Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 3 - Civic Centre, St Peter's Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1SH

Contact: Philippa Salmon  Tel: 01902 555061 or Email: philippa.salmon@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies for absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Claire Darke.

2.

Declaration of interests

Minutes:

Councillor Sandra Samuels declared an interest in connection with Item 10 ‘ Libraries Transformation – Decision to Consult on a Ten Year Library Strategy’.

3.

Minutes of the previous meeting pdf icon PDF 87 KB

[For approval]

Minutes:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 January 2017 be approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chair.

4.

Matters arising

[To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting]

Minutes:

There were no matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

5.

Capital Programme 2016/17 to 2020/21 quarter three review and 2017/18 to 2021/22 budget strategy pdf icon PDF 380 KB

[To approve matters relating to the 2017/18 Capital Budget Strategy and Medium Term Financial Strategy for Full Council to consider and approve matters relating to the 2016/17 capital budget at the end of the third quarter.]

Decision:

That Council be recommended to:

1.    Approve the revised medium term General Fund capital programme of £314.5 million, an increase of £14.5 million from the previously approved programme (paragraph 2.4), reflecting the latest projected expenditure for the medium term.

2.    Approve the additional General Fund resources of £14.5 million identified for;

i. twelve new projects totalling £11.1 million (paragraph 4.1);

ii. eight existing projects totalling £3.4 million (paragraphs 3.14).

 

1. That the General Fund virements totalling £2.4 million detailed at Appendix C be approved for;

i. existing projects totalling £1.5 million (paragraph 3.15);

ii. new projects totalling £948,000 (paragraph 4.2).

2.  That the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) virements totalling £400,000 for existing projects (paragraph 3.15) be approved;

3.  That the updated schedules of works for the capital projects be approved under the following directorate (paragraph 3.16);

i. Corporate: ICTS, WV Active – Leisure Centres and in relation to Education; Schools Capital Maintenance, Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and Primary School Expansion Programme (appendix D1).

ii. People: Sports Investment Strategy, Co-location Programme, Children in Need - Aiming High for Disabled Children, Community Hubs and Early Education – Two Year Education Pilot (appendix D2).

iii. Place: Corporate Asset Management Programme, Urban Parks Refurbishment Programme, Disposals Programme, Accessing Growth Fund, Managing Short Trips, Highway Structures (bridges, subways, retaining walls), Southside Programme, Maintenance of classified roads, Maintenance of unclassified roads, Non - Highway Structures, Energy Efficiency Measures, Street Lighting, Highway Improvement Programme, Safety Programme and Cycling - Cycle Route Improvements (appendix D3).

4.  That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources in consultation with the Director of Finance to approve the allocation of the provision of the ‘Transformation Development Efficiency Strategy’ to individual transformation projects in order to benefit from the capital receipts flexibility announced in the Autumn Statement 2015 and in line with the Medium Term Financial Strategy (paragraph 3.22).

5.    That it be noted that the General Fund expenditure position at quarter three of 2016/17 for existing projects stands at 40.6% of the approved capital budget.

6.    That it be noted that the General Fund forecast outturn for existing projects for 2016/17 stands at 78.3% of the approved capital budget.

7.    That it be noted that the HRA expenditure position at quarter three of 2016/17 for existing projects stands at 57.8% of the approved capital budget.

8.    That it be noted that the HRA forecast outturn position for existing projects for 2016/17 stands at 100.0% of the approved capital budget.

9.    That it be noted that this report incorporates four revenue budget reduction and income generation proposals which require capital resources and are subject to approval by this meeting and Council on 1 March 2017 as part of the Budget 2017/18 setting process, see report “2017/18 Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2017/18 – 2019/20” on the agenda. The inclusion of the four projects in this report is on the assumption that approval will be given and therefore, their progression is dependent on that decision. The names of the  ...  view the full decision text for item 5.

Minutes:

Councillor Andrew Johnson presented the Capital Programme 2016/17 to 2020/21 quarter three review and 2017/18 to 2020/21 budget strategy for approval and recommendation to Full Council. The report highlighted the actual projected outturn at 78% for the general fund and 100% for housing revenue. Funds had been identified for new projects, including £6 million for the City Learning Quarter, £2.5 million for the relocation of the retail market to Southside and £1.1 million for the Art Gallery Improvement Scheme and the development of Bantock House Complex.

 

Resolved:

 

That Council be recommended to:

1.     Approve the revised medium term General Fund capital programme of £314.5 million, an increase of £14.5 million from the previously approved programme (paragraph 2.4), reflecting the latest projected expenditure for the medium term.

2.     Approve the additional General Fund resources of £14.5 million identified for;

i. twelve new projects totalling £11.1 million (paragraph 4.1);

ii. eight existing projects totalling £3.4 million (paragraphs 3.14).

 

1. That the General Fund virements totalling £2.4 million detailed at Appendix C be approved for;

i. existing projects totalling £1.5 million (paragraph 3.15);

ii. new projects totalling £948,000 (paragraph 4.2).

2.   That the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) virements totalling £400,000 for existing projects (paragraph 3.15) be approved;

3.   That the updated schedules of works for the capital projects be approved under the following directorate (paragraph 3.16);

i. Corporate: ICTS, WV Active – Leisure Centres and in relation to Education; Schools Capital Maintenance, Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and Primary School Expansion Programme (appendix D1).

ii. People: Sports Investment Strategy, Co-location Programme, Children in Need - Aiming High for Disabled Children, Community Hubs and Early Education – Two Year Education Pilot (appendix D2).

iii. Place: Corporate Asset Management Programme, Urban Parks Refurbishment Programme, Disposals Programme, Accessing Growth Fund, Managing Short Trips, Highway Structures (bridges, subways, retaining walls), Southside Programme, Maintenance of classified roads, Maintenance of unclassified roads, Non - Highway Structures, Energy Efficiency Measures, Street Lighting, Highway Improvement Programme, Safety Programme and Cycling - Cycle Route Improvements (appendix D3).

 

4.   That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources in consultation with the Director of Finance to approve the allocation of the provision of the ‘Transformation Development Efficiency Strategy’ to individual transformation projects in order to benefit from the capital receipts flexibility announced in the Autumn Statement 2015 and in line with the Medium Term Financial Strategy (paragraph 3.22).

5.     That it be noted that the General Fund expenditure position at quarter three of 2016/17 for existing projects stands at 40.6% of the approved capital budget.

6.     That it be noted that the General Fund forecast outturn for existing projects for 2016/17 stands at 78.3% of the approved capital budget.

7.     That it be noted that the HRA expenditure position at quarter three of 2016/17 for existing projects stands at 57.8% of the approved capital budget.

8.     That it be noted that the HRA forecast outturn position for existing projects for 2016/17 stands at 100.0% of the approved capital budget.

9.     That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Treasury Management Strategy 2017/18 pdf icon PDF 1 MB

[To approve the 2017/18 Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy, Authorised Borrowing Limit, Prudential Indicators and MRP Policy for Full Council to consider and approve.]

Decision:

That Council be recommended to:

1.    Approve the authorised borrowing limit for 2017/18 as required under Section 3(1) of the Local Government Act 2003 be set at £1,024.1 million (PI 5, appendix C).

2.    Approve the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2017/18 as set out in appendix A to this report.

3.    Approve the Annual Investment Strategy 2017/18 as set out in appendix B to this report.

4.    Approve the Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators as set out in appendix C to this report.

5.    Approve the Annual Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement setting out the method used to calculate MRP for 2017/18 onwards as set out in appendix D to this report.

6.    Approve the Treasury Management Policy Statement and Treasury Management Practices as set out in appendix F to this report.

7.    Approve that authority continues to be delegated to the Director of Finance to amend the Treasury Management Policy and Practices and any corresponding changes required to the Treasury Management Strategy, the Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators, the Investment Strategy and the Annual MRP Statement to ensure they remain aligned. Any amendments will be reported to the Cabinet Member for Resources and Cabinet (Resources) Panel as appropriate.

8.    Note that, as a result of the changes to the MRP policy approved and implemented during 2014/15, the MRP charge for financial year 2017/18 will be zero increasing to £8.2 million in 2018/19 (paragraph 2.10).

9.    Note that Cabinet (Resources) Panel and Council will receive regular Treasury Management reports during 2017/18 on performance against the key targets and Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators in the Treasury Management Strategy and Investment Strategy as set out in paragraph 2.8 and appendices B and C to this report.

 

1.    That it be noted, the financial information included in this report is based on the ‘Capital programme 2016/17 to 2020/21 quarter three review and 2017/18 to 2021/22 budget strategy’ report also on the agenda for this meeting. The capital report is subject to a number of reports being separately approved by Cabinet (Resources) Panel on 28 February 2017. Therefore, if these approvals are not obtained, a revised version of this report will be presented to Council on 1 March 2017.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Andrew Johnson presented the Treasury Management Strategy 2017/18, for recommendation to Full Council. The report outlined the borrowing limits and rules by which the Council’s finances were managed.

 

Resolved:

 

That Council be recommended to:

1.    Approve the authorised borrowing limit for 2017/18 as required under Section 3(1) of the Local Government Act 2003 be set at £1,024.1 million (PI 5, appendix C).

2.    Approve the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2017/18 as set out in appendix A to this report.

3.    Approve the Annual Investment Strategy 2017/18 as set out in appendix B to this report.

4.    Approve the Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators as set out in appendix C to this report.

5.    Approve the Annual Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement setting out the method used to calculate MRP for 2017/18 onwards as set out in appendix D to this report.

6.    Approve the Treasury Management Policy Statement and Treasury Management Practices as set out in appendix F to this report.

7.    Approve that authority continues to be delegated to the Director of Finance to amend the Treasury Management Policy and Practices and any corresponding changes required to the Treasury Management Strategy, the Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators, the Investment Strategy and the Annual MRP Statement to ensure they remain aligned. Any amendments will be reported to the Cabinet Member for Resources and Cabinet (Resources) Panel as appropriate.

8.    Note that, as a result of the changes to the MRP policy approved and implemented during 2014/15, the MRP charge for financial year 2017/18 will be zero increasing to £8.2 million in 2018/19 (paragraph 2.10).

9.    Note that Cabinet (Resources) Panel and Council will receive regular Treasury Management reports during 2017/18 on performance against the key targets and Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators in the Treasury Management Strategy and Investment Strategy as set out in paragraph 2.8 and appendices B and C to this report.

 

That it be noted, the financial information included in this report is based on the ‘Capital programme 2016/17 to 2020/21 quarter three review and 2017/18 to 2021/22 budget strategy’ report also on the agenda for this meeting. The capital report is subject to a number of reports being separately approved by Cabinet (Resources) Panel on 28 February 2017. Therefore, if these approvals are not obtained, a revised version of this report will be presented to Council on 1 March 2017.

7.

2017/18 Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2017/18 - 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 193 KB

[To approve matters and recommend the Budget to Full Council.]

Decision:

That Council be recommended to:

 

1.   Approve the net budget requirement for 2017/18 of £216.2 million for General Fund services (paragraph 13.4).

2.   Approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2017/18 to 2019/20 as detailed in Table 6 and the budget preparation parameters underpinning the MTFS as detailed in Appendix A.

3.   Approve the budget allocation for Adult Social Care outlined in the report in accordance with the Minimum Funding Level for Adult Social Care (section 11.0).

4.   Approve a Council Tax for Council services in 2017/18 of £1,481.12 for a Band D property, being an increase of 3.99% on 2016/17 levels, which incorporates the 2% increase in relation to Adult Social Care (paragraph 7.3).

5.   Approve that work starts on developing budget reductions for 2018/19 and progress be reported to Cabinet in July 2017 (paragraph 13.5).

 

1. That the changes to the 2017/18 draft budget for General Fund services, since the draft budget was last reported to Cabinet on 18 October 2016, as detailed in sections 3 to 12 and summarised in Appendix A be approved.

2. That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources in consultation with the Director of Finance to amend the budget, to reflect any changes arising out of the final settlement, for presentation to Council (paragraph 3.3).

3. That the responses made after consideration of the outcome of the budget consultation (section 10.0) be approved.

4. That the budget for 2017/18 is in balance without the use of general reserves (paragraph 13.3) be noted.

5. That it be noted that, in the opinion of the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer), the 2017/18 budget estimates are robust (paragraph 13.4).

6. That it be noted that, the Council’s arrangements with the West Midlands Pension Fund has been subject to a recent triennial review which will cover pension payments covering the period from 2017/18 to 2019/20. Discussions have been held with the Fund and its actuary over the course of the last year and final agreement has been reached on employer pension payments to the Fund for the next three years. The agreed payments have been built into this budget and the authority’s medium term financial plans (paragraph 5.2).

7. That it be noted that, in accordance with delegated authority as approved by Cabinet on 19 October 2016, the Cabinet Member for Resources in consultation with the Director of Finance will continue to consider further opportunities to accelerate contribution payments to the West Midlands Pension Fund to secure additional savings (paragraph 5.4).

8. That it be noted that, in the opinion of the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer), the proposed levels of reserves, provisions and balances is adequate in respect of the forthcoming financial year (paragraph 14.4).

9. That it be noted that a further £20.5 million needs to be identified over the period 2018/19 to 2019/20 in order to address the projected budget deficit (paragraph 13.6).

10. That it be noted that, due to external factors, budget assumptions remain subject to significant change,  ...  view the full decision text for item 7.

Minutes:

Councillor Andrew Johnson presented the 2017/18 Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2017/18 – 2019/20, which would be subject to debate at the next meeting of Full Council. It was noted that, following discussions with the Department for Communities and Local Government, additional funding would not be received from the final local government finance settlement.

 

Resolved:

 

That Council be recommended to:

 

1.    Approve the net budget requirement for 2017/18 of £216.2 million for General Fund services (paragraph 13.4).

2.    Approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2017/18 to 2019/20 as detailed in Table 6 and the budget preparation parameters underpinning the MTFS as detailed in Appendix A.

3.    Approve the budget allocation for Adult Social Care outlined in the report in accordance with the Minimum Funding Level for Adult Social Care (section 11.0).

4.    Approve a Council Tax for Council services in 2017/18 of £1,481.12 for a Band D property, being an increase of 3.99% on 2016/17 levels, which incorporates the 2% increase in relation to Adult Social Care (paragraph 7.3).

5.    Approve that work starts on developing budget reductions for 2018/19 and progress be reported to Cabinet in July 2017 (paragraph 13.5).

 

1. That the changes to the 2017/18 draft budget for General Fund services, since the draft budget was last reported to Cabinet on 18 October 2016, as detailed in sections 3 to 12 and summarised in Appendix A be approved.

2. That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources in consultation with the Director of Finance to amend the budget, to reflect any changes arising out of the final settlement, for presentation to Council (paragraph 3.3).

3. That the responses made after consideration of the outcome of the budget consultation (section 10.0) be approved.

4. That the budget for 2017/18 is in balance without the use of general reserves (paragraph 13.3) be noted.

5. That it be noted that, in the opinion of the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer), the 2017/18 budget estimates are robust (paragraph 13.4).

6. That it be noted that, the Council’s arrangements with the West Midlands Pension Fund has been subject to a recent triennial review which will cover pension payments covering the period from 2017/18 to 2019/20. Discussions have been held with the Fund and its actuary over the course of the last year and final agreement has been reached on employer pension payments to the Fund for the next three years. The agreed payments have been built into this budget and the authority’s medium term financial plans (paragraph 5.2).

7. That it be noted that, in accordance with delegated authority as approved by Cabinet on 19 October 2016, the Cabinet Member for Resources in consultation with the Director of Finance will continue to consider further opportunities to accelerate contribution payments to the West Midlands Pension Fund to secure additional savings (paragraph 5.4).

8. That it be noted that, in the opinion of the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer), the proposed levels of reserves, provisions and balances is adequate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Wolverhampton Homes Annual Delivery Plan 2017-18 pdf icon PDF 381 KB

[To approve Wolverhampton Homes Annual Delivery 2017-18 ahead of adoption by full Council.]

Decision:

1.    That the Wolverhampton Homes Annual Delivery Plan 2017-18 be accepted and recommended to Full Council for approval.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Peter Bilson presented the Wolverhampton Homes Annual Delivery Plan for 2017/18 for endorsement by Cabinet and referral to Full Council for approval. The Delivery Plan Monitoring Group had considered and agreed the Plan and recommendations. The Plan outlined how Wolverhampton Homes intended to improve services and continue to support the Council’s strategic objectives. The report reflected the achievements of the previous year and the proposals to continue to improve the offer.

 

Resolved:

 

That the Wolverhampton Homes Annual Delivery Plan 2017-18 be accepted and recommended to Full Council for approval.

9.

Review of Waste and Recycling Service pdf icon PDF 94 KB

[The report summarises the work that has been undertaken to review the current waste and recycling service, including a public consultation and the development of a draft strategy. The report proposes a revised service to be implemented through the contract variation process during the first half of 2017/18.]

Decision:

1.     That the progression to implementation of the proposed service changes as summarised in section 3.4 of the report be approved.

2.    That it be agreed to receive a further report setting out the proposed Waste and Recycling Strategy and proposed revised Service Specification at an appropriate time.

3.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the issuing of a Notice of Variation under the Waste Disposal Contract requiring the changes to the service detailed in this report.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Steve Evans sought approval in principle for proposed revisions to the existing waste and recycling service, with the intention of submitting a further report at a future date setting out in more detail, the final proposed Waste and Recycling Strategy and revised Service Specifications and Standards.

 

Due to reductions in the level of funding received from Central Government, savings had to be made across the Council and, due to the end of grant funding, changes had to be made to the Waste and Recycling Service. Amongst others, proposals were to introduce fortnightly residual

waste collections to replace the current weekly service, with an ‘opt-in’ for any household requiring a larger residual bin. Support for the transition would be provided in specific communities to ensure a sustainable improvement in both recycling rates and quality.

 

A further proposal would rationalise the City’s Household Waste Recycling Centres, involving the development of a new, central ‘supersite’ and subsequent closure of the two existing sites.

 

76% of local authorities across the country had moved to fortnightly collections for residual waste and studies had been carried out to determine the best way forward for Wolverhampton and its residents.

 

Resolved:

 

1.      That the progression to implementation of the proposed service changes as summarised in section 3.4 of the report be approved.

2.    That it be agreed to receive a further report setting out the proposed Waste and Recycling Strategy and proposed revised Service Specification at an appropriate time.

3.         That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the issuing of a Notice of Variation under the Waste Disposal Contract requiring the changes to the service detailed in this report.

10.

Libraries Transformation - Decision to Consult on a Ten Year Library Strategy pdf icon PDF 92 KB

[In order to improve libraries in the City of Wolverhampton and meet our current and future challenges, Cabinet will be asked to consult on a draft ten year strategy.]

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.    That it be approved to consult for 12 weeks on the draft libraries strategy and key appendices, including a draft equalities analysis.

 

Minutes:

Councillor John Reynolds presented the draft libraries strategy for Cabinet to agree that it would be subject to a 12-week public consultation, running until 21 May 2017. The public engagement phase had generated 500 responses through various methods, which had then been incorporated into the draft strategy. Amongst others, the proposals would maintain the number of branches and improve the facilities, improve the self-service system, improve the offer for volunteers, expand the digital service and increase income generating channels, such as room hire. The final response and strategy would be presented to Cabinet for approval.

 

Resolved:

 

That it be approved to consult for 12 weeks on the draft libraries strategy and key appendices, including a draft equalities analysis.

11.

Public Space Protection Order (Review of Designated Public Place Order) pdf icon PDF 2 MB

[To approve the city-wide Public Space Protection Order for (previously known as the Designated Public Place Order) providing Police with powers to confiscate alcohol when alcohol associated anti-social Behaviour is occurring or likely to occur. Provision to include proposals for an outright street drinking ban in designated locations.]

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.    That the review findings on use of the existing city-wide Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) be noted.

2.    That the recommendations for a city-wide Public Space Protection Order, subject to the mandatory six week legal challenge period allowed, which includes proposals to extend prohibitions on public drinking within Park and St Peter’s wards, (to include the City Centre), be approved.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Paul Sweet outlined the findings from a review of the existing city-wide Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) and sought approval for a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to replace the DPPO following a change in tools and powers introduced in the Anti-social Behaviour, Police and Crime Act 2014. Two trials had been carried out and had produced positive results as there had been a reduction in the associated Anti-Social Behaviour linked to these areas.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the review findings on use of the existing city-wide Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) be noted.

That the recommendations for a city-wide Public Space Protection Order, subject to the mandatory six week legal challenge period allowed, which includes proposals to extend prohibitions on public drinking within Park and St Peter’s wards, (to include the City Centre), be approved.

12.

Determined Schemes for Co-ordinated School Admissions and Determined Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools - 2018/2019 pdf icon PDF 67 KB

[To approve the schemes for co–ordinated school admission arrangements for secondary and primary schools and the admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools for 2018/19.]

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.    That the Co-ordinated Admission Schemes for secondary and primary school admissions at the normal year of entry for 2018/19 (Appendix A) be approved and that the Secretary of State be notified by 28 February 2017 also be approved.

2.    That the proposed admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools for 2018/19 (Appendix A) be approved.

 

Minutes:

In the absence of Councillor Claire Darke, Councillor Andrew Johnson presented the report outlining the Determined Schemes for Co-ordinated School Admissions and Determined Admission Arrangements for both Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for the year 2018/2019. There was no proposal to change the scheme from the previous year.

 

Resolved:

 

1.    That the Co-ordinated Admission Schemes for secondary and primary school admissions at the normal year of entry for 2018/19 (Appendix A) be approved and that the Secretary of State be notified by 28 February 2017 also be approved.

That the proposed admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools for 2018/19 (Appendix A) be approved.

13.

Exclusion of press and public

[To pass the following resolution:

 

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information on the grounds shown below.]

Decision:

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to any individual, information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual and/or information relating to the business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)].

 

Minutes:

Resolved:

 

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to any individual, information which was likely to reveal the identity of an individual and/or information relating to the business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

14.

WV Living Progress and Business Plan Update

[To update on progress against the WV Living Business Plan approved in September 2016, to seek approval of a revised Business Plan incorporating further sites for development to enhance the operation of WV Living and to provide an improved offer of new housing for sale and market rent in the city.]

Decision:

That the recommendations be agreed as detailed in the exempt minutes