March 2023 Minutes
Minutes of the general meeting of Sutton St Edmund Parish Council held on 14th March 2022 at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall.
Present: Cllrs G. Masters (Chairman), C. Hunns, C. Allen, C. Hatch, 0 members of the public and D Blackburn (probationary Parish Clerk).
Chairman’s welcome
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Public Forum
No Business raised
Agenda
1. Apologies for absence and reasons given.
a. None.
2. To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations in respect of DPI’s.
a. None.
3. Notes of the general meeting held on 28th February 2023 to be approved as the new minutes.
Council resolved to accept the notes as a true copy of the minutes, the Chairman duly signed.
4. Police matters.
a. It was reported that an incidence of Hare Coursing, not in this Parish, was being followed up by the police
5. CSW.
a. Cllr Masters advised the meeting of the new program of Speed Watch surveys, circulation of details to follow.
b. Following review by Council of the revised pricing of Village Welcome Gates, it was proposed by Cllr Hatch, seconded by Cllr Allen and unanimously agreed by Council to proceed with the purchase. Though Council did urge caution over the phasing of payment.
c. The options for possible Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) were presented by Cllr Allen. Council resolved that the Clerk should apply to the Wrydecroft Farm Grant scheme for funding for the SIDs and installation.
6. Financial matters.
a. The meeting resolved to accept the Financial report, which was duly signed by the Chairman.
7. Village Hall.
a. Cllr Allen updated the Council on Village Hall matters.
a1. The payment for rooms for Parish Council meetings held at the Village Hall was discussed. Council requested the Clerk to report back on its payment history over the last six years.
a2. Village Hall committee attendance at Parish Council meetings was discussed. It was resolved that a 30 minute meeting slot, before each Parish Council Meeting, could be instigated to discuss joint Village Hall / Parish Council matters. Cllr Allen would develop the Agenda. Clerk to advise Village Hall committee of meeting dates.
a3. Village Hall committee personel changes were underway. Cllr Allen to confirm new Village Hall committee to Council once resolved.
a4. Village Hall considering the erection of Solar Panels on the roof. Currently seeking external advice as to feasibility.
8. Playing Field.
a. It was resolved to check for any progress concerning the play equipment supplier, with previous clerk.
9. Highways
a. On-Site meeting with Donna Acres from Highways to discuss locations of Village Welcome Gates. Meeting to be arranged by Clerk for either 4th or 5th April at 10am. Cllr Hatch to represent the Council.
It was decided that Clerk should approach Cllr Pepper concerning the state of Guanockgate. To ascertain what further steps could be undertaken to elicit some attention to its state and possible remedy.
10. Planning
a. No new planning issues reported.
b. The Council was not aware of any updates concerning the PACE Solar proposal.
11. Bus Shelter
a. Cllr Masters reported the plan for remedial works to the Bus Shelter, which is currently underway.
b. Council resolved to purchase ‘Option 4’ (Recycled Plastic bench from StorefittingsDirect.co.uk) for Bus Shelter seating, subject to Cllr Hatch checking the insurance for any Public Liability issues. Proposed by Cllr Masters, seconded by Cllr Allen.
12. Litter Pick
a. Cllr Hunns planning a Litter Pick for 15th April and will forward appropriate advertising information to Clerk for posting on Facebook and Web. It was noted that a budget of £100 had previously been approved for additional litter picking equipment. Cllrs Hunns and Hatch to coordinate requirement of extra equipment, before passing onto Cle3rk for ordering.
13. Allotments
a. Council resolved that Allotment lease payments should be progressed by Clerk
14. To consider any correspondence not included within the agenda.
It was noted by Council that Barclays Bank had requested further information before they would amend signatories.
It was agreed by Council to pay the annual LALC fees, in the new tax year.
15. To confirm the date of the Annual Parish Council meeting
Tuesday 16th May 2022, 7pm at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall.
16. Councillors reports & items for inclusion at the next meeting. No additional items reported.
17. To resolve whether to move into closed session and exclude public, Police and press (who will be required to leave the meeting at this stage, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972), due to the confidential nature of business to be discussed. Should this resolution be passed, members of the public, Police and press will be required to leave the meeting at this stage.
a. As per item 8(a)
b. Council agreed the ‘New Clerk’ probationary period would conclude at the beginning of April 2023.
c. Council resolved that the Clerk mentoring period should end at the end of March 2023.