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Minutes January 2008
BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL
FINANCE COMMITTEE
MEMBERS' ROOM, TOWN HALL, BRIDGWATER
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 09 JANUARY 2008 AT 1PM
PRESENT: Cllrs Turner (Chairman), Cresswell, Downes, Granter, Parker, Richards, Mrs Slocombe and Smeed
Also present: Cllr Preece
17 MINUTES:
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 21 November 2007 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
18 TOWN COUNCIL 13/12/07:
The extract of the Minutes of the Town Council held on 13 December 2007 were circulated. Members noted the resolutions to Min 66/07 which were taken into account in the following item below.
19 DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2008/2009:
The Town Clerk had circulated copies of the provisional draft estimates approved under Min 66/07. He answered questions in relation to the contribution to the Taunton Road toilets and information on a usage survey, and the need to re-upholster the meeting room chairs - both items provided for in the estimates.
In the light of the SDC anticipated budget deficit the Town Clerk then reported on discussions and negotiations with SDC arising from the tabled list of potential saving items - specifically cemeteries and street lighting previously charged as special expenses, the Blake Museum, Town Centre management and partnerships including improvements and the farmers markets and Sydenham Community Centre.
Members had agreed in principle to the transfer of costs of the cemeteries and street lighting (an insignificant amount for unmetered energy costs) into the precept. It was now being determined whether this would necessitate the transfer of the cemeterylands in advance and a Service level Agreement or similar for continuing operations. A preliminary estimate put this at about £150,000.00 including the second year of costs of the memorial testing and stabilisation programme at £48,000.00 per year for three years. Balances of the special expenses from previous years including 2007/8 would not be confirmed until the closure of the accounts later in the year.
Members discussed the threatened closure of the Museum and Community Centre and took the view as expressed by the Council that neither facility should be lost to the town. They considered a financial contribution in 2008/9 to both to be reviewed later in the year for any subsequent contribution at least so that further examination could continue into the feasibility of either or both being transferred to a trust body or alternative and give time for such to be set up.
In relation to the Town Centre operations Members agreed to recommend a sum for these purposes and to seek a contribution from SDC. Investigations would continue into how this might best be pursued jointly with another party or in partnership.
With regard to Trinity Hall and the District Valuers valuations Members took the view that it was desirable to be retained for community uses. The Town Council would need to obtain a Surveyors report on the buiding if acquisition was to be considered and at the same time to discuss possibilities further with the users. A sum had been included in estimates to cover any shortfall as had been made available to SDC in the current year.
The Committee confirmed the need to continue to build a fund for civic enhancement, particularly for the regeneration of the town and environment and with regard to future development of the town council's role and office requirements in the Town Hall and THIS project.
The Town Clerk advised on the impact of the proposals on the proposed precept and precept and Band D comparisons in Sedgemoor and with other town councils.
RESOLVED:
1. That the final draft estimates be put forward to the next meeting of the Town Council for the purpose of securing the precept for 2008/2009 of £176980.71 for immediate town council purposes, £39258.20 for the civic enhancement reserve, £100000.00 for the items listed and circa. £150000 for cemeteries and residual street lighting subject to confirmation of the transfer position equating to £45.71 per Band D property;
2. that a further report be submitted to the Town Council on the impact of decisions on funding by SDC and for this purpose the Town Clerk be authorised to continue discussions with SDC in relation to the specific service areas identified above including Trinity Hall;
3. that the position with Chilton 2 former alllotment site and the interest in part of Bristol Road 1 as part of a wider scheme be noted;
(Cllr Cresswell declared an interest in the Sydenham
Community Centre)
20 BARCLAY STREET CAR PARK:
The Council were advised of the intention of SDC to dispose of at least part of Barclay Street
Car Park for development to gain a capital receipt. Traders and residents were opposed to this due to the pressure on parking in local streets - Barclay Street offering the only available public parking.
RESOLVED: That the Town Council support the objections to the loss of public car parking
21 GRANTS
AND APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDING:
RESOLVED: That the following decisions (within the provisions of section 137 where applicable) be made:-
1. Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee - Bristol Road rental contribution - grant of £1192.70 (in and out figure with sum of £290.00 due from Committee to go the Allotment Tenants Association - total rental of £1482.70 per annum);
2. St Mary's Church Clock and Chimes - grant of 50% offered being £826.50 VAT but advice received that SDC unable to grant aid other 50% - position to be clarified.
(Cllr Cresswell declared an interest in the Carnival application and took no part in the decisions and Cllr Mrs Slocombe had left the meeting prior to this item.)
22 WARD BUDGET BIDDING
The following new applications were considered and it was RESOLVED:
1. Sydenham Family Centre - healthy eating promotion - (Sydenham) grant of £100.00 approved;
2. Gardens Childrens Centre - additional play facilities - (Eastover) grant of £1000.00 approved;
3. ReCreation - purchase of paint for exterior of building - (Hamp) grant of £350.00 approved.
The meeting finished at 2.55pm
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Signed
Chairman