Present:- Mr Hounsell (in the chair), M/s Hooper, Mrs P Kent, Messrs Buck, Fowler, Graham, Holt and Parsons.

Apologies:- Messrs Downie and Williams.

In Attendance:- Mr Crossley (Clerk)

Mr Fowler declared a non prejudicial interest in Minute No 1167 (renewal of Grass Maintenance Contract – playing field)

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12 January 2005 (amended to show that the absence of Mr Parsons on convalescence following an illness had been recognised as an approved absence for the purposes of S85 Local Government Act 1972) were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman

There were no questions from Members

The Clerk reported that PC Hicks had now taken over the duties of PC Simmons, but as this was only a secondment it was unlikely that he would be able to pursue this initiative. The Clerk undertook to pursue the matter

Mr Holt reported that the Hall Management Committee continued to have problems in securing appointments on a permanent basis to officer posts within the organisation, despite putting out a number of "soundings" and giving publicity to meetings. Meanwhile the Muga continued to be run on an ad hoc basis and as an informal play area was regularly used by young people. At the moment the lack of money did not seem to be an issue in trying to put in place some more formal management. Members made a number of comments which Mr Holt said he would pursue with the Committee.

RESOLVED that the issue be further considered should the Hall Committee bring forward some proposals for the Council to consider.

The Chairman reported that a copy of the Housing Needs Survey undertaken by the Community Council had now been received, which indicated that there was an unmet need which should be addressed if any proposals were put forward for residential development. A copy of the report would be made available to any potential developers.

A letter had been received from TDBC advising that funds had been made available for a further 10 dog waste bins across the borough and inviting bids

RESOLVED that TDBC be requested to site 1 in Village Road in the vicinity of the entrance to the playing fields

Invitations had been received to attend Wells Civic Service (Sunday 10 April, 3pm), launch of Local link project – Age Concern (Wednesday 23 March, 10am), and Parrett Catchment project (Monday 14 March, 9am)

RESOLVED that the invitations be noted, and any member who wishes to attend notify the Clerk

The Clerk reported that this legislation now applied to the records of Parish Councils. The Council had previously made its Publication Scheme, and there was no need for any further action. Regulations had been made giving primary authorisation to the Clerk and if he was absent secondary authorisation to the Chairman to make determinations under S36 of the Act about exempt information

The Chairman reported that together with the Clerk he had attended this SALC workshop on the implementation of the new National Agreement on salaries and terms of conditions of Local Council Clerks. It would be necessary for the Council to review the contract of employment of the Clerk to make sure it embodied current legislation and also to carry out a benchmarking exercise to establish the proper salary.

RESOLVED 1) that the Chairman consult with the Vice Chairman and after discussions with the Clerk bring forward a further report to the May meeting.

2) that payment of the workshop fee of £10 be approved

The Clerk reported that the Standards Board was undertaking a review of the Code of Conduct, and had prepared a pro-forma guide for responses from individuals and Councils. Members were invited to make individual responses and copies of the pro-forma were made available to interested members. The Clerk indicated that he would draft a response for the Council to consider at its May meeting.

A quotation had been received from Parsons Landscapes Ltd for the renewal of the grass maintenance contract for the playing field and associated areas for the period 1 March to 31 October. Prices had increased by approximately 3.5%. Members remained satisfied that the prices quoted represented value for money.

RESOLVED 1) that the provisions of Financial Regulations relating to obtaining alternative quotations be waived in this instance

3) that the Clerk continue to manage the contract to enable the VAT element to be reclaimed

The Chairman reported that a consultation on this application in an adjoining parish had been received between meetings and he had made sure that any local neighbours within Hatch Beauchamp were aware of the application in order that they could make any representations they might wish to make. It was now understood that Curry Mallet Parish Council had objected to the application.

RESOLVED that the action taken be approved

Members considered a report from the Clerk circulated with the agenda reviewing the arrangements made by the Council to address various aspects of "risk"

RESOLVED 1) that the report be approved

RESOLVED 1) that the date for the Annual Parish Meeting be left for the Chairman to settle

2) that the uncertain future of the Muga be placed as a Council item on the agenda

The Clerk submitted a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation Statement showing a balance of £875.68 in the Current A/c and £2269.43 in the Business Reserve A/c. He also reported that it was usual at this meeting to agree to pay the balance of the grant for playing field maintenance (after deducting the cost of works to date) to the Village Hall Management Committee

RESOLVED that payment of the following accounts be approved

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.10pm

The next ordinary meeting will be held on Wednesday 11 May 2005

P Hounsell

Chairman