Executive & Finance Committee Minutes 4th August 2008

 

WRITTLE PARISH COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF MEETING OF

EXECUTIVE & FINANCE COMMITTEE

HELD ON MONDAY 4th AUGUST 2008

IN ROOM 18 LONGMEADS HOUSE AT 7.30PM

 

PRESENT:                    Mr C J Hibbitt               Chairman

                                    Mr R J Bray                  Vice Chairman

                                    Ms L Bowser                Mr J Drake

                                    Mrs E A Roe                

IN ATTENDANCE:         Mr R Gray                     Clerk

                                    Borough Councillor -   Mr A F Sach

                                   

 

 

 

•1.             APPROVAL OF MINUTES MEETING HELD 6th MAY 2008

Approved save 11.(1) which incorrectly states clerk as retired solicitor.

 

•2.             MATTERS ARISING

2.1.  The Chairman pointed out that it is vital for good governance that recognised difficulties (particularly with systems) be resolved A.S.A.P. and that we resolve the telephone problems within 48 hours.  Agreed.  The Clerk advised of his discussions with BT.  The difficulties of Vista as opposed to Windows XP also noted and agreed Clerk can go on training course if necessary.  Compatibility re email transmission also important. 

2.2.  The Chairman advised essential all future Parish Council Meetings, as before, must be held as published and it is up to each Committee Chairman to advise the Clerk if any Meeting dates are to be changed.  Due regard must be had re proper notice of Meetings if changed.

2.3.  Allotments.  Agreed that there can be sub-committee of Environment to deal solely with Allotments provided Committee Members agree and a Quorum raised.  There will not be any new Allotment Committee established.

2.4.  It was confirmed re benches that if a Councillor dies in service or within six months of retirement the Council can meet the cost of such a Memorial.  WPC will pay for Mr. F. Anelli's bench and installation but not the plaque thereon.  Mrs. Roe has obtained 2 satisfactory quotes from a firm in Hartlepool  who supply and deliver benches.  Mr. Jarvis, subject to quote, will install relevant concrete plinths.

 

•3.             FINANCIAL REPORT

Authority expenditure running to budget and current account in surplus.  Agreed handyman can have petrol account for fuel re his work at Prestons Garage.  Latest accounts for Writtle Archives and Writtle Books produced and approved.

 

•4.             LONGMEAD SUPPORT

  • All agreed WPC support Longmeads fundraising and thanks recorded to Ms. Beryl Platt and R. J. Bray for their efforts. Ms. Bowser attended fundraising Executive Committee and will review Grants available for Parish as a whole.

•5.             PROGRESS OF THE GREEN REPAIRS

  • The Parish Council still holds the £1000 lodged by the circus owners although some has been spent on repairs earlier in the year. Both J. Drake and Ms. E.A. Rowe will walk The Green in October to review conditions and ascertain if further work required. Likely both seeding and turf filling needed. Green rental charges satisfactory but Mr. A. Sach agreed to obtain an example of a Rental Agreement from The Borough Council..

•6.             SCOUTS LEASE

  • The Lease is with solicitors and it is expected completion will be in mid September.

•7.             PLEASURE BIT GRANT APPLICATION

  • Follow up with J. Aldridge to ascertain how our bid is progressing. Discussion also re what is deemed to be a small ancillary building whereby WPC can grant planning rather than the BC. Clerk to contact Planning Officer at CBC to clarify definitions.
  • Matter of development of Parish Charter and meeting with CBC ref Michelle Nuttal to be raised at next WPCM.

•8.             OTHER MATTERS

Potential Grants available for a variety of projects were discussed including Longmeads although it was agreed WPC cannot interfere with applications from organisations in the village.  Ms. Bowser will, as mentioned above, with the Clerk prepare a matrix of Grants available and closing dates.

Conversion of The Green toilets as a Parish office to be reviewed . Re the Youth Club The Chairman and Mr. Bray to review further in September.  Still awaiting visit to control room re CCTV.  Four passes for  the V Concert to be obtained so all areas of site can be reviewed by Members of the Council if necessary.

The Parish Council has been informed that ‘a small ancillary building' or land owned by the Parish Council does not require Planning consent. Clerk to confirm position with CBC.

 

 

Meeting ended at 9.40pm.

 

Date of next Meeting 17th November 2008