May 2022 Minutes EOM
An Extra Ordinary meeting of Metheringham, Sots Hole & Tanvats Parish Council was held on Wednesday 25th May 2022 in the Parish Office, High Street, Metheringham.
Participating:
Councillor I Holmes
Councillor D Holmes
Councillor B Nelson
Councillor K Parker
Councillor D Parry
Councillor F Pembery
Councillor S Peek
Councillor C Toynton
Councillor M Westerman
Councillor M Worthington
Apologies: Councillor R Grummitt
Councillor K Rymer
Councillor J Tatton
Clerk: Karen Steels-Tallett
8 members of the public was in attendance.
Public Forum:
L Bignall had volunteered in the Library since January 2018 and currently organises the volunteer rota for the library service. The library service has not had to close due to a lack of volunteers. Pre-pandemic the library service opened 18 hours per week, now currently 12 hours per week with 25 volunteers. The recent Hub co-ordinator was brilliant with minimal input into the library service.
J Honisett had been a volunteer from the outset. The alternative would be a library bus, endorse what L Bignall has said and keep the library service open for 12 hours per week.
D Sherriff keep the library service open for 12 hours. Hub co-ordinator attendance at meetings and Thursdays. Not seen in the Hub, how does she fill her 16hours per week. Only been a resident in the village for 3 years, library service a social outlet, a purpose for retired people.
L Lemon a Hub and library service volunteer. Building is perfect for a Hub. Co-ordinator had done a terrific job in promoting the Hub and establishing groups.
1. To accept Apologies for Absence and reasons given in accordance with Local Government Act 1972 s85(1). Apologies had been received from Councillors Grummitt, Rymer and Tatton. It was resolved to accept the apologies. Proposed by Councillor Toynton seconded by Councillor Westerman and all were in favour.
2. 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. There were no declarations of interest.
b. Dispensations: To consider and grant dispensation to relevant members in accordance with Metheringham Parish Councils Code of Conduct. No requests for dispensations had been received.
3. Community Hub Co-ordinator: Due to the unfortunate resignation of the Community Hub Co-ordinator and with reference to the decision made by full Council to fund this as a paid role for a minimum 1-year term.
i) To resolve to immediately re-advertise the position in line with Staffing Committee Terms of Reference. It was resolved to refer the agenda item back to the Communications & Staffing Committee. Proposed by Councillor Parry seconded by Councillor Toynton and the majority were in favour. Councillors I Holmes, D Holmes and Peek were against.
ii) To resolve to limit the opening hours of the non-statutory library service to 6 hours per week in line with the Community Hub Grant Funding Agreement minimum level of service, and to suspend all other Hub activities until such time as a paid Community Hub Co-ordinator is appointed. Councillor Nelson proposed the library service remain open for 12 hours per week and existing activities; seconded by Councillor Toynton and the majority were in favour. Councillors I Holmes and D Holmes abstained from voting.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 18:45.