MINUTES OF THE GRIMOLDBY AND MANBY ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, GRIMOLDBY
ON WEDNESDAY 5TH MAY 2021
Present Councillor T. Knowles (in the chair)
Parish Councillors Mrs. D. Copeland (DC), C. Fairburn (CF), Mrs. L. Knowles (LK), T. Vamplew (TV),
The Clerk, Mrs. L.M. Phillips was also present.
- Welcome by the Chairman
The Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting.
- Minutes of the Grimoldby Annual Parish Meeting 2019
It was RESOLVED that the notes of the Grimoldby Annual Parish Meeting which took place on 15th May 2019 should be signed by the Chairman as a correct record of that meeting.
- Annual Report by the Chairman of the Parish Council
The Chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr. TK gave the following report:
Introduction by the Chairman
I’m sure you will agree that 2020/21 has been one of the most challenging years in recent history. As a Nation we have seen huge losses but the way in which everyone has pulled together and each have made sacrifices for the greater good has been commendable. Exceedingly dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to help those shielding or in need with their shopping, food and other items. The NHS has done the Nation proud. I personally thank all the members of our community for their assistance through this pandemic to give us hope of a return to normality.
Obviously, the last year has been difficult for the Council but through it Grimoldby and Manby Parish Council have continued to meet by telephone conference and conduct business as best it could.
Unfortunately, last year, no Annual Town Meeting was held due to lockdown and special legislation was approved by the Government to make this legal. This included other measures brought in to aid the running of local councils and authorities and all Council meetings from June 2020 moved to telephone conference with the Clerk carrying out the running of the Council along with the Chairman and Vice Chairman using delegated authority ratified by the Council from March 2020 to June 2020.
Council and Committees
Grimoldby and Manby Parish Council has now completed 2 years of a 4-year term. The Council comprises 14 Councillors and currently, there are 4 vacancies on the Manby Ward and 1 on the Grimoldby Ward which can be filled by co-option.
The Council takes overall responsibility for all decisions but can choose to delegate authority to a Committee or to a Council Officer, it can never delegate authority to a Councillor.
To be more effective, the Council has a number of Committees. The purpose these Committees have is to spread the workload and review issues in more detail. The standing Committees comprise Finance, Planning and Recreation. Additionally, the Council also appoints two Young People’s Advocates and a Village Hall Representative.
The Council has met on 9 occasions in 2020/21 and the Finance Committee on 1 occasion.
Planning
The Parish Council is a planning consultee and has no power to approve or refuse applications, simply give an opinion. The Planning Authority that determines Planning Applications is East Lindsey District Council.
Grimoldby and Manby Planning Committee has had no need to meet this year due to extensions for comments being sought and granted on all planning applications received. This has enabled the full Council to formulate a corporate response at full Council meetings to any applications received. However, the Committee does have delegated authority from Council to respond to consultation requests in respect of urgent Planning Applications, if required.
This year the Council considered 32 planning applications and in each case the Council decided to support, object or comment. In most cases, objections were supported by the relevant planning reasons. In some cases, the Committee’s opinion was conditional. Full details of decisions are contained in the minutes of the Council, which are available on our website and the comments are also available on the East Lindsey Planning Website.
The Council also receive notification of road closures/traffic restrictions and proposed works to trees.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee currently comprises 5 Councillors including the Chairman and Vice Chairman. This Committee has responsibility for examining and monitoring the Council’s expenditure and for considering the setting of the precept each year.
Councillor’s Allowances
Under the provisions of the Local Authorities (Members Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003, Council can resolve to pay its members an allowance. However, Grimoldby and Manby Parish Councillors choose not to receive an allowance and, therefore, allowance rates for 2020/21 remained at £0.
Members
During 2020/21 there was one resignation and one death. Current members are: Councillors Mrs. Emma Billings, Michael Bruce, Mrs. Dorothy Copeland, Chris Fairburn, Mrs. Linda Knowles, Terry Knowles, Mike Starsmore, Mrs. Nicola Turney and Terry Vamplew
The Council currently has 4 vacancies on the Manby Ward and 1 on the Grimoldby Ward.
Grants
In 2020/21 the Council awarded a grant to St. Edith’s Church, Mimi’s Mission and the Village Hall of £200 each.
General Report
The Council is in a sound financial position having delivered its objectives for the year within the overall approved budget and has set aside money for future projects and to offset future risks, in specified earmarked reserves. The Council maintains a General Reserve which it can use in case of emergency or for unbudgeted items of expenditure.
Internal Audit reviewed the Council’s Internal Controls for 2019/20 and no concerns were raised. The Council’s Internal Audit for 2020/21 will shortly take place.
The Council has reviewed its Governance Documents: Financial Regulations, Standing Orders, Risk Management Schedule and its Asset Register.
The Council will receive reconciled accounts for 2020/21 for review shortly following Internal Audit. The Financial records of the Council will be open to public inspection for a period of 30 working days shortly thereafter. The accounts will be subject to external audit in July 2021 and the Council will formally publish the audited accounts no later than 30th September 2021. The Annual Return will show the actual position and this and other financial information will be posted on the website once approved by Council.
Street Furniture
During the past year, the Council’s contractor has maintained several public benches including re-painting and repairing as necessary. They also ensured that the Council’s 5 Bus Shelters were kept clean and tidy.
Tennis Courts and Play Park
The Council continues to provide these facilities which not only allow for the playing of tennis but also football. However, it is asked that children do not / are not allowed to move the nets away from the Tennis Courts please. The Council’s Recreation Representative inspects the two areas on a regular basis and makes notes. They also empty the bins and keep the area generally tidy. The Council instructs a local firm to maintain the shrubbery and plants in the area, as required.
Amenity Grass Verges
Last year the Council took on the cutting of amenity grass verges and have agreed to carry this on in 2020/21. The Council has about 5,976m2 to look after. Please help us by keeping verges clear from obstructions, including parked cars. Litter is always a problem when cutting verges. We want to avoid shredding plastic, tins, paper or dog poo as this damages our environment and makes it less pleasant for everyone. Please help by taking your litter home or by placing it in a rubbish bin.
Parish Paths
The Council instructs a local firm to clear and maintain the pathways in Grimoldby and Manby for public use, as required. This involves litter picking, strimming and mowing of paths. As with the verges, litter and dog poo is a big issue, please help by making sure you either bin it or take it home.
Safety
The Council recognises that a safe environment makes for a happy environment. The Council therefore maintains a good relationship with the local police. The Council also owns and maintains a defibrillator which the Village Hall kindly allow us to site on the outside wall of their premises. A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest (dead). This high energy shock is called defibrillation, and it is an essential life saving step in the chain of survival. After a cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces someone's chance of survival by 10 per cent. The Council also owns a reactive speed sign which can record traffic data which could be used as evidence to support local authorities in cases, as required.
Allotments
The Council took ownership of 10 half size allotments in 2019/20, a sports field and a pavilion for use by the community. 5 of these allotments are currently rented out and there are 5 vacancies. If you are interested in renting an allotment please contact the Town Clerk.
Going Forward
The Council hopes to sign an agreement with Manby Football Club regarding their using the Pavilion and Football Field as their home ground ad it is believed that the Council will be asked to take ownership of the Play Park and Tennis Courts by ELDC.
Conclusion
The Council continues to work hard to ensure improvements are made throughout Grimoldby and Manby for the benefit of its residents. You may be sure that the Council will continue to serve you to the best of its ability.
- Public Forum
There were no comments in the public forum.
The meeting closed at 7.18pm.
Signed______________________ (Chairman) Dated_________________________