Minutes of Meeting 22nd April 2021

MINUTES OF THE MEETING THURDSAY, 22 April 2021 AT RANTON VILLAGE HALL

PRESENT:

Cllr. J. Forrester (Chair)

Cllr. M. Russell (Vice-Chair)

Cllr D Batchelor

Gayle Whelan (Parish clerk)

21/01 Apologies.

Cllr Mark Winnington

21/02 Declarations of interest in the following agenda:

None.

21/03 Previous minutes:

Accepted.

21/04 Questions from the public

None in attendance.

21/05 Finance matters:

Discussion regarding this year's budget and finances will be discussed at the next meeting in person. Meanwhile, all spreadsheets will be checked and prepared. Cllr Batchelor has identified a number of points which will be emailed through to ensure the spreadsheets are correct detailed. It was agreed that the miscellaneous field will be broken down further and Christmas tree (£350) and litter picking (£150) be listed on the spreadsheet separately. The miscellaneous amount will be set at £400.

Councillors discussed the potential of managing the parish council's account online (statements etc) and necessary permissions, but not payments. manage statements online to check balances but not make payments. There is a concern that cheques will become obsolete.

Action: Cllr Russell will make contact with Gnosall clerk and call into/call and enquire at Nat West.

Accounts to date:

NatWest has not yet set out its quarterly statement, and therefore, the latest statement date is 23 Nov 2020. This showed:

Reserve account balance £978.00

Current account balance (as of 01.07.2020) £9,007.08

Annual Budget 2021/2022:

Councillors discussed the quotation for mowing throughout the village and school. It was felt that for the next year, alternative quotes will be sought to ensure value for money. However, it was felt that the current contract was working well, with no complaints.

Action: Weeding is currently included in the mowing quote, however, it is not known when this is conducted and how. Parish clerk will enquire and report back.

An invoice for litter picking has been forwarded for payment £77 on litter picking equipment gloves safety glasses. It was felt these are not the of the highest of quality so more may need to be ordered in the future.

Burntwood have provided an invoice for the gulley cleaning, however, this is not broken down into VAT and the individual aspects to the job.

Action: Parish clerk will ask for a more detailed invoice.

Reports:

Mowing: The first mow of the season has been conducted. Clippings have been left in a pile in the churchyard.

Action: Prish clerk will ask Streetscene to confirm what is included in the contract.

Highways: Brook Lane - white markings have been made around area where the road has collapsed. This has previously been carried out along Stocking Lane, however work was never completed and the paint wore off. Councillors will monitor closely and raise the issue with Cllr Winnginton.

Footpaths: Nothing further to report. Cllr Russell has been out walking. On Brook Lane and along bridleways public footpath posts seem to be missing. County Council department need to be informed. Cllr Batchelor vandalism reported in Haughton and a fence in the village, potential reason for the posts not being there? Monitor and make contact regarding the posts.

Gulleys and weeding: It was agreed that this matter be discussed later on in the year to discuss when the gulleys will be cleaned again, before or after winter.

Action: Contact Streetscene and ask about scheduling a sweep. Cllr Ray Sutherland arranged it last time.

20/06 Clerk's report

Face-to-face meeting should be able to take place in the Village Hall from May 17th. The parish clerk will monitor government advice.

Cllr Russell was thanked for placing the village flagpole at half-mast to honour Prince Phillip.

20/07 Planning updates

None to report.

20/08 Chairman's questions/items for information/next agenda

The next parish council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 20 May 2021 at 7.30pm in person.

Councillor interview asap - prior to next meeting at 7pm with Cllr Forrester who will report back to the meeting. Socially distanced and windows open.

Signed.................................................. Date...........................

Gayle Whelan, Ranton Parish Council Clerk. rantonparishcouncil@gmail.com