Meeting Minutes
2010-04-01 : Open Spaces
Present – Cllr Janet Harper (Chairman), Cllr Pam Bacon, Cllr Desmond Quigley and the Clerk. Cllr Isobel Darby co-opted onto Committee to form quorum.
In attendance – Cllr Ken Adams
71p. Apologies – Cllr Linda Smith, Cllr John Hatton. Cllr Giles Heath did not attend
72p. Declaration of interests – Cllr Darby, in her capacity as member of Chiltern District Council in the even of the Playbuilder Grant being discussed
73p. To approve the Minutes of Meeting on 4th March 2010
Minutes were approved as a true record, subject to minor amendments, and signed.
74p. Site visit review
There was a brief discussion as a result of the site visit prior to the committee meeting and it was recommended that a letter drafted by Cllr Hatton be signed and sent off.
75p. To review action points from last Minutes
a) Highway sign replacements –
No further news at present time
b) Cemetery regulations – update
No further progress
c) Request for bollards near Pond cottages – update
This will be looked into after a site visit, to be arranged
d) Bus shelter, quote for repair to roof
No further quotes received. Clerk to obtain from other sources
e) Garden of rest – quotation for repairs to roof of brick building
No further quotes received. Clerk to obtain from other sources
f) Best Kept Village strategy
i. Telephone booth – been informed by BT this could take some months to do
ii. Noticeboards – Cllr Nowell had produced information regarding types and styles of noticeboard. Refer to P R & Comms with prices
iii. Cllr Adams had agreed to ask the Youth Club to oranise a one off project for the bkv campaign. Cllr Brooke to ask Community College for help as well.
iv. Cllr Harper to investigate planting re. the planters in the village.
v. Cllr Harper suggested that each Councillor to be responsible for clearing of litter in their own ward . Recommendation to be discussed at full council
g) Austenwood Dell -- response to public
Cllr Harper to ask Cllr Linda Smith for historical information on this. After referring back to the Minutes of March/April 2009, indicating in a response from CDC that it was not the responsibility of the council.
i) Litter bins/grit bins – replacement
It was decided to find out how many bins were required for Market Place and the Precinct and that the ‘Topsy’ free standing bin shown by the Clerk, might be too large for the pavements in Market Place and to investigate further a smaller wall-mounted design. It was, however, agreed that perhaps larger bins be best suited near Dominos and the Precinct. The unanimous choice of colour for all replacement bins to be black. Action clerk and haywarden.
Grit bins – Clerk pointed out that there was hardly any difference in price for the style and size of bin selected, regardless of the supplier. It had been agreed to have green bins. Clerk to order
j) Responsibilities of BCC and CDC for litter problems and condition of pavements
Clerk to contact CDC again as the previous request for information had not been forthcoming.
k) Application for playground grant
Regarding the questionnaire about choices of play equipment, Cllr Harper said she had received five responses and asked that all Members distribute as many questionnaires as possible. Cllr Adams offered to distribute amongst the Youth Club members.
l) Purchase of spare parts
Basic parts for immediate use had been purchased. Regarding Cllr Heath’s comment at the previous OS meeting that the Haywardens needed a trailer to be discussed at next meetimg
m) Memorial infringement – update
New information had come to light regarding this installation, but Councillors considered this to be no excuse for the infringement. Monumental mason to be contacted again. John Hatoon to speak to masons
n) Memorial bench – progress
Bench had been ordered
o) Mill Meadow gate –padlock
Padlock, again combination style – had been purchased and a method of fixing permanently to chain and gate was being investigated.
p) Precinct – update
Clerk had written to the owners and as yet had received no response.
q) Gorse and broom for Gold Hill
In the absence of Cllr Heath, this deferred to next OS Committee meeting
r) Meeting with monumental mason
This had been deferred to mid-April
s) Brushcutter – review of hire, report – not done, defer to May meeting
76p. Allotment meeting - review minutes and consider action
Cllr Harper said that it had been a very successful meeting, approximately thirty allotment holders attended. They were keen to have another meeting in three months’ time. An offer had been made by an allotment holder to set up a forum. This was met with unanimous favour and Clerk to write to accept. Requests for additional taps at both sites had been mentioned – this to be considered, both for cost in installation and water rate. Clerk to action
‘Best Kept Allotment’ competition – temporary Clerk Penny Harris volunteered to organize this. Agreed by Committee members.
Minutes of allotment meeting attached for reference.
77p. Courses for Haywardens to attend
First Aid course; LANTRA approved course for telescopic chainsaw (June)
Head Haywarden had indicated two courses which would be of interest/necessity to attend. Clerk to obtain costs.
78p. Request for work experience 2010
Had received request regarding taking on pupils from three local schools in Sept/Oct. Committee requested further information as to the way in which the young people would be monitored.
78p. Information items
· Tractor has been serviced this week (by a reputable, well known engineer who works with several local farmers)
Date of next meeting Thursday 6th May 2010 – site visit, garden of rest
