Recreation - 4 March 2009

MINUTES of the MEETING of the RECREATION GROUNDS COMMITTEE held on
4 March 2009 in the COMMITTEE ROOM, KNEBWORTH VILLAGE HALL at
7.30 p.m.
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Present: Ms Elisabeth Smith (Chairman), Mr John Bantick, Mr John Hunt, Mrs Rosemary Pateman, Mrs Caroline Presland, Mr Anthony Titmarsh and the Clerk

Apologies: Mrs Carol Smith due to a prior commitment

In Attendance Mr Spiers, Mr Huggins, Mr Hill & Ms Ker Reid (Knebworth Tennis Club)
Mr Osborne & Mr Playle (Knebworth Bowls Club)


1. Declarations of Interest

Mr Hunt declared that he is president of Knebworth Tennis Club

2. Minutes

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mr Hunt

RESOLVED “that subject to Mr Hunt being present the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 7 January 2009 are approved.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Footpath Inspection

The chairman reported that the footpaths in the recreation ground have been inspected and were in good order. The clerk is to arrange for some minor cracks to be filled.

4. Knebworth Bowls & Tennis Club Lease

The draft lease for the Bowls and Tennis Club was discussed with representatives from the clubs and a number of revisions made. The clerk is to inform Foreman Laws of the amendments and request a draft for both clubs. The area to be included in the lease was discussed.

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mrs Pateman and

RESOLVED that “the north boundary of the Tennis Courts should continue along the line of the hard fence line to the Bowls Club wall.”

Agreed.

5. Play Equipment

Wicksteed has repaired the combat cableway free of charge. The radio in the youth shelter will cost £500 to repair; an insurance claim is to be made.






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Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Ms Smith and

RESOLVED that “ a virement of £500 from play equipment capital to repairs is to be made”.

Agreed.

The trim trail has been damaged by a motorcycle. All of the wooden equipment is to be reviewed and considered for replacement. A grant application is to be made in the next financial year. Mobile CCTV equipment is to be discussed with the police.

6. HCC Lease

Mr Piper, Foreman Laws, is currently reviewing a draft lease from the County Council. The committee discussed registering the land it owns at the recreation ground together with the access. The clerk is to instruct Foreman Laws.

7. Bins

NHDC has awarded a grant of £1300 towards the cost of two litter bins and weekend litter picking during the summer.

Proposed by Mr Titmarsh, seconded by Mrs Pateman and

RESOLVED that “two 145L Bensham bins be purchased at a cost of £383 each.”

Agreed.

8. Pavilion Repairs

The problems with the heating and hot water system in the pavilion have not been resolved; the motorised zone valves have been sticking. Connaught has suggested that all seven valves be replaced as part of a maintenance programme and has quoted £1262.

Mr Titmarsh believes that since there have been a number of problems with the system a survey should be carried out by a heating engineer prior to any work being undertaken. It was agreed that the cost of a survey is to be obtained and work approved at the F&GP committee meeting.

The leaf to the pavilion entrance door has been damaged and has to be replaced. The ties for the fire extinguishers have been removed from the two units next to the entrance. Both incidents have occurred whilst the pavilion was being used by the youth club. The club has been informed and has offered to contribute to the cost of repairs.

9. Pond

CMS has agreed to inspect the pond and recommend a programme of work. It will not be scheduled until the winter so that it does not disturb the wildlife in the pond.






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10. Hire Charges 2009/10

Proposed by Mr Hunt, seconded by Mr Bantick and

RESOLVED that “the hire charges be increased as follows Knebworth Football Club £1320, Knebworth Youth FC £2210 and Knebworth Old Boys FC £880.”

11. Salary Review

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Titmarsh and

RESOLVED that “in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted it was advisable that members of the public and the press (none present) be temporarily removed and that the meeting move into Part II session.”

Agreed.

Proposed by Mr Hunt, seconded by Mr. Titmarsh and

RESOLVED that “having completed discussions that the meeting return to Part I Session.”

Agreed.


12. Next Meeting Date

The next meeting will be held on 8 April 2009.


There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.