Meeting Date: 20th November 2023
Venue: Mendham Primary School
Time: 7.00pm
- Present
- Neil Marsden, Richard Mattocks, Mark Shortt, Les Doel, Sheila Preston, Dean Clarke, Steve Smith
- Also present
- Clerk: Liz Frere-Smith / Jo Howell
1. Public Forum & Reports from Councillors
Meeting was very well attended including many members of the community. Lively discussion followed regarding the issue of recent flooding in both Mendham and Withersdale Villages.
Rev Diane volunteered the church premises in times of flooding as it had heating and toilet facilities. All welcome to use.
Representation from both villages regarding the flooding, lack of ongoing maintenance from the council and associated problems with surface water.
- Action: Create critical incident WhatsApp group with shared contacted details as many areas of the community require assistance at different times.
- Action: Upload public comments with minutes
2. Welcome and Apologies
JK - Apologies
3. Declarations of interest and any dispensations allowed
None
4. Minutes of previous meeting
Clerk presented September 2023 minutes which were agreed as correct.
5. Matters arising not covered by the agenda
R McDaniel had been in contact with a couple of attendees regarding the legal position of the car park. It was almost transferred to the school and the decision was now waiting for the official governmental department to rubber stamp the agreement.
Trees overhanging in the car park and were causing a nuisance to the neighbouring house. RM had received several quotes but would recommended the previous tree surgeon and was it was agreed that he should be booked to come shortly.
- Action: RM to book tree surgeon
6. Finances
Current balance £18264.72
Cheques for approval
- Mendham Primary School Hire x 2 £20
- EFS Salary £615.80
- HMRC £153
- Royal British Legion £25
- Mid Suffolk overdue account £139.62
Recycling credit £99.65
7. Planning
No new planning applications received. Some remain outstanding for decision.
8. Car Park
Surfacing has now been completed and has improved the centre of the village.
RM had spoken to Tony Eden who currently provided garden services to the church and he was content to also take on the carpark and village green areas.
- Action: Timetable and start date TBC.
9. Correspondence
All forwarded on to members.
10. Any Other Business
Jo Howell to take over as clerk commencing Dec 2023. Current clerk would continue to support both the parish council and clerk. Most of the agenda would need to be carried over to the next meeting as the issue of flooding had used all of the allotted meeting time.
- Action: EFS to contact JH regarding role and responsibility
- Action: Clerk to check agenda and add items to Jan meeting.
11. Date of meetings
Jan 15th 2024 7pm
Mar 18th 2024 7pm
The meeting closed at:
Signed by Chair: Neil Marsden
Date: 15th January 2024