October 2024 DRAFT Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting for Morton Parish Council held on Monday 14th October 2024, at 6:30pm in the Community Room at Morton Trentside School
15-minute public forum – no members of public in attendance.
Chairman, Cllr B Allison welcomed all to the meeting.
In Attendance - Cllr B Allison, Cllr Parry, Cllr C Allison, Cllr Butroid, Cllr King, Cllr Gott, C Graves (clerk).
1. Apologies For Absence – no apologies for absence received.
2. Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 9th September 2024 – Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a true and accurate record. Proposed by Cllr King. Seconded by Cllr Butroid.
3. Declarations of Interest – none.
4. Councillor Vacancies - Clerk advised that currently there are two vacant posts. It was hoped that these would be filled in the near future. Any enquiries should be made through the clerk in the first instance.
5. Accounts – Monthly financial statement distributed prior to meeting. No questions. Proposed by Cllr Parry. Following work over the summer with the clerk, Cllr B Allison circulated information on income and expenditure comparisons from the past two years. This would enable councillors to have more accurate data prior to considering the precept estimate for 2025/26, for any increase to be justified. In summary overall costs are up 25%. Whilst both cemetery and playing field income has increased, running costs for both have risen considerably. Consideration should also be given to adequate reserves. Cllr B Allison requested that councillors digest the information provided before the next meeting when the precept estimate would be agreed. Cllr C Allison suggested that the council consider fundraising to contribute to raffles and donations throughout the year.
6. Community Safety (Crime, Vandalism, Anti-Social Behaviour & Speeding)
a) New Crime Reports – Cllr B Allison reported that a car windscreen on Dog & Duck Lane had been smashed. No other crime noted. Clerk circulated an email from Insp. Head prior to the meeting which included the most recent report for the NC01 area.
b) SID Data - Cllr B Allison circulated the data analysis for the period 1st July to 30th September. The portable sign on Front Street (SID1) had episodes in July and August where data was not recorded and no data at all for September preventing comparisons from the previous year. However, the percentage of violations remains static. Data retrieved from SID2 (Walkerith Road) shows that traffic approaching the village from this direction continues to travel at higher speeds, but the volume remains significantly lower than Front Street. Comparing data from last year the volume of traffic remains the same, but the number of violations are lower especially in the 35-40 mph bracket and overall down from 16 to 8% of traffic. Discussion took place regarding replacing SID1 and Cllr B Allison suggested that we explore funding opportunities with LRSP and Stephanie Marwood, Safer Together Coordinator.
7. Playing Field & Shared Committee
a) Morton Community Field Proposals - Cllr Butroid had kindly searched through the archived minutes provided by the clerk and historical data which revealed that the Parish Council had purchased the field with the help of a grant and over the course of time made significant financial contributions when establishing the community room and facilities therein. Contributions had also been made for fencing, play facilities, drainage, car parking, care-taking and utilities. Discussion took place regarding the councils financial contributions over the years and how this would impact on the proposals but forward by LCC. It was agreed that for ease of reference all payments and historical data be collated prior to sharing this with LCC. Cllr Butroid advised that she would continue to search through the archives in the meantime and clerk to contact LCC with an update. Clerk to liaise further with sporting clubs that utilise the field for supporting information and a possible meeting. Cllr Field inquired whether consultation with residents was still necessary, however, it was felt that for the time being as the council were still in the process of gathering information this was something that would be considered in due course of time.
b) Morton Community Field Committee - Cllr B Allison advised that he had informed the Committee at the last meeting that the Parish Council had taken the decision to suspend them for the time being. He gave thanks to the committee for their efforts in making improvements to the field and attempts for funding. Currently, as the field could not be utilised during school hours, funding attempts had been unsuccessful. Clerk advised that it had been reported that the pathway leading to the gate to enter the field from the bank was over-grown. No complaints had been received officially. Clerk to look into this and feedback.
8. Burial Ground
a) Burial Records - Clerk reported that following further discussions with Cllr B Allison the council were asked to consider approaching T. Morris to assist with transferring paper records to the spreadsheet and creating a more workable spreadsheet that would cross-reference the records currently held by the Parish Council. Council in agreement and it was therefore agreed that the clerk would contact T. Morris direct and feedback. A remuneration could then be agreed for his help.
b) Noticeboard - Elite Signs had been approached to supply and fit a noticeboard. This came in at £493.72 (ex. VAT). Cllr Butroid asked that the clerk clarify what glass/perspex would be used to ensure that it was vandal proof. Clerk to seek further information from Elite. Agreed in principal. Proposed Cllr Butroid. Seconded Cllr B Allison.
9. Planning
a) No new planning applications received.
b) Important Open Space, Field Lane – Cllr Butroid reported that the Chair and herself had had a successful meeting with a legal representative at Burton & Dyson to explore our options, to protect the space and register this as common land officially. Discussion took place regarding the drainage channel and the responsibility for ensuring this was kept clear. Clerk to contact Cllr Rollings and the Scunthorpe Drainage Board for further clarification. Cllr Butroid was pleased to report that this was a step closer to officially registering the land and moving forward they were confident that this could be resolved. Cllr Butroid to update on progress.
10. Village Environment
a) Re-wilding Field Lane – deferred.
b) Fix My Street – Cllr B Allison circulated the report for October which included data from One Network detailing roadworks scheduled for the area for the next 4 weeks.
11. Tyler Trust – nothing to update.
12. Village Hall Representative – Clerk passed on the thanks from the committee for their donation towards the Macmillan coffee morning. They had recently held their AGM, unfortunately a Parish Council representative was not available to attend.
13. Community Assets – nothing to update.
14. Councillor Updates – The Woodland Trust were offering free hedging and trees, clerk to explore further for possible hedging for the burial ground. Cllr B Allison requested that the council consider placing a wreath at the church for Remembrance. All in agreement. Cllr B Allison to action. Clerk reported that the padlock from the barrier at the field had broken. As this would be the third lock purchased in a short space of time, Cllr B Allison asked for a show of hands on whether to buy a replacement. The decision was split, therefore Chair had the casting vote and it was resolved to purchase a further lock. Clerk to action and contact the school to ensure that the lock is made secure on the barrier when the barrier is open. Cllr King reported that dog fouling seemed to be increasing in the village and it was suggested that he contact WLDC enforcement.
15. Items for Inclusion on next Agenda
a) Precept Estimate
b) Retention Policy
c) Clerk's Salary (closed session)
16. Date and time of Next Meeting – Monday 11th November 2024 at 6:30 to be held at Community Room, Morton Trentside School.
Meeting closed at 8.13 pm.