MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Mark on Tuesday, 12th December 2023 at 7.00 p.m.
Present:- Councillor D. Kehoe (Chairman), Councillors Mrs A. Bennett, D. Champion, G. Francis, W. Human, C. Taylor and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk.
48. Declarations of Interest
Councillor Mrs J. Weekes declared a personal interest in matters relating to Mark Village Hall.
49. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 7th November 2023 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
50. Casual Vacancy of Parish Councillor
Louisa Kybert had recently tendered her resignation from the Parish Council for personal reasons. The vacancy was currently being advertised in accordance with statutory procedure.
51. Report of the Somerset Councillors
Neither Member was present. It was noted that there would be a meeting of the Local Community Network in January.
52. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1st November were as follows - Current £16,667.69, Reserve £30,754.91.
b) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payments be approved:-
000988 Arien Designs new village nameplate £315.60
000989 Mark Community Association grant £3,900.00
000990 GWB Services grass cutting £546.00
000991 Parish Clerk payroll & sundry payment reimbursement £700.21
c) Estimates 2024/25
The Council considered the draft estimates for 2024/25. It was agreed that the Estimates be approved and the precept for 2024/25 be £18,250.
53. Planning Portfolio
The following new planning application was considered.
33/23/00030 – Erection of agricultural worker’s dwelling (reserved matters), Rookery Farm Creamery, Northwick Road, Mark – Mr & Mrs C. Petheram – recommend permission.
54. Public Areas Portfolio
a) Highway Matters
A number of highway defects had recently been reported. The Willow Tree Housing Partnership had trimmed their hedge at Northwick Road but further work was likely to be required next year. The Local Drainage Board had investigated a drainage issue in the Northwick Road area and some work had now taken place to improve water flow. A pipe however still needed to be cleared.
A replacement village nameplate for the western approach to the village had been manufactured and would be fitted in the near future. The fingerpost sign at River Bridge had been damaged by a vehicle and repair work was in hand. A further finger post sign at Butt Lake crossroads had also been damaged and two new arms were likely to be required.
b) Play Area
A quotation in the sum of £1,920.00 + VAT received from GB Sport and Leisure was accepted to carry out repairs to areas of safety surfacing in the play area, the defects having been identified in the annual play equipment inspection report.
c) Public Rights of Way
No new issues were raised.
d) Village Hall
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported that the Committee were due to meet in January. It was agreed that quotations be obtained for bleed kits.
e) Mark Cricket Club
It was agreed to provide a letter of support for Mark Cricket Club in connection with their grant applications to improve facilities at their ground.
e) Floral Tubs
It was agreed to clarify the position to ensure that all of the floral tubs continue to be maintained on a voluntary basis.
f) Noticeboards
It was agreed that quotations be obtained from local tradesmen to refurbish the two Parish Council noticeboards and for lockable doors to be fitted to prevent notices from being damaged by wind and rain.
55. Parish Website
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported that Nicola McCarthy was continuing to update and improve the web-site.
56. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting be held on 5th March 2024 starting at 7.00 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 7.35 p.m. Chairman
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