MINUTES OF MEETING OF STERT PARISH COUNCIL
held in Stert House on 14th December 2020
Present:
- Clive Boyes (CB) Chairman
- Alick Edwards (AE) Dty Chairman
- Lucy Barker (LB) Councillor/Treasurer
- Ann Harris (AH) Councillor
- William Howkins (WH) Councillor/Clerk
The meeting was held in Stert House with councillors observing social distancing.
- Apologies for absence
Chris Lawrence and Wiltshire Councillor Philip Whitehead sent their apologies.
- Declaration of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
- Minutes of previous meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved (proposed by LB and seconded by AH) and signed by the chairman.
- Treasurer’s report
LB reported that there had been one item of expenditure since the last meeting: £350 to Alick Edwards for village maintenance, as agreed at our previous meeting. Alick was thanked for his hard work throughout the year.
The balance now stands at £3,193.98, confirmed by WH in the passbook.
- Precept for FY 2021/22
LB presented a spreadsheet showing the income and expenditure for FY2019/20 and FY2020/21 to date compared with the budgeted amount of expenditure. The spreadsheet also showed her proposed budget for FY 2021/22 and can be seen on the Parish website www.stertparish.com.
It was agreed to reduce the precept for the coming year from £1,800 to £1,500 now that the payment to WC for the implementation of the A342 speed limit had been covered in the current year’s budget. The 2021/22 budget, totalling £1,140, included an increase in allowance for village maintenance from £350 to £400 as agreed at the previous meeting. It was also agreed to increase the sum set aside for Stert PC’s annual party from £250 to £350.
- Stert PC party
The PC regrets that it had to cancel its traditional Christmas party this year due to the Covid 19 restrictions. However, it is hoped that it will be able to hold a summer party in 2021 instead. CB kindly offered to host this party in his garden at Stert House. The date and arrangements for the party will be discussed at later meetings.
- A342 Speed limit
The latest CATG meeting was scheduled for 15th December. In the published meeting notes, it was stated that “Stert PC had increased their contribution from £500 to £1,000, which for a parish of that size is a large amount. RG to check this is correct. Proposed to approve the work.” LB had sent an email to Richard Gamble on 8th November clarifying that Stert PC had paid £500 towards the cost of the speed survey and had offered a further £500 towards the cost of implementation, totalling in all £1,000. This email was forwarded again to RG by WH on 23rd November.
It was noted that John Ericsson had sent an email to WH thanking the PC for its efforts in getting the speed limit approved.
- Reopening the church
CB reported that the repairs to the fallen plaster in the ceiling had been completed by Ady Knapp who did the work for free. This gesture was much appreciated. The church would open for the service on Christmas Day, but with number restricted to about 30.
- Land at Stert
A number of queries regarding the planning permission granted for the land at Stert (planning application 20/08044/FUL) were discussed. However, given the personal nature of many of the particulars covered, details of these discussions will be treated as confidential.
- AOB
10.1. AH had contacted Philippa Hatlapa offering her help with setting up a defibrillator in Stert, but hadn’t heard back from Philippa. She is ready to offer advice at any time.
10.2 AE warned that there had been reports of dog-nappers in the area who were on the look out for pedigree dogs to steal. AH had heard of a woman seen locally knocking on the front door while her accomplice went round to try to gain entry via the back door.
10.3 CB had applied for approval to fell an ash tree in his garden that was suffering from ash die-back. This was agreed.
10.4 The PC presented a case of wine to CB on the occasion of his 80th birthday on 15th December. WH expressed the PC’s appreciation of the many years of service he had given the village and the wisdom which he brought to the PC’s deliberations in carrying out these duties.
- Date of next meeting
The next meeting was scheduled for 18th January 2021.
Stert Parish 