December 2019 Minutes
Draft Minutes of the Billingborough Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 10 December 2019 in the Billingborough Primary School, Victoria Street
Present: Cllrs C. Woodhead (Chairman), P. Pocock, R. Stafford, F. Stevenson, V Vince, D Cope
In Attendance: Mrs H. Beaver (Clerk)
There were no members of public present, so the Chairman opened the Meeting at 6.30pm.
1. Chairman’s Opening Remarks
226. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained that two Cllrs had resigned since the last meeting.
2. Apologies for absence
227.No apologies for absence were received.
3. Receive any new Declarations of Interest
228. There were no new declarations of interest notified
4. To Approve the Minutes of the last Meeting
229. The Draft Minutes of the Meeting on Tuesday 12 November were unanimously accepted as a true record of the Meeting; the Chairman signed the file copy.
5. a) Proposed purchase of hawthorn bushes
230. It was Resolved to purchase 20 x hawthorn bushes at £1 +VAT each, to use as infill
in the boundary hedge at the recreation Ground.
b) Reimbursement of allotment water bill to BAGS
231. It was Resolved to reimburse BAGS with immediate effect for Inv no 6098277, value £163.55. CLERK to action.
c) Donation towards Recreation Ground upkeep from HPC
232. It was Resolved to write to HPC regarding this matter and to enquire about a possible increase.
d) Review of land rents
233. It was Resolved not to increase any land rents for the next financial year. Cllr Stafford tasked to establish value of land for next meeting.
e) Anglian Water Inspection, decision re cricket pitch.
234. It was Resolved to implement the option of erecting a stand pipe. As this would mean using a hosepipe when watering the pitch, it was RESOLVED to advise the Cricket Club that if this was left unattended any liability would rest with the Cricket Club and the Agreement to be altered accordingly. Clerk to notify Cricket Club and arrange signing of new Agreement.
f) Council Newsletter, frequency and responsibility
235. No one volunteered to take on the task. The Chair agreed to write a submission bimonthly, on a temporary basis.
g) Hedge Cutting Contract.
236. It was Resolved to accept the quote from Glendale. Clerk to notify.
h) Outstanding Projects.
237. It was Resolved that the planned purchase of another speed sign would not go ahead but to carry on with the Springwells refurbishment.
i) Clerk Report (previously circulated) and correspondence.
238. No comments or questions received
i) Comments on planning applications;
239. No objections to S19/2070
ii) S19/0084 –
240. No further update.
6. Finance Matters:
a) FY 2019/2020 Accounts to Date, (previously circulated) & Approval of Expenditure
241. The previous circulated accounts to 30 November were presented. There were no comments or questions.
242. The previously circulated list of expenditure for approval was presented and agreed.
b) FY 2020/2021 Draft Budget, Projects & Precept Setting
243.The previously circulated draft budget and project ideas were discussed, including: provision of a community warden, hedge cutting of the cemetery field, pruning of the trees at the recreation ground, purchase of a noticeboard, contractor’s wages, possible fence around the skatepark, planters and signs at The Springwells moss treatment on tennis courts, planting of a tree for VE Day. Clerk to circulate and publish the updated DRAFT Budget.
7. Closed Session
244. The Chairman read the required statement and it was RESOLVED to move into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 due to the confidential nature of the topic being discussed.
a) Update on Aveland Land Sale
245. It was Resolved to accept the recommendations made by Mr.M. King of amendments to clauses 12.3 and 12.4. In respect of 12.4, a time frame of 12 months was agreed.
b) Clerk’s revised contract
246. It was Resolved to accept the clause, previously circulated to all Councillors, and to amend the Clerk’s contract accordingly. Chair to action.
There being no more business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.03pm.
Next Parish Council Meeting: Tuesday 14th Jan 2020 commencing at 6.30 pm At Billingborough Primary School