Recreation - 15 October 2008

MINUTES of the MEETING of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held on
15 October 2008 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at
7.30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________

Present: Ms Smith (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Carol Smith, Mr Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: Mrs Presland due to a prior committment

In Attendance: Mr James Borrie (KYFC), Mr Stuart Biddle (Kneb FC), Mr Bill Martin (KNOBS)

1. Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mr Bantick

RESOLVED “that the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 23 July 2008 are approved.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Football Clubs

The development plan was reviewed and updated. The Youth Football Club is increasing its membership and has three girl’s teams and will probably require the use of A1 on Sunday afternoon next year. The clubs are to install racking in the store for its portable goals and are to produce a layout for the committee. There was discussion on keys and the pitch condition

4. Female Football team

A request has been made to hire the A1 pitch on a Sunday afternoon.

Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mr Titmarsh

RESOLVED “that the woman’s football team can hire the A1 pitch on Sunday afternoon on a trial basis at a cost of £45 per game.”

Agreed.

5. Knebworth Bowls & Tennis Club Lease

Letters have been received from both Tennis and Bowls Clubs agreeing to the terms of a new lease. Howe Roche Waller has returned all the paperwork due to the delay in agreement of the terms of the lease.

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mrs Presland

RESOLVED “that a quote be obtained from Mr Morgan of Foreman Laws to prepare a draft lease and to proceed if under £1500.”

Agreed.

2008/09 48

Mr TItmarsh wished consideration be given to the sewerage costs included in standing charges which he felt should not be paid by the Parish Council

6. Financial Review

Capital expenditure of £354 relates to the purchase of two new litter bins.
Income at £479 for the quarter is 11% under budget No ‘donations’ have been received from the Tennis or Bowls Clubs. Income from the football clubs is in line with budget. The pavilion has been let out for a 5 aside tournament and for a NHDC play scheme during the summer holidays.
Expenditure at £18,485 is 1% under budget


Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Bantick

RESOLVED “ that £500 each be transferred from insurance and pavilion repairs and £1000 transferred to machinery repairs.

Agreed.

7. Budget 2009/10

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mrs Pateman

RESOLVED that “income of £5,215, revenue expenditure of £57,585 and capital expenditure of £1,500 be recommended to the Parish Council.”

Unanimous.

8. Accident

A representative from Allianz Insurance has inspected the footpath and is minded to refuse the claim. It was recommended that the footpaths be inspected annually. It was agreed that the chairman and clerk should walk the paths and report back to the next recreation grounds committee meeting.

9. Youth Cafe

Messers Bantick and Titmarsh visited the Youth Café and gave positive feedback on the group. It hopes to open on Friday evenings once funding is secured and another paid assistant recruited. The committee agreed to continue supporting the group by providing the pavilion free of charge.

10. Trees

The trees around the groundsman’s store are starting to cover the roof. Some of the trees are in the gardens backing onto the recreation grounds. There are also three trees around the play area which require removing and the crown of a Robinia needs reducing.

Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mrs Presland to accept the quote from Robinsons to cut back the trees around the store at a cost of £500 and the remove the trees and reduce the Robinia at a cost of £800.”

Agreed.
The clerk is to contact residents affected by the trees to be cut back and request a contribution towards the work.

2008/09 49
Proposed by Ms Smith, second by Mr Hunt

RESOLVED “that £800 is transferred from the floor fund to meet the cost of the tree work.”

Agreed.

11. Play Equipment

The combat cableway has not been repaired. Wicksteed removed the spring from the design because they kept breaking but will supply one if requested. However they will not guarantee it. ROSPA has stated that Wicksteed should provide a working solution. The clerk is to write to Wicksteed regarding a solution which will comply with EN1176.

12. Any Other Business

12.1 Barrier entrance
Mr Harris is to be asked to remove the remains of the concrete post at the entrance to the recreation grounds.

12.2 Pond
Mr Hunt requested that the groundsman be asked to remove the rubbish from the pond.



There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.40 p.m.