December 2023 Parish Council Minutes
Halton Holegate with Halton Fenside Parish Council
Minutes of the Extraordinary Parish Council meeting held at Halton Holegate Methodist Chapel on Thursday 14th December 2023 commencing at 7pm. These are notes of the meeting until approved as a true and accurate record.
The Chairman welcomed all present, it was resolved to move into formal session.
A minute’s silence was held in remembrance of Councillor J Grant who had recently passed away following a short period of illness.
Present:
Cllrs D Sisson (Chair), C Holmes (Vice-Chair), S Andrew and C Edwards; District Cllr T Taylor and County Cllr W Bowkett.
There were four members of the public in attendance.
72. Chairman’s Welcome
The Chairman welcomed all present, reminding attendees to turn off mobile phones and of escape routes towards emergency exits.
73. Apologies
It was resolved unanimously to accept apologies from Cllr T Robson (prior appointment) and Clerk J Sargent (Illness).
74. Declarations of Interest
None received.
75. To receive an update on flooding issues.
a. To consider a Flood Fund for 2023 - 2024 Budget.
A paper detailing likely expenditure had been circulated prior to the meeting (filed with Minutes) recommending a separate budget line for flood related expenditure of up to £400 with funds being taken from the Parish Council’s General Reserves.
It was resolved unanimously to accept proposed action to set up flooding budget.
b. To approve an action plan to tackle the flood issue.
A paper filed with minutes, discussed, and resolved unanimously to accept Action Plan.
c. To review the action plan progress to date.
Action Plan updated accordingly and to be reviewed at subsequent Parish Council meetings.
d. To receive and approve the village flood investigation report.
Cllr Sisson explained how the report had been compiled, drawing on information collected at recent drop-in session for residents. Cllr Sisson also highlighted support from relevant FRMAs and their involvement. (A copy had been made available for public to read).
Four authorities including the Environment Agency, ELDC, LCC & Witham Fourth District Internal Drainage Board, had been sent draft copies for any further comments and/or information however, none had been received.
Cllr Sisson provided comments received verbally from LCC who had indicated that the information contained in the Parish Council’s report would be included in their own Lead Local Flood Authority report required by Section 19 of the Flood & Water Management Act 2012.
It was resolved to approve the report for publication on Parish Council Website and recently instigated Flood Action WhatsApp Group. Copies will also be forwarded to all relevant FRMAs.
e. To consider any future actions.
It was resolved unanimously to schedule formal visits to the Parish with four agencies in early 2024 - Cllrs D Sisson and C Edwards volunteered to represent the Parish Council.
Formal thanks were expressed to Cllr D Sisson for collating all information into the final report and also to Cllr C Edwards for all his work in the Fenside.
76. To consider and approve staffing matters.
A confidential staffing report had been circulated to Councillors and the recommendations within the paper were discussed. It was resolved unanimously to accept the recommendations and actions to be fulfilled.
The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on 11th January 2024 at 19:00.
The Chair wished everyone present a Merry Christmas.
The Chair of the Council closed the meeting at 20:00.
Signed…………………………………………………………………………………
Chair of the Council - Cllr D Sisson
Signed………………………………………………………………………………..
In the absence of the Clerk, the Minutes were taken by Councillor C A Holmes.
11th January 2024