ANNUAL PARISH MEETING MAY 2019
GREAT LIMBER PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the annual parish meeting held on Wednesday, 8th May 2019 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
Present: S. Hudson (Chairman); N. Hunton; T. Robinson; S. Howdin; S. Bedford.
In attendance: District Cllrs O. Bierley & A. Lawrence; County Cllr A.Turner; the Clerk.
Apologies: J. Hoyle and C. Read.
To approve the Minutes of the last meeting held on 2nd May 2018: These minutes had been previously signed as a true record.
Chairman's report: The first meeting of the year was also the last for Ann Love, who retired following nine years with the council. Following receipt of the annual precept of £8800 and with carry over of some £3200, the council was in a good financial position to start the year.
In July we welcomed our current clerk, Helen Pitman, to the council and Helen has proven to be very conversant with all things local government and is of great assistance.
Due to the death of councillor Michael Bridgestock a vacancy has existed for some months. This has proven difficult to fill despite extensive advertisement. The council continues to operate with seven but this legally is not sustainable long term.
In actual delivery of service to the community we have had some successes, the major delivery being the complete overhaul of the village pond area. Everyone played a part in this but it was led by Cllr Hunton who worked hard to secure the grant funding without which the project would not have been possible.
Working with the Brocklesby estate the overgrown hedges on Brickyard were cut back, opening up the area to more light and a green backdrop. The council has also funded the purchase and installation of a speed monitoring device to help combat speeding within the village boundaries. It is probably too early to gauge its impact. Thanks to the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership for help with that.
Thanks to efforts by Cllr Hoyle the village now has a Facebook page in addition to our website. Also thanks go out for the organisation of litter picking within the village which was well supported.
Going forward there are many issues to address. We may need additional water resources in order for the pond to remain at a good level. Some of the footpaths around the village are in a poor state and most importantly the 30mph speed limit requirement for the High Street has yet to be implemented.
Thanks to all councillors for all of their hard work and regular attendance.
Finally, the chair pays tribute to Don Anderson whose recent passing was of great sadness. Don had served the village well over many years.
Responsible Financial Officer's Report: Copies of the council accounts for 2018/19 were circulated to all present. Income for the year totalled £14,4424.09 and expenditure £13309.58. Reserves carried forward to this financial year are £4349.49 which includes earmarked reserves of £960 for computer equipment received as a grant from NALC in 2017/18. This figure is £1115 more than the previous year.
Open Meeting: The chairman stated that the parish council is financially healthy.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.40pm. NB Meeting to commence at 7.15pm in future