Seaton Town Council
Allotments Committee Meeting Minutes
7th December 2006
PRESENT:
- Cllr J Seward (Chairman)
- Cllrs Meakin
- R Morgan
- Mrs Partridge-Hogbin
- Ms L Bewsher
- Mr M Greenyer
368/06APOLOGIES
There were no apologies
369/06 MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on 18th October 2006 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman
370/06 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest
371/06 TO RECEIVE FEEDBACK ON ALLOTMENT INSPECTIONS
Members were advised that the only outstanding action was the cutting back of the bay tree on plot 18. It was agreed that this work should be undertaken by the tenants.
It was further agreed that in view of the current financial situation, general maintenance work at the site should be undertaken by tenants through the Tenants Association.
Cllr Mrs Partridge-Hogbin joined the meeting
372/06 TO CONSIDER AMENDING BONFIRE RULE
In view of complaints that had been received that some tenants’ bonfires were causing a nuisance to neighbours, it was agreed to incorporate EDDC guidelines on bonfires into the Allotment Non-Statutory Rules and refer tenants to the copy of the guidelines on the noticeboard at the site. In addition the Clerk was requested to obtain a supply of guidelines for circulation to all tenants.
373/06 TO CONSIDER OPENING UP MORE LAND
It was noted that the waiting list currently stood at 19, and legally the waiting list could not be closed.
It was therefore Resolved that additional land should be made available for plots. It was noted that the land would require treating and resting prior to cultivating and was therefore unlikely to be available for renting prior to early summer 2007. In the meantime costings were required to measure, mark up, prepare and spray the plots, as well as provide a drainage ditch. It was hoped that the land would provide 12 plots. Ms Bewsher undertook to approach the farmer of the adjoining land. The Clerk was requested to seek quotations from Gardencare and Tony Benger, ensuring that they met with Ms Bewsher and Mr Greenyer to discuss what was required.
374/06 TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR KEEPING POULTRY
It was noted that one application to keep 5 bantams on an allotment plot had been received. The plot had been inspected and provision made for the bantams met the allotment rules for the keeping of poultry.
It was Resolved that approval be given to Mr McMullan of plot 19B to keep 5 bantams in accordance with the rules, to commence in February 2007.
375/06 TO CONSIDER ALLOTMENT COSTS
It was noted that there had been a very steep increase in water usage during 2006, resulting in a total water bill for the summer of £750.02. To ensure that the allotments remained solvent, it was therefore necessary to consider steps which could be taken to ensure either such usage was reduced in future, or to impose an additional charge to cover the increased cost.
It was agreed to propose to the AGM that a separate water charge be levied, each plot holder paying an equal proportion based on square footage, with the rate to be based on the previous summer’s bill. The Clerk was requested to seek confirmation that such a proposal could be legally implemented following the AGM in February.
376/06 TO CONSIDER GUIDELINES PRESENTED AT LAST MEETING
It was agreed that whilst guidelines were extremely useful, the adoption of each guideline as a rule should not be necessary. Members therefore agreed to consider the guidelines at the next meeting to determine which could be incorporated into the Non Statutory Rules. It was further agreed that general guidelines could be made available for tenants, and placed on the noticeboard.
377/06 TO CONSIDER MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR 2007/8
It was unanimously Resolved to award the maintenance contract for 2007/8 to Gardencare in the sum of £870.
378/06 TO RECEIVE FEEDBACK FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
It was noted that:
- No further action had been taken on the possible use of gates from Cliff Field Gardens to replace those at the allotment site. Ms Bewsher undertook to approach Halcyon Days for a quote to do this work;
- No progress had been made on the possibility of plots 5a and 6 exchanging and this suggestion would now wait until the spring;
- The vinyl had been removed from plot 10a;
- Work had not commenced on replacing the handrail over the bridge. It was therefore agreed that this could be undertaken by the Association but the Clerk was also requested to seek a quotation;
- All plots were now numbered in accordance with the non-statutory rules;
- The Clerk confirmed that produce from the allotment site could be sold at the Autumn Show to raise money for prizes for the annual allotments competition. It was agreed to run a stall at next year’s show.
379/06 NEXT MEETING
It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Monday 5th February 2007, and the AGM during the last week of February.
The meeting closed at 8.10
Archived Copies of Minutes
Copies of all Minutes of all the Council's meetings are held in the Council Office and copies are sent to Seaton Library once they have been signed by the chairman as a true record of proceedings at the subsequent meeting.