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

PCSO'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.

Chairman 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.

RESOLVED 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.

No reports were presented by Members

RESOLVED: approve the monthly income and expenditure schedule presented by the Clerk:

A) Council is requested to consider and approve the following items of expenditure:

B) Council to note receipt of income:

RESOLVED to receive the monthly schedule of correspondence and agreed action as follows:

RESOLVED: receive the monthly schedule of correspondence and action agreed as follows:

i) 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

Every effort has been made to check the above for accuracy however if you find a mistake please contact us.