Minutes of the Staffing, Finance & General Purposes Committee held in the Mayor’s Parlour, Town Hall, Bideford on Thursday 20 January 2011 at 5.30 pm

PRESENT:

North Ward:

Councillor T J Johns

South Ward:

Councillor A T Inch
Councillor P J Pester (Town Mayor)
Councillor D M Ratcliff

East Ward:

Councillor Mrs C B Church
Councillor S E L Clarke OBE (Chairman)
Councillor Mrs P Davies
Councillor R W Vanstone

IN ATTENDANCE:    Mr G B McLauchlan (Town Clerk)
1 x Member of the Public

072    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillor A T Powell (South (Outer) Ward – Work).

073    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

No declarations of interest were made at this time.

074    PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD

There was no public participation.

075    MINUTES – STAFFING, FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the meeting held on 16 December 2010 were approved and signed as a correct record.

076    ACCOUNTS

Proposed by Councillor Ratcliff, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the list of payments be approved.

(Vote – For:  7,  Against:  0)

(Councillor Vanstone arrived at the meeting)

077    STREET SWEEPER

Members noted the content of the report which is attached and forms part of these Minutes.  The Chairman introduced Mr Brett Parker to the meeting and a general discussion took place regarding the service provision by Torridge Training Services (TTS).  The Town Clerk suggested that instead of employing someone purely as a street cleaner it may be better to consider a parish handyman which could then widen the variety of tasks to be carried out on behalf of the Council, although the main task would be street cleaning.  It was agreed that there was scope for both sides to work together in line with the Government’s Big Society.  Mr Parker agreed to put together a report taking, into consideration the Council’s aspirations and needs, together with costs, and forward it to the Town Clerk for discussion at the next meeting.

078    WALKOVER SURVEY/QUANTIFIED TREE RISK ASSESSMENT

Members noted the content of the report which is attached and forms part of these Minutes.  Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That Wessex Tree Surgeons be appointed to carry out the work in the Summary Report at a cost of £450.00 plus VAT.

(Vote  - For:  8,  Against:  0)

079    REDUCTION IN GROUNDS MAINTENANCE BY TORRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL

Members noted the content of the report which is attached and forms part of these Minutes.

080    TOWN BAND – NEW BAND ROOM

Members noted the content of the report which is attached and forms part of these Minutes.  Proposed by Councillor Ratcliff, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the Town Band be advised that the Council’s offer still stands.

(Vote – For:  8,  Against:  0)

081    FORD HOUSE

Members noted the content of the report which is attached and forms part of these Minutes.  Members’ attention was drawn to the report from Yeandle Geotechnical Ltd regarding the retaining walls and stability and a ‘draft’ response submitted by the Chairman.  Proposed by Councillor Pester, seconded and

RECOMMENDED:  That the ‘draft’ response of the Chairman be submitted to Council for approval.

(Vote – For:  8,  Against:  0)

The business of the meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the members for their attendance and the meeting concluded at 6.25 pm.




Signature of Town Mayor:  ………………………………….  Date:  ……………………........




Signature of Chairman:  ……………………………………..  Date:  ………………………....