MINUTES - TUESDAY 2nd JULY 2019
MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Mark on Tuesday, 2nd July 2019 at 7.00 p.m.
Present:- Councillor S. Emary (Chairman) Councillors D. Champion, Mrs E. Corkish, G. Francis, W. Human (until 7.55 p.m.), J. Spencer and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk and County Councillor D. Huxtable (until 7.20 p.m.).
Apology for absence received from Councillor Mrs J. Horn.
12. Declarations of Interest
Councillors Mrs E. Corkish and Mrs J. Weekes declared personal interests in matters relating to Mark Village Hall.
13. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 9th May 2019 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
14. Report of the County Councillor
County Councillor Huxtable thanked members of the Parish Council for their practical help and assistance regarding highway safety issues in the vicinity of Mark School at school drop off/pick up times during the temporary closures of Harp Road and Kingsway. He was still pursuing the installation of flashing warning lights in the vicinity of the School. The County Council had now made the Traffic Order to extend the 30 mph speed limit at Blackford Road and the new signage was awaited. Reference was made to difficulty in contacting highway officers and it was emphasised that arrangements should be in place at an early stage to alleviate highway issues in the event of road closures for pylon construction work. A briefing paper on the current work of the County Council would be circulated to members.
15. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1st June were as follows - Current £11,679.78, Reserve £33,328.51.
b) 2018/19 Audit
It was noted that the Internal Auditor had no issues to raise with Members.
c) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payments be made:-
000885 SDC uncontested election fee £100.00
000886 GWB Services grass cutting £896.00
000887 NA Haggett (builders) Ltd Jubilee Green work £2,071.20
16. Planning Portfolio
The following planning applications were considered-
008 & 012LB Replacement of self-contained annexe with a purpose-built annexe attached to Southwick House, Southwick Road, Mark – Mr & Mrs C. Larkin – recommend permission.
011 Erection of extension, porch and two-storey building to include link to main dwelling and integral garage, Moor View Farm, Yarrow Road, Mark – Mr & Mrs Hann – recommend permission.
It was noted that the District Council had served an Enforcement Notice in respect of unauthorised activities at Waggon Nursery. It took effect on 3rd June with a three-month compliance period expiring on 3rd September.
17. Public Areas Portfolio
a) Highway Matters
It was noted that all recent highway defects and fly-tipping deposits had been reported to appropriate authorities. N.A. Haggett (Builders) Ltd of Chilton Trinity had completed the enhancement work to the lay-by at Jubilee Green and it was also agreed to consider replacing the one remaining old seat next year.
Councillor Francis gave an update on the refurbishment of historic finger post signs. He also reported upon the operation of the shared SID scheme and that consideration was being given to the purchase of an Auto Speedwatch device by the group of parishes.
Members undertook to carry out minor work to straighten various signs and nameplates and it was agreed to request Mr Bickers to strim around the millennium stones at Watchfield and Blackford Road.
b) Play Area
It was noted that the 2019 Somerset Playing Fields’ Association Field of the Year Presentation Evening would be held at Woolavington Village Hall on 6th September 2019.
c) Public Rights of Way
It was noted that clarification had been received of the responsibility for maintaining the banks of the Pilrow Wall rhyne. The west bank was alongside Pilrow Wall (AX23/13). It was agreed to thank the Environment Agency for recently removing a fallen tree from the rhyne.
d) Village Hall /Football Pitch Area
It was noted that the defibrillator at the Village Hall would need to be replaced in the autumn following advice by the South West Ambulance Service. The proprietor of the holiday park at Mark Causeway had installed a defibrillator at his site and a further defibrillator had been installed at Rich’s Cider premises at Watchfield. Reference to the availability of these devices would be included on the web-site.
Following clarification of the legal position, the Mark Community Association was considering the erection of a notice near the entrance to the site stating that the flying of drones or remote-controlled aircraft from the field or surrounding area was prohibited. It was agreed to support this action and to consider meeting the cost of the notice.
18. Web-site Portfolio/Superfast Broadband
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported upon statistics relating to visits to the web-site during June.
19. Chairman of the County Council’s Award
Councillor Mrs Weekes thanked the Parish Council for nominating her to receive a Chairman of the County Council’s Award.
20. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting be held on 3rd September 2019 at 7.00 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 8.25 p.m. Chairman
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