Present:
Mrs H Klaassen (Chairman), Mr Rollé (part of the meeting),
Mr F Alexander
In Attendance:
Mrs M Weston (Clerk to the Council).
Approximately 20 allotment holders
(1) Election of Chairman
The Clerk asked for nominations for the position of Chairman of the Allotment Committee for the ensuing year. Mr Alexander proposed, seconded by Mr Rollé, that Mrs Klaassen be elected Chairman of the Allotment Committee. Mrs Klaassen indicated that she was willing to stand as Chairman.
RESOLVED: That Mrs Klaassen be elected Chairman of the Allotment Committee
(2) Election of Vice Chairman
As Mrs Butcher was not present at the meeting it was decided to hold this matter in abeyance until the next Committee Meeting.
(3) Public Participation
Mr Ayres stated that he had had an agreement with the Parish Council for 38 years to keep more than six chickens.
Mrs Klaassen drew his attention to the fact that the Parish Council could find no trace of this agreement and asked if he had a copy.
Mr Ayres replied that he did not and agreed that he had signed and returned to the Clerk a copy of the Parish Council Terms and Conditions which stated that he would keep no more than six chickens.
The Clerk reported that the gate at the Fenwick Hospital end of the allotment gardens would be replaced as soon as possible.
Mr Finch asked if a notice could be placed on each side of the gate at the Westwood Road end asking allotment holders to close it upon exit and entry to the allotment gardens.
(4) Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Butcher and Mr Bisson.
(5) Declarations of Interest
None.
(6) Minutes of Previous Committee Meeting
The minutes of the Committee meeting held on 26 October 2009 were signed as a true and accurate record.
(7) Matters Arising:
(a) Drainage
The Clerk reported that she had spoken to Stuart Beaton at NFDC who had intimated that he would be willing to look at the drainage problems but had requested that the Clerk speak to the Forestry Commission Land Agent first to see if they could tackle the problem. This matter was in hand.
(8) Water Supply
It was reported that the Parish Council had received requests from tenants for additional taps to be placed near the Westwood Road end of the allotment gardens and on the spur at the top end.
RESOLVED:
(a) That the idea of providing two additional taps be agreed in principle.
(b) That the Committee decide on the position for these taps.
(c) That, as the allotment holders who had plots situated near to the proposed taps had intimated that they would be willing to do the work involved, the Clerk obtain quotations for running the pipework and installing the taps, but the allotment holders would dig the trenches.
(9) Allotment Tracks
(a) Car Parking
The Chairman explained that because plots had been split to make more plots, hence additional tenants, car parking was not possible adjacent to some plots. This had led to the problem of some tenants causing an obstruction by parking on the tracks. It might be feasible to give consideration to turning a suitable plot into a car park.
RESOLVED:
(a) To add “no parking on tracks except briefly for dropping off and picking up” to the allotment terms and conditions.
(b) To ask for views on a dedicated car park at the forthcoming tenants’ meeting with the Parish Council.
(b) Winter Conditions re Tracks
RESOLVED: That the work be undertaken in the Autumn and that further investigation be undertaken into the appropriate material and method of work necessary to undertake the work involved.
(10) Competition
The Chairman reported that as this had proved a success in 2009 the competition would continue into 2010 and a further category would be added for the best newcomer to the allotment gardens.
(11) Allotment Inspections
The Chairman apologised for the fact that it had not proved possible to fully undertake the allotment inspection on 8 May but thanked those tenants who had been present. The inspection had been concluded today and in general it was thought that the allotment gardens were much improved.
(12) Vermin Control
Three estimates had been sought to try to combat problems with vermin in the allotments. Two had eventually been forthcoming although it was noted that NFDC had declined to tender due to the fact that they considered the site to be unsafe. Tenders received were as follows:
Rokill - £1,890 + VAT for initial visit plus four visits per year, £26 + VAT for each bait box (total number unspecified).
Ringwood Pest Control - £420 for 12 visits per year; £260 for 18 bait boxes.
RESOLVED: That the tender from Ringwood Pest Control be accepted and their representative be invited to attend the tenants’ meeting on 11 June to explain the procedure and what would be expected from tenants by way of assistance to combat the problem of vermin.
13. Any Other Business
(a) Strimming
RESOLVED: That the Parish Council agree to pay the cost of strimming the ditch between the path and plots 9A to 17A and to strim plot 9A in its entirety.
(b) Hedgecutting
RESOLVED: That the Clerk obtain quotations for cutting, picking up, removal or burning of the hedging and that work would be undertaken during September/October.
In the absence of any other business the Chairman thanked those present for attending and closed the meeting.
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