Minutes 2021-22

Draft Minutes of Swayfield PC Meeting 11th January 2022 7.30pm in the Village Hall

The Chairman requested for a moment of silent reflection for the recent passing of County Cllr Bob Adams

 and Nick Krender who passed away this morning.  

1. Open Forum: One resident attended the public forum.

2.0 Apologies for absence: None.

3.0 Declarations of interest in accordance with the 2011 Local Government Act. None.

4.0 To approve the draft minutes of the November 2nd meeting: These were adopted unanimously.

4.1 Matters Arising: Cllr Geeson requested an update regarding Green, Black and Grey bins. The Clerk advised he had received a comprehensive brochure from SKDC and will forward it to Cllr Geeson and post it on the PC website.

The Clerk confirmed he had looked at alternative banks that provide a free service to Parish Councils and suggested Barclays as an alternative to Virgin Money who plan to start charging clients soon the possibility of on-line payments was also to be considered.

He also confirmed that Swinstead PC agreed not to loan their Traffic Speed Indicator to Swayfield PC in the Spring 2022.

Cllr Frere-Cook confirmed that Swayfield now has a Platinum Jubilee Committee comprising of two residents. They hope to increase numbers and will be responsible for events leading up to and including the four-day celebration. The lighting of the Beacon which is the responsibility of the PC has been officially delayed until 21.45.  

5.0 Councillors' Reports:

5.1 County and District Councillors were not in attendance.

5.2 Recreation Ground. Cllr Roberts confirmed the manufacturers of the play equipment are due to carry out the repairs, they are liaising with Corby Glen PC which also requires repair work to play equipment and the hope to complete both on the same day.

5.3 Kiosk: Cllr Johnson advised that the Kiosk is very well stocked with books and newspapers.

5.4 Highways and footpaths. Cllr Green told the PC the Fix My Street app works well and encouraged residents to use it when necessary. He also said that despite producing a comprehensive report of work to be done and sending it to Highways, he is now having to report all this information via the Fix My Street app. Cllr Holden said the Grit Lorry seemed to drive through the village faster than necessary, also, Corby Road was not being gritted. The Clerk will speak with the appropriate department.

5.5 Defibrillator: Cllr Holden advised new pads had been installed, and the battery will need replacing later this year.  It was resolved that the approximate cost of some £300 should be met at the time of purchase.

6.0 Financial Matters.  

6.1 Position at the bank: This was noted and accepted.

6.2 Cheques to be signed: Clerks Wages £207.54 & Community Heartbeat Trust £98.40. Agreed and paid.

6.3 Platinum Jubilee Committee: Cllr Frere-Cook confirmed he has spoken with the Jubilee Committee regarding the Parish Grant scheme; the Committee will put forward a proposal to apply for the grant.  It was unanimously agreed that the income and expenditure for the Jubilee (other than that associated with the Beacon) should not be put through the Parish Council account.

7.0 Precept 2022/23:

The Clerk advised the PC that the maximum amount of money that should be carried over to the following tax year should not exceed one year’s Precept. Cllr Metcalfe said he would be reluctant to spend the surplus precept quickly on a whim, and he suggested the PC formalise a plane outlining projects and higher cost items that are required or planned in the coming fiscal year. After discussion it was agreed this will be an Agenda item for the PC meeting held on the 8th of March and then discussed in open forum at the Annual Parish meeting in May. After another discussion it was suggested, the PC apply for a reduced Precept for 2022/23 of £2200. This was proposed by Cllr Metcalfe, seconded by Cllr Geeson and agreed unanimously.  

8.0 Planning Applications:

All planning applications for November/December were circulated to the PC with no objections, with the exception of S21/1237/FULL/PL/PC1 where the PC made representations to SKDC planning.    

9.0 Correspondence:

An email was received from a resident expressing concerns relating to Planning Application S21/0997, and also the provision of Broadband Services in the village. After discussion the PC asked the Clerk to forward the email to the appropriate SKDC Planning Officer asking for a direct response to the resident concerning the matter of the planning application. The Clerk would accordingly reply to the resident and confirm that the PC is not aware of any major Broadband problems in the village.

10.0 Items of urgency for discussion. None.

11.0 Dates for remaining meetings. Tuesday 8th of March @ 7.30pm in the Village Hall.