September 2023 minutes
Parish Council minutes for Thursday 14 September 2023
7pm Great Carlton Church
Present – Councillors Angela Arden (Chair), Peter Hill (Vice Chair), Nick Pike, Clive Reetham, Anna Seigneury
Guests – Lionel Budd for item 9 Public - two members of the public – Mike and Carole Mawer
1. Apologies - Sarah Howard, Dan McNally (LCC Councillor), Travis Hesketh (ELDC Councillor)
2. Approve the draft Parish Council minutes from 8 June 2023 - approved and signed by Chair
3. New Councillor Co-options – two vacancies - Carole Mawer had sent in an expression of interest prior to the meeting which was circulated to all Councillors. Peter Hill proposed that we co-opt Carole as a Little Carlton Councillor, seconded by Clive Reetham. All in favour. Carole signed the necessary paperwork and took her place as a Councillor with immediate effect. Angela shared with all Councillors that Regina Marwood was interested in the second vacancy but was unable to attend tonight’s meeting.
4. Clerk/RFO Mike Mawer had expressed an interest in the position over the summer. Councillors had met with him informally. Mike confirmed his continued interest and Peter Hill proposed that we appoint him, seconded by Clive Reetham. All in favour. Mike will need to receive training via LALC, some of which will be in addition to their basic training. Mike agreed to begin in an unpaid role so that the money saved can pay for his training and additional expenses. Angela Arden proposed that we arrange with LALC to access their website services and internal auditor in the interim period – seconded by Nick Pike. All in favour. Action – Angela and Nick to work with Mike to support him in his new role. Angela to update contract that was used for John Hodge. Laptop and physical Clerk and RFO files to be transferred. Current printer still not working. Angela proposed purchasing new black and white laser printer. Seconded Clive Reetham. All in favour. Angela to follow up.
5. LCC and ELDC Councillors-neither Councillor in attendance.
6. Finance report and declaration of spend greater than £100 NP – Mowing x 2 June - £131.99; Clerk’s wages June £170; Wind Turbine accountants fees of £780 paid (and refunded from WT funds) via PC bank account to enable VAT to be reclaimed. Current balance £2,649. Nick will contact Barclays and Lloyds to enable Mike to take over the role of RFO.
7. Parish Council Communication: how to ensure as many residents as possible can access our information: PC annual newsletter? Manby magazine? Revisit FB.
After discussion, a proposed collaboration with Manby magazine unanimously rejected. Anna Seigneury proposed revisiting PC annual newsletter double sided A4 to include PC emergency plan to be hand delivered to all households – seconded by Angela Arden – all in favour. Action – revisit in November along with Facebook when Sarah Howard is present. Action : AA to inform Manby of our decision.
8. Planning: PH – School House Great Carlton garage planning application has been approved. No new planning applications.
9. Defibrillators – update from Lionel Budd – current hardware should last for 10 years. Revisit in 2026. Batteries/ pads due for renewal in June 2024 – next financial year. CPR/ First aid training – Angela Arden proposed organising a session in the village hall for interested residents once it is up and running again – seconded Carole Mawer – all in favour. Action – Angela to liaise with Lionel to organise, possibly November. Thanks to Lionel for coming to the meeting and keeping a weekly eye on both defibrillators.
10. Great Carlton war memorial: Peter reported that he had secured a slot with Leake’s of Louth for previously agreed repairs to take place. Decision – Peter to arrange an extraordinary meeting of the Wind Turbine Committee on 19th September to secure the necessary updated funding with the support of John Smith.
11. Report on Highway Speed Indicator Device : Nick reported that the positioning of the SID by the village hall had been successful and he will reposition in Little Carlton next.
12. Parish Woodland : Anna updated Councillors on the current position regarding mowing. The public footpath within Great Carlton had needed attention as reported by residents – thanks to Clive for sorting. Litlte Carlton village green – the area left uncut since June looks good, hopefully we can try a larger area next year. The contractor has been asked to strim back an area in the Churchyard this autumn, up to some outlying gravestones. Friends of St Edith’s will be assisting with some tidying. Anna to arrange suitable spraying for the LC to GC footpath.
13. The Hall - ELDC officer confirmed communication with owner. Still awaiting internal access.
14. LALC communications and training – refer to item 4. All Councillors encouraged to take advantage of the training on offer and pre paid.
15. Next meeting - 9 November 2023 7pm Village Hall.
Meeting closed 8.54 pm.