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Minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday 5th December 2005 in the Town Hall, Hungerford.
Present: M. Morgan (Mayor), D. Small, G. Bullock, R. Hudson, R. Ballard, E. Cardwell, M. Wilson, P. Harries, R. Scorey,
C. Ticehurst, M. Barletta, R. Desmeules, D. Gaines (District Councillor). J. Hutchings (Clerk)
4 Electors
1) Apologies for absence
Apologies were received on behalf of Cllrs Acworth and Liddiard
2) Declaration of Interests
There were no declarations of interests
3) Minutes of 7th November 2005
05/071 Proposed: Cllr Small, seconded: Cllr G. Bullock, that the minutes be signed as a true and accurate
record. Agreed. The minutes were signed by Cllr Morgan.
The Part Two minutes of the 7th November 2005 will be ratified at the January 2006 meeting.
4) Matters Arising
i) From the previous minutes: there were no matters arising.
ii) GLEAM – AGM report – no discussion, for information only.
5) Mayor’s Report
Attended: HADCAF AGM
Hungerford Forum – the main subject was Adult Education; the speaker Mr Wheen
to be invited to address the Council.
Wreath laying at the Remembrance Day Service.
District Councillor’s Surgery.
Connexions, Newbury.
Switch-on of Newbury’s Christmas Lights
Presentation Evening at the John O’Gaunt School
Mayor’s Charity Concert which raised approximately £2,500 for Cancer Research UK.
JOG Pensioners Christmas Party.
Private viewing of the Bear Hotel refurbishments. Cllr Ballard attended the official opening.
6) Reports from the Chairmen
Reports given by the Chairmen of: Finance & General Purposes
Recreation, Amenities & War Memorials
Highways & Transport
Environment & Planning
7) Financial Matters (Chaired by Cllr Small)
i) November Accounts for Authorization.
05/072 Proposed: Cllr Small, seconded: Cllr Cardwell, that the November accounts in the sum
of £13,184.51 be authorized for payment. All in favour.
ii) Adoption of Accounts and confirmation of the Bank Reconciliation for the financial year April 2004 – March 2005.
05/073 Adoption of the accounts: Proposed: Cllr Small, seconded: Cllr Hudson
Vote: 8 in favour, Nil against, 4 abstentions. Accounts for 2004 – 2005 adopted.
Confirmation of Bank Reconciliation for year end March 2005.
05/074 Proposed: Cllr Small, seconded: Cllr Hudson, confirmation agreed.
iii) Approval of Precept requirements for financial year April 2006 – March 2007
The need for funding for rabbit control at St Saviours was discussed. Cllr Small
has details from Chilton Estates as to how this problem is dealt with on the estate.
Cllr Small read out a letter from Dr Franks (Church House) detailing the severe and extensive
damaged to his garden caused by the rabbits whilst he was out of the country.
Cllr Barletta said that he had been to see Dr Franks and is now awaiting a call from him
in regard to arrangements for a meeting between Dr Franks, Cllr Barletta, Mr Rupert Thompson and the surrounding land owners to decided how best to remedy the situation.
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Cllr Cardwell believes there is enough money in the RAWM budget to deal with problem during
this financial year.
Budget requirements as follows: Finance & General Purposes £96,430
Recreation, Amenities & WM £46,500
Highways & Transport £26,900
Giving a total precept requirement for 2006 - 2007 of £169,830
05/075 Proposed: Cllr Hudson, seconded: Cllr Cardwell, that the three committee budget requirements
be adopted. Agreed.
iv) Authority to complete Contract of Employment for the Clerk.
Denied again. Cllr Barletta required sight of the clerk’s letter of appointment. This was displayed
on the screen for councillors and public to view. However Cllr Barletta required a hard copy.
05/076 Proposed: Cllr Barletta, seconded: Cllr Wilson, that all councillors see the letter. Agreed.
The clerk stated that she requires her contract by the end of December; if not forthcoming she
will put the matter in the hands of the SLCC for them to take whatever action necessary.
v) Adoption of Financial Regulations
Held over to next meeting.
vi) Letter: Charles Lucas & Marshall re Hungerford Football Club - Cllr Small declared an interest and took no part in discussions as he represents the Football Club.
The letter was seeking consent for the renewal of Vodafone’s Lease of their telecommunications mast site.
05/077 Proposed: Cllr Ticehurst, seconded: Cllr Harries, that permission be granted. Agreed.
05/078 8) Proposed: Cllr Bullock, seconded: Cllr Morgan, to use any Highways & Transport balances at
financial year end 2006 to launch a fund for the Canal Bridge Scheme. Agreed.
05/079 9) Proposed: Cllr Bullock, seconded: Cllr Cardwell, to bring the Town Council office equipment
up to standard. Agreed. A small sub-committee to be formed to look at requirements.
05/080 10) Proposed: Cllr Barletta, seconded: Cllr Hudson, that the Burial Regulations be amended as
follows: after point 3 – Reservation of plots for future use is not permitted – Add:’ except by parents of a stillborn or child under the age of 14 years already interred, who will be allowed to reserve one
plot.’
Amendment proposed: Cllr Small, seconded: Cllr Harries, addition should be: ‘save at the discretion
of the Council in exceptional circumstances.’ Vote for the amendment – 10 in favour, 2 against.
The amendment was carried.
District Councillor’s Surgery: Cllr Ballard will attend.
Meeting closed: 9.30pm
Date of next meeting: 9th January 2006
Signed……………………………
Mayor, 9th January 2006