Recreation Grounds - 27 May

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

1. Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

2. Minutes

Proposed by Mr Bantick, seconded by Mr Titmarsh

RESOLVED “that the minutes of the meeting of the Recreation Grounds Committee Meeting held on 8 April 2009 are approved.”

Unanimously agreed.

3. Football Club

Knebworth Youth FC has requested the use of an additional football pitch. The committee discussed the additional costs for the pitch.

Proposed by Mrs Presland, seconded by Mrs Smith and

RESOLVED that “the cost of the recreation grounds for 2009/10 season for Knebworth Youth FC should reflect the additional costs for the pitch and the season’s fee should increase to £2870.”

Unanimous.

The clerk is to obtain charges for pitches in the area.

4. Central Heating Repairs

The central heating system has not been repaired. Reports by Cussen & Son and H&W Design have highlighted problems some of which are essential.
H&W Design has confirmed that the equipment installed is per the design, however Mr Wills did consider it to be extremely complicated and has recommended a slight modification to the system. The clerk is to obtain information on the capacity of the calorifier

Cussens & Sons proposed work costs £3465, not all essential. It was agreed that the valves, leak, wiring and replacement caps to the header units should be repaired.

The annual contract with Connaught to service the boilers has been cancelled due to poor service. Cussens & Son is to be considered to take over the annual service of the system.


2009/10 8
5. Pond

Proposed by Mr Bantick , seconded by Mrs Smith and

RESOLVED that “ Robinsons’ quote to reduce height of the trees around the pond at a cost of £1200 be accepted.”

Agreed.

6. Fence Lytton Fields

Proposed by Mrs Smith, seconded by Mrs Presland and

RESOLVED that “ the quote from Stevenage Properties to install 23 m of palisade fencing at a cost of £2630 be accepted.”

Agreed.

7. Goal Posts, King George V Playing Fields

The committee agreed that it would investigate play equipment for older children rather than replace the goal posts at King George V Playing Fields. Mrs Patemen is to speak to the children in the area.

8. Provision of Drinking Fountain

The committee agreed that a fountain at the play are would be too expensive, one located near the pavilion might be more affordable. There was some concern at the cost and vandalism. A water bowl is put out by the groomsman every day and the water from the tap in the toilet is drinkable. The clerk is to obtain information on drinking fountains.

9. Play Equipment

Some items on the trim trail require monitoring and possibly removal this year. The clerk is to obtain information on replacement equipment.

10. Access Road

The pot holes in the access road have to be repaired on a regular basis. The committee is to consider longer term proposals once the new lease is in place.

11. Rural Grants

NHDC has launched its grant scheme for 2009/10 and applications have to be submitted by 30 September. An application to the PECF fund is to be made to cover the cost of the summer litter picker and emptying the three dog bins. Another is to be made for play equipment in KGV.

12. Any Other Business

12.1 Tennis Club Path
Mr Bantick informed the committee that the Tennis club is to arrange the slab footpath to be improved.

12.2 Hole Lytton Fields
The large rat hole in Lytton Fields has been filled.

2009/10 9

12.3 Stump, Recreation Grounds
Mrs Smith reported that there is a wooden stump in the recreation grounds. The clerk is to investigate.

12.4 Barrier
The barrier has been taken down. A couple of bays will be reinstated should the elderly person who uses it as a support to walk makes a request.

12.5 King George V
Mrs Pateman wished to thank the groundsman for his work at KGV.

12.6 Meeting Time
Mr Titmarsh requested that the meetings start at 8.00pm. It was agreed that the next meeting will commence at 7.45 pm.

12.7 Next Meeting Date
The next meeting will be held on 22 July 2009.


There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.00 p.m.