Download a PDF file of this page here (right-click and 'save target as').

ALDENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE held at 8pm on 15 June 2005 The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue , Radlett.

Present:
Councillor Thompson (Chairman)
Councillor Mrs Griffin
Councillor Howley
Councillor Mrs Charrett

Officer: Ms. Carrie Lloyd (Clerk)

1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Councillor Thompson was elected Chairman for the ensuing Municipal Year.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillor Mrs Reith, Councillor Mrs Wackrow and Councillor Worthy.

3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 18 MAY 2005

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 May 2005 were signed as a true and accurate record.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 18 MAY 2005

(i) Tennis Court Refurbishment – It was agreed that this would be discussed under item 8. Funding of lighting to Radlett Gardens.

5. PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

(i)Tabard Rugby Football Club, King George's Playing Field, Radlett - The Clerk advised that she had instructed the Council's solicitor and a response was awaited. The Clerk was requested to obtain details of the solicitor's costs thus far.

(Action: Clerk)

(ii) War Memorial, Watling Street – The Clerk advised that the Inland Revenue had fined the Council £200 for failing to complete a Stamp Duty Land Tax form on time. The fine had been paid but an appeal lodged. The relevant documents had now been received from the Inland Revenue therefore the property could now be registered.

(Action: Clerk)

(iii) 28 Elm Walk – Members were advised that Mr Vigor had revalued the property at £425,000 selling price with £410,000 achievable. This did not differ from 3 years ago. He also advised that the market was flat at present. RESOLVED that 28 Elm Walk be retained in the Council's property portfolio at present and it continue to be let out at a market rent.

(Action: Clerk)

(iv) Radlett Nursery and Infant School – The Clerk advised that an annual lease had been granted in 1984 for a piece of the rose field at the rear of the school to be let at £52 per annum. This had continued since then without a lease renewal nor rent review. The Clerk in wishing to formalise the situation had discovered that the property was being sold in July and had been in contact with the purchasers solicitor. She raised concerns that if the land in question was part of King George V Playing Fields then the National Playing Fields Association should be notified and involved in the discussions, furthermore the Council were obliged to obtain commercial rent for the lease of land over 7 years. Members were minded to renew the lease, subject to discussions with and approval by the National Playing Fields Association, at a commercial rent longer than 7 years.

(Action: Clerk)

6. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND BUDGET REPORT

The financial statements to the end of May were noted.

7. REQUEST FROM THE RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE TO FUND LIGHTING AT RADLETT GARDENS AND REVIEW OF REPAIRING PHILLIMORE RECREATION GROUND TENNIS COURTS

Members considered the request by the Recreation Grounds Committee to fund the vandal proof lighting at Radlett Gardens from the current year's contingency. The estimated cost was £18,000. RESOLVED that work proceed with installing the vandal proof lighting at Radlett Gardens estimated at £18,000.

(Action: Clerk/Councillor Mrs Charrett)

Members were advised that Duracourt had quoted £7,000 to carry out a temporary repair to one tennis court. Councillor Mrs Reith had advised that she had not been able to get a quotation from Chiltern Sports despite repeated requests. The Recreation Grounds Committee in considering this matter had RESOLVED that no charge be made for use of the tennis courts until they had been repaired or refurbished and that a liability disclaimer be placed at the entrance to the courts. The Clerk advised that the free tennis appeared to be popular with local youths despite the unacceptable playing surface. The Clerk anticipated further information regarding the development of the area into a multi-use games area in the next month and the costs involved and would obtain further advice regarding repair of the tennis courts for consideration by the next meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee.

(Action: Clerk)

8. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting was scheduled for 8pm on 12 July 2005.

Closure: 9:05pm
Chairman