MARK PARISH COUNCIL

 

MINUTES -TUESDAY 3rd MARCH 2020

 

 

 

A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Mark on Tuesday, 3rd March 2020 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 and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk and County Councillor D. Huxtable (until 7.20 p.m.).

 

54. Declarations of Interest

 

Councillors Mrs E. Corkish, Mrs J. Horn and Mrs J. Weekes declared personal interests in matters relating to Mark Village Hall.

 

55. Minutes

 

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 17th December 2019 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

 

56. Report of the County Councillor

 

County Councillor Huxtable reported upon an improving financial situation at the County Council. He hoped that a highway safety scheme in the vicinity of Mark First School would soon go out to consultation. He undertook to chase up the provision of revised signage to enable the extension of the speed limit at Blackford Road to be implemented. Extra finance would be available to support rural bus services and he would shortly be chairing a meeting of Town/Parish Council representatives to discuss the funding of the 67 Service during 2020/21. A new climate change grant scheme would also shortly be launched to support green initiatives.

 

57. Public Clock

 

It was noted that applications had been made for financial assistance from local organisations and a public appeal had been launched to assist with funding the cost of the work. A grant of £5,000 had been secured from the Nuttall Trust and £1,000 had been promised by Mark PCC. Public donations to date amounted to £2,230. It was agreed to request that work does not commence until after the VE 75th Anniversary Commemorations on 8th May 2020.

 

58. Finance

 

a) Balance of Accounts

 

It was reported that the balance of accounts at 31st January were as follows - Current £4,436.61, Reserve £35,038.687.

 

b) Authorisation for Payment

         

It was agreed that the following payments be made:-

000899 GWB Services                    grass and hedge cutting                   £362.00

000900 Parish Clerk                        expenses & sundry payments          £268.19

 

c) Risk Management Report and Statement of Internal Control 2019/20

 

Members considered and approved a Risk Management Report and a Statement of Internal Control for 2019/20.

 

d) Reserves

 

It now appeared that adequate balances would be available at 31st March 2020 and it was agreed to give detailed consideration to the subject of reserves during the formation of the 2021/22 budget.

 

59. Planning Portfolio

 

There were no new planning applications to consider.

 

60. Public Areas Portfolio

 

a) Highway Matters

 

It was agreed to report defects at Vole Road, Kingsway and Merryfield and to request refurbishment of the white lines at Littlemoor Road. A landowner would also be requested to cut back a hedge overhanging the carriageway at Southwick Road. It was noted that all recent fly-tipping deposits had been reported to the District Council and subsequently removed. A Meeting would be held with the school governors to discuss the issue of parents parking near the School for long periods with engines running and obstructing residential driveways. The Litter Pick Day on 29th February 2020 had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. It was agreed to thank a parishioner for his valuable work regarding litter picking and to request a further Community Payback Scheme visit.

 

Councillor Francis gave an update on the refurbishment of historic finger post signs. Burtle Parish Council had contributed 50% of the cost of the work to the sign at River Bridge. He also reported upon the operation of the shared SID scheme.

 

b) Play Area

 

It was noted that no urgent issues had been raised in the annual safety inspection report. A wooden picnic bench however had become dangerous and it was agreed to remove this item and to purchase a suitable replacement bench.

 

c) Public Rights of Way

 

There were currently no issues relating to the local public rights of way.

 

d) Village Hall /Football Pitch Area

 

It was noted that the Mark Community Association were investigating improvements to the football pitch area including refurbishing the goalmouth which required remedial action.

 

61. Web-site Portfolio

 

Councillor Mrs Weekes reported upon statistics relating to visits to the web-site during February which had shown an increase on the previous month.

 

62. Cemetery

 

It was agreed to amend the cemetery regulations to prohibit large plastic framed floral tributes.

 

63. Next Meeting

 

It was agreed that the next Meeting, the Annual Parish Meeting followed by the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council be held on 5th May 2020 starting at 7.00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

The Meeting closed at 8.15 p.m.                                              Chairman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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