Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on
30 July 2007 held in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.

1.             Apologies for Absence – apologies were received from Cllr c Vickers, Cllr WB Busby.  Those present Cllr J Evans, Cllr B Downing, Cllr MJ Stephens MBE and Parish Clerk Mrs K Stephens.  The Chair confirmed the meeting was quorate.

Also Present County Cllr P Bradwell, apologies received from Dist Cllr F Ambridge and PC Daniels.

2.             Declarations of Interest - None.

3.             Minutes of Previous Meeting – The minutes of the meeting of 30 July 2007 were accepted as being correct, proposed by Cllr J Evans and seconded by Cllr Downing, duly signed by the Chairman Cllr MJ Stephens MBE.

4.             Reports from Outside Bodies – County Cllr P Bradwell advised that the Post Office review was causing concerns as this is seen as once again threatening village post offices.  A short discussion confirmed the significance and value of these amenities and agreed that effective support for their retention is warranted.

Cllr J Evans drew to attention the overgrown state of the hedges alongside the Timberland Road from Timberland and asked if action can be taken to rectify this problem as it is posing a road safety hazard particularly on the bend at the junction.  County Cllr P Bradwell confirmed she would take this matter up with the relevant authorities.

County Cllr P Bradwell reported that the Local Parish Partner Initiative is examining the possibility of obtaining a reactive speed restriction/warning sign.

5.             Public Question Time – Although no prior notice had been given the Chair recognised that Mr J Audis who was in attendance wished, to raise an issue and invited him to address the meeting.  Mr J Audis indicated concerns about both the management and continued viability of the Village Hall.  The Chair in responding indicated that these issues were very familiar to the Council, but reminded Mr J Audis that until specific questions could be answered the ability of the Council to assist is severely limited.  The three most important questions being:

1. What are the terms of the Trustee Deed in particular are there limitations on the disposal of the hall – for example is it specified that it should revert to the original donor or their heirs?
2. Are there any restrictions imposed by the Charity Commission as to how the current Trust can be closed.
3. Presently the Council has no budgetary plans that would allow for taking on board such a commitment – this would have to be properly researched and costed out.

Mr J Audis advised that he was hoping to meet with a representative of the Community Council in the near future; the Chair responded that he would be pleased to attend such a meeting.  A short discussion ensued and all were agreed that the Village Hall is an important amenity that must be retained if at all possible.

The Parish Clerk placed before the Council a letter received from the Headmaster, Mrs Mary King’s Primary School requesting that consideration be given to placing a dog waste bin on the corner as considerable dog fouling is being experienced around the school.  The Council having discussed the matter responded that regretfully this was not possible both because of funding issues and the close proximity of the existing facility – if dog owners are not prepared to use this bin, it is highly unlikely that they would use a new one.
However, it was noted that the recent exercise to display more dog fouling hazard signs has resulted in a new sign being displayed in this area and hopefully this may have some impact.

6              To Consider and Confirm Orders/Mandates

1. Financial Regulations – Acceptance of regulations proposed by Cllr B Downing, seconded by Cllr J Evans and agreed by all.
2. Banking Mandate – This was completed to add Cllr B Downing to the list of account holders/authorised signatories. 

7.             Clerk’s Report

1. The Stepping Stones – The owner has now complied and removed hedge.
2. Dog Fouling Signs have now been erected.
3. Street Lighting – NKDC informed and is in hand.
4. Solicitors – Letter sent no response, Chair indicated that he would personally call and enquire when next he is in Sleaford.
5. No request for Precept from Village Hall – Mr J Audis responded that this was an oversight, provided the necessary accounts and formally request that a donation be made. See item 10.
6. Newsletter – Timberland Parish Council are still debating after their meeting of the 7 July.  We have received a positive response from the Church with details.  Mr Slaney requested that dog fouling should be mentioned but no other information. The Metheringham Airfield is interested, but no response from the others that I have contacted.
7. A response to your comments on affordable housing has been received and is being considered along with others before a decision is taken on the future of the site.  If they decide to develop the site planning permission would be required, and a separate consultation exercise will take place under planning procedures.

8              Correspondence

For Information

1. Smoke Free Legislation – noted.
2. Countryside Access and Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2007-2012 – noted.
3. LALC News June 2007 – noted.
4. Local Councils Update June/July 2007 – noted
5. ESPO Energy Matters – noted
6. Drinking Water Quality Summary Report 2006 – noted.
7. Clerks & Councils Direct July 2007 – noted.
8. Urbanscape – noted.  The Chair suggested to the Council that the notice board was in poor condition, it was suggested that Mr Mike Houseman should be contacted, all agreed.
9. The Clerk – noted
10. Allotments West Grove a scoping exercise – noted.
11. Ministry of Defence – postage for servicemen/women on operations, a government response indicates that the Council were misinformed on this matter and that in fact service personnel and their families are entitled to concessionary postal facilities.
12. North Kesteven Community Support – no action at present time.
13. Local Strategic Partnership Newsletter Spring 2007 – noted.

For Action

1. Adoption of new Code of Conduct including 12(2) – Proposed by Cllr J Evans, seconded by Cllr B Downing and duly carried.  No changes to current declaration have been advised.
2. Trees for Parish Schemes – it was agreed that this year no trees are required.
3. Client Services Booklet – discussed, Cllr J Evans enquired as to the grass cutting programme.  It was agreed that arrangements should be made for a cut of the verges to the west of the village and that the appropriate landowners be asked to cut their hedges as necessary.
4. Draft North Kesteven’s Play Strategy Executive Summary 2007 – 2012, it was noted for future action as relevant to the playing field situation.
5. Martin Playing Field – CEO NKDC has advised that further consideration is being given to alternative remedies and costs.  He has indicated a further response will be made within a month.
6. Funding for Communities – noted no action at this time.
7. Preparing for Winter 2007 – noted no action at this time.

9.             Planning

• Amendment to plans for conversion of ground floor store to two-bedroom flat, 27 High Street, for information only.
  1. Withdrawal of non-determination of planning application, Mr & Mrs Ward.
  2. Two storey side extension 130 high Street, Martin, no comments.
  3. Change of use of shop/store to one unit of holiday accommodation, 84 High Street, Martin.  No comments.

10.          Financial Matters               

Consideration of Precept for Martin Church – proposed by Cllr B Downing, seconded by Cllr J Evans with all in favour, that £200.00 is donated to the church as a contribution towards the cost of ongoing building repairs and grounds maintenance.
 
Consideration of Precept for Cricket Club – proposed by Cllr J Evans, seconded by Cllr B Downing with all in favour, that £200.00 be donated to the club to support their continued activities and in particular in recognition of the additional costs arising from the use of the playing area by young people caused by the closure of the playing field, particularly the grass maintenance.

Consideration of Precept for Martin Village Hall – proposed by Cllr J Evans, seconded by Cllr B Downing with all in favour, that £250.00 is donated to the hall to defray part of the costs of an electrical survey and refurbishment.

11.          Date of next Meeting - Monday 24 September 2007

Meeting finished at 20.45 hrs.