Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee held on Monday, 19th June, 2006 at the Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe.
Members Present:
Clr. G. Turner – Chair
Clrs. J.A. Barlow, Mrs. C. Beal, J.C. Birdsall, Mrs. J.E. Birdsall, Mrs. M. Clarke, Mrs. S.A. Dellapuppa, Mrs. V. Woodhead.
84. Declaration of Councillors’ Interests
No declarations were made.
85. Suspension of Standing Orders
It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. J.C. Birdsall and RESOLVED that standing orders be suspended in accordance with standing order no. 79 in order that Vanessa Marsden from Skelmanthorpe Youth and Community Centre and members of the public could address the meeting.
86. Skelmanthorpe Youth and Community Centre
Mrs. Marsden gave a progress report on the provision of youth and community facilities at the above location. Some grants are already committed and a major application has been submitted to Sports England. Other agencies are being approached in respect of funding for two part time workers. It is anticipated that the centre will be utilised by various organisations with links to health, drama, computer training etc. An appeal is shortly to be launched to raise approximately £100,000 and various fundraising opportunities are being explored.
87. Public Discussion Time
Members of the public addressed the meeting in respect of concerns about attendance by Councillors at meetings.
88. Return to Standing Orders
It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. J.C. Birdsall and RESOLVED that standing orders be returned to.
89. Apologies for Absence
Reasons for absence from the meeting were submitted by Clrs. R.G. Allen, J.D. Carr, Mrs. G. Hague and A.N. Weatherby. It was proposed by Clr. J.C. Birdsall, seconded by Clr. Mrs. Dellapuppa and RESOLVED that the reasons for absence submitted by the above Councillors be accepted as valid reasons.
90. Minutes
It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Mrs. Dellapuppa and RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 21st March, 2006 be received.
91. Newsletter
Further to Min. No. 492(05/06) Clr. Mrs. Birdsall reported that the draft newsletter would be brought to the next Council meeting. 92. Attendance at Meetings Councillors are reminded to attend meetings as often as they possibly can and if necessary, send valid reasons for non-attendance.
92. Cash Flow
The Clerk submitted details of current balances to the meeting: Current Account: £500; Deposit Account: £2,814.64; Kirklees Investment: £105,000, giving a total balance of £108,314.64. Clr. Turner, as Chair of Finance, reported that he had checked bank reconciliations and investments to date and was satisfied that they showed a true picture of the Council’s finances. Interest rates were compared with other investment options and it was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. J.C. Birdsall and RESOLVED that the Council continues banking with the Co-operative Bank and invests with Kirklees M.C.
93. Audit Matters
The Clerk submitted the Internal Auditor’s report, which showed satisfaction that all the necessary account systems were completed.
94. Grant Applications
Applications for grants were considered and it was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Barlow and RESOLVED that the Council, in accordance with its powers under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 should incur the following expenditure which, in the opinion of the Council, is in the interests of the area or its inhabitants and will benefit them in a manner commensurate with the expenditure:
Grant awards of £ 1,680
It was also proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. J.C. Birdsall and RESOLVED that grant awards of £900 be made.
95. Community Grant Aid
Discussion centred around the distribution of community grant aid for 2006/2007 and the extension of the commitment to projects centred around young people. The need for further play equipment at Birdsedge playground, as identified by children at the school, was discussed and it was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. J.C. Birdsall and RESOLVED that £3,500 be allocated towards the cost of new equipment at the site and that Kirklees M.C. be informed accordingly. Skelmanthorpe Youth and Community Centre’s project was discussed and it was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. J.C. Birdsall and RESOLVED that the project organisers be assured of the Council’s support and that they be asked to keep the Council fully informed of progress both in terms of funding and development of the site.
96. Appointment of Clerk
It was agreed that the sub-committee meet in the near future to finalise details for the advertising of the Clerk’s position.
97. Orders for Payment
It was proposed by Clr. Barlow, seconded by Clr. Mrs. Clarke and RESOLVED that orders for payment on schedule no. 440 totalling £69.69 be authorised.
98. Reports
The following matters were submitted for consideration: Primary Focus – newsletter of the P.C.T.; West Yorkshire Police Community Trust – grant aid for those who are working to reduce anti-social behaviour and criminal damage; Notice of P.C.T. Joint Trust Board Meeting; Postal Scam notice – do not ring if receive a card through the door from PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) saying they have a parcel to deliver and asking you to ring 906 6611911 - if you call this number you will get a recorded message for which you will be charged £15.
Councillors were also reminded of the meeting at Birdsedge Village Hall on Wednesday, 21st June, 2006 at 7.30 p.m. re the Countryside Project in Birdsedge.
99. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee has provisionally been set as Tuesday, 14th November, 2006.
CHAIR