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Minutes November 2006
BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL
FINANCE COMMITTEE
MEMBERS' ROOM, TOWN HALL, BRIDGWATER
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2006 AT 2PM
PRESENT: Cllrs J Turner (Chairman), WH Munn, PJ Parker, KF Richards and Mrs GJ Slocombe
Apologies: Cllrs Moore and Needs
52 MINUTES:
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 16 August 2006 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
53 MATTERS ARISING:
1. Cornhill Market - Prezzo (Min 41.4) - SDC had confirmed that facilities for disabled access and toilets were available, but members were not convinced at present that the arrangements entirely satisfied DDA requirements - to be followed up.
2. Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee & Firework Display (Min 43.7) - Members wished to record their congratulations to the Carnival Committee on the high standard of the procession and the quality of the firework display - to write accordingly and advise of one or two points raised in relation to marshalling and access for both the firework display and the procession.
3. Twinning - The Mayor confirmed presentations and activities, which had been funded by Somerset County Council and this Council, marking the links with Homberg and Marsa.
(Cllr Mrs Slocombe declared a personal interest in Bridgwater Carnival Club).
54 TOWN COUNCIL 09/11/06 - MATTERS REFERRED:
RESOLVED:
1. That the following grants be made:-
i. Home Start - grant of £2000
ii. Victim Support Somerset - grant of £1000
2. that the Allotment Association be offered a contribution of £2500 towards the renewal of suitable fencing at Friarn Lawn Allotment, including fencing to the Flower Show shed
3. that the contribution of £5000 (or part thereof) be paid towards the additional Christmas lighting, including provision of Christmas trees at the Town Hall, if possible
4. that grant application forms be sent to Air Ambulance and Age Concern.
55 DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2007/2008:
Draft estimates had been prepared and circulated, together with background information, based on 2005/2006 and 2006/2007, the estimated out-turn at 31March 2007, inflation at a 3% figure, and the decisions taken by the Finance Committee in recommendations to the Council last year. The tax base for the town had been provided by SDC, estimated at 10231.54 Band D equivalents for 2007/2008. Full information was also provided on the current levels of precept and special expenses on the Town in light of previous discussions on the need to build a fund for civic enhancement, particularly for the re-generation of the town and environment and regard to the future development of the Town Council's role. The suggestions put forward in relation to the precept would show a substantial saving to the charge payer on 2006/2007.
The Town Clerk invited Members to consider the items individually, providing explanations for significant variations and additions within the figures, including those arising from decisions taken by the Council through the year.
Confirmation was still awaited from SDC in the light of the Town Council's discussion on the Memorial Safety Report and the way in which the Executive of SDC had decided to deal with this issue and the impact on the special expenses figure. Information had been requested from SDC so that the position could be considered viz-a-vis precept and special expenses in the way discussed by the Town Council.
RESOLVED: That the estimates now approved be put forward to the next meeting of the Town Council for purpose of securing the precept for 2007/2008 of £147922.03 for immediate Town Council purposes and £60,000 for the civic enhancement reserve, exclusive of special expenses (yet to be determined), equating to £20.32 per Band D property; and that the following be noted:-
1. the continuing situation on the future provision of office accommodation, equipment and administrative arrangements depended upon facilities available to the Town Council and the future of the Town Hall complex;
2. the specific funds built up and carried forward within the estimates, including street lighting, bus shelters, elections, skate park, noticeboard, BHRP and contingency 2006/2007;
3. the provision for an allowance for the Deputy Mayor of £1000
56 WARD BUDGET BIDDING:
RESOLVED: That subject to the completion of the application, the following be approved within budget:-
Victoria Park Bowling Club - contribution to works required to satisfy fire standards (Victoria) - grant of £1000
57 SEASONS GREETINGS:
As there would be no further meeting of the Council prior to Christmas the Chairman wished all Members of the Council a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year.
The meeting finished at 3.50pm
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Signed
Chairman