Minutes of Meetings 2022

A meeting of East Keal Parish Council was held on 19th January 2022 at 7pm at the Keal’s Village Hall, West Keal.
Welcome.  Cllr Grahame Smith welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Public Forum.  There were no items for discussion.
Present.  Cllr Smith, Cllr Wrisdale, Cllr Boxer, Cllr Mckinlay, Cllr Kemp, Cllr Cooper, Cllr Gray, Mrs E Martin, (Clerk to the Council) and one member of the public.
As Cllr Gray had another meeting to attend it was agreed that he gave his report and answered any questions at the start of the meeting and then he would leave.
1.  Apologies for Absence.  These were received from Mr Pearson.  
2.  Notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 17th November 2021 to be approved as the minutes.  It was resolved that the notes be accepted as minutes of the meeting.  Proposed by Cllr Kemp and seconded by Cllr Boxer.
Cllr Mckinlay asked that on previous minutes, item no 12, the figure reads £650.00.
3.  Declaration of Interest.  None given.
4.  Memorial to Cllr Jim Swanson.  The recent death of Cllr Jim Swanson was announced.  Cllr Smith stated the Council’s appreciation of everything that he had done for many years to help and support the work of our Parish Council.  He always attended meetings and was committed to helping in any way he could.  He will be sadly missed.
5.  Reports from Representatives on outside bodies.
a)  County Councillor.  A comprehensive report, from Cllr Gray, had been circulated to Cllrs prior to the meeting.  The main points being.
I   Good Citizens Awards 2022:  If you know a local person or organisation that goes the extra mile – this is your chance to help us celebrate their work at the Good Citizens Awards.  Nominations are now open for our Good Citizens Awards 2022.
ii.  Active Travel:  We're seeking the views of residents, businesses and organisations on plans to make walking and cycling easier in the county. The Department for Transport (DfT) awarded Lincolnshire £799,900 to be used to give people more opportunities to choose walking and cycling for their day-to-day journeys, to boost active travel and reduce traffic congestion. According to data from the fitness app, Strava, the county council has found that over 16,000 more cyclists took to Lincolnshire's roads in 2020, compared with 2019, including thousands more cycling commuters. Active Travel Fund: your views on additional walking and cycling schemes  
iii.  Visit England accolades:  Lincoln Castle and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre have both received Welcome Accolades, recognising them as amongst the best visitor attractions in the country. Judges from VisitEngland scour the country for the best quality attractions, and the highest-scoring venues are awarded their prestigious Attraction Accolades. The two Lincolnshire venues have been highlighted for the warm and friendly welcome they provide to visitors.
iv.  Are you eligible for a free flu vaccine from the national scheme? – then book it now.  In the UK each year the flu kills on average 11,000 people and hospitalises thousands more. The flu virus spreads from person to person, even among those not showing symptoms. The flu vaccine is the best protection for you and those around you and it’s available to those most at risk for free. Book your appointment as soon as you are invited.  See the gov.uk website for a list of those who are eligible.
v.  Be prepared for winter.  All types of weather can affect you and those around you. Make sure you're prepared by checking the Met Offices tips and advice on travel, your home, and health and wellbeing.
vi.  Fight for more funding for Lincolnshire roads launches.  ‘Fix Our Funds To Fix Our Roads’ is lobbying government for £12m of roads maintenance budget to be reinstated. All local residents are being invited to tell their stories in the fight for more fair roads funding.  Please see www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/highwaysfunding for more details about how you and the people you know could get involved.
vii.  COVID – Vaccinations in Lincolnshire:  Use the following link to book your next vaccination.  https://lincolnshireccg.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab
viii.  Lincolnshire County Council Budget Proposals 2022/23:  If you would like to give your views on the proposed budget for 2022/23, please do so by 26th January 2022.
ix.  Highways.  A recent walkabout round the village has been undertaken by Cllr Gray, Cllr McKinlay and two LCC Highways officers.   From this a written report and subsequent update has been circulated to all Cllrs from Cllr Gray.  Cllr Gray informed the meeting that the LCC policy is that gullies and drains are cleaned out once a year. Hall corner has been cleaned recently and it was reported that the water was running out of the drain.   A CCTv camera had been put down the drain and blockages have been found.  He stated that a highways officer will come and talk to the resident of the property where the drain goes into the ditch.  It was explained by Cllr McKinlay that she felt this was not the problem as the end of the exposed pipe was depositing water into the ditch without any hinderance.  It was agreed that this situation be monitored.
Highways have also repainted some of the white lines and the ‘Slow’ road markings.  It is anticipated that the centre white lines on the A16 will be repainted at the end of January or beginning of February.
Cllr Smith expressed thanks for all the work that has been done recently by LCC Highways.
It was also noted that the chevron sign has now been replaced, although this is the old one.  EKPC assume that a new one is still on order with LCC.
b)   Neighbourhood Watch.  
i.  It will be the 40th anniversary of the Neighbourhood Watch this year.  Unfortunately, the date clashes with the Queens Jubilee events.  
ii.  There is the opportunity to attend a webinar on ‘awareness of hate crime’.  This is free.  The link is https://ct.highfieldeleaning.com – use pin number 495635.
c)   Village Hall Committee.  
i.    Due to increased running costs and especially electricity, a review of hire prices means a change from 1st March.  The 1st session is still £10, all subsequent sessions within a month are £6. ( i.e. no free sessions).
ii.  Problems with the remote control of the heating continue, the committee have decided to consider a new system.
iii.   In the Spring there will be a review of safety of equipment in the grounds.
iv.   A new first aid kit has been obtained and defibrillator parts are updated.
v.    The new shed is operational for storage and being used by community groups.
vi.   The quiz night in December was popular with over 30 people attending.  The next one is on February 11th.
6a)   Hall Corner – Flooding and Drainage.  See 5aix.  
b)    Management of Hall Corner when accidents/flooding occur.  Concerns were expressed regarding the seeming lack of Police control when an accident happens.  Often it is local residents who offer to ‘direct’ traffic.  To avoid congesting vehicles have used Fen Lane/Blacksmith’s lane, which in not suitable.  It was agreed that Cllr Boxer try to arrange for someone to come and talk to the Council.
It was felt that the flood sign, whilst ideal when the corner is flooded, does need putting down once the water has gone.
7.  Village Reports.
A discussion was held about the necessity of having all the groups on the agenda at every meeting.  It was felt that it was good that they be shown even if no report is given at the Council meeting.  It does give the opportunity for a group to bring forward any issues to the Council.
a)  PCC.
Dates for future Church events include:-
The AGM, to which everyone is invited will be held on 7.2.22, in Church at 7pm.
There will be a Fish & Chip Supper on Sat 19.3.22, in the Village Hall at 7pm.  Cost £8.00.
On Sat 26.3.22 there will be a jumble sale in Church starting at 11am.  Do save any unwanted items.
On 15.10.22 there will be a fete and concert at Bill & Cynthia’s.
The Christmas Fayre is to be held on 26.11.22 starting at 11am, in Church.
Church Project.  A lot of work has been done recently on trying to prepare the application for the Heritage Lottery bid.  A consultancy firm has been employed to help with this.  At present a committee is being drawn up that will deal with overseeing this mammoth project.   Funding is required for the roof, heating, servery and toilet.  We have already received a promise of funding for a sound system and grant aid from one organisation.  Part of the application is around how the project will support the community.  To this end the Church is seeking letters of support and a request has been made to the Parish Council to see if they would support this project.  
After a discussion it was agreed that a letter of support would be drafted by the Chair and Clerk.
b)  WI  No report.
c)   Gardening Club.  The AGM is to be held on 21.1.22 at the Village Hall at 7.30pm.  Existing members and members of the public are invited to attend.
Other New Groups.  All the recently formed groups are meeting regularly.  
i.   Art Group.  This group is well supported and meets every two weeks.
ii.  Local History.  This groups has met on three occasions.
iii)  Wildlife Group.  This group has also met on three occasions.
d)   Village Volunteers.  
i)   Cutting back bushes on Fen Lane.  A group of residents came together, at very short notice, to clear up the mess when bushes were cut back by a local farmer.  
ii.   Consideration of the purchase of litter picking equipment.  Sadly, no response has been obtained from ELDC.  In addition, a suggestion from Cllr Gray for an email link has not been received.   It was suggested that these be chased up again.
After a discussion it was agreed that 24 pairs of gloves be purchased by the Council.  A member of the Council offered to pay for the remaining equipment.  Proposed Cllr Boxer seconded Cllr Kemp.
Concerns were expressed about looking after the equipment.  Cllrs had experienced, in the past, loaning equipment and it never being returned.  It was agreed that the equipment would be held by the Council and loaned out to anyone who wished to use it.  They would be asked to sign a form to agree to return the equipment.  Cllr McKinlay agreed to draft a form and circulate it to Cllrs for comment.
8.  Finance
a)  Reimbursement to Mrs E Martin £18.00 for travel to Clerks training.
b)  Invoice for £18.00 for attendance at the above event.
c)  Invoice for £10.00 for Hire of Hall for 19.1.22.  Acceptance of these documents was proposed by Cllr Boxer and seconded by Cllr McKinlay.  All agreed.
d)  Bank Reconciliation and Financial Report as at 14.1.22. Acceptance of these documents was proposed by Cllr Wrisdale and seconded by Cllr Boxer.
e)  It is noted that Cllr Cooper is to attend a new Cllr Day Training in March.
9.  Update on four-year plan.
Communications. Whilst the existence of the COVID outbreak affected many aspects during 2021, we increased significantly the use of the Parish Council Facebook page for news and details as well as regularly uploading on to the new PC website, which is now well established. These will continue to be used along with emails, notice boards and occasional leaflets.
In March 2021 a new noticeboard was installed on the green. This is blue to match the benches and village colour scheme. During 2022 we shall be evaluating the other two noticeboards with a view to possible replacements.
Social Activities. COVID meant the cancellation of our Annual Meeting in May and postponement our Meet the Councillors' garden party from June to September in which around 40 people attended. The next event will be held during June 2022.
Community and social groups were re-started during September - November and will continue to be encouraged, within safety guidelines.
In September a coffee morning was held in conjunction with the Village Hall. Three new social groups were launched: Local History; Art & Painting; Local Wildlife & Birds. The community also saw the Keals' Platinum Jubilee Events Committee started. All will be supported and encouraged during 2022.
Transport. During Autumn 2021 the new reduced speed limit of 30 mph was implemented on the A16 throughout the village. Residents have welcomed the improved safety aspects and we shall continue to monitor its effectiveness.
Environment. Overhanging branches and hedges continue to be monitored and reported.
We shall continue to look for more areas for wildflower patches.
Blocked water drains have been an issue, especially on Hall Corner and School, Fen and Blacksmith Lanes. We shall continue to monitor and report these.
Policies. We regularly review and update our policies, this will continue.
There has been no progress on providing a community outdoor area. In 2022 we shall continue to assess the possibilities for providing this.
Planning. An application to build houses on a field beside the green caused a lot upset and anxiety amongst residents.  We called and held a public meeting which attracted over 50 people and filled the village hall.  Opposition to the plans were expressed and submitted, we guided and aided residents to effectively give their views. We shall continue to do this and monitor proactively the progress on the application.
10.  Update on the Platinum Jubilee event.  Cllr McKinlay stated that some fundraising events had been postponed before Christmas as concerns were expressed about the Covid situation.  They are the ’Peg Loom’.  This will now be on 15.3.22 and the Afternoon Tea which will be held on 2.4.22.
a)  Proposal for EKPC to fund a gift to residents to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.  After a discussion it was agreed that the Council purchase 150 mugs and boxes, one for each household in the village of East Keal.   The mugs would have the official logo on the front and wording on the back stating gifted by East Keal Parish Council.  To fund this money would be taken from reserves.  The estimated cost will be £3.52 per mug and £1.35 per box totalling £730.50.  Before a purchase is made a quote will be circulated to all Cllrs for their agreement.
11.  Welcome booklet.  No new residents identified.  A pack had been delivered to ‘The Retreat, Fen Lane, recently.
12.  Update of document.  Subject Access Request Policy.   It was proposed by Cllr Boxer and seconded by Cllr Kemp that this be accepted.  All agreed.  Thanks were expressed to Cllr Wrisdale for undertaking this.
13.  Clerk’s Annual Appraisal.  This is to take place on 21.1.2022.
14.  Correspondence.
a)  A letter regarding the Queens Jubilee celebrations was circulated prior to the meeting by the Clerk.
b)  A Wolds leaflet was circulated to Cllrs to see.
15. Any other matters for discussion only or next Agenda.
a)   Viking Link.  Concerns were expressed regarding the lack of information regarding this project, although there is information on their website.  It was suggested that the project, in our area, should be completed within the next year.
b)   It was asked if we are to have a speaker at the Annual Meeting?  Suggestions were made that an Alan Osbourne, Lifeline Service, based in Spilsby, could be approached.  The other suggestion made was someone from the local Police.
16.  Date of next meeting 16.3.2022.

Signed ……………………………….  Date ………………………………