Allotments-AGM-Minutes-23rd-October-2019

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Chard Town Council
The Guildhall, Fore Street, Chard, Somerset TA20 1PP
Tel: 01460 239567 www.chard.gov.uk
Mayor Cllr. Jason Baker Town Clerk Andrew Gunn

Minutes of the Annual Allotment Holders meeting
held on Wednesday 23rd October 2019 in the Auditorium at 6:00 pm
Present:
Councillors: J Baker (Chair)
In Attendance:
Teresa Turnbull – Administration Officer
There were No. 16 members of the public present and No. 0 members of the press
present
The meeting started at 6.00 pm
Apologies received from Shirley Pitman, Outdoor Services Manager
Mr. David Flowers
JB confirmed the minutes of the last AGM meeting held on 24th October 2018.
Matters arising from the last AGM meeting 24th October 2018
Vacant plot maps not being displayed at Allotment site. TT confirmed it is updated on
website and copy should be displayed on boards and will check this happens in the future.
Report on allotment data 2018/2019
There are 181 managed plots at Chardstock Allotments
164 plots are full size and 17 half sized.
2019 - 10 Vacant plots (5 full size & 5 half size)
2018 - 17 Vacant plots (12 full size & 5 half size)
2017 - 22 Vacant plots (15 full size & 7 half size)
95% Occupancy.
Allotment Inspection took place on 15th August 2019
Letters sent to Allotment Holders: 20
Number of Plots Terminated between 24.10.2018 and 23.10.2019: 30
New Allotment Holders between 24.10.2018 and 23.10.2019: 26 (32 plots)
No waiting lists.
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Rent
There will be no rent increase for 2020/21.
Any other business
When is the next inspection – TBC
JB has been trying to arrange a further meeting, currently have no Guildhall & Amenities
committee therefore JB will continue to chair Allotment meetings until new Committee is
formed and new chair is appointed. Everything currently goes through Full Council.
Matters arising from the last Forum meeting 4th February 2019
Tanks – Same problem occurring with people lift the lids, Members have screwed lids
down to avoid this occurring. Amenities to check.
Are Stand pipes a possibility? Will investigate –but believe low water pressure is a
problem
Locks – No further problems since new locks had been installed.
Shed and greenhouse forms were not sent with last invoices – TT to send
Include email address
Fences and Hedges around plots- Are these allowed? What height etc.
Wire Fences need to be kept weed free, as can’t strim next to these.
If you are unhappy with a certain plot –let TT know, can also cc JB in on correspondence.
Noticeboard is dirty and falling over – Amenities to check
Any other business
Budget explanation not received. Not clear how money is distributed? Or how money is
spent. Council have requested that figures are more refined.
Accounts are compiled by Finance Officer and checked by internal and external auditors.
Previous years Actual figures should be published on website.
How long is left on the lease? Half way through a 3yr lease.
Carpark- Becomes very busy and difficult to park at times. To investigate the possibility of
a carpark extension. Vacant corner plot 47/01- would this block others in?
Could we make the bottom right of site accessible to cars? Other options to be looked at.
Next meeting Wednesday 15th January 2020 at 6.15pm
There being no further business the Meeting finished at 18.48

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