- Present
- Cllr Dr J Wymer, Cllr R Dinsey, Cllr F Driver, Cllr Baber
Election of Chairman
Proposed by Cllr Baber, seconded by Cllr Driver that Cllr Wymer be elected Chairman for the forthcoming year – unanimous.
Election of Vice-Chairman
Proposed by Cllr Wymer, seconded by Cllr Dinsey that Cllr Baber be elected Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year – unanimous.
Apologies
All present.
Signing of Declaration of Acceptance of Office and Register of Interests
Duly signed. The Register of Interests forms to be forwarded to councillors later. For the record, Cllr Wymer thanked outgoing Councillors Kevin Fisk and Richard Jones for their time and commitment to the Parish Council.
Declaration of Interests & Requests for Dispensations
None received.
To Approve the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Held on the 23rd of March 2023
Proposed by Cllr Dinsey, seconded by Cllr Baber that the minutes of the meeting of the 23rd March 2023 are approved – unanimous.
Matters Arising
In relation to water coming out of the farmyard and running down the side of the road on the 1066, Cllr Wymer has spoken to the landowner and it seems the grips require cleaning out. To be progressed by the owner.
Rather than sourcing an additional person to weed the play area, this will be strimmed by the contractor who currently cuts the grass for the parish council.
A previously suggested site for a new dog waste bin is proving impracticable, to be reassessed at the next meeting.
For noting, all invoices for the Coronation Celebrations are now in. Total spend £1249.38, the parish council will pay £49.38.
Public Forum
No further matters were raised.
To Receive Finance Reports and Approve Cheques Raised Since the Last Meeting
Bank statement as of 12th April 2023
20163.45
| Cheques drawn since the last meeting | |
|---|---|
| Clerk's salary | 199.40 |
| Denise Ray expenses for Coronation celebrations | 136.38 |
| SALC Subscription | 192.07 |
| BVHMC Village Hall hire | 24.50 |
| Simon Ladd expenses for Coronation celebrations | 21.99 |
| Julie Wymer safety sign | 34.81 |
| Ian Robertson expenses for Coronation celebrations | 60.00 |
| BVHMC annual grant | 1000.00 |
| Barry Tyler expenses for Coronation celebrations | 215.00 |
| Elite Cakes & Buffets | 693.00 |
| Balance | 2577.15 |
17586.30
To Consider Quotations for Work to Repair the Village Hall Driveway
Agreed, the quotations from Tony Nunn for the driveway for £2500 + VAT and for the drain cover of £150 + VAT be accepted – all in agreement. The village hall will meet the cost of the drain cover. Regarding the potholes, Ian Robertson offered to chase up Highways.
Clock Pond/Village Green
Following on from discussions about the tree work carried out on The Green, there has been communication from residents regarding the pond and how it is currently stagnant and depleted of wildlife. Going forward, the parish council are to develop an ecology plan to increase wildlife and biodiversity in the area. Suffolk Wildlife Trust are currently running a number of courses to assist in developing a plan. Proposed, the cost of £10 per person to attend will be paid for by the parish council, but on the understanding that once trained they will help pull together a project strategy – all agreed.
Plug in Suffolk
Following a presentation from SCC, an initial expression of interest was submitted. The next phase for a full expression of interest is now required. Even though the PC and the Village Hall Trustees have not completely decided to go ahead, it was felt as there is no cost or commitment involved at this point, to take it to the next stage. Cllr Wymer to complete the requisite paperwork.
Funding for Church/Chapel
Subsequent discussion on the importance of supporting local churches, it was proposed by Cllr Wymer, seconded by Cllr Dinsey that an increased donation of £500 to both Brockley Chapel and St Andrew’s Church is made. Approved by majority vote, Cllr Baber abstained from voting.
Solar Powered Vehicle Activated Sign Update
A new battery vehicle activated sign is now installed on the original pole. For future discussion, a second VAS and pole, possibly located on Mill Road, is an option to pursue. Cllr Dinsey to download the data and ensure batteries are fully charged. A vote of thanks was given to Cllr Dinsey.
Playground Reports
Most points raised within the play area inspection report are minor and will be monitored. Cllr Dinsey to approach Kevin Fisk to assist in filling in the gaps on the matting.
Risk Register – Standing Item
Not published this time. An agenda item at the next meeting.
Correspondence
An email has been received from a local resident expressing concern over the state of the pond and the offending fence. Cllr Wymer had met with the resident and has explained the parish council will be taking a more structured approach with the area. Cllr Driver, also in attendance, suggested the kick board ought to be cut away in certain places to let wildlife access the pond.
Parish Matters for the Next Meeting
Possible development of a more professional parish council website.
Date of Next Meeting
Date of the next Parish Meeting agreed as 13th July 2023 at 7.30pm.