Download a PDF file of this page (right-click and 'save target as').

Aldenham Parish Council

Minutes of the meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee held at 8pm on 11th June 2008, in The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett.

Present:

• Councillor G. Balen
• Councillor V. Charrett
• Councillor E. Wackrow
• Councillor C. Wilkins

Officers:

• P Evans (Clerk)
• Mrs K. Clague (Finance Officer)

Also present was Cllr J. Howley.

Cllr J. Howley started the meeting as he was the previous Chairman.

 

125. Apologies for absence

     Apologies were received from Cllrs R.Worthy & D. Lambert. These were accepted by the Committee.

126. To elect a Chairman

     Several nominations were made, but declined. After discussion it was decided to elect a Chairman for the meeting, and the situation would be discussed at the next meeting when all members would be present. Cllr V Charrett was subsequently proposed at the Chairman for this meeting.

127. To elect a Vice Chairman

     It was decided to leave this matter until the position of Chairman had been resolved.

128. To review the Terms of Reference of the Committee

     The Full Council had asked the Clerk to place this item on each Committees agenda. A draft document had been circulated by the Clerk prior to the meeting. The Committee discussed this document and suggested several amendments before it was: Resolved;

     • That the document as attached to these minutes is adopted by the Council.
     • That the two vacancies created on the Committee by these new ‘Terms of Reference’ are filled at the next Full Council meeting.
129. Declarations of Interest
     1. Personal - The Clerk registered an interest in item 12b as his salary was being discussed.
     2. Prejudicial - The Clerk registered an interest in item 12b as his salary was being discussed. He agreed to stay for the item in order to give the Committee information, but he left the room when the vote was taken.
130. To adjourn the meeting for members of the public to address the Committee (in accordance with Standing Order 13.9)

     There were no members of the public present.

131. To confirm and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 16th April 2008

     These minutes were signed by Cllr V Charrett as a true record of that meeting.

132. Clerk’s Report

     This report had been previously circulated, and was noted.

133. To review the following policies
     1. Absence - This policy had been previously circulated; one small amendment was made before it was:
        Resolved to adopt this policy.
     2. Bullying and Harassment - This policy had been previously circulated.
        Resolved to adopt this policy.
     3. Health & Safety - This policy had been previously circulated. The Clerk was asked to add in the whereabouts of the First Aid box etc, before it was:
        Resolved to adopt this policy.
134. To consider the latest Financial Statements and Budget Report
     1. Statements from April 2008.

        These statements were tabled. Some concerns were raised as to whether the SAGE package could produce the information required by the Committee rather than the Accounts Clerk. Some questions were raised for clarification. These reports were then noted.

     2. Request from Newsletter Committee to overspend n 2008/9 by £1900.

        Cllr G Balen advised the Committee that the ‘Around Radlett’ had evolved from a plain black and white issue to the latest all colour version. All those present agreed that this was a progressive move, and one well appreciated by the parishioners. However, this had come at a price, which would result in the budget for the Newsletter Committee being exceeded. After further discussion it was:

        Resolved that the Committee note that the budget for production of the Newsletter will be exceeded in 2008/9 by £1900 and for this amount to be taken from reserves.

     3. Review of Solicitors Costs so far.

        The Clerk had previously circulated a letter from the Councils solicitors, detailing the charges accumulated so far on projects undertaken by them. These were duly noted.

     4. To decide action regarding the under-payment of rent on the YCC building by Rexton House Nursery

        The Clerk informed the committee that the nursery had underpaid the rent due for this term. The Nursery had been informed of the increase in rent due from April 1st 2008, but had continued to pay the old rent, as they stated that some repairs were required. The amount was under £200, but he had brought this to the attention of the committee as they needed to decide what action was to be taken to recover this amount of public money. After a long discussion it was:

        Resolved that the Clerk writes to Rexton House Nursery giving them 14 days notice to pay the underpayment, as this may affect their ability to hire the YCC building in future.

The Chairman then moved the following resolution;

That under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s 1(2), the press and public is excluded from the meeting whilst matters pertaining to employees of the council are discussed.

135. To consider whether to adopt the NALC Guidelines on Casual Mileage rates for 2008-9.
136. To review salaries of staff.
137. To receive a report on the granting of a lease on King George V playing fields.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.44pm.

Date of Next Meeting – 16th July 2008 at 8pm