May 2021 Minutes Annual Parish Meeting
MINUTES OF THE WOODHALL SPA ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 2021 AT 6.30 PM AT VIA ZOOM
IN ATTENDANCE
Parish Councillors and one member of the public.
APM/1/5/21
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
The Chairman, Councillor Marcus Williams, welcomed everyone to the meeting. He reminded everyone that the Annual Parish Meeting was not held in 2020 due to the Coronavirus, therefore the minutes to be approved would be from 2019. A sunset clause in the Coronavirus Act 2020 enabled meetings to take place remotely up to 7th May, therefore this meeting is a little earlier in the month to comply with current legislation.
APM/2/5/21
TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD ON 23RD MAY 2019
The minutes were accepted as a true record of the meeting by Councillors who were present. Councillors Williams, ford & Marrs.
APM/3/5/21
TO RECEIVE THE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT ON PARISH COUNCIL ACTIVITIES DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC AND HOW THE COUNCIL WORKED THROUGH IT
The Chair explained how from the first lockdown in April 2020 the Council resolved to set up a sub committee with delegated powers to continue the running of the Council’s business. The Committee consisted of The Chair, Councillor David Clarke, The Vice Chair, Councillor Marcus Williams and the Clerk, Joann Greer.
One of the main issues to deal with was the possibility of a huge demand at the cemetery. A plan was drawn up, but fortunately it was never required.
Zoom meetings became the norm for all meetings and the Clerk was working from home.
Council business run smoothly because of these measures.
The member of the public thanked the Parish Council for all their efforts and support.
APM/4/5/19
TO RECEIVE A FINANCIAL REPORT FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH 2021
The Parish Clerk, Joann Greer, presented the finance report stating the Council precept of £72084.83 had been prudently managed.
Total expenditure for the year was £112650.00, which included purchases for businesses from the ERDF grant “Opening the Highstreet Safely.” Income received £129600.00 which included Covid 19 Government grants schemes and cemetery fees.
The Annual Audit is currently being completed.
APM/5/5/21
THE PARISH COUNCIL COMMITMENT TO COMMUNICATION IN 2021 AND BEYOND
Councillor Richard Brown gave a brief presentation of the new interactive web site including documents, Councillor information and banner calendar and application forms.
The focus of the Parish Council is to work on their communication with residents and are exploring options such as Instagram, My Neighbourhood, Wapentake Articles, Facebook, Twitter, Walk & Talk Meetings, office Open Days, electronic surveys and paper format information for those who do not have access to electronic media.
APM/6/5/21
QUESTION TIME
A member of the public asked about a newsletter being developed for those who do not access computers.
This would be considered as part of the general Council Communications strategy.