January 2024 Minutes
Notes of the Meeting of Harmston Parish Council
at The Memorial Hall, Harmston on Tuesday 16th January 2024 at 7.30 pm
| Present | Title | Role |
| Cllr Paul Wallace | Parish Councillor | Chairman |
| Cllr David Harrison | Parish Councillor | Vice Chairman |
| Cllr Brian Hamilton | Parish Councillor | |
| Cllr Phil Chapman | Parish Councillor | |
| Mrs Helen Jones | Clerk & RFO | Clerk & RFO |
| Cllr Matthew Cooper | Councillor | District Councillor |
| 0 members of the public |
OPEN FORUM – 15 minutes held before meeting commenced. No public in attendance.
1/1 APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE
Cllr Goodwin, reasons accepted. District Councillors Sanders and Pennell, and County Councillor Carrington sent their apologies also.
2/1 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
None were declared.
3/1 REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES
a) Local Police PC Roberts was unable to attend.
b) County Councillor Report Shared via email.
c) District Councillor Reports Nothing to report.
4/1 TO APPROVE THE NOTES OF THE LAST MEETING
It was RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council held on Tuesday 21st November 2023 were approved, and signed by the Chair.
5/1 CLERKS REPORT
1. Christmas installation organised and lights added
2. Christmas event prepared and held
3. Quote requested for removal and disposal of Christmas tree
4. Cost of complete noticeboard researched and dismissed. Quote checked re noticeboard. Noticeboard repairs instructed.
5. Community Speedwatch volunteers emailed
6. Broken light enquiry from resident investigated and results shared
7. Letter sent to Citizen’s advice as per action
8. Website and FB used to share a reminder with residents that it is important for them to share their comments when the formal application is shared
9. HPA management contacted re lawn contractor. Awaiting reply
10. Fence supplier details shared with Handy man re play area fence repairs
11. NKDC contacted re cleaning ‘Harmston’ signs, and repairing ‘Harmston’ sign on A607 which has broken
12. Response sent to LCC regarding the PC’s concerns in changing the route of the Viking Way. Awaiting reply
13. Clerk pay increase received from Government services pay agreement. Back pay calculated, pay level adjusted, and all checked by accountant and shared with PC. Increase now in place, and back pay issued. Accountant for payroll update
14. Preparations for precept and budget setting for 2024-2025 carried out
15. Meeting with Chair to create budget ahead of January meeting
16. All actions set for the Clerk at the last meeting have been carried out (with the exception of research into funding which is ongoing)
NB: Please remember this report only lists some of the main actions, and not all actions carried out by the Clerk
6/1 FINANCIAL MATTERS
a) To consider the Financial Overview to date for January 2023-2024 (emailed)
It was RESOLVED: That the Financial Overview be accepted.
It was RESOLVED that the £200 float be paid back into the HPC bank account as the Clerk does not use it. ACTION: Clerk to pay the float back into the account. T/D: 15.2.24
b) To consider the VAT report to date, for January 2024
It was RESOLVED: That the VAT Report to date, be accepted Appendices 3 https://harmston.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/258/january-2024-appendices-3
c) To consider the Financial Report for January 2024
It was RESOLVED: That the Financial Report for September, Part A be accepted Appendices 1 https://harmston.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/256/january-2024-appendices-1
ACTION: Clerk to ask E-ON what the maintenance charge covers. T/D: 15.2.24.
ACTION: Clerk to check files for how 8064 kwh was calculated. T/D: 15.2.24.
d) Monies to be paid
Invoices of pending payments were checked against proposed spend, and it was RESOLVED: that the Financial Report, Part B for November, be accepted and for the Clerk to make these payments Appendices 2 https://harmston.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/257/january-2024-appendices-2
e) To agree budget for 2024/2045
The Chair and Clerk had prepared a budget, which was discussed in detail with the other members of the Parish Council.
It was RESOLVED: that the proposed budget figure of £18,900.51 be accepted.
ACTION: Clerk to update fixed asset register. T/D 15.2.24.
f) Agree on precept figure
The precept calculator was utilised in conjunction with the approved budget, and a precept figure calculated and agreed.
It was RESOLVED: that the agreed precept claim of £16,582.45 be accepted.
g) Clerk to complete and sign precept form
The Clerk completed the form, including figures agreed in 6/1 e & f. The Chair and Vice checked the forms, and deemed them accurate and correct.
ACTION: Clerk to submit Precept Form before closing date of 26.1.24. T/D: 26.1.24
7/1 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
a) TREE WORKS - None
b) PLANNING - None
8/1 D-DAY CELEBRATIONS
a) To Discuss details of, and make decisions regarding country-wide celebrations for D-Day in June 2024 The Clerk outlined the 3 different ideas included in the email received.
ACTION: Clerk to contact Hall and Church and enquire as to their planned commemorations, and ask if there may be an opportunity to work together with the PC. T/D:30.1.24
9/1 DATE FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of Harmston Parish Council which will be held on Tuesday 20th February 2024 at the Memorial Hall, Harmston, at 7.30pm
There being no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 9.00pm
Please be advised that these are notes of the meeting taken by the Clerk and cannot in any way be regarded as the official minutes.