Open Session:

There were no members of the public present.

Apologies

The Chairman reported that apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Cole.

Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest

Present:

Cllr N J Chard (Chairman)
Cllr P Chambers (Vice Chairman)                            
Cllr L C Ford
Cllr G J O’Reilly
Cllr B H Terry
Cllr M J Urwin
Cllr A C Wiseman

In Attendance:

Terry Simpson, Town Clerk
Martin Townsend, Finance Manager
Claire Perrens, Meetings Administrator

OS/5036 Minutes of Previous Meeting

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 01 October 2008, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record.

OS/5037 Committee Budget 2009/10

The Finance Manager presented a report with details of the revised budget for 2008/09 and the new draft budget proposals for 2009/10. Members considered the items in the budget and decided on the priorities for the items in Appendix B. The Finance Manager commented that fuel costs as shown in Appendix C were expected to double due to increasing oil prices and the need in future to use white instead of red diesel for some vehicles (Annex ‘A’).

Members also considered short-term proposals put forward as part of the Town Plan consultations, which require action by the Committee (see Annex ‘B’ attached).

It was noted that under the Built Environment theme (2.2) the provision of more outdoor sports facilities and town parks was in hand and expected to see results in 2009/10. Funding was likely to be obtained from developers’ contributions.

Work on the Castleman Trailway (3.1) was also in hand, in partnership with the County Council, with results expected in 2009/10. Funds for facilitating meetings to develop objectives under the theme of Young People (17) had been included in the budget proposals. Further work under Sporting Facilities (19) was expected to be undertaken in 2010/11.

RESOLVED:

1) That the proposals in Appendix B be ranked in the order of priority as shown in the attached Annex ‘A’;

and

2) That action with regard to the proposals put forward in the Town Plan consultations (Annex ‘B’) be noted.

RECOMMENDED: That Policy & Finance Committee consider the budget proposals as shown in Appendices B and C of Annex ‘A’ attached.

OS/5038 Town Centre Roundabout

The Town Clerk reported that plans are in hand to replace the grass on the roundabout with shrubs as it is very difficult to safely mow or weed. The County Council wished to retain the three existing trees and negotiations are taking place regarding the shrubs to be planted. If funding from the County could be obtained, a strip of concrete/pebbles would be added to the edges for further protection. Further sponsorship was being sought.

RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk’s report be noted.

OS/5039 Date of January Meeting

Members considered moving the date of the 07 January meeting to 14 January 2009. Due to the Christmas shut down it would be very difficult to send out the papers in time for the original date.

RESOLVED: That the scheduled 07 January meeting be moved to 14 January 2009.

OS/5040 Rodent Control at Carvers and War Memorial

There is a problem with rodents at Carvers Recreation Ground and the War Memorial Gardens. Members considered the need for special bins with bait traps underneath. A plastic bin would be suitable for the War Memorial but a metal bin would be needed at Carvers, due to potential for vandalism. They also considered an estimate for an Annual Pest Control Contract with the New Forest District Council, to ensure ongoing protection.

RESOLVED:

1) That a plastic rodent control bin, at a cost of £125, be obtained for the War Memorial Gardens;

and

2) That a metal rodent control bin, at a cost of £400, be obtained for Carvers Recreation Ground;

and

3) That an Annual Pest Control Contract with NFDC, at a cost of £252 per annum, be approved.

OS/5041 Carvers Footpath

Members considered proposals to install a user friendly disabled access facility at the Southampton Road end of the footpath at Carvers Recreation Ground. The access facility would allow small mobile buggies and wheelchairs through, but prevent motorcycles from passing.

Members also considered the proposal to construct a new access from the main gate on Southampton Road to the Children’s Play Area and Skate Park to enable closure of the temporary footpath constructed when the site was used for the temporary medical centre.

RESOLVED: That the proposals be approved in principle and further estimates of cost be obtained.

OS/5042 Charity Football Tournament at Long Lane

Members noted that a decision had been made by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee to allow the use of flood lights from approximately 7.00pm-9.30pm for a Charity Football Tournament on Monday 11 November 2008.

However, this match had been cancelled due to bad weather.

Cllr Wiseman requested that future requests be brought to the Committee to allow local residents to comment.

The Town Clerk said that this is normal practice. He had asked that more notice be given in future when evening events requiring lights are planned, to help ensure the request can be brought to the Committee.

RESOLVED: That the cancellation of the proposed charity football match on 11 November 2008 be noted.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.29pm.