East Dean with Friston Parish Magazine May 2020 online edition

The following is a summary of the main
points discussed at an informal video
Council meeting on April 2 nd . Full minutes
(and reports) are on our website or available
from the Parish Clerk (811870).
Under regulations in force at the time of this
meeting, a formal meeting could still only
be held with councillors and members of the
public physically present. This meeting
therefore had to be “informal”, meaning
that no new initiatives or expenditure could
be authorised but reports could be noted
and commented on.
Parish Council Response to the
Coronavirus Emergency (Report 6)
Members commended the action taken by
the Chair at the start of the emergency,
sending out leaflets with the magazine and
liaising with volunteer groups. Community
Watch have now set up volunteers for home
deliveries and contact. Two shops and the
market are open for essential items.
Councillors considered a public submission
that mail shots be sent to every house giving
information for those not on line. This was
not felt appropriate use of funds as UK
Government information was already
published and extra local information
limited and covered by earlier leaflets.
Business in Progress (Report 7)
Annual audit – the Internal Auditor had
arranged to do a virtual inspection on April
16 th 2020. The External Auditor was
awaiting government direction on how to
proceed.
Annual Village Report – there was a
statutory requirement to provide an annual
report for the parish. As clubs and societies
were not currently meeting it was agreed
that they should not be asked to provide
reports for the year 2019/20.
Cyber-crime insurance policy – the current
policy would expire on April 15 th 2020. To
be replaced by an alternative.
County Liaison Meeting –It was not
possible to hold the April meeting as
planned, but an agenda would be compiled
and a virtual meeting requested. To focus on
complaints regarding the lack of adequate
signage and traffic management when tree
felling had been carried out on Friston Hill.
Zoom account – council should open a paid
account so that members of the public could
be invited to attend virtual meetings hosted
by the clerk during the lockdown.
Other Reports
a) Planning Committee – Unable to meet
last month but Cllrs. comments on
applications collected by admin officer
and forwarded to SDNPA.
b) Finance – the end of month balance was
£65,760.91. 2019/20 budget underspent
to be carried forward to current year. No
capital spend expected until Autumn.
c) Rights of Way – Emergency drainage
work required at Friston Pond during
Winter’s heavy rain.
d) Recreation Ground – Play area and
Tennis Court now padlocked to prevent
use during lockdown.
e) Village Events, Grants & Charities –
Shortlist for charity of the year to be
given to Cllrs. at next meeting.
f) Tree Warden – Report noted and it
was agreed that Cllr Hill and Cllr
Seeley should meet the Warden to
discuss the specific matters raised by
him.
Next Meetings (to be held remotely)
Parish Council meeting: May 7 th
Planning Committee: May 19 th
Visit us at: www.edfparishcouncil.org.uk
Contact us: clerk@edfparishcouncil.org.uk