Minutes - Property Committee 5 October 2021

Minutes of the Nettleham Parish Council Property Committee meeting
held on Tuesday 5 October 2021 at 7.30pm in the Old School, Small Hall
 
Present: Cllrs D Newsam (DN)(Chair), P Jenkinson (PJ), Mrs J Clayton (JC), P McNeill (PM), Cllr J Radcliffe  
Also in attendance: Mrs D Locker (Parish Clerk), Jane Ashby (FM), Claire Ward (AC) plus 1 member of the public
 
Public Forum – a resident spoke to the committee about the benefits of having management plans in place for village amenties such as the Bishops Palace and Vicars Wood. A well written management plan can assist in the decision making process. The Chair thanked the resident for this contiribution.
 
The meeting commenced at 7.30pm
The Chairman of the Property Committee thanked all for attending.
 
100/21.  To resolve to receive apologies and accept reasons for absence received by the Clerk,   
prior to the meeting.  
None received
 
101/21 Disclosure of interests in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations
Cllr Mrs Clayton declared an interest in respect of item 4c on the agenda
 
102/21 The notes of the Property Committee meeting held on 7 September 2021 to be approved as the minutes 
It was proposed, seconded and 
AGREED: that the notes of the Property Committee meeting held on 7 September 2021 be approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chairman.  Unanimous
 
103/21 Financial Matters (FM)
a. To approve/ratify recent and proposed expenditure:
Proposed Expenditure:
£105.00 Parish Office, Old School, Pavilion Annual Fire alarm tests
£150.00 Parish Office, Old School, Pavilion Annual Emergency Lighting Tests 
£195.00 (£65.00 per property for first 30 items and £1.00 per item after that)
£161.40 Remedial work at Mulsanne Pavilion following 5 year electrical test
It was proposed, seconded and 
AGREED: To approve/ratify recent and proposed expenditure. Unanimous
b. To note the content of the income & Expenditure report at 30/9/21
The contents of the income and expenditure report were noted
c. To consider request for donation to be given to Age Concern for their surplus kitchen equipment
Committee discussed where the items available might be used to complement existing catering equipment. Having declared an interest Cllr Mrs Clayton took no part in the discussion. 
It was proposed, seconded and 
AGREED: To recommend to the Parish Council that the sum of £250 be donated to Age Concern for their surplus kitchen equipment    Unanimous for those present ACTION DN
d. To consider purchase of leaf and litter vacuum unit – (DN)
Committee discussed the purchase and use of a leaf and litter vacuum unit and a number of models were considered and further research is required. ACTION DN
It was proposed, seconded and 
AGREED: To recommend to the Parish Council that a leaf and litter vacuum unit be purchased up to the value of £700 from general reserves   Unanimous ACTION DN
 
104/21 Facilities Manager Report
The Facilities manager report had been circulated and the content was noted
 
105/21 To receive a Village Inspection update report – (FM)
The Facilities Manager provided an update about progress and action outstanding.
 
106/21 To consider implementing vehicle access restrictions at Green Lane (off Deepdale lane)
Councillors discussed implementing vehicle restrictions at Green Lane because in the winter, vehicles churn up the mud and make it very difficult for pedestrians particularly those with buggies and wheel chairs to get through. 
Options to restrict access were discussed, but access to the police field gate must be maintained. Further investigation is required to confirm whether the Parish Council (as registered owners) can restrict access and also what is minimum gap that must be maintained on a bridle way. This item to be brought back to a future meeting for further consideration ACTION DN
 
107/21 To consider an offer to donate 2 x memorial picnic tables at Bill Baileys Playing field 
Councillors considered the offer of two memorial picnic tables to be sited in Bill Baileys. It was felt that a bin would also be required. Further information is required about the style of picnic table being offered and whether they would require the installation of concrete bases. ACTION DN
It was proposed, seconded and 
AGREED: to accept the offer in principle of two memorial picnic tables for Bill Baileys subject to further discussion with the potential donor.  Unanimous
 
108/21 Working Groups (15 mins max)
To receive reports as follows:
a) Beck (PJ):
  • The next meeting will take place on 18 October 2021 at 2PM
  • The draft Beck Management plan will be presented at the next Property Committee meeting
  • The weir will be removed by 31.10.21 in line with the licence conditions
  • The berms are doing well 
b) Mulsanne Park (DN):
  • The councils grant application to the Football Association to undertake capital works, at the Pavilion, has been submitted and the outcome is awaited
  • WLDC have confirmed a grant of £8,000 subject to FA funding also being granted
  • A new planter has been installed
  • The football season has started
  • Ditch clearance is due to start this week and will be undertaken by the University of Lincoln.
c) Field paths (JC):
  • Next meeting date to be confirmed
  • The group have been investigating a route to Sudbrooke although one of the landowners has refused use of their land for a new field path.
d) Vicars Wood (JC):
  • The overgrown branches affecting a neighbouring householder have been inspected and some cutting back has been agreed
  • A further inspection to be undertaken to confirm whether additional tree work is required
e) Allotments (PM)
  • No progress has been made with establishing a revised handover date with the land owner since the last meeting 
  • Allotments policy update underway
  • Letters to plot holders and individuals on the waiting list have been delayed whilst the policy is developed
f) Swathe (PM)
  • The group has discussed the next steps, having now been granted planning permission from WLDC
  • The group will now seek approval from the Parish Council to invite estimates from reputable cemetery planners.
  • Work on the site must commence before 12 July 2024
        
109/21 Tree matters 
The Lead Councillor for tree confirmed there was nothing to report.
 
110/21 To consider offer to donate a memorial tree
It was acknowledged that, in Bishops Meadow, heritage apple tree number 7 has recently been removed because it was diseased. Following discussion:                           ACTION FM
It was proposed, seconded and 
AGREED: to accept the offer of a donated memorial tree and to site it in Bishops Meadow to replace the diseased apple tree.  Unanimous
 
111/21 To discuss tree planting at Bishops Meadow to commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee Councillors discussed the proposal to plant a tree for the Queens Jubilee in the Bishops meadow. Potential locations were discussed. A free tree may be available as part of the Jubilee tree planting initiative. Further discussion is required to determine what variety of tree would be suitable.
It was proposed, seconded and 
AGREED: to recommend to the Parish Council to purchase or acquire a suitable tree to plant in Bishops Meadow to commemorate the Queens Platinum jubilee.  Unanimous    ACTION Cllr Homer
 
112/21 To consider draft Donated Seat Policy
Councillors discussed the draft donated seat policy. There are currently 55 donated benches in Nettleham. Councillors suggested the following amendments:
- Plaques to be stored for 5 years when removed from unserviceable benches
- Section 5 – add waiting list option for potential donors for replacement benches
- Add guidelines about criteria for donating a memorial bench
It was proposed, seconded and 
AGREED: to recommend that, subject to amendments, the draft Donated Seat Policy be approved and adopted by Parish Council.  Unanimous     ACTION CLERK
 
113/21 To consider draft Allotments Policy
Councillors discussed the draft Allotments Policy and the implications for the management of the new allotment site off Scothern Road. During discussion a number of additions were suggested about:
- Prohibiting the storage of flammable liquids
- Including the use of compost bins
- Hose usage
It was proposed, seconded and 
AGREED: to recommend that, subject to amendments, the draft Allotment Policy be approved and adopted by the Parish Council.  Unanimous ACTION CLERK
 
114/21 Correspondence
a) To consider a request from a resident to cut back the grass bank in Watermill Lane (opposite the garages)
Facilities Manager to liaise with the Lead volunteer to arrange cut back of grass bank area in Watermill Lane and for seed collection.  Facilities Manager to contact group to arrange collection of seeds after which the area can be strimmed.       ACTION FM
 
115/21 Councillors’ Reports/Future Agenda items
a) Future agenda items - none
 
116/21 Date of next meeting:
The next meeting of the Parish Council’s Property Committee will be held on 9 November 2021 at the Small Hall, Old School, Mill Hill at 7.30pm
 
Meeting ended at 21.35 pm