Minutes Elsworth Parish Council meeting held online via zoom 7.30pm Wednesday 23rd September 2020
PRESENT
Chairman Peter Deer (PD)
Councillors Alison Brolls (AB) Victoria McNeil (VM) David Pope (DP) Margaret Stevenson (MSt)
Mrs E Sim (ES) Parish Clerk
2020/09/23-1 To receive and approve apologies for absence
R. Askham (Work Commitments) J Witherow (prior Commitment)
2020/09/23-2 To receive declarations of interest & requests for dispensations
2.1 To receive declarations of interest from councillors on items on the agenda. There were none.
2.2 For declarations of interest received, Councillors to inform the Chairman if they wish to speak on the matter at the agenda item prior to discussion. None.
2.3 To receive written requests for dispensations for disclosable pecuniary interests (if any). None.
2.4 To grant any requests for dispensation as appropriate. None.
2020/09/23-3 To present and approve accounts for financial year 2019-2020 for audit:
Section 1 – Annual governance statement
RESOLVED: That this Council has considered the findings of the review of the system of internal audit and approves the Annual Governance Statement for the year ended 31/03/2020. (Prop DP Sec VM)(Unanimous)
Section 2 – Accounting Statements
RESOLVED: That this Council has considered the accounting statements shown in Section 2 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return and approves said statements for year ended 31/03/2020. (Prop DP Sec MSt)(Unanimous)
2020/09/23 -4 Play Area. To consider and agree repairs to be carried out to the play equipment .
Councillors considered the two quotes received for repairs. It was noted that these were not like for like. Although total costs were similar, the work quoted for was different. Counciillors discussed the Parish Council’s liabilities and the benefits and costs of annual repairs versus the purchase of new equipment. The term and limitations of the current lease for the play area was also considered. Councillors agreed unanimously to further investigation of the possible costs of repair to the cradle swings and their replacement by a two seat set. The Chairman agreed to approach the land owner (Mr Davison) with regard to the difficulties the PC encountered regarding applying for grant funding under the terms of the lease.
It was agreed unanimously that the PC needed to agree a five year plan to update the play area, which might also include provision for outdoor adult exercise equipment.