2023 Meeting Minutes

Gedney Hill Parish Council

Minutes of the Gedney Hill Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 20 Mar 23.

Present

Councillors

Neil Watson (Chairman)
K. James (Vice Chairman)
D. Mann
P. Redgate         

Minutes

K. Sharp (Parish Clerk)

There were 4 members of the public in attendance, plus attendance by Councillor Seymour.

Public Forum

Nothing was raised by the public.

1. Apologies for absence and acceptance

Apologies received from Councillor Venters.

2. Declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 and consideration of any requests for dispensation

There were no issues declared by the councillors.

3. To approve the draft notes of the meeting held on 16 Jan, 23

The Councillors confirmed that the minutes were an accurate record of the Parish Council meeting and the minutes were duly signed.

4. Highways

a.  Footpaths

It was reiterated that the footpath by Mill Lane Nurseries has been reported regarding the damaged pavement at the entrance but no response has been received, to date.

5.  Litter Bins/Dog Waste Bins

Clerk stated she had contacted the council to enquire as to who’s responsibility it is for the bin emptying.  The Council has replied stating they are fully responsible for all bins in Gedney Hill.  Clerk also ordered black bin bags and they have now been received.

6. Cemetery – Trees

The PCC is in the process of engaging a tree surgeon to do the necessary work to lift the canopy of the trees starting. Once they have someone in place they’ll let us know.

7. Tree Planting On The Playing Field

The WI have now planted 3 walnut trees on the playing field, at the side of the pavilion and adjacent to the palisade fencing.  It was agreed by all, that there were no objections to wild flowers being planted at their base.

8. Green Area Behind Bush Shelter On Lincolns Avenue

It was stated that this area had been dug up to lay electricity cables to the new houses opposite the green.  This has been left in an unsatisfactory state.  Cars are also being parked on this grass, usually by the builders also contributing to the sunken ground.  It was further reported that there is a dead branch hanging down from the tree and, as this is adjacent to the bus shelter, this is considered to be a hazard.  Clerk to contact Highways as soon as possible.

10.  Clerk’s Report

The Clerk has started the AGAR work and this will be passed to the auditor on completion and, hopefully ratified, by the next meeting ready for signature.

Clerk stated an official response was received to the Parish Council in respect of the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.  This will be copied and distributed to the current Councillors as a momento.

The Clerk requested that, going forward, if bank statements and electoral role details, could be stored electronically rather than paper form (for data protection purposes and cost).  This was agreed by all.

Also, Clerk asked if a new minutes book needed to be of an official nature due to cost, or could a cheaper version be purchased.  It was agreed that a cheaper version could be purchased.

11. Clerk’s Laptop

The Clerk was awaiting delivery of the new laptop at this time.  It was requested by the Chairman that a ‘.gov.uk’ email address should be used by the Parish Clerk and the Councillors.

12. The Coronation

Various options for momentos for the King’s Coronation were discussed.  No conclusions were reached, so it was suggested that all Councillors propose some ideas by the 25th Mar.

Clerk to put a notification out in the village to establish number of children that fitted the criteria, that would like a momento. 

It was mentioned that the Village Hall Committee may be recreating the American Supper over the Coronation weekend.

13. Minutes of Meeting Book:

Also, Clerk asked if a new minutes book needed to be of an official nature due to cost, or could a cheaper version be purchased.  It was agreed that a cheaper version could be purchased.

14.   Financial Matters

a.   To update on accounts

Account balances (account balances as of 20 Mar 23)

TO COVER PERIOD UP TO 20TH Mar 23

Account  06903266 Main

 To advise of any items to be added to the next meeting agenda

T. A. Blackamore requested an increase of 5% on next financial year’s invoice.  To be discussed next meeting.

16.  Date Of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held in the Memorial Hall at 6:30 on May 15th , 23.

The meeting was closed at 19:30.

Kim Sharp

Clerk/RFO Gedney Hill Parish Council