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PEASEDOWN ST JOHN PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of a Finance Committee meeting held on Monday 7th November 2005 at 7.45 p.m. in the Cricket Clubhouse

Present: Cllr. Mrs. F M Butt (Chairman) and Cllr. J W Goring (Vice-chairman)

Cllrs. Mrs. M A Button, M J Gregory, Mrs. M Kennedy, Mrs S Lee, J P Rich and R W G Butt (SO43).

The Internal Auditor, Mr. Peter Provest, who took a full part in the meeting.

Minutes of a Finance Committee meeting held on 3rd October 2005

These minutes, which had been previously circulated were taken as read, agreed a true record and signed by the Chairman.
  1. Matter arising from the minutes of 3rd October 2005

    2. Clerk reported that he had instructed Halifax to re-invest the Council's monies in its Guaranteed Reserve Account for a further year with effect from 17th November. He also reported that last year's investment had produced £2,999.20 in interest (5.05%). Noted.

  2. To receive the Accounts Summary, Cash Flow Statement and Bank reconciliation for 31st October 2005

    3. This document had been previously circulated and the Clerk answered several points.

  3. Funding the leaving gift for the Clerk

    4. Chairman explained that this committee had previously agreed to fund a leaving present and the Clerk has asked for a PC. He has now obtained a price from a local firm of £779. The Clerk reported on the legal side of the purchase and according to his research it could be funded through LGA Section 137 (as amended). Although giving a grant to an individual person, which is unusual in Section 137 legislation, the benefit to the parish and village could be defended, as he would be using the PC to carry out PR work for the Council. He would prepare the proper resolution and background explanation for putting to the Council at its meeting on 28th November 2005. As the Chairman of this Committee would be unable to attend that meeting it was agreed that Cllr. Goring will propose the motion and be seconded by Cllr. Butt. All agreed.

  4. Annual Audit

    5. The Clerk reported a successful conclusion to the 2004/2005 external audit. The auditor had nothing to comment upon so the papers were displayed in the three notice boards for 14 days. Noted.

  5. December 2005 Newsletter

    6. Most of the office equipment has now moved to Beacon Hall but the computer remains at "Dijon" so that the Clerk can make a early start on this publication. He had already received most of the regular articles and by the end of the week possibly 5 pages would be complete. Cllr. Mrs. Kennedy and her ad hoc working party will then complete the job following the Council meeting for a delivery to the printers on, possibly, the 30th.

  6. To set a target precept for 2006/2007

    7. Under this item the Chairman gave a brief report on the office move together with costing. She felt that the job could be completed within the budget allowed of £2000.

    A lengthy debate then ensued as to the level of precept that the Council had levied over the past few years. It was proposed that a cap of £80,000 (7.72% on this year) should be put on the precept with the P&GP Committee making the final decision on any over-spending if it occurs.

  7. Any other business, being an exchange of information for noting or placing on a future agenda

Cllr. J P Rich mentioned the fact that his committee had looked at a scheme run by the Community Safety and Drug Partnership for granting up to £5000 for good safety ideas and ideas to combat anti social behaviour. This committee felt that ideas should be gathered and as the closing date of the second phase of this year's grant cycle was imminent it was decided that a scheme should be prepared by the Environment Committee for putting early next year. A youth shelter was suggested.

The Chairman then wished the Clerk a happy retirement and thanked him for his long and professional service. Applause.

Meeting closed at 9 p.m.