Meetings 2024

Minutes of the Meeting of Rippingale Parish Council, held in the Village Hall on Monday 9th September 2024
Present: Cllr A Creek (vice-chair),  Cllr J Jones and L Davies        (Clerk).
In Attendance: Cllr R Dixon-Warren, Cllr M Hill, D Clipstone, C Jervis, D Knibbs, S Knibbs, C Catt, C Smith, A Cliffe and W Grey. There were no Press in attendance.
Public Forum
-    Vice-Chairman’s Opening remarks
1456. A Warm well and nice from Cllr Creek, as Vice Chair filling in while Cllr Ross is away on holiday. As the council is not quorate, no decisions can be made. There are a few items that will be passed due to emails and conversations being done. Such as payments and allotment changes. Will address these at each point.
-    Comments, Questions & Queries from Press & Public
1457. Concerns about the amount of dog fouling and people not placing dogs on leads were raised. In each case the Parish Council asked for members of the community to talk to other dog owners about their actions and  report any incidents to the correct authority.  
Speeding within the village seems to be ever on the increase, especially tractors at present time. Cllr Creek advised that there had been a recent walkabout the village will LCC Highway, Cllr Hill & Cllr Dixon-Warren, where it was being investigated to move the 30 mph signs at either end of the village. This was due to the lack of foot path along Station Street, and people walking towards the Allotments, High Street and the edge of the village. The request to make sense of the 60pmh on East Street, this is to remove the national speed limit sign and continue the 30pmh back into the village. The support of both members is in place. It was suggested what are the possibilities of the flashing ‘30mph’ or ‘slow’ signs or community Speed Watch group. Where members are trained to use speed traps. Anyone speeding would receive a formal letter, but not a fine. Action: Clerk to obtain prices for flashing speeding signs and community speeding groups. Add to social media and Newsletter
It was also raised by 2 members of the community the concerns of the Objection of the planning application at the Willows. There stance of the council remains unchanged, but there are no further points that could be raised. Cllr Dixon- Warren will investigate how many times objections can be raised. Raised the latest in the information being shared with the residence and Council.
Action. All review planning application for the Willows Care home

Formal Meeting Agenda
1.0    To receive Apologies for Absence and approve Reasons Given. 
1458. Apologies received from Cllr Ross and Cllr Petch due to personal and work commitments there are unable to attend. Cllr Hill, has sent his apologies, as had to attend an urgent meeting but hopes to attend if still in session. Arrived 7.38pm. Cllr Lumb apologies sent at a later date due personal reason she was unable to attend. 
2.0    To receive any new Declarations of Interest.
1459. None
3.0    To approve the Minutes of the last Parish Council Meeting held on 12th August 2024
1460. The Previously circulated minutes of the last meeting were found to be a true reflection of the meeting. Resolved.
4.0    Parish Clerk’s Report (excluding matters raised later in the Agenda)
4.1    Allotment Update – updating plot changes, tenancy agreements & payments. Including letters to untidy plots.
1461. All plots that are tenanted are paid and signed. The untidy plots, one of the holders is in hospital, awaiting response. But RGAG group have advised they will help to tidy the plots up. The remaining plot will have a follow up letter once 28 days is up. Schedule of tenants has been shared with the RGAG. Action. Clerk to chase up untidy plot with tenant

4.2    Social Media Update
4.2.1    HCS advert 
1462. Request for more drivers has been placed on the FB page, Website and Newsletter
4.2.2    Handyman advert
1463. Request for handyman has been placed on the FB page, Website and Newsletter
4.2.3    General
4.3    Safety signs for old storage unit
1464. All outstanding signs have been ordered, placed into location. Resolved 
4.4    JPF Septic tank cleaning
1465. No further with this as no record of the septic tank. Action. Clerk to seek expert advice
4.5    Storm pond gate repair
1466. The Storm Gate is repaired by J Kimberly, he kindly gave his time to the community to repair and paint the gate. Which the council thanks him for. Resolved
4.6    Plot 27 & 28 holder request to install shed 8ft x 6ft x 7ft
1467. The request is granted as within the guidelines of the agreement. Plot 2 has also requested to erect a polytunnel, again with the guidelines of the agreement. Both agreed and Resolved.
Action. Clerk to notify plot holders that the requests have been granted
5.0    External & Community Group Updates: 
5.1    County & District Council Reports – as available.
1468. Cllr Dixon-Warren discussed the following points, 
Water Pipeline Project
Anglian Water’s £500m pipeline being built from North Lincolnshire down to
Essex, due to carry 55 million litres (12 million gallons) of water a day, is the
largest water infrastructure project in Europe. Work on this 205-mile (330-km)
pipeline designed to tackle water shortages has been delayed, with blame placed on
the Covid-19 pandemic, "unprecedented" weather conditions and supply issues
related to the war in Ukraine for the delay.
Reservoir Project
Anglian Water is proposing a new reservoir in Lincolnshire to help meet growing
demands on water supply in the East of England with a new water supply project.
With associated infrastructure to transfer water to the reservoir, treat it and supply
it to homes and businesses, it will secure reliable water supply for generations to
come. The site is outside South Kesteven, but pipework is likely to be routed
through our District, which may affect many householders and landowners.
Kerbside Battery Recycling
A kerbside battery recycling scheme, designed to reduce the risk of bin fires, will
launch in South Kesteven on Monday 16 September. Batteries and single use vape
will be collected separately from general waste as long as they are left in a see-
through bag. Look out for details.
80th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden
A range of events are planned to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation
Market Garden, immortalised in the film ‘A Bridge Too Far’ and which included
the British 1st Airborne Division’s Battle for Arnhem. These include the Airborne
Signals Reunion in Caythorpe 7-8 September, ‘Folkingham Remembers Operation
Market Garden’ 14-15 September, an illustrated talk in St Andrew’s Church,
Haconby, on 21 September and the ‘Arnhem 80’ Army Benevolent Fund Band
Concert in St Wulfram’s Church in Grantham on 25 October. Look out for details.
5.2    Community Groups & Organisations – 
5.2.1    Village Hall
1469. Cllr Jones attended the AGM which was a very positive meeting. They are looking to publish more events. They are currently reviewing the floor of the village hall as some areas my need repair. There is discussions under way to make the village hall a ‘warm space’ for the winter. This is to work alongside a coffee morning that was agreed at the AGM, to be held every fortnight to provide a meeting place and warmth in the colder months for the community. In addition it was agreed, at the AGM, to provide a book swap, which will help those members of the community that may struggle to get books, and assist in literacy access.  Clerk advised there maybe funding available for warm space. There is a funding event in Bourne on the 19th September. Action Cllr Jones looking to attend funding event and funding towards ‘warm space’ 
5.2.2    Hospital Car Scheme
1470.  Still only running with 4 drivers, but there have not been many requests to complete, so steadily ticking along. There is still a request for more volunteers. Action. Clerk to place request for more drivers in the newsletter, Facebook and website. 
5.2.3    RGAG
1471. Open day was a success, being well attended and as a result some vacant plots were let. Looking into funding for a storage container. There is a meeting on Saturday and are holding a tabletop sale to raises funds for a toilet (once the mains water is in place). 
5.2.4    PCC.
1472. Awaiting the meeting in September.
5.2.5    Police Update 
1473. Vandalism has been escalated with the police, with all acts being reported and being issued with a crime number. With the correct evidence the council would push for prosecution. The recent vandalism at the tennis court, which resulted in the tennis courts to be locked for a 24hr period. The padlock has been replaced, code will be changed on a regular basis, to ensure that people who want to use the facilities are able to. The code is accessible by contacting either the clerk or cllrs, sign with contact details. This was unfortunate as the majority of the village use the playing fields correctly. The council are currently working on a policy to make safe rather than repairing. There are, unfortunately ,a few that are damaging the facilities, in most cases their identities are known, however the Parish Council or Police  do not have evidence. The criminal damage is being reported to the Police and they are aware of the ongoing situation.The use of CCTV has been considered but there a few GDPR issues and safeguarding to be explored. Action. Vandalism to reported in the Newsletter and social media. 
6.0     Parish Matters:
6.1    To consider the progress to replace the portacabin at Jubilee Playing Field
1474. Quotes for 20ft containers have been received, there is not much different in price from a 40ft to 20ft container as it would most likely be delivered on the same size vehicle as the 40ft. 
6.2    Update regarding existing grant funding for proposed pavilion.
1475. Cllr Petch has been in contact with Werry & Sons, who has asked as the project is unclear on direction it would be best to return the funds. Action. Clerk to contact Werry to arrange return of funds
6.3    To consider and discuss progress with the rectification of flood drainage concerns. 
6.3.1    To receive update on complaint raised to LCC about 155 Station Street
1476.  The recent village walkabout with LCC highways manager, Cllr Hill, Cllr Dixon-Warren and parish council. PC will continue to work on liaising with Anglian Water, Black sluice and SKDC regarding ensuring the dykes are cleared. LCC are looking to provide “Road Closed signs”. Also raised points that Anglian water does not have to comment on less than 10 properties, where as there is currently 8 properties up for potential develop, this soon adds up as pressures on the Sewerage & surface water.
6.3.2    Sandbags from SKDC storage solutions
1478.  Sand box is ordered and should be delivered in the next 5-7 working days to the village hall. Cllr Creek is to take delivery and site into location, then to arrange for padlock and sand delivery. Action. Clerk to arrange padlocks and coordinate sand delivery. 
6.4    To consider the progress with providing mains water supply to the Allotments.
6.4.1    To discuss and consider Deed of Easement
1479. Deed of Easement - two quotes - £475 - Law Hive and £1856 - EG LAW. No decision made as not quorum.
6.4.2    To receive update on water application, including planning process
1480. Route marked - awaiting final approval from resident then quotation from D Knibbs

6.5    To discuss obtaining quotations for allotments maintenance and rotavating plots prior to new tenants
            6.5.1. To Discuss and consider ragwort management
1841. Ragwort, Plot holders to deal with theirs, parish council to deal with common areas and untenanted plots – this would include pulling and burning this as a specific part of the spraying quote.
6.5.2.  To receive and consider quotations for allotment maintenance and rotavating plots prior to tenants.
1842. Clearing vacant plots, weed killing spray, unfortunately the member who was going to action is unwell – So other quotes are required. (NB. this is to spray weeds & grass, NOT Ragwort). Rotavating -awaiting quotes from RGAG, which would be weather dependant.
6.6    To receive and consider planning applications
6.6.1    13 East Street
1843. On going and monitoring. 
6.7    To received update on the update of the Neighbourhood Plan 
1844. Clerk has updated the and/or and Cllr Ross has sent to SKDC to await their response. As only a minor change and aware does not effect any decisions made. 
6.8    To receive update on overgrown hedges etc:
6.8.1    Update regarding quotation for extra hedge cutting and tree maintenance
1845. Work completed Resolved
6.8.2    Complaint to SKDC ref poor cutting of Station St hedge by Fix my Street
          1846. Work completed Resolved
6.8.3    Along station street including land to the rear of Grinders Lane/Dovecote 
1847. Cllr Ross & Cllr Lumb have had a meeting with the landowner. Awaiting work to commence.
6.8.4    Overgrown border on Pinfold/JPF
              1847. Work completed Resolved
6.8.5    JPF footpaths and around old storage unit
              1848. Work completed Resolved
6.8.6    Tree maintenance along verges
        1849. Work completed Resolved
6.8.7    Dykes in and around the village
1850. Ongoing work identifying ownership and responsibilities
6.8.8    Feedback from village walkabout on the 5th September 2024.
1851.  Positive meeting, as previously mentioned in 1479. LCC & SKDC will work together with PC to 
6.9    To consider Hedge cutting tender 2024
1852. Action Clerk to send out tender to receive pricing ahead of next meeting. 
6.10    To discuss methods to assess residents’ views on use of playing field
1853. Forms of communication are the social media, website and newsletter. Looking towards a survey to get people views, this can be done across all current forms of communication.
6.11    To discuss proposal to install a basketball post & net in tennis court and erection of football goal posts
1854. Due to the level of vandalism the basketball hop is on hold until further notice. The PC cannot justify spending community funds while the vandalism is going on. This is a real shame as the PC have a real desire to provide facilities for our older children. Awaiting cost to erect the goal post are under way, and these will be erected as the cost is already committed. 
6.12    To discuss tennis court on going use, whether booking system, combination or key are options are options to reduce vandalism. 
1855. Booking system may not resolve the issues, as the one using the facilities are not the one damaging. Monthly changes in padlock code, will give an idea of the volume of uses. Contact details are in lace for the code. Keeping a record of users at this point was agreed not viable at this time. But this does not mean at later date would not happen.
6.13    Update regarding moving 30 mph sign and dangerous “ruts” on Station Street
1856. Speed limit covered in 1457. Ruts on station street 
6.14    To consider purchasing Remembrance Wreath
1857. Previously donation of £35, which was agreed was reasonable. Action Clerk to speak regarding the placing of the wreath on the remembrance service. Order Wreath 
6.15     To consider Newsletter rejuvenation 
1858. Awaiting costing and options to include pictures. 
7.0    Financial Matters:
7.1    Financial Reports:
7.1.1    FY 2024/25 Accounts to date & Approval of Expenditure
1859. All cllr have agreed the payments via email, this includes the clerk’s salary, newsletter cost, village maintenance of trees and hedges. 

Code    Description    Supplier     Total 
Office Costs    Annual Costs    Chair     £       3.90 
Office Costs    Annual Costs    Chair     £       3.60 
Office Costs    Annual Costs    Chair     £       4.75 
Office Costs    Annual Costs    Chair     £     21.96 
Training    Annual Costs    Chair     £     19.35 
Office Costs    Annual Costs    Chair     £       7.70 
Clerk Mileage    Clerk Expenses    The Clerk     £     32.40 
Clerk Mileage    Clerk Expenses    The Clerk     £     10.80 
Office Costs    Clerk Expenses    The Clerk     £     25.00 
Meetings    Annual Costs    Village Hall     £     12.50 
General Maintenance    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £   325.00 
Tree Works    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £   600.00 
Tree Works    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £   250.00 
Grass - Cemetery    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £   140.00 
Grass - Cemetery    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £   240.00 
Grass - Cemetery    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £   240.00 
Grass - LCC    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £   150.00 
Grass - Village    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £     30.00 
Grass - Village    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £   170.00 
Grass - Village    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £   180.00 
Grass - JPF    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £   120.00 
Grass - JPF    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £   120.00 
Grass - JPF    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £   120.00 
Hedge - JPF    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £   360.00 
Hedge - JPF    Annual Costs    Gary Gardens Tree Care     £   580.00 
Printing    Newsletter    Warners Group     £     82.00 
            
             £3,848.96 
            
7.1.2    Forecast 
1860. Working Progress, clerk to provide up to date forecast for next meet. Action. Clerk to update process
7.2    Parish Bank Account Update including JPFT
1861. Clerk has completed the application and awaiting response. 
8.0    Urgent reports or any other issues.  
1862. None
9.0    Close meeting
10.0    2nd Public Forum.

Next meeting: 14th October 2024 at 7.00pm in Rippingale Village Hall