23 June - Recreation Committee
Ruskington Parish Council
Minutes of a Recreation Committee meeting held on Thursday 23 June 2022 at the Parish Office at 7pm.
Present: Cllr G Cox, Cllr G Conway, Cllr Cunningham, Cllr S Cotter, Cllr S Tonge, Cllr Trolley,
Also in attendance: Mrs A Waldeck (Lions FC), Kathryn Locke (Clerk to Council)
Apologies: Cllr Tomlinson
A representative from Aurora Security Services was present but there were no other members of the public in attendance.
Public Session: The Committee and Aurora discussed ways to prevent and reduce the incidents of anti-social behaviour round the village, especially at Parkfield playing fields. These included placing CCTV cameras on poles to prevent their damage, the creation of leaflets that Aurora could hand out to owners of dogs off-lead and to anyone conducting acts of anti-social behaviour. Wording was suggested. Aurora agreed to make it clear at the beginning of their reports if there had been any incidents of concern.
The Chairman, Cllr Cox, opened the meeting at 7.40pm.
1. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting.
Cllr Tomlinson had been unbale to attend the meeting and had sent a valid apology.
Action: The Committee RESOLVED to accept Cllr Tomlinson’s valid reason for absence. Proposed by Cllr Conway seconded by Cllr Cotter and approved unanimously.
2. Receive declarations of interest and consider applications for dispensations in relation to DPIs.
Disclosure of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests is to be in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.
Cllr Tonge declared an interest in agenda item 4 as her hostelry provides post- match teas at no charge.
3. Notes of the meeting of the Recreation Committee held on 31 March 2022 to be approved as Minutes.
Action: The Committee RESOLVED to accept the notes as accurate Minutes. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Cotter and approved with three votes for and 2 abstentions (not present at the last meeting).
The Chairman signed the Minutes.
4. Finances:
The RFO had circulated the end of fiscal year financial report prior to the meeting.
4.1. Expenditure to date.
At the end of the fiscal year 2021-2022 the Recreation Committee had an underspend of £7,077.00. This had been moved to the Recreation Committee reserves. The Committee was working within its budget for this fiscal year.
4.2. To consider a quote for the welding of the goal post brackets on the north field, if available.
The quote was awaited.
Action: The Committee RESOLVED to replace the goal posts on the north field with the new set stored in the pavilion. Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Tonge and approved unanimously.
5. To consider the applications to use Parkfield sports facilities.
Action: The Committee RESOLVED to approve the following applications: -
- Ruskington Lions Junior Football Club. (To use the Pavilion and pitches on the south field.)
- Cranwell Football Club - Sunday League. (To use the changing rooms and the pitch on the north field.)
- Sleaford Athletic Football Club - Sunday League. (To use the changing rooms and the pitch on the north field.)
The fees for Cranwell FC and Sleaford Athletic FC would be: £30.00 per match to use a pitch and the changing rooms, as previously approved, or £700 per annum to use the pitch and changing rooms for matches and training. Clubs to be advised that tape must not be stuck to the goal posts.
- Walking Football Team – (MUGA only) at the previously agreed cost of £20.00 per hour.
- No other teams have applied to use Parkfield facilities.
Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.
5.1. To consider a request to use the playing fields to hold a non-sporting event.
Action: The Committee RESOLVED to approve the application for a Plastic Free event at a cost of £10.00 per hour. A copy of their valid insurance was required. A Saturday would be the best day for the event due to the facilities already being used on Sundays, and the event could not take place during September due to the refurbishment of the play area at Parkfield. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.
6. To receive an update on the pavilion kitchen.
The cooker hood had been installed and the extractor fan was due to be installed. All new electrical items would need to signed-off by a qualified electrician.
Action: A fee of £10.00 per week to use the kitchen was to be recommended to Council at the meeting on 12 July 2022. This fee may alter depending on advice from the RFO based on the current increases of utility costs.
6.1. To agree the next stage of the refurbishment of the kitchen and the community café.
Once the second phase had been completed, the final phase could be considered.
6.2. To consider expenditure to purchase tables and chairs for use in the community café.
This was deferred until the future of the Pavilion was agreed.
6.3. To consider the future use of the pavilion as a community café and consider any plans for the alteration of the building, including access to a fully accessible toilet / baby changing from the exterior of the building for Parkfield users.
Action: The Committee RESOLVED to recommend to Council a full refurbishment and enhancement of the pavilion to include a community café and accessible toilets and changing facilities. The RFO and Cllr Cunningham to research funding opportunities. Proposed by Cllr Tonge, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved unanimously.
7. To receive an update on the refurbishment of the changing rooms.
The changing rooms had been emptied and cleaned ready for painting.
Action: The Committee RESOLVED for the Clerk to obtain quotes for the interior decoration, including non-slip floor painting. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Cotter and approved unanimously.
8. To consider a request by the Lions Junior Football Club to place signage on the exterior of the sports facilities and agree the location (pavilion or changing rooms).
Action: The Committee RESOLVED to approve the request by the Lions FC to erect a sign on the outside of the Pavilion, where previously located. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Tonge and approved unanimously.
9. To consider a request by the Red Lion to use the Council’s four long tables for a wedding reception in August 2022. (Unable to source their own in time.)
Action: The Committee RESOLVED to approve the request by the Red Lion to use the long tables for a wedding. There would be no charge for this, but a donation would be appreciated. Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Cox and approved unanimously.
10. To receive the outcome of the sport facility surveys. (Re-issued as no responses to the first survey.)
Three members of the same team had responded regarding the MUGA. All requested an improved surface. The Recreation Committee had previously researched 3G and 4G surfaces and the cost had been approx. £35,000 for a 3G. A 3or 4G type surface would prevent the MUGA being used for other sports and by wheelchair users.
11. To receive the Clerk’s report.
Please see attached. No questions were raised.
12. Delegate/Councillor Reports and items for the next Council or committee meeting.
- Cllr Cotter reported that a bag of rubbish had been removed from the MUGA prior to its use by the walking Football Team.
- Mrs Waldeck had earlier reported that the urinals in the pavilion were not flushing due to a problem with the sensor.
- Cllr Cunningham reported that the gate to the playing fields from Northfield Road kept being left open. Only the grass cutting contractors, football teams, emergency services and the Council have the padlock code.
13. Agree date for the next committee meeting.
To be agreed.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.15pm.