WOLSINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD

TUESDAY 11TH AUGUST   2020  7.00 PM

TOWN HALL, WOLSINGHAM

 

 

MEETING HELD IN THE TOWN HALL AND ALSO VIA ZOOM

Members of public can access Zoom via the link on website at www.wolsinghamparishcouncil.uk

PRESENT:    Chair: D. Sugden, J. Norman, Mrs. Y. Bell, D. Jones, Iain Rodgers,

MEMBERS / PUBLIC: Via Zoom: Cllr. Mrs. A. Savory, Mrs. D. Gregory, D. Lough

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Mrs. A. Nelson, R. George, J. Wilson
2. TO RECEIVE QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
   1. Mrs. D. Gregory asked clarification on Covid 19 guidelines pertaining to soft furnishings in buildings, which from her knowledge means that a building with soft furnishings can not be used for 72 hours between meetings. Mr. Sugden outlined the guidance for public buildings from the Government website and there was no mention of soft furnishings and the need to close for 72 hours.
   2. For the kitchen area, it had been decided to have a limit of two persons in the kitchen at any one time.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None
4. MINUTES OF  MEETING HELD 10TH MARCH  2020 , agreed as a true record and signed as such
5. Confirmation of Delegated Powers to Chairman, Vice Chairman and Clerk
   1. During the period whilst Council meetings cannot take place due to COVID 19 virus control measures , this council affirms that authority is delegated to the Chair, vice Chair and Clerk together to make necessary decisions , within the limits and procedures required by our standing orders.
   2. Any such actions will be reported to councillors for confirmation
   3. Above statement adopted.
   4. Cllr. Mrs. Savory advised the meeting that Durham C.C. were unlikely to hold meetings before January 2021
6. Dispensation of Members for none attendance at meetings for a period exceeding six months.
   1. This Council agrees a dispensation which will override the normal requirement that any councillor who fails to attend any meetings for a period of six months is thereby excluded from continuing as a councillor.
   2. In the circumstances where council meetings have been prevented by Corona virus control measures, the requirement to attend meetings is suspended and will only be counted when six months actual meetings have been missed.
   3. Above statement adopted.
7. Internal Auditors Report for year ended 31st March 2020
   1. The Internal Audit report had been previously circulated and was read by the clerk. Items which needed action:
      1. Review of Clerk’s Salary; last reviewed 2011, despite contract requiring annual appraisal and review. Chair to review existing contract of employment, consider adopting NALC contract and salary scales as appropriate, with agreement of Clerk.
      2. Parish Council Insurance, because of Covid 19, there was anticipated to be a significant loss of income for the year, hall bookings, car parking charges and other franchise operations. The Parish Council was covered for business interruption and there was currently a test case on whether this covered the current pandemic. When more information or a decision is reached the clerk to further a claim for the above loss of revenue.
8. Annual Governance And Annual Return for Year Ended 31st March 2020
   1. The Annual Governance Return was agreed and all boxes had been completed as affirmative.
   2. The Annual Return was agreed, and the item of Fixed Assets for 2019 had been restated as requested by the auditor last year. This was a typing error; was £747,787 should have been £746,787
9. Finance Reports End JULY 2020
   1. The financial statements for the period were read and accepted and agreed for cheques to be signed, as detailed in the report.
10. Future plans.
    1. All Covid 19 risk assessments had been completed and Covid Secure Guidance issued as required. All areas were now available for lettings, but each meeting organiser is required to keep a list of attendees for 21 days in case of infections. Detailed guidance is given, but basic limits are;
       1. Playground: a maximum of 20 persons at any one time.
       2. St. Anne’s Centre, 25 persons max, OR with face masks 50 persons
       3. Town Hall, 10 persons max, OR with face masks 20 persons
       4. Angate toilets two persons max.
11. A request had been received for the creation of a “pump track” at the south of the recreation ground in the wooded area, where there used to be a BMX track for some years. A group of young enthusiasts would build and maintain it.
    1. The clerk had appraised Durham CC planning officer of the proposal and the information given was that the Parish Council have permitted development rights for such use, but advice should be sought from the Tree Officer and the Environment Agency regarding flood risk.
    2. A meeting had taken place with the Tree officer who raised no objections, and Nick Barber has a degree in hydrology and would assess the Flood Risk and report back.
    3. Agreed to seek more detailed information, including any costs.
12. Casual Vacancy for Parish Council member, Wolsingham ward. Democratic Services, Durham C.C. had now released information regarding this vacancy and the vacancy was advertised with no parishioners requesting an election so the position can now be filled by co-option. As it seems likely that no physical meetings will be held for some time it was proposed that the vacancy be not filled by co-option at this point in time. The question was also raised as to whether the elections in May 2021 would go ahead if the pandemic persists.
13. It was proposed and seconded that Parish Council meetings be again suspended unless some thing of major importance needs a full council meeting to consider. In the mean time the Parish Council is to run with delegated powers given to the Chair, vice Chair and Clerk, to work together on the day to day running of the business. A monthly newsletter to be circulated to all members, outlining any actions taken.
14. Correspondence; Cllr. Jones had held an impromptu meeting with a resident who was concerned that a large grassed area of the playground had disappeared as a result of the safe surfacing placed under the carousel in the recreation ground. Cllr. Jones had explained the rationale behind the scheme; the safety of users is paramount and this met current Health & Safety Regulations for playgrounds. Other matters raised by the resident to be addressed by the Clerk directly with the resident.