FC October 2024 Minutes
Minutes of the full Council Meeting held on Wednesday 23rd October, 2024 at 6:00pm in the Council Chamber at Franklin Hall, Spilsby. These are notes of the meeting until approved by the Town Council as a true and accurate record.
Present:
Cllrs L Marsh (Deputy Mayor), A Day, M Gibson, T Kemp, E Marsh, W Rose, and M Wragg.
Town Clerk - J Sargent.
There were five members of the public in attendance.
Public Session
Cllr L Marsh invited members of the public to speak.
A representative from the New Life Centre was in attendance to give a brief presentation and update on the services provided. The New Life Centre is based at the Old Grammar School on Church Street and has been operating for 15 years as the New Life Church but also as a centre for community outreach. Over the last 3 years, they have received funding from the NHS to provide grass roots level mental health support, which is non-clinical. As community connectors, they know the pathways for residents to access help. The New Life Centre are hoping to receive further funding to extend services beyond 2026. Residents who access the support groups at the centre might be seeking help and/or waiting for treatments.
The main sessions provided at the New Life Centre are wellbeing hubs, which include an array of light-hearted activities to help reduce social isolation. The Centre is open from early in the morning with a breakfast session and is often open for 12 hours a day. The Centre hosts solicitors, housing groups and representatives from the District Council who provide information and assistance to attendees. Residents are free to come and go throughout the day and relax in a safe space, it is an opportunity to engage with community. Food, drink and activities are all free, and attendees are in a warm space.
The New Life Centre works with 5 doctor’s surgeries, aligned to primary care network in East Lindsey. They receive referrals, working closely with the GP surgeries. The New Life Centre have hubs throughout East Lindsey. In Spilsby, they operate a foodbank which serves Spilsby and district, hold a Youth Club on a Monday evening, and a women’s outreach programme on a Tuesday - the Eve Project which also has hubs elsewhere in East Lindsey.
The Brotherhood Project (Bro Pro UK) is one of the more successful projects from the centre which supports men’s mental health. The project is growing and expanding throughout Lincolnshire with a 5-year vision to become a stand-alone, nationally registered charity.
The New Life Centre is registered as a warm space and the services provided are free. Some funding has been received from the NHS, if the funding continues, the centre is looking to open on Saturdays. The New Life Centre are also looking to work with businesses in the town, to create safe spaces for residents to access.
Bro Pro have already donated a bench to the Town Council, situated in the Orchard, and will be supplying a bench to be located in the Cemetery with Bro Pro and Eve Project information advertised. There will be plenty of sign posting in the community to raise awareness for those that need the support and where to find it.
The representative praised the team at the New Life Centre for all their hard, and incredibly valuable work.
Cllr Wragg asked if the New Life Centre helped with rough sleepers. The representative confirmed they do help rough sleepers with a community connector employed, funded by ELDC and Boston Borough Council, who is mainly based in Skegness and Boston.
In the future, the New Life Centre will be looking to help with those affect by dementia, working with the District Councillor E Marsh.
Cllr Rose asked for a calendar of events to be advertised. Information to be provided via the Clerk and advertised in the Explorer.
Cllr L Marsh thanked the representative for attending, providing an update and all their hard work at the New Life Centre and with Bro Pro, being a valuable community asset.
Resident (1) advised that they were attending to hear about the update on the Market and asked that the Town Council pushed for the public toilets to remain open and free.
To receive a report from Lincolnshire County Councillor W Bowkett
Cllr Bowkett submitted apologies due to illness. No written report provided.
To receive a report from District County Councillor E Marsh
A written report received from District Cllr E Marsh was circulated via email prior to the meeting.
Cllr E Marsh gave a brief introduction to the residents in attendance. Cllr E Marsh mentioned working to improve services for those suffering with dementia and supporting the families of those affected. Recently held a dementia information session, which Wellbeing Lincs and Age Concern also attended.
Cllr Marsh also spoke about the importance of remembering Spilsby’s military history and ensuring the Remembrance Day service parade has a place in Spilsby’s calendar. Children in the community, at schools and groups have been invited to make poppies to be displayed around the town. In addition, Tommy soldier silhouettes will also be placed around the town.
ELDC will be providing an investment fund, with more details to be made available in the near future. The public toilets are also on the District Council’s agenda to be upgraded in the future.
With no further matters, it was resolved unanimously to move into formal session.
77. Welcome
Cllr L Marsh welcomed all present, reminding Councillors about emergency exits and safety protocols, to turn phones off and appropriate conduct.
78. Apologies
It was resolved unanimously to accept apologies from Cllrs L Day (Mayor), D Mangion and T Taylor; and County Councillor W Bowkett.
79. Declarations of Interest
None received.
80. To approve as a correct record the minutes of the full Council Meeting held on
Wednesday 25th September 2024.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the minutes for September as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
81. To approve the accounts for September 2024.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to approve the accounts for September 2024. The Accounts Report included as an attachment to these minutes.
82. To receive a bank reconciliation for September 2024.
The Clerk provided a bank reconciliation to keep Councillors up to date with the Town Council’s financial status, for information purposes only. The Bank Reconciliation Report included as an attachment to these minutes.
83. To receive a budget review for the second quarter of the financial year.
The Clerk provided a Budget Review for the second quarter of the 2024-25 Financial Year to keep Councillors up to date with the Town Council’s financial status, for information purposes only, included as an attachment to these minutes.
Cllr Gibson asked if the budget was where it was expected to be at this stage. The Clerk advised the Allotments expenditure exceeded what was anticipated, but otherwise was on track. The other large expenditure coming up is the redevelopment of the play area, with the installation planned later this year.
84. To receive brief reports from the Town Mayor, Town Council’s working groups, representatives on outside bodies and the Town Clerk.
Mayor’s Report
Cllr L Day submitted apologies and did not provide a report after feeling unwell at short notice.
Recreation Ground
Cllr Taylor submitted apologies and no report provided. Cllr E Marsh confirmed that there were no further updates.
Grammar School Foundation
Cllr Gibson reported meeting on 24th September where grant applications from local schools were discussed. Cllr Gibson mentioned a new procedure for applicants to provide receipts on the grants received.
Cllr Gibson advised at the next meeting, the Foundation will consider applications from students who are in higher education, for ages 18-25. The documentation is available on their website with the deadline towards the end of January.
Poorlands
Cllr L Marsh reported no meetings have taken place but there is one coming up in December.
Twinning
Cllr L Marsh was unable to attend a recent meeting but was provided with a written update from the Deputy Clerk who attended as a member of the Twinning Association. The update included as an attachment to these minutes.
Good Neighbourhood Scheme
Cllr Gibson reported that a coffee morning will be held on 6th December and will be meeting around that time to discuss the future of the group, which remains uncertain. Cllr Gibson has been provided with a social isolation grant application from ELDC but is yet to submit it as the future of the group is undecided.
Community Speedwatch
Cllr L Marsh reported that no sessions were held recently.
Spilsby Events Team
Cllr E Marsh reported that the group’s AGM was held on 7th October at Ashby Road industrial estate. Cllr E Marsh put to the group that it would be a good idea to meet with the Town Council to discuss events for 2025, after the Christmas Market as been held, to share ideas and plan a programme of events.
The Clerk reported meeting with the Treasurer of the group who mentioned possibly installing a speaker system around the town. The Clerk suggested to the treasurer the idea of combining a monthly market and an event in the town. ELDC have appointed a new Markets Officer. The Clerk has requested meeting with the Markets Officer to discuss the future of the Spilsby Market.
Cllr L Marsh asked for ideas to be put to Cllr E Marsh and B Rose to feedback to the Events Team.
Town Clerk’s Report
A written report from the Town Clerk was circulated via email prior to the meeting, included as an attachment to these minutes.
Cllr E Marsh asked for an update on the park. The Clerk reported that the suppliers have completed an initial survey of the area and anticipated a further 4 weeks before any works could begin due to the lead time for the equipment. The Clerk to follow up with supplier.
Cllr L Marsh suggested bringing forward agenda item 15 - to receive an update on the Markets Committee as residents in attendance were interested in the latest update. It was resolved unanimously to bring the item forward.
54. To receive an update on the Markets Committee.
Cllr Wragg spoke with a representative from food stall Bread + Cheese who attended the Monday Market and was hopeful they would return. Cllr Wragg also spoke with an outdoor clothing trader at another market, who was reluctant to attend Spilsby due to the size of the market and the distance they would have to travel. Cllr Wragg queried the discounts available to traders. Cllr Marsh confirmed that applications would have to come through the Town Council for approval.
The Clerk reported speaking with Phil Perry, ELDC’s Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture who advised that ELDC have appointed a Markets Officer, starting at the end of October to focus on the market towns in East Lindsey. The Clerk has requested a meeting with Phil Perry, the new Markets Officer and other relevant officers at ELDC which is yet to be arranged.
Cllr E Marsh reported that interest in the Monday Market is very low and ideas that have been circulated, to move the market forward include changing the day and frequency of the market, and to make it more of an event which might encourage more people into the town.
Cllr E Marsh suggested that if a combined event and market could draw residents and visitors into the town, it’s possible they might stay in the town longer and visit local businesses as well as the market. Cllr E Marsh appealed for volunteers to help make the market a success. Cllr E Marsh stressed that the event and market should appeal to all ages.
Cllr L Marsh invited a resident (1) to asked a question, who queried whether traders would come to Spilsby when there are successful, weekly markets all year round elsewhere. Cllr E Marsh suggested it’s about finding the right balance with neighbouring markets, traders and visitors but also to be unique and distinctive in forging a path forward for Spilsby. It could possibly be trial and error with the ultimate goal of enhancing the community.
Cllr L Marsh invited a resident (2) to asked a question, who mentioned that other markets offer free parking and queried how Spilsby would complete. Cllr E Marsh advised that the Town Council and the Markets Team would have to work with ELDC, who own and operate the most of the car parks in the town.
Cllr Rose recommended establishing whether ELDC could accommodate a market in Spilsby at a weekend. The Clerk suggested that meeting with ELDC officers would help find a way forward.
Cllr L Marsh invited a resident (3) to asked a question, who queried whether the Town Council could provide stalls for free or provide a bigger discount to attract more traders. The Clerk advised that ELDC operate the Market, who charge traders for a stall. Traders can apply to the Town Council for a discount for the first 3 months. The Town Council recognised that the Monday Market was not appealing but want to improve the Market, however, it involved working with ELDC.
Cllr Rose suggested allocating some funds in the 2025-26 budget to support the new look market and appealing to ELDC for more support.
With no further comments or questions, Cllr L Marsh thanked the residents for attending and asking questions, and mentioned they were welcome to stay for the remainder of the meeting.
55. To appoint members to additional responsibilities groups:
a. The Orchard
b. Toc H
c. Spinney
Cllr A Day offered to help monitor and maintain where possible the Orchard and Toc H. Cllr B Rose offered to assist with the Orchard and Cllr Wragg offered to assist with the Toc H. Cllrs E and L Marsh offered to help monitor and maintain the Spinney.
It was resolved unanimously to appoint Cllrs A Day and Rose to the Orchard, Cllrs A Day and Wragg to the Toc H and Cllr E and L Marsh to the Spinney.
56. To consider a grant application to support putting Christmas Trees around the town.
The Town Clerk confirmed that the paperwork had not been submitted yet but advised the businesses in the town would like a contribution to help lower the overall costs of the trees. Cllr L Marsh initially suggested deferring the item but recommended coming to a decision sooner rather than later. With no comments, it was resolved unanimously to donate £250.00 towards the costs.
57. To consider Town Council representation at St. James Church Christmas Tree Festival.
The Town Clerk advised the Town Council submitted a tree last year and the cost this year is again £10.00. Cllr L Marsh advised the feedback received from last year was that the Town Council tree needs to be more festive.
Cllr Rose advised the Church is waiting to establish whether the festival receives the same sport as last year before going ahead.
Cllr Marsh suggested entering the festival again and offered to decorate the tree. It was resolved unanimously to support the festival. The Clerk to confirm with the Church.
58. To consider a contribution to phase 2 of the Flyway wings mural project, to bring the project to Spilsby.
The Clerk advised that Spilsby was missed off the first phase of the project, which is extremely disappointing especially as neighbouring market towns had murals and Boston alone had 5 murals. The Clerk advised that towns involved in the first phase of the project did not have to contribute but due to funding shortages, those interested in the second phase would have to contribute up to 50% of the costs approximately £1,000.00 - £2000.00. The Clerk confirmed that Spilsby registered an interested with ELDC to bring the project to the town in the first phase and suggested locations that were owned by ELDC. ELDC thought the Rose Garden would be the best location, however, did not get approval from the diocese in time to be included in the first phase. The Clerk advised ELDC did not keep the Town Council up to date on the project despite following up.
Cllr L Marsh suggested expressing disappointment to ELDC at not being included in the first phase and reiterate our interest as long as there is no cost. It was resolved unanimously to register an interest in the second phase but not to make a contribution.
59. To consider monthly Councillor surgeries and coffee mornings (warm hubs).
Cllr Rose mentioned that a social isolation fund was available through ELDC to support warm hubs in the community. Cllr Rose wanted to compile a list of places in that are available each day to residents as a warm up.
Cllr Gibson confirmed that a list will be in the next edition of the Explorer.
Cllr L Marsh suggested surgeries could be held in businesses around the town or the library. The Clerk confirmed that social isolation grant application requires the expenditure to be itemised and suggested that surgeries could be held in the library with refreshments purchased using the grant funding and then left in the library. The Clerk suggested the negative impact of providing free tea and coffees is that it could potentially take away from businesses in the town.
Cllr L Marsh suggested holding the Councillor surgeries on a rotation around the businesses in the town, using the grant funding to pay for refreshments in the businesses, but would have to be well advertised due to the changing location. Cllr L Marsh suggested exploring this with businesses to see if they could accommodate the Councillor surgeries and offered to talk with business owners.
60. To review start time and day of meetings.
The Clerk sought feedback over the start time and day of meeting to see if the current day and time was suitable for Councillors.
Cllr Kemp suggested that there will inevitably be clashes whatever the day but thought the earlier time worked well and that meetings on Wednesdays allows for the Clerks to work on the minutes and complete follow up action the next day.
Cllr L Marsh recommended continuing with the current day and start time until requested to change by a Councillor.
61. To resolve to exclude the public and the media to discuss confidential matters in accordance with The Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960.
It was resolved unanimously to exclude members of the Public and Media to allow the Town Council to discuss confidential matters.
62. To receive an update on issues at the Allotments.
The Town Clerk provided an update of ongoing issues at the allotments and action planned to bring the issues to a conclusion. It was resolved unanimously to proceed with the recommended action.
63. To consider a request to inter ashes in an existing grave.
The Clerk updated Councillors on the response from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management regarding the legality of the indemnity form, who advised the indemnity form did not carry any weight legally.
It was resolved unanimously to heed the advice of the ICCM and refuse the request. Councillors were also satisfied with the alternatives available in the Cemetery.
With no further matters, Cllr L Marsh closed the meeting at 7:42pm.