AOS 2023 Minutes

Market Deeping Town Council – Amenities and Open Spaces Committee

Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 8th November 2023 at 7.00 pm in the Town Hall Chambers, Market Deeping.  Cllr. Broughton presided over Cllr Miss Collins, Cllr Mrs Jones, Cllr Hanson, Cllr Mrs Steel was also present along with the Clerk.  

45.  Chairman’s Welcome and Introductions

Cllr. Broughton welcomed members to the meeting at 7.00 pm.

46.  To note apologies and accept valid reason for Absence

None.

47.   Declarations of Interest under the Localism Act 2011 

None. 

48.  Minutes of a previous AOS meeting held on the 13 September 2023

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.   

49.  Clerk’s report and update on work of the parkkeepers

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

Agenda Item 5 

Clerk’s and Park keeper’s report 8 November 2023

50.  Correspondence to be noted and resolved upon

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

The Clerk presented information to the committee which has been circulated ahead of the meeting.  Members were shown the current year to date expenditure.  Under Grounds Maintenance expenditure had been more than planned for and this has been caused by the rapid deterioration of wet-pour areas located under the children’s play equipment.  Areas have required repair or full resurfacing due to damage in this financial year, with three more areas identified requiring repairs/resurfacing.  
(Note:  the following agenda item, recorded below relates to repairing / resurfacing of the grounds).

In order to ensure there is sufficient funds for repairing/resurfacing for the remainder of this year members RESOLVED for the movement of funds from Ear Marked Reserves for Amenities and Open Spaces ‘Supplies’ to Grounds Maintenance for the value of £7,500.    

The Chairman asked if there were any further questions regarding the Omega year to date results, there were none.

52.  For members to consider quotes (Hurricane Swing, Tea Cup and Dizzy Roundabout) to repair surface underneath

The Clerk informed members that to date, one quote had been received.  It was agreed for this item to remain as on going to allow more quotes to be received.  

53.  Precept planning for Amenities and Open Spaces

The Clerk presented information to the committee which had been circulated ahead of the meeting, as well as presenting updated information at the meeting. 

Members reviewed and discussed the movement of Ear Marked Reserves to fund anticipated repair/resurfacing costs expected next year for grounds maintenance, and for this to be included in the draft precept proposals.  Members RESOLVED to accept the proposed draft precept for Amenities and Open Spaces committee in the sum of £126,606.

54.  For members to consider concrete post – chopping/removal

Members were shown photographs of a post which is located on the John Eve Field.  The photograph shows a post, with the top of the post shown as rotten.  Members discussed and RESOLVED for the top of the post to be removed.

55. For members to discuss on where to site the Urban Spaces Award

The Chairman informed members that he was delighted to have attended an evening hosted by South Kesteven District Council, where Market Deeping Town Council was nominated for an Urban Space Award, and had achieved runner up. A plaque has been given to the council.  Members discussed and RESOLVED for the plaque to be mounted onto the hooped fencing that surrounds the children’s play area.

56. For members to consider and discuss any points raised in the Open session

There were none

57. To consider items for inclusion on the agenda for the next meeting of Amenities and Open spaces committee, to be held on Wednesday 10th January 2024 starting at 7pm.   The Chairman asked members to submit items to be included on the agenda to the Clerk ahead of the next meeting.