ALDENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE held at 8pm on Wednesday 9th February 2004 , The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett.

Present:
Councillor J.A. Howley (Chairman)
Councillor Mrs V. Charrett
Councillor Mrs W.M. Griffin
Councillor Mrs S.A. Reith
Councillor Mrs E. Wackrow
Councillor R. Worthy
Officer:
Ms. Carrie Lloyd (Clerk)

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Thompson.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST BY MEMBERS

3.MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14 th JANUARY 2004

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 th January 2004 were signed as a true and accurate record.

4.MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14 th JANUARY 2004

• Photocopier Quotations – The Clerk had sent the letter to local societies advising that the current copier will be available for their use from the New Year under the same terms and conditions as previously agreed by the Committee. Members requested that Radlett Horticultural Society also be included in the offer. (Action: Clerk)

• IT Maintenance Quotations – The Clerk had not yet overcome the problem of over-writing tapes to enable use of the task scheduler. (Action: Clerk)

• Budget 2004/05 - Councillor Mrs Charrett advised that one quotation had been received for 2004/05 which had been more expensive than the current provider. Cheaper quotes would continue to be sought but in the meantime the Youth and Community Centre buildings insurance had been renewed with Ecclesiastical.
  
  The Transportation Budget for 2004/05 had been amended to reflect the revised method of funding by the Countryside Agency for the taxi vouchers.

• Radlett Centre Shared Costs – This would be included on the agenda for the next meeting of the Committee.

• Financial Statements and Budget Report – The Clerk advised that she had not yet identified the reason for the large difference year on year under 6400 - Recreation Grounds Utilities and would report to the next meeting of the Committee.
  
  Members agreed to discuss the adjustment to code 6705 to reflect replacement equipment that had been purchased for stolen items at the next meeting of the Committee. (Action: Clerk)

5. PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

• 28 Elm Walk – Léonie Cowen Associates’ advice had been circulated and Members RESOLVED that the property should continue to be let to the Clerk on the same terms and conditions as at present until 31 st March 2004 and the Council’s letting agents (Vigor and Co.) be requested to seek a tenant after that date on a commercial rental income. It was noted that some work would be required to the house before it was let again and the Clerk undertook to obtain some quotations. The driveway was being block paved and front garden tidied as part of the Clerk’s tenancy and prior to relinquishing her tenancy.
  
  
• Wellhouse Dell – Registration of Land – Mr Watkiss was still negotiating on behalf of the Council. The Council would be kept informed as negotiations progressed.
  
  
• Registration of Access to Cobden Hill Dell – The Clerk had received a response from the Trustees of the land. The Clerk advised that in her opinion professional advice was now necessary. Members RESOLVED that Mr Watkiss be engaged to advise the Council in this matter provided that his fees remained the same as quoted for his work on Wellhouse Dell.
  
  
• Radlett Gardens/RAIFA Garden – Further information about a lighting scheme was still awaited. Members noted that Councillor Mrs Charrett was channelling her energy into the Radlett Festival at present.

• War Memorial – The paperwork for transfer of the land had been received and Members RESOLVED that the Clerk and Chairman should sign and complete the transfer of the land.

6. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND BUDGET REPORT

The financial statements to January 2004 were noted.

7. INTERNAL AUDITOR’S REPORT 2002/03

Members noted the recommendations listed R1 – R12 in the Internal Auditor’s report and responded as detailed in Appendix A to these minutes. Members RECOMMENDED that the comments as detailed in Appendix A to these minutes be approved. (Action: Clerk)

8. NEW MODEL FINANCIAL REGULATIONS

Members were advised that NALC had produced new Model Financial Regulations. Members would be requested to consider the Council’s Regulations at the next meeting of the Committee for approval by the Council at the end of March. (Action: Clerk)

9. REQUEST BY RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE TO FUND TREE WORKS

The Recreation Grounds Committee had requested that the Finance and General Purposes Committee approve a budget overspend on financial code 6750 - Tree Felling of £620 in the current financial year. As the overall Recreation Grounds Budget was underspent Members RESOLVED that an overspend on financial code 6750 be approved. (Action: Clerk)

10. RECYCLING BINS – NEWBERRIES CAR PARK

No further progress had been made on this item.

11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting was scheduled for 8pm on Wednesday 10 th March 2004

Closure: 8.50pm