UPTON BY CHESTER & DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL

Meeting of the Finance Committee of the Upton by Chester & District Parish Council held on Monday 7th November 2005 at the Pavilion, Wealstone Lane.

 

Present:         

Cllr Gerald Gant, (Chairman), Cllr David Capstick, Cllr. Daphne Coles,

Cllr. Geoff Edwards and Cllr Jean Evans

 

1.                  APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Cllr Bryan Smith, Cllr David Evans, Cllr Robert Thompson, Cllr Pat Lott, Cllr Peter Griffiths and Cllr David Capstick.

 

2.                  DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

No declarations of interest were received.  

 

3.                  FINANCIAL POSITION SO FAR:

Members considered the financial position so far based on the spreadsheet and the information given by the Clerk. 

 

The Clerk reported that she had received a water bill for £430 for the last quarter and upon checking it appeared that there was a leak somewhere.  She also reported that the insurance may cover the excess water charge but that repair works would only be covered if it was deemed to be accidental damage so monies may need to be found.  Cllr Geoff Edwards asked Members if the Parish Council should consider taking out an insurance on plumbing to cover such events in the future.

 

The Clerk also asked Members to consider the provision of a new telephone for the pavilion as the old one was over ten years old and a new one would provide various benefits including an answerphone to enable the telephone number to be used as a contact number on future signage at the play area.

 

Resolved:       (a)        that the report be noted.

                        (b)        that the Clerk arrange for the purchase of a new telephone from this year’s budget.

                        (c)        that the Clerk make enquiries with regard to insurance cover for plumbing.

 

4.         EARMARKED CAPITAL:

The Clerk reported to the meeting that there was still £25,000 in the budget awaiting  the project to re-new the play equipment at Wealstone Lane. 

 

Resoved:        that the report be noted.

 

5.         SUBSCRIPTIONS:

The Clerk reported on the following subscriptions currently paid by the Parish Council:

                        Association of Town & Parish Councils             £847.70

                        Cheshire Community Council                                        £ 55.00

                        Cheshire Playing Fields Association                               £ 15.00

                        British Trust for Conservation Volunteers                      £ 25.00

                        Best Kept Village Competition                          £ 40.00

                        Cheshire Village Quiz                                                    £ 20.00

 

Resolved:       that these subscriptions continue to be paid.

 

6.         CLERKS MILEAGE RATE:

 

Resolved:       that the Clerk continue to be paid the rate set by NALC.

 

7.         CLERKS OFFICE EXPENSES:      

 

Resolved:       that the Clerk continue to receive £600 per year for the use of her home as an office and use of her office equipment.

 

8.         INSURANCE:          

 

The Clerk reported on two articles that had recently appeared in the Clerks & Council magazine in respect of play new play areas that had been destroyed by vandalism within two weeks of installation.  The Clerk also reported that she had received a tentative quotation of an extra £800 per annum to cover the proposed new play equipment and surfacing on the Insurance.

 

Recommended:          that the new equipment be insured on installation and be reviewed annually.

 

9.         BUDGET FIGURES FOR 2006/07:

Members considered the budget figures for 2006/07.  The following items were discussed:

            Income of Pavilion facilities – that with the exception of the tennis and bowling clubs, all other charges remain the same.  Tennis and Bowling club charges to be raised by 3%.

            Internal Auditor – The fee paid had remained the same for three years and should be increased from £60 to £75.

            New panel for teen shelter – that this not be installed at the present time.

            Outside lighting for Pavilion – that the Clerk investigate methods of providing a light to the Pavilion door that cannot be        vandalised.      

            Double rating rebate from City Council – the Clerk had been informed that the Parish Council was likely to receive at least £4,170 next financial year, but a final decision had not yet been taken.

            Donation to Youth Club – that this be increased to £350 for next year.

 

Recommended:          that the attached draft figures be considered by the Parish Council.

 

14.       DATE FOR NEXT MEETING:

 

Resolved:       that this be set at a later date.