MINUTES - TUESDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER 2019
MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Mark on Tuesday, 3rd September 2019 at 7.00 p.m.
Present:- Councillor S. Emary (Chairman) Councillors D. Champion, Mrs E. Corkish, G. Francis, Mrs J. Horn, W. Human, J. Spencer (from 7.15 p.m.) and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk.
25. Declarations of Interest
Councillors Mrs E. Corkish, Mrs J. Horn and Mrs J. Weekes declared personal interests in matters relating to Mark Village Hall. Councillor Champion declared a financial interest in planning application 014.
26. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meetings of the Council held on 2nd July and 19th August 2019 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as correct records.
27. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1st August were as follows - Current £8,539.35, Reserve £35,003.38.
b) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payments be made:-
000889 GWB Services grass cutting £1,206.20
000890 Parish Clerk expenses & sundry payments £231.53
28. Planning Portfolio
The following planning applications were considered-
014 Change of use of agricultural building to dwelling, Wellfield Farm, Vole Road, Mark – Mrs L. Kent – recommend permission.
015 Coppice of hedgerow, east of Harp Road, Mark – M. Popham – recommend permission.
017 Erection of balcony to south elevation, Elmfield, Church Street, Mark – P. Moody – recommend permission.
29. Public Areas Portfolio
a) Highway Matters
It was noted that all recent highway defects and fly-tipping deposits had been reported to appropriate authorities. It was understood that County Councillor Huxtable was still pursuing the installation of flashing warning lights in the vicinity of the School. The County Council had made the Traffic Order to extend the 30 mph speed limit at Blackford Road but the new signage was still awaited. It was agreed to send a reminder and also to report damaged warning signs at Blackford Road and Mark Causeway. It was also agreed to seek additional street/pavement cleaning possibly after autumn leaf fall.
Councillor Francis gave an update on the refurbishment of historic finger post signs and it was agreed that he proceed to the completion of the project. An update on progress would be placed on the web-site. He also reported upon the operation of the shared SID scheme. The possible purchase of an Auto Speedwatch device by the group of parishes was currently on hold.
Mike Schollar had decided to retire as Co-ordinator of Mark Speedwatch. It was agreed to thank him for his work in connection with Speedwatch over a long period of time and to advertise for a new Co-ordinatior via the parish magazine and web-site.
b) Play Area
The Chairman and Councillor Mrs Horn would attend the 2019 Somerset Playing Fields’ Association Field of the Year Presentation Evening to be held at Woolavington Village Hall on 6th September 2019.
c) Public Rights of Way
No issues were raised.
d) Village Hall /Football Pitch Area
Councillor Mrs Horn reported that the defibrillator at the Village Hall would need to be replaced in the autumn following advice by the South West Ambulance Service. Details of a package available from South West Ambulance was outlined which would cost £1,800 on a four-year agreement for one defibrillator and an additional device could be added for a further £1,000. It was felt that there was need for a defibrillator in Church Street and Councillor Mrs Horn undertook to seek agreement from a property owner for an additional defibrillator to be located in that area and, subject thereto, it was agreed to enter into a support package with the South West Ambulance Service for two units at a cost of £2,800 plus fitting costs by an electrician.
Mark Community Association had clarified the position regarding the flying of drones or remote-controlled aircraft from the field or surrounding area and an item on the matter would be published in the parish magazine.
30. Web-site Portfolio
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported upon statistics relating to visits to the web-site during August.
31. Cemetery
Councillor Mrs Corkish reported that a number of headstones were leaning due to ground settlement but were not unstable. It was noted that responsibility for any remedial work rested with the owners of the graves.
32. Next Meetings
It was agreed that the next Meeting be held on 5th November 2019 at 7.00 p.m. with the following meeting being held on 17th December 2017.
The Meeting closed at 7.45 p.m. Chairman
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