71

LYTCHETT MINSTER & UPTON TOWN COUNCIL

A meeting of the AMENITIES Committee was held in the Council Chamber, 1 Moorland Parade, Moorland Way on TUESDAY the 5 November 2013 and commenced at 7.30 p.m.

PRESENT: Councillor Mrs M Pryor (in the Chair)

Councillor P Rusling

Councillor F H Drane

Councillor Mrs E Andrews

Councillor F Rickard

Councillor J Whippey

Councillor J Porter

Councillor Mrs J M Richards (Chairman of Council)

Councillor J C Small (V/Chairman of Council)

Also in attendance: Karen Wright, Town Clerk

Barbara Lake, Office Manager

APOLOGIES: None.

217/13 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None.

218/13 CLERKS REPORT:

a. Minute 88/07 Creation of Maintenance Procedures. Nothing further to report.

b. Minute 101/10 Remedial drainage work at Upton Cemetery. No further information,.

c.  Minute 102/10 Creation of a children’s area in Upton Cemetery. The first burial in the new children’s area in the North Cemetery has taken place.

d.  Minute 269/11 Enhancement of Upton Skatepark. The Youth Group will contact the Town Council when they are ready to proceed.

e.  Minute 183/12 Future of the Pavilion Building at the Recreation Ground. No further information.

f.  Minute 129/13 Christmas Carol Service. See Agenda item.

g.  Minute 137/13 Cricket mat. The holes in the cricket mat will be temporarily repaired until such time as the mat can be removed and the area re-soiled.

219/13 CORRESPONDENCE:

a)  A letter was received from ULMAA advising that they will not be applying for lottery funding in relation to the water troughs as they are likely to be unsuccessful for any project that could be the responsibility of the Council.

continued…………………….

220/13 TO CONSIDER ALLOTMENT MATTERS:

Water Supply

Investigations into the provision of a meter and standpipes are ongoing.

Allotment inspection. A further inspection took place in October and letters were sent to the tenants of plots requiring attention. A follow up inspection is due to take place around the 21 November. A tenant who was served a notice to quit enquired about a deposit refund. It was agreed the deposit should be retained by the Town Council and the tenant will be advised. It was reported that one tenant has planted 2 apple trees and a letter will be sent.

Allotment Allocation

It is currently Town Council policy that if the next person on the waiting list is offered a plot in poor condition they accept it on the understanding that no rent is payable for the remainder of the year. A situation has arisen whereby a tenant who took on a plot on this basis is now complaining about the condition. It was therefore agreed to produce a Disclaimer for prospective tenants to sign if they agree to take over a plot in a poor state.

221/13 TO CONSIDER RENEWAL OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ALLOTMENT & LEISURE GARDENERS MEMBERS AT A COST OF £55 + VAT:

It was proposed, seconded and

RECOMMENDED to renew membership of the National Association of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners.

222/13 TO DISCUSS A REQUEST FROM THE BEACON PROJECT TO USE THE RECREATION GROUND FOR THE CARNIVAL:

After discussion it was proposed, seconded and

RECOMMENDED to permit the use of the Recreation Ground for the 2014 Carnival subject to usual conditions and to no lorries being allowed on site.

223/13 TO SET AMENITIES FEES FOR 2014/15:

After discussion it was proposed, seconded and

RECOMMENDED that sports, cemetery and allotment fees should increase by 5% and allotment water rates by 8%. As from February 2014 allotment rents will be priced by the square metre.

224/12 TO CONSIDER BUDGETS:

The proposed budget is set out on the attached sheet. It was proposed, seconded and

RECOMMENDED that this be accepted.

225/13 TO CONSIDER CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS:

The carol service will take place on Wednesday 11 December 2013 and arrangements for Father Christmas and his transport are in hand. The Town Crier from Wareham will attend. it was suggested that children from the Infants School may like to carry lanterns with tea-lights which they could make themselves with a prize going to the best decorated. Cllr Holmes will approach the Head Teacher.

226/13 TO RECEIVE COMMITTEE FINANCIAL UPDATE:

The committee financial update was received and agreed.

continued…………………….

227/13 TO RECEIVE UPDATE FROM AMENITIES CHAMPIONS:

a)  Allotments

Cllr Whippey

None.

b)  Recreation Ground

Cllr M Holmes

Concerns were expressed about the gate to the toddlers play area and members were advised that action to secure the gate was in hand.

c)  Redwood Road Play Area.

Cllr P Rusling

None.

d)  Warbler Park Play Area.

Cllr Mrs E Andrews

None.

e) Cemetery

Cllr Mrs M Pryor

None.

228/13 ITEMS OF REPORT AND MATTERS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:

a)  The Remembrance Day Parade will take place on Sunday 10 November, meeting at 10.15 at the Royal British Legion.

b)  A Children in Need Coffee Morning will be held at the Town Council Offices on Friday 15 November 2013. Cakes and raffle prizes are needed.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.55 pm

Chairman………………………………..

Date……………………………………