November 2021 Minutes
MORTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting for Morton Parish Council held on Monday 15 November 2021 at 6.30 pm.
15 minute public forum – Cllr Parry welcomed Stephanie Marwood, Safer Together Co-ordinator for Lincoln and West Lindsey who was in attendance to explain about her role in the community and answer any questions. Stephanie explained that The Safer Together Team had recently been formed by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to engage with residents, raise awareness of initiatives and work with the Neighbourhood Policing Team to help make communities safer, this included talking to residents, attending events, and signposting groups and individuals towards any information and assistance they may need. Stephanie explained that The Police and Crime Survey 2021/22 was now live, and views collated will guide decision making and help set the policing element of council tax. Cllr Parry gave the Council the opportunity for questions to be put to Stephanie. Cllr Allison said that although Morton was not a high crime area there was concern that when anti-social behaviour becomes problematic, and residents feels vulnerable it is disappointing when it appears that no action against persistent offenders is taken. Discussion took place regarding the frustrations around the 101-reporting system and PCSO Thomas explained that staffing and resources was a contributing factor. Stephanie replied that these frustrations are mirrored through the county, however, residents should be encouraged to report any incidents in the first instance through the correct channels. Cllr Gott replied that residents feel let down when no feedback is received following reporting of incidents and feel it an easier option not to bother reporting issues at all. Cllr Allison felt these barriers discouraged residents from reporting which then gave a false indication of figures and crime within the area.
Cllr Parry thanked Stephanie for her attendance. Stephanie would feedback concerns and comments and residents could sign up to the website www.lincolnshirealert.co.uk for updates of what was happening in your area.
Stephanie left the meeting.
In Attendance - Cllr Parry (Chair), Cllr Allison (Vice-Chair), Cllr Panter, Cllr Butroid, Cllr Gott, Cllr Bull, Cllr Youngman, PCSO Thomas, Stephanie Marwood, Ian Hammerton, C. Graves, C. Allison
1. Apologies For Absence – No apologies received.
2. Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 October 2021 - Approved by all Parish Councillors. Proposed as a true and accurate record by Cllr Panter. Seconded by Cllr Butroid.
3. Declarations of Interest – No declarations of interest noted.
4. Matters Arising and Review of Outstanding Items
a) Crime Vandalism and Antisocial Behaviour – PCSO Thomas reported an incident where a resident of St Oggs had been found wandering about at night, particularly in the road. This had been reported as a matter of concern through the appropriate channels. PCSO Thomas advised that a recent issue with untaxed vehicles had been actioned. Unfortunately, as the DVLA had not dealt with the issue the police have to explore other options for removal of vehicles. Cllr Gott enquired how to report a dog barking issue. Cllr Butroid advised that this should be reported through to WLDC.
b) Councillors Update – No updates.
c) SID Signage – Cllr Allison distributed data captured from the new position of the SID Sign travelling in a single easterly direction along Front Street for the period of October. Of the 76925 total vehicles, the average speed recorded was 27.13mph. However, 85th percentile speed was recorded at 32.1mph with the highest speed recorded at 50mph and an average daily violation of 372 vehicles. Peak times were 8am and 3pm. Cllr Allison suggested that the data be published on our Facebook page and website. PCSO Thomas said that the Speed Signs main purpose was to act as a deterrent and slow motorists down. Cllr Allison advised that the Council were exploring the possibility of the Community Speed Watch Scheme. Encouraging more people to cycle and walk was part of the Neighbourhood Plan, however, it was acknowledged that a profile would need to be built for safeguards to be put in place such as a crossing outside the co-op and other speed deterrents.
PCSO Thomas left the meeting at 7.15pm.
d) Bus Shelter Walkerith Road – Clerk advised that a new point of contact had picked up the grant application and would feedback in due course.
5. Accounts - Financial statement for October distributed prior to meeting. No questions. Proposed Cllr Gott. Seconded Cllr Panter.
a) Setting of Precept 2022/23 – Financial forecast distributed by Clerk prior to meeting. This identified a shortfall of just over £1,500. Clerk advised that a reclaim of VAT had yet to be submitted and burial ground and playing field income was estimated. It was recommended therefore that the precept estimate for 2022/23 remain static. It was resolved that the estimate precept would be submitted at £14,963.00. Proposed by Cllr Youngman. Seconded Cllr Butroid. Clerk to submit to WLDC before deadline of 26 November.
6. Burial Ground – No update.
7. Planning Matters
a) 143863 - Proposed outbuilding conversion, Burnt Bridge Farm, Morton Carr, Morton, DN21 3DD. Cllr Youngman gave feedback on her recent visit to the site.
b) 143677 – Removal of existing outbuildings and erect detached double garage, 18 Field Lane, Morton, DN21 3BY – no objections
8. Playing Field and School Facilities - Cllr Parry advised that potential dates had been provided to the school for the meeting to take place to discuss moving forward with the community room. Clerk was liaising with the plumber to arrange assessment and quote of the water heater. Update at next meeting.
9. Local Listing of Heritage Assets - Cllr Allison provided a list of heritage assets extracted from the Neighbourhood Plan which had been distributed prior to meeting. Discussion took place as to the criteria for a heritage asset and Cllr Allison explained that it was something that had been identified as having a degree of significance that merits consideration in planning decisions. Cllr Gott asked if the list could be amended, Clerk to submit to Conservation Project Officer at Lincolnshire Heritage and enquire regarding amending the list at a future date if necessary.
10. 130 Year Celebration of St Paul’s Church, event to take place on 10 December 6pm – Cllr Parry read out correspondence from Alan Clapham, Church Warden regarding plans to celebrate the anniversary which would consist of a Victoria evening of readings and carols about the Christmas season in Morton and surrounding hamlets. People were encouraged to dress in simple Victorian costume on the evening. Cllr Allison reported that Christine Allison would be happy to do a reading.
11. Morton Feast 2022 – Cllr Youngman reported that at a recent meeting of the Feast Committee it was hoped that the 2022 Feast would be bigger and better. Discussion took place regarding a financial contribution from the Parish Council, and it was felt that the Council could purchase or make a financial contribution towards a specific item for the Feast. Cllr Youngman would feedback to the Committee. The Parish Council would also consider having a stall at the Feast and it would be an opportunity for the Parish Council Award to be presented.
12. Dog Waste Bins – Clerk reported that locations for additional bins had been submitted to WLDC and a request for additional signage. Cllr Parry reported that he had seen complaints on social media of dog fouling near Pump Alley and nearby.
13. Identity Lanyards – Clerk requested that Councillors provide appropriate photos as it was more cost effective to purchase ID lanyards in larger quantities than individually.
14. Councillor Vacancy – Clerk had received a verbal resignation from Cllr Bingham on 17 October. Proposed Cllr Allison. Seconded Cllr Butroid. Clerk to inform office of elections. Two vacancies were now available, and Ian Hammerton would contact the Clerk if he wished to be considered for one of the vacancies.
15. Closed Session – Council resolved to exclude the public and press and go into closed session, in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, to allow consideration to be given to the Clerk’s salary. It was resolved to award the Clerk with a salary increase of 2% with effect from 1 December 2021 and an ex-gratia payment of £250.00.
16. Items for Inclusion on next agenda – Cllr Parry requested that this meeting be kept to a minimal agenda due to it being so close to Christmas. All in agreement.
17. Date and Time of Next Meeting Monday 20 December at 6.30 pm. Venue St Paul’s Church.
The meeting closed at 8.15 pm.