Councillors Present
Cllr J Burrell
Cllr S Thredgle
Cllr M Mitchell
Cllr P Cutler
Cllr K Kelly
Cllr J Hoadley
Cllr L Canham
Cllr J McQueen
Cllr L Howes
Cllr J Fukes
Cllr K Grehan
Cllr C Pearce
In Attendance
J Thomas – Parish Clerk
L McLean – Council Administration
58/03/20CL: TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
There were no apologies for absence.
59/03/20CL: TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
No declarations of interest were received.
60/03/20CL: To approve the minutes of THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2019, THE EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2020 AND THE EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2020
The minutes were approved by members unanimously.
61/03/20CL: TO CONSIDER THE IMPACT OF THE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 ON COUNCIL OPERATIONS
Members discussed the impact of the coronavirus and the potential impact it could have on the council staff and services. Members unanimously resolved to cancel upcoming events and meetings in person, including the Stone Fete.
It was also agreed that council office staff would continue to work remotely and the grounds staff would continue their work in the public realm with social distancing in place.
62/03/20CL: TO RESOLVE DELEGATED AUTHORITY UNTIL THE COUNCIL IS ABLE TO RECONVENE
The following resolution aims to provide delegation to the Parish Clerk (and Responsible Finance Officer where appropriate) to enable the Parish Council to continue to operate business to the best of its abilities during the Covid-19 outbreak, when the council and its committees may be unable to meet.
This will enable any decisions to be made on behalf of Council where such decision cannot be reasonably deferred and must be made in order to progress council business or comply with a commercial or statutory deadline. This will be carried out where possible by consultation with the Chairman and Vice-chair by electronic means or telephone. Any decision made under this delegation must be recorded in writing and must be published in accordance with the relevant regulations.
The delegation does not extend to matters expressly reserved to the council in legislation or in its Standing Orders or Financial Regulations.
Members unanimously agreed to this resolution to delegate authority in these uncertain times.
63/03/20CL: TO RESOLVE THE COUNCIL’S APPROACH FOR SUBMISSION OF THE STONE RECREATION GROUND MASTERPLAN PLANNING APPLICATION
Members discussed the planning application required for the Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan. Members decided this was a much more cost effective approach to the project. It was unanimously agreed to go ahead with the approach of a hybrid planning application for the Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan. This will allow it to meet the objectives of minimising outlay, while enabling planning permission to be secured to support funding applications and provide the ability to commence work on priority items.
64/03/20CL: TO NOTE THE FINDINGS OF THE COMMUNITY NEEDS SURVEY AND APPROVE DRAFT OBJECTIVES OF THE COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
Members noted that the response to the community needs survey was very big and that the data from it will be very helpful towards the upcoming 5 year strategic plan.
Members unanimously approved the draft objectives of the council’s strategic plan.