Agenda item

The Committee received and considered the report of the Town Clerk, which provided the background to the budget setting cycle, and she explained that she was looking for guidance from the Committee on the budget parameters – including whether they wanted to cap or increase the Precept. 

The Town Clerk also brought to members attention the fact that the grounds maintenance contract was due for renewal 30 September 2021, and highlighted the fact that given the Council’s Climate emergency declaration, this might be the opportune time to carry out a thorough review of the contract, and the way the Council procures these services. 

The Chair spoke about the ground’s maintenance contract review and the possibility of an open spaces’ strategy.  It was decided that a task and finish group should be set up to look into this and the Town Clerk was asked to look into appropriate consultants to assist.  The Town Clerk explained about the protocols for retendering, and due to the timeframe it might be necessary to extend the current contract but the Committee decided it would be guided by the consultant engaged to undertake the review, in order to set the best time to start a new contract.

RECOMMENDED:             that the report be noted and:-

1.            that no decisions should be made on the level of the precept until the staff review had been completed and considered;

2.            that the fees and charges be increased in line with inflation;

3.            that a task and finish group consisting of Cllrs Gwatkin, Ashbourne and Smith and relevant Officers be set up to look at the Grounds Maintenance Contract and an Open Spaces Strategy ;

4.            that the Town Clerk would obtain fee proposals from potential consultants who could assist with the full review of the Grounds Maintenance Contract and report back to the next meeting.