AOS 2022 Minutes – Market Deeping Town Council

AOS May 2022 Minutes

Market Deeping Town Council - Amenities and Open Spaces Committee

Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 18th May 2022 at 6.30 pm at the Town Hall, Market Deeping. Cllr Broughton presided over Cllr Miss Collins and Cllr Shelton. The Clerk and Deputy Clerk was also in attendance.

1. Chairman’s Welcome

Cllr Broughton welcomed members to the meeting at 6.30pm.

2. Apologies for absence

There were apologies for absence from Cllr Mrs Redshaw.

3. Declarations of Interest under the Localism Act 2011

There were no declarations of interest.

4. Minutes of a meeting held on 16th March 2022

It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept the minutes of the meeting as a true and accurate record of the meeting. The Chairman signed the minutes.

5. Clerk’s Report and update on work of parkkeepers

Members had received a copy of the report prior to the meeting.

Clerk’s and Park keeper’s report 18 May 2022

John Eve field

The Glebe field was used for a car boot sale on Sunday 10th April and Sunday 15th May.

Taylors fair arrived 9th May 2022

Town centre

Bunting and lamp post signs have been purchased for The Jubilee celebrations.

Clerk’s report

Research has been carried out into an apprentice Horticulturist.

The Clerk had researched apprenticeships. There are no suitable courses available. It was decided to recruit for a school leaver to be a trainee park keeper with a view to them staying with us long term.

Public toilets

A meeting took place today, 16th March, with a representative from South Kesteven District Council, Cllr Bob Broughton and Cllr David Shelton. The Deputy Clerk was also present.

A request was made to SKDC for costings to maintain the toilets. This has not been forthcoming so a reminder will be issued. Fascia boards need replacing. The roller door needs fixing and we waiting for a new soap dispenser.

The toilets need a deep clean. Suitable contractors have been approached but we have been unable to secure a contractor. Further requests for quotes will be obtained.

Update on work of the park Keepers (via The Clerk)

A remote-control grass cutter has been hired for two days primarily to cut the grass on the BMX track. A trailer has also to be hired because it is too large to transport in the Mitsubishi.

The BMX grass cutting often takes up to a week by the park keepers and the time and effort taken was considerably reduced. It reduces the risk of repetitive injuries to the park keepers and reduces the risk of being splattered by unsavoury items whilst strimming.

It was also found to be very effect in the Cemetery, Riverside Park and other areas.

The Clerk is not sure of the exact cost of hiring but considers that it might be beneficial to hire it every 4 weeks throughout the summer.

There are areas in the Play area where the play surface has been damaged by children and an area by the teacup which is lifting. It was suggested that the Park keepers may be able to repair this themselves.

The Tree surgeon has applied for planning permission from SKDC to carry out urgent remedial tree work.

There have been several instances of graffiti on the play equipment at John Eve Park these have been removed.

6. Correspondence to be noted and resolved upon

Correspondence – Amenities & Open Spaces – 18th May 2022
No.	Received from	Date Received	Subject	Committee Response
1	A resident	11.4.22	A dying tree in front of 17 Bramley Road. Reported via Fix my street	Fixed by LCC
2.	Deepings Literary Festival	6.4.22	Banner request	Agreed by Clerks
3.	Oddfellows	12.5.22	Request to use John Eve Field for car boot sales Sunday 24th July Sunday 21st August Sunday 25th September	Agreed by Cllr Broughton

Correspondence to be Acted Upon – Received up to 18th May 2022
No.	Received from	Date Received	Subject	Committee Response
1.	James Town Circus	17.3.22	Request to visit 21.5.23 to 29.5.23 (clashes with Taylor’s fair)	Clerk instructed to decline James Town Circus

7. Omega reports: Review of performance to date, budget/expenditure/income

The Clerk had provided members with a report prior to the meeting. Cllr Broughton asked members if there were any comments on the Omega report, and there were none.

8. For members to consider the Christmas Light tender process for 2023 and future years

The tree contract is in place for 2022. The Clerks will research some prices for 2023.

9. For members to consider the purchase of a Christmas Tree for 2022

Cllr Broughton would like to offer his Christmas Tree for this year. He is going to ask the public of Market Deeping whether they would like his tree, albeit imperfect it is free.

It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept Cllr Broughton’s suggestion.

10. For members to consider offer of trees from Tallington Parish Council

It was RESOLVED to accept Tallington’ s offer of trees.

11. For members to consider applying for Green Flag status for John Eve Park

It was RESOLVED to put this on the agenda for next month

12. For members to consider the Terms of reference for Amenities and Open Spaces

It was RESOLVED to accept the Terms of reference for Amenities and Open Spaces Committee. These will be referred to Full Council for ratification in due course.

13. For members to consider and discuss any points raised in the Open Session

There were none.

14. To consider items for inclusion on the agenda for the next meeting of Amenities and Open spaces committee, to be held at Town Hall Chambers on Wednesday 13th July 2022 at 6.30pm.

There being no other business, Cllr Broughton thanked everybody for their attendance and closed the meeting at 7.00 pm.