MINUTES - TUESDAY 8th JANUARY 2019
MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Mark on Tuesday, 8th January 2019 at 6.30 p.m.
Present:- Councillor N. van der Bijl (Chairman), Councillors Mrs E. Corkish, Mrs S. Flack, G. Francis, Mrs J. Horn and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk and County Councillor D. Huxtable.
Apology for absence received from Councillor Mrs A. Hanlon.
40. 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 Francis declared an interest in Mark Neighbourhood Watch and Councillor Mrs J. Horn declared an interest in planning application 029 as a near neighbour and did not vote thereon.
41. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 6th November 2018 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
42. Report of the County Councillor
County Councillor Huxtable gave an update on the financial position of the County Council and a possible forthcoming debate on Unitary Councils. During a discussion on highway issues, he advised that the possible extension of the 30-mph speed limit at Blackford Road had yet to receive funding approval. It was agreed that this highway scheme be the top priority for this Council. Councillor Huxtable also undertook to investigate the possibility of public rights of way signposts/bridges etc in the County Council’s store being erected by local volunteers and also damage caused to local roads caused by HGVs taking a short cut to premises in the Westhay area instead of using the approved freight route.
43. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 31st December were as follows - Current £9,798.22, Reserve £33,300.95.
b) Authorisation for Payment
The following payment had been made since the last Meeting:-
000873 Somerset Forge fingerpost restoration £2,160.80
It was agreed that the following payments be made:-
000874 Mark Community Association grant £3,658.00
000875 Mark Neighbourhood Watch grant £100.00
000876 GWB Services grass cutting £301.00
000877 Parish Clerk expenses & sundry payments £370.61
c) Estimates 2019/20
The Council considered the Estimates for 2019/20. It was agreed that the Estimates be approved and the precept for 2019/20 be £17,600.
d) Risk Management Report and Statement of Internal Control
Members considered and approved a Risk Management Report and a Statement of Internal Control for 2018/19.
44. 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 agreed to report a blocked drain near the Old Toll House in Church Street. Councillor Mrs Corkish advised that she would be attending a meeting at Mark First School to discuss parking issues. There had been no recent update regarding the operation of Bus Service 67.
Councillor Francis gave an update on the refurbishment of historic finger post signs. 5 signs had now been completed and it was agreed that the sign at Yarrow be refurbished next. He also reported upon the operation of the shared SID scheme and Community Speedwatch.
b) Jubilee Green
It was noted that a seat was already in place at Jubilee Green to commemorate Mark men who lost their lives in the two World Wars. A damaged litter bin had recently been replaced by the District Council.
c) Play Area
It was agreed to request Mr Bickers to lower the height of the hedge between the play area and bowling green by two feet.
d) Public Rights of Way
Councillor Francis reported upon a Parish Path Consultation organised by the County Council on usage of paths by the public. His suggested response was approved. Mr Bickers would paint the gate on the footpath link at Littlemoor Road when weather conditions were suitable.
e) Village Hall /Football Pitch Area
It was agreed that the defibrillator at the Village Hall be replaced in the near future following advice by the South West Ambulance Service. Possible sites for a second defibrillator in the Mark Causeway area were again discussed and the Chairman agreed to contact the proprietor of the holiday park. I t was also noted that the Mark Community Association would be considering a request for possible use of the facilities for archery.
45. Planning Portfolio
The following planning applications were considered:-
028 Variation of condition to revise layout of plots 2,5,8&9 to provide 3 bedrooms instead of 2, Rookery Farm Creamery, Northwick Road, Mark – Mr & Mrs C. Petheram – recommend permission.
029 Change of use and conversion of garage and store to holiday accommodation and ancillary work, Burnt House, Yarrow Road, Mark – Mrs C. James – recommend permission.
030 Demolition of Ash trees, The Causeway, Mark and erection of replacement dwelling – National Grid – recommend permission.
The District Council were unable to take action in respect of the issue regarding application 003 – land at Vole Road but they were investigating on going planning issues at Wagon Nursery and a possible unauthorised sign at Harp Road.
46. Web-site Portfolio/Superfast Broadband
Councillor Mrs Weekes had no issues to raise regarding the web-site. Councillor Mrs Horn undertook to seek an update from Truespeed regarding the installation of their superfast broadband network in the area.
47. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting, the Annual Parish Meeting, be held on 5th March 2019 at 6.30 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 7.45 p.m. Chairman
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