Minutes of the Amenities Committee held on Wednesday 13th July 2011 at 7.30 p.m. in the Council Offices, 1a Brushwood Close, Welham Green

Those Present:

Councillors                              Mrs J Boulton              Chairman

C Everard                   Vice Chairman

Mrs L Saffer

W A Storey

Mrs T Travell

Officer                                     Ann Morton                  Clerk

40.  Apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Horrocks (unwell), Mrs I Dean (away) and Wheeler (another meeting).

41.  Declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interest.

42.  Minutes

The minutes of the Amenities Committee meeting held on 15th June 2011 were approved as a true record and were signed by the Chairman.

43.  Car Park drainage and prevention of flooding of Council property

Two quotes received to replace the section of pipe blocked at the entrance to the car park, other contractors contacted have so far not responded.  The quotes to replace the section of pipe were compared and the contractor who carried out the investigation was cheapest.  Councillor Everard was concerned that there is no guarantee to resolve the problem.  However, they previously recommended installing an acco drain and offer a reduced price to install that at the same time.  Councillor Storey proposed installing the acco drain as well as replacing the section of pipe, provided the acco drain will be connected to the outlet.  Members agreed to proceed and full Council is aware in principle that the work has to be carried out.  Clerk was asked to check that making good of the tarmac surface is included and ask for details of the length and position of acco drain.  Provided the queries are satisfactorily answered it was agreed to accept the quote.

Action Clerk

44.  Bungalow matters

a.  Finance Committee agreed to electrician’s quote for £85 to vent the bathroom extractor fan through the wall at Bungalow 2.  However, in response to comments by the groundsman, Councillor Mrs Boulton inspected the kitchen vent outside seal and suggested the electrician should be asked to point with sand and cement render or reduce the price so the Council can get a builder to finish off.  The groundsman also raised a list of other problems in need of attention which he said he had reported to the previous Clerk.

Action Clerk

b.  Redecoration and minor works following window installation – Bungalow 2 to do.

c.  British Gas Landlords Certificate for Bungalows 1 and 2:  Head Groundsman has made and installed the guard and fitted the chimney cap himself, it was proposed by the Chairman and agreed to thank him for carrying out this work.  In Bungalow 2 the plumber has welded the PVR termination as required.   Earth of gas meter (listed in Safety inspection report not Landlords Certificate) is being queried with the electrician because this may have already been done.

45.  Burns Pavilion flood/refurbishment work

Two contractors visited the Pavilion and provided quotes but others contacted have not responded.  The Clerk reported that there are a couple of omissions or variations and the quotes will need to be clarified.  The quotes were considered by members and it was agreed that the working group will meet on Monday 18th July at 3pm to go through them in detail and then make a recommendation to Finance Committee and full Council.

Action Councillors Mrs Boulton, Everard, Storey, Wheeler and Clerk.

46.  Burns Pavilion Planning restriction

Councillor Mrs Boulton proposed terms and conditions of hire and covering letter were circulated by email that afternoon with paper copies available at the meeting.  She explained what the terms and conditions are trying to achieve and asked all Councillors to review the documents and give their comments to herself and the Clerk.  The submission of the planning application to vary the condition was approved at June Council meeting so when the detail is dealt with a planning application will be submitted. 

Action ALL Councillors to review/comment, Councillor Mrs Boulton and Clerk to submit application

47.  Spearhead grass cutting machine

The Clerk reported she had emailed members when Ernest Doe telephoned advising repairs to Spearhead grass mower would cost in the region of £1200 plus VAT and having consulted with Councillor Horrocks Vice Chairman of Finance whose opinion was that the work needed to be done, she had asked Ernest Doe to carry out the work.  Councillor Storey remarked it was straight forward for the repairs to go ahead and the sinking fund for the mower is building up.

48.  Football pitch drainage

The Clerk contacted specialist contractors.  First contractor recommended start with verti drain and sand the football pitch (upto £2500), which will improve the existing drainage, and then consider if further work might be required.  Second contractor has visited the site and will submit quote for new drainage.  Hatfield Town Council provided details of contractors who carry out pitch maintenance and this Council previously received a quote from the first one of these.

Action Clerk

49.  Brookmans Park green

Quote of £300 received from usual tree works contractor to remove the two dead cherry trees and grind the stump.  It was suggested the groundsmen could remove dead cherry trees to ground level and use contractors with the equipment needed to remove the stump and main roots.   Clerk to seek alternative quotes.

Action Clerk

50.  Moffats grounds gate

Quote for replacement gates of £795 for metal gates with timber posts and £865 for timber gates with timber posts received from contractor who installed the gate at the allotments.  Replacement price is for four feet wide pedestrian gate and ten feet wide vehicle gate, Clerk needs to check width with groundsmen as existing vehicle gate is twelve feet wide.  Members agreed they would prefer a wooden gate because it would be more in keeping.  Clerk to seek alternative quotes and bring the matter to Finance Committee.

Action Clerk

51.  Office electrical work

Electrical faults on the lighting circuit work is scheduled to be carried out on Tuesday 19th July.

52.  Allotments

Clerk reported that all allotments are let and she will follow up with tenants who are not working their plots as soon as time permits.  One plot recently improved is apparently being worked by other allotment holders and the Clerk was advised to check the files for background. 

Judging of the allotments was carried out on 22nd June by Councillors Everard, Mrs Travell and Mrs Boulton.  The Chairman advised members present of the winners.  The Clerk had ensured that allotment plots had markers on the Monday before judging but she suggested investigating the provision of more substantial markers and this was agreed. 

Action Clerk

53.  New Planters

The locations for the new planters have been agreed but their installation has been delayed.  The Clerk was asked to enquire what type/material of planters to expect.

Action Clerk

54.  Bench

The Clerk read out an email addressed to Councillor Horrocks requesting a bench on Love Lane or Mymms Woodland Walk.  Councillor Horrocks had clarified that P3 funding may be available.  Members agreed they would be happy for this to go ahead and Clerk should liaise with Councillor Horrocks.

Action Councillor Horrocks and Clerk

55.  Members reports on matters relevant to the Committee

None.

56.  Date of next meeting

The next meeting scheduled for 7th September but it was agreed that the Chairman liaise with the Clerk and decide a week beforehand if the Committee will meet on 17th August before Planning Committee.

Action Councillor Mrs Boulton and Clerk

The meeting closed at 8.35 p.m.

                                                Signed             _____________________________

                                                Date                _____________________________