November 2020 Minutes
A Meeting of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council was held on Tuesday 24th November 2020 via a Conference Call due to COVID 19 and not being able to meet in line with Government guidance on group gatherings and social distancing.
Participating:
Councillor S Wilson (Chairman) Councillor N Byatt Councillor R Grummitt Councillor I Holmes Councillor J Parr Councillor D Parry Councillor C Redpath Councillor K Rymer Councillor D Sherriff Councillor S Walker
Apologies: Councillor S Peek
Clerk: Karen Steels-Tallett
No members of the public had contacted the Clerk to request connectivity.
1. Chairman’s Remarks. The Chairman, Councillor Sally Wilson opened the meeting; made the usual housekeeping announcements, and reminded members that they must abide by the Code of Conduct at all times. Councillor Temple had tendered his resignation as a Parish Councillor.
2. To accept Apologies for Absence and reasons given in accordance with Local Government Act 1972 s85(1). Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Peek.
3. Members Declarations of Interests:
a. Members may make any declarations of interest at this point but may also make them at any point during the meeting in accordance with Metheringham Parish Councils Code of Conduct. Councillor Byatt declared an interest in agenda item 14 as a member of NKDC Planning Committee.
b. Dispensations: To consider and grant dispensation to relevant members in accordance with Metheringham Parish Councils Code of Conduct. There were no requests for dispensations.
4. To approve the notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 27th October 2020 (circulated with agenda). The notes of the meeting 27th October 2020 having been circulated prior to the meeting were taken as read and it was resolved to approve them as minutes of the meetings. Proposed by Councillor Byatt, seconded by Councillor Holmes and the majority were in favour. Councillor Walker abstained from voting.
Councillor Grummitt joined the meeting.
5. Reports from representatives on outside bodies:
a. To receive a report from the County Councillor. A report from Cllr R Kendrick had been received prior to the meeting.
b. To receive a report from the District Councillor. The News NK update has some useful information and available to subscribe to. The latest round of Business Grants closes 04th December and Business Staff are there to support members of the public. Committees are back to full strength and meeting remotely. A recent survey showed 96% of staff are working to full capacity with 71% finding it more effective.
c. To receive the September Newsletter from the Bracebridge Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team. A report had been circulated prior to the meeting. BBH Police are now using “Nextdoor” Social networking media which includes good feedback. Councillor Sherriff joined the meeting.
d. To receive reports from Council representatives on other outside bodies.
i. Village Hall Management Committee. The pre-school group are still using the village hall and the committee hope for bookings next year.
ii. Metheringham Swimming Pool. A report had been circulated prior to the meeting. The Clerk to check deterioration of freezer stock covered by the insurance.
iii. Library. The Library is open for click and collect Wednesday and Saturday.
iv. Bowls Club. Nothing to report.
6. To receive verbal or written update reports from Working Groups:
i. Events – the notes of the recent meeting had been circulated and received.
ii. Project Planning – no further meeting had taken place.
iii. Communications – no further meeting had taken place.
iv. Community & Environmental Development – no further meeting had taken place.
v. War Memorial Garden Task & Finish Group – no further meeting had taken place.
7. Clerks report (attached). The Clerk’s report was received. County Councillor R Kendrick joined the meeting.
8. Retained Fire Brigade: To consider and resolve a request from the Fire Brigade; to allow the sleigh to be sited in the War Memorial Garden for the Christmas period. It was resolved to allow the Fire Brigade to site the Sleigh within the War Memorial Garden for the Christmas Period. Proposed by Councillor Byatt, seconded by Councillor Walker and all were in favour.
9. Financial Matters:
a) Christmas Celebrations:
i. To consider and resolve to gift a Celebration Box to every child at Metheringham Primary School. It was resolved to proceed with the gift of Celebration Boxes to the sum of £300. Proposed by Councillor Walker, seconded by Councillor Rymer and all were in favour.
ii. To consider and resolve to serve mince pies and mulled wine; outdoors, socially distanced Wednesday 23rd December. It was resolved to serve mulled wine and mince pies within a budget of £50. Proposed by Councillor Byatt, seconded by Councillor Walker and all were in favour.
iii. To consider and resolve to host the Barry Saunders Christmas Trophy for the best dressed house and business. It was resolved to host the Barry Saunders Christmas Trophy with a prize for the best dressed house and best dressed business. Proposed by Councillor Redpath, seconded by Councillor Walker and all were in favour. County Councillor R Kendrick updated Council in addition to his monthly report – road safety revisions were starting to come forward. Covid 19 Funds are still available if any community groups are in need of support.
b) CCTV: To consider and resolve to proceed with the alternative camera pole. It was resolved to proceed with the alternative camera pole. Proposed by Councillor Holmes, seconded by Councillor Redpath and all were in favour.
c) Annual Return 2019/2020: To approve the conclusion of the audit for 2019/2020 and posting of the notice for a period of 14 days. It was resolved to approve the Conclusion of Audit and posting of notice for 14 days. Proposed by Councillor Rymer, seconded by Councillor Holmes and all were in favour.
10. Staff Remuneration Policy: To consider and resolve to adopt the draft Staff Remuneration Policy. It was resolved to adopt the Policy subject to minor changes. Proposed by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Byatt and all were in favour.
11. Finance Committee Terms of Reference: To dispose of the resolution made at the meeting 27th October; agenda item 9, and resolve to revert to the Terms of Reference for the Finance Committee prior to the resolution passed 27th October 2020. It was resolved to form a Task & Finish Group and appoint members to carry out a review to get in place the correct process and structure for Council. Proposed by Councillor Holmes, seconded by Councillor Rymer. Members voting for: Councillor Holmes, Rymer & Redpath. Members voting against: Councillors Byatt & Parry. Members abstaining from voting: Councillors Grummitt, Parr, Sherriff, Walker & Wilson. Members of the Task & Finish Group Councillors Rymer & Redpath to be supported by the Clerk.
12. Video Conferencing: To consider and resolve to move to video conferencing for future meetings. It was resolved to move to video conferencing for future meetings. Proposed by Councillor Redpath, seconded by Councillor Holmes and all were in favour.
13. Time of Parish Council Meetings: To consider and resolve to amend the official start time of future Parish Council Meetings to 18:15 with the public forum commencing at 18:00. It was resolved to move the official start time of future Parish Council Meeting to 18:15 with the public forum commencing at 18:00. Proposed by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Rymer and all were in favour.
14. Planning:
Prior Approval Development:
i. 20/0911/PNND – Linwood Moor Barn, located off Metheringham Airfield Road, Linwood Moor. Proposed change of use of agricultural building to a dwelling house (use Class C3) and associated building operations. Noted by Councillors.
Councillor Byatt abstained from voting on all planning applications as a member of NKDC Planning Committee.
15. Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 Exclusion of the Press and the Public: To resolve that in accordance with Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 and by reason of the confidential nature of the remainder of the business, the press and public be excluded. It was resolved to move into closed session. Proposed by Councillor Byatt, seconded by Councillor Wilson and all were in favour.
16. Staffing: To receive a report from the Staffing Committee. Councillor Byatt updated members on the current position.
17. Date and time of the next meeting. Tuesday 15th December 2020 @ 18:15 There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:52.