June 2019

Minutes of a meeting of the Amenities committee held on 24th June 2019 in the Bracebridge Heath Community Library at 19:00

Present: Cllrs Adeyemi (arrived at 19:05), Callan, Kilcoyne, Manders, Marden, Moran, Parr, Smith, Trought.
In attendance: Mrs S Knowles –Clerk to Council 
No members of public present

1. To elect a chairman of committee for civic year 2019-2020 It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That Cllr Trought be elected as chairman of the Amenities committee. 7 in favour 0 opposed 1 abstention

2. To elect a vice-chairman of committee for civic year 2019-2020 It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That Cllr Callan be elected as vice-chairman of the Amenities committee. Unanimous

3. To consider apologies for absence and note the reason where appropriate – 

• It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That apologies from Cllr Walker be accepted. 
• It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That apologies from Cllr Barr be accepted.
• It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That apologies from Cllr Marden to leave the meeting early be accepted.

4. To receive members’ declarations of disclosable pecuniary, non-disclosable pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in relation to any agenda item. - Nil

5. To consider the allotments –

Cllr Adeyemi joined the meeting at 19:05.

A written report was provided before the meeting. A verbal report was given regarding outstanding debt in respect of allotment rent owed to Council.

6. To consider grass cutting and grounds maintenance – Concerns had been received from some members of the public regarding the use of herbicides. It was agreed that Council would continue to remove weeds in the children’s play areas. Long grasses and weeds would not be removed using weed killer on the eastern and southern boundaries of the football field. It was noted that ‘the hump’ is already left unmaintained allowing wild plants to grow. It was agreed that the village caretaker would maintain just the footpath over ‘the hump’ and Council would investigate the use of seed bombs for the remaining area.

7. To consider repairs and new equipment for play parks- 
t was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That a new swing seat and associated fittings be purchased for the Grantham Road play park. Unanimous
It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That the broken gym equipment sign on the recreation ground be replaced. Unanimous

8. To consider the recreation ground and assets
a. Adult exercise equipment - Nil
b. Bowling green – It was requested that the clerk to council write to the Bowls Club regarding their membership and usage of the facility.

Cllr Marden left the meeting at 19:30. 

c. Football pitches – A verbal report was given on the ongoing maintenance of the football pitches.
d. MUGA - Nil
e. Skate park – A verbal report was given on the condition of the skate park.
f. Tennis courts – Nil
g. CCTV – A written report was provided prior to the meeting. Members discussed replacing the CCTV equipment that had been taken down. It was requested that the clerk to council investigate the possibility of linking with the 24hr surveillance CCTV carried out by NKDC. The clerk would also obtain quotes for upgrading the current system.

9. To consider community buildings -

Cllr Callan declared a non-pecuniary interest in matters relating to the community library at 19:54.

a. Community Library – It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That book ends be purchased at a cost of £51.00. 7 in favour 0 opposed 1 abstention
b. Pavilion – Plans for the redevelopment of the village hall and pavilion were discussed. It was agreed that a full consultation with residents and users of the facilities would need to be undertaken. The consultation would be combined with a village showcase giving the opportunity for local organisations, clubs and businesses to celebrate their activities. The showcase would be held on two dates: Saturday 7th September in the Village Hall, 12 to 4pm; and Saturday 14th September in the Pavilion, 12 to 4pm.
It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That the clerk to council be authorised to purchase five 6x3ft banners for the event. Unanimous 
It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That two roll up indoor banners be purchased; one for Council and the other for the Neighbourhood Plan. Unanimous

Cllr Smith left the meeting at 21:22.

c. Village Hall – The plans for redevelopment were discussed at item 9a. Cllr Adeyemi gave a report from the meeting held with the Village Hall Management Committee (VHMC) on Friday 21st June 2019. The committee reiterated that premises repairs in the village hall were the responsibility of the VHMC.
d. To review costs of facility hire – It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: That hire of the pavilion would be increased as follows: £7 per hour for local organisations, £8.50 per hour for private hire or commercial use. Unanimous
Council reviewed the figures for the use of the junior football pitch. It was agreed to continue to offer the use of the pitch to Phoenix United free of charge.

9. Items for the agenda of the next committee meeting – Grass cutting contracts

There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 21:49.
Signed_______________________________Chairman 25 November 2019