May 2024 Minutes
Allington Parish Council
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting held in Allington Village Hall
08th May 2024
PRESENT
Cllr Baron Cllr Mark Whittington
Cllr Storer Cllr Robert Leadenham
Cllr Marvin
Cllr Plummer 5x Village Residents
Cllr Lowes
Cllr Reynolds
1. WELCOME & PUBLIC FORUM
Cllr Baron welcomed everyone to the meeting and announced in a change to the agenda, the public will have their chance to speak first. He reminded the public that they should remember they had 5 minutes each in which to speak but he may extend the expected 15 minute total duration if required.
Two villagers raised the topic of Sewstern Lane, stating they were concerned LCC were stalling in making their decision to change the use to restricted byway as they had extended the consultation period by one month.
Cllr Mark Whittington advised this was a normal procedure for LCC. Cllr Storer confirmed the Parish Council had registered their representation and would continue to follow the proceedings.
A concern was raised by one villager as to the state of the drainage in the Village Hall and requested assistance from the Parish Council ringfenced fund to help pay. Only one quote has so far been obtained and this was in the region of £3,000.
There was a query raised by a villager as to why the grant paid to the Village Hall from the precept of approximately £800 per year had stopped being paid in 2018.
Further quotes were requested by the Parish Council and the item placed on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting.
Cllrs Whittington and Leadenham advised they believed a grant may be available from LCC to help with the cost, Cllr Storer agreed to look into it.
2. APOLOGIES
Cllr Marsh sent apologies as she is currently out of the country.
3. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND SIGNING DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE FOR 24/25
Cllr Baron proposed Cllr Reynolds as Chair. This was seconded by Cllr Storer and agreed by majority vote.
4. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR AND SIGNING DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE FOR 24/25
Cllr Plummer proposed Cllr Marvin as Vice Chair. This was seconded by Cllr Storer and agreed by majority vote.
5. TO RECEIVE DELARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Before Item 5 – Cllr Reynolds thanked Cllr Marsh and Cllr Baron for their time as Chair and Vice Chair last year, she also mentioned and thanked Janet Morton for her time as Parish Clerk and advised that the council would move to a closed meeting after item 12 to discuss the Parish Clerk position.
No declarations of pecuniary interest were received.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the Extraordinary meeting held on 15th April 2024 were agreed to be a true representation.
This was proposed by Cllr Marvin and seconded by Cllr Lowes
7. INSURANCE
It was resolved for Cllr Reynolds to attempt to obtain further quotes for insurance and feedback to council before the end of May when the current insurance period ends.
8. TO RESOLVE PAYMENTS OUTSTANDING
Cllr Storer produced a basic balance sheet for the period beginning 01st April 2024. She confirmed outstanding payments to the MUGA fencing contractor and staff wages had been paid from the account.
Cllr Marvin advised 30 MPH signs had not been received although the invoice had arrived for payment. Cllr Leadenham advised payment of the invoice would trigger the dispatch of the signage.
Cllr Storer agreed to pay this invoice.
9. PLANTERS
It was resolved to purchase 4x planters for the village green. Cllr Storer confirmed Sue Jackson willing to plant along with the rest of the village flowers, the council resolved to ask Sue to quote for filling with compost in addition to planting.
Cllr Baron agreed to discuss availability of water for the planters from a local resident.
This action was proposed by Cllr Baron and seconded by Cllr Plummer.
10. SCOUTS
Following further clarification of requirement from the Scout group, it was resolved to write to Allington Petanque Group and agree to the Scouts having access to the pétanque at Allington Playing Field.
It was resolved to request the activity begin at 7pm and finish by 9pm out of respect to our residents.
It was resolved for the toilet block to be made accessible for use during the session, with responsibility for it’s use lying with the Allington pétanque group involved with the Scout session.
11. GONERBY FC
It is the understanding of the Council that Gonerby FC have not accessed the playing field for training since wet conditions stopped use.
It was resolved that Cllr Plummer contact Gonerby FC and ask them whether they require use of the field for next season and how often.
This will then be placed on the agenda for discussion and decision by the whole council.
12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
It was resolved to hold meetings more frequently in the short term to catch up with outstanding business. These meetings are to be held on the second Wednesday of the month for continuity. If the Village Hall is not available, it was resolved to hold these meetings in the annexe.
The next meeting was set for Wednesday 12th June 2024 at 7.30pm.
AGENDA ITEMS TO BE INCLUDED IN NEXT MEETING:
- Village Hall grant for drains and quotes for repair/replacement
- Obtain a price for replacing speed indicator with a solar powered unit
- Review and renew the website maintenance contract
Cllr Reynolds introduced villager Rebecca Hilton to the council, advising she had been asked by the Personnel Advisory Group to become the new Parish Clerk and she had attended the meeting to view proceedings before finalising her decision.
Cllr Mark Whittington advised he would be stepping down as Mayor of Grantham but would continue as a Councillor and continue to attend our Parish Council meetings.
The public meeting was closed at 8.21pm
CLOSED MEETING
1. APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY RFO
It was resolved and unanimously agreed that Cllr Storer would be named Temporary RFO and continue to monitor the Parish Clerk emails and deal with day to day financial items until a new RFO was in position.
2. APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY PROPER OFFICER
It was resolved and unanimously agreed that all councillors would assist with preparing agendas and meeting items, however Cllr Storer would be named temporary Proper Officer with the ability to publish / create and change agenda items and meeting information.
3. TO DISCUSS AND RESOLVE TO AGREE THE PLAN FOR RECRUITMENT OF NEW CLERK AND FINALISE OUTSTANDING YEAR END ACCOUNTS.
Following the information that our original new clerk was unable to take up the position due to a change in circumstances, Allington Parish Council was currently without a clerk.
The Personnel Advisory Group had spoken with LALC who had been very supportive, advising how to deal with the interim before our new clerk starts.
It was understood at the time of the meeting that Rebecca Hilton had verbally accepted the offer of the position and Cllr Marvin would send her a formal offer letter and contract of employment.
THE CLOSED MEETING FINISHED AT 8.58 PM.