Finance Minutes 14th April 2009
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF HARWICH TOWN COUNCIL FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE
HELD at the PARK PAVILION, HARWICH
on 14th April 2009 at 6.30pm
Present: Councillor J Wares in the Chair
The Mayor, Councillor D Rutson
Councillors: B Brown, L Double, S Henderson and M Gardner
The Clerk to the Council, Mrs E Novorol
Also present: Councillor D McLeod
F51/08 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor P Burke.
F52/08 DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS
None
F53/08 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting held on 2nd December 2008 (previously circulated) be approved by the Chairman and signed as a true record.
F54/08 LEISURE FACILITIES
The Committee received an update, including details of opening times and recruitment, for the leisure facilities 2009 season.
F55/08 THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION
Members were advised that, further to minute F23/08, a laptop computer to the value of £500, had been purchased for The Royal Naval Association.
F56/08 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS APPEAL/HARWICH CHAMBER OF TRADE
The Committee noted receipt of £2000 refund, part of the £5000 grant awarded to the Christmas Lights Appeal. The final cost of the scheme was £3500 which included brackets and wires which can be used for years to come. Members were also advised that the lights had now been taken down.
F57/08 HARWICH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS 2009
Request for grant funding towards the 2009 Harwich Festival of the Arts.
RESOLVED to recommend: s.137 funding of £2500.
F58/08 CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
Request for donation to support core services of C.A.B.
RESOLVED: to write to the Citizens Advice Bureau and advise that, in the past, this Council has supported the local branch with the purchase of equipment and to supply a grant request form.
F59/08 HARWICH SHANTY FESTIVAL
Request for grant funding of £500 for advertising and marketing.
RESOLVED to recommend: s.137 funding of £500 to be paid nearer to the date of the festival.
F60/08 GRANT POLICY
The committee considered the proposed grant policy and new grant request form.
RESOLVED: to adopt the policy and form for future request.
F61/08 SKATE PARK
Members noted the request for an increase from £100 to £260 for the rent of the skate park. Councillor Double advised that he had dealt with the matter via Tendring District Council and that the rent charge would remain at £100 per annum.
F62/08 QUALITY STATUS
The Clerk gave a report on the present situation with regard to Quality Status and related costs. RESOLVED: that the Committee is minded to suspend the application for the time being, subject to the opinion of members of the Council.
F63/08 PERFORMANCE TARGETS
The Clerk gave a progress report regarding performance targets and advised the committee that a review of the Risk Assessment for finance was being undertaken. An update regarding staff training was given.
F64/08 TRAINING FOR COUNCILLORS
The Committee noted the information regarding in-house training for members.
F65/08 EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS
RESOLVED: that pursuant to Section 1 of Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the meeting is closed to the press and public for the transaction of the under-mentioned business.
Annual review of staff performance and salaries.