TOWN HALL COMMITTEE MEETING

MONDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2008

Present :   Cllr J. Hart (Chairman), Cllr P. Allen, Cllr V. Baker, Cllr C. Dryden

                Cllr J. Godwin, Cllr J. Lynch, Cllr C. Stanger

1.    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

None.

2.    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None.

3.    OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

No members of the public were present.

4.    REQUEST FOR REDUCED RATES

No requests for reduced rates were received.

5.    FINANCE

a)    Cheques Issued

Copies of the Cheques Issued List (cheque numbers 004210 to 004223) were distributed. Most items were ongoing, the following cheque number being of note:-

004211 / £850.00 to C & S Surveyors – payment relating to the rent review of Office 2/3.

Proposal

Cllr Godwin proposed that the Cheques Issued List be signed by the Chairman and R.F.O; seconded by Cllr Allen. All in favour.

b)    Initial Washroom Solutions

Correspondence from Initial Washroom Solutions confirms that, due to inflationary pressures, their prices will increase by 3.9% effective from 1st January 2008 . The Clerk confirmed she had budgeted for an increase of 5% for these services.

6.    TOWN HALL REFURBISHMENT WORKS

a)    Update on Refurbishment Works

The Clerk referred to an email from the surveyor, Paul Brown, which confirms that the works have now allowed access to the upper part of the building, uncovering parts previously not visible. Some items of works should be considered due to the access which is now available, details as follows:-

i.    The roof spaces are poorly insulated. This could be improved for approximately £300.00.

ii.   The very top of the chimney on the rear corner has a loose brick and area of

      flaunching. Repair of this would cost less than £100.00 but at present there is a

      risk of falling masonry if left.

iii.   Similarly, there is a small piece of stonework on the tower under the close that is

      loose and requires a resin repair. This would cost less than £100.00

iv.   A number of the chimneys have open flues. It is recommended that they be capped and vented at a cost of approximately 

      £75.00 per flue whilst access is   available.

Cllr Allen asked the Clerk to investigate whether any grants are available for the insulation works.

Proposal

Cllr Lynch proposed that permission is given for the works to be carried out as detailed;

seconded by Cllr Godwin. All in favour.

b)    Interim Payments

The Clerk has arranged with Mike Pearson of SNC to release interim payments of the grant to the TC, proportionate to each invoice received from the contractor.