January 2020 Minutes
Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 9th January 2020 at the Methodist Church Hall.
PUBLIC FORUM
Present Coun Kelly
Coun Bateson
Coun Carrott
Coun Pell
Coun Stevens
County Councillor Brookes
1/20 - APOLOGIES - were received and accepted from Coun Buttery and Borough Coun Cooper and Police
2/20 TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCALISM ACT 2011
Coun Carrott - Sub–Station & allotments, Trustee of Charity
3/20 - POLICE REPORT – no reported crimes this month
4/20 - NOTES OF LAST MEETING – Were signed as a true copy, to become minutes.
Proposed Coun Carrott seconded Coun Pell.
5/20 - TO RECEIVE UPDATE FROM CLERK.
Mole man has been in £175 to set traps and visit 4 times ( he won’t use chemicals because of animals so traps) was going to set a few to see what burrows were live. If required after that would be £25 per visit. Clerk asked to proceed.
Tree man is going to itemise cost of each tree in playing field in order that PC can decide which should have priority.
Mr Fixit to look at railings near chapel
6/20 - SUBSTATION UPDATE
Coun Brookes reported awaiting revised minutes of Triton Knoll meeting following some amendments
7/20 - ALLOTMENT UPDATE
Nothing to report
8/20 - FINANCE REPORT- TO APPROVE PRECEPT
Approve Council payments as per schedule
Prop Coun Carrott seconded Coun Pell
Precept proposals presented by clerk for future budgets. Previously budgeted for ongoing expenses i.e. clerk, cemetery, playing field, streetlights but nothing set aside for any additional maintenance required with trees and street fencing etc. Clerk advised that she had received no increase in wages in 10 years and the post was more demanding now.
Contract is only for 7 hours per week which may need addressing in the future. Currently £11.53 per hour. Chair asked what Donington paid, increased last year to £14.68.
Clerk left the meeting whilst this was discussed. Coun Brookes confirmed the post is not what it was in the past. It was proposed Coun Carrott, seconded Coun Pell that Bicker bring in line with Donington. Clerk returned and was unexpectantly gratified with the increase. With additional contingency for any unexpected expenses it was proposed Coun Carrott, seconded Coun Bateson Bicker levy a precept of £25000.
Clerk to obtain quotes for replacement streetlights with regard to a grant application.
9/20- PLANNING
Nothing this month
10/20 - MEMBERS REPORTS –
Coun Carrott – pot hole in Mill Lane has been repaired but flooding is still an issue.
Coun Pell – fencing at Back Lane/Fore Lane has been hit again and has exposed the concrete base it was in.
New fencing on Gauntlet Road/ Cemetery Road has been erected higher than previously and it causes a visibility problem.
A52 opposite Red Lion
County Coun Brookes reported LCC approved budget proposal for 2020/2021 to go to consultation. 11/2% increase in general council tax and 2% increase for adult social care.
Despite continued reductions from main government Highways are proposing to spend approx. £4m on 16 extra highways gangs, with road repairs and flooding being a priority for residents.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING – Thursday 13th February 2020
Meeting closed at 8.35 p.m.