Also in attendance:  Cllr M Fincken

                                Cllr Mrs B Gage

                                 Mr P Tetley, Town Clerk, HTC

                                 Mrs B Brownlow, Minute Clerk                      

3.            APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

         There were no apologises for absence.

4.            DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 

Councillor D Hume declared a personal interest in item 5 Planning Applications as a Braintree District Councillor.

Councillor Mrs B Gage declared a personal interest in item 5 Planning Applications as a Braintree District Councillor.

Councillor Mrs J Pell declared a personal interest in item 5 Planning Applications as a Braintree District Councillor.

Councillor M Gage declared a personal interest in item 5 Planning Applications as a Braintree District Councillor.

Councillor H Messenger declared a personal interest in item 5 Planning Applications as a Braintree District Councillor.

5.            PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

       There were no members of the public present.

6.            MINUTES

         The Minutes of the meetings held on the 16^th January 2007 and the 10^th May were approved.

7.            PLANNING APPLICATIONS      

       07/00994/ADV - Boots Chemist, 69-71 High Street, Halstead - replacement fascia and projecting sign.  A unanimous decision was taken to object to permission on the grounds that the sign would not be in keeping with the surrounding properties and the Planning Committee should stay in line with past decisions.

         07/00756/COU - 63 - 65 High Street - change of use of upper floor from B1 office accommodation to C3 residential, together with change of use of former bakery to rear of premises to residential unit.  Members had no comments to make.

8.            TO CONSIDER ANY REFERRALS FROM THE AMENITIES COMMITTEE

         There were no referrals.

9.            FINANCIAL MONITORING

Members noted that increases to the budget had been agreed during the year and outturn was within the revised budget.  A full report would be presented to the Council meeting.                                                                                                                  

10.            MONTHLY PERFORMANCE

       It was noted that, whilst the income from the Car Parks has increased and there has been a dramatic increase in the bookings for Queen's Hall.  The Mill House has proved more difficult to rent out.  Councillor M Gage suggested that the Amenities Committee and Budget Group should be asked to discuss this, with a view to moving things forward. 

11.    CAR PARK MONTHLY ANALYSIS

       The analysis sheet reflects the tickets sold and shows a slight increase in April this year - between 7 - 8,000 per month.  Councillor M Gage said that these figures disprove the recent comments in the press that everybody is going out of the town rather than pay the increased car parking fees. 

         It was noted that the Chapel Street ticket machine has been stolen.

12.   NOTES OF BUDGET WORKING GROUP

The Budget Working Group met on the 23^rd May 2007.                                

Car Parks: 

One quote has been received from Tony Andrews - Hedingham Road: to re-build the wall and supply bollards at a cost of £2890. 

RESOLVED

To accept the quotation from Tony Andrews.        

Churchyards:     

Quotes for resurfacing footpaths at St Andrews and Holy Trinity Churchyards have been received.  The Budget Working Group advised acceptance of the quotation from  Colne Contracts in the sum of £10,022 subject to confirmation that the work will not be affected by proposed lighting works in the churchyards.  The Clerk advised that the new Town Clerk and Chairman of Finance and General Purposes should meet the contractor on site to satisfy themselves as to the quality of the proposed works, prior to final acceptance of the quotation.

RESOLVED

1.      That authority is delegated to the new Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman of Finance and General Purposes, accept a quotation from Colne Contracts in the sum of £10,022.

2.      That authority is subject to reassurance as to quality of the work and that the resurfacing will not be affected by future lighting works.

3.      That the church diocese is notified of the work.

Mill House:

Awaiting quotes for re-painting.

1^st World War Memorial:

Awaiting quotes and Town Clerk confirmed that Diocesan Authority will need to be obtained before the work is carried out.

13.       EXTERNAL AUDITORS REPORT

Members noted the external auditor's comments and the actions being taken to address the various points raised.

         RESOLVED

1.       To note the comments made by the external auditor.

2.       To raise fidelity cover to £170,000.

14.   2006/7 OUTTURN AND END OF YEAR PROCEDURE

       All External Auditors requirements are being complied with and being presented to Full Council for approval on 7^th June 2007.

15.       PURCHASE OF FIRE PROOF CABINET

       Quotes have been obtained and the Town Clerk recommended that a Fireking 4-drawer filing cabinet be purchased at a cost of £1,595; funded from reserves.  Although the high purchase price was initially questioned, it was finally agreed that, in the event of a fire and in view of the age and nature of the building which houses the 30 year old records, this particular equipment was the best option. 

         RESOLVED

1.         That a Fireking 4-drawer filing cabinet be purchased at a cost of £1,595.

2.         That the purchase is funded from reserves.

16.       EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS
The following resolution was proposed and seconded:

RESOLVED:  That pursuant to the provisions of section 1(2) of the Admission to Meetings Act 1960, in view of the next items to be conducted, the press and public to be excluded from the meeting.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.02pm.