13 February 2024 - Recreation and Environment Committee
Ruskington Parish Council
Minutes of a meeting of the Recreation & Environment Committee held on Tuesday 13 February 2024 February 2023 at the Winchelsea Centre, 11 High Street North, Ruskington, NG34 9DY 6.30pm.
Present: Cllr G Cox, Cllr S Cotter, Cllr M Trolley, Cllr L Tomlinson
Also in attendance: Kathryn Locke (Clerk to Council), Andrew Doughty (Environment Caretaker)
Cllr O Ditch was present as a member of the public. No other members of the public were present.
The Chairman opened the meeting at 6.30pm.
1. To elect a Chairman for the remainder of the civic year.
Action: The Committee RESOLVED to elect Cllr Cox as the Chairman. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Cotter and approved unanimously.
2. To elect a Vice-chairman for the remainder of the civic year.
Action: The Committee RESOLVED to elect Cllr Cotter as the Vice-chairman. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Tomlinson and approved unanimously.
3. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting.
All Committee members were present.
4. Receive declarations of interest and consider applications for dispensations in relation to DPIs.
Cllr Tomlinson declared an interest in agenda item 9.3b as he was a member of the Lions JFC.
5. Notes of the meeting of the Recreation Committee held on 6 February 2023 to be approved as Minutes.
Action: The Committee unanimously RESOLVED to approve the notes as Minutes.
6. Notes of the Environment Committee meeting held on 5 April 2023 to be approved as Minutes.
Action: The Committee RESOLVED to approve the notes as Minutes.
7. To review / approve the draft Terms of Reference for the Committee.
Action: The Committee unanimously RESOLVED to approve and adopt the Terms of Reference.
8 Pavilion and changing rooms.
8.1. To receive an update on the plans for the refurbishment of the pavilion to incorporate a community café including the application for funding.
Cllr Tomlinson had revised the plan for the pavilion which was made available at the meeting.
8.2. To agree the date to meet with students at the University of Lincoln who are helping design the pavilion and community café.
Action: A date to be agreed with the university when it was known if the students were still available.
8.3. To receive the quotes for the installation of solar panels on the roof of the changing rooms to provide heating for the changing rooms and pavilion (preciously circulated).
Action: The Committee unanimously RESOLVED to recommend to Council the quote for £17,860.01 excl VAT.
8.4. To consider the best ways to heat the water in the changing rooms and pavilion.
Action: The solar panels would be used to heat the water.
8.5. To consider an inspection of the pavilion and changing room buildings to show any works and maintenance required.
Action: This would be undertaken as part of the renovation of the pavilion.
8.6. To consider leasing the pavilion to the Lions Junior Football Club on a full repairing lease at a peppercorn rent.
Cllr Tomlinson declared an interest as he was member of the Lions JFC.
This was deferred.
9. To review and agree the Application Form, Lease Agreements and Terms and Conditions for the hire / use of the sports facilities for 2024-2025.
9.1. Application form to request the use of the facilities
9.2. Lease agreement for use by sports teams
9.3. Terms and Conditions for use by the following: -
a. The Terms and Conditions for use by sports teams
b. The Terms and Conditions for use by the Lions JFC (includes the use of the kitchen)
c. The lease agreement for use by non-sporting organisations (individuals, businesses and charities).
Action: The Committee unanimously RESOLVED to recommend to Council that the agreement form, Terms and Conditions, and all lease agreements be considered for approval without amendment, with three votes for and one abstention. (Had previously declared an interest in this item).
10. To consider the quotes for the purchase of basketball hoops and basketball line painting for the MUGA, as requested by local basketball players. (Quotes previously circulated.)
Action: The RFO to investigate alternate options and quotes for the hoops.
11. To receive an update on the nature trail for Horseshoe Hollow and agree the next steps.
The Environment Caretaker advised that there was no update available for the meeting, but he was investigating the trail.
12. To consider alternative methods of weed suppressant and removal for the bark ground cover at Hillside and Beck Close play areas.
Steam, hot water, rubber pellets and rubber matting were options.
Action: To investigate and obtain costs for rubber matting.
12.1. To receive an update on the improvement of the gravel path in the Garden of Remembrance.
The improvements and expenditure had been approved in the budget for 2024-2025.
13. To consider information (previously circulated) from the Waterlife Recovery Trust (WLRT) regarding a water vole recovery programme for Horseshoe Hollow.
Information had been circulated prior to the meeting and a representative of the WLRC was attending the Council meeting which followed this committee meeting. Horseshoe Hollow was not considered an appropriate location as it was fully accessible to the public.
Action: The Committee unanimously RESOLVED to recommend the recovery programme to Council if an alternative location could be found.
14. To consider funding opportunities for recreation and environment projects.
Action: The Committee unanimously RESOLVED to recommend to Council that a bid for the next round of the Community Foundation/ NKDC Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) be applied for, for the solar panels for the pavilion and changing rooms. This would be match funded from the CIL money ringfenced for the renovation of the pavilion. Letters to local businesses, such as Dyson and Pilgrim, with request for donations towards the renovation to be issued.
15. To receive delegates/Councillor Reports.
Cllr Tomlinson advised that the playing fields were very wet and compacted and required aerating, and asked if Council could consider applying for equipment and machinery to improve the playing fields. (March agenda item).
16. To agree the date for the next committee meeting.
To be confirmed.