brightlingseatowncouncil

BRIGHTLINGSEA TOWN COUNCIL
FINANCE COMMITTEE

Minutes of the Meeting held at the Parish Hall, Victoria Place, Brightlingsea on Thursday 6th May 2010 at 7.30 pm

Present:
Councillors
I Block (Chairman)
J Russell (Vice Chairman)
J Chapman, D Dixon, G Steady and K Yallop

In Attendance:
Tracey Pulford – Town Clerk

Also in Attendance:
Councillor M Beckwith and M Holding

F.416 Apologies:  Cllr Goggin.

F.417 Confirmation of the Minutes of meeting held on 11th March 2010, received by Council on the 18th March 2010:

The Minutes were agreed as a true record of the meeting.

F.418 Declaration of Personal and Prejudicial Interests:

The Chairman reminded Members to declare their personal and prejudicial interests, as and when appropriate.

F.419 1st Draft End of Year Accounts:

A copy of the 1st Draft End of Year Accounts and Report had been circulated to all members.

After discussion it was agreed that this format is to be used for the final end of year accounts, and they would now be prepared in time to send to the External Auditors before the deadline of 12th July 2010.

The Chairman mentioned that there was money in the budget for the swimming pool, which Brightlingsea Town Council is now not taking on.  Therefore there is an excess of £12,000 in the budget.  It was agreed that members be asked on how this money should be spent.  Discussion also took place on the Leisure Village rent review, and a letter from Fenn Wright dated 4th May 2010 was read out.

Recommendation: This format is to be used for the final end of year accounts, and they would be prepared in time to send to the External Auditors before the deadline of 12th July 2010.

F.420 2010/2011 Grants Programme:

Members agreed to set the grants programme as follows:

Advert in Chronicle – June edition
Closing Date – Friday 25th June 2010
All returned by – 9th July 2010
Finance Committee Meeting to be held on 22nd July at 8pm to discuss.

Recommendation: The grants programme is set, as above, for decisions made at Finance Meeting on 22nd July 2010.
  
F.421 Members Allowances:

A copy of the Parish Independent Remuneration Panel Review March 2010 had been  circulated to all Members.
  
The Chairman briefed members that the budget included an increase of 3% on last year’s  figures. 

After discussion it was proposed by Cllr Yallop that the member’s allowances be  increased by 20%, seconded by Cllr Chapman.  A vote was taken: For – 2, Against – 4.  Vote  Not carried.

The Chairman then recommended that the member’s allowances be increased by 3%, as per  the budget.  A vote was taken: For – 3, Against – 2, Abstention – 1 – Carried.

Recommendation: Members allowances are increased by 3%.
         
F.422 Bayard Recreation Ground Improvements:

The Chairman read out a letter from Mr Price:

“Has recommendation of the Finance Committee of a loan to the Cricket Club for practice and  storage facilities on the Recreation been approved by the full Council?  I refer back to the Finance meeting of 2/12/09 under F404 loans.  If the loan has been approved is it based on the idea discussed at the Finance Meeting 18/11/09 under 395 Loans that the Cricket Club would be loaned £20,000 pounds by the Town Council and it would be paid back over four years and be guaranteed by two Cricket Club members?  How under Local Government Legislation for  Town Councils in England is a loan system administered?  How does Local Government  Legislation affect any local clubs who require a loan from the Town Council?  Please read this letter out at the Finance Committee.”

The Chairman replied that the Town Council haven’t loaned the Cricket Club any money.   This was discussed at a Finance Committee Meeting, but no loan was agreed.  The cost will be  reflected in their rent.

Bowls Club
Councillor Steady briefed Members on a letter that had been received from the Brightlingsea  Bowling Club. 

After discussion it was agreed that the Town Council would be happy to accommodate the  Bowling Club moving their boundary fence four feet, subject to full plans being presented and agreement being given, and at no cost to Brightlingsea Town Council.

Recommendation: The Town Council would be happy to accommodate the Bowling Club moving their boundary fence four feet, subject to full plans being presented and agreement being given, and at no cost to Brightlingsea Town Council.

Playcentre
Councillor Steady briefed Members that with Bizzy Bees closing, there is a shortfall in  playgroup sessions.

After discussion it was agreed that permission is given for the proposal from the Playcentre for temporary accommodation.

Recommendation: Permission is given for the proposal from the Playcentre for temporary accommodation.

Users of the Recreation Ground -
Councillor Steady briefed Members that the green storage sheds is the 2nd oldest football stand left in the country, and that the Cricket Club would like to look into the feasibility of restoring it and using as a cricket facility.  The cricket club house could then be demolished and a Town Council purpose built storage shed could be erected.

Recommendation: A feasibility study is carried out on the green storage sheds at the Recreation Ground.

F.423  Close of Meeting: 

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.46 pm.