Minutes of the Brockley Annual Council Meeting held on 23rd May 2024 in the Village Hall, Brockley at 8.00pm
- Present
- Cllr Dr J Wymer, Cllr R Dinsey, Cllr S Hudson, Cllr S Holmes, Cllr B Tyler, Cllr G Baber
- In attendance
- District Cllr Sarah Pugh, and four members of the public
Election of Chairman
Proposed by Cllr Baber seconded by Cllr Dinsey that Cllr Wymer be elected Chairman for the forthcoming year – all in favour.
Election of Vice-Chairman
Proposed by Cllr Tyler seconded by Cllr Hudson that Cllr Baber be elected Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year – all in favour.
Apologies
Cllr Felicity Driver, County Cllr Bobby Bennett.
Declaration of Interests & Requests for Dispensations
None received.
To Approve the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Held on Tuesday 30th January 2024
Proposed and seconded that the minutes of the meeting of the Tuesday 30th January 2024 are approved – unanimous.
Matters Arising from the Minutes
Defibrillator pads and batteries have been purchased. An article was placed in the January/February newsletter regarding training.
A second quotation has been received relating to the donation for digging the ditches, a decision was deferred until later in the meeting.
The additional oak posts have been delivered.
Public Forum
No matters were raised.
Finance
- The finance report and payments as per the schedule were unanimously approved. Balance as of 3rd April 2024 stands at £16,739.70
- D Rhodes - plants 69.00
- J Wymer – Suffolk Timber 711.52
- SALC subscription 198.32
- I Robertson – D Day 15.49
- R Newcombe – D Day 45.69
- Village Hall Grant 1000.00
- St Andrew’s Church Grant 750.00
- Brockley Chapel Grant 250.00
- Clerk’s Annual expenses 191.99
- Clerk’s salary x 2 months 228.20
- C Mason – website hosting 60.00
- The end of year financial accounts were considered and approved,
- The audit paperwork received from PKF Auditors was approved and signed by the Chairman and Clerk.
- All Councillors agreed to move to online banking. The appropriate forms to be downloaded.
To Consider the Result of the SCC Traffic Survey and Agree Action
In the first instance, Cllr Bennett is looking into obtaining funding to initiate a 40mph buffer zone from Hartest through to Brockley, just before the 30mph limit sign. Discussion on enforcement, community speed watch teams were deferred until the July meeting. The Community Police Officer is willing to assist in setting up speed watch.
Planning
DC/24/0601/HH: Proposal Householder planning application - detached single storey outbuilding following demolition of the existing outbuilding
Location: South Acre Chapel Lane Brockley Suffolk.
Following full discussion, it was agreed that Brockley Parish Council OBJECTS to the application on the grounds of the size of the building, visual impact and vehicular access to the building.
St Andrew's Church Directional Sign
A request from the Parochial Church Council to support their application for a brown directional sign at the junction of Mill Road was approved.
D-Day Celebrations
To date, seventy one tickets have been sold. To be fully legally compliant, a licence at a cost of approximately £100 has been applied for – noted and cost approved.
Risk Register to Include Playground Reports
A concern was raised by Cllr Tyler that
- the risk factor of the toddlers mini climbing apparatus ought to be increased from low to medium and should at some point be taken down and replaced with two toddler swings
- ongoing maintenance checks of the swings are carried out
- the monkey bar apparatus should be changed for a more modern version for toddlers
- fencing and flooring are becoming dangerous and should be replaced or repaired.
West Suffolk Council Parks Department to be contacted for a name of a contractor who could assist with short term maintenance. A resident who helped with the Lottery application for the village hall has been approached and has agreed to look at external funding for updating the playground. A report to be put together and discussed at length at the July meeting. Cllr Wymer and Cllr Tyler to action.
As now settled down, the newsletter currently at high risk was decreased to low risk. A full review is planned for September.
The picnic benches require urgent attention and
- added to the Risk Register and
- included in the monthly play inspection report. The two benches on the far side of The Green also to be included.
Following advice from the tree contractor, the survey to be moved away from annual to next summer or the following summer – all in agreement. The Risk Register to be changed to that effect.
Correspondence
Following a complaint from a resident, an email has been received from SCC reminding the parish council of their responsibility to clear the ditches on the B1066. Cllr Wymer has responded appropriately. The village sign requires cleaning as covered in mould, Cllr Dinsey to investigate.
Parish Matters for the Next Meeting
- Mill Lane footpath/flooding
- Playground
- Speeding traffic
Any Other Business
A quotation to clear the ditches and remove the spoil has been received from an alternative contractor for the sum of £2,350 + VAT - unanimously approved.
Dates for Future Meetings
18th July 19th September 21st November 23rd January
With no further business the meeting closed at 8.20pm,