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Minutes February 2006
BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL
Finance Committee
Members Room Bridgwater Town Hall
2.15pm 15 February 2006
Present: Cllrs J Turner (Chairman) AJ Moore WH Munn MD Needs KF Richards and Mrs GJ Slocombe
Apology: Cllr Parker
20. MINUTES:
Members considered the point which had been raised at the Council meeting in relation to the reference to ‘town hall and accommodation' in Minute 19 and
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 02 December 2005 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
21. MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL 26 January 2006 - Matters referred The ‘URGENT BUSINESS' item was now included on all agenda. The Arts Centre item is recorded below. The suggestion of a speaker from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on 'Balanced Communities' was discussed but members were not convinced this would assist the Town Council in it's deliberations on planning matters.
RESOLVED: That the Town Council do not pursue this at this time.
22. PRECEPT and SPECIAL EXPENSES 2006/2007:
The Town Council precept had been confirmed and referred to SDC and a breakdown provided for the Council Tax Guide. Whilst confirmation was awaited on the level of Special Expenses on the town it was expected that this would be less than £100,000 and thus combined with the precept would give a Band D figure in the order of £35.00.
RESOLVED: That this be noted and a copy of the breakdown circulated to all members.
23. GRANTS and APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDING:
RESOLVED: That the following decisions be taken with a condition for all grants / funding of £2000.00 and above requiring a written report within 12 months of grant on the purpose for which used and this be applied also to funding granted in 2005/6:
1. CAB - Grant approved in principle subject to completion of application;
2. Arts Centre - Grant approved in principle for 60th Anniversary year subject to completion of application;
3. Town Centre Management - A sum of £1000.00 to be contributed for the current year including sponsorship support in conjunction with SDC for a re-launch event for the Town Centre Partnership to encourage private sector and Chamber of Trade involvement and expressed willingness to consider increased contribution as active partner in 2006/7, subject to satisfactory action plan;4. Angel Crescent ‘Rocket' Planter - Preference that this is properly planted and maintained through the growing season but , if not, not to object to it's removal provided consideration is given to some suitable feature in lieu;
5. On-street Parking Enforcement contribution to PCSO - No contribution for 2005/6 in absence of confirmed extra resource in town and consideration of provision for 2006/7 only if guaranteed service in the town to combat obvious street parking offences; position with proposal for adoption of de-criminalised parking enforcement and need for updating of signs and lining by Highway Authority noted;
6. Wall at Queen Street - No contribution in light of changed circumstances.
24. WARD BUDGET BIDDING - APPLICATION:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council be recommended to approve the application for Hamp Ward for the provision of two garden benches at Gibb House in the sum of £500.00
25. TOWN COUNCIL FUNCTIONS:
The Committee examined the list of functions which the Town Council could undertake if it were in the best interests of the community and town council so to do. A further letter had been received from SDC inviting the views of the Town Council on the potential transfer and/or closure of public toilets at Taunton Road and Blake Gardens and possible new provision of a facility in the central area of the town if the transfer or closure took place. Members noted the functions already carried out or where contributions were made in cash or kind or offered or planned or partnership working applied including Allotments, Bus Shelters, Street lighting, Clocks, Arts support, Street trees, Street cleaning and litter, War memorials, Cemeteries etc.
RESOLVED:
1. That the Town Council re-affirm their willingness to work in partnership with the District Council in all the areas crucial to the well-being of the town and to consider taking over sole responsibility where this is in the best interests to do so as stated above:
2. that noting the position with the Blake Gardens conveniences which appear closed anyway no objection be raised to this closure provided new provision of a facility is made in the town centre (possibly adjacent to the Town Bridge) and subject thereto the Town Council will consider taking over responsibility;
3. that the Town Council wish to see the facility at Taunton Road retained and consider taking this over when more information is available for assessment on costs etc.
26. TOWN HALL / TRINITY HALL MANAGEMENT:
The Town Clerk circulated financial information and background in relation to the operation of the halls. This included analysis of the current nett running costs and potential savings assessed by SDC. Members determined that further detailed discussions on a range of issues not only financial would be needed before the Town Council could contemplate taking over the running of the halls. Not least was it essential that the halls were in a satisfactory state of repair. This was further clouded by the future of the Town Hall and Island site in the light of the recent decisions. The prime desire remained to see the Town Hall and Charter Hall available for use by the town and it was emphassised again that this should feature in any marketing - indications were that SDC were receptive to this. For their part the Town Council were endeavouring to maintain the interest of the third party and to this end were seeking an early meeting with the full council. Members felt because of the different situations the Town Hall / Charter Hall and Trinity Hall should be dealt with seperately.
RESOLVED:
1. That the examination of the feasibility continue notwithstanding the reservations and the Town Clerk be requested to continue discussions;
2. that a list of present users of Trinity Hall be requested to determine level of community interest and possiblity of self-running.
27. CEMETERIES - RULES and REGULATIONS and FEES:
The Town Clerk had received revised documents inviting comments from the Town Council. These had been checked and one or two issues referred to SDC. The fees were planned to be increased by inflation which left some odd pence charges. It was requested that earlier consultation should be carried out in future in relation to charges.
RESOLVED: That the information be noted and copies circulated.
28. NALC SALARIES AGREEMENT 2006/7:
RESOLVED: That in accordance with the conditions of service the salary of the Town Clerk be increased in line with the national agreement at Point 34 (13.996 hr) based on 20 hours per week per annum (52 weeks) with effect from 01 April 2006.
Meeting finished at 4.30pm