September 2023
Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Wednesday 13 September 2023
in the Committee Room of the Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen.
Present: Councillors: S. Bunney (Chairman/WLDC/LCC), J. Pilley (Vice-Chairman), A. Dale, F Easters, A. Gray, J Adekoya, D Bowns, D Strachan, N Taylor
In attendance:
Town Clerk – A Lawson, District Cllr Eve Bennett, four members of the public
The Meeting opened at 19:00
1. Open meeting
The Chairman advised of the sad passing of Martin Harvey, ex Deputy Mayor and ex councillor of MRTC. It was noted that Mr Harvey was a loyal servant to this council and our community. A one-minute silence was held.
2. Apologies
Received from Cllrs Hassan and Edwards
3. Public Forum
A representative from UPP Broadband advised the meeting of their intentions to expand their services to cover Market Rasen and its coverage will be rolled out over the next few months.
Two members of the public spoke in relation to issues which they are encountering in North Willingham in relation to speeding. They are concerned for their safety and believe that WLDC has a duty of care towards them following the granting of permission to create a dwelling.
The Chairman explained that MRTC do not cover North Willingham, and although the council empathise with them, the residents need to liaise with both Tealby Parish Council and North Willingham Parish Meeting, in order for action to be taken.
4. Declarations of Interest. To RECEIVE any declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of the localism Act 2011 and to consider any applications for dispensations in relation to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests.
None received
5. To elect a Chairman
a) To VOTE and ELECT new Chairman
Cllr Jo Pilley was ELECTED as Madam Chairman of Market Rasen Town Council
PROPOSED by Cllr Bunney and SECONDED by Cllr Dale and voting was UNANIMOUS
b) New Chairman to sign the Declaration of Acceptance of Office form
This was actioned.
6. To elect a Vice Chair
c) To VOTE and ELECT new Vice Chair
Cllr Alison Dale was ELECTED as Madam Vice-Chair of Market Rasen Town Council
PROPOSED by Cllr Taylor and SECONDED by Cllr Pilley and voting was UNANIMOUS
d) New Vice Chair to sign the Declaration of Acceptance of Office form
This was actioned
7. Minutes
To RESOLVE to approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 12th July 2023
The minutes were accepted as read.
PROPOSED by Cllr Pilley and SECONDED by Cllr Dale and voting was UNANIMOUS
8. Action Points & Clerks Report
The reports and subsequent updates were NOTED by the Council
‘Unfortunately, we have a member of staff off long term sick at the moment, however I would like to take the opportunity to thank Cllr’s Bunney and Pilley, along with the other members of the staff for stepping up and working together at this time. The additional support has been very much appreciated and I am very grateful.
‘A resident contacted the Council office in relation to the public right of way off Gallamore Lane. The Lincolnshire County Council Public Rights of Way team have agreed to address the overgrown weeds and will also consider options to make the area more accessible for those with disabilities.
‘There has been an increase in bookings for the Festival Hall and the processes adopted for the promotion of events have been expanded, with increased use of the electronic boards, Facebook, Twitter, ‘A’ boards and the new ‘What’s On’ guides.
‘There were several events held over the summer which were well received.
‘The new bus shelter should be installed in the Market Place within the next month’.
9. District & County Councillor Reports
Reports were RECEIVED from the District & County Councillors covering the following topics;
- Budget consultation from WLDC
- Fixed penalty fines for fly tipping, littering and Graffiti and household waste duty of care
- The reorganisation and reduction in numbers of police in our area.
- Updates on Public Order offences
- Traffic and Public Disorder at the recent Race meeting
- Parking on Dear Street
- Water and sewage concerns.
- Proposed Traffic Regulation Orders in the Market Rasen Wolds area and the impact on Market Rasen.
- Deliveries to shops on Queen Street
- The ‘rat runs’ on Waterloo Street and Union Street
- Speed Restriction Zones
- The proposed Vision Statement for Market Rasen, ‘We aim to provide an attractive area, in which residents and visitors can live, shop, relish regular activities and relax, enjoying the character and unique heritage of our Town.’
- Challenges include creating a sustainable environment
- Good quality retail provision
- Trading market policy
- Types of stalls
- Building development
- Rase House Building and land
- West Lindsey Sports Centre
- CCTV
- Additional support for the visitor economy
- Funding
- State of the Roads; litter, weeds, pigeons
- Suggested strategy to achieve the above.
Cllr Taylor requested that a letter be sent to Sir Edward Leigh MP to explain our frustrations at the reduction of police numbers and asking him to raise the issue with the Home Secretary.
Cllr Bunney requested that the Clerk pursues the issue of the new CCTV cameras with the relevant manager at WLDC.
10. Planning Application
The following applications were considered;
147053 Silver Brook, 10 Church Street, Market Rasen
No comments to report
146930 17 Queen Street Market Rasen
No comments to report
147163 Key West Cottage, King Street, Market Rasen
No comments to report
147050 Cranebridge House, Willingham Rd, Market Rasen
Although the application has been withdrawn councillors voiced their concerns regarding this application
11. Town Events Working Group
a) To CONSIDER dates for the meeting
It was agreed to hold the first meeting on Friday 15th September at 3pm
12. Bank Reconciliations
b) To RECEIVE the current account reconciliation to 31st July 2023
c) To RECEIVE the savings account reconciliation to 31st July 2023
d) To RECEIVE the Town Partnership reconciliation to 31st July 2023
e) To RECEIVE the current account reconciliation to 31st August 2023
f) To RECEIVE the savings account reconciliation to 31st August 2023
g) To RECEIVE the Town Partnership reconciliation to 31st August 2023
An amalgamated vote was taken to ACCEPT the bank reconciliations and close the Topwn Partnership account
PROPOSED by Cllr Bowns and SECONDED by Cllr Dale and voting was UNANIMOUS
13. Accounts for Payment
To RATIFY the August payments 
The August payments were RATIFIED
PROPOSED by Cllr Taylor and SECONDED by Cllr Dale and voting was UNANIMOUS
b) To RESOLVE to authorise the accounts for September 2023
The September payments were APPROVED
PROPOSED by Cllr Taylor and SECONDED by Cllr Gray and voting was UNANIMOUS
c) Q1/YTD Financial Information and Budget
An amalgamated vote was taken to ACCEPT the accounts for payment and Q1 reports
PROPOSED by Cllr Taylor and SECONDED by Cllr Dale and voting was UNANIMOUS
14. Committee membership
a) To SELECT members of the Finance and Premises Committee
b) To CONSIDER dates for the meeting
The following councillors were nominated for the Finance and Premises committee;
Cllrs Strachan, Gray, Easters, Dale, Adekoya and Bowns
Meeting dates to be advised
c) To SELECT members of the HR Committee
d) To CONSIDER dates for the meeting
The following councillors were nominated for the HR Committee;
Cllrs Hassan, Taylor, Pilley and Bunney
Meeting dates to be advised
15. Sponsorship of the Town Band
The Clerk and Cllr Pilley met with the Town Band in July in relation to Sponsorship options however, to date, no proposal has been received. The item was deferred.
16. Councillor Training
There is a range of training for councillors available from a variety of sources. The Clerk will forward details to councillors and it was agreed to purchase copies of the Good Councillor Guide.
17. Market Charge Review
It was AGREED to continue with the set price fee until the end of the financial year.
PROPOSED Cllr Taylor and SECONDED by Cllr Pilley and voting was UNANIMOUS
18. Festival Hall
a) Festival Hall Dishwasher
This item was deferred awaiting quotes for a different model.
b) Festival Hall Alarm Systems
It was proposed that a budget was set of £9000 for this item and power was delegated to the Chairman and Clerk to consider the best option. This item would then be ratified at the October meeting.
c) Festival Hall Deposits
It was AGREED to remove the Festival Hall bar deposit.
PROPOSED by Cllr Pilley and SECONDED by Cllr Taylor and voting was UNANIMOUS
d) Repairs to the Festival Hall Boiler
It was AGREED to accept the quote from Company A who is Heatech
PROPOSED by Cllr Taylor and SECONDED by Cllr Dale and voting was UNANIMOUS
19. Gazebo
The purchase of a gazebo for use in the Market Place was RATIFIED.
PROPOSED by Cllr Pilley and SECONDED by Cllr Taylor and voting was UNANIMOUS
20. Residential Car Parking Issues
Agreed to PURSUE options 1 and 2 and revert back to council.
21. October’s Agenda
Items submitted for CONSIDERATION at the October meeting;
- Finance Committee discussions
- Ratify the Placemaking document
- Better signage on King Street and Queen Street
22. To consider the following motion;
‘Market Rasen Town Council agree to write to Central Government, the Environment Agency and water companies calling for them to take immediate action to end the scandal of untreated sewage dumping in our nation’s rivers, seas and watercourses’.
Cllr Taylor reminded those attending of the role of the council 40 years ago in identifying and addressing pollutants in the local rivers. It was proposed that letters are sent to the Member of Parliament and the Environment Agency reminding them of the issues 40 years ago and that the recent proposed changes to the planning laws risk reversing that good work and potentially impacting on the health of our community.
PROPOSED by Cllr Taylor and SECONDED by Cllr Pilley and voting was UNANIMOUS
23. Street Cleaning
Cllr Bunney explained that street cleaning will be increased in Market Rasen with work taking place three times a week rather than two. There will also be changes to the public bin collections. A request was made to bring this item back to council on the January agenda.
Meeting closed 8.58pm