Minutes Town Council Policy and Resources Committee - Tuesday 30th August 2011
Minutes Town Council Policy and Resources Committee - Tuesday 30th August 2011
Wednesday, 05 October 2011 09:54
Minutes of the Okehampton Town Council Policy and Resources Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 30 August 2011 in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Okehampton at 7.10 pm
Council Members Present: Councillor M Davies (Chair)
Councillor Mrs K Bickley (Vice Chair)
Councillor K Ball
Councillor T Cummings
Councillor Mrs C Marsh
Councillor Mrs M McDonald (Town Mayor)
Councillor P Vachon (Chair, Planning)
Councillor A Leech (Chair, Property)
Other Members Present: Councillor Dr M Ireland
Councillor M Morse
Councillor J Stockwell
In Attendance: D Bent (Town Clerk)
181. Apologies for Absence - An apology for absence was presented on behalf of Councillor D Weekes.
182. Deferment of Business (for comment by the public) - There were no members of the public present.
183. Members’ Questions - There were no questions from Members regarding the workings of the Committee.
184. Minutes - The minutes of the Policy and Resources Committee meeting held on 25 July 2011 were approved and signed by the Chairman on the proposition of Councillor A Leech, seconded by Councillor K Ball.
185. Matters Arising -
185.1 Electricity Costs - The Clerk advised on his research to date, that the Council used three energy suppliers: E.ON, EDF and npower for gas and electricity with differing rates per unit. He explained these were differing contracts and termination dates, but interestingly over the two-year research period the rate per unit had reduced from EDF suppliers. He concluded he would submit a report to a subsequent meeting of this Committee. Councillor Cummings regrettably reported monitoring equipment was no longer available.
Councillor Mrs Bickley reported on her involvement with EDS on energy-saving monitoring equipment which she offered to feed back into the Town Council based on evidence gathered from her home use. Councillor Leech reported the Property Committee was researching the installation of a photovoltaic system for the civic buildings which was subject to supply, quotations and grants which would be subject to private funding rather than government grant aid. A Member questioned the use of private funding whilst Council held reserves, the Chair concluded this was the province of the Property Committee with some spin-off financially and he invited the Chair of that Committee to submit a report; resolved accordingly.
185.2 Okehampton Battle of the Bands - Members were advised accounts had been requested from the Battle of the Bands plus a meeting date to discuss the request for an annual contribution of £1,000 towards the event. A reply from C Hodgson acknowledged availability of the accounts plus projected expenditure for 2012 together with dates. Members acknowledged Councillor Mrs D Smith represented the Council at these meetings and further requested feedback on problems encountered during this year’s event. On the proposition of the Chair, seconded by Councillor Mrs McDonald, it was resolved the Chair plus a number of Councillors meet C Hodgson and report to a subsequent meeting.
185.3 Homestart - A question was tabled relating to this application; the Clerk reported a negative response to which the Chair advised this organisation was pulling out of Okehampton based on several factors. It was agreed a letter be written asking them to withdraw their application.
186. Finances - The Clerk submitted the Council’s financial position as at 31 July 2011, identifying receipts and payments with detailed analysis of income and expenditure plus balance sheet and list of outstanding debtors. He explained the outstanding debtors’ problems and Members agreed the Canine Club and Tae Kwon Do arrears be pursued. On the proposition of Councillor Mrs Marsh, seconded by Councillor Mrs McDonald, it was resolved the accounts be noted.
187. Grant Aid - Declarations of interest - the following Members declared an interest in the items identified:
Councillor M Ireland - Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team;
Councillor P Vachon - Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team.
An application for financial assistance was received from the following organisation:
(i) Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - this application sought funding towards the cost of 12 radio cases at a total sum of £432. Members acknowledged the role of this organisation for the community and visitors to Dartmoor and on the proposition of Councillor Mrs McDonald, seconded by Councillor Mrs Marsh, it was resolved a grant of £432 be awarded.
188. Review of Polling District and Polling Places (Parliamentary Elections) Regulations 2006 - Members were invited to comment on the review of polling districts and polling places throughout West Devon. The document was examined and noted and West Devon considered too small to make any difference. However, Members questioned why schools were closed when an election was taking place therein and using only one room; question to be asked.
189. Members’ Reports -
Link Committee - the Chair said a report from the meeting at Bratton Clovelly would be presented to Council for further discussion.
Heartlands Forum - Councillor Leech reported discussion on the following topics: Okehampton Works, appointment of new ministers and curate at town’s churches, Senior Council discussion on care home and reviews of the town, Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, railway service, steam loco now amended to 6 September, construction of Parkway station halt with parking due to be built and opened by May 2012, Meldon Quarry mothballed, creation of 155 small new businesses in Okehampton and surrounds - in answers to questions on contact for this development W Mumford of Devon County Council was identified.
Citizens Advice Bureau - Councillor Stockwell advised he would attend the next meeting.
Meeting closed 7.50 pm.
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Councillor M Davies
Chairman