Minutes 13th May 2025
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Held on Tuesday 13th May 2025 at 7.30pm
MEMBERSHIP:
Chair: Councillor Andy Hone
Vice-chair: Councillor George McDonnell
Councillors: Mrs Lesley Routh-Jones; Richard Robinson and Richard Marshall, (2 vacancies)
Clerk: John Money, RFO: Gordon Roe.
Attendance:
Chair: Councillor Andy Hone
Vice-chair: Councillor George McDonnell
Councillors: Mrs Lesley Routh-Jones; Richard Robinson and Richard Marshall.
Clerk: John Money
Public forum (15 minutes): A question was asked regarding the chair mover and the issues regarding backs of the hub chairs needing renovation. It was agreed to look at this issue.
Another parishioner made comment about the weeds in the beck, a discussion took place and it was agreed that it was not thought it was any of the agencies responsibility. But possibly lay with the landowner. Further investigation will take place.
Another person asked if new residents still received welcome packs; this was confirmed that they do.
Purchasing a second hand safe for secure storage was suggested - to be investigated.
County and District Councillors' reports: None given
Agenda Items:
1. To elect the Chair of the Council for the forthcoming year and to receive the Chair’s Declaration of Acceptance of Office. It was proposed and seconded and resolved unanimously that Cllr Andy Hone continue as Chair of the Council for the forthcoming year 2025/26: Action Chair and the Clerk.
2. To elect the Vice-Chair of the Council for the forthcoming year and to receive the Vice-Chair’s Declaration of Acceptance of Office: It was proposed and seconded and resolved unanimously that Cllr George McDonnell continue as Vice Chair of the Council for the forthcoming year 2025/26: Action the Vice Chair and the Clerk.
3. Apologies for Absence: Cllr Dave Parry (District Councillor) Work commitments.
4. Declarations of Interest: None given.
5. Minutes: It was proposed, seconded and resolved unanimously that Cllr Andy Hone sign the minutes of the meeting held on April 8th with a small addition suggested by Cllr R Marshall
6. Co-option of a new Parish Councillor: It was proposed, seconded and resolved unanimously that Mrs Lesley Routh-Jones be co-opted as a Member of the Parish Council in accordance with the Councils policies and procedures until the next election date which is in May 2027. Action the Clerk: to register the appointment with the Democratic Services Department at NKDC.
7. Chair’s Report: The Chair reported that in the last two years the financial reserves have improved and we would like to think that we will get to the 50% of precept recommendation before too long, we are at 44% now; he went on to talk about the solar panels; the improved car park; the increase bookings in the Hub: the Ripon Arms decoration; the litter bins in the village: the proposed Dado rail in the Hub and the outstanding repairs to the cellar floor. He also discussed the possibility of a focus group going forward with MPC to review this.
8. Hub Manager’s Report: None given, as all was in order.
9. Parish Clerk’s Report: The Clerk reported that the office administration was up-to-date and also reported back on the proposal and costs of the provision of a large door cupboard in the ladies WC area. After a short debate, it was thought that the proposal as designed and costed would be too expensive and other alternatives to be researched.
10. To agree actions resulting from the recent LALC audit report: the internal audit report recommended the following governance be reviewed: Financial regulations; The personnel committee; Slightly alter the code of conduct; Complaints policy; Insurance: the Asset register; the Grant awarding policy; the Risk register; Filing in storage and Minutes numbering. It was proposed, seconded and resolved to accept the internal audit report.
The updated asset register was accepted and approved: changes have been made to add the solar panels and the additional litter bin.
11. To agree 2025/26 internal audit requirements: It was proposed, seconded and resolved unanimously to appoint the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils (LALC) to be the Councils Internal Auditor for the year 2025/26, Action the RFO.
12. To discuss whether delegated authority to appoint a street light power supplier should be given to the RFO: After a short debate it was proposed, seconded and resolved to give the RFO delegated powers to procure the best price possible to secure the street lamp unmetered electricity supply for the next term contract
13. To consider the proposal made by the RFO for insurance supplier for 1st June 2025 onwards: After a short debate it was proposed, seconded and resolved the RFO delegated power to appoint for the year 01/06/25 to the 31/05/26
14. Planning Matters: N/A
15. Financial Matters:
(a) To note the current bank balances: Noted.
(b) To ratify payments for the month of April 2025 and to approve the list of upcoming payments: Approved. Action: The Chair, the Clerk.
(c) To review and resolve to approve the 2024/25 Annual Governance Statement: It was proposed, seconded and resolved unanimously that approval be given to all concerned to endorse this document on the Councils behalf. Action: The Chair, Clerk, RFO and the IA.
(d) To review and resolve to approve the 2024/25 Accounting Statements: It was proposed, seconded and resolved unanimously that approval be given to all concerned to endorse this document on the Councils behalf. Action: The Chair
16. Date of Next Meeting: To confirm that the next Full Council meeting will take place on 10/06/25: The Clerk tendered his apologies in advance for the June meeting (holiday).
Public forum (10mins):a question was asked regarding rough sleepers in woodland and it was noted that LEDA properties have more work to do in the Old Hall grounds.
The meeting ended at 8:23 pm.The Chair thanked all for their attendance.