MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE YOUTH COUNCIL HELD ON 6 MARCH 2008

           
* denotes present

In attendance:  Cllr Mrs Diane Hollebon.
Mrs Linda Burns, Extended Schools Co-ordinator
Louise Overington, East Herts Council
                       

1.APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Youth Cllrs Bell and Maskell Gray.

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 7 FEBRUARY 2008

RESOLVED:   that the minutes of the meeting held on 7 February 2008 be confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman.

3.PRESENTATION BY LOUISE OVERINGTON, ASST WASTE SERVICES MANAGER, EAST HERTS COUNCIL

Louise Overington stated that she was employed as the Assistant Waste Services Officer at East Herts Council, with responsibility for encouraging and promoting recycling within the District.  Ms Overington provided details of  the service which was currently available to residents of East Herts, which included the kerbside recycling of paper, glass and cans and    garden waste.  Plans were in hand to  introduce collections for cardboard and plastic and also kitchen waste within the next year. East Herts had recently carried out a check of waste in wheelie bins and had been disappointed to note that some residents were still disposing of bottles and cans within their normal waste.

A mobile phone recycling scheme had recently been introduced in schools with the individual school receiving up to £10  per phone towards fund raising activities.East Herts also offered kerbside boxes for classrooms.Ms Overington stated that East Herts would consider assisting with any project that the Youth Council may consider implementing and would also provide all the equipment necessary for an organised Town litter pick.

4. ROLLERBLADING
           
Members had made some initial enquiries with their schools regarding the possibility of organising rollerblading sessions, however the response so far had not been particularly encouraging, with concern raised by teachers regarding the health and safety implications. Members agreed to carry out further investigations and take a decision at the next meeting as to whether or not the scheme would be feasible.

5. MATTERS RAISED BY YOUTH COUNCILLORS

Smart cards

Youth Cllr Miss Newland provided members with details of the SMART card scheme operated at Birchwood School. The cards were topped up by parents and used by pupils to purchase their lunch in school.

School Council

The Youth Councillors from Bishop’s Stortford College sought information from members regarding the operation of School Councils.  

Interschool Drama/Musical Competition

Members were interested in organising a drama or musical competition between schools in order to promote unity amongst the schools.  Members would assess the level of interest and report back to the next meeting.

Rhodes Rocks

To note the above event, open to all age groups, and included four bands for £5. The event was due to take place on Sunday 9 March and alternate Sundays in future.

6.ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

i   Rollerblading    - Feedback from Schools
ii.  Drama Project
iii  Presentation by David Evans of Community Counselling for Young People

7. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Cllr Mrs Hollebon enquired whether members were happy for the Youth Council to continue to meet on the first Thursday of the month or whether an alternative date or time would be more convenient for members.  Members considered that the current arrangement remained the most convenient.

Thursday 10 April 2008 at 6.30pm