MARK PARISH COUNCIL
The 2017 Annual Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Village Hall, Mark on Tuesday, 9th May 2017 at 7.30 p.m.
Present:- Councillors N. van der Bijl, Mrs E. Corkish, Mrs S. Flack, G. Francis, Mrs A. Hanlon, Mrs J. Horn, W. Human and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk.
1. Election of Chairman
Proposed Councillor Mrs Corkish, seconded Councillor Mrs Hanlon and unanimously agreed that Councillor N. Van der Bijl be elected Chairman for 2017/18. The Chairman signed a declaration of acceptance of office.
2. Election of Vice-Chairman
Proposed by Councillor Mrs Corkish, seconded by Councillor Mrs Hanlon and unanimously agreed that Councillor Francis be elected Vice-Chairman for 2017/18.
3. Declarations of Interest
Mrs Janette Horn, the successful candidate in the Parish Council By-election on 4th May 2017, signed a declaration of acceptance of office and joined the Council.
4. Declarations of Interest
Councillors Mrs E. Corkish, Mrs S. Flack, Mrs J. Horn and Mrs J. Weekes declared personal interests in matters relating to Mark Village Hall. Councillor Human also declared an interest in planning application 013 as a near neighbour and, after making a statement, left the Meeting during consideration of the item.
5. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 14th March 2017 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
6. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1st April were as follows - Current £167.67, Reserve £30,073.09.
b) 2016/17 Financial Statement
Members formally approved the Financial Statement for 2016/17. It was noted that the balance of £30,240.76 carried forward on 31st March 2017 contained short term reserves of £2,500 to enable a grant to be made to the Mark Moor Bowling Club towards planned improvements to their facilities and £3,000 to support a joint scheme being investigated by town/parish councils to fund a bus service between Burnham on Sea and Wells.
c) 2016/17 Annual Governance Statement
Members formally approved the 2016/17 Annual Governance Statement required by the external auditors.
d) 2016/17 Accounting Statement
Members formally approved the Accounting Statement for 2016/17 required by the external auditors.
e) Insurance
The Council reviewed their insurance cover for 2017/18. The existing long term agreement with Zurich Municipal had expired and it was agreed to enter into a new 5-year agreement with an initial premium of £459.19.
f) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payments be made:-
DD SDC payroll 2016/17 £3,441.86
DD SDC dog bin servicing £167.23
000837 GWB Services grass cutting £1,024.00
000838 Parish Clerk expenses £501.37
7. Public Areas Portfolio
a) Highway Matters
It was agreed to report subsidence occurring to the edge of the carriageway along the western edge of Harp Road. HGV movements along Harp Road would be monitored. Subsidence at Northwick Road was being investigated by County Highways. It was agreed to explore possible acquisition of “Kill your Speed” signs. No further information had been received from the County Council regarding repairs to the subsiding pavement opposite the White Horse Inn and safety improvements to the bus stop and possible extension of the 30- mph limit at Blackford Road. It was agreed to issue reminders. It was noted that negotiations regarding a bus service between Burnham on Sea and Wells had ceased during the County Council election period.
b) Play Area
It was agreed to enter the 2017 SPFA Field of the Year Competition and to request repairs to a handle on the horse rocker
c) Public Rights of Way
Councillor Francis reported upon provision of a new gate at Wainbridge and he undertook to investigate a defective bridge on a footpath at Southwick.
d) Village Hall /Football Pitch Area
It was noted that the Mark Community Association had refurbished the goalposts. The Association were to consider issues regarding the new lease for the Bowling Club at their next Meeting.
8. Planning Portfolio
The following planning applications were considered:-
013 Erection of 12 dwellings including formation of access and associated works, south of Northwick Road – South Western Housing Society – recommend permission.
Following disruption from the floor after this decision, the Council moved to another room to consider these applications and deal with other business. Members of the public were in attendance.
010 Erection of holiday lodge, Southwick Road – S. Vincent – no observations.
011 Conversion of barn to dwelling, Corndell Farm, Mark Causeway – Mr & Mrs A. Randell – recommend permission.
012 Installation of 2 windows in east elevation and other alterations, Fairhaven, Blackford Road – Mr & Mrs C. Reid – recommend permission.
014 Erection of agricultural building for storing hay and housing livestock, Vole Road – Mrs S. James – recommend permission.
9. Web-site Portfolio/Superfast Broadband
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported that little interest had been received from local businesses regarding the web-site. Issues regarding the Parish Magazine were also discussed.
10. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting be held in the Village Hall on 4th July 2017 at 7.30 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 8.55 p.m. Chairman
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