EVERLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL

Dear Sir/Madam

I hereby give you notice that the next Meeting of the above named Parish Council will be held remotely (VIA ZOOM) on 2 March 2021 at 7.00pm.

EVERLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL

 MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD REMOTELY (via Zoom) on TUESDAY 5 JANUARY 2021

Chairman:     Cllr D Bottomley

Present:           Cllr K Wheeler-Mallows, Cllr P Evans, Cllr H Waight and Cllr A Earle.

In Attendance: Mr P Gill (Parish Clerk), Wilts Cllr I Blair-Pilling, Wilts Cllr C Williams and Mr T Martin (Potential Co-Optee) and one Member of the Public.

1.         Explanation and Welcome.  The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained that on 4th April 2020 the Government introduced The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 which allows local councils to meet remotely.  These regulations apply to meetings held before 7th May 2021. A copy of the Regulations is available from the Clerk. The Chairman also highlighted that an Everleigh Parish Council protocol for the conduct of remote meetings was issued on 1^st May 2020 and summarized the key points from this protocol.

2.         Apologies:       None

3.         Disclosure of Interest.  None declared.

4.         Co-option.  The Clerk reported that an expression of interest to join the Parish Council had been received from Mr T Martin after the Agenda had been issued and after he had been resident in Everleigh since mid December. As a result, Cllrs RESOLVED to defer consideration of any application until the next PC meeting.  However, the Chairman invited Mr T Martin to introduce himself.                                       Action:  Clerk

5.         Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 27 October 2020. 

5.1       Previous Minutes.  The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on

27 October 2020 were agreed and Cllrs RESOLVED that the minutes were to be signed by the Chairman as a true record as soon as possible after the meeting. 

Action:  Chairman & Clerk

5.2       Matters Arising.

Item 11.4 The Street Notice Board has been repaired for which the Chairman congratulated Cllr Earle, and Parish Walk Leaflets have been posted on the notice boards.  Item closed.

6.         General Public.  No questions asked.               

7.         Wilts Council Cllr Report.  Wilts Cllr Blair-Pilling reported the following: due to the upsurge in COVID -19 cases and the latest restrictions Wilts Council has moved out of recovery mode and back into response mode.  He encouraged all Cllrs to join the Wilts Council live half-hour COVID-19 Public Update which is scheduled for Wednesday 6 January at 7pm. 

Cllrs noted the report and asked a number of questions for clarity. 

8.         Police Report.  PC Dugan reported the following by email: 

8.1       October.

            8.1.1    Vehicle Offences – Everleigh and Netheravon – 3 reports.

            8.1.2    Burglary – Non-Dwelling Everleigh and Netheravon – report.

            8.1.3    Public Order – Everleigh and Netheravon – 1 report.

8.2       November:

8.2.1    Throughout the area crime rates in October 2020 have been compared to that of last year’s rates in 2019 and results are as follows;

Overall crime down 16%

Violent Crime down 19%

Violence with injury down 52%

Burglary down 45%

8.2.2 Violence against the person – Everleigh – 1 Report.

            8.3       December. 

8.3.1    Assault/Violence against the person. There have been 15 reported assaults for the month of December. These incidents can be domestic violence or offences outside of the home. Due to the nature of the incidents- individual details will not be shared.

Cllrs noted the report

9.         Correspondence.  None that has not been previously circulated.

10.       Forecast of Events. Having considered the draft forecast of events previously circulated on 18 December 2020 Cllrs RESOLVED to adopt the forecast of events as drafted.

11.       Planning. 

11.1 No applications received.

12.       Property. 

12.1 Grass Cutting.  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows reported that the invoice for the 2020 cutting season has been paid.  He has yet to confirm the grass cutting contract for the 2021 cutting season; however, he anticipates that the costs will be similar to 2020.                                                                                                                 Action.  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

12.2    Play Area.  The play area remains closed, but is secure.   Cllr Bottomley reported that based on information he had gathered from a number of sources he intended to draft a plan to implement the safe reopening of the play area.  To this end he volunteered to conduct a risk assessment and present a draft reopening plan at the March PC meeting with a view to opening the play area in the Spring or on call, with due regard to the COVID-19 situation.                                                                                  Action:  Cllr Bottomley.

12.3   Streetscene Minor Works.  Liaison with the Parish Steward continues and

all identified works have been reported via the My Wilts App.

                                                                                    Action: Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

12.4   Bench Seat.  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows reported that gravel had been laid out around the tree and that he was to start construction of the bench in the near future.

                                                                                    Action:  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

12.5   Lower Everleigh Bus Shelter.  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows reported that the Lower

Everleigh Bus Shelter was in a poor state of repair and needs to be repaired or removed and

that the local residents appear to be ambivalent regarding repair or removal.  After

discussion Cllrs RESOLVED that the bus shelter should not be removed at this time

and Cllr Wheeler- Mallows was to investigate and report back at the next PC meeting.              Action:  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

12.6 Defibrillator.  Cllr Earle reported that the village defibrillator by The Street noticeboard is in working order and monthly checks are being conducted and reported.

13.       Finance.

13.1    The Clerk presented a bank reconciliation and current liquidity statement as follows:

            13.1.1   Balance at Lloyds CA (statement date 1 Dec 20) £5,321.35

13.1.2   Reconciled Balance as at 4 Jan 20 £4353.30

Cllrs noted the statements, but had no comment at this time.

13.2     Authorise the following payments and those cheques issued since last meeting.

13.2.1 686 A Earle (Cork Sheet 30 Oct 20) £43.49 (VAT £7.25)

13.2.2 687 P Gill (Lexis Nexis 4 Nov 20) £60.00

13.2.3 DD ICO Registration (30 Oct 20) £35.00

13.2,4 BACS J Bowen (Grass Cutting 26 Nov 20) £545.00

13.2.5 688 P Gill (Print Cartridges 15 Dec 20) £22.99 (VAT £3.83)

13.2.6 689 P Gill (Clerk’s Salary & Expense Jan- Mar 20 – 21 Dec 20) £320.06

13.2.7 690 HMRC (Clerk’s PAYE Jan-Mar 21 – 21 dec 20) £80.00.

Cllrs RESOLVED to authorise the payments and cheques.

13.3     Receipts. Nil.

13.4     Bank Signatories.  Having considered the number of Cllrs required to be bank accounts signatories Cllrs RESOLVED that Cllrs Bottomley, Wheeler-Mallows, Cllr P Evans and H Waight were to be the bank signatories. Action:  Clerk

13.5.    FY 21/22.  Having considered in some depth the draft budget presented by Cllr Bottomley and the Clerk Cllrs RESOLVED to accept the budget as presented and as a result further RESOLVED to set the precept for FY 21-22 at £3688.71.  This is an increase of 1.83% (£0.73) for Band D.   Action: Clerk

13.6     Future Projects. Following on from the discussions at item 13.5 Cllrs RESOLVED that there was a requirement to develop a more formal process to identify future projects and their timelines and that this is to be an agenda item at the March Meeting.                                              Action:  Clerk

14.     Lower Everleigh Broadband Build.  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows reported that the build was on going. Wilts Council have indicated that improved broadband for Lower Everleigh should be in place by the end of March this year. Cllrs RESOLVED that this item need not appear on the agenda of the next meeting.                                 

                                                                                   Action:  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows & Clerk

  15.     Village Events.

15.1 Litter Pick Sat 6 Mar 21.  Cllr Bottomley reported that at present the litter pick is to take place in its usual format as planned subject to the then current COVID-19 situation.

                                                                                                Action:  Cllr Bottomley

16.     Marlborough Road Speed Limit.  Cllr Bottomley recapped on the background to this item and reported no change to his last report in that he anticipates that implementation can be completed within the current financial year.  However, he is due to attend a CATG meeting on 11^th January after which he will circulate an update by email.   Action: Cllr Bottomley.

17.       Right of Way (RoW) 6.  Cllr Earle reported that a number of villagers had commented to him on the deteriorating condition of RoW 6 at the top of the Street.  Cllr Bottomley reported that he had confirmed that RoW 6 is a Restricted Byway and as such horses are allowed to use it.  Having considered the condition of the RoW 6 Cllrs RESOLVED that Cllr Earle was to contact the Wilts Council RoW officer (Alex Howson) to find out what could be done to protect the RoW and once he had done so Cllrs were to meet on site to discuss the situation.                                                    Action:  Cllr Earle

18.   Date of Next Meeting: The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 7.00 pm on Tuesday 2 March 2021.

Meeting closed at 8.25pm

Signed:                                                                                     date:

Name:

Chairman

EVERLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL

Dear Sir/Madam

I hereby give you notice that the next Meeting of the above named Parish Council will be held remotely (VIA ZOOM) on 5 January 2021 at 7.00pm.

All members of the Council are hereby summoned to attend for the purpose of considering and resolving upon the business to be transacted at the meeting as set out hereunder. Councillors should join the meeting at least 5 minutes before the meeting is due to start.

Members of the Public or Press who wish to attend this meeting should use the following Meeting ID and Passcode to join the meeting: – Meeting ID: 868 7338 5360: Passcode: 4quhjA.  Moreover, it would be appreciated if attendees could notify the Clerk at philip.gill101@ntlworld.com at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Members of the Public who wish to ask questions regarding items on the agenda are to notify the Clerk in writing at philip.gill101@ntlworld.com at least 48 hours before the meeting. 

Dated this 29^th Day of December 2021.

Signed:             Philip Gill

                        Clerk

Agenda

1.  Explanation.  To explain why the meeting is being held remotely and protocols for the meeting.

• To Record any Apologies for Absence.

• Declaration of Interest in Items on the Agenda and Granting of Dispensations To receive any Declarations of Interest on any agenda item to be discussed and to consider dispensation requests.

• Co-option.  To consider co-option applications as received.

•  Minutes of Previous Meetings. 
  • To confirm and signthe minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 27 October 2020.
  •  Matters Arising.

• General Public.  To take questions.

• County Cllr Report.  To consider report from County Cllr

• Police Report.  To consider report.

• .   To consider as received.

1. Forecast of Events.  To consider the Village Forecast of Events for 2021.  Lead: Cllr Bottomley.

1. Planning:  To considerthe Planning Applications as received from Wiltshire County.

11.1

12.  Property.  To receive a report and consider any necessary action

12.1 Grass Cutting.  To receive update and to consider contract for cutting season 2021. Lead: Cllr    Wheeler-Mallows.

12.2 Play Area.  To receive update. Lead: Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

             12.3 Street Scene Minor Works.  To receive update. Lead: Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

12.4 Bench Seat.  To consider the construction of a bench seat in Everleigh Centre.  Lead:  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows

13. Finance:

13.1 To receive Current Liquidity statement and bank reconciliation. 

13.2 To authorise cheques for payment and those cheques issued since last meeting.

13.2.1 686 A Earle (Cork Sheet 30 Oct 20) £43.49 (VAT £7.25)

13.2.2 687 P Gill (Lexis Nexis 4 Nov 20) £60.00

13.2.3 DD ICO Registration (30 Oct 20) £35.00

13.2,4 BACS J Bowen (Grass Cutting 26 Nov 20) £545.00

13.2.5 688 P Gill (Print Cartridges 15 Dec 20) £22.99 (VAT £3.83)

13.2.6 689 P Gill (Clerk’s Salary & Expense Jan- Mar 20 – 21 Dec 20) £320.06

13.2.7 690 HMRC (Clerk’s PAYE Jan-Mar 21 – 21 dec 20) £80.00  

13.3 To note receipts.

13.4 Bank Signatories.  To confirm bank accounts signatories.

13.5. FY 21/22.  To consider draft budget and set Precept for FY 21/22.  Lead:  Cllr Bottomley

14. Lower Everleigh Broadband Build.  To receive update. Lead: Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

15. Village Events.

15.1 Litter Pick Sat 6 Mar 21.  To confirm date and to consider outline plan for the Litter Pick

event. Lead: Cllr Bottomley.

16.  A342 & Marlborough Road Speed Limits.  To receive an update on the Speed Limit Review implementation on Marlborough Road.  Lead: Cllr Bottomley.

17.  Right of Way (RoW) 6.  To consider the condition of the track.  Lead:  Cllr Earle

18. Date of Future Meetings. To confirm the date of next meeting as Tuesday 2 March 2021.

Note:  Members are reminded that the Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions:  Crime & Disorder, Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Freedom of Information, Health & Safety and Human Rights.

The attached Wilts Council Briefing Note 20-30 outlines the Area Board Boundary Review which proposes changes to the organisation and structure of local government and Area Boards across the county, to take effect from May next year.

The Briefing Note contains links to a report with recommendations and to an online survey, for which responses are requested by 31st October 2020.  Also attached is a summary of the proposals as they affect Everleigh.

Everleigh parishioners are encouraged to respond to the online survey.

DENIS BOTTOMLEY

Chairman, Everleigh Parish Council

THE COUNTY OF WILTSHIRE (C53 PEWSEY ROAD, EVERLEIGH) (40MPH SPEED LIMIT) ORDER 2020

2.  THE COUNTY OF WILTSHIRE (VARIOUS ROADS, EVERLEIGH AND COLLINGBOURNE KINGSTON) (50MPH SPEED LIMIT) ORDER 2020

Please find attached a copy of a proposed Traffic Regulation Orders forwarded to you for consultation.

This proposal will be advertised in the Gazette and Herald on 24^th September 2020 and the consultation period ends on 19^th October 2020.

Comments on this proposal, quoting reference LJB/TRO/EVER40 may be made by:

               Email to trafficorders@wiltshire.gov.uk

               or

               In writing to:

                                             TRO Team

                                             Highways & Transport

                                             Sustainable Transport Group

                                             County Hall

                                             Bythesea Road

                                             TROWBRIDGE

                                             Wiltshire  BA14 8JN

Documents for download/review

EVERLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL

 MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD REMOTELY (via Zoom) on TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020

Chairman:     Cllr D Bottomley

Present:           Cllr K Wheeler-Mallows, Cllr P Evans, and Cllr A Earle.

In Attendance: Mr P Gill (Parish Clerk), Wilts Cllr I Blair-Pilling and one Member of the Public.

1.         Explanation.  The Chairman explained that on 4th April 2020 the Government introduced The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 which allows local councils to meet remotely.  These regulations apply to meetings held before 7th May 2021. A copy of the Regulations is available from the Clerk. The Chairman also highlighted that an Everleigh Parish Council protocol for the conduct of remote meetings was issued on 1^st May 2020 and summarized the key points from this protocol.

2.         Apologies:       None

3.         Disclosure of Interest.  None declared.

4.         Co-option.  No applications received.  The Chairman then briefed Cllrs on the situation regarding manning and recruiting of councillors.

5.         Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 22 June 2020. 

5.1       Previous Minutes.        The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 22 June 2020 were agreed and Cllrs RESOLVED that the minutes were to be signed, after the meeting, by the Chairman as a true record.

5.2       Matters Arising.

Item 5.2.1 Green Infrastructure and Open Spaces Collaboration and Household Surveys. Cllr Bottomley reported that he had completed the Collaboration survey which the Clerk forwarded to Wilts Council.  Wilts Cllr Blair-Pilling reported upgrading of the Broadband for Lower Everleigh was going to happen and that the build was to take place in October with the opening to happen in due course.  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows agreed to monitor the implementation of this project.        Action.  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

Item.    5.22.  SSEN Customer & Community Advisor.  Cllr Bottomley reported that he had advertised SSEN capability in his latest article for the Courier.  Item Closed.

Item 9.  Correspondence.  Cllr Bottomley reported that he had responded to the NALC New Code of Conduct Consultation in line with what Cllrs had agreed i.e. that the revised model is comprehensive with the same 7 core principles and it captures the key standards, qualities and behaviour expected of local councillors.  Item Closed.

6.         General Public.  The Member of the Public asked a question regarding the non-delivery of the Courier to their address.   Cllr Earle agreed to get the address added to the delivery list.

                                                                                                            Action:  Cllr Earle.

7.         County Cllr Report.  Wilts Cllr Blair-Pilling reported the following: As back in July it is all moving rather quickly.  I appreciate that you are focussed more on local parish matters, that you receive all the Council Communications and you all watch the news.  He then touched on the following:

COVID in that, while Swindon has been a focus of concern and local outbreak management, Wiltshire has continued with low infection rates with only minor events such as Bakery in Devizes.  Our Public Health officers are working v closely with Swindon.

Organisation – Now in Recovery Phase in which Local Authorities take the lead, but able to revert to Response mode if necessary. Our Local Outbreak Management Plan was agreed on 23 July 2020. It is available online, dynamic and will be updated as national guidance or legislation changes.

Recent notable Council activity – Through August – Leisure Centres reopening in phases – by Centre, hours and activity – focus on gymnasium & swimming.  No cafes or creches. Need to book sessions.  Tidworth & Marlborough open 7 Sep. Amesbury and Durrington aiming for end of September. Libraries:  6 x main open for browse and computer use.  In next phase of openings Amesbury & Marlborough open 14 Sep with Click and Collect and bookable computer access.  Now focussed on mobile libraries and working with local volunteer leaders on how and when to reopen smaller libraries.

Implementing social distancing measures in towns to help pedestrians, cyclists and businesses and assisting schools’ preparations.

Evaluating the good practice and lessons on areas such as video-conferencing, alternative service delivery and how communities reacted so positively and co-operatively.

Finance – There are immediate and undoubtedly long lasting significant financial implications for Wiltshire’s economy, communities and residents as well as the Council itself. The government has promised that in the forthcoming Spending Review it will determine what support councils need to help them meet the pressures of income loss from council tax and business rates.

Legal and Governance – Gradually reintroducing face to face informal meetings, but not yet able to return to our principal formal public meetings in person (e.g. Council, Cabinet and Scrutiny, Planning)

Workforce – We have maintained government guidance on working at home and staff have been asked to remain working at home wherever possible to maintain their safety.  Gradually returning where necessary for function or personal well-being.

Parish Matters.

Precept – Be mindful that any increases in those eligible for Universal Credit brings a reduction in their liability for council taxes and hence reduces Wiltshire Council and Parish tax bases.  In effect for the same sum we divide among fewer payees.

8.         Police Report.  PCSO A Jones reported the following by email:

June.  12.06.2020 – Everleigh – Unknown suspect has cloned a credit card and purchased items.

August.  21.08.2020 – EVERLEIGH – X 2 unknown males on quad bikes have entered IP’s farm looking for hairs. Males have then threatened to return to the location.

9.         Correspondence.  None that has been otherwise previously circulated. Having considered a letter from the Navigation Group of the British Army Motorsports Association regarding an event to be held in the area of the Village, including The Street and Lower Everleigh, around 11.30pm – 00.30 am on Sat 26 Sep 20 Cllrs RESOLVED that notice was too short and it is a matter for the Group to deliver leaflets to affected persons and that the Chairman was to phone the event organiser to discuss the timing and impact of the event.     Action:  Cllr Bottomley.

            (Post Meeting Note.  The event organiser has agreed to exclude The Street by taking a route Netheravon Rd – Sewage Farm concrete track – dirt track to the Everleigh playground – byway to the South of Everleigh and also to avoid Lower Everleigh.)

10.       Planning. 

10.1 20/04931/FUL.  Single storey lean to extension to the rear of the house at 2 West View, Everleigh, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 3EY.

10.2 20/06375/TPO.  Work to TPO Trees. Proposal: – T1 – Beech – crown raise, reduce by 6 ft and crown thin all over:  T2 – Cherry – reduce by 6 ft:  T3 – Thuja – fell at Blake House.

10.3 20/06355/FUL. Single storey side extension to provide boot room and covered porch at 6 West View. SN8 3EY.

Having previously considered the above applications Cllrs RESOLVED to not make any comment or objection.

11.       Property. 

11.1 Grass Cutting.  To yet confirm the total number of cuts so far undertaken, but anticipate one more at least.  Most recent one undertaken last week.  All according to anticipated and planned for cuts.  Ongoing.                    Action:  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

11.2    Play Area.  Remains closed, but COVID-19 restrictions and advice to be kept under review.  One problem of reported damage to eastern pedestrian gate after unauthorised entry by persons N/K.  Remedial action taken, gate now better secured by being screwed shut both top and bottom with timber braces.  Western gate secured by combination bicycle lock and chain.  Ongoing.                                             Action:  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

11.3   Streetscene Minor Works.  Liaison continues.  Nothing untoward to report.  One positive result, in Lower Everleigh, where the turning circle was deteriorating on the eastern edge, and the road surface had collapsed.  Now fixed by Parish Steward by in-filling with road-stone (Hoggin/Type 1).  Junction A342/The Street road drain cleared blocked and pooled to middle of A342 under torrential rain.  Cleared by rodding by me.  Will report to Parish Steward.                                                              Action Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

11.4   ISO Container.  Henry Waight would prefer to leave the ISO where it is, as it

sits over and protects the Waights’ new water storage tank.  Moreover, Cllr Wheeler-Mallows has ex Cllr Hudson’s ISO keys.                                Item closed.

11.5 Salt Bins Audit.  Return submitted to Wilts Council.  Although the Council has a reserve it is impossible to judge what the requirement might turn out to be;  however it is anticipated the current level of reserve should suffice. Cllr Wheeler- Mallows agreed to monitor the stock levels through the winter.              Action:  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows

12.        Finance.

12.1    The Clerk presented a bank reconciliation and current liquidity statement as follows:

12.1.1   Balance at Lloyds CA (statement date 1 Aug 20) £6412.24

12.1.2   Reconciled Balance as at 7 Sep 20 £5989.34

Members noted the statements but had no comment at this time.

12.2      Cllrs had previously received and noted Internal Auditor’s Report and review effectiveness of internal audit.        

12.3      To authorise cheques for payment and those cheques issued since last meeting.

            12.3.1 676 A Earle (Mulch for Roses 15 May 20) £50.00 (VAT £8.33)

12.3.2 677 P Gill (Half Printer Costs 3 Aug 20) £27.48 (VAT£ 4.58)

12.3.3 679 P Gill (Lever Arch Folders) 15 Aug 20) £ 6.00 (VAT £ 1.00)

            12.3.4 680 P Gill (Clerk’s Salary & Expense 15 Aug 20) £311.62

12.3.5 681 HMRC (Clerk’s PAYE 15 Aug 20) £77.80    

                        Members noted the payments.

12.4      Note receipts.

12.1      Nil.

13.      Village Events.

13.1 Harvest festival Sat 10 Oct 20.  Cllrs noted the cancellation of this event.

13.2 Litter Pick Sat 24 Oct 20.  Cllr Bottomley reported that although this Litter Pick would follow the format of previous Litter Picks it would be adjusted to take into account COVID-19 restrictions.                                                                   Action:  Cllr Bottomley.

13.3 Carol Service Sat 5 Dec 20.  Support to the event to be considered at next meeting in light of the then current COVID-19 restrictions.                        Action:  Cllr Bottomley

14.       Marlborough Road Speed Limit.  Cllr Bottomley reported that he had received an email from a Wilts Council Highways Officer informing him that the implementation of Everleigh PC’s proposal of a reduction of the speed limit from 50 to 40mph on Marlborough Road is high on the list to progress.  The Officer was hopeful therefore that the Traffic Order Consultation should take place in October and that there is a good chance that implementation can completed within the current financial year.                                                                                Action: Cllr Bottomley.

15.       ROW.  The Parish Boundary Walk leaflets have now been finalised and are ready for distribution within Everleigh and other local Villages.  The Chairman thanked Cllr Evans for his input into the production of the leaflets.                                                       Action:  Cllr Bottomley.

16.   Date of Next Meeting: The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 7.00 pm on Tuesday 27 October 2020.

Meeting closed at 7.55pm

Signed:                                                                                     date:

Name:

Chairman

EVERLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL

 MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD REMOTELY (via Zoom) on MONDAY 22 JUNE 2020

Chairman:     Cllr D Bottomley

Present:           Cllr K Wheeler-Mallows, Cllr J Jones, Cllr E Hudson, Cllr P Evans

                        and Cllr A Earle.

In Attendance: Mr P Gill (Parish Clerk) and Wilts Cllr I Blair-Pilling

1.         Explanation.  The Chairman explained that on 4th April 2020 the Government introduced The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 which allows local councils to meet remotely.  These regulations apply to meetings held before 7th May 2021. In order to meet the regulations, the following conditions must be satisfied. Members in remote attendance must be able: to hear, and where practicable see, and be so heard and, where practicable, be seen by, the other members in attendance, to hear, and where practicable see, and be so heard and, where practicable, be seen by, any members of the public entitled to attend the meeting in order to exercise a right to speak at the meeting, and to be so heard and, where practicable, be seen by any other members of the public attending the meeting.  He then explained the protocol for the meeting as follows:

The way of the public accessing the meeting was explained on the published agenda and that the same standards of behaviour are applied to this meeting as to physical meetings.

Those in attendance are asked to physically raise their hands when they wish to speak and to switch to mute when finished speaking.

The usual public participation session will take place including those written questions that have been submitted to the Clerk up to 48 hours before the meeting commenced.  Members of the public are reminded that the Council cannot make any decisions on matters that do not appear on the agenda.  If members of the public have questions about matters not on the agenda, they are requested to contact the Council outside of the meeting.  The meeting host may remove anyone from the meeting who is being intentionally disruptive, using offensive language or incessantly interrupting the meeting proceedings.

2.         Apologies:       None

3.         Disclosure of Interest.  None declared.

4.         Co-option.  No applications received.

5.         Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 2^nd March 2020. 

5.1       Previous Minutes.  Having reviewed the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 2^nd March 2020 Cllrs RESOLVED that minutes were a true record of the meeting and authorised the Chairman to sign the minutes. Action: Chairman & Clerk.

5.2       Matters Arising.

5.2.1 6.1 Green Infrastructure and Open Spaces Collaboration and Household Surveys. Cllr Bottomley reported that he had completed the Collaboration survey which the Clerk forwarded to Wilts Council.  A copy of the Household Survey was placed on the Village Website for householders to complete and return.  Wilts Cllr Blair-Pilling asked for a copy of the comments relating to Broadband issues which Cllrs Hudson & Wheeler-Mallows agreed to provide to him. Action: Cllrs Hudson and Wheeler-Mallows.

5.2.2 6.2 SSEN Customer & Community Advisor.   Cllr Bottomley reported that he and Cllr Wheeler-Mallows had attended a Collingbourne Ducis PC meeting on 5^th March 2020 which was briefed by the SSEN advisor. The advisor explained her role and the assistance that SSEN could provide in the event of a major disruption to the electricity supply to the public in general and vulnerable people in particular.  The advisor encouraged vulnerable people to register with SSEN via its website or by completing a registration form.  Cllr Bottomley will advertise this capability in his next article for the Courier.                                       Action:  Cllr Bottomley.

5.2.3 Workplace Pensions.  Cllr Hudson reported on an action from the 6 Jan 2020 PC meeting in that she had run a new eligibility assessment to check if there are any eligible staff and made a re-declaration in May.  The next check is due in May 2023.            

6.         General Public.  No questions asked.

7.         County Cllr Report.  Wilts Cllr Blair-Pilling reported the following:

COVID 19 Matters.  ‘R’ factor in SW.  Appears high, but influenced by Bristol and Weston Super Mare and is extra sensitive to changes as overall infection rate is substantially lower than other areas i.e. small local increase can have disproportionate effect on ‘R’.

Our Communities – Well done to all our communities for stepping up and looking after those in need among us.  Each community has approached it differently.  Our Community Engagement Manager (Richard Rogers) has been helping to develop a GIS based index of all the community support available across the Authority and assures me that all of our patch is covered, and continues to update it.  You can find everything you may want to know about what is happening and what help may be available in our Authority at http://wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus.

Workforce – The Council has hugely reconfigured its workforce to focus on the additional tasks while working from home. Nearly 5000 people working remotely.  Plans are in hand for some staff to return to work in hubs, but this will be a significantly reduced proportion (<50%).

Support to Businesses – The Council has redeployed staff to develop and operate systems to enact the various measures that Government and the Council have made available.  We have distributed £80+M worth of grants 6.5K businesses.  Now in process of calling for bids for £5M of discretionary grants aimed at those businesses who have not qualified so far on previous schemes.  Bidding closes tonight.  Fewer than anticipated applications, so allocations may be greater.

Finances – We are in a perfect storm of increasing requirements and costs and reducing income and savings caused by the COVID 19 crisis.  Dependent on a number of factors the gap is projected to be between £18M and £50M in this FY year. We have to understand what the financial deal between central and local government is and cut our cloth accordingly.  The Council is restructuring itself to focus on the workstreams associated with recovery: community resilience, health and well-being, economic sustainability, care safeguarding and education & partner organisations’ internal recovery plans.  Within this is a proposal to change soon to a single Chief Executive to provide greater focus. 

Decision making.  From the declaration of the major incident officers have operated under Wilts & Swindon LRF at required tempo and made decisions accordingly.  CEOs have submitted a COVID 19 Update and financial position report including of all decisions to Cabinet and this was accepted at full Council last week along with a revised Capital programme – essentially deferring some of capital spend to next year.  In the recovery phase (starting now) Wilts Council takes the lead separate from Swindon

Current issues:

HRCs –open from Monday 18 May. Initially physical queues with daily allocations split into 2 halves by post codes. Now using a web based booking system. Non IT users can book through customer services. Increasing range of items accepted, but need to check what and how, i.e. limitations on users.

Meetings – We are now reasonably well versed with how to run our democratic system remotely moving rapidly to Microsoft Teams. 

Schools – Decisions are with School leadership and parents.  Council doing all it can to assist. e.g. access distancing and risk assessment.

Safer places –– CATG staff focussed on plans and implementation to make high footfall locations and cycle routes safer, in terms of distancing and separation.

Also focussing on:

Overview and assurance of PPE etc

Care Home resilience, provide finance support, risk assess financial sustainability & assist with staffing and PPE

Local Outbreak Control Plan in support of national test, trace and contain service

Prep for future waves.

Parish Matters.   The flooding issue at Lower Everleigh is well understood. Wilts County Officer Mr D Everitt is content for the work to be done, the cost of which is estimated at £2K.  However, there are currently no funds available from CATG to finance this work.  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows asked for a design and if it would be possible for the residents of Lower Everleigh to carry out the work.  Wilts Cllr Blair-Pilling agreed to get answers to these questions.                                                                     Action: Wilts Cllr Blair-Pilling.

8.         Police Report.  PCSO A Jones reported the following recorded crimes by email

.           Criminal Damage.

25/05/2020 – Everleigh – Unknown male has damaged IP swimming pool.

Vehicle related crimes

31/05/2020 – Everleigh – Vehicle crashed into a tree, 5 x males exited the vehicle and made off into the woods. 

9.         Correspondence.  Having considered a previously circulated New Code of Conduct Consultation and comments made by Cllr Bottomley via email Cllrs RESOLVED to support Cllr Bottomley’s view that this revised model is comprehensive with the same 7 core principles and it captures the key standards, qualities and behaviour expected of local councillors.  However, he was to wait until 1st August before responding to the consultation in order to give Cllrs a further opportunity to make comment. 

Action:  Cllr Bottomley

.10.      Planning.  No applications received.   

11.       Property. 

11.1   Grass Cutting.  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows reported that J Bowen is up to date with                 the grass cutting contract and doing a good job of it.  He will continue to monitor the cutting.                                                                                 Action:  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

11.2    Play Area.  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows reported that the play area is in good order and that there were no areas of concern at this time. However, the equipment remains out of bounds due to COVID 19 transmission concerns.  Cllrs RESOLVED that Cllr Wheeler-Mallows was to monitor government advice with a view to bringing the equipment back into use as soon as it is safe to do so.                                      Action:  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

11.3   Streetscene Minor Works.  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows stated that there were no outstanding issues or works.  However due to an administrative error on the part of Wilts Council a road sweeper had turned up at Lower Everleigh without any prior notice and consequently a number of parked cards had to be swept round.      

Action Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

11.4   ISO Container.    Cllr Wheeler-Mallows reported that the ISO Container had been moved but may need to be moved again which he will arrange with the Farmer. 

                                                                                    Action:  Cllr Wheeler-Mallows.

12.       Finance.

12.1    The Clerk presented a bank reconciliation and current liquidity statement as follows:

12.1.1   Balance at Lloyds CA (statement date 1 Jun 20) £6873.49

12.1.2   Reconciled Balance as at 22 Jun 20 £6462.24

Members noted the statements but had no comment at this time.

12.2    Having reviewed the effectiveness of the internal audit in line with the guidance set out in the “Practitioners’ Guide” and noted the subsequent report submitted by the Internal Auditor the Cllrs RESOLVED that the internal audit was effective and to note the Internal Auditor’s report and Page 4 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for FY 19/20.          The Chairman agreed to write to Mr Keith Cockerton to thank him for carrying out the duties of Internal Auditor.    Action:  Chairman

12.3   Having considered the AGAR Sect 1 – Annual Governance Statement for FY ended 31st March 2020 Cllrs RESOLVED to approve the statement and authorised the Chairman to sign it.         Action:  Chairman

12.4 Having considered the AGAR Sect 2 – Accounting Statements for the FY ended 31^st March 2020 Cllrs RESOLVED to approve the Accounting Statements, authorised the Chairman to sign them and to congratulate the Clerk on his keeping of the accounts.

                                                                                                Action:  Chairman

12.5  Having considered the AGAR criteria to allow the Council to certify itself as exempt from a Limited Assurance Review and having noted the advice of the Internal Auditor .Cllrs RESOLVED to certify the Council as exempt from a Limited Assurance Review (Certificate of Exemption AGAR Part 2) which negates the need for the accounts to be sent to the External Auditor.                                                                    Action:  Clerk

12.6 Having reviewed the risk assessment and insurance levels for FY 20/21 and agreed the Risk Register Cllrs RESOLVED that the Risk Register was appropriate.

12.7   Having considered appointing an Internal Auditor for FY 20/21 Cllrs RESOLVED to appoint Mr Keith Cockerton.        Action:  Clerk

12.8   Authorise cheques for payment and those cheques issued since last meeting or presented for payment.

            12,8.1 D Bottomley (Lawn Mower Fuel 14 Mar 20) £28.01 (VAT £4.67)

            12.8.2 D Bottomley (Flyer Printing 25 Mar 20) £20.00

12.8.3 BACS WALC (Annual Subs 1 Apr 20) £81.02 (VAT £13.50)

12,8.4 BACS Community First (Insurance 1 Jun 20) £294.22

12,8.4 673 D Bottomley (Lawnmower Fuel 23 May 20) £21.83 (VAT £3.64)       12.9   12.9 Note payments Received

                 12.9.1  Precept – £3647.58

12.9.2  VAT Reclaim – £260.40

                        Members noted receipt of the payments.

12.10 Having considered the list of authorised Bank Signatories Members RESOLVED that Cllrs Bottomley, Hudson, Jones, and Wheeler-Mallows be the authorised Bank Signatories.

12.11 Having reviewed the current Standing Orders Members RESOLVED that the Standing Orders were appropriate.

12.12 Having reviewed the current Financial Regulations Members RESOLVED that the amended Financial Regulations were appropriate.

13.      Village Events.

13.1 Village Litter Pick.  Cllr Bottomley reported that the Litter Pick took place on Saturday 7^th March 2020 and thanked the 11 volunteers who took part and collected 18 bags of rubbish.  Everleigh is certainly looking a lot cleaner as a result of the litter Pick.

13.2 Other Events.      

13.2.1  The Village Summer Party planned for 11^th July has been cancelled due to COVID 19.

13.2.2  In light of this cancellation Cllrs RESOLVED that an adjustment be made to the budget to transfer the £200.00 allocated to the Summer Party to The Everleigh Village Centre Project.         Action: Clerk

13.2.3   Although the Harvest Festival and Carol Service are not Council led events nonetheless the Council does play a major part in their organisation.  However, it will be a matter for the organisers to decide if the events go ahead as scheduled on Sat 10 Oct and Sat 5 Dec respectively.  The Cllrs agreed to review these events at the next council Meeting on 8 September.             Action:  Chairman

13.2.4 It was proposed to conduct another Village Litter Pick this year, in the Autumn.  Date options will be circulated by e-mail.  Action:  Cllr Bottomley.

14.       Marlborough Road Speed Limit.  Cllr Bottomley reported that the implementation of speed limit change to Marlborough Road has been delayed due to the Covid-19 situation.  Future timelines are not yet known.                                       Action: Cllr Bottomley.

15.       Rights of Way.   Cllr Bottomley reported that he had circulated by email a 2nd DRAFT of the Avon Valley Walking Group (AVWG) leaflet for our Parish Boundary Walk with explanatory comments.  In summary this DRAFT incorporates our comments although the script has been rationalised in order to fit the limitations of the designer’s template.  Councillors have been asked to comment by 1^st July 2020.                            Action: All/ Cllr Bottomley

16.       Date of Next Meeting: The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 7.00 pm on Tuesday 8^th September 2020.

Meeting closed at 20.21pm

Signed:                                                                                     date:

Name:

Chairman