¦ January 2009 ¦ February 2009 ¦ March 2009 ¦ April 2009 ¦ May 2009 ¦ June 2009 ¦ July 2009 ¦ September 2009 ¦
¦ October 2009 ¦ November 2009 ¦ December 2009 ¦
January 2009
Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held in Llangunnor School, on Thursday 15th January 2009 at 7.00pm
PRESENT: Councillor C Merlin Jones (Chairman), DI Davies, Doreen Valentine, Alun West, Geraint Bevan, Robin O Griffiths, EA Jones, Sarah Howells, Selwyn H Thomas, James Anthony Green and Richard S Thomas
APOLOGIES: Councillors L Keith Carmody and D Elwyn Williams
IN ATTENDANCE: I Pollock, Carmarthen Journal, PCSO's B Hodginson and J Thomas
82. Police ReportPCSO's reported on their work over the Christmas and New Year period and no significant issues were noted. Cllr West referred to the support given by local Police in dealing with the emergency situation of getting a local resident to an ambulance during the freezing weather.
The Chairman and Members commended their community spirit.
83. Chairman's AnnouncementsChairman reminded Members of the New Year Dinner on 22 January and confirmed that Council Certificates would be presented to members of the previous Park Committee in recognition of their commitment and achievement in developing a high quality amenity for the Llangunnor community.
Members were reminded to declare any pecuniary interests and appropriately record in the attendance register.
84. MinutesRESOLVED to approve the minutes of the following meetings as a correct record:
i) The Monthly Council meeting held on 11th December 2008
ii) The Planning Committee meeting held on 11th December 2008
Matters arising:
i) Minute 69 'No Cold Calling': PC M Richardson had confirmed that the current zones accross the county were being evaluated by County Trading Standards before considering establishing new zones.
ii) Minute 71iii) Glass Recycing bins: Clerk reported that the 'lay-by' in Penymorfa lane was not acceptable to the County Recycling Officer as it was used for parking. RESOLVED: convey that it is not an official lay-by and has been used previously for locating waste skips.
iii) Minute 71iv) Chief Constable meeting: Members identified parking on Llangunnor Road near the entrance of the Dyfed Powys Police HQ and seeking a base for the Neighbourhood Police in Llanngunnor, as topics for discussion.
iv) Minute 81i) Regeneration of Pensarn: Clerk reported that communication was awaited on this matter. Members drew attention to the appearance of Pensarn and Council should challenge the Planning Authority to justify how it has allowed the area to become an absolute disgrace within the Llangunnor Community. Pensarn forms a main gateway to Carmarthen, is a busy retail and business location as well as being a residential area. The County Council permitted the village to be demolished and replaced with a mess that's an embarrassment for residents and visitors. There's overgrowth everywhere, proliferation of garish signage, mounds of industrial and retail rubbish, low hanging telephone cables and electric conductors abound and numerous temporary and abandoned dilapidated buildings. RESOLVED: Invite the County Director for Regeneration and Planning to attend a meeting and answer the Council concerns.
v) Minute 81ii) Public address system: Clerk reported that the cost of a system would be around £500. RESOLVED: review in the new financial year.
vi) Minute 81iii) Carbon Zero Status: Clerk reported that Menter Cwm Gwendraeth had confirmed that the Llangunnor Parish would be within the boundary of Cwm Gwendraeth for funding purposes.
Council Chairman, explained that in pursuant of Council resolution delegating powers to the Sub Committee [minute 62, Council meeting held on 20th November refers] the sub-committee had considered the following agenda:
i) To draft financial regulations for adoption by Llangunnor Community Council
ii) To establish a risk criteria assessment schedule to be implemented annually by the Council.
iii) To consider an investment policy and strategy for Llangunnor Community Council.
RESOLVED: Approve the following Sub Committee recommendations:
i) Council to establish a Finance Sub-Committee that oversees the financial policy of the Council and to support the Responsible Financial Officer [RFO] in managing the Council's financial affairs.
ii) Approve and adopt the following documents presented to Council:
The Draft Financial Regulations
The Risk Criteria Schedule
An Investment Strategy for the Council.
The Clerk detailed the financial position for the current year to date, forecasted the out-turn as at 31 March 2009 and presented a draft budget based on the projected expenditure for 2009-10. General discussion focussed on the need to set clear priorities for the community that linked to the budget.
After careful consideration of the essential elements of the budget and determination of requirements for the next financial year, Members voted unanimously against increasing the community rate and to retain the council tax precept for 2009-10 at £33600. This means an annual rate corresponding to 65 pence per week for band D properties. Members felt that the prevailing financial climate called for restraint and emergencies could be funded from the Council reserves
RESOLVED:
(i) Levy a precept of £33600 for the year 2009-10.
(ii) Witness the Chairman and the Clerk signing the 'precept requirement form'.
(iii) The Clerk to establish an operating budget for 2009-10 based on the Council's needs and the levied precept.
(iv) To set objectives and priorities for the future Council proposed the formation of a Community Development Plan that addresses local issues and provides a blueprint for future action and budgetary needs.
(v) Thank the Clerk for the detailed financial analysis that was presented in a meaningful way to the meeting.
Cllr R Thomas sought assurance that the County Council comply with the Health and Safety requirements and annually subject the park to Health and Safety check conducted by an independent external agency. Cllr Bevan was aware that a Green flag was displayed at some parks which indicate that national criteria have been satisfied.
RESOLVED: refer the Health and Safety concerns to the County Council and seek more information on the Green Flag status.
88. Reports from Members Representing the Council on other BodiesNo reports were presented by Members
89. Approve Schedule of AccountsRESOLVED: approve the monthly income and expenditure schedule presented by the Clerk:
A) Council is requested to consider and approve the following items of expenditure:
Payee | Info | (£) Amount |
E Williams | Bus Shelters (Dec 2008) | 57.00 |
Playing Field (Dec 2008) | 70.00 | |
IW Davies | Salary - Jan 2009 | 441.74 |
Office Allowance - Jan 2009 | 70.00 | |
IT Allowance - Jan 2009 | 20.00 | |
Office Support - Jan 2009 | 147.24 | |
Removal of Christmas Tree | 25.00 | |
Reimbursement: Gift [Cllr Doreen Valentine] | 13.21 | |
Plus-Net | Broadband April-December | 179.91 |
Cerebra for brain injured children | S137 donations | 40.00 |
Carmarthenshire Y.F. Clubs | S137 donations | 40.00 |
Carmarthenshire Age Concern | S137 donations | 40.00 |
Air Ambulance Cymru | S137 donations | 40.00 |
Carmarthen & District Hospice | S137 donations | 40.00 |
Hannah Gleeson | Special Olympics financial aid [Chairman's donation] | 50.00 |
Capel Dewi Association | Chairman's Donation | 25.00 |
Carmarthenshire County Council | Footway lighting [1/8-30/11] - Energy | 628.43 |
Footway lighting [1/8-30/11] - Maintenance | 1225.36 | |
Bowen & Weaving | Stationery | 26.98 |
B) Council to note receipt of income:
Payee | Info | (£) Amount |
Carmarthenshire County Council | Final Precept Instalment | 11,200 |
RESOLVED to receive the monthly schedule of correspondence and agreed action as follows:
Item | From | Nature of Correspondence |
i | Welsh Assembly Government: | Noted acknowlegement that letter to the Minister for Equality has been forwarded to the Welsh Assembly Government to respond
Noted draft guidelines on setting local speed limits |
ii | Un Llais Cymru/One Voice Wales: | December issue of Y Llais/The Voice - forwarded to Chairman
Notice of Carmarthenshire Area Committee meeting on 19th January - forwarded to Cllrs S Howells and D Valentine Noted event on 'Tackling Climate Change' in Cardiff on 30th January Event for Local Councils on the Carmarthenshire LDP on 4th February RESOLVED: Cllrs S Howells, D Valentine and DI Davies to attend |
iii | Carmarthenshire County Council: | Noted response to extension of 40mph in Llangunnor Rd
Response to request for clearing debris on pavement in Rhoslas. RESOLVED: Seek enforcement if not cleared Footway lighting and maintenance charges for 2009-10 - incorporated in budget 2009-10 Precept information for 2009-10 - incorporated in budget 2009-10 Copy correspondence on land contamination at Tywi View, Heol Capel Dewi |
iv | Financial Appeals: | Papur Bro CWLWM; Ammanford CAB, Dyfed Powys Police Bobby Van; Victim Support Cymru. RESOLVED: April 2009 meeting |
v | Thanks for donations received from: | Carmarthen & District Hospice; CEREBRA; Carmarthenshire Federation of YFC's; Wales Air Ambulance and Capel Dewi Association |
vi | Carmarthenshire Voluntary Services: | Confirmation of places for Cllrs S Howells and R Thomas on the Play in Partnership Conference at Narberth on 20th January |
vii | Cllr D Valentine: | Card thanking Council for gift during illness |
viii | Rotary Club Carmarthen: | Notice of Charity Concert in Lyric Theatre on 7th March |
ix | 2 Electors, Gwynfan, Nantycaws: | Letters tabled at meeting seeking removal of the glass bottle bin from its present location in Nantycaws. RESOLVED: Advise that the bin is located strictly on a trial basis and will be reviewed mid 2009 |
x | Elector, Golwg Tywi, Llangunnor: | Copy of letter sent to the County Council seeking the adoption of the Golwg Tywi estate road. RESOLVED: Advise the elector that Council has already referred the matter to the County Council |
xi | Shelter Cymru: | Noted resource information pack on support available for Rural Areas |
xii | Noted all other correspondence and promotional material received |
RESOLVED: receive the monthly schedule of correspondence and action agreed as follows:
91. Any Other Matter: - RESOLVEDi) Refer to County Council:
Seek update on the temporary traffic lights in Heol Capel Dewi and highlight road safety concerns due to the absence of crash barriers
The absence of a Nantycaws place name on the Llanddarog side of village.
The need to grit Penymorfa during freezing weather as vehicles were sliding into Penymorfa Lane. Haulfryn and Bron y Dre need gritting as an ambulance responding to an emergency call could not collect the patient from the household
Seek response from the County Council on the petition submitted to the Chairman of the County Council on 12th November 2008 concerning the Neighbourhood Police Base in Llangunnor
ii) February Meeting Agenda
Include concern about the Ambulance Service as a discussion topic with the Assembly Member at the February Council meeting
iii) Council May 2009 meetings
Clerk wished to change the date of the May 2009 meeting and confirm the date of the Council AGM to be held in May RESOLVED: Agree to change the date and confirm the dates of meetings as follows:
a) Council AGM - May 7th 2009
b) Monthly Council meeting - 14th May 2009
iv) Allotments
Clerk reported that a person not resident within the parish had expressed an interest in taking an allotment. RESOLVED: advise to contact the two Carmarthen Allotment Associations
¦ January 2009 ¦ February 2009 ¦ March 2009 ¦ April 2009 ¦ May 2009 ¦ June 2009 ¦ July 2009 ¦ September 2009 ¦
¦ October 2009 ¦ November 2009 ¦ December 2009 ¦
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