Minutes of Recreation and Amenities Meeting held on 6th June 2007 in the Corn Exchange Complex Hungerford
Present: Cllr. Cardwell, Cllr. Bullock, Cllr Harries, Cllr Wilson, Cllr Liddiard & Roger Beard
Apologies: Cllr Small, A.Bell, R Tarry, K. Martin, G Humphrys
Declarations of Interest: Cllr Cardwell, Triangle Field as her son trains there
Cllrs Wilson & Bullock St. Lawrence’s Church
Minutes were taken by Cllr Bullock in the absence of the Clerk and Locum Clerk
Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed. Proposed by Cllr Harries Seconded by Cllr Bullock and passed as all were in favour.
RA/028 Triangle Field- Cllr Harries gave a report on behalf of the Triangle Field Sub- Committee. He advised that the meeting on 17th May had not occurred as apologies were received from S.Mills and the date of the next meeting would be 21/06/2007. In the mean time nothing further would happen without the signing of the under lease.
ii) Tournaments- This item would be added again to the next agenda. The committee discussed the parking situation that occurred at the recent two football tournaments and felt very disappointed that the agreed parking arrangements were not adhered to. Roger Beard advised the Committee that the ruts in the grass were still present from last years tournament caused by vehicles on the grass and was grateful that this situation was not made worse this year as both tournaments were lucky with the weather.
iii) Grass Preparation- Roger Beard has offered to spread the old grass seed as and when he can, free of charge. The Committee gratefully accepted this offer. Mr James had cut the grass at a fee of £180 per cut and Cllr Cardwell agreed to contact him to cut again within two weeks. He had contacted Cllr Cardwell just before the Hungerford Junior tournament but after discussion with A.Bell it was agreed not to cut as line marking had already begun and the grass was not too long. Unfortunately the weather then turned and he was unable to cut before the Wickham Tournament but this was again agreed with G Humphries that the grass was a little long but acceptable. The Committee agreed to continue to use Mr James but R Beard hoped to soon have the Ransom mower repaired and would proposed to resume cutting at the previously agreed fee of £120 per cut.
The committee requested that this item be added to the September agenda when budgeting and quotes could be discussed re grass slicing on the rugby pitch and two main football pitches reading for the following spring.
RA/029 Bulpit Lane- Cllr Cardwell reported that she and Cllr Harries had met with Terry Warrington from Lapsett and had agreed on the final plan for the refurbishment. A public meeting had been held on 21st May, with Cllr Bullock also present. A letter of intent had been requested and sent but Cllr Cardwell was still waiting to hear confirmation from WBC re the lottery funding of £50k but stressed that the Town Council funding was I place and was largely from a 106 payment held by HTC since August 2004. It was also agreed that a spinger should be saved before the redevelopment and transferred to Smitham Bridge Park.
Following Monday’s Full Council Meeting it was agreed to contact Preludic, Playground Services and Lappsett and ask Stewart Souden, of WBC, to help with a tender document for a figure of £25K. Cllr Cardwell informed the meeting that she had investigated to 106 monies and had discovered a sum of £12597.44 which was to be sent to the council. Other amounts were also being looked into. Cllr Liddiard requested the minuting of thanks be made to Cllr Cardwell for the time spent researching 106 monies on the council’s behalf.
St Saviours- proposed Cllr Harries, seconded Cllr Cardwell that sections 1 & 2 of provided quote should be accepted re: repainting and removal of gates.
Proposed Cllr Harries seconded Cllr Liddiard to request YOT to paint posts while the gates were removed. Cllr. Cardwell read out two letters received from Graveshore and Federation of Burial & cremation Authorities, it was agreed not to pursue either.
St Lawrence’s- Cllr Cardwell read out a recent communication regarding the possible mast instillation and advised that she had contacted Fred Bailey. Nothing more to report.
Annual Insurance- Cllr Bullock advised this has been paid but must be revisited this autumn.
D Taylor Salary review- proposed Cllr Cardwell, Seconded Cllr Harries to increase the salary to £245 per month and backdate to April, ie., Cllr Bullock is to draw up a cheque for this month’s salary of £265 being £245 + £20 arrears. Cllr Bullock also advised the meeting that Mr Taylor had received incorrect salary and documentation from the council and the locum clerk would be asked to correct on his return from holiday.
RA/031- Damage to the wall at the Tragedy memorial Garden. A letter was received from Tony Lavers, the responsible contractor and this matter was also raised at a recent NAG Roll Call. Cllr Harries had obtained two quotes to replace the bricks and removal.
1) G D Austin £380
2) I G Tucker £345
Proposed Cllr Cardwell, seconded Cllr Wilson and all in favour that Cllr Harries should organise I G Tucker to carry out the repairs.
Cllr Cardwell wanted it minuted that Tony Lavers had been complimented on his standard of work at the said Roll Call.
Skate Park- There had been a large amount of graffiti at the skate park and Cllr Cardwell had contacted WBC, Street Care to organise its removal. This service is offered free of charge but no time scale is given for the work to be carried out. Proposed Cllr Cardwell, Seconded Cllr Harries & all in favour that when Smitham Bridge Park is refurbished the removal and resituating of the metal picnic benches should be investigated. It was also agreed to accept R. Cripps quote of £40. to repair the fence.
Hurdle House- Standing orders were suspended to discuss this item prop EC Seconded MW all in favour. Roger Beard advised that the cricket club were not renewing their agreement with the Town & Manor due to the increase in charges. Cllr Bullock proposed that HTC should suspend the agreement from next January and this should be confirmed through F&GP. Cllr Harries seconded this statement as he felt the facility was no longer required. All in favour. Standing orders were reinstated and R. Beard left the meeting.
Swimming Pool House- nothing to report
Accounts for authorisation- none were presented to the meeting
The meeting closed at 8.50
Signed by ………………………………..
As a true and accurate account of events
Date………………………………………