ALDENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held at 8pm on 1st July 2003 at The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett.

Present:
Councillor J. Howley
Councillor Mrs A. Baker
Councillor S. Burke
Councillor D. Lambert
Councillor Mrs S.A. Reith
Councillor R.T.A. Worthy

Officers:
Ms. Carrie Lloyd (Clerk)
Mr Fred Hills (Head of Grounds Maintenance)

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillor Mrs F. Turner

2. TO CONFIRM AND SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9th JUNE 2003

Subject to the inclusion of Cllr Howley’s name in the list of Councillors who had apologised, the minutes of the meeting held on 9th June 2003 were signed as a true and accurate record.

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9th JUNE 2003

1. Coal Markers – The Head of Grounds Maintenance had not yet looked at the marker located outside the synagogue which may require resetting.
   
   (Action: Head of Grounds Maintenance)
   
2. Christmas Lights - Councillor Mrs Reith advised that the quotation had been received for lighting the almond tree outside the post office, it came to £620. It was agreed that an item should be placed on the agenda of the next meeting of the Committee.
   
   (Action: Clerk)
   
3. RAIFA Gardens – The gardens had still not been tidied up. The chairman undertook to follow it up with the Chairman of RAIFA, Mrs Marston. The quotation for the erection of a brick wall adjacent to the RAIFA garden had been received in the sum of £725. The Clerk was requested to try to obtain two further quotations.
   
   (Action: Clerk)
   
4. Tykeside Gardens – The Clerk was still pursuing the installation of a water pipe at the gardens. The Chairman undertook to follow the matter up with a contact.
   
   (Action: Clerk/Chairman)
   
5. Footpath Clearance - The contractors for the flood alleviation works along Theobald Street had erected a new fence which had made easy passage along Footpath 54 impossible. Councillor Lambert would be following this matter up with Bryony Rothwell, Rights of Way Officer, Hertfordshire County Council.
   
6. Pest Control – The Clerk advised that solid bait was used in the traps. Members decided to thank the Borough Council for their offer but not to proceed at present.

4. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

The meeting stood adjourned at 8.20pm to enable the Secretary of the Radlett Football Club to address the Committee.

The meeting reconvened at 8.35pm

5. FEES FOR USE OF PHILLIMORE RECREATION GROUND – RADLETT FOOTBALL CLUB

Members had been circulated with a letter from the Secretary of the Radlett Football Club and noted his request made prior to consideration of this item.

Members RESOLVED that

1. The invoice for £470 outstanding pitch hire for the season 2002/03 would be cancelled and the Club issued with an invoice for £70.
2. The Club cannot use the showers until the third week in July at the earliest, subject to Head of Grounds Maintenance's confirmation;
3. Fees for 2003/04 would be reviewed in September and until then the Club will be asked to pay the current rate with adjustments being made if necessary once the Committee have considered a new pricing structure.
4. Storage under the pavilion would not be made available to the Club but the Clerk be requested to review the use of Council facilities by all clubs with a view to achieving an equitable outcome whilst taking into account commercial and community interests
5. The pitches would not be available for use on 27th and 28th December
6. The Clerk to review the conditions of hire of the pavilion and pitches with a view to report being put to the Committee in September

(Action: Clerk)

6. FEES FOR USE OF PHILLIMORE RECREATION GROUND – COMMERCIAL HIRERS

Members noted the anomaly that appeared to have arisen concerning commercial use of the Recreation Ground facilities and community use of the facilities. The Clerk was requested to review use, pricing and storage at the Recreation Ground and to submit a report to the next meeting of the Committee.

(Action: Clerk)

7. HEAD OF GROUNDS MAINTENANCE’S REPORT

The Head of Grounds Maintenance advised all scheduled work was progressing well. Members noted the programme of work, the schedule of “non-routine” work and the details of hirers of the pavilion and pitches.

In addition to routine work, the following had been carried out in June:

• Repairing the fence on the Scout Hut site;
• Catch up on Parish Paths Partnership work listed for 2002/03 (except for bridge);
• Limited clearing work at Scrubbitts Park Wood;
• Planting and weeding at Radlett Gardens;
• Repair of lights around War Memorial at Letchmore Heath assessed but requires an electrician;
• White lining pitches for Excel Sport Junior “World Cup”.

Non-routine work to be carried out in July included:

• Carry out Parish Paths Partnership work for 2003/04;
• Carry out tree maintenance at Tykeside Gardens (diseased trees);
• Hedge Cutting;
• Pond Liner - Fir Spring Wood;
• Complete Parish Paths Partnership worked listed for 2002/03 (bridge) subject to farmer’s approval;
• Limited clearing work at Scrubbitts Park Wood;
• Ivy Cutting.

It was suggested that Councillor Mrs Charrett may be able to assist with the lighting of Radlett Gardens and the Clerk was requested to ask for her help.

(Action: Head of Grounds Maintenance/Clerk)

8. THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT 1995 AND OUTDOOR PUBLIC PLAY AREAS

The Clerk and Head of Grounds Maintenance were requested to assess the Council’s play equipment and pavilions for compliance with legislation and to report back thereon.

9. HOLIDAY FUNDAYS

Members were reminded of the Children’s Summer Holiday Fundays on 5, 12 and 19 August and the need for volunteers to help out.

10. PARISH ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN

Noted that nothing further had been progressed on this item.

11. TYKESIDE GARDENS - TREES

Noted that the Parish was responsible for the trees either side of Tykes Water. Whilst it was considered desirable to maintain a natural habitat, it was considered essential to get a tree surgeon’s report on the health or otherwise of the trees on either bank.

(Action: Head of Grounds Maintenance)

12. RECYCLING BINS AT NEWBERRIES CAR PARK AND TOILET BLOCK AT RADLETT GARDENS

Members did not wish to lose sight of either of these “eyesore” projects and requested that it be discussed at the Joint Members’ meeting in August.

13. CLOSURE OF CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA

The Head of Grounds Maintenance advised that to reduce the incidents of anti-social behaviour and littering late at night in the children’s play area, it would be locked from 9pm to 8am every Friday and Saturday night.

14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting was scheduled for 8pm on 2nd September 2003.

Closure: 9:55pm