November 2021 2021 Minutes
Minutes Hogsthorpe Parish Council
8th November 2021
Present
John Midgley (Chair), Paul Smith (Vice), Mary Banks, Amanda Green, Tim Smith, Angela Stubbs
Public Forum
One Hogsthorpe resident asked about reducing car speed within the village. The Chair agreed to contact previous Chairperson who had done some work previously.
The same resident described the state of the paths around the end of South Drive and suggested it is not safe for an elderly resident. This was discussed and the Chair agreed to contact Highways Agency. Added to this the Good Neighbours Scheme to contact the gentleman to see if he needs further support.
Another resident asked if there could be a bin placed next to the new chair that is at Threeways. Chair to investigate.
The same resident asked whether the street lighting on Tavern Lane can be altered.
73 Chairman’s welcome.
The newly elected chairman addressed the public with an update of the changes to the council. The Chairman also apologised to the public with regards to the previous meeting.
74 Apologies for absence.
Cllr K Bingham
75 Notes of the last two meetings to be approved as minutes
Minutes accepted with some minor alterations (date was incorrect)
76 Receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011.
None received
77 To receive reports from outside bodies and other meetings.
None
78 Remove ivy and apply weedkiller to churchyard wall possibly a working party.
Cllr P Smith described that some work had been undertaken to remove some ivy by previous Chairperson. There is still a section to be completed. The council agreed that a date should be set and we would help do this job. Cllr J Midgley, Cllr P Smith and Cllr T Smith volunteered.
79 Payments and accounts
a. Grass cutting for Parish Council R Aldrich £425.00p.
b. Grass cutting for Playing Field R Aldrich £240.00p.
c. Waste Removal Sid Dennis £9.10p
d. Under payment of £5.50 vat to LALC.
e. Receipt of £630 from Parker’s Funeral Directors for grants of exclusive right of burial.
The council agreed to these payments
80 Payment of boot fair money into playing field account £67.20
This had already been actioned
81 Payment to Paving contractor for cemetery path.
It was agreed to defer this item until the work is complete
82 Churchyard wall.
A recuring item. Updates were difficult as we are still awaiting quotes, agreements from the church.
83 Temporary Clerk assistance.
Cllr T Smith / Cllr Green Stated that they had been in contact with other councils to enquire about support for the prospective new clerk. The council agreed any help / training that is available would be taken.
The chair outlined the current situation regarding the recruitment of the new clerk. At the time of the meeting there have been 2 applicants. (This is now 3). Following discussions, it was agreed that there should be a District Councillor and a serving clerk on the interview panel. The Working Group will feedback in the next meeting
84 Councillor training update
Cllr T Smith feedback to the council regarding online training he has sourced. There is a new councillors course 16th November 2021. Cllr T Smith booked on. Chairpersons course to be arranged. All councillors agreed that training / refresher would be advantageous.
85 Comment from Cllr T Smith that we were not following correct procedures.
86 Discuss budget requirements and precept requirement for 2022/23 possibly 2023/24.
It was agreed that we will be looking for an inflation matching raise. The chair to look at 2019 precept to feedback to the council.
87 Review cemetery fees.
The council agreed that the current fees are not in line with neighbouring villages.
The council voted to up the fees and voted to increase the fees by 40%
Chairperson to calculate new fees for next meeting.
88 Review allotment contract and fees.
The council were informed by Cllr M Banks that the current situation is working well. The council agreed to not alter the fees.
89 Decide on the date next meeting in December.
The council agreed to return to the tradition of holding meetings in the first week of the month.
Next meeting to be held Thursday 2nd December 2021. Parks Meeting 6pm – 6.45. Resident's voice – 6.45 - 7. Meeting 7pm.