Increase Text Size | Decrease Text Size

FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE MINUTES

13th November 2006

PRESENT:

• Cllr R Morgan (Chairman)
• Cllrs P Burrows
• W Buskin
• R Farlow
• Mrs S Jones
• J Meakin
• J Parry
• Mrs Partridge-Hogbin
• J Pigott
• J Seward

In Attendance

Cllr L Garner

APOLOGIES:

Cllr J Knight

280/06APOLOGIES

Apologies were accepted.

338/06DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Cllr Mrs Jones declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 8 (grant for Seaton Scouts), being a close friend of the applicant;

Cllr Morgan declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 8 (grant for Seaton Scouts), his wife being secretary of the Scout Group;

Cllr Farlow declared a personal interest in agenda item 8 (grant for Seaton Scouts) being a close neighbour of the applicant;

Cllr Mrs Partridge-Hogbin declared a personal interest in agenda item 8 (grant for Seaton Scouts) as an acquaintance of the applicant;

Cllr Garner advised that he was not a member of the Committee and would therefore not vote on any matters

339/06MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 9th October 2006 were approved and signed by the Chairman.

340/06TO NOTE AND APPROVE THE MONTHLY SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS

The monthly schedule of payments was noted and approved.

341/06TO NOTE BUDGET AND BANK BALANCES TO DATE

The budget and bank balances to date were noted.

342/06TO CONSIDER FIRST DRAFT BUDGET FOR 2007/8

The following amendments to the first draft were agreed:

1. Handyman – increase provision from £6,000 to £8,000 in the first year to cover cost of equipment and associated costs;
2. Design Statement – increase to £1,500
3. Elections- the Clerk was requested to seek advice from EDDC on an appropriate allowance;
4. Grants – reduce to £1,500
5. Christmas lights – consider a contingency figure for provision in The Square
6. Subscriptions – Clerk to clarify with Cllr Knight
7. Telephones – Cllr Buskin suggested alternative providers would be cheaper. He was therefore asked to supply comparisons
8. Bus shelters – defer to next meeting for clarification on whether any maintenance was provided by DCC or EDDC
9. Cllr Buskin was reminded that he had a previously declared prejudicial interest in the town’s regeneration area which included provision for a Visitor Centre, financial support for which was being discussed in the draft budget. He then confirmed his prejudicial interest and said he would leave the room during discussion of that item of the budget.
10. Cllr Buskin left the room
11. WHS Visitor Centre – It was agreed that any further contribution would be conditional;
12. Cllr Buskin returned to the room
13. New seats – include £2,500 for replacement wavy benches

343/06TO CONSIDER COSTINGS OF BOLLARDS AND BINS FOR THE SQUARE

Details of a selection of styles and prices had been circulated. It was agreed that a provisional figure of £2,000 should be placed in the draft budget, but that a working party be set up to look at options, comprising Cllrs Morgan, Meakin, Buskin and Mrs Partridge-Hogbin, and report back.

Cllrs Mrs Jones, Morgan and Farlow left the room

344/06TO CONSIDER REQUEST FOR GRANT FROM SEATON SCOUTS

It was Resolved by 4 votes to 2 to make a grant of £500 to Seaton Scouts towards a carnival float

.

345/06TO CONSIDER REQUEST FOR GRANT FROM RING & RIDE

It was Resolved by 5 votes to 4 to make a donation of £200 to Axe Valley Ring & Ride

346/06TO PROPOSE THAT AN OLYMPIC GROUP BE FORMED TO CONSIDER WAYS OF PROMOTING SEATON FOR THE OLYMPICS (Cllr Garner)

The proposal was supported in principle but in view of the elections for a new Council in May, it was agreed that this be deferred until the May 2007 meeting.

347/06TO PROPOSE THAT CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO APPLYING TO DCC FOR A GRANT TOWARDS COMMUNITY FACILITIES (Cllr Garner)

It was agreed that this request be referred to Cllr Mrs Rogers to ascertain whether any monies were available from the sale of Exeter Airport. If there were, application could be made for improvements to the seafront and Esplanade. The Clerk was asked to request Cllr Mrs Rogers to keep the Council informed, and if appropriate, the Clerk would write to DCC requesting a grant.

348/06TIC MANAGER’S REPORT

Noted. Clerk was requested to pass thanks to the TIC Manager for her report.

349/06CORRESPONDENCE

Cllr Farlow left the room, as a member of the Axe Valley Heritage Association

a) Axe Valley Heritage Association – grant application

Members Resolved not to award a grant at this time but requested the Clerk to invite the Axe Valley Heritage Association to re-apply in the next financial year.

Cllr Farlow returned to the room

b) Countryside Alliance – loss of Post Offices

Members agreed to support the campaign to retain rural post offices, and the Clerk was asked to request the local post office to display the notice supporting this campaign.

c) AONB Partnership – invitation to Annual Forum, 23rd Nov

It was agreed that any Members wishing to attend the Annual Forum should advise the Clerk.

d) EDDC – presentation on seagulls, 30 Nov 6.30 pm

It was agreed that Cllrs Meakin, Morgan, Seward and Mrs Jones would attend the presentation.

e) EDDC Countryside Services – East Devon Wildlife Conference

Noted.

The Meeting closed at 9.16 pm

Top of page

Archived Copies of Minutes

Copies of all Minutes of all the Council's meetings are held in the Council Office and copies are sent to Seaton Library once they have been signed by the chairman as a true record of proceedings at the subsequent meeting.