Present: Cllr Dr J Wymer, Cllr R Dinsey, Cllr K Fisk, District Cllr Sarah Pugh and two members of the public.
1. Apologies
Cllr R Jones, Cllr Geoffrey Baber
2. Co-option of New Councillor
Withdrawn as last meeting prior to the local elections.
3. Declaration of Acceptance of Office and Register of Interests
No longer applicable.
4. Declaration of Interests & Requests for Dispensations
None received.
5. County and District Council Reports
A thank you was given to Cllr Pugh for locality budget grants of £500 towards the fencing at the pond and £200 towards the King’s Coronation celebrations. Key points of the report included a new contract for road repairs has been awarded to M Group Services, to commence in October 2023; unbelievable number of potholes on County roads, log onto the Highways reporting tool to identify location, useful if photos are sent; photograph ID will be required to vote in the forthcoming local elections, posters and leaflets are being distributed by West Suffolk Council clarifying the new procedure.
6. To Approve the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Held on 24th January 2023
Proposed and seconded that the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 24th January 2023 be approved – all agreed. To be signed at the next meeting.
7. Matters Arising
Electric vehicle charging points to be taken in agenda item 18.
Under finance report, increasing the contribution to Brockley Chapel and St Andrews Church, discussion deferred pending advice from SALC on the legalities of making a financial donation to a church.
Job Description to be discussed with the clerk outside of the meeting.
8. Public Forum
Water coming out of the farmyard is running down the side of the road just before the cricket pitch and freezing. SCC to be contacted to clear out the ditch. Cllr Wymer to report the issue to County Cllr Bobby Bennett.
9. To Receive Finance Reports and Approve Cheques Raised Since the Last Meeting
Balance as of 13th March 2023 stands at £22,103.45
Cheques drawn since the last meeting:
- Brockley Community Council 340.00
- Barry Tyler deposit 100.00
- Clerk’s salary x two months 199.40
- Garden Arbs Business 1200.00
Balance as of 20th March 2023 £20,264.05
10. Playground Reports
The rubber matting has vegetation growing through it but apparently does not have to be replaced until 40% worn. With new matting costing approximately £30-£40 per square metre, two alternative solutions were considered:
- The play area is closed for 24hrs and weed killer used around the gaps
- A young person is paid to weed the area on a regular basis
Following discussion, it was agreed to approve the latter proposal, Cllr Wymer to action. Two further low risk items were identified within the report but will be monitored.
11. To Consider the Purchase of a Further Dog Waste Bin
Sourcing a location for a new dog waste bin is proving difficult, suggestions were invited. After consideration, it was agreed the best site for the bin would be the grassed area along the track leading to The Manor in Chapel Lane. The owners of the track to be contacted for their comments.
12. Risk Register – Standing Item
A safety notice has been ordered for attaching to the gate at the pond.
Elections and whether there will be enough councillors returned to mount a Parish Council. Seven parish councillors can be nominated for Brockley, three required to be quorate.
13. King’s Coronation Celebrations
Brockley Community Council and The Charitable Trust have each donated £500, the Parish Council initially agreed to match fund the Charitable Trust’s donation, but as a locality budget grant of £200 has been offered, the PC will reduce their contribution to £300. As a caveat, if buffet tickets are oversubscribed the PC will cover any additional costs. All invoices to be forwarded to the Clerk.
14. Village Green Trees / Clock Pond Update
Almost all trees have been removed as per the approved tree survey, with logs left for villagers to take away. Cllr Dinsey, however, felt the logs should have been left as a natural habitat for insects, bees etc. Part of the tree survey recommended the ivy was cut at the roots of the trees bordering the pond, but following a site meeting with David Rhodes, the tree surgeon, and two concerned residents, it was decided not to reduce the height of some of the trees, and equally leave the ivy as a source of food and cover for wildlife. Owing to a successful bid to the Woodlands Trust, 120 tree and hedge whips are to be provided for planting inside the pond fence. In summary, it was agreed further clearance will be paused to allow nature to rebalance and all future works will be carried out in a more phased way - all in agreement.
15. Village Hall Drive – Potholes
Cllr Fisk to look at the village hall driveway in daylight and give an opinion on an appropriate way forward, JW/KF to liaise prior to speaking with Ian Robertson.
16. Planning Application DC/23/0371/VAR
The specific planning application was not the issue, just the process. A reminder that councillors need to comment on all planning applications.
17. Solar Powered Speed Indicator Device Update
The present partnership has been contacted and have agreed to the PC using the existing pole for a new vehicle activated sign. After discussing which device to purchase i.e. solar or battery operated, the latter was the preferred choice. Cost £2807.99 including vat – all in favour. Cllr Dinsey to action.
18. Correspondence
An email has been received from a resident relating to the possibility of an EVPC being installed at the village hall. However, at this present time, the Parish Council have only submitted an expression of interest in progressing the scheme. No further decision has been taken.
19. Date of Next Meeting
Date of the Annual Parish Meeting followed by the Parish Council meeting to be confirmed.
With no further business the meeting closed at 9.00pm