March 2020 Minutes (31st)
Minutes 12/2019 of Metheringham, Sots Hole & Tanvats Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 31st March 2020 via a Conference Call.
A Meeting of Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tanvats Parish Council was held on Tuesday 31st March 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 I Holmes
Councillor D Parry
Councillor S Peek
Councillor D Temple
Councillor S Walker
Apologies:
Councillor R Grummitt Councillor J Parr
Clerk:
Karen Steels-Tallett
Councillor Parry chaired the Call as the host.
The purpose of the Call was to decide
1. To resolve the Council omit the need for 3 days' notice of meetings in accordance with LALC recommendations regarding Covid 19. Councillor Byatt proposed Standing Order 3c be suspended during COVID 19 restrictions, seconded by Councillor Temple and all were in favour.
2. To resolve the decisions taken by the Council during the Conference Call are legally binding in accordance with LALC recommendations regarding Covid 19. Proposed by Councillor Temple, seconded by Councillor Walker and all were in favour.
3. Voluntary Groups: to resolve what involvement, if any, the Council should have with regards to voluntary groups. It was resolved to support the voluntary group MISH to the sum of up to EI,OOO. Councillor Temple was delegated as an intermediary to would communicate with MISH to establish what they require financial assistance with for example; printing of information leaflets to establish communication lines for those individuals not using social media and serve all residents better, to be delivery to residents. The proposal would be actioned by Councillors Temple, Wilson and the Clerk. Proposed by Councillor Holmes, seconded by Councillor Wilson and all were in favour.
4. Newsletter: to resolve the need (or not) for a newsletter. Please have pros and cons ready. Councillor Wilson commented a newsletter to parishioners would be useful; to be placed on social media and in the noticeboards with regular updates. Councillor Byatt commented that it was important to tell the parishioners what we are not doing at this present time, also with regards to planning applications it is Government advice that planning should continue and this has resulted in a surge in planning applications. Council need to submit their comments on application as there may not be a requirement for public consultation. Councillor Temple commented that any information should only be factual. It was resolved that the Clerk formulate a newsletter also with input received from Councillors. Proposed by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Peek and all were in favour.
5. Staffing Committee: to resolve to appoint a new member to the Committee — Councillor Walker. It was resolved that Councillor Walker be elected as a member of the Staffing Committee, proposed by Councillor Byatt, seconded by Councillor Holmes and all were in favour.
6. Communications Update: to receive an update on the current situation. The Clerk updated Councillors on the phone line at the new office and Conference Calling.
7. Date and time of future Calls: to resolve dates and times for future Conference Calls for a period of 3 months —to be reviewed in line with Government guidance. It was resolved to hold Conference Calls weekly on Thursday evening at 19:30 which any agenda items to be sent to the clerk, to be reviewed on a regular basis. Proposed by Councillor Temple, seconded by Councillor Wilson and all were in favour.
The Call ended at 20.11.