Minutes for Sibsey Annual Parish Meeting

PRESENT              Four members of the public which included 3 members of Sibsey Parish Council

    The clerk of Sibsey Parish Council was also in attendance who was present to take notes of the meeting.

                               Rosemary White – Representing Northlands Village Hall

                               Simon Spens – Representing Sibsey Village Hall Committee

                               John Grooby – Representing Sibsey Parochial Church Council

                               ELDC/LCC Cllr Thomas Ashton (arrived at 7.30pm)

1.         AGREEMENT FOR CHAIRMAN OF SIBSEY PARISH COUNCIL TO CHAIR THE 2019 SIBSEY ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

It was resolved that Sibsey Parish Council Chairman Cllr I Watts would chair the 2018 Sibsey Annual Parish Meeting.

2.         NOTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD THURSDAY 23rd MAY 2018 TO BE APPROVED AS THE MINUTES

After time was allocated for the notes to be read it was then resolved to accept these notes as a true and accurate record and thereby signed by the Chairman.

3.         REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS TO BE GIVEN BY INVITED GUESTS

a. Representative from Sibsey Parochial Church Council

Mr John Grooby introduced himself as a Church Warden as well as a member of Sibsey and Carrington PCC. 

He reported the following:

• There is still a vacancy for the position of Vicar.  After recent advertising, no applications have been received to date.  Therefore, will be looking at readvertising for the post.
• St Margaret’s Church building is in reasonable shape, everything is continuing but are looking for new assistants to aid with the work.
• The Parish Council was thanked for help in keeping the Church Yard tidy.

A query was raised about What happens in no one applies for the position of Vicar?  Mr Grooby replied – It is believed the Bishop of Grantham will officially appoint someone.

b. Representative from Sibsey Free School

There was no representation or report to be read for Sibsey Free Primary School.

4.         REPORT TO BE GIVEN BY LOCAL AUTHORITY AND OTHER BODIES

a. LCC and ELDC Cllr T Ashton

At the time of this agenda item Cllr Thomas Ashton was not present at the meeting.

b. Police

There was no representation or report to be read for the Police.

c. Reports from any other bodies

There were no other bodies in attendance.

5.         VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE REPORT

a. Sibsey Village Hall

Mr Simon Spens, Chairman for Sibsey Village Hall Committee reported the following:

• Over the past year, the Staples Suite has been refurbished along with new tables and chairs in the aid of a grant from Sibsey Parish Council
• A wide variety of organisations use the hall and gaining more over the year
• He also thanked Sibsey Parish Council for helping with a bridging loan to aid with the Village Hall’s Insurance renewal
• Other refurbishments to the village hall have been new outside lights, reglazing of the outside noticeboard
• Several events have and will continue to be put on for the community such as Theatre Productions
• Mr Burkett, Caretaker for the Village Hall was thanked for helping maintain the village hall.
• He thanked the Sibsey Village Hall Committee for their help with the ongoing projects and helping with organising events.

A query was raised on the state of Sibsey Village Hall’s Car Park

Mr Spens replied – Though some of the holes have been temporarily repaired, the Committee is looking into financial support to get the whole of the Car Park resurfaced.

b. Northlands Village Hall

Mrs Rosemary White Chairman for Northlands Village Hall Committee reported the following:

• Bookings continue to be exceptionally good with several regular hires.
• The hall has been redecorated and thanked the Parish Council for the grant which helped with the majority of the costs for this.
• Currently waiting response to a grant application that has been submitted to Triton Knoll to help with the continuing maintenance of the Village Hall.

It was resolved at 7.35pm to go back to item 4a on the agenda

After apologising for being late, LCC/ELDC Cllr Thomas Ashton reported the following:

• Incredibly grateful to be re-elected as representative of East Lindsey District Council following the recent local elections, and additionally passed on the appreciation of Cllr Neil Jones who also had been re-elected.
• Will be looking at concentrating on local issues more than on governmental ongoings.
• Whilst money is not available to do everything at LCC as would like especially relating to roads there is a high priority of the £66m to do something on top of major capitol schemes.
• Second backing for funding is necessary for a relief road around Boston.  Though £10,000 is needed to be allocated just to be able to put a bid in.  From which Parliament then can be lobbied.
• Trading Standards have been working hard within the area ceasing counterfeit goods.
• Speed limits in New Bolingbroke have been reduced from 50mph to 30mph, with Carrington’s limit being extended through the village
• Have been reappointed port folio holder at ELDC for planning in which one of the major projects is the review of the Local Plan in 2021.
• Will continue to do the best in both roles for the area

It was resolved to go back to agenda order

6.         SIBSEY PARISH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Chairman of Sibsey Parish Council, Cllr Ian Watts reported the following:

• The role of Parish Councillor is an unpaid position of which the representatives work for the parish and serve the community.  The precept of £60,000 is relatively high but the village has a large geographical area to cover with many assets to maintain, with the reason that things can be done effectively as if this were low things would not be done effectively as expected and required.
• Several Planning applications have been submitted over the past year including one from Chestnut Homes for development of land off the A16 adjacent to Sibsey Free Primary School.  The Parish Council will try and fight this following the disapproval of the residents.
• During the past year one large project that has been done is the refurbishment of the Brick Store and the pathway leading to the Frithville Road entrance, another has been the refurbishment of the play equipment in Amos Way Play Area.
• One of the main assets is the Burial Ground.  The Parish Council are currently looking at how this will be managed over the next four to five years.
• For awhile now the Christmas Light switch on even has taken place in association with the Sibsey Free Primary School Christmas fayre, and once again last years was successful.  The Parish Council will continue to support this and ensure this is enjoyed as much by the community as well as the children of the school.
• The Parish Council fully support all organisations of the parish.  If there is anything that they feel they could help with all they need to do is contact them and they will attempt to do what they can to assist.
• Another project that is currently being reviewed is the land within Pymoor Lane.
• The major issues that are brought to the attention of the Parish Council are associated with Highways matters.  These are brought to the attention of the County Councillor to aid in trying to get these rectified.
• Another venture that the Parish Council are hoping to be doing is a Community Speed Watch scheme, with the aid of getting volunteers within the parish to aid with this.
• Additional to the recent District Council election was that of the Parish Council.  Eight Councillors were re-elected, however, former Cllr Carl Presgrave decided not to re-stand this time.  The Parish Council would like to thank him for the hard work and help he has given over the time he has served.
• He personally thanked the other members of Parish Council and the clerk for their hard work during the past year.

7.         SIBSEY COMMUNITY AWARD PRESENTATION

Parish Councillor Ian Watts relayed that this is the ninth year the award is to be presented to someone who have given their time and care to the community of the village.  This year’s award is to be presented to Rosemary White.  She is active in several projects especially associated with Northlands Village Hall.  It has been a great privilege to have worked with her over the years.

Rosemary White gave a short speech and thanked everyone who helps her and to the Parish Council for the honour being considered for this award.

8.         FOR ANY MEMBERS OF THE PARISH TO SPEAK, ASK QUESTIONS OR MAKE ANY STATEMENTS AND TO CONSIDER ANY MATTERS THAT MAY BE RAISED

There were no speeches, questions or statements made.

There being no further business, the Chairman thanked all for attending and the meeting finished at 8.25pm.