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Minutes August 2006
BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL
FINANCE COMMITTEE
MEMBERS' ROOM, TOWN HALL, BRIDGWATER
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 16 AUGUST 2006 AT 2PM
PRESENT: Cllrs J Turner (Chairman), AJ Moore, WH Munn, MD Needs, KF Richards and Mrs GJ Slocombe
Apologies: Cllr Parker
40. MINUTES:
RESOLVED: That the
Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 June 2006 be confirmed and signed by the
Chairman as a correct record.
41. MATTERS ARISING:
1. 350th anniversary of the death of Admiral Robert Blake - report on meeting held on 15 August 2006 to consider a variety of events, including a memorial service and exhibitions to mark the occasion as a vehicle for publicising the Town and District. Next meeting planned for 18 September 2006 at St Mary's Vestry. To Request the Mayor to attend. (minute 31).
2. Footpath in St Matthew's Field (Quantock Ward), (Minute 33) - the footpath had been completed.
3. Mayor's Parlour and office equipment (Minute 38) - a table-top dishwasher was in place at the Mayor's Parlour and the Town Clerk's office chair purchased.
4. Cornhill Market - Prezzo (Minute 39) - to enquire whether access entry and toilet facilities are DDA compliant.
42. AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS 2005/2006:
The Audit of Accounts had been completed, as reported to the Council without any issues being raised. Copies to be provided where requested.
43. GRANTS AND APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDING:
RESOLVED: That the following decisions be put forward
1. Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee - grant approved for rental of Bristol Road £1482.70 less £290 (£1192.70) to Allotment Association by Carnival Committee;
2. CAB - grant of £2500;
3. Czech/Slovak Friendship Society - grant of £500 for international link project and visit and performance of Czech Jazz musicians;
4. Building of Bridgwater - grant of £350 for translation and printing of pamphlets;
5. Parish Church of St Mary and Parochial Church Council - grant of £2500 towards additional stonework repair costs;
6. Sedgemoor Volunteer Centre - grant of £1500 for work to meet accreditation criteria and provide training sessions;
7. Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee - grant of £5000 for sponsorship of grand public firework display at St Matthew's Field as opener to 2006 carnival celebrations;
(Cllr Mrs Slocombe declared an interest of a personal nature in Bridgwater Carnival).
44. WARD BUDGET BIDDING:
RESOLVED: That the following applications be approved within budget:-
1. St Matthew's Field footpath improvement (Quantock) - £2000 previously approved;
2. Rainbow Pre-School - replacement equipment (Sydenham) - £200 previously approved;
3. Sydenham House floor game to entertain elderly residents (Sydenham) - £400;
4. Sydenham Lunch Club to assist with cost of meals for the elderly (Sydenham) - £200
45. GRANTS AND FUNDING - LETTERS OF THANKS:
The Town Clerk reported letters from St John The Baptist Church, the Bridgwater Flower Show and the Bridgwater Marsa Twinning Association in appreciation of grants and funding.
46. TOWN HALL/TRINITY HALL MANAGEMENT:
Members noted that the future management of the Town Hall, and involvement of the Town Council, had been left to one side pending the consultant's report and marketing of the Town Hall and Island Site.
Members considered the options for Trinity Hall based on the information supplied in relation to freehold and leasehold values, income and expenditure, and the interest of users.
RESOLVED:
1. that the position with the Town Hall be noted;
2. that in respect of Trinity Hall, the Town Council confirm their interest in supporting the continued availability of the hall for community use and the alternative options of contributing in part to the running cost deficit, or the alternative of further exploration of a leasehold on concessionary terms, possibly with a view to the establishment of a trust longer term.
47. TOWN COUNCIL FUNCTIONS - PUBLIC CONVENIENCES
Following discussions at the Town Council meeting, members were reminded of the position in relation to toilet provision. A view was required on the future of the Taunton Road facility, which the Council had expressed a desire to see retained.
RESOLVED: That whilst on the cost information provided the Council see no benefit in taking over the facility, members are prepared to consider a contribution to the net running costs, currently estimated at £5468.
48. ALLOTMENT LAND:
RESOLVED:
1. That in response to the information provided by the council's solicitors, Messrs Pardoes, a unilateral notice be registered in relation to the land at Bristol Road and the costs in the sum of £157.50 be paid;
2. that SDC be pressed to confirm the transfer of Chilton 2;
3. that the interest in the Kidsbury Site be noted and the Town Clerk authorised to instruct the District Valuer in the event that interest is firmed up.
49. HOMBERG:
Following on from the item discussed at the Town Council meeting, the Town Clerk confirmed that the grant of £1000 from Somerset County Council was forthcoming.
RESOLVED: That the proposals for the use of this money in recognition of the Bridgwater/ Homberg Twinning be confirmed.
50. ST MARGARET'S HOSPICE TAUNTON:
Following on from the Town Council discussion, the Committee considered ways in which the project could be supported.
RESOLVED: That to this end the Bridgwater Mercury be invited to ballot the people of Bridgwater for a view on support for the new-build project and the Bridgwater Times asked to assist.
51. BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL - MEMENTOS FOR VISITORS
The Town Clerk provided an example of a goblet, which would provide a suitable memento for visitors. A supply of 1 dozen at £7 per goblet was available, purchased in a consortium with other organisations.
RESOLVED: That 12 be obtained at a cost of £84
The meeting finished at 3.55pm
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Signed
Chairman