Meetings 2021

Minutes of the Meeting of Rippingale Parish Council, held in the Village Hall on Thursday 8th July 2021

Present: Cllrs C. Charlton (Chairman), A. Vaughan, J. Petch, J. Howard, M. Hill, P Molesey & Parish Clerk L Davies

In Attendance: Wendy Gray, Kate Lewis, David Knibbs, Jonathan Newell & Derek Diess

Public Forum

There were no Press in attendance.

Chairman closed the Public Forum and opened the Council Meeting at 7.10pm 

                                                                                    8th July 2021

 Annual Parish Meeting

The Annual Parish Meeting opened at 7.10pm

1. Welcome by the Chairman & Annual Report.

645. I am pleased to deliver the Parish Council Annual Report. Due to the Coronavirus crisis, it has been two years since my last report but the Parish Council has managed to function efficiently in that period.  We have striven to deliver business as usual and I would like to record my gratitude for the admirable efforts of the Parish Councillors, the outgoing Parish Clerk, Michelle Free and the many Villagers who undertook services, met issues and pushed initiatives forward. In this period, we lost Simon Goode, Steve Warcup, Shaun Charlton and Erica Field Lucas as Parish Councillors and gained Alan Vaughan, Jeanne Howard and Jamie Petch. The former Councillors served the Village well and assisted in achieving much.

I must also highlight the sterling efforts of the Rippingale Coronavirus Support Group who throughout the past many months have provided assisted to vulnerable and elderly residents, such as picking up supplies, collecting prescriptions, gardening and other aid. It was a wonderful example of community support, with over 28 volunteers involved and recognised by an award from SKDC. It is also noteworthy that many other villagers help their neighbours in a similar way.

Turning to Finance. The Parish Council’s finances remain in a secure position and we ensure that a viable contingency is preserved to counter unanticipated circumstances. Management of the accounts is properly undertaken by the Council through internal and external Auditors.  We have maintained the Precept at the same level for over 4 years.  We have worked, with donations from others, in completing a number of projects, which I will talk about.

The first is that we completed our project to improve the provision of play equipment on the Jubilee Playing Field in conjunction with the Jubilee Playing Field Trust.   We refurbished the equipment to improve its appeal and also with some costs funded by grants and a Parish Council allocation, supplied fitness equipment and had a safety surface laid on the area, which has improved its habitability and appearance. We have just completed with Parish Council funds, the refurbishment of the tennis court surface and boundary, so now have a court which can be safely used. 

Another project which was completed in this period was the erection of a set of 4 new lampposts in the Churchyard; this was funded through sponsorship and project managed by the Parish Council. The War Memorial has also been refurbished and cleaned to ensure that we properly honour the sacrifice of the villagers remembered there.

The Parish Council remains responsible for the majority of the grass and hedge cutting on the public areas in the village, which we have to meet though our budget. We have endeavoured to do this cost effectively by competitively tendering to engage an outside contractor.  As we undertake to maintain our village as presentable as possible, I must acknowledge the efforts of many residents who are cutting grassed areas outside their properties. 

Successful Communication is essential to the existence of the Village and we have been well served again by our Newsletter and the Village Website. For the former Jamie Petch as editor deserves our thanks, along with the delivery agents. This makes sure this important media aspect continues to update the Village. Similiarly no organisation, community or body can operate constructively without a website and Helen Martin has administered an updated the Village Website with talent and much dedication.

Mention should also be made of Derek Diess for adeptly managing the Hospital Car Service when it has run. Recognition is also due to the RGAG for assisting us in responsibly administering the allotments; it should be noted the take up and use of the allotments has been high during the COVID period, providing a much-needed outlet.  The Parish Council also sponsors the Rippingale Neighbourhood Plan; we should shortly see the draft Plan going to SKDC and the Government Inspector for ratification and further Village consultation and Referendum. It should be a vehicle to allow the Village to influence any future housing development. We also look forward to working with the Feast Committee in delivering community events, once conditions allow it.

These facets all gel together to produce a beneficial community outlook in Rippingale. Finally, we must look ahead to an active brighter year ahead, to support the Village coming out of a constrictive environment and engender a vigorous, relaxed community.

2. To approve Minutes of last Annual Parish Meeting

          646. The previously circulated DRAFT Minutes from the meeting of   ………..were considered and the Council unanimously resolved to accept them. The Chairman to sign and publish the file copy previously issued.

3. Receive Reports from Police, County & District Councils

647. Cllr Molesey -It has been a challenging year due to the pandemic, but this has been met but adjusting ways of working, to ensure that all key services are operational. Ensuring that outdoor spaces are operational, so when legislation allows, they can be enjoyed. There has been an emphasis on community support, as more and more people have had to live and work in proximity. So ensuring sympathy and pragmatic resolves have been key. With restrictions lifting, there has been a move back to face-to-face meetings, offices reopening. But importantly there is time to reflect on the challenges and how they were dealt with. There was £50 million made available in the form of a grant to local business. Post covid, we are looking to be judging the best kept village in the coming weeks, Rippingale missed out by a few points last year.

648. Cllr Hill – Going on from Cllr Molesey points, there has been £100 million spent on support services, care homes and communities during this time. With restrictions lifting, services such as libraries reopening, giving more access to the services to the communities. With the plan that all service will be reopened by 1st September at the latest if current restriction lifts as predicted. Office spaces, there will be a hybrid mix of working from home and hot desking at an office. This will result in the reduction of office space required. This will be reviewed and actioned, as necessary.

The uptake of voluntary groups supporting local communities has been outstanding, ensuring that all received the support they needed regardless situation.

Local outbreaks of covid will become a county responsibility to react and implement restrictions as required.

The election was a mixed bag on results with no major changes in regard to representation. The key points of the election 

• Potholes – An ongoing battle to repair the roads
• Fly Tipping – supported by local communities doing litter picks in their area.
• Highway’s maintenance budget has been reduced, which will impact the repairs of minor/fen roads. On the positive the A15 has been topped to repair the main road.
• Support to local business has grown to approx. £12 million available.
• Unfortunately, no plan has been applied to support local government during Covid, so the next budget maybe reduced.
• Parliamentary Boundaries are changing for the Grantham and Stamford boundaries becoming Bourne & Grantham and Stamford & Rutland respectively.

Flood issue at Dovecote and Grinders, this has been raised by a few, as an ongoing issue, he has viewed and seen that the ditch is well dug, looks like water runs of the land and the pipework does not manage to drain the area sufficiently. Will be taking up with the landowner, to chase a resolve. Planning for 4 houses has been conditionally approved ensuring that a flood plan is in place.

4. Receive Reports from Community Groups & Organisations
   1. Neighbourhood Plan

649. It is safe to say that the formulation of the Neighbourhood Plan to influence village housing development has been more of a marathon rather than a sprint, not helped by the interruption of the COVID pandemic, taking four years so far. I am hopeful I will be able to report completion and adoption by the time next year’s report is due.

In the past two years we have seen steady progress in formulating the Plan, the Vision, objectives and policies were completed, with a Neighbourhood Profile undertaken to underpin these aspects. One development was the withdrawal of the Dunsby planning group members who saw that certain aspects proposed by Rippingale Parish Council of the then combined Plan was not acceptable to them. They are as far as I am aware pursuing their own Plan.

At all times the Parish has been kept updated with progress with the Plan through monthly articles in the Parish Newsletter, consultation meetings and postings on the Village website.  We have obtained  Government funding to engage planning consultants to assist us with the works undertaken and I must highlight the great efforts of Mike Hallas, the former Project Manager, in producing a viable skeleton Plan which needed little adaption after Dunsby withdrew.

We are currently at the Regulation 14 6-week Village consultation stage, where the draft Plan has been open to inspection and comment, through the website, physically through me or at the all-day consultation meeting and presentation event. This process has seen little adverse comments on its contents.

This stage completes on 12 July; thence the Plan, after further amendment, condition statement work, sustainability and consultation composition and will be forwarded to SKDC for inspection, a further Village consultation, Government inspection and finally hopefully, a Village referendum later in the year.

2. Feast Organising Committee

650. It was inevitable that Feast 2020 was cancelled due to the pandemic.  The balance of funds as at 6th April, 2020 stood at £4,171.76.  During the year Feast funds supported a competition run by Gail Hyland for the children of our village, sponsored the large Christmas tree in the churchyard and also had essential repairs carried out on all of the four marquees.

A kindly team of volunteers assisted in the removal of all Feast equipment from The Bull Inn and then set about the task of sorting into order.  All of this equipment is now stored in the portacabin on the Jubilee Playing field which was refurbished, again by a band of volunteers, especially for this purpose.

The balance of funds as at 5th April, 2021 stands at £3,881.99

In the early part of this year with consideration for current restrictions the committee decided it was too risky to plan a Feast for July, 2021.  A date of Saturday, 2nd July, has been set for celebrations in 2022.

Report compiled by current Chairperson, Kate Lewis

3. Hospital Car Service

651. Derek Diess – Due to the pandemic, the car service has remained inactive, but the plans are that services will resume on or around the 1st August 2021 depending on restrictions lifting as planned on the 19th July 20201.

4. Parochial Church Council

652. Jonathan Newell – The roof repair, quoted to replace roof at a cost of £40,000 in October 2018, once the repairs started it was found much more repair was needed than quoted, it was then placed into phases.

       Phase 1 – To replace the beams and make structurally sound - £55,000

       Phase 2 – To Zinc plate the roof - £66,000.

The temporary roof needs replace to make the church watertight, so the decision has been made to replace the temporary roof with another temporary roof which will make the church watertight and has a warranty of between 15 – 20 years. At the cost of £5,000+VAT. Which will allow funds to be raised to replace the roof correctly. Currently the Lincoln Diose is restructuring. Looking like a Rector will cover a larger area, meaning services may go from fortnightly to monthly.

5. Row Garden Allotment Group. David Knibbs,

653. Has continued to run during the pandemic but with little or no social activities depending on the restrictions. Next AGM 28th July. 6A was vacated and left in a mess.

6. Village Hall Management Committee

654. As you are aware the village hall was closed for several month during the pandemic, during this time decoration was undertaken, to freshen the hall. Slowly groups are returning to operate from the hall, with the following groups return from the 19th of July Bingo, Loose Ends. Currently no party bookings to be taken this year. The committee will be remained unchanged, and funds are sufficient. Report compiled by Wendy Gray

7. Rippingale Jubilee Playing Field Trust

655. This past year has seen the replacement of the play area, £10,000 from Parish and £11,000 from grants, the next project will be to replace the portacabin, as the cabin is slowly decaying due to age and weather.

5. Questions & Proposals from the Public

             No questions raised from the public, the Chairman closed the session.

8th July 2021

            Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Rippingale Parish Council, held in the Village Hall on Thursday 8th July 2021

Present: Cllrs C. Charlton (Chairman), A. Vaughan, J. Petch, J. Howard, & Parish Clerk L Davies

Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council

Chairman closed the Public Forum and opened the Council Annual General Meeting at 8.10pm

1. Apologies for absence.

656.   No apologies had been received.

2. Councillor Acceptance of Office.

               657. All Councillors are happy to remain in office.

3. Councillor Declarations of Interest.
4. Election of Chairman.

658. Chris Charlton will remain Chair which was agreed unanimously.

5. Election of Vice chairman.

659. The vice chair will remain vacant

6. Confirmation of allocation of members to designated roles and responsibilities –:  

               660.  Current Roles remain unchanged:

• Cllr Chris Charlton, General enquiries, Welcome Pack, Rippingale Newsletter, Neighbourhood Plan, Finance and Grant Applications
• Cllr Alan Vaughan, Jubilee Playing Fields Maintenance, Neighbourhood Plan, Liaison Village Hall Management Committee.
• Cllr Jeanne Howard, Liaison, Village Hall Management Committee, Defibrillator
• Cllr Jamie Petch, Allotment Liaison and the Parochial Church Council Liaison.
• Roles not allocated remain, Contracts and maintenance, Emergency Plan, Police Forum Representative and Feast Committee Liaison.

7. Approve Minutes of last Council Meeting

661. The previously circulated DRAFT minutes from the meeting of 24th June 2021 were considered      and the Council unanimously resolved to accept them.

8. Financial Matters

       662. Bank Mandate – All Cllr are required to sign and agree the terms of the bank, this will be sent       via recorded delivery to bank to add and remove various people. Once this is complete the Clerk will be able to apply for online passcode to setup access to the bank. All Cllrs signed paperwork.

9. Parish Matters

       9.1 Tennis Court Refurbishment update (Cllr Vaughan).

       663. Nearly completed, boarding just requires additional screws to stop the lifting.

1. To Review Coronavirus Impact and Resolve any changes.

664.19th July removal of most restrictions is looking like going ahead. Will wait for the public announcement.

9.3 Bus Shelters update (Cllr Charlton)

665. Progress has not changed over the last 18 months; the discussion is on how many are required. It was discussed that two bus shelters would be suitable, one at the church and one at Dovecotes. Nothing was agreed, but in agreement that the Bus shelters are needed.

             9.4 Mains Water RGAG

                  666. Based on first contact with Anglian Water, the cost to install water at the RGAG, look a                                 viable option, L Davies to investigate refining the exact cost.

10. Financial Reports:

10.1 FY 2021/22 Accounts to date & Approval of expenditure

667. The income and expenditure list for June 2021/2022 to included change in mileage allowance for the Clerk all costs was approved and signed. Request to provide a forecast summary for the next meeting.

11. To Adopt the Council Policies & Procedures

668. All remain in place and all available on the website. Emergency plan has an outstanding action to ensure that the volunteers are happy to remain in the roles. Once they have confirmed then this will be adjusted as required.

12. To Receive any Urgent Reports from Members

669. Raised by Cllr Howard, regarding the responsibility of cutting back hedges and over gardens that are over hanging on the footpath from Dovecotes to Chapel Rise. As the footpath has become impassable for buggies, wheelchair users and difficult for able bodies to access without going on to the road. Face to face conversations have been had, this can be reported to the highways department, via link on the website. Cllr Howard will action.

670. Clerks Laptop upgrade, quotes provided and approved to have the relevant memory improvements.

11. Items for Inclusion on next Meeting Agenda.

671. Hedge Cutting Tender

There being no more business, the Chairman closed the Meeting at 8.45pm

Download a copy of the Agenda here