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ALDENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held at 8pm on 7 December 2004 at The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett.

Present:
Councillor R.T.A. Worthy (Chairman)
Councillor Mrs A. Baker
Councillor Mrs Charrett
Councillor J. Howley
Councillor Mrs S.A. Reith

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


1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Burke, Councillor D. Lambert and Councillor Mrs F. Turner.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

3. TO CONFIRM AND SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 5 OCTOBER 2004

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 October 2004 were signed as a true and accurate record.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 5 OCTOBER 2004

• Screening of compound – The Head of Grounds Maintenance advised that all of the planting around the compound had been completed. (Action: Head of Grounds Maintenance)
  
  
• Area in front of Post Office – Councillor Mrs Reith expressed concern at the dirty and untidy state of the area in front of the post office. It was suggested that some volunteer litter picking may be required if the Post Office would not take any responsibility for it.
  
  
• Donation by Rotary Club – Councillor Howley had not yet been able to discuss the matter further with Prof. Beaver. (Action: Councillor Howley)
  
  
• Phillimore Recreation Ground – Tennis Courts – The Clerk was reviewing the application for lottery funding which was proving quite complicated. (Action: Clerk)
  
  
• The Radlett Centre – The Head of Grounds Maintenance had put 5 extra baskets around the Radlett Centre for the winter.
  
  
• Scrubbitts Park Wood – Grounds staff had not yet completed the fencing at the rear of the houses in The Crosspath. (Action: Head of Grounds Maintenance)
  
  
• Cobden Hill Allotments – Members requested a breakdown of the income from letting the allotments in 2004 and an up to date list of tenants for the next meeting of the Committee. (Action: Deputy Clerk)
  
  
• Phillimore Allotments – Members noted that a representative of the Composting Society wished to meet with the Committee to discuss future arrangements. Generally, the allotments were now being kept to an acceptable standard. (Action: Deputy Clerk)
  
  
• Fence adjoining the Scout Hut site – The Head of Grounds Maintenance advised that the barbed wire had been turned around on the fence rather than being removed. (Action: Head of Grounds Maintenance)
  
  
• Salter's Field - Councillor Howley had not yet anything further from Hertfordshire County Council.
  
  
• Parish Paths Partnership – The Head of Grounds Maintenance advised that work had been delayed due to his operation.
  
  

5. HEAD OF GROUNDS MAINTENANCE'S REPORT

RADLETT CENTRE

• The Christmas lights had been erected. It was suggested that staff would like to put up the lights around lamp posts and on tree next year. The Head of Grounds Maintenance was requested to ascertain the cost of hiring a cherry picker.
• All spring bulbs had been planted around the Centre.

TYKESIDE GARDENS

• All beds had been dug over at Tykeside Gardens , but still require manuring before the new shrubs were planted.

BOWLS GREEN

• Rovrel Green had been purchased as the grass was diseased. Whilst expensive, it was the only product to effectively remove the disease.

LETCHMORE HEATH

• Leaf collecting was almost at an end now.

ALLOTMENTS

• Grounds staff had dismantled & collected greenhouses donated to the Council.

6. HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORTS

Members noted the Health and Safety reports attached to these minutes.

7. REPLACEMENT TRACTOR

The Head of Grounds Maintenance was requested to draw up a clear specification for a replacement tractor for the next meeting of the Committee.

8. LIGHTING AT RADLETT GARDENS

Councillor Mrs Charrett advised that Thorn Lighting had drawn up a scheme costing approximately £12,000. Design Plan had drawn up a cheaper and more robust scheme which was not so aesthetically pleasing.

Members requested the Councillor Mrs Charrett obtain a price of purchasing and installing Design Plan bollards and Thorn Lighting floor lights. (Action: Councillor Mrs Charrett)

9. PHILLIMORE RECREATION GROUND – PAVILION UPGRADE

The Clerk had not received any further details from Mr Bedowes and was continuing to chase him for further details. (Action: Clerk)

10. BUDGET 2005/06

Members recommended the budget attached at Appendix B to these minutes to the Finance and General Purposes Committee.

11. FESTIVAL SUB COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE

Members RESOLVED that the Festival Sub Committee terms of reference be to;

• promote a sense of community within the Parish of Aldenham by organising a musical concert and Festival in June 2005;
• authorise expenditure up to the annual budget set by Aldenham Parish Council in accordance with the Council's Financial Regulations; and
• disperse any surplus created on the budget to the independent Radlett Festival Community Fund.

(Action: Festival Sub Committee)

12. UNACCEPTABLE STATE OF ROADS AND PATHS IN THE PARISH

Comments were made at the significant decrease in the level of service by Hertsmere Borough Council street cleansing since the departure of dedicated street sweepers. It was suggested that the Parish Councillors may wish to consider carrying out a street and pavement litter pick, sweep and clean in Aldenham Avenue , Watling Street and Loom Lane to highlight frustration with the poor service being received in the Parish.

Concern was also expressed at the lack of attention to trees along Craigweil Avenue and Gills Hill which resulted in specimen trees returning to their natural shrub like appearance.

It was agreed that this should be discussed at Joint Councillors in January.

13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting was scheduled for 8pm on 11 January 2005.

Closure: 9.40pm