Monday 20th January 2025 10.30am

PRESENT:

Councillors: I Schmeising-Barnes (Chair); E Burnip; K Henderson; D Morris

Observer: Councillor J Thomas

Officers: S Saunders (Town Clerk); G Shaw (Treasurer); K Terry (Parks & Cemetery Superintendent); S Harris (Assistant Clerk) 

7. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor P Harrison.

8. MINUTES

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 12th November 2024 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

9. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

10. REPORT FROM THE TREASURER ON PRIORITY AND BUDGET SETTING 2025/26, TOGETHER WITH A REPORT FROM THE PARKS AND CEMETERY SUPERINTENDENT

The Treasurer presented his report and reminded Members that the budget papers related to Parks items only and that any recommendations would be reported to the Finance Committee.

The main points raised were:

• The budget presented did not include any of the proposed expenditure from the report of the Parks & Cemetery Superintendent.  
• The adverse variation in salaries related partly to overtime to cover for sick leave, a regrade of the Town Clerk’s role and the new role, now filled of Assistant Town Clerk.
• It was perceived that the income for burial fees may be slightly higher than budgeted for at year end.
• There were currently waiting lists for both allotment sites.
• It was confirmed that the burial fee was doubled for people that lived out of the Stourport-on-Severn area.  The details of exclusive rights was explained to Members and this was proposed to increase the same as burial fees, i.e. £950.

The Parks & Cemetery Superintendent took Members through his report and the following was agreed:

• Quotations had been received for the replacement of the ride on mower.  There were £11,999 plus VAT and £15,000 plus VAT with one other awaited.  Members noted that the current machine did not meet health and safety standards due to no roll bar being fitted.  Members were informed that there was currently £17,454 in Funds and Reserves which could be used.  The Parks & Cemetery Superintendent was asked to find the best deal he could for a replacement ride on mower.
• It was important that the Council built up a range of good quality hand tools starting with a grinder and impact driver at a cost of approximately £250.
• To provide identification of Town Council Parks Staff, a uniform be provided at circa £500.
• If approved by the Diocese of Worcester, a second hand portakabin be purchased and installed beside the current one in the Town Cemetery, this was to provide extra storage for the Christmas lights.  This was in the region of £1,500 plus VAT.
• A discussion took place on replacement of “The Rocket” in the play area in the War Memorial Park.  Although it had not been identified as needing attention in the last playground inspection, it was a very old piece of equipment and the Council may want to start thinking about purchasing an “all inclusive” piece of equipment.  Two quotations had been received at an approximate cost of £17,000 plus VAT.  After a discussion, it was agreed this would not be looked at in the forthcoming budget year but it would be followed in the future.
• The flower bed running alongside the wall in Villeneuve Gardens be replanted and a fence be installed for safety reasons.  It was agreed that £1,200 be budgeted to meet the cost of fencing and planting (and other planting for VE Day – 80th Anniversary).

Councillor Morris left the meeting at this point, (11.24am).

• Councillor Burnip proposed that the town council declared a climate and biodiversity emergency due to climate change, flooding and the loss of wildlife.  Councillor Burnip was asked to contact Worcester City Council to obtain further information and would report back to the next meeting of Parks Committee.
• There was an offer of fruit trees to be installed at the Village Green, Stourport-on-Severn but the land ownership needed to be clarified.  

Councillor Burnip left the meeting at this point, (11.38am).
 

11. UPDATE FROM THE TOWN CLERK ON A REQUEST FOR A COFFEE PITCH AT LICKHLL WAR MEMORIAL PARK

The Town Clerk advised that following a request, information had now been received.  Following a discussion, it was agreed that the bye laws for the War Memorial Park needed to be looked into further, as well as looking if it had any impact on the Charity Commission.

The meeting closed at 11.45am.