Minutes - Full Council - 07 May 2024
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Bracebridge Heath Parish Council held at The Heath: Village Hall and Library on 7th May 2024 at 7pm
Present: Councillors C Barr, C Broad, C Callan, B Emes, S Manders, V Marden, G Scott, R Stone and K Trought
In attendance: Clerk to Council, Mrs S Knowles; Deputy Clerk to Council, Mrs R Fraser
The chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
COUNCIL SESSION
Code of conduct reminders
Nolan Principles
Members were reminded of the Nolan Principles which underpin the Council’s Code of Conduct - Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness,
honesty & leadership.
Register of interests
The Chairman reminded members that they should submit to the Monitoring Officer at North Kesteven District Council any changes to the content of their
Register of Member Interest forms. Interests should be declared in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
24061. TO ELECT A CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL - It was RESOLVED: That Cllr C Callan be elected as chairman for civic year 2024-2025.
24062. TO ELECT A VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL - It was RESOLVED: That Cllr C Barr be elected as vice-chairman for civic year 2024-2025.
24063. TO DECIDE WHEN THE DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE FOR THE CHAIRMAN SHALL BE RECEIVED - It was RESOLVED: That the declaration of acceptance of office will be received before the next meeting on 4th June 2024.
24064. TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND ACCEPT VALID REASONS FOR ABSENCE – It was RESOLVED: That apologies for absence be accepted from Cllr Moran.
24065. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
a. TO RECEIVE MEMBERS’ DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADOPTED CODE OF CONDUCT – Cllr Callan declared an
interest in matters relating to the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils (LALC). Cllr Manders declared an interest in matters relating to
correspondence regarding St John’s Primary Academy.
b. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER MEMBERS’ REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADOPTED CODE OF CONDUCT AND STANDING ORDERS – Nil
24066. TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING – 9th APRIL 2024- It was RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 9th April 2024 be approved and signed as a true record by the chairman.
24067. DELEGATION ARRANGEMENTS AND COMMITTEES
a. TO REVIEW DELEGATION ARRANGEMENTS TO COMMITTEES, SUB-COMMITTEES, STAFF AND OTHER LOCAL AUTHORITIES– It was RESOLVED: That the council accepts the delegation arrangements made through the existing schemes of delegation, reviewed in April 2024.
b. TO APPOINT ANY NEW COMMITTEES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STANDING ORDER 4 – No new committees.
c. TO REVIEW AND ADOPT TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR EXISTING COMMITTEES - It was RESOLVED: That the Terms of Reference v1.2 for the Personnel committee is adopted.
d. TO REVIEW MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES - It was RESOLVED: To appoint 5 members to the Personnel committee, - Cllrs Manders, Broad, Callan, Trought and Scott.
e. TO APPOINT A CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN OF STANDING COMMITTEES - It was RESOLVED: That Cllr Manders be appointed as chairman of the Personnel Committee.
It was RESOLVED: That Cllr C Broad be appointed as vice-chairman of the Personnel Committee.
24068. TO REVIEW OR CONFIRM ARRANGEMENTS FOR REVIEW OF:
a. STANDING ORDERS AND FINANCIAL REGULATIONS -
b. COMPLAINTS POLICY -
c. POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES RELATING TO FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION -
d. POLICY FOR DEALING WITH THE PRESS AND MEDIA -
e. EMPLOYMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES -
f. THE COUNCIL’S MEETING CALENDAR -
g. INVENTORY OF LAND AND OTHER ASSETS -
h. INSURANCE -
i. SUBSCRIPTIONS TO OTHER BODIES -
j. EXPENDITURE INCURRED UNDER S137 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972 -
k. ARRANGEMENTS FOR WORKING WITH OTHER LOCAL AUTHORITIES NOT-FOR-PROFIT BODIES AND BUSINESSES –
It was RESOLVED: That the review arrangements for items 24068a-k be accepted as provided in the written report.
l. SOCIAL MEDIA ADMINISTRATORS - It was RESOLVED: That Mrs S Knowles and Mrs R Fraser and a named library volunteer be appointed as
administrators of the Library Facebook Page.
It was RESOLVED: That Mrs S Knowles and Mrs R Fraser be appointed as administrators of the Council Facebook Page.
It was RESOLVED: That Cllrs C Barr and K Trought be appointed as administrators of the Facebook Group.
m. COUNCIL REPRESENTATION OR APPOINTMENTS TO OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS – No representation or appointments made.
24069. FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE
a. TO RECEIVE THE CLERK’S REPORT ON PAYMENTS BETWEEN MEETINGS – Payments made between meetings including direct debits - Presented at report 24069a. All reports can be downloaded from https://bracebridge-heath.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/council-business/may-2024/2
b. TO REVIEW AND CONSIDER PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS - It was RESOLVED: That payment of accounts as presented at report 24069b be
accepted and signed. All reports can be downloaded from https://bracebridge-heath.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/council-business/may-
Refundable deposits (x4) of £50 for hire of facilities were also approved to be paid.
c. TO REVIEW AND CONSIDER APPROVAL OF BANK RECONCILIATIONS – It was RESOLVED: That bank reconciliations for the council’s savings
account for March be accepted and signed by Cllr Emes. The bank balance for savings account was £143,588.99.
It was RESOLVED: That bank reconciliations 394-396 be accepted and signed by Cllr Emes, bank balances being £147,087.06
d. TO REVIEW BUDGET, INCOME AND EXPENDITURE - Report noted. No concerns raised.
e. TO REVIEW AND ACCEPT REGULAR DIRECT DEBITS – It was RESOLVED: That the list of regular direct debits be accepted.
f. TO REVIEW THE COUNCIL’S BANK MANDATE AND SIGNATORIES – It was RESOLVED: That
- the council’s mandate remains the same; any two signatories to sign
- the council continue with four signatories - Cllrs Broad, Callan, Manders and Trought
24070. TO RECEIVE THE CLERK’S REPORT ON CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND CONSIDER ANY RECOMMENDATIONS –
Items noted:
Highways Volunteering Scheme, car parking at The Heath, NKDC refuse charges, The Heath roof repairs, The Bull car park, Eskimoo request and
Recreation ground access from Linden development.
It was RESOLVED: That the council would make the necessary clearing to provide pedestrian access from the Linden Development to the
Recreation Ground. Clearing the vegetation would be carried out subject to checking protected hedge status and ensuring it was possible for the
caretaker to complete the work. This is in accordance with minute 23123 (September 2023) which resolved to enable this access.
24071. TO RECEIVE AND ACCEPT A REPORT ON DECISIONS MADE USING DELEGATED AUTHORITY – The following report was accepted:
- Payments made as reported at item 9a.
24072. PLANNING
a. TO CONSIDER PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE LAST MEETING OF THE COUNCIL - Nil
b. TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON PLANNING DECISIONS – a written report was received.
24073. TO CONSIDER THE REPORT OF THE INTERNAL AUDITOR FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 - It was RESOLVED: That the
report of the Internal Auditor for the Financial Year 31st March 2024 be accepted. The Council notes that no actions are required.
24074. TO CONSIDER PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 - It was RESOLVED: That the balance sheet
and income and expenditure reports for year ended 31st March 2023 be accepted.
24075. TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE 2023/2024 ANNUAL GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN – SECTION 1 - ANNUAL GOVERNANCE
STATEMENT - It was RESOLVED:That the Annual Governance and Accountability Return for the financial year ended 31st March 2024 be accepted, approved and signed by the chairman.
24076. TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE 2023/2024 ANNUAL GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN – SECTION 2 – ACCOUNTING
STATEMENTS - It was RESOLVED: That the Annual Accounting Statements of the Annual Return for the financial year ended 31st March 2023 be accepted, approved and signed by the chairman.
It was RESOLVED: That the recommended dates for public rights inspection – 3rd June 2024 to 12th July 2024 be accepted.
Thanks were given to the Clerk to Council for her continued hard work and receipt of a positive internal audit report.
24077. TO CONSIDER ARRANGEMENTS FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2024 AND DONATION TO THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION FOR THE POPPY WREATH - It was RESOLVED: That the council authorises expenditure for the equipment required including 10 road blocks/barriers, 8 traffic cones, stickers to replace wording on signage, hire of a van to move equipment.
It was RESOLVED: That under powers provided by s137 of The Local Government Act 1972, the council incurs expenditure on a poppy wreath donating a maximum of £30 to the Royal British Legion.
It was noted that officers would submit an application for the Temporary Traffic Restriction Order for closure of the road for the event.
24078. TO CONFIRM THE MATCH FUNDING FOR THE NORTH KESTEVEN RURAL PROSPERITY FUND APPLICATION - It was RESOLVED: That the Council
will match fund 10% of the value applied for which comes to £663.90. The fund would be used to purchase and install a projector, screen and audio
equipment in The Heath: Village Hall & Library
24079. TO CONSIDER THE COUNCIL’S STATUTORY BIODIVERSITY DUTY AND ANY ACTIONS – It was RESOLVED: That the council notes that a number of
actions have been drawn up within the adopted Action Plan. Council is also meeting its biodiversity duties through application of the
Neighbourhood Plan and the specific policies which designate open spaces.
24080. TO CONSIDER EXPENDITURE OF THE WOMBLES’ CO-OP COMMUNITY CHAMPION GRANT – It was RESOLVED: That a post mounted bins up to £200 in value be purchased for siting at the entrance to the Lincoln Eastern Bypass footway off Bloxholm Lane.
24081. TO CONSIDER ITEMS FOR INCLUSION ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING – Lining of The Heath car park.
Items of a confidential nature to be debated in the absence of the press and public. Under the Public Bodies (Admission to
Meetings) Act 1960 (due to the confidential nature of business)
It was RESOLVED: That the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the consideration of the following items on the grounds
that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information.
24082. TO CONSIDER QUOTES FOR PLAY AREA INSPECTIONS – It was RESOLVED: That Wicksteed Leisure Ltd is selected to carry out the 2024 Play Parks
Inspection.
24083. TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON THE RECOVERY OF UNSPENT FUNDS HELD BY THE BRACEBRIDGE HEATH BOWLS CLUB – It was noted that no response had been received and that the clerk would refer to the police as previously agreed.
Cllr Broad left the meeting 20:21
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 20:24
Signed___________________________Chairman 4th June 2024