt out car on Custom Road. It was understood that the authorities were already aware of this but Cllr Auger volunteered to take the matter up directly with SKDC.

.5	The Cross	Cllr Abel remarked that a notice warning vandals of prosecution in the event of damage to The Cross had never been put up as had originally been intended when the refurbishment works were undertaken. The clerk will look into this.

.6	Willow Tree - Park Road	The clerk advised the Lincolnshire County Council had found this tree to be in a dangerous condition and requiring immediate removal. The clerk had sought agreement for a replacement tree to be planted in the vicinity and this had been confirmed.