Parish Council Meeting – 3rd May 2023
CHILTON TRINITY PARISH COUNCIL
The Annual Meeting of Chilton Trinity Parish Council was held on Wednesday,
3rd May 2023 in the Village Hall, Chilton Trinity at 7.30 pm.
In attendance: Parish Councillors Mr P Felton (Chairman), Mrs R Felton, Mr D Hobbs and Mrs L Hook; Ward Somerset Councillors Mr B Bolt and Mr M Caswell; Clerk Graham Jarvis and one member of the public.
Before the start of the formal meeting the Chairman welcomed representatives from the Environment Agency, Kier Construction and Atkins Design who are involved with the River Parrett Barrier and associated flood defence works. The ten development stages were described and illustrated; further information would be available at a drop-in session to be held in the Village Hall on 25th May. Otter and Badger surveys were scheduled for later that month. In the summer there would be some test piling for the barrier – noise and vibrations levels would be closely monitored. The exercise was expected to take 1 to 2 weeks.
In reply to a question about the Kiln, it was mentioned that a similar example could be viewed in the Brick and Tile Museum. A decision had been made to protect the area during the construction phase pending a decision on the future of the artifact. One option would be to bury or lift the kiln and erect an information board at the site.
The contributors were thanked for their attendance and participation. A copy of the presentation slides would be forwarded to the Clerk.
(The presentation team and all but one member of the public left the meeting).
Public Speaking Time: No topics raised.
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1. Apologies for absence, disclosures of interest and dispensations.
An apology for absence was received from Parish Councillor Mr D Brown (work commitments) which was accepted. The Clerk reported that applications for dispensation from the Code of Conduct had been received from Mr Felton and Mrs Felton regarding support for facilities at a Chilton Waters and from Mr Hobbs concerning the proposed river barrier and associated flood defence works. The applications had been approved by the Clerk under Standing Order 7e and would expire on 6th May 2027.
2. Appointment of Chairman for the Municipal Year 2023/24.
Mr Felton was proposed by Mrs Hook, seconded by Mr Hobbs; there being no other nominations Mr Felton was unanimously elected to the position and signed an Acceptance of Office Declaration.
3. Appointment of Vice Chairman for the Municipal Year 2023/24.
Mrs Hook was proposed by Mrs Felton, seconded by Mr Hobbs; there being no other nominations Mrs Hook was unanimously elected to the position and signed an Acceptance of Office Declaration.
4 Minutes of Previous Meetings.
The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 1st March and extra ordinary meeting of 5th April 2023 were presented. These were approved and signed as a true and complete record.
5. Matters Arising: –
a) 57b – Chilton Waters Play Area – Mrs Hook reported that there had been no further news and it was agreed that she would approach the Monitoring Officer at Bridgwater House.
b) 59 – Coronation of HM King Charles III.
The Chairman reported that a series of events that had been arranged under the auspices of the Village Hall Committee for Coronation Day, Saturday,6th May. The Parish Council’s Union Flag would be flown from the Church Tower to mark the occasion. A poster listing the attractions is appended to the signed copy of the minutes of this meeting.
6. River Parrett Barrier.
Members discussed the presentation received earlier that evening. There was agreement that the Council wished to see the Kiln preserved as an important part of the local heritage. Information would be sought regarding the proposed lighting of the haul road and details of mitigation measures to protect bats. These points would be raised at the drop-in session scheduled for 25th May or direct to the Environment Agency by the Chairman.
(Mr Bolt and Mr Caswell left the meeting.)
7. Planning Matters.
a) Decision notified by the Local Planning Authority and recorded: – 20/23/00002 – 7 Meadow Close – Approved (Delegated Authority).
b) Any Other Planning Matters – None.
8. Review of Insurance.
The Clerk outlined the insurance cover held by the Council arranged by BHIB Limited. The policy was due for renewal on 1st June 2023. Members agreed that the indemnities provided were appropriate and that the renewal terms offered were acceptable.
9. Financial Matters.
a) Approved Payment of Creditor.
BHIB Ltd – Insurance Premium – £317.31 – Cheque No. 239.
b) Closing of Accounts 2022/23: –
i) Annual Return Section 1 Governance Statement.
Agreed that replies to questions 1 to 8 be “Yes” with “Not Applicable” to Question 9.
ii) Financial Statement.
Members considered and approved the documents prepared by the Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer including Section 2 of the Annual Return.
iii) Asset Register as at 31st March 2023.
The Register as presented was approved.
iv) External Audit.
Proposed by Mr Felton and Seconded by Mrs Hook it was resolved that for the Financial Year ended 31st March 2023 Chilton Trinity Parish Council is an exempt Authority within the definition contained in the Local Authority (Smaller Authorities) Regulation 2015.
10. Roads and Footpaths.
Signage for Village Hall Events.
Further to Minute 67- 5th April 2023; the Chairman reported that the Village Hall Committee were exploring various options. The Committee had been made aware of the technicalities involved including landowner consent and planning regulations. There was agreement the situation be noted.
11. Topics for Future Meetings: None.
12. Date of next meeting – Wednesday, 5th July 2022 at 7.30 pm.
Meeting closed 9.40 pm.
Chairman