MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Vicarage Lane, Mark on Tuesday, 7th September 2021 at 7.00 p.m.
Present:- Councillor S. Emary (Chairman) Councillors G. Francis, W. Human, D. Sellers, J. Spencer and Mrs J. Weekes with County Councillor D. Huxtable (until 7.25 p.m.) and the Clerk.
Apology for absence received from Councillors D. Champion and Mrs E. Corkish.
22. Declarations of Interest
Councillor Mrs J. Weekes declared a personal interest in matters relating to the Village Hall.
23. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 6th July 2021 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
24. Report of the County Councillor
County Councillor Huxtable reported upon issues relating to unitary authorities, Covid and highways. It was subsequently agreed to accept his offer to arrange for a speed survey to be undertaken along Blackford Road and for rumble strips to be installed on the eastern approach to Mark.
25. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1st September were as follows - Current £5,892.10, Reserve £28,504.70.
b) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payments be confirmed:-
000933 Somerlap benches £411.84
000934 NA Haggett (builders) Ltd work to Jubilee Green £1,440.00
DD SDC salary recharge £975.00
It was agreed that the following payments be authorised:-
000935 GWB Services grass cutting £1,002.00
000936 SALC affiliation fee £390.27
000937 PKF Littlejohn audit fee £240.00
000938 Parish Clerk expenses & sundry payments £119.61
c) Bank Reconciliation
A bank reconciliation as at 30th June 2021 was checked with the original bank statements and signed by the Members who did not sign cheques as part of the Council’s financial controls.
d) Audit of Accounts
The External Auditors had completed their work on the 2020/21 accounts and had reported that on the basis of their review of Sections 1 and 2 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR), in their opinion the information in Sections 1 and 2 of the AGAR was in accordance with proper practices and no other matters had come to their attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements had not been met.
26. Planning Portfolio
It was agreed to confirm recommendations of permission made in respect of the following applications:-
019 Erection of side extension and detached garage and formation of new driveway, Linden, Dutch Road, Mark – Mr & Mrs G. Fisher.
020 & 021LB Erection of extension to side elevation, conversion of stables to home office and garden store, replacement car port and alterations to dwelling, Laurel Farm, The Causeway, Mark – Mr & Mrs J. Griffen.
025 Erection of agricultural building, Reed Farm, Southwick Road, Mark – CL, AE & RC Sweet
The following new application was considered:-
026 Formation of a landscape bund to the south of Blackford Road, Mark – O. Seymour – recommend permission.
27. Public Areas Portfolio
a) Highway Matters
As action was taking place in respect of a number of the long outstanding highway issues, it was agreed to defer obtaining press publicity at the current time in connection with the poor response of County Highways in dealing with matters raised by the Parish Council. Work was taking place on the provision of a 20 mph zone outside Mark First School and road makings were being refurbished throughout the village. County Highways had also undertaken to contact a property owner regarding a safety issue concerning the remains of railings at the edge of the highway at Vole Road. It was agreed to adjust a directional sign to the Bowls Club.
The layby at Jubilee Green had been refurbished and it was noted that the vegetation had been removed from the River Bridge near Burtle. Bus service 67 no longer operated on Saturdays and it was noted that Councillor Mrs Corkish would be taking part in a Zoom Meeting regarding bus services on 14th September.
Councillor Francis gave an update regarding the acquisition of more advanced SIDs for use in Mark, Burnham Without and East Huntspill. Two new poles for these SIDs had recently been installed in East Huntspill.
b) Play Area
Two picnic benches had been replaced in the play area. It was agreed to meet a representative of GB Sport & Leisure when undertaking this year’s inspection of the play equipment to discuss issues with the safety surfacing. Councillor Mrs Weekes would attend the Somerset Playing Fields’ Association Presentation Event at Woolavington on 10th September.
c) Public Rights of Way
Councillor Sellers reported upon a bridge off Perry Lane along AX27/57 and issues along AX23/15.
d) Village Hall /Football Pitch Area
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported that the Village Hall was being well used again and a junior football club would be using the football pitch this season.
28. Web-site Portfolio
Councillor Sellers would discuss the web-site with Councillor Mrs Weekes.
29. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting be held on 2nd November 2021 starting at 7.00 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 8.05 p.m. Chairman
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