October 2023 Minutes
Hagworthingham Parish Council
Minutes of a meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 16 October 2023 commencing at 7.30 p.m.
Present: With Cllr Jan Hewitt, Vice-Chairman in the Chair, there were present, Cllrs – Mark Clayton, Catherine Horton, Paul Masters
Absent: Cllrs Edmund Done, Jackie Featherstone
Also present: 4 members of the public
Prior to the commencement of the meeting concern was raised by local residents in respect of a recent spate of burglaries locally. In the absence of any other questions or reports of Police or District and County Councillors, the Chairman declared the meeting opened at 7.45 p.m.
58. Chairman’s Announcements
There were none.
59. Apologies for absence and reasons given
It was
RESOLVED – That apologies, with valid reasons for absence, be accepted from Cllrs Edmund Done and Jackie Featherstone.
60. Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 not previously notified and/or consideration of any written request for Dispensation
There were none.
61. Notes of the meeting of the Council held on Monday 4 September 2023 to be approved as Minutes to be signed by the Chairman
It was proposed by Cllr Horton, seconded by Cllr Masters and:-
RESOLVED – That the notes of the meeting of the Council held on Monday 4 September 2023 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman at a later date.
62. Co-Option to Vacant Seat
It was reported that a local resident had come forward for co-option but was unable to attend this meeting. This item would be deferred for consideration to the next meeting.
63. Community Speedwatch and Passive Speed Notices
It being reported that no progress had been made with new volunteers, an offer to publicise an appeal in the Village Voice was welcomed, with exercises deferred to the Spring.
It was
RESOLVED – That 4 x 30 mph passive speed notices be purchased at a cost of £80, with an additional 4 x 40 mph speed notices being provided free of charge. These replace existing and are to be put on a regular rotation in accordance with the LRSP agreement.
64. Provision of a second defibrillator for the village
It was reported that further information gathering was ongoing and negotiation around possible locations being pursued and funding streams explored. Cllr Masters undertook to bring a final proposal to the next meeting.
65. Update on War Memorial Repairs/Renovations
It was reported that the works to secure the plaques on the War Memorial had been completed and although some concern was expressed around the work, the Chairman assured Members that the contractor was planning to revisit to check progress of the curing of the lime mortar and refinish, as necessary.
66. Parish Land
(i) With regard to the Parish Land, it was proposed by Cllr Masters that disposal of the land be considered and explored.
(ii) Members were asked to consider and decide how to proceed in the matter of the renewal of the Parish Land lease (or otherwise), the three year initial term coming to an end on 30 April 2024.
Note: In light of possible expenses involved in (i), above, no proposal was made to pursue disposal of the Parish Land.
It was
RESOLVED – That renewal of the Parish Land lease on the same terms as existing be formally agreed.
67. Exploration of provision of play area for the village
It was proposed by Cllr Masters that the Parish Council explores the provision of a play area for the village, to include possible locations, possible acquisition of land and costings and funding via grants and/or loans.
It was
RESOLVED – That a task and finish group comprising Cllrs Masters and Horton be formed to progress initial exploration of options as detailed above.
68. Request to fund display stand for WI Remembrance Poppies
Members considered a request to fund the build, including erection/dismantling and storage of a tailor made wooden display stand to house a grand display of knitted poppies donated by the WI. The cost of materials/labour being requested was £210.
Note: Some Members had concerns over the propriety of such a donation from PC funds and, on this basis, no proposal was made to consider further.
69. Financial Matters
(a) Monies at Bank
(b) To approve S.137 donation to The Poppy Appeal for poppy wreath - £20.00
(c) To approve payment of outstanding invoices (as per Appendix A)
(d) To receive interim accounts and bank reconciliation (to be presented at November meeting)
(e) Update on progress with additional bank signatories.
It was proposed by Cllr Masters, seconded by Cllr Clayton and:-
RESOLVED – (a) That items (a) (b) and (c) above be noted and approved; with interim accounts and bank reconciliations deferred for consideration to the November meeting.
(b) that progress on bank signatory arrangements by Cllr Featherstone was unknown, and Cllr Masters no longer wished to be considered for authority as a signatory due to pressure of work commitments.
70. To receive reports from Councillors relating to outstanding projects
Serious concerns of local residents would be forwarded to the Police with regard to the recent spate of burglaries locally.
The matter of a Neighbourhood Watch group being formed by Cllr Featherstone and a local resident would be on the agenda of the next meeting for discussion and clarification on how it is proposed to operate.
71. To receive reports from the Clerk in relation to Council matters
There were none.
72. To receive general correspondence
Members were advised of an event with Victoria Atkins MP and an online Police and Crime Commissioner forum; Parish concerns over recent burglaries would be forwarded to the Police forum.
73. To confirm the date of the next meeting of the Council
It was proposed, seconded and:-
RESOLVED – That the date of the next meeting of the Parish Council be agreed as Monday 27 November 2023 to commence at 7.00 p.m. in JJ’s Café. Please note winter start time.
74. To resolve to go into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 to discuss the following matter:-
Clerk’s annual appraisal and matters relating to the terms and conditions of the Clerk’s contract of employment.
It was proposed, seconded and:-
RESOLVED – That the above matter be discussed in closed session
This part of the meeting closed at 8.20 p.m.
Minute arising from confidential item:-
75. Clerk’s annual appraisal and matters relating to the terms and conditions of the Clerk’s contract of employment
It was proposed by Cllr Hewitt, seconded by Cllr Clayton and:-
RESOLVED – That, in recognition of the excellent and valuable work that she does, the Clerk’s hourly rate be increased by two spinal column points.
The meeting closed at 8.30 p.m.