minutes Annual Council meeting 20th May 24
WELTON LE MARSH PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 20TH May 2024
Present: Cllr Williams (Chairman); Cllrs Hardcastle, Tong, Holiday; Crome; Faulkner-smith
Mrs J. Cooper (parish Clerk)
3 members of the public.
1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN & RECEIVE DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE
Cllr Holiday proposed Cllr Tong, who declined the nomination.
Cllr Tong proposed Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Holiday. Cllr Williams accepted and as there were no further nominations it was resolved that Cllr Williams remain as Chairman for the forthcoming civic year.
Cllr Williams signed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office which was counter signed by the Clerk as Proper Officer of the Council.
2. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN
Cllr Tong proposed Cllr Holiday, seconded by Cllr Hardcastle. Cllr Holiday accepted and as there were no further nominations it was resolved that Cllr Holiday remain as Vice Chairman for the forthcoming civic year.
3. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies and valid reasons for absence were received from Cllr Cladingbowl and these were accepted.
Cllr Eyre (ELDC) also sent his apologies.
4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were none.
5. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 2ND APRIL 2024
It was resolved that the Chairman sign these as a correct record of that meeting.
6. UPDATES
Minute 110 – Defib – now been checked, Cllr Hardcastle now taken on responsibility.
Minute 113 – Allotments. Cllr Faulkner Smith to look at the track. Cllr Holiday advised tenant with all the equipment that the Council was not favourable towards the storage, that the plots and equipment needed to be tidied. Situation to be monitored. Councillors to meet and carry out an inspection of the allotments shortly.
Minute 115 – Letter of objection uploaded regarding the appeal at Misty Meadows.
7. DRAINAGE VILLAGE HALL
Cllrs Hardcastle and Holiday had lifted the lids to the septic tank which appears to be in working order. Feels the blockage is from the verge to the manhole cover and beyond towards the tank. It was recommended that a professional company be asked to look at this on behalf of the Council, Clerk to arrange quotes and inspections.
There is a separate drain running under the Village Hall car park which is not connected to the Hall and which runs under the road to a drain which is overflowing and potentially contaminated with sewage. To be reported to Environment Agency as a potential health hazard.
Once established what the problem is and the work required, Clerk to enquire if insurance covers this.
8. CHRISTMAS
It was resolved to purchase 2 no wall brackets to be fixed to the Village Hall to hold small Christmas trees, which would be decorated with battery powered lights. Location of brackets to be agreed with Village Hall committee.
9. FINANCIAL MATTERS
a) Accounts for payment:
It was resolved that the following accounts be paid:
Clerks salary & PAYE (April/May) £333.82
Internal Auditor £ 30.00
Grass cutting £ 72.00
Insurance £606.50
b) AGAR audit forms
The Clerk went through the forms and it was resolved that the Chairman sign:
i. Certificate of Exemption
ii. Governance Statement
iii. Accounting Statement
The Internal Auditors report was noted, which raised no issues.
10 POLICIES
It was resolved that the following policies be agreed with no amendments:
Standing Orders
Financial Regulations
Asset List
Code of Conduct
Date Protection
Risk Assessment
Complaints Procedure
Recording at Meetings
Public Participation
Planning
Allotment Risk Assessment
The following to be considered at the next meeting:
Allotment Policy (Cllr Holiday to forward final version to Clerk)
Allotment Inspection Guidance
Staffing Policy
11. PLANNING
537/24 – Oaklands – Extension. No observations.
Land adj West View – erection of House – Conditionally approved (to be in accordance with plans; archaeological report to be submitted; schedule external works to be approved; landscaping and boundary treatment to be approved; surface and foul water strategy to be approved.
National Grid – underground Cabling. This is in addition to the pylons proposed for the area. It was agreed to object on the grounds of industrialisation of rural landscape.
12 ANY OTHER MATTERS
Weight Limit – Mill Lane – Clerk to chase outcome
It was agreed to send agenda to Rev Father Aiden as he expressed an interest in Parish Council matters and would be keen to attend if there was anything he could assist with.
13 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
This was set as 2nd July 2024.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.15pm