Parks committee

Monday 23rd January 2023 11.00am

Mayor’s parlour Civic Centre, Stourport-on-Severn

Minutes

PRESENT:            

Councillors: D Russell (Chairman); J Griffiths; K Henderson; D Little; R Lloyd

Officers: S Saunders (Town Clerk); G Shaw (Treasurer); A Longville (Parks & Cemetery Superintendent)

1.      APOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN

It was RESOLVED that Councillor Russell be appointed as Chairman of the Parks Committee for the current municipal year.

2.      APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

There were no apologies for absence.

3.      MINUTES

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 18th January 2022 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

4.      DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

5.      TREASURER’S REPORT FOR PRIORITY AND BUDGET SETTING 2023/24

The Treasurer took Members through his report and explained that any recommendations from the Parks Committee would be presented to the Finance Committee meeting on 30th January 2023 and then recommended to Council on 7th February 2023.

In response to a Member question, the Parks & Cemetery Superintendent confirmed that the Town Council cemetery fees and charges were still lower than some other councils.

The Parks & Cemetery Superintendent advised Members that the current tractor & trailer for use in the War Memorial Park was coming to the end of its life and a Gator would be more suitable, as this could be used at other sites.

Members agreed the following:

  • Due to exceptional pressures and increased costs, cemetery ‘headline’ fees be increased from £850 to £900 with effect from 1st April 2023. 
  • Rent allotments be increased from £46 to £50 (large plot) and from £23 to £25 (small plot) with effect from 1st April 2023.
  • £1,000 for refurbishment of the steps at Lloyds Meadow and £400 for interior work at Stourport Community Centre be allocated to the “Non-recurring Expenditure”.
  • A sum of £8,000 be added to the Vehicle and Plant fund for the purchase of a Gator.

 The Treasurer was thanked for his informative report.

6.      RULES AND CONSTITUION FOR KINGSWAY ALLOTMENTS

The Town Clerk advised Members that recovery of a debt for the allotments was ongoing.

Members were advised that a new allotment representative was in place at The Kingsway allotments and he had requested that a Management Committee be formed which was agreed.  Members resolved that the allotment rules and constitution be adopted but be reviewed in January 2024.

The Parks & Cemetery Superintendent left the meeting at this point, (11.32am).

7.             ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The Town Clerk informed Members that she had received a request from the Parks & Cemetery Superintendent to work 37 hours over 4 days.  After a discussion, Members agreed to the request as it was important for work life balance.  However, the days would need to be flexible to fit in with the needs of the Town Council.

The Town Clerk was asked to pass on thanks to all the Parks staff for their continued hard work.

The meeting closed at 11.38am.