March 2018 Minutes
BICKER PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 8th March 2018 at the Methodist Church Hall.
Presentation by Julie and Richard Steel from the Rural Isolation Group. Boston Borough Council initiative to help isolated people in rural areas receive assistance if required. Looking at PC to engage with these residents as they have direct contact with them, to try and make people aware of people who may be in need.
Coun Chapman advised that due to the size of the village and the different committees most people are known to the Council. Although it is a tight knit community the BBC may still have tools to help PC to continue this engagement. BBC confirmed they were there to help not dictate. Newsletter being sent electronically which should be distributed to councillors and made available to the community.
PUBLIC FORUM
Mrs Webster advised that problems at PO corner is not debris, there is a step in the pipe and asked if this could be reported again.
Village sign not looking healthy, need to replace.
White railings in village require attention, could grant from Wind Farm be available.
Notice board is now showing mould due to condensation. White board at Back Lane requires attention again.
Red Lion Street sign requires attention.
The salt bin at Drury Lane keeps filling with water and recently froze over. Will BBC replace it?
Present Cllr Barnes
Cllr Carrott
Cllr Chapman
Cllr Kelly
Cllr Pell
Borough Cllr Cooper
County Councillor Brookes
& 2 members of the public and 2 representatives from BBC
21 APOLOGIES - were received and accepted from Coun Benjamin
22 POLICE REPORT – ntr
23 NOTES OF JANUARY MEETING – following amendments were signed as a true copy, to become minutes. Proposed Coun Carrott seconded Coun Chapman.
24 NOTES OF LAST MEETING – were signed as a true copy to become minutes prop Coun Carrott seconded Coun Chapman
25 TO RECEIVE UPDATE FROM CLERK.
Contact from BBC regarding dog bin in Friest Lane, requesting information of existing dog bins and where we would like this one placing. Defibrillator signs for ‘phone box received.
Update from Coun Brookes regarding Brylaine bus service. BBC has put to tender.
26 TO DISCUSS/APPROVE INCREASE IN ALLOTMENT RENT
Allotment rents have not increased for at least 17 years and although the PC has a duty to supply allotments if possible there is also the duty of care of financial detriment. The tenants rent do not cover the cost of the rent to Bicker United Charity and regular clearance of the unattended plots. Comments received that allotments are still too large for many people to work. After discussion it was proposed Coun Chapman and seconded Coun Carrott that annual rent be increased to £25.
27 SUBSTATION UPDATE –ntr
28 ALLOTMENT UPDATE
The water butts have not as yet been moved but Coun Chapman has received an offer from the owner of the adjoining property to move the butts and keep them filled by pumping water from his wells. Council in agreement.
29 FINANCE REPORT - £20159.47
30 MEMBERS REPORTS –
Coun Carrott – feels a thank you should be sent to the farmers of Donington for assistance in Mill Lane with snowy conditions.
Coun Pell. Street light No 3 in School Lane still not working. Update on mole problem at A52 junction.
31 CORRESPONDENCE -
Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire – request for donation towards continued works
Details of Boston Community Transports, Clerk to place in phone box
UK Parliament-celebrate democracy week 18 June 2 July
GDPR - General Data Protection Regulation comes into effect in May whereby all parish councils have to register a DPO. Data Protection Officer. There are still discussions with NALC and LALC as the DPO cannot be the person holding the information. Thoughts that perhaps neighbouring councils can act as DPO but questions being asked as to what qualifications are required. LALC have a company that will act as DPO for local Council’s in order that they can be compliant with the law until other arrangements can be made.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING – Thursday 12th April 2018