PADDOCK WOOD TOWN COUNCIL
The Podmore Building, St Andrews Road, Paddock Wood
Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 6HT
Telephone: 01892 837373
www.paddockwood-tc.gov.uk
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MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ESTATES COMMITTEE TO BE held on Monday 8th July 2024 in the Day Centre Commercial Road at 7.45 pm.
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PRESENT: Cllr, J Thompson, in the Chair
Cllrs R. Atkins, A Mackie, D Kent, D Sargison
IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs N Reay, Town Clerk
Ms E Small, Deputy Clerk (until item ES17)
APOLOGIES: Cllrs R Moon, B. Robichaud
The chairman opened the meeting by asking for the Council’s thanks to be extended to the ground staff and Deputy Clerk for their work during the Town Clerk’s leave.
ES14 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
ES15 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the meeting held on the 10th June 2024 were APPROVED.
ES16 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES
a) ES4 Goal Posts – these have been ordered. Unfortunately, the wrong ones were delivered. The correct ones should be delivered week commencing 22nd July 2024.
b) ES10 – Putlands path the contractor has advised that there is no increase in the previously quote price. The order has been placed and a start date is awaited.
c) Fence at St Andrews Field – the contractor has advised that here is no increase in the previously quote price. The order has been placed and a start date is awaited.
d) Vehicle update – the garage has taken preliminary look at the van and advised that they need to carry out a detailed survey of the body work. The van will be booked in for a day for the inspection to be carried out. A hire van will be obtained for the day.
ES17 CEMETERY PROJECT
Following on from the previous month’s meeting the Deputy Clerk advised members that she needed to know the type of finish members wanted for the path in the children’s area. Quotes had been received for pavers and for interlocking grids with gravel.
Members discussed which type of finish would be most practical. Tarmac was suggested but the Deputy Clerk advised that if a non-porous surface was used then drainage would need to be installed. Due to the new legislation regarding the burial within 10 m of drains it would remove a large area of cemetery for use.
It was also agreed the surface needed to be suitable for pushchairs etc.
Cllr Thompson proposed, Cllr Kent seconded:
That the path should consist of interlocking grid with grey stone.
CARRIED unanimously.
ES18 ESTATES MANAGEMENT
a) Members discussed the Estates Managers Job description, and any amendments which were required. It was agreed that Cllr Atkins & Thompson would review the job description and submit a draft copy to the next meeting.
b) The clerk advised that the remaining ground staff were keeping on top of the work with the help of the former Estates Manager who was doing 2 – 3 days a week. A temporary gardener was looking after the town centre planters.
ES19 FOAL HURST WOOD SIGNAGE PROJECT
Cllr Mackie reported that two quotations had been received. A third had been requested but had not been received.
Cllr Atkins proposed, Cllr Kent seconded:
That the quotation for the Bowman Option C board & the Musketeer – Lectern – Twin Leg in oak at a cost £5411 should be accepted.
CARRIED unanimously.
Text and pictures would need to be supplied and it was suggested that the FHW volunteers might like to carry out this part of the project.
Cllr Mackie would contact the designers.
ES20 REVIEW OF UNMOWN GRASSLANDS
In June 2022 the Committee agreed that parts of the Town Council’s Estates should be left unmown to allow a “wilder” look.
Members reviewed the areas and Cllr Thompson proposed, Cllr Atkins seconded:
That the areas at St Andrew Field should be removed from the list. All other areas will be remain “wild”
CARRIED unanimously
ES21 ALLOTMENT STORE
Following the recent meeting, the Allotment Association have submitted their ideal building for an allotment trading store. Members received a copy of the report and noted the contents.
ES22 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will take place on Monday 12th August 2024.
The meeting closed at 9.20 pm