Minutes of the Amenities Committee held on Wednesday 12th October 2011 at 7.30 p.m. in the Council Offices, 1a Bushwood Close, Welham Green

Those Present:

Councillors                              Mrs J Boulton              Chairman

C Everard                    Vice Chairman

Mrs I Dean

Mrs L Saffer

W A Storey

Mrs T Travell

Officer                                     Ann Morton                  Clerk

82.  Apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Horrocks (unwell) and Wheeler (another meeting).

83.  Declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interest.

84.  Minutes

The minutes of the Amenities Committee meeting held on 7th September 2011 were approved as a true record and were signed by the Chairman.

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

It was agreed to proceed with the lowest quote but need to clarify quote and agree what work they will do and specify pipe size.  Clerk will arrange site visit with contractor to be attended by Councillor Mrs Boulton and Councillor Storey.

Action Clerk

86.  Bungalow matters

a.  Plumber quoted £245 to replace toilet.  Contractor working on Burns Pavilion has quoted £65 to stabilize the toilet and has also quoted £360 to replace the toilet and remove old flooring/install new vinyl because new toilet would be different shape and not fit existing floor cover.  It was agreed to accept the quote to stabilize the toilet but also to replace plastic pipe/waste.

Action Clerk

b.  Clerk has been informed of Groundsman’s concerns about living with ongoing problems affecting the bungalow.  Councillor Boulton proposed that he should visit the bungalow to check current position on the damp.  The car park drainage work will be done in near future and situation will need to be monitored to see if additional drainage work is required around the bungalow.  Housing Association officer visited No. 4 with contractor to get quote to remove ivy and lower soil level.  Contractor to fix roof apex and repair brickwork is working on a big job but has said he will be able to do bungalow 2 in a couple of weeks.  Members appreciate the delays are frustrating.

87.  Burns Pavilion flood/refurbishment work

Agreed maintenance works are currently being done.  Clerk read out an email from the contractor recommending that, as work is being done on the heaters, the three heating circuits be flushed out to maximize efficiency of the systems.  He has quoted £450 but the job could also be done at the next service.  It was agreed that the systems should be flushed out while the work is being done.

Action Clerk.

88.  Burns Pavilion Planning restriction

Councillor Mrs Boulton completed the planning application form to be signed by the Clerk and submitted with the amended terms and conditions of hire.  The site plan that was submitted with a previous application should be acceptable. 

Action Councillor Mrs Boulton and Clerk

89.  Football pitch matters

The goal posts are expected later in the week, they will need to be assembled by the groundsmen.  Tansley FC is interested in playing on the football pitch on Saturdays, their booking would include the use of the Burns Pavilion facilities and they would like to have a bar.  The licensee of North Mymms FC still holds a licence, although the Club has been dormant for several years.  Clerk will check with WHBC Licencing Officer what is required but it was agreed that Tansley FC should obtain their own licence to sell alcohol.  Head Groundman has met Tansley FC representatives and has said they can use the pitch and facilities with the usual condition that they cannot play when the ground is unsuitable.

It was agreed to inform Welham Warriors FC that the Club need to provide the Council with information requested, particularly dates of fixtures and evidence of insurance cover before they can use the football pitch.

Action Clerk

90.  Brookmans Park green cherry trees

The trees have been removed by the groundsmen.  Clerk thought that the stumps had been ground out but has not checked that yet.

Action Clerk

91.  Moffats grounds gate

Clerk to obtain quotes.

Action Clerk

92.  Allotments matters

The invitations for the Allotment function on 1st November have been sent to allotment holders.  Councillors Mrs Travell and Mrs Boulton will organize refreshments.  Councillor Mrs Travell will take the cups to be engraved and Councillor Boulton will do the certificates.  Best Kept Garden winners have accepted the invitation.  Letters have also been sent to four allotment tenants regarding the condition of their allotment.  Chairman and Clerk will arrange to inspect the condition of all allotments and Clerk will follow up on those not being satisfactorily maintained.

Action Councillors and Clerk

93.  New Planters

There is no news on the installation of the planters.

94.  Parish Paths Partnership

The Clerk contacted Ramblers Association and HCC Rights of Way Officer asking for their proposals for 2012/13 and the request for a bench will be on the list.  Groundwork Trust asked to be notified by the end of September to arrange a meeting to discuss Parish Paths Partnership proposals and the Clerk has emailed them accordingly.

Action Clerk

95.  Proposals for 2012/2013 budget.

The Clerk said she had put this item on the agenda so Members have the opportunity to start considering the Council’s budget for next year.  The Head Groundsman has compiled a list of equipment as requested and the Clerk also gave details of her suggestions.  The Clerk asked about a grant application policy/procedure and Members considered this to be a Finance Committee responsibility.

96.  Members reports on matters relevant to the Committee

None.

97.  Date of next meeting

The next meeting of the Amenities Committee will be on 16th November 2011 at 7.30 p.m.

The meeting closed at 8.25 p.m.

                                                Signed             _____________________________

                                                Date                _____________________________