2026 Parish Council Minutes

There were 12 members of the public present. District Councillor McMillan was present. The Chairman welcomed everyone to meeting and advised it was a no smoking building and showed where the fire exits were located. The Chair opened the public session of the meeting at 7.15pm.

Public session

a) Comments/updates from members of the public - Resident asked for more transparency on the financial accounts and grounds maintenance contract. Draft September minutes lacking detail and requested they were amended. Resident acknowledged Station Rd dyke had been cleared and the parish council's comments on land south of Garcia Rd planning application. Resident stated the closed session in September was unlawful.
b) Comments/updates from ELDC District Councillor Steve McMillan- Cllr McMillan apologised in advance for being unable to attend. Clerk read brief update from Cllr McMillan at the end of the meeting. Cllr McMillan held a meeting with the head of planning, Ian Irwin, about if current planning applications would still go to committee under the new planning rules however it is still too far from determination to know. They will have another meeting shortly before determination. 
c) Comments/updates from Lincolnshire County Councillor Bayleigh Robinson - No report received.
d) Comments/updates from community groups - Village hall chair pleased to see the grants policy is to be updated.

The Chairman closed the public session and commenced the formal meeting (no further public participation permitted).

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF TETNEY PARISH COUNCIL

Held at St. John's Methodist Chapel schoolroom on the 8th October 2026.

Present: -    Councillors:   R. Coles (Chair)     R. Lukehurst       Y. Fletcher     J. Kerman   T. Evans   M. Anderson  A. Moorby                  

Clerk: Cllr Fletcher took the notes due to the Clerk having advised in advance that she would be late.

91/26 CHAIR'S WELCOME

Cllr Coles welcomed everyone to the meeting. Cllr Coles informed the Council that he had received the resignation of Cllr Winslow with immediate effect and explained process for filling vacancy. Cllr Coles thanked Cllr Winslow for her service to the village during her time on the council. A letter of thanks has been sent.

92/26 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received in advance from Cllr McMillan. Resolved: To accept apologies.

93/26 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

a) To record declarations of interest by any member of the Council in respect of the agenda items listed below. Members declaring interests should identify the agenda item and type of interest being declared. None.

b) To note dispensations given to any member of the Council in respect of the agenda items listed below. None.

94/26 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING held on 10th September 2026.

Had been previously circulated. Minutes not signed as issues raised over accuracy.  

95/26 MATTERS OUTSTANDING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES

a) Transparency of accounts - Clarity needed on transparency of accounts. More detail and breakdown requested. 

b) Land South of Garcia Rd planning comments - Noted that comments submitted to and received by ELDC.

Clerk arrived at 7.50pm. 

96/26 PARISH COUNCIL MATTERS 

a) Mid-year accounts review - Accounts were outlined and detailed figures will be available for precept setting in January. Still need to build reserves and long term financial security of Council. 

b) Purchase of further planters and winter bedding plants - Resolved: To purchase 1 planter for Church Lane triangle. Clerk to get costings for winter bedding plants. Further planter purchases to be deferred until next financial year.

c) Spring bulb initiative budget - Several community groups and members of public registered interest in planting spring bulbs. Community groups to decide where to plant. Resolved: Clerk to purchase daffodil bulbs for £100 unless local bulk buy is cheaper.

d) Planning & infrastructure Act 2025 - Query raised whether parish council was still statutory consultee for all or some applications. Clerk to enquire.

e) Planning response policy, vexatious and abusive policy and updated grants policy - All policies approved with amendment on grants policy to include in grants over £1000 section "to be considered at next meeting". Clerk to enquire if mediation service available from LALC for abusive and vexatious policy, if available policy to be amended to reflect this. 

f) Bus timetable case installation at both bus shelters - Resolved: To allow LCC to install and maintain a bus timetable case at both bus shelters.

g) Village newsletter - Community groups are interested but can't commit to helping therefore sustainability is an issue. Continuing to chase up some community groups. Not a parish council project but may contribute to funding it.

h) Extra cemetery hedge cut on right - Resolved: To accept quote to cut hedge.

i) Public toilets - Clerk to contact caretaker about a deep clean.

j) Annual Christmas light switch on - School children to design Christmas jumper for switch on competition, replacement tree bulbs to be installed. Electrician booked. Cherry picker operator to be contacted to change bulbs. Cllrs Evans and Anderson to judge the competition. Salvation Army unable to attend. Cllr Evans to contact Back to Brass. Resolved: Clerk to purchase 7 x £10 gift cards for competition prizes.

k) To discuss youth engagement within the village - Steve Marris (village hall Chair) invited to speak. Fortnightly Youth Club for 7-11 and 11-18 year olds suggested. YMCA to run it and supply equipment. Free entry for children. Grants applied for. Will cost £5247 per annum to run. YMCA need 1 months notice to start and will commit to 6 month trial to start. Discounts available for longer term contracts. YMCA to provide 1 social worker + 1 worker to start, with volunteer helpers also needed depending on youth numbers.

l) Headstone application for the late Gordon Simmons - Approved. Resolved: To approve headstone for the late Mr Simmonds.

97/26 FINANCIAL REPORT

Expenses for Sept/Oct 26

Receipts for Sept/Oct 26

Bank balances as at 1/10/26

Resolved: To accept finances.

98/26a PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED.

b) PLANNING DECISIONS RECEIVED

Cllr Kerman left the meeting at 9.25pm

99/26 EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS (for information purposes only)

Digital Agar training booked, Station Rd dyke has been cleared, bank account has been approved, police looking into removing notice board at public toilets, rubble bags at Jubilee Gardens removed. Cllr Kerman to lay wreath at Remembrance service.

100/26   NEXT AGENDA ITEMS

Christmas fair, Spring bulbs, donation in lieu of purchasing Remembrance wreath, September minutes, Willmer's corner hedge.

101/26 FUTURE DATES

Thursday 12th November 2026

No meeting in December

Thursday 14th January 2027,

Thursday 11th February 2027 in the Chapel school room from 7.15pm.

Meeting closed at 9.35pm.

102/26 The Council resolved to move into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (admission to meetings) Act 1960 due to the confidential and commercially sensitive nature of the business to be discussed in relation to the following matters:

a) Clerk pay increase - Resolved: To increase clerk salary in line with recommended NJC annual pay scales. Resolved: To regrade banding in line with NJC recommendations for roles and responsibilities. Clerks contract to be updated.