NOTES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 8 MAY 2007

THE NEW COUNCIL YEAR

The Meeting held on 8 May was not only the first Meeting of the new Council following the election, but also the Annual Meeting of the Council at which the various office holders are elected for the coming year. 

The newly elected Council members are Julie Baker, Malcolm Borland, Christopher Evans, Bob Filmer, Brian Freestone, Helen House, Richard Ibrahim, Richard Mills-Roberts, Peter Osborn, Jean Owen, and Robert Vohra.

Cllr Jean Owen advised the Council that she did not wish to stand for re-election as Chairman: she thanked the Council for its support over the past year and was in turn thanked by the Council for her leadership.  Cllr Malcolm Borland was unanimously elected to serve as Chairman for the coming year and Cllr Peter Osborn similarly elected as Vice-Chairman.  Cllr Osborn was also elected to serve as Footpaths Liaison officer, with Cllrs Borland and Mills-Roberts assisting as members of the Footpath Panel.  Cllrs Jean Owen and Julie Baker were elected to look after Planning Liaison (and inquiries from residents should now be directed to Cllr Owen).  Cllrs Brian Freestone, Helen House, and the Clerk were elected to serve for the next year as Brent Knoll Charities Trustees, and Cllr Evans was elected to serve as the Council’s representative on the Parish Hall Committee. 

FOOTPATHS

The Council has received representations from landowners about the nuisance caused by the dogs being allowed to run free in fields which are traversed by unfenced footpaths.  The Council therefore appeals to all owners to ensure that dogs are kept to footpaths, and to ensure that any faeces are removed.

HIGHWAYS

Following representations by the Council, temporary fencing has now been installed to block the gap caused when the fence which protects the rhyne, near the junction of Church Lane and Brent Street, was demolished in a recent accident.  It is understood that permanent repairs will be made as soon as possible.

BRENT CORNER NOTICE BOARD

Following the appeal in the last issue, the Council was pleased to receive an offer of sponsorship of this Board. At the time of writing these notes, the possible relocation of the Board was still being investigated.

GRANTS   

As is usual at this time of year, the Council considered a number of applications for grants and decided to award assistance to St Michaels Church in respect of churchyard maintenance (but at a reduced level from last year in view of budgetary constraints) and Brent Knoll Parish Hall (in respect of the rebuilding project, but also at a reduced level from last year for the same reason).  An application from Brent Knoll Scouts was deferred pending the receipt of further information.  Small awards were also made to Victim Support Somerset, the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, and the Sedgemoor Citizens Advice Bureau. 

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS   

Following receipt of an unqualified report from the Internal Auditor, the Council resolved to adopt the Annual Accounts for the 2006/7 Financial Year and also to approve the Annual Governance Statement (that proper financial practices have been followed) that has to be submitted to the appointed External Auditors.

REVISED MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT

The Council resolved to adopt the revised Model Code of Conduct for Parish Councils which has been promulgated by the Standards Board.

PLANNING

Quinneys, 45 Brent Street : reduce height of west wall and replace flat roof with pitched roof to garage, rebuild single storey outbuilding extension to north elevation: to be supported as improving the appearance of the building

6 Coombe Side: erection of detached garage (alternative scheme): no observations

The Council also agreed the practical arrangements for the next stages of the preparation of the case to be presented to the public inquiry into the Wind Farm appeal jointly with the Highbridge and Burnham Town Council.  

Next Meeting: Monday 4 June in the School 

Public Session 7.30pm, meeting commences as soon after 7.30pm as Public Session concludes

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