STOKE LACY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 16th April 2020 virtually by video link at 7.30pm
In light of the current coronavirus epidemic public gatherings are not allowed and the Government has given permission for Parish Councils to hold their meetings remotely by video link, with access to the general public
Present: Councillors Janet Ivison (Chairman), Anne Reece, Helen Bufton and Bill Morgan
In attendance: Mrs Alma Westwood (Clerk); James Wilson, 4 members of the public
19.168 (20.01) To receive and accept APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None received
19.168 (20.02) CO-OPTION OF NEW PARISH COUNCILLOR
Mr James Wilson was co-opted as a new Parish Councillor following the resignation of Mr John Westwood
19.169 (20.03) DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE
Councillor Wilson signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, which the Clerk witnessed by video-link
19.170 (20.04) To receive DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST and written dispensation requests for Disclosable pecuniary interests on agenda items
None received
19.171 (20.05) TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF THE PLANNING CONSULTANT FOR THE NDP
Councillor Morgan PROPOSED Kirkwell & Co; Seconded by Councillor Wilson; ALL IN FAVOUR. Messrs Kirkwell & Co were duly appointed Planning Consultants for the NDP
19.172 (20.06) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION including NDP Steering Group
None
19.173 (20.07) FINANCE: Current Account balance as at 1st March 2020: £6218.99
19.173(20.07) i Draft accounts from 1st March to 1st April 2020 as distributed: APPROVED.
19.173 (20.07) ii The payment of the Village Hall invoice of £220 was approved
19.173(20.07) iii To note VAT reclaim for 2018/19 had been made: £415.69
19.173(20.07).iv To note that the Annual Audit had been deferred in the current situation
19.174(20.07) v To note the release of Section 106 monies had been requested
19.174(20.08) PROPOSAL FROM COUNCILLOR ANNE REECE
That during the current coronavirus epidemic and consequent reduction in Parish Council matters the Clerk’s hours be reduced from 7 to 4 per week as from 30th March 2020 until further notice; seconded by Councillor Bufton; APPROVED
19.175(20.09) PROPOSAL FROM COUNCILLOR ANNE REECE
That this Parish Council gives devolved powers to the Clerk to deal with minor Parish Council matters between Parish Council meetings, including paying invoices up to a value of £300 and replying to planning applications following emailed discussions with Parish Councillors;
Seconded by Councillor Morgan; APPROVED
19.176(20.10) To note CLERK’S REPORT and Information Sheet
19.176(20.10) i To note that Ward Councillor Lester’s report had been circulated to Parish Councillors and was available on the Parish Council website
19.176(20.10) ii ln light of the current epidemic the planned VE75 Celebrations had been cancelled
19.176(20.10) iii The Annual Parishioners’ Meeting and the Annual Parish Council Meeting have been deferred for 2020 (This is in line with National Government and HALC guidelines)
The meeting closed at 7.50pm
DATES OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 13th May 2020 remotely at 7.30pm.
Other meetings will be advertised on the Parish Council website and will be held remotely during this coronavirus outbreak
………………………………………………Chairman…………………………………………..Date
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