MARK PARISH COUNCIL

A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Mark on Tuesday, 5 th

September 2023 at 7.00 p.m.

Present:- Councillors D. Kehoe (Chairman), Councillors D. Champion, G. Francis, W. Human, C. Taylor and Mrs J.

Weekes with the Clerk and Somerset Councillor M. Martin.

Apology for absence received from Councillor Mrs L. Kybert and Somerset Councillor H. Munt.

27. Declarations of Interest
Councillor Mrs J. Weekes declared a personal interest in matters relating to Mark Village Hall.

28. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 4 th July 2023 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

29. Casual Vacancy
It was agreed that Aline Bennett be co-opted to serve on the Parish Council to fill the casual vacancy caused by the resignation
of Simon Emary. Mrs Bennett signed a declaration of acceptance of office and joined Meeting.

30. Members Portfolios
The Council reviewed the list of Members Portfolios and responsibilities and agreed the schedule which is attached to the
signed copy of these minutes.

31. Report of the Somerset Councillors
Somerset Councillor Martin reported upon likely changes to planning legislation, the financial situation of Somerset
Council and 20 mph traffic zones. He had recently assisted with issues regarding a willow tree at Northwick Road and
would now follow up matters relating to debris in the river at The Wall, street sweeping and scalpings on the road.

32. Finance

a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1 st August were as follows - Current £18,583.04, Reserve £30,644.03.

b) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payments be confirmed:-
000979 Mark Community Association grant £250.00
000980 GB Sport & Leisure play equipment repairs £427.16
000981 GWB Services grass cutting £798.00
000982 Parish Clerk payroll & sundry payment reimbursement £1,170.19

c) Bank Reconciliation
A bank reconciliation as at 30 th June 2023 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) Cheque Signatories
It was agreed that Councillor Champion be authorised to sign cheques on behalf of the Parish Council.

33. Planning Portfolio

The following applications were considered

015 Demolition of agricultural buildings and erection of 3 self-build dwellings, Laurel Farm, The Causeway – Mr & Mrs
J. Griffin – recommend refusal;

023 Change of use of land to orchard, erection of 2 pergolas, raising of land by 3m and landscaping, Elm Tree Farm,
Southwick Road – Bristol Group Ltd – recommend refusal;

024 Formation of additional storage area and associated infrastructure, Blackford Road – Somerlap – recommend
conditional permission;

026 Alterations and conversion of garage to form home gym, Orchard Batch, Blackford Road – B Richard – recommend
permission.

It was also agreed to confirm recommendations of permission made since the last Meeting in respect of 022 (culvert,
Quantock View) and 022/23 (groundsman’s shed, Mark Cricket Club).

34. Public Areas Portfolio

a) Highway Matters
A highway defect at Yarrow Road would be reported. It was also agreed to investigate maintenance of an area at Grange
Paddock and issues relating to hedges obstructing visibility at road junctions. The Housing Association had been
requested to cut back a hedge at Northwick Road.

b) Play Area
It was noted that repairs had been carried out to two items of play equipment. Councillor Francis agreed to represent the
Parish Council at the SPFA Presentation Evening on 15 th September.

c) Public Rights of Way
No new issues were raised.

d) Village Hall
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported upon renewal of the Hallmark 3 accreditation and an energy audit. Reference was made
to a request for the Parish Council to contribute towards the cost of rectifying a blocked drain in the car park, the cost of
which was not yet known.

e) Village Clean-up
It was agreed to arrange a Village Clean-up event towards the end of September. The Chairman undertook to arrange
publicity for the event.

35. Parish Website
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported upon progress made by Nicola McCarthy in updating and improving the web-site.

36. HM The King’s Coronation
Councillor Taylor provided an update on the inscribed plaque for the weeping willow tree which had been planted to
commemorate the Coronation at the northern end of Jubilee Green.

37. Remembrance Sentries
The Mark Branch of the Royal British Legion wished to place two remembrance sentries in Mark but neither of the two
sites identified were owned by the Parish Council.

38. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting be held on 7 th November 2023 starting at 7.00 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 8.35 p.m. Chairman