MINUTES OF THE EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON TUESDAY 30TH JANUARY, 2018, AT 7.30PM:

PRESENT:The Chairman – Cllr Fields

The Vice Chairman – Cllr Cox

Cllrs Withington, Hill, Worboys, Poberefsky, Gooch and McGinn

The Clerk

1.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER APOLOGIES: Cllr Smith gave apologies which were accepted.

2.DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND DISPENSATIONS RELATING TO ITEMS ON THE AGENDA: All Members are known to the Town Crier and Staff.

3.ITEMS REQUIRING A RESOLUTION UNDER THE PUBLIC BODIES (ADMISSION TO MEETINGS ACT 1960) TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND PUBLIC UNDER SECTION 3D OF STANDING ORDERS: There were no items required to be taken under SO3d.

4.TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 26THSEPTEMBER,2017: The Vice Chairman accepted the Minutes of the Employment Committee meeting held on 26th September 2017; Cllr McGinn seconded. IT WAS AGREED.

5.MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES: There were no matters arising.

6.RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS OF TOWN CRIER:

The Chairman circulated two editions of Town Crier Agreements from other local authorities for reference. Members expressed the role of Town Crier is an ancient civic role and the Town Council has a duty of care. After a full discussion Cllr Poberefsky PROPOSED Cllrs Hill and Gooch formulate a draft Code of Conduct tailored to the needs of STC’s Town Crier; Cllr Cox seconded. IT WAS AGREED.

7.NEST PENSIONS:Discussion took place with regards to reducing the cost of employers pension contributions. A full discussion ensued when Cllr Gooch PROPOSED all new employees will be offered the N.E.S.T Pension Scheme and to advise current staff they can swap pension providers if they so wish but to seek independent professional advice before doing so; Cllr Cox seconded. IT WAS AGREED.

8.STAFF MATTERS:

(I)TEMPORARY PART TIME GARDENER / HANDYMAN:Cllr Cox PROPOSED recommending to Full Council to employ an Assistant Gardener/Handyman for the Maintenance Technician for 20 hours per week for 52 weeks of the year; Cllr McGinn seconded. IT WAS AGREED. Cllr Withington PROPOSED advertising the position at the earliest opportunity; Cllr Cox seconded. IT WAS AGREED. Cllr Cox also PROPOSED employing Luke Townley the emergency cover Gardener/Handyman up to 31st March, 2018, at a cost of £7.00 per hour; Cllr Gooch seconded. IT WAS AGREED. Cllr Poberefsky PROPOSED the Maintenance Technician and the Gardener/Handyman both complete task spread sheets in order for STC to assess the work load entailed for a period of two months; Cllr Withington seconded. IT WAS AGREED.

(II)MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS AWARD FOR 25 YEARS SERVICE: Cllr Withington PROPOSED awarding the sum of £250.00 to the Maintenance Technician at the Annual Town meeting on 16th April, 2018, in recognition of his 25 years service with a framed certificate; Cllr Poberefsky seconded. IT WAS AGREED.

(III)ANY OTHER STAFF MATTERS:There were no other staff matters.

9.DATE OF NEXT MEETING:20th March 2018

The meeting closed at 8.52pm