Apologies were received from Councillors J. Gubb, Inch, Lovering and Pennington and the Treasurer.

(attached).

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 5^th November 2021 (previously circulated) be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

There were no matters arising.

There were no declarations of interest declared.

RECOMMENDED;

(a)      That under section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended from time to time) namely information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding the information), and;

(b)      That all documents and reports relating to the item be confirmed as ‘Not for Publication’.

RESOLVED:

(i)       That under section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item as it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended from time to time) namely information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding the information).

(ii)       That all documents and reports relating to the item be confirmed as ‘Not for Publication’

Report by Crematorium Manager (attached).

The Joint Committee considered a report by the Crematorium Manager (previously circulated) regarding an update on a future development

opportunity previously reported.

RESOLVED that the business opportunity be not pursued.

RESOLVED that the Public and Press be re-admitted to the meeting.

Report by the Crematorium Manager (attached)

The Joint Committee considered a report by the Crematorium Manager (previously circulated).

i)        Covid Crisis Update

It was noted:

That mourner numbers had been kept at 162 during the latest surge in cases and mask wearing strongly encouraged through on-screen messaging.

ii)        Achievements

It was noted:

That the Music/Webcast system contract had been re-tendered as it had

reached the 4-year term. One tender had been received from the existing

contractor with no increase in price and had it been accepted.

iii)       Metals Recycling Charity Award

It was noted:

That the Over and Above (Cancer & Wellbeing Centre) had been awarded £15,000, paid on 8^th December 2021. A cheque presentation by Councillor Walker with associated press release was made on 13^th December 2021. As yet the next round of nominations had not opened.

RESOLVED:

(A)      That the current list of supported Charities be reduced to the following:

Families in Grief

North Devon Hospice

Cruse

Children’s Hospice SW

(B)      That the following currently supported Charities be placed on a substitute list:

North Devon Children’s Holiday Foundation

Over and Above (North Devon Hospital – Maternity Unit Bereavement Suite)

Clarity

Calvert Trust

Over and Above (Cancer & Wellbeing Centre)

(C)      That the following new applications received for consideration be not added to the supported list of Charities. A strong connection to bereavement and North Devon needed to be demonstrated.

Alzheimer’s Society – Devon & Cornwall Branch

Target Ovarian Cancer

Over and Above (Midwifery students, Midwives, Doctors and Maternity Care Assistants) specialist training.

North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA)

Young Lives Vs Cancer

SUDEP – Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy

(D)      That the list be re-considered in 2 years’ time (February 2024).

iv)       Crematorium Figures

The Cremation figures were noted.

v)       Garden Improvements

It was noted that the Rowan Exit Sails had been ordered and the steel supports installed.

vi)       Larkbear Development – Traffic Management

It was noted that following representations by the Crematorium Manager it had been agreed that the new camera-enforced bus gate in Old Torrington Road would be made ‘one-way’, permitting crematorium (all) traffic to approach using the existing route as well as Gratton Way whilst having to depart via Gratton Way only.

This was, however, subject to either traffic calming or a 20mph speed limit along Old Torrington Road being implemented. The funding status for the speed limit change or traffic calming remained unclear as was the consequence if funding was not made available by Devon County Council.

vii)      Phase B works (garage store/memorial room)

It was noted that on 15^th February 2019 the Joint Committee agreed to proceed

with Phase B works (demolish garages and rebuild storage in bungalow

garden).

However, staff changes combined with difficulties during Covid had delayed the works. The new Surveyor had reviewed the project. In light of the underground services within the works area he had proposed that the site for the new storage be within the existing bulk-materials area (upper carpark) and that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

Report by Treasurer (attached).

The Joint Committee considered and noted a report by the Treasurer (previously circulated) regarding the performance for Quarter 3 April to December 2021/2022.

Report by Treasurer (attached).

The Joint Committee considered and noted a report by the Treasurer (previously circulated) regarding the budget, fees and charges for 2022/2023.

RESOLVED:

(i)        That the basic Cremation charge for 2022/23 of £750 be approved as detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report

(ii)        That the 2022/23 budget as set out in paragraph 3 of the report be approved.

(iii)     That the fees and charges for 2022/23 as detailed in paragraph 6.2 and appendix 2 be approved.

(iv)     That the distribution of surpluses for 2021/22 of £416,230 to the constituent authorities: £249,740 to North Devon Council and £166,490 to Torridge District Council be approve.

(v)      That the transfer of £100,000 to the Equipment Replacement Reserve be approved.

It was noted that the next meeting would be on Friday 10^th June 2022 at 2.30 p.m.