Minutes Town Council Parks Committee - Tuesday 19th September 2011
Minutes Town Council Parks Committee - Tuesday 19th September 2011
Monday, 07 November 2011 12:43
Minutes of a Meeting of the Okehampton Town Council Parks Committee held on Monday 19 September 2011 in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Okehampton at 7.00 pm
Committee Members Present: Councillor D Weekes (Chair)
Councillor K Ball (Vice Chair)
Councillor Dr M Ireland
Councillor Mrs C Marsh
Councillor M Morse
Councillor J Stockwell
Councillor Mrs M McDonald (Town Mayor)
Councillor P Vachon (Chair, Planning)
Councillor M Davies (Chair, P & R)
Councillor A Leech (Chair, Property)
Other Members Present: Councillor T Cummings
In Attendance: D Bent (Town Clerk)
Declarations of Interest: The following Members declared an interest in the items identified: Councillor Mrs C Marsh, Councillor D Weekes, agenda item no 9 - OCRA.
223. Apologies for Absence - There were no apologies for absence.
224. Deferment of Business (for comment by the public) - There were no questions from members of the public.
225. Members’ Questions - Councillor Weekes referred to the grass in Platts Meadow and questioned when this would be cut; Clerk to discuss with D Whitfield.
Councillor Marsh questioned when the bus shelters were to be cleaned; Clerk to consult with D Whitfield.
226. Minutes - The minutes of the Parks Committee meeting held on 15 August 2011 were approved and signed by the Chairman on the proposition of Councillor A Leech, seconded by Councillor Mrs C Marsh.
227. Matters Arising -
227.1 Simmons’ Grave - The Clerk reported he had consulted two monumental masons and requested quotations for the replacement of the Sophia Simmons headstone; these would be submitted to the Committee and a report submitted to Exeter Diocesan Register for their approval and permission.
227.2 Clapps Wood - The Clerk reported the works had been completed by the Rivers Group and D Whitfield and a Deed of Grant of Right of Way was awaited from solicitors. Upon receipt of this document, the purchase of the land would be completed and the walkway opened to the public; noted.
227.3 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 2012 - Members were asked to note the next meeting due on 21 September 2011.
227.4 Signage - The Clerk reported additional signs for Simmons Park had been received relating to ‘no dogs’, ‘toilet directions’, ‘unauthorised entry’, which would be erected by D Whitfield in due course. He advised the information sign due for placement in front of the College was subject to planning and Councillor Marsh reported she was researching the provision and placement of brown information signs for parking with the leisure pool logo at access routes to Okehampton.
227.5 Street Lighting - The Clerk advised Committee had resolved to seek a quotation to remove these lighting units in Simmons Park. A contractor advised removal would put public welfare at risk and recommended upgrading the units at an approximate cost of £1,400, with removal in excess of £2,000. Councillor Marsh suggested an alternative with lights relocated near to the footpath and some of the above units removed. It was established only one unit was working, but from a health and safety viewpoint, lighting was required in the park. On the proposition of Councillor Marsh, seconded by Councillor Leech, it was resolved quotations be obtained for the re-siting of lighting units plus a quotation for interim repairs to the existing lighting units.
227.6 Simmons Park Benches - A letter from Okehampton United Charity advised that charity would not fund a contribution towards the benches, but commented that the Lions Club had two benches to offer. A £2,100 budget provision was noted for the purchase of benches and the Hamlets had donated £100. Photographs were circulated which identified different designs of benches in the park including wooden. The Clerk presented a request from D Vick to purchase a teak bench in the park in memory to Mary Vick, former Mayor of Okehampton.
Members questioned the style of benches and policy for Simmons Park to include only benches approved by the Heritage Lottery Funding Scheme.
Councillor Leech advised he would consult the Lions and report on available benches for the park. The Mayor advised she would consult D Vick and discuss the Council’s policy with a report submitted to the next meeting.
227.7 Fuel for Road Vehicles - The Clerk advised he had researched H M Revenue & Customs concerning red diesel for road vehicles and produced documentation from the website which, in his opinion shared by D Whitfield, authorised the Council to use this fuel for the tractor whilst engaged on duties relating to the Council’s activities. Members acknowledged prosecutions, which were apparently outside the business of the organisations involved, and noted the Town Clerk’s report.
227.8 Play Equipment - Members acknowledged a number of incidents following the installation of the new play equipment, discussions with RoSPA and the Borough Council Health and Safety Officer, other discussions with the manufacturers and a complaint from a member of the public. Also presented was a letter from a parent whose child had suffered injuries from this equipment with a comment that her child was developing life skills and parent responsibilities must apply.
Members accepted playing on this equipment was a learning curve, but parent supervision was required for youngsters. Further, a sign may assist but some demarcation, possibly a fence, was deemed impractical and possibly a challenge. Members also questioned control, risk, learning and responsibilities on a play area designed for all ages whilst noting that 7 was the minimum age to ride on the Typhoon. In an attempt to address this problem, on the proposition of Councillor Mrs Marsh, seconded by Councillor Ball, it was resolved a series of signs be purchased to read, ‘children to be supervised whilst riding on this equipment, minimum age 7 years’.
227.9 Dog Fouling - Arising from the August meeting, the Clerk advised he and Councillor Bickley were due to discuss prosecution systems with E Kale on Exeter City or West Devon Borough Councils. The Clerk referred to research with Miss Kale on the construction of a system following prosecutions through the legal process. Available funds were identified with a virement operation from other budget provision. He reported the College had been invited to become involved in this exercise and had agreed, subject to cost.
The Chair informed of options examined previously, including subscribing to the Borough Council dog warden scheme, Councillors’ patrol or the appointment of dog patrol/security officer. Members suggested this nuisance was reducing following the publicity campaign, may lapse during the winter months with a suggestion that a trial period be undertaken of a dedicated dog control officer. On the proposition of Councillor Leech, seconded by Councillor Vachon, it was resolved to appoint J Manley as a dog patrol officer for Simmons Park. Mr Manley to park his vehicle, suitably identified as dog warden, in Simmons Park car park with the use of a high vis jacket to undertake this role, the role to include the issue of dog poo bags, training and education and PR with dog owners. Costs were acknowledged and it was also agreed to await the developments of any report from Elaine Kale.
228. Capital Works Parks Committee - Members received the Clerk’s financial report on available funds for projects authorised by this Committee. He explained earmarked reserves at 1st April were identified with projected expenditure during the current financial year with remaining funds transferred at 31 March 2012 as specific reserves to build on; noted.
229. Lions Club of Okehampton Plant a Million Trees - A letter from this Club sought the Council’s co-operation in planting a number of trees in Simmons Park or other areas of the town as part of this project. Members agreed to ask D Whitfield for advice on type of tree required and to respond to the Lions accordingly.
230. Catering Trailer North Road Industrial Estate - The Chairman presented a request from R Burgoyne to site a catering trailer at Brayhams skate park to serve the North Road Industrial Estate. The application advised of details of the proposal, operating from 7.45 am to 2.30 pm with full certification, qualification and experience together with business plan, insurance etc.
Members were concerned over litter created, but welcomed this initiative and opportunity to offer catering facilities for this area, acknowledged daytime use and on the proposition of the Chair, with an amendment by Councillor Vachon, it was resolved that permission be granted for a 12-month trial period, subject to Mr Burgoyne being responsible for cleanliness of the site and responsible for any planning permissions.
231. OCRA - An application to promote an urban mountain bike racing competition in Okehampton was presented. OCRA sought permission to use Station Hill, Simmons Park and the riverside meadow for the mountain bike circuit, adhering to established paths and working closely with Simmons Park staff to identify a suitable route for this purpose.
Members had reservations over this request, with specific regard to their no bike policy throughout Simmons Park. Members were concerned that this type of activity would destroy the park’s path, Sustrans had been prevented from creating a route through the park as had the YHA, but wished to encourage it and suggested an alternative location be identified eg Abbeyford Woods or alternatively Tramlines. On the proposition of Councillor Marsh, seconded by Councillor Vachon, it was resolved permission be refused with Tramlines offered as an alternative suggestion.
232. Members’ Reports -
(i) Parklands Leisure Centre Users’ Group - meeting cancelled.
(ii) Okehampton Community Recreation Association - no report.
(iii) North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Group - Councillor Ireland reported that organisation had agreed to relocate to a unit on Exeter Road Industrial Estate with the team committed to raise £150,000 towards costs.
(iv) Tennis Court Management - meeting due 20 October.
(v) Okehampton Community Archive - Chair reported on an exhibition held at the Museum with progress on acquiring equipment with the office open on Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon.
Meeting closed 8.35 pm.
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Councillor D Weekes
Chairman