Amenities Committee - Project Summary

STURMINSTER NEWTON TOWN COUNCIL

Amenities Committee - Project Summary

This document is intended to act as a single point of reference for information on Council business supervised by the Amenities Committee. It will be updated as required by Council staff and uploaded to the Council’s website. It will be reviewed at every meeting of the Amenities Committee. It will serve to inform Council members and staff and members of the public, to guide policy-making and to record key decisions and progress.

It comprises six sections:

Section 1 – Management of Existing Amenities, Assets and Contracts

Deals with recent developments affecting important existing public assets and services which are managed by the Council. Also covers performance of existing contractual commitments.

Section 2 - Current Capital Projects

Reports progress toward delivery of capital projects which the Council is both able to work on immediately and is actively pursuing.

Section 3 – Pending Acquisitions Summary

Lists proposed acquisitions/takeovers of amenities and assets. (Note: once a recommendation for acquisition has been made by the Amenities Committee and accepted by Full Council the matter will be overseen by the Finance & Personnel Committee. Once the acquisition/transfer has been completed the item will, if appropriate, be added to Section 1 of this report.)

Section 4 - Future Capital Projects

Summarizes capital projects which the Council expects to deliver in future but is not actively pursuing at present with reasons given for the delay.

Section 5 - Financial Summary

Reviews the financial implications of current and future capital projects

Section 1 – Management of Existing Amenities, Assets and Contracts

1.1 / Station Road Public Toilets / Last updated 19 November 2014
Current status/plans:
1.The major repairs have all now been completed. Individual cubicles may be closed temporarily from time to time for minor repairs.
2.Three cubicles (one disabled, two ordinary) are ordinarily available for use 24/7 and the other kept closed as a reserve (save when all are opened for special events).
Future plans: To maintain the facility as necessary to ensure service availability 24/7 free at point of use.
Revenue budget for 2014-15: / £9,000 / Earmarked reserve for capital projects: / £1,000
1.2 / Broad Oak Footway-Lighting / Last updated 17 September 2014
Current status/plans:
1.The routine maintenance agreement with SSE Contracting has been renewed for two years.
2.The inventory has been updated and revised invoices are awaited from the energy supplier.
Future plans: To manage the system in accordance with the policy adopted in 2012.
Revenue budget for 2014-15: / £2,200 / Earmarked reserve for capital projects: / £3,500
1.3 / Filbridge Rise Allotments / Last updated 17 September 2014
Current tasks:
1.Most routine management functions have been delegated to Sturminster Newton Allotments Association with effect from 1st April.
2.Inspections. The latest round of inspections was completed in July. Follow-up actions in respect of plots deemed “unacceptable” are in hand.
Future plans: To support SNAA in managing the allotments.
Revenue budget for 2014-15: / £400 / Earmarked reserve for future land purchase: / £4,000
1.4 / Chinnocks Garden Plots / Last updated 17 September 2014
Current tasks:
1.Most routine management functions have been delegated to Sturminster Newton Allotments Association with effect from 1st April.
2.Inspections. The latest round of inspections was completed in July. All plots were found to be in good condition.
Future plans: To support SNAA in managing the plots.
Budget for 2014-15: / £0 / Capital reserve for future: / £0
1.5 / Mill / Last updated 16 June 2014
Current tasks:
1.Arranging repairs of suspended timber floor over turbine and underwater grille.
2.Facilitating re-opening of FP43 over the weir (closed for safety reasons).
Future plans: Negotiate sustainable long-term management arrangements with owner and Museum & Mill Society.
Revenue budget for 2014-15: / £1,500 / Capital budget for 2014-15: / £10,000
1.6 / Grass-cutting / Last updated 17 September 2014
Current tasks:
1.Routine cutting of Town Council-owned land in accordance with the program approved by members.
2.Regular cutting of additional highway verges and other public open spaces under contract with Dorset County Council.
3.Regular cutting of Sturminster Newton United Football Club grounds under contract with SNUFC.
4.Contract with Shillingstone Parish Council enlarged to include additional works.
Future plans: No changes
Revenue budget for 2014-15: / None specifically allocated
1.7 / Winter Maintenance / Last updated 16 June 2014
Current tasks:
1.Topping-up grit bins when required in accordance with policy approved by members.
2.Snow and ice clearance of important routes in association with Dorset County Council.
Future plans: No changes
Revenue budget for 2014-15: / None specifically allocated
1.8 / Cemetery / Last updated 17 September 2014
Current tasks:
1.Routine grass-cutting and maintenance.
2.Regular safety-testing of memorials.
3.Management review working party formed.
Future plans: Review of regulations, fee structure and management of records.
Budget for 2014-15: / None specifically allocated

Section 2 - Current Capital Projects

2.1 / Skateboard Park / Last updated 18 November 2014
Stage reached/Recent developments:
1.Access rights agreed in principle with DCC/Hinton St. Mary Estate/Football Club.
2.Detailed agreement about accommodation works agreed in principle with Sturminster Newton High School is under negotiation.
3. Design visuals completed for use in further discussions and consultations with interested parties
Next steps:
1.Prepare detailed project plan and budget once agreement reached with SNHS.
2.Arrange public event for local residents to publicize design proposals.
3.Proceed with lease formalities.
Capital budget 2014-15: / £110,000 / Timescale: / Completion Summer 2015
2.2 / Workshop Heating / Last updated 18 November 2014
Stage reached/Recent developments
1.Details of options and costs being collated by Council Staff.
Next steps:
1.Discussion and recommendation by Committee in early 2015.
2.Decision by Full Council and Purchase.
Capital budget for 2014-15: / £3,000 / Timescale: / Completion 2015
2.3 / Play Galleon Replacement / Last updated 18 November 2014
Stage reached/Recent developments:
1.Installation work completed.
2.Site re-opened to public.
3.Discussion of possible design modification.
Next steps:
1.Check and file warranty documentation.
Capital budget for 2014-15: / £0 / Timescale: / Completion 2014
2.4 / Adult Outdoor Gym Equipment / Last updated 18 November 2014
Stage reached/Recent developments:
1.Location at War Memorial Recreation Ground, Ricketts Lane approved by the Town Council.
2.Order placed with supplier
3.Installation scheduled for November
Next steps:
1.Supervise installation.
Capital budget for 2014-15: / £5,000.00 / Timescale: / Completion Autumn 2014
2.5 / Ricketts Lane Buggy Refuge / Last updated 18 November 2014
Stage reached/Recent developments:
1.Land transfer deed completed
2.Additional/alternative funding secured from developer contributions administered by DCC
3.Confirmation of registration of title at Land Registry received.
4.Detailed quotation for project management and delivery of service from Dorset Works received
Next steps:
1.Formally commission works and supervise as necessary
Capital budget for 2014-15: / £6,000.00 / Timescale: / Completion End 2014
2.6 / Sturminster Mill repairs / Last updated 16 June 2014
Stage reached/Recent developments:
1.F&P recommendation to accede to request received from SNM&MS to resume progress approved by Town Council.
2.Arrangements for resuming application for listed building consent in hand.
Next steps:
1.Proceed with application for listed building consent for floor repair.
2.Arrange procurement from specialist suppliers of repair works required.
Capital budget for 2014-15: / £10,000.00 / Timescale: / Completion 2014
2.7 / Slack-lining Facility / Last updated 21 May 2014
Stage reached/Recent developments:
1.Detailed proposal received from Russ Holbert and considered on 30th May. Amenities Committee recommendation to postpone decision until it is known if the facility can be incorporated in the skate park design was accepted by Full Council
Next steps:
1.None at present.
Capital budget for 2014-15: / £0.00 / Timescale: / Completion N/A
2.8 / Cycle Safety improvements / Last updated 17 September 2014
Stage reached/Recent developments:
1.Section 106 monies received from NDDC.
2.Request for cycle racks received at Amenities Committee meeting in April and possible sites considered at Amenities Committee meeting in May.
3.Recommended site by entrance to Railway Gardens approved by Town Council.
4.Informal approval obtained from DCC as highways authority.
Next steps:
1.Arrange consultation on design options and costs.
Earmarked Reserve: / £3,502.50 / Timescale: / To be decided

Section 3 - Pending Acquisitions

The approval in principle of the acquisition of additional land/facilities or the assumption of new responsibilities/services/contracts falls within the terms of reference of the Amenities Committee and once acquired any new amenities or services will be added to Section 1 above. However, the process of acquiring additional land is overseen by the Finance & Personnel Committee and up-to-date information on progress is contained in the minutes of that committee. The following acquisitions have been agreed or are under active consideration but have yet to be completed:

3.1 / Jubilee Path extension and part FP12 at former creamery site from Highwood Group
3.2 / Public open space and FP11 at former creamery site from Raglan Housing
3.3 / Part of Trailway from North Dorset District Council (NDDC)
3.4 / River-side meadows from NDDC
3.5 / Hedgerow beside Honeymead Lane from Taylor Wimpey

Section 4 - Future Capital Projects

4.1 / Ricketts Lane Recreation Ground / Last updated 12 Feb. 2013
Proposal:
1.Re-surface car park.
2.Re-surface/upgrade paths.
Current status:
Deferred until full likely cost of Mill repairs (see item 2.6) is known
Projected cost: / £15,000 / Timescale: / 2013-2015
4.2 / Provision of Additional Allotments / Last updated 30 Sept. 2013
Stage reached/Recent developments
Council has reviewed possible sites for suitability, affordability and availability.
Current status:
Issue referred to Sturminster Newton Allotments Association to consider options and make suggestions or recommendations.
Earmarked reserve: / £4,000.00 / Timescale: / Uncertain
4.3 / Coles Close Amenity Land / Last updated 12 Feb. 2013
Proposals:
1.Install safety barrier where path joins Rixon Close
2.Develop the Council–owned public open space adjoining Coles Close and Rixon Close as a suitable public amenity.
Current status:
Deferred pending completion of higher-priority projects and availability of resources.
Earmarked reserve: / £0.00 / Timescale: / 2014-15 or later
4.4 / Provision of Further Cycle-Racks / Last updated 16 June 2014
Stage reached/Recent developments
Council has identified possible sites in the town centre for suitability.
Current status:
Deferred pending delivery of initial installation (see item 2.8 above)
Earmarked reserve: / £0.00 / Timescale: / Uncertain

Section 5 - Financial Summary(Financial year 2014-15)

Project / Estimated cost / Town Council / Other sources / Surplus/(Shortfall)
2014-15 Budget / Earmarked reserve
1.1 / Public Toilets / (£9,000.00) / £9,000.00 / £2,000.00 / £0.00 / £2,000.00
1.2 / Broad Oak Street-Lighting / (£2,600.00) / £2,600.00 / £3,500.00 / £0.00 / £3,500.00
1.3 / Filbridge Rise Allotments / (£400.00) / £400.00 / £4,000.00 / £0.00 / £4,000.00
1.4 / Chinnocks Garden Plots / (£0.00) / £0.00 / £0.00 / £0.00 / £ 0.00
2.1 / Skateboard Park / (£110,000.00) / £0.00 / £37,000.00 / £77,000.00 / £4,000.00
2.2 / Workshop heating / (£3,000.00) / £3,000.00 / £0.00 / £0.00 / £ 0.00
2.3 / Play Galleon replacement / (£45,000.00) / £0 / £16,000 / £0.00 / (£29,000.00)
2.4 / Adult Outdoor Gym Equipment / (£10,000.00) / £5,000.00 / £0.00 / £5,000.00 / £ 0.00
2.5 / Ricketts Lane Buggy Refuge / (£6,000.00) / £6,000.00 / £0.00 / £0.00 / £ 0.00
2.6 / Mill repairs / (£10,000.00) / £10,000.00 / £0.00 / £0.00 / £ 0.00
3.1 / Paths at former creamery / (£500.00) / £500.00 / £0.00 / £0.00 / £ 0.00
3.2 / Open space at former creamery / (£500.00) / £500.00 / £0.00 / £0.00 / £ 0.00
3.3 / Trailway section / (£500.00) / £500.00 / £0.00 / £0.00 / £ 0.00
3.4 / Stour Meadows / (£500.00) / £500.00 / £0.00 / £0.00 / £ 0.00
Totals / (£145,049.00) / £55,060.00 / £9,500.00 / £82,000.00 / £1,511.00
Amenities Smaller Projects Earmarked Reserve
As at 1 April 2014 / Committed as at 30 June 2014 / Balance
£24,000.00 / £16,000.00 / £8,000.00

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