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

ALDENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held at 8pm on 5 July 2005 at The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett.

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

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

1. COUNCILLOR MRS ANN REITH

A minute's silence was observed to reflect upon the life and work of Cllr Mrs Ann Reith.

2. URGENT LATE ITEM

The Chairman advised that he had agreed to consider proposals for the Trafalgar Weekend to enable preparation and advertising over the Summer recess should the Committee agree to carry out an event.

3. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Burke.

4. TO CONFIRM AND SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 7 JUNE 2005

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 June 2005 were signed as a true and accurate record.

5. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 7 JUNE 2005

(1) Donation by Rotary Club – The offer had now been withdrawn.

(2) Dogs in Phillimore Recreation Ground – The Clerk advised of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 which would give Grounds Staff the authority to take action by way of fixed penalty notices against litter, graffiti, fly-posting and dog offences. It would allow parish councils to introduce dog control orders for a range of offences. The timetable for its implementation meant that the Regulations were unlikely to be in force until Spring 2006.

(3) Prunus trees in Gills Hill Lane and Craigweil Avenue – The Clerk advised that the Highways Authority had issued a works order to clear the basil growth on these trees and those in Newberries Avenue . Cages would also be removed from the trees.

(4) Vandal proof goal post – The goal post had been ordered with an 8 – 10 week expected delivery time. Members requested that an item appear in the next issue of Around Radlett.

(5) Review of Fees and Charges 2005/06 Radlett Bowls Club – The Bowls Club had been grateful to the Council for deeming the fees zero rated for VAT purposes. The Clerk had still to undertake the costing exercise to enable a more structured increase to be introduced in 2006/07 for 3 or 5 years.

(Action: Clerk)

(6) Letter to allotment holders regarding use and tenancy of the allotments – Members agreed that as there was little that could go missing from the greenhouses now, the letter should be incorporated into the annual rent letter sent in September.

(Action: Deputy Clerk)

6. TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATIONS WITHIN THE MINUTES OF SUB COMMITTEES

RESOLVED that the recommendations contained within the two sets of minutes detailed below be approved.

7. HEAD OF GROUNDS MAINTENANCE'S REPORT

WATLING STREET

•  The hanging baskets were progressing well.

RADLETT CENTRE

•  The raised bed at the front of the Centre did not appear to be good for geraniums again this year. The Head of Grounds Maintenance proposed replacing all of the soil in the bed before next spring.

•  The new baskets had been put up around the lamp posts in the car park.

•  The hedge along Watling Street required replanting and cutting out. The Head of Grounds Maintenance would be assessing the work required over the coming month to improve the frontage.

RECREATION GROUND

•  The new tractor had had its first 50 hours service.

•  The safety surface under the swings required replacing. This would cost £1,176 and an order would be placed shortly as it was required on health and safety grounds.

RADLETT GARDENS

•  Some more vandalism had taken place at Radlett Gardens with damage to trees and shrubs.

•  The Berberis hedge along the front of the gardens was dying off in places and replacement planting would be made.

The Chairman advised that he had received many compliments regarding the hanging baskets and the grounds staff were to be congratulated on a magnificent display this year.

8. HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORTS

Members noted that no accidents had been recorded in the accident book since the last meeting.

All inspections had been carried out.

9. TYKESIDE BRIDGE , A MEMORIAL TO CLLR. MRS ANN REITH

The Chairman had spoken to Mr Reith who had been delighted to hear of the Council's proposals for the bridge. Mr Reith undertook to discuss removal of the recycling bins with Cllr. N. Payne to try to hasten their removal. He had also suggested a company who were capable of carrying out works sympathetically to historical structures as they had carried out work to the ice house at Porter's Park Golf Club.

10. LIGHTING AT RADLETT GARDENS

Councillor Mrs Charrett advised that the quotations received some time ago were still current. The contractors carrying out the ground work would also order the lights for installation. She had been advised that it would take 8 – 10 weeks before installation could take place.

11. PHILLIMORE RECREATION GROUND

The Clerk displayed two preliminary designs for the Multi Use games area. Quotations varied from £60,000 to £85,000. Two further designs were awaited.

Information regarding refurbishing, extending or replacing the pavilion was still slower than hoped. Wernick Buildings had quoted for a complete replacement building at £275,000. Other companies were being pursued to provide tenders.

(Action: Clerk)

12. PARISH ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN

A meeting had been held on Monday 4 July with Councillor Howley, Councillor Lambert, Heidi Hutton from the CMS, William Wall from the Local Heritage Initiative, Mark Shaw from Letchmore Heath Village Trust, the Clerk and Deputy Clerk.

Grant aid had been secured from the Aggregate Tax Grant of £8,495 and Local Heritage Initiative (LHI) of £16,700. Mr Wall had gone through the various conditions attached to an LHI grant. The refurbishment of Letchmore Heath Pond was due to take place in September 2005 subject to the field being available for deposit of the silt from the pond.

13. TRAFALGAR WEEKEND – 21st – 23rd OCTOBER 2005

Members considered the suggested events that could be held to celebrate Trafalgar Weekend and RESOLVED that a beacon/bonfire be lit on Friday 21st October with assistance from the Scouts in Salter's Field. It was agreed that Radlett Cricket Club should be approached to see if they wished to participate in the event by selling refreshments. Members requested that an item appear in the next issue of Around Radlett.

(Action: Clerk, Councillor Worthy, Head of Grounds Maintenance)

14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Committee would take place at 8pm on 6 September 2005 .

Closure: 9:05pm
Chairman