Minutes of the Staffing, Finance & General Purposes Committee held in the Mayor’s Parlour, Town Hall, Bideford on Thursday 17 February 2011 at 5.30 pm

North Ward:

Councillor T J Johns

South Ward:

Councillor A T Inch
Councillor P J Pester (Town Mayor)

South (Outer) Ward:

Councillor A T Powell

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)
Mrs M Hales (Chair, Pollyfield Community Association)
Mrs J Whittaker

082    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

No apologies for absence were received.

083    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

No declarations of interest were made at this time.

084   PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD

There was no public participation.

085    MINUTES – STAFFING, FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the meeting held on 20 January 2011 were approved and signed as a correct record.

086    ACCOUNTS

a.    Payments for Approval

Proposed by Councillor Powell, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the list of payments be approved.

(Vote – For:  7,  Against:  0)

(Councillor Vanstone arrived at the meeting)

b.    Internal Finance Inspector’s Report

The members received the Internal Finance Inspector’s Report for the period 1     October – 31 December 2010.  Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

(Vote – For:  8,  Against:  0)

087    STREET SWEEPER

The members noted the report from the CEO Torridge Training Services (TTS) which
was circulated by e-mail on 15 February 2011.  Copies were also made available at the meeting.  Proposed by Councillor Johns, seconded and

RECOMMENDED:  That the Council approves the proposal of employing a Handyperson through Torridge Training Services in accordance with their proposal with the proviso that a review be carried out after 3 months and the effectiveness be monitored.  The Council also constitutes a Board consisting of a councillor from each Ward to monitor progress.

(Vote – For:  8,  Against:  0)

088    SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That Standing Orders be suspended in order for representatives from the Pollyfield Centre Association to contribute to the discussion on the next item only.

(Vote – For:  8,  Against:  0)

(Councillors Mrs Davies declared a personal interest in the following agenda item (sat on Selection Board for the appointment of Centre Manager).

089    POLLYFIELD CENTRE GRANT

Members noted the content of the papers which were enclosed with the agenda. Proposed by Councillor Powell, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That before the second payment is made, a Business Plan is provided to the Council prior to being adopted by the Trustees and that the Council is furnished with quarterly reports showing the activities and financial statements of the Centre.

(Vote  - For:  7,  Against:  0,  Abstention:  1)

(Councillor Mrs Church left the meeting)

090    ELECTION - POLL CARDS

Members noted the verbal report of the Town Clerk as to whether the Council wants to order its own Poll Cards for the elections on 5 May 2011.  The estimated cost of the Poll Cards is £30.00 per 1,000 electors.  Proposed by Councillor Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the Council places an order with Torridge District Council for its own Poll Cards for the elections.

(Vote – For:  7,  Against:  0)

The business of the meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the members for their attendance and the meeting concluded at 6.30 pm.