MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Mark on Tuesday, 17th December 2024 at 7.00 p.m.
Present:- Councillor G. Francis (Vice – Chairman in the Chair), Councillors Mrs A. Bennett, D. Champion, W. Human, J. Iddles and C. Taylor with the Clerk.
Apology for absence received from Councillors D. Kehoe (Chairman) and Mrs J. Weekes.
40. Disclosures of Interest
Members had no interests to disclose.
41. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 3rd September 2024 were confirmed and signed by the Presiding Chairman as a correct record.
42. Report of the Somerset Councillors and LCN Update
Neither Somerset Councillor was present. Councillor Human outlined proceedings at a recent Meeting of the Axbridge and Cheddar Local Community Network. A copy of the minutes would be circulated in due course.
43. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1st December were as follows - Current £10,194.90, Reserve £31,237.24.
b) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payments be approved
001010 GWB Services grass cutting £852.60
001011 Parish Clerk payroll & sundry payment reimbursement £635.06
001012 MCA grant £1,547.36
c) Budget for 2025/26
Members gave further consideration to the estimates for 2025/26. It was agreed that the Estimates be approved and the precept for 2025/26 be set at £18,500.
44. Planning Portfolio
The following planning application was considered – 025 – Siting of container to house a biomass boiler, Blackford Road, Mark – Somerlap – recommend permission.
It was also agreed to confirm recommendations of permission made since the last Meeting in respect of 017 (Conversion of building, Vicarage Lane), 024 (Greenhouse and potting shed, Littlemoor Road) and 026 (Work to tree, Grange Paddock)
45. Public Areas Portfolio
a) Highway Matters
It was noted that the highway drain at Kingsway had been jetted but further work was needed to clear the system. It was agreed to report defects at Yardwall Road. Endeavour would be made to identify the address of the owner of an overgrown hedge in the Wainbridge area. It was agreed to press the Environment Agency to carry out maintenance work to the Mark Yeo to reduce the risk of flooding in the surrounding areas. Councillor Iddles agreed to represent this Council on the Somerset Parish Drainage Group co-ordinated by Wedmore Parish Council.
b) Play Area
Councillor Taylor agreed to undertake some minor repair work, which had been identified in the annual inspection, in the new year.
c) Public Rights of Way
It was agreed to report fly-tipping at the Pill Road end of The Wall and also ensure that David Sellers received information from Somerset Council.
d) Village Hall
The Chairman and Councillor Mrs Bennett had attended a recent meeting of the Mark Community Association.
e) Somerset Bus Partnership
Councillor Mrs Bennett reported upon action taken to update the timetables in the village bus shelters.
f) Noticeboards
It had been agreed that one of the former noticeboards would be refurbished for use as a general parish noticeboard at Jubilee Green. Loose kerb stones in the lay-by at Jubilee Green would be investigated.
g) Social Media Guidance
Councillor Iddles undertook to report back on this subject at the March Meeting
h) Mark Village Show
A request had been received for a grant towards the cost of holding a Mark Village Show in 2025. Councillor Taylor agreed to seek more information from the applicant.
i)Legacy
It was agreed to seek more details of the land in question including any restrictions.
46. PCSO
PCSO Nathan Chard was in attendance to introduce himself and answered questions raised by Members. It was hoped to arrange Beat Surgeries once every three months possibly in association with another event such as a coffee morning.
47. Parish Website
Due to the illness of Councillor Mrs Weekes, Councillor Iddles undertook to maintain the web-site.
48. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting be held on 4th March 2025 starting at 7.00 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 7.45 p.m.
Chairman
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