Finance and General Purposes - 12 November 2008

MINUTES of the MEETING of the FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE held on 12 November 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL
At 8.15 p.m.
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Present: Mr Anthony Titmarsh (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Dr Graham Fothergill, Mr Ian Gilmore, Mr Barry Hall, and the Clerk

Apologies: Mr Haigh due to work commitments


1. Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

It was proposed by Mr Gilmore, seconded by Mr Bantick and

RESOLVED “that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee Council, held on 10 September 2008, are approved and signed.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Financial Review

Interest received remains over budget. Expenditure at £20,515 is 19% under budget. Contingent expenditure related to the milestone repairs.

The council’s income overall at £112,791 exceeded budget for the six month period. Expenditure of £62295 was 9% under total budgeted expenditure. The council held £137,713 cash funds at the end of September.

4. Report on Short Term Funds on Deposit

£120,000 is on deposit until 20 November at 4.8%. The rate will reduce as the bank rate has been cut to 3%.

5. Budget 2009/10

After some debate on the inclusion of a sum to assist in progressing certain projects in the village.

Proposed by Dr Fothergill, seconded by Mr Gilmore and

RESOLVED “that the committee recommends an income of £500, revenue expenditure of £54150, other £3000 and capital expenditure of £2,000 to the Parish Council. Agreed.”

For 5 Against 1







2008/09 55

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED that “a precept £100,370 be recommended to the Parish Council for the 2008/09 budget. Unanimous.

6. Report on Parish Damage

Two benches have been damaged. The clerk is to assess if they are repairable.

7. Footpath Lighting

NHDC has formally requested a contribution towards the lighting improvements on the footpath from Pondcroft Road with a project cost of £8400. HCC estimates to install three lights and to replace the existing one is £3312. The Parish Council requested a proper quote for the work. Also the Parish Council contribution appears to be a flat rate; a pro rata sum was considered more appropriate.

8. Employment of Pavilion Cleaner

The pavilion cleaner will be off work for a minimum of six weeks after an operation. The clerk is to interview someone to infill. Should the position not be filled it will be advertised in the Parish News.

9. Registration of Parcels of Land in Park Lane, Old Knebworth
and the Pond at Norton Green

There is an application to register two pieces of land in the Parish, one of which includes the land on which the war memorial stands. The Council is to object to the registration of the land on Park Lane.

10 HCC Lease

Revised Heads of Lease have been received. HCC is still only offering a ten year lease. A copy is to be forwarded to Mr Morgan to try and obtain a longer term.

11. Christmas Lights

Mr Titmarsh confirmed that the Doctor’s surgery is prepared to have lights on its building New lights and power supplies will cost £1000, Lamps and Tubes charges for installation and removal of all the lights at £1565 is within budget.

There are three businesses which have requested reimbursement of electricity costs.

Proposed by Mr Bantick and, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED that “the council will reimburse electricity charges to the businesses who request payment. If there is one display £15 two displays £20.”

Agreed.

Street lamp 131 which supplies power for the tree on St Martins Green is under repair.



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12. Report on the Stevenage Urban Transport Plan

Stevenage Borough Council had a workshop at the start of the development of its Urban Transport Plan. The document will be put on consultation during August 2009.

13. Freedom of Information

A compulsory new publication scheme must be adopted by 1 January 2009. A working party of Mr Gilmore Dr Fothergill l and the clerk is to prepare a document for the Parish council meeting.

14. Road Signs

Mr Titmarsh and Mr Bantick are to inspect the road signs in the village with Mr Atkinson of HCC to recommend removal of unnecessary signing.

15. Bank Mandate

The clerk is experiencing difficulty dealing with the bank because she is not a signatory. It was recommended that the clerk become a signatory with the proviso that a cheque would require three signatures, thus ensuring two councillor signatures are always required.

16. Any Other Business

16.1 NHDC Budget
NHDC is currently preparing its 2009/10 budget and has asked for comments. The PACIF funding is due to finish this year with no further provision. The Parish challenge fund remains unchanged.

16.2 Bins
Litter bin collection which does not come within the zone one area is on a four weekly cycle, unless the contractor is called to empty it. NHDC will install dog bins but will not fund the capital or ongoing costs. A bin costs £260 each with weekly costs of £1.30.

16.3 North Herts Homes Estate Meeting
Dr Fothergill is to walk the North Herts Homes area with a representative on 5 December.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.15 pm.