Minutes Town Council Parks Committee - Monday 30 November 2009
Committee Members Present:
Councillor A Raymond (Chair)
Councillor Mrs C Marsh (Vice Chair)
Councillor Ms T Edwards
Councillor M Ireland
Councillor C Letchford
Councillor P Stunèll
Councillor D Weekes (Town Mayor)
Councillor Mrs M McDonald (Chair, Planning)
Councillor A Leech (Chair, Property)
Other Members Present:
In Attendance:
D Bent (Town Clerk)
S Lord (OCRA)
373. Apologies for Absence - An apology for absence was presented on behalf of Councillor Mrs Bickley.
374. Deferment of Business (for comment by the public) - There were no members of the public present.
375. Members’ Questions - Councillor Mrs Marsh acknowledged the water leak had been resolved and questioned repairs to the wall adjacent to the cricket field. She further questioned the planting of suitable shrubs/trees fronting the new fence between the putting green and cricket field. It was agreed a letter be forwarded to the College Principal seeking progress on wall repairs (whilst pointing out previous unsatisfactory repairs) and a planting scheme at this location.
376. Minutes - The minutes of the Parks Committee meeting held on 26 October 2009 were approved and signed by the Chairman on the proposition of Councillor A Leech, seconded by Councillor C Letchford.
377. Matters Arising -
377.1 Exclusive Right of Burial Okehampton Cemetery - The Clerk submitted a further amended policy document and invited Members to endorse it. Members examined the document and agreed to amend page 3 paragraph 5 to read ….. recommendation brought before the Parks Committee. The Council also reserves the right to change the terms of this policy as Council deems necessary.
The Committee also examined the documentation for applicants and agreed that the enquiry letter be amended with the removal of the second paragraph and when issued the policy document be attached; the amended documentation to be forwarded to the next meeting.
377.2 Alcohol Designation Order - The Clerk advised a public consultation exercise was currently ongoing for this order and at the conclusion a statement of intent would be announced in the Okehampton Times for an effective date. He reported a Devon County Officer, a PCSO, Councillor Mrs Bickley and himself had toured the identified area and marked locations for the placement of signs announcing that it was an ADO area. A schedule had been prepared and quotations were being obtained for the fixing of the signs; noted.
In view of the necessity to hold a chapter 8 qualification for street works, on the proposition of Councillor Ireland, seconded by Councillor Leech, it was resolved that research be undertaken into this qualification for a member of staff.
377.3 Play Builder Scheme Simmons Park - Mr S Lord of OCRA attended the meeting and referred to the Okehampton Hub Project which works included the installation of the all-weather pitch, the cricket net and some elements of the skate park, a sports development package for the local community. He explained he had completed a play builder funding application and had included £45,000 for play equipment for Simmons Park, such bid based on youth consultation and preferred options which included building rocks and equipment for older children. He explained he had acted quickly to submit the bid, which had received the support of many organisations and looked for the Council’s endorsement. Members enthusiastically welcomed this initiative, acknowledged willow sculptures, examined possible location for the equipment and endorsed the project. Mr Lord concluded that if and when the grant were obtained, he would meet with Council and formalise the plan.
377.4 Simmons Park Memorial Bench - Mr G Gregory - The Clerk advised this applicant had withdrawn his request to purchase and site a bench in the park for personal reasons; noted.
377.5 Benches Across Okehampton - The Clerk advised a response from the Borough stated that that authority owned no benches or seats in Okehampton, but were willing to provide an annual funding contribution on the maintenance of the same; Members noted and agreed to seek a contribution.
377.6 Brayham’s Terrace Skate Park - The Clerk referred to a meeting with H Witcomb (youth worker) representing youngsters involved in the provision and delivery of skateboard park phase 2 at Brayham’s Terrace. He reported that plans had been prepared by youngsters for a more challenging course and submitted to 3 companies for an interpretation of the requirements, quotations were received from Wheelscape, Rhino and Gravity in the range of £40,000 - £60,000.
He also advised of neighbourhood consultation with a letter to be issued at 28 November to all the properties in Brayham’s Terrace seeking comments or objections. Further, a petition had been put on Facebook together with a petition around the community seeking support. He advised the group had prepared a DVD of their activities in support of grant applications to Youth Opportunities (Devon County Council scheme); Okehampton United Charity; Awards for All and Lottery Sports England (he pointed out that the Council held £3,000 previously granted by Okehampton United Charity towards this project) developments were awaited; noted.
It was further noted that the Girl Guides would receive a large proportion of this land for their activities which would be fenced off and secured.
377.7 Kempley Meadows Play Equipment RockETS Funding - The Chairman presented details from Record RSS and York Stone and Playworld Systems on climbing boulders as requested. Members acknowledged two options supplied and installed, of York stone, a single stack 2.4 m high laid on a wood chip base with rock surrounds at £10,800 + VAT or a double stack with bridge on wood chip at £13,250 + VAT. Members also examined Play Systems Castle boulder at 2.3 m high, installed and supplied at £15,354 plus smaller bench boulder or rope climbers at various prices. Members suggested York stone was uncharacteristic of Dartmoor and an alien concept; commented that Castle boulder was more adventurous and favoured this option. The meeting questioned available finances and acknowledged £5,000 RockETS funding and a lodged request at Okehampton United Charity/Hamlets for support. Following discussion it was agreed that the Clerk submit applications to these organisations for financial contributions towards Castle boulder and/or bench boulder rope climber from the Charity and Hamlets respectively. Members further acknowledged Council’s sinking funds to finance this type of operation, the option of spreading the project over two financial years with due budget provision and agreed to await developments.
377.8 WDBC - Market Street Site - The meeting was asked to agree suitable wording for a plaque at this location, the plaque to identify that the area was the former site of the cattle market, fire station and weighbridge. Following long discussion it was agreed that a form of words be presented to the next meeting.
378. Putting/Tennis Income - The Clerk advised of the following income: putting £322, tennis £652, subject to 20% commission to Parklands and VAT. He explained he had attempted to receive this payment on a monthly basis without success. Members acknowledged the terms of the agreement with the Borough Council and their responsibility and it was agreed a letter be forwarded seeking adherence to it.
379. New Skate Park Shelter - Members were asked to note and endorse repair costs to this shelter. The Chairman explained that the structure had become loose, strengthening was required with the removal of all mesh sheets to give an open space. Members acknowledged the price and agreed to seek an alternative quotation from Jazalski in Sticklepath.
380. Memorial Simmons Park - The Mayor advised that he had been approached by members of the Royal British Legion and other townspeople with a request for consideration that the memorial be re-sited, possibly in Simmons Park to allow a memorial service to be held at the location.
The meeting was advised that a consultation exercise was carried out some years previously with an overwhelming majority in total opposition to the re-siting of the memorial; the meeting resolved to take no further action.
381. Complaints - The Town Clerk advised that no complaints had been received about the state of the park since 19 October 2009; noted.
PART TWO
ITEMS WHICH MAY BE TAKEN IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC ON THE GROUND THAT EXEMPT INFORMATION MAY BE DISCLOSED (if any).
The Committee is recommended to pass the following resolution:-
“On the proposition of Councillor P Stunèll, seconded by Councillor Ms T Edwards, it was resolved that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the Meeting for the undermentioned item of business on the grounds that exempt information may be disclosed as defined in the paragraph given below from Part I of Schedule 12(A) to the Act"
Paragraph 8 - The amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the authority under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services.
382. CCTV Okehampton
383. Trees
It was resolved to come out of part 2 on the proposition of Councillor Weekes, seconded by Councillor Leech, move back into part 1 and ratify all decisions taken in part 2.
Meeting closed 8.45 pm.