Post by Deubug on Apr 29, 2013 3:19:03 GMT 1
17th January 2012
Update on Allotment lettings and future work
Members received an update report on the status of allotment lettings and planned work (previously
scheduled).
21st February 2012
Update on Allotment lettings and future work
Members received an update report on the status of allotment lettings and planned work at the Allum Lane site.
24th April 2012
Lavatory Facilities at Allotment Sites
Members considered very carefully the views of a number of existing plot holders concerning the request for lavatory facilities to be provided at the sites. A number of factors were taken into consideration, including; security, cost, operating cost, the provision of other facilities in the vicinity and the competing priorities of other improvements at the sites.
It was RESOLVED that:
no action be taken to provide lavatory facilities by the Town Council at both of its sites, subject to a review of the demand for such facilities in April 2013.
Water Supply at Melrose Allotments and tree thinning
Whilst Members were sympathetic to the difficulties in carrying water by some plot holders, it was felt
that the existing provision was adequate and that alternative solutions were available.
It was RESOLVED that:
(i) no action be taken to alter the current system of water tanks/supply at Melrose Allotments (with advice being provided to affected plot holders, on request); and
(ii) the Handyman be tasked with carrying out some minor foliage thinning at locations on the perimeter fence, as appropriate.
Locker Storage/Shed Facilities at Allum Lane Allotments
It was RESOLVED that:
the option of disposal/resale of the ‘old’ Christmas Decorations currently stored at Allum Lane Allotments be referred to the Entertainments Committee (for the purposes of freeing storage space for newer Plot Holders);
subject to Budgetary constraints and with income from (i) above, if any, new lockers, as required, be purchased to allow all plot holders to have the option of utilising a locker and the Communal Shed at the site; and
the request for sheds at Allum Lane Allotments be deferred for consideration at a later meeting pending the outcome of (i) and (ii) above.
Update on Allotment lettings
Members received an update report on the status of allotment lettings and work at the Allum Lane site.
22nd May 2012
Allotments
It was RESOLVED that:
(i) subject to weather, an allotment site visit to the Allum Lane site take place immediately prior to the next Committee meeting scheduled for 19 June 2012 (Members to meet at Town Council Office Car Park at 6.30 pm to car share to site);
(ii) the Council’s Insurer’s be asked to advise on implications of Bee Keeping at the Allotment sites and further information be obtained on options; and
(iii) the Lease Terms and Conditions (relating to structures and storage) be kept unamended (following a request from a plot holder) subject to a review in 2013/14.
19th June 2012
15. REVIEW OF ALLOTMENT RENTS AND TERMS
It was RESOLVED that:
(i) the allotment fee scale for the forthcoming year (from October 2012) remain at £3.50 per pole and the concessionary fees be maintained (with a review to be undertaken at a future meeting); and
(ii) from 1 October 2012 (new Allotment Season) a bonfire season be introduced at the Melrose site to the effect that this activity was restricted to a period between 15 September to 15 February each year and that guidance be provided to plot holders on waste disposal options and prohibited items on bonfires (including green waste and plastic bags).
16. ALLOTMENT SITE VISIT
Following the Site Visit, Members welcomed the improvements carried out to the Allum Lane Allotments and thanked all concerned for their support in achieving the positive outcome. In particular, it was reported that the Council Handyman, Peter Digweed, had worked very hard in assisting the clearance contractors and in letting out the new plots. In addition, it was further noted that special thanks should be conveyed to Tony Cox (plot holder) for his immense contribution to the upkeep of the site and his excellent advice to other plot holders.
It was RESOLVED that:
a competition for best kept plot be reintroduced at the Allum Lane site commencing in the Summer of 2013.
24th July 2012
26. CLERK’S REPORT
(i) Toilet Facilities at Allum Lane Allotment Site
The Committee received representations from a plot holder calling for the Town Council to pursue toilet facilities at Allum Lane Allotment Site and to seek to fund the facilities through Lottery Grant monies. It was noted that not all plot holders might favour such a scheme and that care should be taken to ensure that any actions taken were in full consideration of Council resources, priorities and ongoing commitments. It was further noted that the Committee had previously agreed to defer this item until April 2013 in order to establish the demand for a project of this type which, if carried forward, might also be required at the Melrose Avenue Allotment Site.
It was RESOLVED that:
a written proposal, prepared by the plot holder, be submitted to the 28 August 2012 Committee meeting for consideration for Lottery Funding to be obtained to fund Toilet Facilities at the Allum Lane Allotment Site together with future maintenance costs and/or responsibilities.
28th August 2012
Drainage Issues (All Saints Churchyards and Melrose Allotments)
It was noted that HBC Planning Department/Environment Department had indicated that following the Town Council’s requested site investigation, the localised flooding at Melrose Allotments (near Keats Close) was not caused as a result of the development. As such, at the Clerk’s discretion, the cost of pumping water away from plots was being absorbed by the Council (but at an amount no more than the yearly rental income of a particular plot).
The drainage issues at All Saints Churchyard were being monitored by the Council Handyman with the possibility of a further investigation by an expert if the problem continued.
Site Security (Allotment Sites)
It was noted that a number of security measures were being undertaken to protect both Allotment sites, including chain link repair of the perimeter fence at Melrose Allotments and secure locks on the sheds/garages at both sites.
20th September 2012
Allotment Feedback questionnaires
The Committee noted the feedback received thus far by Allum Lane site allotment plot holders on Toilet Facilities and Bee Keeping. It was felt that the Committee should review the questionnaire results again at a later meeting in order to allow for as many forms as possible to be returned.
In the meantime, the positive responses to the Bee Keeping proposal were noted with interest and the Clerk indicated that a seminar on the topic could be arranged at Fairway Hall (inviting experts on the topic and Plot Holders from both Allotment sites).
30th October 2012
Bee Keeping: Allum Lane Allotments
It was RESOLVED that:
a seminar on the topic of Bee Keeping be arranged at Fairway Hall (provisional date Wednesday 16 January 2013 at 7.30 pm) inviting all interested parties (including plot holders from both sites and residents bordering the Allum Lane site) and experts from Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association.
Toilet Facilities: Allum Lane Allotments
It was RESOLVED that:
in view of there being no clear and overwhelming call from plot holders to progress the matter, no action be taken to provide lavatory facilities at the Allotment sites, subject to the previously agreed review of the demand for such facilities in April 2013.
Mitzvah Day Tree Planting: Allum Lane Allotments
Members were reminded that the Youth Council was organising a tree planting session at the Allum Lane Allotment site on Sunday 18 November 2012 between 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. Council Members were welcome to attend and to help if they so wished. It was noted that a Member of Council staff would be present.
It was RESOLVED that:
. (i) the Clerk be asked to liaise with A Cox (Plot Holder) to agree the most suitable areas for planting on the site (including the perimeter areas by the shed and also where trees were removed on the perimeter with Watling Street); and
. (ii) a poster be prepared notifying plot holders of the activity (to be displayed on the shed door).
27th November 2012
Bee Keeping Seminar (16 January 2013)
It was noted that preparations for the seminar on the topic of Bee Keeping to be held at Fairway Hall on Wednesday 16 January 2013 at 7.30 pm were progressing. An advertisement for the event had been included in the Christmas Edition of the Town Crier. The provisional programme for the evening was as follows:
• Introduction by Town Council (housekeeping, introductions, setting the scene and explaining the reason for the seminar);
• Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (Education Officer's/Chairman’s brief together with visual displays and objects of interest e.g. wooden hive);
• Local Experts (Plot Holder of Allum Lane Allotments explaining his experience and putting forward a proposal for Allum Lane Allotments);
• Question and Answer Session with the Public; and
• Conclusion by Town Council (summary of points, thanks for attending, follow up action, interest register to complete, next steps for consideration by Committee, literature and leaflets to take away).
Mitzvah Day Tree Planting: Allum Lane Allotments
Members received an update report from the Chairman on the Youth Council tree planting session at the Allum Lane Allotment site on Sunday 18 November 2012. The Borehamwood Times article (20 November 2012) read:
“Armed with spades and wellington boots, these teenagers took to the fields on Sunday to help plant trees for Mitzvah Day.
Around a dozen teens from the Elstree and Borehamwood Youth Council went to the Allum Lane allotments in Borehamwood to plant a staggering 107 trees.
Parents, residents and even council staff all dropped by to help – as did Mayor Pat Strack and Councillor Sandra Parnell.
They worked throughout the day, enduring sweat and tears, to plant the hazel, blackthorn and crab apple trees during the annual good deeds day.”
The Committee unanimously agreed to convey it’s thanks to all of the Youth Councillors and to Peter Digweed, Council Handyman, for giving up their time to make the event such a success.
Update on Allotment lettings and future work
Members received an update report on the status of allotment lettings and planned work (previously
scheduled).
21st February 2012
Update on Allotment lettings and future work
Members received an update report on the status of allotment lettings and planned work at the Allum Lane site.
24th April 2012
Lavatory Facilities at Allotment Sites
Members considered very carefully the views of a number of existing plot holders concerning the request for lavatory facilities to be provided at the sites. A number of factors were taken into consideration, including; security, cost, operating cost, the provision of other facilities in the vicinity and the competing priorities of other improvements at the sites.
It was RESOLVED that:
no action be taken to provide lavatory facilities by the Town Council at both of its sites, subject to a review of the demand for such facilities in April 2013.
Water Supply at Melrose Allotments and tree thinning
Whilst Members were sympathetic to the difficulties in carrying water by some plot holders, it was felt
that the existing provision was adequate and that alternative solutions were available.
It was RESOLVED that:
(i) no action be taken to alter the current system of water tanks/supply at Melrose Allotments (with advice being provided to affected plot holders, on request); and
(ii) the Handyman be tasked with carrying out some minor foliage thinning at locations on the perimeter fence, as appropriate.
Locker Storage/Shed Facilities at Allum Lane Allotments
It was RESOLVED that:
the option of disposal/resale of the ‘old’ Christmas Decorations currently stored at Allum Lane Allotments be referred to the Entertainments Committee (for the purposes of freeing storage space for newer Plot Holders);
subject to Budgetary constraints and with income from (i) above, if any, new lockers, as required, be purchased to allow all plot holders to have the option of utilising a locker and the Communal Shed at the site; and
the request for sheds at Allum Lane Allotments be deferred for consideration at a later meeting pending the outcome of (i) and (ii) above.
Update on Allotment lettings
Members received an update report on the status of allotment lettings and work at the Allum Lane site.
22nd May 2012
Allotments
It was RESOLVED that:
(i) subject to weather, an allotment site visit to the Allum Lane site take place immediately prior to the next Committee meeting scheduled for 19 June 2012 (Members to meet at Town Council Office Car Park at 6.30 pm to car share to site);
(ii) the Council’s Insurer’s be asked to advise on implications of Bee Keeping at the Allotment sites and further information be obtained on options; and
(iii) the Lease Terms and Conditions (relating to structures and storage) be kept unamended (following a request from a plot holder) subject to a review in 2013/14.
19th June 2012
15. REVIEW OF ALLOTMENT RENTS AND TERMS
It was RESOLVED that:
(i) the allotment fee scale for the forthcoming year (from October 2012) remain at £3.50 per pole and the concessionary fees be maintained (with a review to be undertaken at a future meeting); and
(ii) from 1 October 2012 (new Allotment Season) a bonfire season be introduced at the Melrose site to the effect that this activity was restricted to a period between 15 September to 15 February each year and that guidance be provided to plot holders on waste disposal options and prohibited items on bonfires (including green waste and plastic bags).
16. ALLOTMENT SITE VISIT
Following the Site Visit, Members welcomed the improvements carried out to the Allum Lane Allotments and thanked all concerned for their support in achieving the positive outcome. In particular, it was reported that the Council Handyman, Peter Digweed, had worked very hard in assisting the clearance contractors and in letting out the new plots. In addition, it was further noted that special thanks should be conveyed to Tony Cox (plot holder) for his immense contribution to the upkeep of the site and his excellent advice to other plot holders.
It was RESOLVED that:
a competition for best kept plot be reintroduced at the Allum Lane site commencing in the Summer of 2013.
24th July 2012
26. CLERK’S REPORT
(i) Toilet Facilities at Allum Lane Allotment Site
The Committee received representations from a plot holder calling for the Town Council to pursue toilet facilities at Allum Lane Allotment Site and to seek to fund the facilities through Lottery Grant monies. It was noted that not all plot holders might favour such a scheme and that care should be taken to ensure that any actions taken were in full consideration of Council resources, priorities and ongoing commitments. It was further noted that the Committee had previously agreed to defer this item until April 2013 in order to establish the demand for a project of this type which, if carried forward, might also be required at the Melrose Avenue Allotment Site.
It was RESOLVED that:
a written proposal, prepared by the plot holder, be submitted to the 28 August 2012 Committee meeting for consideration for Lottery Funding to be obtained to fund Toilet Facilities at the Allum Lane Allotment Site together with future maintenance costs and/or responsibilities.
28th August 2012
Drainage Issues (All Saints Churchyards and Melrose Allotments)
It was noted that HBC Planning Department/Environment Department had indicated that following the Town Council’s requested site investigation, the localised flooding at Melrose Allotments (near Keats Close) was not caused as a result of the development. As such, at the Clerk’s discretion, the cost of pumping water away from plots was being absorbed by the Council (but at an amount no more than the yearly rental income of a particular plot).
The drainage issues at All Saints Churchyard were being monitored by the Council Handyman with the possibility of a further investigation by an expert if the problem continued.
Site Security (Allotment Sites)
It was noted that a number of security measures were being undertaken to protect both Allotment sites, including chain link repair of the perimeter fence at Melrose Allotments and secure locks on the sheds/garages at both sites.
20th September 2012
Allotment Feedback questionnaires
The Committee noted the feedback received thus far by Allum Lane site allotment plot holders on Toilet Facilities and Bee Keeping. It was felt that the Committee should review the questionnaire results again at a later meeting in order to allow for as many forms as possible to be returned.
In the meantime, the positive responses to the Bee Keeping proposal were noted with interest and the Clerk indicated that a seminar on the topic could be arranged at Fairway Hall (inviting experts on the topic and Plot Holders from both Allotment sites).
30th October 2012
Bee Keeping: Allum Lane Allotments
It was RESOLVED that:
a seminar on the topic of Bee Keeping be arranged at Fairway Hall (provisional date Wednesday 16 January 2013 at 7.30 pm) inviting all interested parties (including plot holders from both sites and residents bordering the Allum Lane site) and experts from Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association.
Toilet Facilities: Allum Lane Allotments
It was RESOLVED that:
in view of there being no clear and overwhelming call from plot holders to progress the matter, no action be taken to provide lavatory facilities at the Allotment sites, subject to the previously agreed review of the demand for such facilities in April 2013.
Mitzvah Day Tree Planting: Allum Lane Allotments
Members were reminded that the Youth Council was organising a tree planting session at the Allum Lane Allotment site on Sunday 18 November 2012 between 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. Council Members were welcome to attend and to help if they so wished. It was noted that a Member of Council staff would be present.
It was RESOLVED that:
. (i) the Clerk be asked to liaise with A Cox (Plot Holder) to agree the most suitable areas for planting on the site (including the perimeter areas by the shed and also where trees were removed on the perimeter with Watling Street); and
. (ii) a poster be prepared notifying plot holders of the activity (to be displayed on the shed door).
27th November 2012
Bee Keeping Seminar (16 January 2013)
It was noted that preparations for the seminar on the topic of Bee Keeping to be held at Fairway Hall on Wednesday 16 January 2013 at 7.30 pm were progressing. An advertisement for the event had been included in the Christmas Edition of the Town Crier. The provisional programme for the evening was as follows:
• Introduction by Town Council (housekeeping, introductions, setting the scene and explaining the reason for the seminar);
• Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (Education Officer's/Chairman’s brief together with visual displays and objects of interest e.g. wooden hive);
• Local Experts (Plot Holder of Allum Lane Allotments explaining his experience and putting forward a proposal for Allum Lane Allotments);
• Question and Answer Session with the Public; and
• Conclusion by Town Council (summary of points, thanks for attending, follow up action, interest register to complete, next steps for consideration by Committee, literature and leaflets to take away).
Mitzvah Day Tree Planting: Allum Lane Allotments
Members received an update report from the Chairman on the Youth Council tree planting session at the Allum Lane Allotment site on Sunday 18 November 2012. The Borehamwood Times article (20 November 2012) read:
“Armed with spades and wellington boots, these teenagers took to the fields on Sunday to help plant trees for Mitzvah Day.
Around a dozen teens from the Elstree and Borehamwood Youth Council went to the Allum Lane allotments in Borehamwood to plant a staggering 107 trees.
Parents, residents and even council staff all dropped by to help – as did Mayor Pat Strack and Councillor Sandra Parnell.
They worked throughout the day, enduring sweat and tears, to plant the hazel, blackthorn and crab apple trees during the annual good deeds day.”
The Committee unanimously agreed to convey it’s thanks to all of the Youth Councillors and to Peter Digweed, Council Handyman, for giving up their time to make the event such a success.