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 6 December 2005 at The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett.

Present:
Councillor R.T.A. Worthy (Chairman)
Councillor Mrs Baker
Councillor Mrs Balen
Councillor Burke
Councillor Howley

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

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mrs Charrett and Councillor D. Lambert

2. TO CONFIRM AND SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 1 NOVEMBER 2005

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 November 2005 were signed as a true and accurate record.

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 1 NOVEMBER 2005

1. Moving permanent goal post from its current location – The goal post had been taken down and would be erected in the new location in the New Year.
   
   
2. Lights around the War Memorial, Letchmore Heath – The Clerk had requested a quotation from David Webster Lighting to repair the lights.

4. HEAD OF GROUNDS MAINTENANCE’S REPORT

WATLING STREET – The Christmas Lights had been put up and the tree in front of the Radlett Centre erected in time for the switch on.

The Clerk was requested to report fallen leaves causing a slip hazard on the wooden walkway from Newberries Car Park. (Action: Clerk)

RECREATION GROUND – Mr Hall had had an accident in the new tractor resulting in a new door being fitted.  An insurance claim was being submitted.  The accident had been caused by Mr Hall reacting to a sharp pain in his back.  Members requested that Mr Hall’s health continue to be monitored with regard to his ability to carry out specific tasks.  It was further suggested that, should Mr Hall so request, details of retirement on grounds of ill health be obtained for him from the Local Government Superannuation Scheme Administrators.

A request had been received from Mr Lomas regarding overhanging branches from a Beech Tree.  Members advised that they raised no objection to Mr Lomas trimming the branches back to the growth line of 2002.

Wicksteed Leisure had advised that the roundabout required dismantling before it could be repaired.  A JCB would be needed to lift the steel plate of the roundabout as it was not possible to unbolt it.  The Clerk was requested to ensure that another quotation would be submitted prior to work commencing.  It was further requested that alternative quotations be sought from other play ground equipment specialists. (Action: Clerk)

LETCHMORE HEATH - Leaf clearance was taking a long time this year because the leaves were staying on the trees longer.

KING GEORGE V CAR PARK – A complaint had been received regarding rubbish in King George V car park.  Until the lease had been signed with Tabard Rugby Club nothing further could be done as their existing occupation of the site could not be acknowledged in any way.

WORK EXPERIENCE – A young lady from Garston Manor School would be carrying out work experience during the week commencing 30th January 2006.

5. 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. 

6. DRAFT BUDGET 2006/07

Members noted that all Committees had been requested to review their draft budgets by the Finance and General Purposes Committee.

Members considered the second draft budget circulated.  It was agreed that the Christmas Lights budget should be increased to £4,500 especially as the street lights along Newberries Parade may need rewiring.

It was RECOMMENDED that the draft budget as attached at Appendix A be approved. (Action: Clerk)

7. TYKESGLADE BRIDGE, A MEMORIAL TO CLLR. MRS ANN REITH

Members confirmed that they wished the bridge to be known as Tykesglade Bridge.  Now that the recycling bins had been removed it was agreed that the area should be included within the landscaping proposals and not made into disabled parking bays.  The Clerk was requested to put an item on the agenda for Council requesting Members’ views on how to progress the project.

8. LIGHTING AT RADLETT GARDENS

The work had been completed.  There was some movement around the bollards which, the installation company advised, could be rectified when the grounds staff landscaped the areas and some more gravel was needed around the floor lighting. (Action: Head of Grounds Maintenance)

9. PHILLIMORE RECREATION GROUND

The Clerk was working on the required details for the second round of the Barclays Spaces for Sport bid.
 
The application to the Lottery Fund Awards for All had been put on hold pending the outcome of the Barclays Spaces for Sport bid.

Other grants to be applied for were Herts in Trust and Hertsmere Borough Council.  It was suggested that Sport England be contacted regarding funding for the creation of new sporting teams.  The PCSOs had been allocated some funding and it was suggested that it may be appropriate to speak to Adele Jenkins regarding this.

Other quotations were being obtained for refurbishing the pavilion.

10. PARISH ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN

The work to the pond had been completed.  The Information Board and publicity were all that were outstanding.

It was agreed that the next project should be Tykesglade Bridge.  The Clerk confirmed that she would raise this at a meeting with Countryside Management Service later in December. (Action: Clerk)

11. PURCHASE OF A TRUCK

Members were advised that a Suzuki Carry pick up could be purchased from Vans Direct (based in Wales) for £4,990 saving £1,905 on the list price.  It had been confirmed that all servicing etc could be carried out by any reputable garage.

The Recreation Grounds Budget showed a surplus on budgeted income of £3,776 and a projected underspend against budget of £7,589.  There appeared to be sufficient available resources to fund the truck from within the Recreation Grounds budgets as a whole.

Insurance for the current tractor is approximately £200 p.a. insurance for the truck will be approximately £650 p.a.

Members RECOMMENDED to the Finance and General Purposes Committee that the expenditure from existing savings on the Recreation Grounds budget be approved. (Action: Clerk)

12. COST OF SERVICING THE GANG MOWERS

Members were advised that a quotation of £1,162.33 had been received to service the gang mowers.  Another supplier had verbally quoted more than this. 

Members RECOMMENDED to the Finance and General Purposes Committee that the expenditure from existing savings on the Recreation Grounds budget be approved.

13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Committee would take place at 8pm on 10 January 2006. 

Closure:  9.30pm