Monthly News Report - October 2011

 GILLINGHAM TOWN COUNCIL

Officers report to members January 2012

1. CCTV cameras – Phase one to replace the receiving equipment has been completed. Phase 2 to replace the priority cameras with new digital cameras is due to be completed in April.   

2.  Festive Lighting - A report containing details of costs for the 2011 Festive Lighting was presented to the January meeting of the General Purposes Committee. A number of ideas and suggestions for the 2012 festive lighting were raised by members of the committee and will be referred to a meeting of the Working Party for further consideration.

3. Assets Register - The Assets Register and Insurance Valuations have been reviewed and updated.  A report was presented to the January meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee. Copies of the Assets Register and Insurance Valuations will be forwarded to the Town Council’s insurers.

4. Speed Indicator Device - A programme has been prepared for the erection of the Speed Indicator Device during 2012 -2013 and Rod Camp, DCC Road Safety Officer, has been notified.                     

5. Persimmon Homes Peacemarsh - An inspection of the Marlott Road play area has been carried out, maintenance work required identified, and costs are being established. An updated report is being prepared clarifying the one off and ongoing annual maintenance costs for the play areas, open spaces land, trees and hedges, and the amount of the lump sums being provided by the developer at the time of transfer.   A full report will be made available to members prior to seeking approval for the transfer documents to be signed.  NDDC Solicitors are acting on behalf of the Town Council, as previously agreed by GTC, to enable the tight deadline, set by NDDC, of three weeks to be met. GTC will not incur any legal costs however it is essential that we all fully understand the implications of what GTC is taking on, prior to completion. Specifications have been prepared and quotations obtained from two local contractors for the one off and ongoing maintenance of the open spaces land trees and hedges.  The smaller areas of open space land within the estate will be maintained by our own workforce.       

6. RoSPA Play area inspections - RoSPA has been instructed to carry out the 2012 inspections. The Marlott Road areas will have to be added to the list when the transfers are completed. 

7. War Memorial refurbishment - The project Manager and Conservator selected to carry out the refurbishment have been instructed to proceed.   A site meeting is being arranged with officers from NDDC to discuss and agree landscaping proposals.  

8. Horsefields - Specification for one off and ongoing maintenance have been prepared and quotations obtained from two local contractors for presentation to the February meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee.

Officers report to members December 2011

1. CCTV cameras – Work to replace the receiving equipment has started.

2. Cherryfields / Swallowfields – Liz Goodhall has asked for, and been provided with, background information, regarding the registered open spaces land adjoining the River Shreen, at the rear of Cherryfields and Swallowfields. 

3.  Staffing – Advertisements for a replacement Office Manager / Deputy Town Clerk and Receptionist / Mayors Secretary will be placed in the January 6^th and 13^th editions of the Blackmore Vale Magazine.

4.  Festive Lighting.   A report containing details of costs for the 2011 Festive Lighting will be presented to the January meeting of the General Purposes Committee.

5. Assets Register - The Assets Register and Insurance Valuations have been reviewed and updated.  A report will be presented to the January meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee.