Estates Committee 18th August 2009

BLABY PARISH COUNCIL

MEETING OF THE ESTATES COMMITTEE held at 13 Western Drive at 8.00pm on Tuesday, 18th August 2009

PRESENT: Mr. C. Birks (Chairman),

Mr. J. Churchard , Mr. G. Harding, Mr. P. Muton, Mr. J. Roper,

Ms. S. Hansford (Clerk).

E.09/103 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Mr. Bramley, Mrs. V. Jepson (Deputy Clerk).

In the absence of Mr. Bramley, Mr. Birks resided as Chairman.

E.09/104 TO RECEIVE DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST BY MEMBERS IN RESPECT

OF ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

Name Reason Type

Mrs. M. Broomhead Cemetery, Owner of Burial Rights Personal.

Mr. J. Churchard Allotments, Tenant Personal.

Mr. J. Roper Cemetery, Owner of Burial Rights Personal.

E.09/105 INSPECTION REPORTS: FOR INFORMATION ONLY. (ROUTINE OR EMERGENCY ITEMS WILL BE ATTENDED TO UNDER DELEGATED POWERS)

a)  Allotments

An Allotments Inspection was carried out on the 17th August 2009. The following plots were found to be in need of attention: -

4 West, 5, 34 West and 35 – all are noted to be weedy.

RESOLVED. Standard letter advising tenants that action is required is to be sent.

b)  Cemeteries

A site meeting was held on Monday, 10th August 2009 (See item 09/107).

c)  Northfield Park

i)  Football teams rumbled

It was reported Football teams using Northfield Park have had possessions stolen, including mobile phones and wallets. Extra vigilance is required when possessions are left unattended.

ii) Newly Installed Litterbin

It was reported one of the newly installed litterbins has been vandalised by youths. This is beyond repair.

RESOLVED. Sturdier replacement litterbin is to be purchased.

d)  Oakfield Park

i)  Closing of Public Conveniences

The Clerk reported a recent attempt has been made to enter the service alley in the Public Conveniences at Oakfield Park.

AGREED. Security is to be monitored.

e)  The Crescent Play Area

None.

f) Westfield

None.

E.09/106 TO CONSIDER QUOTATIONS:

a)  Installation of Loose Safer Surfacing Beneath Deanne Multi-Play Unit –Northfield Park

The Clerk advised one of three quotations requested has been received for the installation of a bark pit beneath the Deanne Multi-play Unit on Northfield Park. In light of the projected expense it was suggested the Groundstaff complete this work.

RESOLVED. This matter is to be discussed with the Senior Groundsman and a report is to be made regarding implied expenditure for completion of the installation.

RESOLVED. Two further quotations are to be sourced.

b)  Boundary Fencing – Cemetery No.3 (Nature Area)

The Clerk advised three quotations have been received to supply and erect approximately 77metres of new post and three rail timber fencing.

Upon consideration of the quotations (which may be viewed at the Council Office) the Committee made the following recommendation:

RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL. Accept Quotation 1 at a total cost of £1270 Incl. VAT to erect 77 meters of new post and three-rail timber fencing along the boundary of Cemetery No.3 (Nature Area).

c)  Re-surfacing of Oakfield Park Car Park

The Clerk advised three quotations have been received to scarify the existing surface of Oakfield Park Car Park. This will include the supply and installation of mill waste to the car park to fill the existing holes and for blinding a new surface.

Upon consideration of the quotations (which may be viewed in the Council Office) the Committee made the following recommendation:

RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL. Accept Quotation 3, at a total cost of £3185 +VAT, to scarify the existing surface of Oakfield Park Car Park including the supply and installation of mill waste to fill the existing holes and blinding of new surface.

d)  Cemetery Pathway Maintenance

The Clerk advised one quotation has been received which appears to be excessively high.

RESOLVED. The Clerk is to consider, in consultation with the Senior Groundsman, the practicality of the Groundstaff completing this work.

E.09/107 TO CONSIDER REPORT OF SITE MEETING, MONDAY, 10th AUGUST 2009: CEMETERY NO.5 PLANTING SCHEME

The following were considered at the site meeting: -

·  The reconditioned bench – found to be in good condition.

·  Cemetery Pathways – cut back to form neat edges.

·  Seek appointment of a Landscape Architect to consider planting scheme for Cemetery No.5. (Estimated duration – 2 hours) – confirm cost to provide a report.

E.09/108 TO CONSIDER A SCHEME FOR WESTFIELD

The Clerk advised she is still preparing this report and it was suggested that in the interim Blaby District Council is asked to cut ‘Westfield’ so as to expose the condition of the ground in order to ascertain what is required to be done in preparation of a scheme.

RESOLVED. The Clerk is to request a quotation for Blaby District Council to complete grass cutting of ‘Westfield’ (this will entail flailing prior to cutting).

RESOLVED. This item is to be included on the next Estates Committee Agenda.

E.09/109 TO CONSIDER REQUEST RE MAINTENANCE OF HEDGE BORDERING OAKFIELD PARK

The Clerk advised maintenance of an overgrown hedge bordering the Crescent has been completed due to a complaint received by a resident of wasps entering the property from a nest located in the hedge.

AGREED. Noted.

E.09/110 UPDATE (IF ANY):

a)  Right of Vehicular Access (Via Z.53) to Cemeteries No. 5/6

The Clerk advised receipt of a letter from the County Solicitor, Leicestershire County Council (Reference 8/25), advising matter of access via Bridleway Z.53 has been passed to the Property Services Department for consideration. However, it is confirmed this does not prejudice the rights of anybody else to use the land for whatever access purposes they have as owner or are granted permission by the owner of the land. An official response will follow in due course.

AGREED. Noted.

b)  Decision Required – Hedge Layering of Cemetery No.5 (Stepping Stones Grant): Selection of Contractor & Percentage of Grant Requested

The Clerk advised a decision is to be made regarding the Stepping Stones Grant Application submitted to Leicestershire County Council: -

·  Increase the contribution of funding to the scheme by the Parish Council to over 51%.

·  Approach the Countryside Officer at Blaby District Council to request a grant of between 11 and 25%.

·  Complete clearance of the brashing – subject to removal equaling 11-25% of the cost of the project.

RESOLVED. Request a grant contribution from the Countryside Officer, Blaby District Council towards the cost of layering the hedge, Cemetery No.5, between 11-25% of the overall cost of the scheme (based on quotation 2).

c)  Sence Valley Countryside Group – Planting of Daffodils in

Cemetery No.3

It was reported the planting of daffodil bulbs is to take place in Cemetery No.3 on Sunday, 25th October 2009.

d)  Playbuilder Funding

The Clerk advised there are two application dates for Playbuilder Funding:

·  1st September 2009

·  15th November 2009.

AGREED. Noted.

e) Ride-On Mower: Fault

The Clerk advised the Ride-on Mower fault is now repaired.

AGREED. Noted.

E.09/111 TO RECEIVE QUESTIONS ON PREVIOUS COMMITTEE REPORTS, WITH ANSWERS IF POSSIBLE

None.

E.09/112 CORRESPONDENCE

a)  Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust – Invitation to Guided Walk and Buffet – Cossington Meadows Nature Reserve

All Members have received a copy (Reference 8/41) dated 10th August 2009.

b)  Campaign to Protect Rural England – Subscription Renewal Notice.

All Members have received a copy (Reference 7/118). The subscription to the Campaign to Protect Rural England is now due of £29.

RESOLVED. Pay the Annual Subscription of £29 to the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

E.09/113 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AFTER ISSUE OF AGENDA: FOR INFORMATION ONLY

None.

E.09/114 CHAIRMAN’S TIME

Mr. Birks wished Members a good evening and thanked them for their attendance.

MEETING CLOSED: 9:15pm.

1