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Town Council meeting – 19 July 2016
233
Minutes of a meeting of ARLESEY TOWN COUNCIL held on Tuesday 19 July 2016, in the Village Hall, High Street, Arlesey at 7pm.
PRESENT: Cllrs: J Want (Chairman), C Ferris M Holloway S Stanbury J Randall J Wallace
A Ward S Sarll In attendance: Ms S Foulkes (Town Clerk), Ward Cllrs I Dalgarno and R Wenham, and 5 members of the public. 16/564 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs P Chillery, D Page, C Livermore, C Gravett, H Frost, M Gould and Ward Cllr D Shelvey. . 16/565 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest. 16/566 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS Prior to the meeting members received a copy of the following correspondence which were taken as read:
(a) CBC Press Release – Consultation on Technical Assessment Criteria Sites housing, employment and Traveller site assessment criteria.
(b) CBC Press Release – Chairman raises almost £14,000 for charity.
(c) Bedfordshire Bugle – July 2016 edition.
16/567 MEMBERS QUESTIONS
None raised. 16/568 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was no public participation. 16/569 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
569.1. To consider and approve the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 21 June 2016 as
a true record of proceedings.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 21 June 2016 be approved as a true record of proceedings and be signed by the Chairman of the meeting.
569.2. To consider and approve the minutes of the Extra Ordinary meeting of the Town Council held on 5 July 2016 as a true record of proceedings.
RESOLVED
that the minutes of the Extra Ordinary Town Council meeting held on 5 July 2016 be approved as a true record of proceedings and be signed by the Chairman of the meeting.
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16/570 MATTERS ARISING None raised. 16/571 REPORTS FROM CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES Unitary Cllr Dalgarno reported:
CBC’s new Highways reporting system is now available online and as a mobile app. Updates are available on reported issues. CBC’s Watchman receives notifications to enable urgent responses when necessary.
Carers Support session will be held on 27th July 2016, 10am to 11.30am.
Consultation on Libraries closes 5th September 2016. Hours of opening are being standardised. No impact on Arlesey Resource Centre. Computer upgrades are due which will include Arlesey.
CBC grass cutting on verges was delayed due to wet weather however they are now catching up with their schedule.
Crossways Park, Hitchin Road – Stoneways Housing Association had taken the decision to move families into the development on basis their existing housing was less favourable. Contractor issues are yet to be resolved but CBC are providing support where possible to speed up the process.
Unitary Cllr Wenham reported:
CBC Local Plan - Consultations on the Technical Assessment Criteria of sites, following the Call for Sites, and the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report were highlighted.
West Side of High Street Planning Applications - Cllr Wenham has called in the latest application on the basis that it is not compliant with the Masterplan and traffic issues for the High Street.
Local Government Pension Scheme – Cllr Wenham advised the Council that he may be able to assist with queries in relation to the LGPS as he was a Bedfordshire Pension Fund Trust member.
Town Councillor Questions:
Cllr Ward expressed his concerns that the timescales provided by CBC to recent consultations had been extremely tight. Cllr Wenham advised that the consultation periods allowed were in-keeping with statutory requirements and CBC were working to a deadline to achieve the adoption of their Local Plan which would deter hostile applications.
16/572 ARLESEY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 572.1 Members received an update from Cllr Want on the current stage of the Arlesey Neighbourhood Plan. Following approval by the Council on 5th July 2016, a public consultation event was held on 14th July 2016 and the draft plan was sent to all Statutory Consultees. The published deadline for responses is 31st August 2016, however Ickleford Parish Council had requested an extension until September which has been granted. A second public event will be held at the village hall on 23rd August 2016 and will be advertised in ‘On the Button’. A stall will be in place at the Summer Fete on 3rd September to enable last minute feedback and comments by residents. Amendments to the draft plan will follow prior to submission to CBC. Comments received after this stage will go directly to the examiner.
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572.2. Members received a summary of costs to-date and noted recent expenditure incurred for printing of the Draft Neighbourhood Plan and posters by Epic totalling £500, an on-line survey for 2 months totalling £52 and the cost of public event refreshments in the region of £30. The Council is able to access up to a total of £9k funding, and therefore it is planned to apply for the remainder grant of £3,342. This sum may increase as a result of being a High Growth Area.
RESOLVED
that the Council submit a second grant application under the Community Rights Programme for the maximum sum allowable including the High Growth element if applicable. Cllr Want delegated to undertake grant submission.
16/573 PLANNING APPLICATIONS & ISSUES
(a) CBC Call for Sites Technical Site Assessment Criteria for Housing, Employment and Gypsy & Traveller sites Consultation – closing date 29th July 2016. Members briefly discussed issues noted including: Red sites will not be automatically excluded however there appears to be no
point at which sites will be automatically excluded
No specification of settlement envelopes is stated
RESOLVED
that the Council delegate a Working Party consisting of Cllrs Want, Sarll and Holloway to review the Site Assessment Criteria and submit a response to CBC prior to the deadline of 29th July 2016.
(b) CBC Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal Draft Scoping Report – Members received Pages 46-71 of the Draft Scoping Report prior to the meeting which provided the key issues and the framework for assessment. Closing date 18th August 2016. Members agreed that a Council response was deemed unnecessary, however individual responses could be submitted. Cllr Want had advised ACORN of the document consultation.
(c) CB/16/01309/FULL - Arlesey Town Football Club, Hitchin Road, Arlesey SG15 6SE Proposal: Replacement and repositioning of existing 15m pole supporting floodlights with a 20m pole, transfer of floodlights, installation of 6no antennas, 2no 600mm diameter dish antennas, plus 4no cabinets and ancillary works including a meter cabinet Members acknowledged receipt of copy correspondence to CBC from residents in London Row/Hitchin Road, objecting to the application on the basis of perceived adverse health effects from telecom masts and the proposed higher mast being unsightly. Standing Orders suspended: Mr J. Virgo of London Row reiterated these objections. Standing Orders reinstated. The Council noted that the EE mast on the Biggs Wall building had been decommissioned and other land owners approached by the Telecoms company had not responded. Cllr Wenham advised that telecom masts would normally be sanctioned by general permitted development in-line with government aims to improve telecommunications.
RESOLVED that the Town Council OBJECT to the application and seek that the replacement mast be sited at the southern end of the football ground to minimise its impact on local residents. Town Clerk to write to Arlesey Town FC to express the Councils concerns that their decision should not be based on cost and revenue.
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(d) CB/16/01211/FULL – Land West of High Street, Arlesey
Proposal: Hybrid application seeking full planning permission for 146 dwellings (C3), new vehicular access off High Street, public open space and ancillary infrastructure and outline planning permission for an up to 80 unit extra care facility and ancillary infrastructure with all matters reserved. Members noted that the application appeared to be non-compliant with the Masterplan. RESOLVED that an extension to the current deadline be sought by the Town Clerk and a Working Party be formed consisting of Cllrs Want, Wallace and Ferris to review the application and draft a response for Council’s approval.
(e) Planning Applications Refused/Granted – As at 13 July 2016. Members acknowledged receipt of the report which advised of recent decisions reached by Central Bedfordshire Council. No questions were raised.
(f) Dumping of Soil Land South of Arlesey Landfill – Members acknowledged receipt
of a further response from CBC Enforcement Officer Mike Duffett. Discussion followed.
RESOLVED that a meeting be requested with CBC’s Mike Duffett and Jason Longhurst to be attended by Cllrs Want and Gravett on behalf of the Town Council and Ward Cllrs Wenham and Dalgarno.
(g) Enforcement cases created and/or closed - Members noted the following cases:
BREACH CONFIRMED: CB/ENC/16/0173 - 10 Straw Plait Way, Arlesey, SG15 6SJ. Change of use from amenity to garden land.
DUPLICATE CASE CLOSED: CB/EN/16/02070 - Crossways Park, Hitchin Road, Arlesey. Senior Investigations Officer Will Holloway is investigating alleged non compliances under case CB/EN/009. Cllr Dalgarno advised members that the play area is not due to be provided until full occupation of the development.
16/574 FINANCE REPORTS
(a) Income and Expenditure –June 2016 Prior to the meeting members received a report of year-to-date Income and Expenditure up to 30th June 2016, compared to 2016/17 budget (month 3). Cllr Randall queried when the monthly breakdown of the budget report would be made available. The Clerk reiterated her previous comments on the format of the report being that the matter needed to be reviewed by the next Finance and General Purposes Committee.
(b) Balance Sheet as at 30th June 2016 Prior to the meeting members received a copy of the Balance Sheet as at 30st June 2016 (month 3). No questions were raised.
(c) Petty Cash – June 2016
Prior to the meeting members received copies of the petty cash details for the Town Council and Resource Centre for June 2016 – (month 3)
RESOLVED
to approve the Resource Centre and Town Council petty cash expenditure for June 2016.
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(d) Accounts for Payment Members considered a schedule of the July 2016 accounts for payment, as follows:
FOLIO PAYEE DESCRIPTION AMOUNT VAT DUE
TOTAL ACC. No.
MUTIPLE INV.
TOTAL
CHQ No.
Direct Debits Due
DD02/07/16 Biffa Cemetery refuse disposal 88.01
17.60
105.61 4017 DD
DD03/07/16 EON Cemetery electricity supply June
2016 11.75
0.59
12.34
4014 DD
DD04/07/16 EON MUGA electricity supply June
2016 40.52
2.03
42.55
4014 DD
DD05/07/16 Rightfuel
Diesel for ATC vehicle 64.57
12.91
77.48
4051 DD
DD06/07/16 Cloudscape
Broadband Resource Centre 27.00
5.40
32.40
4028 DD
DD07/07/16 SSE
Unmetered street lighting
184.03
36.80
220.83 4014 DD
DD08/07/16 SSE
Unmetered street lighting 11.55
0.57
12.12
4014 DD
DD09/07/16 Anglian Water
Stotfold Road Allotments water 27.79 -
27.79 4012 DD
DD10/07/16 Anglian Water MUGA water 42.80 -
42.80
4012 DD
DD11/07/16 Rightfuel Petrol & Oil 24.05 4.81 28.86 4051 DD
Deposit repayments
01/07/16 T Daddario Return deposit 50.00 -
50.00 570 PAID 7197
02/07/16 Cripps
Return deposit 50.00 -
50.00 570 7201
03/07/16 Murphy
Return deposit 50.00 -
50.00 570 7202
04/07/16 Roberts
Return Deposit 50.00 -
50.00 570 7203
05/07/16 Moore Return Deposit 50.00 -
50.00
570 7204
Cheque Payments Due
06/07/16 Navigus Support for Neighbourhood plan to March 31st 2016
4,831.60
966.32
5,797.92
4076 7205
07/07/16
Petty Cash Town Council
Petty Cash used June 2016 14.90 -
14.90
4020 7206
08/07/16
Petty Cash Resource Centre
Petty Cash used June 2016 1.59 -
1.59
4020
7207
09/07/16 DWF LLP
Interim Invoice - Professional charges
2,500.00
500.00
3,000.00 4037
7208
10/07/16 IAC
Internal audit services 31st May 2016
380.00
76.00
456.00 4062
7209
11/07/16 T & J Seymour
Lighting maintenance Apr-Jun 16
165.00
33.00
198.00 4075
7210
12/07/16 BABUS
Yearly subscription 12.00 -
12.00 4026
7211
13/07/16 J Bailey
Postage 100x 1st class + 100 x 2nd class stamps
119.00 -
119.00 4022
PAID 7198
14/07/16 CPM Playground Ltd
Supply and fit Gate spring to playground
95.00
19.00
114.00
4048 7212
15/07/16 MJ Granger Grass verge cuts including Stotfold Rd
1,380.00
276.00
1,656.00
4040 7213
16/07/16 Herts County Council Stationery suplies 33.60
6.72
40.32 4023
7214
Town Council meeting – 19 July 2016
238
17/07/16 Countrywide Grounds Rec ground grass cut 20/6/16 60.00
12.00
72.00 4040
18/07/16 Countrywide Grounds Rec ground grass cut 10/6/16 60.00
12.00
72.00 4040
19/07/16 Countrywide Grounds Cemetery cut 08/06/16 90.00
18.00
108.00 4040
20/07/16 Countrywide Grounds Cemetery cut 21/6/16 90.00
18.00
108.00 4040
21/07/16 Countrywide Grounds
2 x cemetery & 2 x rec ground grass cuts
285.00
57.00
342.00 4040
702.00 7215
22/07/16 Adam Bradford
Website updates June 2016 and 1yr hosting
102.78 -
102.78 4078
7216
23/07/16 Dr Kirkham & Partners
Medical Report
133.00
26.60
159.60 4037 7217
24/07/16 AR Worboys Single width grass cut Arlesey Straight
113.57
22.71
136.28 4040
7218
25/07/16 Moneysoft Payroll Manager 20 60.00
12.00
72.00 4063 PAID 7200
26/07/16 MAW Events Rhyme Time April -July 2016
780.00 -
780.00 4080 7219
27/07/16 Purepat Portable Appliance Testing
243.70
48.74
292.44 4018 7220
28/07/16 CBC Hire of Youth Centre NP consultion event
37.50 -
37.50
4076 7221
29/07/16 Trade UK Groundsman tools/equipment 65.81
13.14
78.95 4045
30/07/16 Trade UK Dust Masks 3.32
0.66
3.98 4045 82.93 7222
31/07/16 Zurich Insurance policy
3,372.17
320.36
3,692.53 4025 7223
Salaries Payments Due
32/07/16 E. Hare TOIL PAYMENT TOIL TOIL 7199
33/07/16 S. Foulkes July Salary Salary Salary 4001 7224
34/07/16 J Bailey July Salary Salary Salary 4001 7225
35/07/16 K Rogers July Salary
Salary Salary 4001 7226
36/07/16 A Dean July Salary Salary Salary 4001 7227
37/07/16 M Bird July Salary Salary Salary 4001 7228
38/07/16 P Hector July Salary Salary Salary 4001 7229
39/07/16 E Jackson July Salary Salary Salary 4001 7230
40/07/16 G Studley July Salary Salary Salary 4001 7231
41/07/16 J Spedding July Salary Salary Salary 4001 7232
42/07/16 D Pascoe July Salary Salary Salary 4001 7233
TOTAL SALARIES NET JULY SALARIES 7,202.78 0.00 7,202.78 520
Payroll Liability Payments Due
43/07/16
HM Rev & Customs
Mth 4 PAYE 563.66
563.66
HM Rev & Customs
Mth 4 Nat. Employee NI Contributions 489.99
489.99 525
HM Rev & Customs
Mth 4 Nat. Employer NI Contributions
574.38
574.38 525
1,628.03 7234
44/07/16
Beds Pension Fund
Mth 4 Employee Pension Contribution
446.63 446.63 526
Beds Pension Fund
Mth 4 Employer Pension Contribution
1532.26 1,532.26 526 1,978.89 7235
TOTAL JULY 2016 PAYMENTS 26,611.31 2,518.96 29,130.27
RESOLVED that these accounts be paid.
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16/575 FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE REPORTS 575.1. Bedfordshire Pension Fund 2016 Valuation Funding Strategy Statement - Responses
required by 31 July 2016. Members agreed that no comment was deemed necessary. 575.2. Adoption of St. John’s Road Play Area and Open Space - The Town Clerk confirmed
that all remedial works to the play area had been completed. The Council’s solicitor had advised that transfer documents had been signed previously. The Clerk had raised a query as to whether the signatures were still valid and was awaiting a response. Concerns were again raised in relation of liability for open spaces.
RESOLVED that Council approved the completion of the land transfer from Taylor Wimpey subject to confirmation that the open space concerns had been resolved. Cllrs Want and Gravett to sign the transfer document on behalf of the Council. 575.3. Purchase of Mower, Strimmer and Long Handled Hedgetrimmer – Members were
provided with equipment costs quoted by Ernest Doe and Stuart Brown and confirmation of budgets available. Discussion took place on future servicing and access arrangements.
RESOLVED that the Council approve expenditure up to £1,704.29 payable to Stuart Brown for the
purchase of the following equipment:
Equipment Description Cost £ Stihl FS460 Strimmer/Brushcutter 560.00 Brushcutter Knife & fitting kit 35.00 Stihl Hardhat/ear defender/visor 50.00 Viking Mower MB4RTP 495.00 Stihl longhandled Hedgetrimmer 465.00 Husqvarna Ride on blades x3 50.58 Garden Riddle 9mm 7.46
575.4. August Payment of Accounts – Members were provided with a list of payments which will fall due in August 2016 including salaries, utility supplies and orders placed as follows:
Payee Description Approx £ NET
Salaries Mth 5 NET salaries 7,000.00
HMRC TAX/NIC Mth 5 1,700.00
Bedfordshire Pensions Mth 5 Pensions 2,000.00
Trade UK Screwfix/B&Q orders 380.00
EPIC Printing Neighbourhood Plan 500.00
HAGS SMP 2 x Paint (Youth Shelter) 140.00
AR Worboys Grass cutting 113.57
MJ Granger Grass cutting 1,380.00
Secure-a-field MUGA & Squeeze Gap fencing 3,691.67
Bedford College Strimmer Course & Hire 274.00
Direct Debits: BIFFA Cemetery Bin 105.61
Cloudscape Broadband 27.00
Anglian Water Hillary Rise TBC
Right Fuel Diesel/Petrol TBC
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EON MUGA & Cemetery Electricity TBC
SSE Streetlighting Supply TBC
BT Town Council/Resource Centre TBC
RESOLVED that these accounts be paid in August 2016.
575.5. Bank Mandate – Council to approve the addition of Cllr Jeremy Wallace as an authorised
signatory and the removal of all ex-members/staff who no longer hold office. RESOLVED that Cllr Wallace be added to the bank mandate as an authorised signatory and all ex- members and ex-staff be removed from the mandate. 575.6. Promotion of Council Small Grants - Members were asked to consider the promotion of
small grants available to local groups and the setting of an application submission deadline. RESOLVED that the Council advertise the availability of small grants with a deadline for the
receipt of applications set as 14th October 2016. Finance and General Purposes Committee to consider received applications at its next meeting thereafter, and make recommendations to Council for the award of grants. A proportion of the current year’s budget may be held back to allow for late or urgent funding applications received prior to financial year end.
16/576 PUBLIC LANDS & HIGHWAYS COMMITTEE REPORTS 576.1 To consider the recommendations (Resolutions) contained within the minutes of Public Lands and Highways Committee held on 5 July 2016. Members noted that amendments to minute 16/90: Review of Fees & Charges for 2016/17 would be tabled. 576.2. Members were asked to consider amendments to the recommendations as follows:
Village Hall Fees:
a) to postpone increases to all current block bookings to enable a full review of impact to take place to be considered by Public Lands and Highways Committee at its next meeting,
RESOLVED that the Clerk provide recommendations to the Public Lands and Highways Committee on a revised proposal for increasing the fees of current hirers.
b) to consider staff hire rate concessions and deposits payable – previously allowed at 50% discount with no deposit payable.
RESOLVED that staff received a 50% concession on the hall hire fees, with normal deposits being paid. MUGA Hire Fess:
a) to rescind the increase in hire time from 1 hour to 90 minutes and in its place allow 15 minutes free set-up time to tennis and netball users at start and end of each hire session and
b) to rescind the specific hire times recommendation
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c) to amend the new hirer rates from 1st September 2016 to:
Arlesey residents & Local Sports Teams: Half Court £7.00 Full Court £14.00 Non-residents: Half Court £8.00 Full Court £16.00
RESOLVED that the above amendments be approved.
d) Members considered the necessity for locking of the 3 MUGA court access gates to prevent unauthorised use. The Council agreed that hirers should be asked to report any issues to the Town Council Office to enable a review of the situation if necessary.
Allotment Rents: Members noted that 1 year’s notice was required for rent increases affecting allotment tenancies. Notice would be given to plot holders prior of tenancies to the renewal on 1st October 2016.
Litter Picks: Members noted that litter pick charges were invoiced per quarter. 576.3. To approve the recommendations, as amended, of the Public Land & Highways Committee
meeting held 5 July 2016. RESOLVED that the recommendations of Public Lands and Highways Committee meeting held 5th July 2016, as amended above, be approved by the Council. 576.4. MUGA Court Lining – Members were asked to consider further information as requested by
the Public Lands and Highways Committee and quotations provided. The Clerk confirmed that funds were available within the Council’s MUGA Earmarked Reserve, however £3,400 of the £10,000 available had been committed to fencing repairs. Building repairs would also be required in the coming months.
RESOLVED that the Council approve the quotation provided by Sports Courts UK Ltd to undertake a complete wash of the court, apply 2 coats of textured acrylic anti-slip coating and repaint all court markings at a cost of £3,695 plus VAT. Public Lands and Highways Committee to further consider an annual court cleaning contract. 576.5. The Barkley’ Dog Training Request – Members were asked to consider correspondence
from hirer. RESOLVED that the hirer be advised as follows:
use of the village hall toilets will be available when the hall is open to other users
on payment of a £30 deposit, keys to the MUGA building will be provided to enable use of the MUGA toilets
the Council is unable to provide storage space as requested
the Council will not provide a concession on the first month of hire. 576.6. GMA School Fencing and Access to Recreation Ground - Cllr Ward asked the Council
to consider holding discussions with GMA Principal to provide pedestrian footway access to the field. Members noted the current access difficulties encountered by football teams training on the school’s field yet storing equipment on the Council’s field.
RESOLVED
that a Working Party be formed consisting of Cllrs Ward, Livermore, Sarll and Want and to include the Assistant Clerk to draft proposals to discuss with the GMA
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Principal. A site meeting to be arranged during the working day in the coming weeks.
16/577 PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORTS Summer Fete – Members were asked to delegate a member to co-ordinate the Town
Council’s fete attendees and promotional materials. Discussion took place during which a number of members including Cllrs Ward, Ferris, Want and Wallace offered to attend but could not commit to co-ordinating the Council’s stall.
RESOLVED that the Council request that its stall be adjacent to the Neighbourhood Plan stall to enable members to assist on both, and the Town Clerk and Assistant Clerk work on the promotional materials. 16/578 PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORTS 578.1. Local Council Clerk Core Skills Course – Members were asked to consider the approval
of training costs for the Assistant Clerk to attend 6 sessions commencing 11th October 2016 leading to the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) as detailed pg.1 in Beds Bugle.
RESOLVED that the Council approve the Local Council Clerk Core Skills training costs of £275
payable to Bedfordshire Association of Town and Parish Councils and register Janet Bailey’s attendance.
578.2. Being a good employer – A guide for parish and town councillors (2016) - Members
acknowledged receipt of this document and were asked to consider the adoption of the guide as good practice.
RESOLVED that the Council adopt the guide as good practice and defer further consideration of implications to the Council’s Personnel Committee. 16/579 ARLESEY RESOURCE CENTRE 579.1. Resource Centre Manager’s Report June 2016 – Members acknowledged receipt of the
report. Cllr Sarll asked for clarification as to whether the footfall figures included the attendees to the regular activities. The Town Clerk will confirm at the next meeting.
579.2. Macmillan Coffee Morning – Members were asked to approve the Resource Centre
Manager’s participation in a fundraising ‘head shave’ at the Resource Centre during normal opening hours.
RESOLVED that the Council approve this fundraising activity. 579.3. Neighbourhood Watch Request for use of Resource Centre - Members were asked to
consider the granting of full rate concession to enable the Neighbourhood Watch representatives to hold a meeting following the retirement of Area Co-ordinator John Button and the new appointment of Helen Frost.
RESOLVED
that the Council approve the granting of full rate concession to enable the Neighbourhood Watch representatives to meet in the Resource Centre as required subject to availability.
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16/580 REPRESENTATIVES’ REPORTS Bedfordshire Police Liaison - Cllr Wallace provided a brief report on the following:
(a) Crime Figures May 2016 – Members noted a slight upward trend in anti-social behaviour incidents. 18 overall crimes were reported in May compared to 16 in April
(b) Message from PCC Kathryn Holloway – June edition of monthly newsletter was acknowledged.
(c) PCC Parish Council Forum – Saturday 10th Sept. 2016, at CBC Chicksands. Cllr
Wallace confirmed that he would attend this event.
16/581 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON ITEMS ARISING FROM THIS EVENING’S MEETING Mr J. Virgo requested that the Council give consideration to the provision of a mirror at
junction of London Row and Hitchin Road. Mr Virgo was advised that this was a highways matter which would be deferred to Central Bedfordshire Council.
Mr Virgo also requested that the Council give consideration to the refurbishment of the bus
shelter outside of the Biggs Wall building. The Council’s Public Lands and Highways Committee will consider this request at is next meeting.
16/582 EXEMPT AGENDA ITEMS: 20 - 25
To resolve to exclude members of the public and press from the meeting under section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 by reason of the confidential nature of the business on the grounds that that this business relates:
1) to legal proceedings (Item 5: Annex B – Descriptions of Exempt Business/DCLG Open &
Accountable Local Government).
2) to labour relations issues (Item 4: Annex B – Descriptions of Exempt Business/DCLG Open & Accountable Local Government).
3) to an individual (Item 1: Annex B – Descriptions of Exempt Business/DCLG Open &
Accountable Local Government).
RESOLVED
that members of public and press be excluded from the meeting under section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
16/583 OUTSTANDING PERSONNEL ISSUES RELATING TO A FORMER EMPLOYEE Members were provided with an account of recent developments relating to external
proceedings and were asked to further consider the Council’s position. A proposal put was DISMISSED with a majority vote against.
16/584 ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT RECRUITMENT
The Town Clerk advised members of recent developments. Discussion took place.
RESOLVED that 2nd interviews be held as necessary after which the Town Clerk be authorised to appoint the preferred candidate with effect from the earliest start date possible. Model NALC contract to apply on starting salary of SCP 9 working 20 hrs per week with LGPS pension option offered.
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16/585 SALARIES, EMPLOYER NIC & SUPERANNUATION REVIEW
Members were provided with a review of the 2016/17 staff costs budget following the recent approval of NJC salary awards. The Clerk advised members that those members of staff who had not received an increase as a result of the introduction of the Living Wage on 1st April 2016, or whose pay was not based on the NJC Spinal had not received an increase in 2016. Members concluded that those staff members pay should be reviewed as part of the appraisal process and that the Council should work towards establishing NJC Spinal Point pay for all staff.
Members noted the following:
2016/17 Salaries forecast would increase by approximately 4%, (or £4,044) from £100,407 to £104,451.
2016/17 Superannuation forecast would increase by approximately 4.6% (or £828) from £18,031 to £18,859.
2016/17 Employer National Insurance Contributions forecast would increase by approximately 6% (or £346) from £5,801 to £6,147.
Overall additional ‘Staff Costs’ forecasted increase of £5,218 or 4.2%. RESOLVED that the revised forecasted staff costs be approved by Council with all other salary reviews being deferred until appraisals have taken place. 16/586 PERSONNEL MATTERS RELATING TO AN EXISTING EMPLOYEE 586.1. Members were asked to consider the approval of external costs totalling £133 plus VAT, as
advised to members at the meeting. RESOLVED that the payment of these external costs be approved. 586.2. Members were advised that a member of staff had requested a return to normal working
hours following their previous request for a temporary reduction in hours. Discussion took place.
RESOLVED that the staff member returns to working 25 hours per week.
16/587 INVESTMENT REVIEW
Members were provided with a cash flow forecast as previously requested by Council. The Council noted the continuance of Contingent Liabilities as noted in the Council’s Financial Statements 31st March 2016,
RESOLVED
that the investment of Council funds into a 12 month bond be deferred until all Contingent Liabilities are fully known.
16/588 VILLAGE HALL HIRE - ACCOUNT REVIEW & CANCELLATION POLICY 588.1. Members were provided details of an overdue account and asked to consider the
introduction of control measures. RESOLVED that the hirer account be cleared in full by 31st August 2016 and a deposit of £50 to
be paid prior to September hire to enable further use of the facilities.
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588.2. Members were asked to consider the introduction of a hirers cancellation policy, as a result
of hall bookings being cancelled at short notice. RESOLVED that hirers provide 7 days notice of cancellation to avoid charges being incurred. Notice of less than 7 days to incur a charge of 50% of the normal session fee. Meeting closed at 10.50pm
Signed by Chairman:
Date
