Minutes of the Council Meeting held on
29 January 2007, at Martin Village Hall at 7.30pm

1.  Apologies for absence were presented from Cllr B Busby, Cllr M Corbett incorporated in her letter of resignation to take effect from today.  County Cllr P Bradwell.  Present were Cllr MJ Stephens MBE, Cllr C Vickers, Cllr J Evans, Cllr Z Scoley MBE and Cllr F Phillip.  Also in attendance District Cllr F Ambridge.

2. Declarations of Interest. The Chair reminded the meeting of the need to declare any interests should they arise, none were declared at this time.

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting. The minutes of the meeting on 27 Nov 2006 were accepted as a true and accurate record and duly signed by the Chair.  However, it was noted by Cllr Vickers that the minutes of the meeting held on 2 Dec 2006 were in error at paragraph 3 where it is noted Cllr Vickers declared an interest; this was in fact Cllr Busby.  The Chair in acknowledging the error, made a manuscript amendment to the official record and there being no further concerns duly signed them.

4. Reports from Outside Bodies. Cllr Fred Ambridge addressed the meeting on the progress of the sports field, he outlined the various options that NKDC are considering and set out the financial implications.  He lay before the Council a letter from NKDC detailing these, copy of this letter is enclosed with these minutes.
              
   Mr Steven Donagain Senior Ranger from Hill Holt spoke of the partnership between NDKC and themselves.  They have 8 Rangers using police boundaries, which they patrol. Unfortunately, they are unable to help us in connection with the litter picking problem, as their work area is outside the village boundaries.  If we have problems with fly tipping in the area they are able to help. Martin falls within Anthony Gwynne’s jurisdiction.

5. Public Question Time.  No questions from members of the public were notified to the Clerk in advance of meeting and no public were present.

6.  Matters arising from Previous Meetings.
   
   Meeting of the 27 Nov 2006

• Item 6a Sports Field.  Chair advised that he had just attended a preparatory meeting and briefing on LCC Capital Grants funding.  As a result he has learnt that the shared ownership and the contamination are significant impediments to progress.  He has been advised that a piecemeal, step by step approach would be best.  Accordingly, he has researched the possible construction of a small children’s discrete play area, this would cost about £30,000.  A case for funding for this area would have good prospects of success and was commended as a good way ahead.  A short discussion then took place on this suggestion and potential other funding sources.  It was agreed that the Chair should continue to progress this matter.  It was noted that work in kind can count as match funding and Cllr Phillip indicated that in principle Martin Youth Bikes would be willing to be involved and such assistance would fall under this.  The Chair before moving on sought confirmation from the Council that there were no alternatives available to resolve these long standing problems; for example selling the land and purchasing an alternative site.  Cllr Evans responded by advising this is not an option due to the terms of the ownership and planning consents would not be forthcoming. 
• Item 6b Caravans Martin Dales, no response having been received from NKDC, the Clerk was asked to raise these issues once again.
• Item 6e Mary King School road safety, in the absence of County Cllr P Bradwell it was resolved to defer this matter to the next meeting.
• Item 10a appointment of Parish Clerk.  Chair declared an interest, handed the meeting over to Cllr C Vickers and left the room.  The new contract, drawn up in accordance with National Association of Local Councils, had been circulated to the Council in advance of the meeting.  After a short discussion it was agreed as acceptable, formally proposed by Cllr C Vickers and seconded by Cllr J Evans.  All were in favour and the document duly signed by the acting Chair and the new Clerk.  Cllr J Evans commended the inclusion of training and development and encouraged the new Clerk to pursue this at the earliest opportunity.  Cllr MJ Stephens MBE returned to the meeting.
• Item 10b vacant allotment.  Chair confirmed that no further contact had been made by the potential tenant, it was agreed they should be given a further opportunity to take this up failing which the land should be offered to an adjoining tenant.  

7. Correspondence.
   
   Following information items were considered:

• County News October 2006
• NKCVS News letter - Autumn and Winter 2006.
• Every Penny Counts – Newsletter from Community Accounting.
• Clerks and Councils Direct – Suppliers Guide and Year book, copy of article on Roles and Relationships has been distributed.
• Chesterfield Law Centre – East Midlands Disabilities Rights Advice Service.  Poster to be displayed on village notice board.
• Clerks and Councils Direct – Jan 2007 News Letter
• Holy Trinity Church - thank you letter.
• NKDC – Annual Monitoring Report/Local Development Scheme.
• LCC – Grant Aid application.
• NKDC – Street Numbering 12 Mill Lane.
• LCC – Fire and Rescue Management Plan.
• Lincolnshire Police Authority News Letter.
• Crime Update Sgt Lockyer Crime Prevention Officer.  Copy to be displayed on village notice board.
• The Implication of the Decision of Mr Justice Collins in the Livingstone Case.  The significance of this ruling was discussed and it was resolved that the content should be communicated to new Cllrs.
• Glasdon Local Councils News-Sheet – Winter 2006/2007.
• Community & Planning Service – Tree preservation order Wyatt Close.
  
  
  Following Action items were considered.

1. Donation Request – Sleaford CAB, it was resolved to determine if this CAB supports the Metheringham facility, or whether support comes from Lincoln.  Dependant upon the outcome of this it was agreed that the Council would be prepared to consider a grant in the future of £25 to the relevant body.
2. NKDC – Parish Election/Co-option of Councillors, considered later at item 10.
3. LPFA – Meeting 15 February 2007, unfortunately no Cllr was available to attend this meeting.
4. Parish Precept – NKDC letter of 18 December 2006, considered as separate item 9c
5. NKDC Planning Gain Supplement.  This was noted.
6. Local Councils Update – Subscription, following a short discussion it was agreed this is a valuable resource and subscription should be renewed.  Proposed by Cllr Z Scoley MBE, seconded by Cllr F Phillip that print edition at £65 per annum was appropriate, all agreed.
7. Mobile Police Station – Next visit 16 February 2007, poster to be displayed on notice board.  (After note, notification later received visit was cancelled due to operational reasons).
8. LCC Nominations for Primary School Review Panels, no Cllr was able to undertake this activity.
9. Learning and Skills Council Survey, Chair agreed to action.
10. Lincolnshire NHS PCT – Deliberative Workshops, several Cllrs indicated their intention to attend.
11. Request from Mrs Drury for erection of headstone, after short discussion the request was agreed, Clerk was reminded that a charge arises from this activity.
12. LALC – Bids for IT Resource, it was agreed the Council presently has no requirement.

8. Planning Applications.  The successful appeal in respect of Jays Barn was discussed and the implications for the future duly noted.

      9.  Financial Matters.

       Approval of accounts –Balances as at 29 Jan 2007:
       Current a/c £723.15         Reserve a/c  £7837.54.

       Transfer of £1000.00 to Current a/c from Reserve a/c 17 Jan 2007.
       (Cllr J Evans drew to attention that this transfer should have been authorised in
       advance by the full Council.  Chair apologised for this error.  It was agreed that
       resulting from the appointment of the new Clerk a fresh bank mandate was
       necessary, Clerk to action at next meeting).

Note:

Allotment rent of £329.31 was initially rejected by the Bank.  This has subsequently been paid in full in cash and re-credited to the Bank.

1. Audit 2005/6 Accounts – these accounts have now been audited and accepted and the necessary public notifications made. 
2. Council Precept. NKDC required an estimated precept requirement to be submitted to them by 19 January 2007.  Budget Statement has been prepared and is attached for consideration.  The Council is invited to confirm the estimate submitted.  Proposed by Cllr C Vickers, seconded by Cllr J Evans with all in favour.

10.   Appointment of New Councillors.  The appropriate officer at NKDC has confirmed in writing that there is no requirement for this Council to hold an Election; as only two persons have put themselves forward for the two vacancies.  The Chair confirmed with Mrs S Phillip and Mr B Downing that they were both willing and able to take up the appointment.  Proposed by Cllr C Vickers, that they should be co-opted to the Council.  Cllr F Phillip excused himself at this point declaring an interest.  Proposal seconded by Cllr Z Scoley MBE with all remaining Councillors in favour.  Chair invited them to join the table and asked the Clerk to action the necessary paperwork at their earliest convenience

11. Representation by Mr Bingham of Moore Lane.  Although Mr Bingham had asked to address the Council, he failed to attend.

12.  Items for Discussion and Information.  Chair confirmed that Cllr M Corbett has resigned in writing from the Council from 29 Jan 2007 and that accordingly a further election requirement arose.  It was agreed by the Council that action on should be deferred until the next meeting in order to allow consultation with potential candidates.

12.   Date of next meeting 26 Mar 2007.