Allotments-AGM-Minutes-16th-October-2017

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Chard Town Council
The Guildhall, Fore Street, Chard, Somerset TA20 1PP
Tel: 01460 239567 www.chard.gov.uk
Mayor Cllr. Garry Shortland Town Clerk Zoe Truong

Minutes of the Annual Allotment Holders meeting
held on Monday 16th October 2017 in the Auditorium at 6:30 pm
Present:
Councillors: J Baker (Chair)
In Attendance:
Teresa Turnbull – Administration Officer
There were No. 17 members of the public present and No. 0 members of the press
present
The meeting started at 6.30 pm
Allotment administration report -The following report was read out.
There are 181 managed plots at Chardstock Allotments
164 plots are full size and 17 half sized.
2017-22 Vacant plots -15 full size 7 half size (2016- 15 Full and 3 half size).
Currently at 87.85% Occupancy.
No waiting lists.
Allotment Inspection took place on 27th September 2017
Notice that Rents for 2017/2018 will increase
With effect from 1st October 2018 charges will be as follows
Standard plot £24.60
Half size plot £13.30
This is a 2.6% increase in line with the retail price index to cover inflationary costs.
The lock code will change as of 23rd October – new code was quoted on invoices.

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There is Payroll costs increase, labour costs £900 increase, why?
Could we please have a breakdown of how allotment income is spent? The 2016/17
budget breakdown.
What is the License fee? This is an administration fee
The council don’t look to make a profit from the allotments, the budget is set using
historical data and the money is there if needed but not spent if not needed. Budget
report is available on the website.
Jason will obtain a budget report and can discuss at the next forum meeting
and email.
The slope at the entrance requires attention –Amenities to review
Bottom fence broken – Amenities to review
Plots sizes vary, 31/01,02,03,04 all vacant but all very small –Size of these plots can
be reviewed.
What has been done to avoid letters being sent out to wrong people – We have now
issued a very clear map to the amenities for use at inspection times.
Issue with weeds on vacant plots – Amenities spray but can only use certain
chemicals.
Tank T2 still broken -Amenities to review
Can a up to date copy of terms & conditions be emailed to Bob Adams -Yes
Could the process of removing people with unsatisfactory results be reviewed/Inspections
increased? If inspections are increased this will have an effect on admin/payroll
costs - Further inspection can be made for those who have received letters.
Would it be possible to receive an email of inspection date, in order for a member to be
present? Jason to review
The Allotment Holders meeting is held annually. There are also quarterly meetings of the
Allotment Sub-Committee held by the Council. It was agreed the next meeting date would
follow next inspection in December or early January 2018.
There being no further business the meeting finished at 7.20pm

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