Tuesday 29 September 2025

PRESENT:

Councillors: T Berry (Chairman), T Schmeising-Barnes, J Thomas. Officers: S Saunders (Town Clerk), G Shaw (treasurer), S Harris (Assistant Clerk)

35. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
    There were no apologies for absence.
    
    
36. MINUTES
    It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on the 1st April 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
    
    
37. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
    There were no declarations of interest.
    
    
38. SUM UP MACHINES
    The Town Clerk discussed the need for a card payment machine and provided an overview of SumUp card reader options. Following a discussion, Members resolved to purchase two card payment machines, but asked the Town Clerk to carry out further research into card readers supplied by other providers, in order to make an informed decision.
    
    
39. RENEWAL OF CURRENT HEALTH, SAFETY AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CONTRACT
    The Town Clerk provided an overview of the current Health & Safety and Employment Law contract. The Town Clerk advised that the contract was due to end shortly and that she had received a quotation from the current provider of £3,950.00 per year, which was for a 5-year agreement.  The Town Clerk had spoken to a second provider, who offered a very similar package and offered to match the quotation received from the current provider. The Town Clerk expressed a desire to stay with the current provider; Officers had received excellent service over the past 5 years. Members resolved to accept the quotation from the current provider to renew the 5-year contract.
    
    
40. MAINTENANCE OF THE CLOCK TOWER, YACHT CLUB
    The Town Clerk provided an overview of the current situation regarding the maintenance and repair of the Town Clock, located at the Yacht Club, Stourport-on-Severn. A discussion took place and Members resolved that ongoing maintenance of the Clock Tower be carried out by the Parks and Cemetery team, which would secure a sustainable plan for maintenance moving forward. It was agreed that the Parks and Cemetery team would work together with the Councillor who had current responsibility for the Clock Tower, during a transitional period, to ensure that the knowledge of the workings of the Town Clock would be retained.
    
    
41. EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
    Decision:  That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of "exempt information" as defined in paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.
    
    
42. COMMUNICATIONS AND DATA SPECIALIST SUPPLIER
    The Town Clerk advised that she had spoken to a communications and data specialist. The specialist supplier could support with communications, community engagement strategies, data compliance and press enquiries. The contract was £1,997.00 per year for the most comprehensive package. A discussion took place and Members felt that this would offer clear benefits to Stourport-on-Severn Town Council. Members resolved to purchase the comprehensive package for a period of 12 months.
    
    
43. UPDATE ON STAFFING
    The Town Clerk updated Members on staffing issues which would be discussed at a future meeting of the HR Committee. Members noted the matters presented to them.
    
    
44. ELECTRICITY CHARGES FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
    The Treasurer presented the facts regarding an ongoing dispute over charges relating to the Christmas lights electricity supply. In response to Members questions, the Treasurer confirmed that he had responded to all supplier emails but felt that he would have failed in his duty to protect public finances had he paid the full sum on the suppliers invoices.   Members noted the matters presented to them.

Chairman

The Meeting closed at 11.18am.