FORDBRIDGE TOWN COUNCIL

MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

HELD ON 6TH APRIL 2009

PRESENT: Councillor F.A. Nash (in the Chair), E. Collins, K. Dooley, C. Glave, J. Kimberley,

C. McLaughlin, F.V. Nash, M. Ross, L. Sorrell, L. Wells, J. Whitehouse

1. APOLOGIES
No apologies for non-attendance were received as all members of the Committee were present
at the meeting.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST BY MEMBERS RELATING TO ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
There were no declarations of interest made by members relating to items on the agenda.
3. MINUTES
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held 23rd February 2009 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record of the proceedings
4. APPLICATION FOR QUALITY STATUS: PROMOTING LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND CITIZENSHIP
The Clerk submitted a report outlining the requirements for the Council to demonstrate that it works proactively to support local democracy and citizenship in its local area. He provided some
examples and encouraging people to attend and observe meetings was also mentioned.
5. CONSIDERATION OF A DRAFT STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR TRAINING
The Clerk submitted a report proposing a statement of intent for training both members and officers. He also outlined the reasoning behind the draft plan and the objective of ensuring that
as many members as possible complete the National Training Programme.
RESOLVED that the Statement of Intent for Training as set out in Appendix A be noted and approved.
6. CONSIDERATION OF PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF SECURING THE
CHAIRMAN’S CHAIN OF OFFICE
The Clerk and various members described the difficulties of securing the existing Chairman’s
Chain of Office and asked the Council to consider an alternative method of securing the Chain.
RESOLVED that the Clerk make further enquiries regarding alternative methods of securing the Chairman’s Chain of Office.
7. CONSIDERATION OF A FURTHER INCREASE TO THE GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR THE 2009/2010 FINANCIAL YEAR
The Clerk reported that the existing Grounds Maintenance contract provided for an annual increase in line with the Retail Price index figure for January. The figure for this year provided an increase of 0.1% amounting to a total increase in the annual value of the contract of £3.11. The Clerk asked members to consider a further increase in addition to the contracted figure.
RESOLVED that the Council make a further ex-gratia payment equivalent to an increase of 2% in the total annual contract value.
8. REQUEST BY FORDBRIDGE YOUTH AND COMMUNITY THEATRE COMPANY TO USE THE FORDBRIDGE CENTRE FREE OF CHARGE TO STAGE ITS VARIETY SHOW FOR THE SOLIHULL FESTIVAL
The Clerk reported that he had been approached by the Theatre Company requesting use of the Fordbridge Centre free of charge on a Friday evening in September to stage its annual variety
show which forms part of the Solihull Festival.
RESOLVED that the request by the Theatre Company be approved and the group be permitted to use the Centre on the requested date.
9. CONSIDERATION OF COUNCIL POLICY IN RESPECT OF CO-OPTION TO FILL CASUAL VACANCIES
The Clerk reported that he had sought advice from W.A.L.C. and Solihull M.B.C. regarding the legal position relating to filling of casual vacancies. The legal position remains sketchy but the N.A.L.C. has produced a guidance document to assist with developing a procedure for filling casual vacancies.
RESOLVED that the Council maintain its existing policy in respect of filling vacancies subject to the following:-
a) the Council advertise vacant seats more widely and,
b) encourage more people to show an interest by attending and observing meetings with a view to eventual co-option.
10. CONSIDERATION OF TRAINING FOR THE CLERK IN RESPECT OF THE POWER TO
PROMOTE WELL BEING
The Clerk reported that the W.A.L.C. had advised him that as a Clerk holding the Certificate in Local Council Administration he would be required to complete an additional module should the Council wish to use the new legislation providing a power to promote well being. The Association had approached all qualified Clerks to ascertain whether they wished to undertake the additional
training.
RESOLVED that the Clerk attend training to obtain the enhancement to the CILCA qualification relating to the power to promote well being.
11. PROVISION OF A REWARD FOR DESIGNER OF THE CHILDREN’S COUNCIL LOGO
The Clerk reported that the Children’s Society support worker for the Children’s Council had
denied that the Society had undertaken to provide the reward/prize. The Head of Bennett’s Well School was still keen that her pupil be acknowledged and the Council was invited to step in to
the breach.
RESOLVED that rewards for the logo designer and runners up be provided from
the funds donated to the Children’s Council by Solihull M.B.C.

The meeting closed at 9.10 p.m.



APPENDIX A

The Council’s draft statement of intent to meets its training needs is set out below:-

All new Councillors to attend Induction Training – Being A Good Councillor and Clerk
All members to have attended module 1 and 2 – Introductory section National Training Programme.
2 members each year to attend module 3 and 4 - Intermediate section National Training Programme.
1 member each year to attend module 5 and 6 – Visionary leadership.
Clerk to obtain 12 CPD points.