MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Mark on Tuesday, 5th March 2024 at 7.00 p.m.
Present:- Councillor D. Kehoe (Chairman), Councillors Mrs A. Bennett, D. Champion, W. Human and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk and Somerset Councillors H. Munt and Mrs T. Munt.
Apology for absence received from Councillors G. Francis, C. Taylor and Somerset Councillor M. Martin.
59. Declarations of Interest
Councillor Mrs J. Weekes declared a personal interest in matters relating to Mark Village Hall.
60. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meetings held on 12th December 2023 and 27th January 2024 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as correct records.
61. Casual Vacancy of Parish Councillor
It was agreed that John Iddles be co-opted to serve on the Parish Council to fill the casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Louisa Kybert. Mr Iddles signed a declaration of acceptance of office and joined the Meeting.
62. Report of the Somerset Councillors and LCN Update
Somerset Councillor Munt reported that the budget had now been agreed by the full Council. He outlined the funding issues and advised that the Council would need to concentrate on statutory duties. He also outlined land drainage issues, a need for more foster carers and reported that a new highways contract would commence on 1st April. Councillor Munt undertook to assist in resolving a longstanding blocked highway drain in Kingsway.
Councillor Human reported upon a recent meeting of the Local Community Network.
63. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1st February were as follows - Current £9,929.01, Reserve £30,867.44.
b) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payments be approved:-
000992 Mark Community Association grant £1,160.00 (replacing 000989)
000993 GWB Services grass & hedge cutting £391.50
000994 G B Sport & Leisure play equipment repairs £2,304.00
000995 Parish Clerk payroll & sundry payment reimbursement £1,199.19
c) Risk Management Report & Statement of Internal Control 2023/24
The Council approved a Risk Management Report and Statement of Internal Control for 2023/24.
64. Planning Portfolio
There were no new planning applications to consider.
65. Public Areas Portfolio
a) Highway Matters
A number of highway defects had recently been reported and repaired. The Willow Tree Housing Partnership had trimmed part of their hedge at Northwick Road but they would be requested to carry out further work in the autumn. Griffins Toilet Hire had assisted in freeing blocked drains and culverts during the recent wet weather and they had been thanked for their work. Other work had now taken place to improve water flow in the area.
There was no update on the repairs to the damaged fingerpost sign at River Bridge and at Butt Lake crossroads but it was agreed to report other traffic signs which had also been damaged by vehicles.
b) Play Area
GB Sport and Leisure had completed the repairs to areas of safety surfacing and to some items of play equipment, the defects having been identified in the annual play equipment inspection report.
c) Public Rights of Way
It was agreed to check the need to cut vegetation at The Wall later in the year.
d) Village Hall
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported that the Committee were due to meet on 20th March and outlined planned events at the Hall. It was agreed that quotations be obtained for bleed kits.
e) Somerset Bus Partnership
Councillor Mrs Bennett reported upon a recent Meeting of the Somerset Bus Partnership. There was a six-month campaign to increase the number of passengers with a £2 fare. It was agreed to gain publicity for the campaign and Councillor Francis had provided an article for the parish magazine.
f) Floral Tubs
Councillor Mrs Bennett reported that the WI would maintain the tub near the College. It was agreed to clarify the position to ensure that all of the floral tubs continued to be maintained on a voluntary basis.
g) Noticeboards
The Chairman reported that three quotations had been obtained from local tradesmen to refurbish the two Parish Council noticeboards to include lockable doors to protect notices. It was agreed that details be circulated to Members to enable a quotation to be accepted at the next Meeting.
66. Parish Website
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported upon a need for people and groups to inform her of any information which needed to be updated on the web-site. It was agreed to improve the information on the Parish Council with the minutes being uploaded at an earlier date after Meetings.
67. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting be held on 7th May 2024 starting at 7.00 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 8.05 p.m. Chairman
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