Misterton PC Minutes 1.12.2020 (EGM)

 Minutes of the Extraordinary Parish Council meeting held on 1st December 2020

Remotely, via Zoom

 

Present:

Cllr Iain Rowland (Chair)                 Cllr Viv Rowe                                     Cllr Brian McNeill

Cllr Abbie Rousell                             Cllr Leo Bacigalupo                          Cllr Graham White

Cllr Paul Gillard                                  Cllr Andrew Callow                          Cllr Geoff Restorick

In attendance

Mrs K Sheehan (Clerk), County and District Councillor Mike Best, Ms N Clark (Misterton First School Governing Body), and two members of the public.

 

20/087.                 Public Open Session

Taylor Larcombe introduced the crowd funding campaign to finance legal advice on the County Council’s proposal to close Misterton First School.  She reported that:

  • The initial fundraising target of £3000 had now been reached;
  • A further £500 ‘stretch’ target had been added to enable the barrister to progress the case, should grounds be found to do so;
  • All initial paperwork had now been forwarded to the legal team in order for assessment to begin.

 

20/088.                 Apologies for absence

None.

 

20/089.                 Code of Conduct and Declarations of Interests

Cllr Rousell declared a personal interest by virtue of having a god daughter currently attending Misterton First School and being personally acquainted with Ms Larcombe.

 

20/090.                 Proposed reorganisation of Crewkerne and Ilminster schools’ structure:

  • To consider a request for funding towards legal review of Somerset County Council’s proposal to close Misterton First School

Some discussion took place over whether the Parish Council should contribute towards the final £500 ‘stretch’ funding required.  Ms Larcombe clarified that if the case does not progress towards legal action requiring this fund, all donations will be refunded.  She also clarified that the combined total of £3500 was a fixed fee and that she had signed terms of business to this effect with the law firm instructed in the matter.  The crowdfunding campaign would continue to seek donations until the closing date.  As the campaign had currently raised £3010, the maximum shortfall would be £490.  A proposal to meet this shortfall if required at the end of the campaign was received, seconded and duly resolved.

Proposed: Cllr G White                                 Seconded: Cllr A Callow                                RESOLVED (6 votes in favour)

Cllr White thanked Ms Larcombe for her efforts in organising this campaign so far.

  • To agree the Parish Council’s formal response to the County Council’s consultation on local school structures

Members considered a draft response which had been pre-circulated by the Clerk.  It was agreed, subject to the addition of information on anticipated numbers of new houses being built in or near Misterton,

 

20/091.                 Items for the next meeting

To be advised to the Clerk seven days in advance of the meeting.

 

20/092.                 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 15th December 2020, 6.30pm, via Zoom.