April 2023 Minutes
Corringham Parish Council & Burial Authority
Minutes of Ordinary Meeting April 4th 2023
Minutes of an Ordinary meeting of Corringham Parish Council, held on Tuesday 4th April 2023 at 7.15 pm at Corringham Village Hall
Present: Parish Councillors: D. Semley (Chair), S Blades, M. Parr
7.15pm – Public Forum:
No members of the public present.
Report from Cllr. Howitt-Cowan was circulated prior to the meeting.
Item
1. CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS
Meeting was opening by Cllr. Semley who welcomed all to the meeting and thanked Cllr. Blades for the cleaning of the bus shelter.
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – None
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCALISM ACT 2011 AND TO RECEIVE ANY APPLICATIONS FOR DISPENSATION IN RELATION TO DSICLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTEREST – None in relation to agenda items
4. MINUTES - To consider and resolve to accept as a true and accurate record and discuss matters arising:
RESOLVED - That Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held Tuesday 7th March 2023 were approved and signed as a correct record.
a. Overhanging bush at Beckett Arms – Now resolved. Cllr. Semley has thanked the Beckett Arms for their speedy attention.
b. PC Telephone – due to the requirement to have a named person on the phone account it was RESOLVED to seek outside help through LALC with a view to resolve email issues.
5. BUSINESS MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION –
a. Cemetery Noticeboard & Pond safety equipment sites have been identified and Cllr. Semley to arrange installation. Position for signage to be decided.
It was RESOLVED that the cemetery noticeboard be paid for from the proceeds of the Jubilee raffle and that a plaque in memory of the late Queen be added.
b. Cemetery works – work has been undertaken to remove dead and excessive growth. Cllr. Semley thanked Cllr. Blades and her son for all the help and hard they had given to help achieve this.
Discussion were had with grass cutting contractors in relation to the delaying the cutting of part of the cemetery grass through the growing season to allow native flora to grow to maturity. They have also agreed to ensure the daffodils on the high street are not cut until the leaves are done.
c. Tree works - Cllr. Semley to now issue tender document for tree removal and other tree works.
d. Ashwin update –Solicitor has drawn up document to allow the land to be registered at Land Registry as a first step. RESOLVED to accept advice and sign document accordingly.
e. Newsletter – Cllr. Semley to expedite the production of newsletter – to include up to date information from recent meetings.
f. It was RESOLVED that dogs be allowed on the Recreation Ground for a trial period with a view to making the norm should no fouling be found.
6. PLANNING MATTERS
No planning applications received.
7. FINANCIAL REPORTS – To receive the financial report and approve payments.
a. RFO Report approved as presented. Payment of £315 for Heathers Services for grass cutting approved. Payment of £110.36 for Cllr. Semley expenses (Printer ink, stamps and stationary) approved.
Cllr. Blades working on inspection of assets.
b. End of Year Budget - 2022-23 spend reviewed against budget. Underspend of c. £4,000. RESOLVED to add this amount to reserves for pond works later in the year.
c. AGAR - Awaiting advice from LALC re signing of AGAR documents.
d. Grass cutting price update – It was RESOLVED to accept the price increase (increase already anticipated in budget). Insurance documents received from contractors. Contracts now signed for 2023 season.
8. CORRESPONDENCE
a. E-mails had been circulated prior to meeting for information only. No actions arising.
9. ONGOING MINOR ITEMS AND AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING
None
RESOVLED to exclude the public and press in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s1(2) due to the sensitive nature of the item to be discussed.
The Chairman updated the Council on a matter of a sensitive nature. For information only. No action arising.
For next agenda - Allotment rents for 2024-25
10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING – To resolve to note the next meeting of the Parish Council will be the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 9th May 2023 – 7.15pm – Venue: Corringham Village Hall
Meeting Closed: 8.15pm