Minutes 9th May 23 Annual Parish Meeting (unapproved until next APM)
WELTON LE MARSH PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
HELD 9TH MAY 2023
PRESENT: Cllrs Hardcastle, Cladingbowl, Faulkner-Smith, Holiday and Tong as members of the public, Cllr Williams (Chairman of the Parish Council); Cllr Eyre (ELDC) and Cllr Davie (LCC)
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk) and 8 members of the public.
1. WELCOME
The Chairman (Cllr Williams) welcomed all to the meeting and explained the purpose of the annual parish Meeting, being open to electors of the parish.
2. MINUTE OF THE MEETING HELD 3rd MAY 2022
The chairman read out the minutes of the last Annual Parish Meeting and it was resolved that these be signed as a correct record of that meeting.
3. UPDATE ON PARISH COUNCIL ACTIVITIES AND FINANCES 22/23
The Chairman gave an update on Parish Council activities over the past civic year, covering working with LCC and landowners to improve the definitive footpaths and replace stiles with gates; discussing various issues and policies relating to the allotments; working with LCC to install chevrons on Gunby Road, supporting Village Hall Committee to provide Jubilee celebrations and more recently Coronation celebrations; installing jubilee bench; clearing the path on Gunby Road, obtaining consent for planters to be installed at village entrance signs, purchasing defib pads; requesting LCC to look to making Mill Lane unsuitable for HGVs, welcoming new councillors Tong, Cladingbowl and Hardcastle, looking to resurrect Emergency Plan, agreeing to leave precept static at £4508, reporting numerous potholes and block drains. In addition the Parish Council objected to 26 lodges at Misty Meadows, and sent various documents to ELDC to support residents objections; supported extension at Rookery Farm, had no objections to annex at Graves Farm, fence at Welton Quarries and house at Boothby Cottage.
Cllr Bradley did not complete his nomination papers and therefore left the Council following the May elections.
On the financial side, total receipts for the council were £18578, however this was due to ELDC overpaying precept by £13471, other income included a grant of £250, VAT reclaim of £127 and allotment rents and wayleave of £221. Expenditure totalled £18067, with the bulk of that being repayment to ELDC of overpaid precept £13471. Other expenditure included staff salaries at £2671; insurance and audit at £497; grounds at £602; new bench at £225; miscellaneous at £169 and VAT paid (to reclaim) of £132.
Carried forward amount of £11473, of which £3084 is earmarked funding, leaving available PC funds carry forward to 23/24 of £8389.
4. QUESTIONS
Prior to questions the Parish Council passed on its thanks to the Village Hall Committee for their work in organising the Coronation Event. The Village Hall Committee said it had been a good success, good weather and good attendance by villagers. Thanks to Parish council for grant towards the expenses, thanks to Ms Cladingbowl and Mr Faulkner-Smith for donation of raffle prizes, and thanks to all the volunteers who gave up their time before, during and afterwards.
Member of the public advised he would have helped with the path clearing but did not get notification until too late. Agreed to look at better communication
Member of the public asked if the Council could consider holding more frequent meetings, concerns being that opportunity to respond to planning applications may be missed. Agreed to discuss at the next Parish Council (June). Also concerned that some applications had not been sent to the Parish Council, to provide a Clerk with a list of those which were felt to have been missed.
Cllr Davie (LCC) took opportunity to give a brief update on LCC matters, in particular the need to be aware of potential large infrastructure development which may impact on the area including cabling from wind farms, on shore sub stations and pylons. Felt that being within an AONB would assist in any objections.
Cllr Davie to do a walkabout with highways officer in June and would be coming through Welton le Marsh.
Clrl Eyre (ELDC) explained the position with ELDC following the elections, with no overall party in control. There was a general feeling that both ELDC and LCC need to communicate and consult more with local Parish Councils and residents.
Devolution for Lincolnshire plan currently submitted to Government.
There being no further business the Annual Parish Meeting closed at 7.40pm