Minutes Parks Committee - Monday 21st February 2011Town Council

Minutes Parks Committee - Monday 21st February 2011Town Council

Tuesday, 27 September 2011 12:53

Minutes of a Meeting of the Okehampton Town Council Parks Committee held on Monday 21 February 2011 in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Okehampton at 8.15 pm

Committee Members Present: Councillor Mrs C Marsh (Chair)

Councillor K Ball

Councillor Dr M Ireland

Councillor C Letchford

Councillor D Weekes

Councillor Mrs K Bickley (Chair, Planning)

Councillor Mrs M McDonald (Chair, P & R)

Councillor A Leech (Chair, Property)

Other Members Present: Councillor Mrs D Smith

In Attendance: D Bent (Town Clerk)

506. Apologies for Absence - An apology for absence was presented on behalf of Councillor M Morse.

507. Deferment of Business (for comment by the public) - There were no members of the public present.

508. Members’ Questions - There were no questions from Members regarding the workings of the Committee.

509. Minutes - The minutes of the Parks Committee meeting held on 17 January 2011 were approved and signed by the Chairman on the proposition of Councillor M Ireland, seconded by Councillor Mrs K Bickley.

510. Matters Arising -

510.1 Minute 446 Litter/Dog Poo Bins - Councillor Mrs Bickley referred to the complaint by R Flexman relating to litter at the development adjacent to Fatherford and questioned relocation of litter bins and dog poo bin in Ball Hill Lane. Councillor Mrs Marsh responded that the bins would be relocated, but the problems of litter clearance were the responsibility of the management committee of the estate; she advised she would pursue this through the Borough Council.

510.2 Playbuilder Scheme Simmons Park - The meeting was informed the work to install seven pieces of play equipment would commence on 23 February 2011, to be completed within 10 days (subject to weather) plus the installation of a willow sculpture; noted.

510.3 Simmons Memorial - Councillor Leech referred to a meeting with E Van Der Steen (Exeter diocese) relating to aspects of repairs to Simmons’ grave: a) the grave and general repairs and b) specifically for Sophia Simmons’ headstone. He explained a faculty was required for general works carried out which had been omitted and delicate works to the headstone of Sophia Simmons would be attended to subject to weather, whilst acknowledging the extreme delicacy of the headstone (it was noted it would be more problematical to obtain permission from the Exeter diocese for the replacement of the headstone). Councillor Leech concluded he would complete the works when the weather was suitable.

510.4 Simmons Park Five Year Performance Plan/Rotary Club Shelter - Members were invited to discuss options for the replacement of this structure. A suggestion from D Whitfield to plant beech trees with seating around leaving an open vista was noted. The Committee discussed a number of options and concluded a shelter was preferred at this location and on the proposition of Councillor Mrs Bickley, seconded by Councillor Letchford, it was resolved researches be carried out for the replacement of the shelter with a suitable wood structure in keeping with the conservation area.

510.5 OCRA Land Development - Construction of Pavilion - Proposals were awaited on this development to be submitted to the next meeting.

510.6 WDBC Public Toilet Strategy - A letter from the Borough Environmental Services Officer confirmed Mill Road toilets in Okehampton would be closed immediately, further that the Town Council would be required to fund 30% of the running costs of the facilities within the town; details of that funding were noted.

Members were concerned the authority was required to fund this extra cost, but suggested the Clerk had undermined the Council’s position by advising the Borough Council that additional sums were included in the budget, despite a request to discuss further options with that authority. The meeting noted the Borough Council’s attitude, concluded Okehampton would be paying more for less facility, accepted the Borough may risk closing toilets as a lever with the Town Council used as a scapegoat in such eventuality. It was proposed by Councillor Mrs McDonald, seconded by Councillor Leech, this topic be discussed at the liaison meeting on 7 March.

510.7 Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge - The Clerk advised he had submitted an application to this challenge for fields in trust and developments were awaited.

511. Provision of Allotments in Okehampton - The Clerk advised he, with the Chair, had met R Brazier plus a number of other residents to discuss the provision of additional allotments across Okehampton. He referred to a discussion on waiting lists, formal request and the Town Council’s responsibility to provide allotments, subject to demand, and invited Mr Brazier to submit a formal application, nothing was received; noted.

512. Simmons Park - Bench/Tree - A request from Mrs P Summers to place a tree or bench in the park in memorial to E Smalley (applicant’s brother) was presented. Members acknowledged the policy of no additional trees unless endorsed by the park-keeper and memorial plaques were not allowed. The Committee examined the options of trees or benches at various locations and on the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Councillor Ball, it was resolved Mrs Summers be advised the tree option was difficult, memorial plaques were not policy and a bench in keeping with the remainder in Simmons Park was the Council’s preferred option with a small plaque bearing the name ‘Eric Smalley’.

513. Parklands - Councillor Leech expressed concern over the times the submersible floor was not working at Parklands with families using the swimming facility at Meadowlands in Tavistock. He questioned the position on repairs to the floor with any alternative solutions; the Chair agreed to discuss at the Users’ Meeting on 24 February 2011.

514. Local Flooding Survey - A request from Devon County Council for Members to identify localised rainfall, ground water and sewage/drainage events and subsequent flooding was requested. Members questioned the qualification on flooding, referenced high water content following rain with minimal problems created at Exeter Road, De Brionne Heights and Fatherford Lane and requested further clarification on flooding criteria.

515. South West Peninsula Football League - Members were asked to note attendance by this league in a number of key matches in Okehampton on 21/22/23 April with concerns over car parking provision in Simmons Park car park. Members noted these matches, complimented Okehampton in its status with a direction to use Mill Road car park.

516. Complaints - There were no complaints received from members of the public relating to the park at weekends.

517. Members’ Reports -

CAB - Councillor Weekes referred to concerns over funding for the Bureau.

Battle of the Bands - Councillor Mrs Smith reported on a new website for this group with a request for a link to the Council’s website and an offer from Mr Hodgson to discuss the event with Members.

Dartmoor Search and Rescue - Councillor Ireland questioned Councillor appointment to the management committee of this group; agreed a request be forwarded to that organisation.