2023 Minutes of Meetings

Minutes 9th November 2023

MINUTES

 

HACONBY & STAINFIELD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

THURSDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2023 IN ST ANDREW’S CHURCH

 

Present: Councillors Richard Dixon-Warren (Chairman), Brian Blackbourn (Vice Chairman),

Dennis Sharman, David Winn

 

Parish Clerk – Mrs Wendy Gray

4 members of the public were also present

 

  1. Chairman’s Introduction and Announcements.  Cllr Dixon-Warren welcomed all to the meeting. 

 

  1. Public Questions, Comments or Representations. 

 

Village ‘Green’ – comment on suggestion of ‘no-mow May’ in 2024 referred to state of the ‘Green’ in May 2023 – weeds and no wildflowers, visitors trying to sit on seat unable to because of docks, looked very untidy and was difficult to mow.  Since reinstatement of regular mowing, people now commenting how lovely the ‘Green’ now looks.  Council consensus following discussion was not to do ‘No mow May’ next year.  Therefore, keeping verges and, the ‘Green’, looking good will inevitably increase expenditure on highways verge grass cutting.  Estimate required to inform discussion on precept at the next meeting.

 

Litter pick – tie in with grass cutting? Mr Kirby volunteered to take on the post of community cleaner, concurrent with grass cutting during the cutting season.  Council consensus – this would require the Council to roll over the grass cutting contract (as it has done in the past) which would provide certainty and predictability.  To be discussed at the next meeting.

 

Trees east of Hall Road (near bus shelter) very tall, blocking out light, unable to see Church from window – is there a limit on how high trees should be?  Council to check and report.

 

Reminder of damage at corner of West and Hall Roads.  To be reported on ‘fix My Street’.

 

  1. Apologies for Absence.  Parish Councillor Laura Leyland.

 

  1. External Updates – LCC/SKDC/Parish Council/PCC/Police/LALC.

 

LCC – no update.

SKDC – District Councillor’s October Update to go on website.

PCC – PCC Engagement with Parishes on 7th December scheduled – report at next meeting.

Police – Parish Neighbourhood Policing Priorities requested – deadline 4th December.  Quarterly Update anticipated.

LALC – no update.

 

  1. Disclosures of Interests. Cllr Dixon-Warren (District Councillor SKDC and Secretary, PCC).  Cllr Sharman (PCC).

 

  1. Minutes. To resolve that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council meeting held on 14th September 2023 be signed as a correct record.  No matters arising - Cllr Blackbourn proposed, Cllr Winn seconded, all in agreement for Minutes be signed. 

 

  1. Administrative Report and Correspondence Received. Website – working with LCC issues appear to have been resolved.  Precept 2024/2025 documentation received from SKDC.

 

  1. Invoices.  Discuss and resolve payment and ratification as required.

Parish Clerk salary and expenses £274.79

PC Contribution to mowing of Churchyard- £640.00

Donation to Church re use of Meeting Room – £20.00

 

Cllr Blackbourn proposed above payments are made, Cllr Sharman seconded, all in agreement for payments to be made.

 

Income Received since last meeting. None.

 

  1. Planning Applications.  No new applications received.

 

  1. Risk Assessment Update.  None.

 

  1. Business Items:

 

  1. Parish Strategy and Environment.  Main item was the Green and whether or not Council could / should create a biodiversity and / or environmental policy.   Consensus was no.  Discussion on contribution a Parish Council can make to net zero.

 

  1. Parish Finance/Budget/Precept 2024-25.  Deadline for request to be submitted is 19th January 2024.  Will discuss in detail at January meeting.  Will need to look at Budget more carefully, grass cutting is going to become more expensive for us, look at whether we raise Precept and by how much.

 

  1. Parish Land.  Cllr Blackbourn reported layby cleared and some hedge cutting done – complete rest after Christmas break.  When weather and ground drier will look at clearing dykes. Tenancies – Chairman to chase outstanding arrears. 

 

  1. Parish Guide and Emergency Plan.  Chairman getting close to finalising draft updated Parish Guide and Emergency Plan – look to adopting next year.

 

  1. Community Cleaner.  As discussed in Item 2.

 

  1. BDUK Rural Gigabit Voucher Scheme-Quickline.  Chairman has been chasing for an update on and off for about 3 months.  Understand some residents in the village have already got it.  Not gone as planned – problems delivering what promised.

 

  1. Defibrillator.  Repaired and working.  Chairman to register on system so available for use.  Not a simple thing to do etc.  Close to have working!!  Council consensus on LIVES taking responsibility for maintenance and training.  Chairman to follow up and report back.

 

  1. Any Other Business.  None.

 

  1. Date of Next Meeting.  Thursday 4th January 2024 – venue to be confirmed.

 

  1. Closed Session.  None.                                                 

 

The Meeting closed at 8.10 p.m.