Minutes of The Finance & General Purposes Committee held at 7.00 pm on Tuesday 10th November 2009 in the Corn Exchange Complex, Hungerford

 

Present:  Cllrs A Buckwell, E Cardwell, G Bullock, R Hudson, J Booth, D Gaines, S Parry, RFO

 

1.                  Apologies for absence:  none

 

2.                  Declarations of interest:  none

 

3.                  Minutes of meeting held on Wednesday 21st October 2009

-  Agreement as true record:  proposed by Cllr Gaines, seconded by Cllr Bullock, vote unanimous.

 

4.                  Annual Audit Compliance:  The External Audit commented that our Fiduary Insurance limit is below the Precept limit. This is thought sufficient due to other constraints already in place. Insurance to be rebroked. RFO to action

 

5.                  Precept 2010/11 (F&GP components) See attached summary proposals. Also note; NALC have been approached for salary updates. We need to look at increasing Computers and Election Costs in the year 2011/12. It was agreed to carry forward HEAT unspent budget. It was agreed to keep Allotment Legal costs split between F&GP and R&A initially whilst allotment are being set-up. The Rewards Scheme could be offered for our Flag. CHAIN need urgent support from council grant and HTC need to urge WBC to support them also. Total proposed so far £121,884 to go forward to Full Council.

 

6.                  2012 Jubilee: It was suggested that we start putting money aside into reserves. The £1,000 unspent reward scheme money can be earmarked for 2012 Jubilee and if unspent the 2010/11 rewards scheme money of £500.

 

7.                  Service Awards: RFO is in contact with Merrisons Ltd to obtain a quotation for 100 service badges. Confirmed quote to be brought to next meeting.

 

8.                  Open Door estimates for printing. Cllr Gaines proposed proceeding with MRM Associates Ltd for production and distribution of our Newsletter. £583 for 3500 copies. Seconded by Cllr Bullock. All in favour.

 

9.                  Date of additional meeting in December (to finalise precept) – Fixed for 14/12/09 after E&P meeting.

 

10.              Allotments – No reply to date from letter sent to DHC.

 

11.              Three Year Plan (Consideration of further items) – 2 quotes have been obtained for splicing and aeration and a third is to be obtained. Cllr Bullock will clarify if this is to be allowed for in the budget.

 

12.              Circulation of Minutes – It was agreed that minutes be sent to Chairman for approval as soon as they are completed. Once agreed then sent to all councillors. Minutes to be sent out again with agenda.

 

13.              Christmas Office Closure – Cllr Bullock proposed HTC office shuts on 24th December at Midday and opens again on 4th January 2010. Also need to check supply of grit in case of bad weather. Seconded by Cllr Booth. All in favour. Cllr Gaines to speak to NWN to advertise Christmas Card money to go towards Christmas lights.

 

14.              Risk Assessments:  Flood Alleviation Grant obtained to purchase Gel Bags and container to house them. Users of Triangle Field must remove any bloody bandages from the changing rooms. Users contracts state changing rooms should be left in tidy condition.

 

 

The meeting closed at 8.40 pm.