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¦ October 2009 ¦ November 2009 ¦ December 2009 ¦
July 2009
Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held in Ysgol Llangynnwr School, on Thursday 16th July 2009 at 7.00pm
PRESENT: Councillor Doreen Valentine (Chair), Alun West, Geraint Bevan, Robin O Griffiths, Sarah Howells, Selwyn H Thomas, D Elwyn Williams and James Anthony Green
APOLOGIES: Councillor C Merlin Jones, EA Jones, L Keith Carmody and DI Davies
IN ATTENDANCE: 22 Electors; PC M Richardson, Mr Phillip Davies, Head of Public Protection, Mr David Evans and Mr Alun Rees, Environmental Officers, Carmarthenshire County Council
28. Tywi View Residential Park - Consultation with Mr Phillip Davies, Head of Public Protection, Carmarthenshire County CouncilCouncil Clerk explained that Llangunnor Council had referred the initial correspondence received from residents at Tywi View Residential Park in December 2007 concerning suspected soil contamination at the site to the County Council and was now seeking an update on the situation. Councillor Valentine in welcoming Mr Davies and his colleagues, thanked them for offering to meet with Council and invited them to address the meeting
Mr Davies outlined what had been achieved so far in relation to the survey conducted into the suspected soil contamination at Tywi View Residential Park and clarified how the results will be communicated in due course. He explained that though a degree of expertise exists within the County Council it had been agreed that the investigative work and the data analysis would be contracted out to experienced consultants. The contract terms required normalising the results with Environmental Agency soil contamination guidelines and standards. Mr Davies emphasised that the legal responsibility concerning all matters relating to the site itself rests with the landowner. The final report should be available in its finished form by the 31st July 2009 and he did not expect a delay at this stage
In open discussion with Members, Mr Davies confirmed that no formal consideration of the results had taken place or would take place until the final report had been presented to him. So far only professional dialogue relating to the format of the investigation and the structure of the final report had taken place. As well as a detailed technical report incorporating a full analysis of the investigations, a readable 'layman' version would be made available
Councillor Valentine thanked the Officers for addressing the points presented by Members and for setting out in clear terms how the investigation is being dealt with
29. Chair's AnnouncementsCllr Valentine expressed that Council's get well wishes be conveyed to Cllr DI Davies who had undergone surgery at Glangwili Hospital. She congratulated Cllr Griffiths as Chairman of Ysgol Llangynnwr School Governors, on the successful school sports held over two days. She had conveyed condolences to Cllr CM Jones on the recent bereavement in his family. She also thanked Cllr Howells, Vice Chair, for chairing the June meeting in her absence
30. Police ReportMembers referred to the practice by Schools of Motoring of regularly using the road junction by Brynmeurig Stores for learner driver reversing manoeuvre together with the excessive use of Brynmeurig, which had been conveyed to Council by a local elector. Though advice has been issued by the Driver Testing Agency to the schools not to use this junction little change has been noticed RESOLVED: Refer the matter to the Area Police Superintendant and invite to attend a Council meeting. Also request the Testing Agency to reissue its advice to the Schools of Motoring
31. MinutesRESOLVED to approve as a correct record the minutes of:
i) The Monthly Council meeting held on 18th June 2009;
ii) The Planning Committee Meeting held on 18th June 2009
Minute 17: Clerk reported that the vacancy is to be filled by election to be held on 25th August if the Returning Officer receives more than one nomination by 23rd July 2009.
Minute 19i): Clerk awaiting costs of new bus shelters from County Council
Minute 19ii): Cllr DE Williams confirmed that Mr Adam Price, MP, will be attending the September meeting.
Minute 19iv): Clerk reported that the seat by the wetlands in Pensarn had been repaired.
Minute 19v): Clerk still awaiting response from 'One Voice Wales'. RESOLVED: obtain the view of the County Council on the revealing of personal information.
Minute 23: Awaiting estimate for carrying out repairs to the floor of the pavilion.
Minute27i): Bollard in front of the train station has been referred on to Arriva Trains.
Minute 27ii: Nantycaws speed limit - site meeting with Highway Engineer arranged for 11th September 2009
Council considered a report presented by the Clerk covering the 6 month trial period of the glass bottle recycling facility at Nantycaws and possible options for the future. The Clerk also updated Council that the planned provision of two other facilities in the community at Penymorfa Lane and Tregynnwr will be in place by mid August. The Clerk was thanked for the report. RESOLVED: To retain the Nantycaws facility at its present location
33. National Training Programme for Town and Community CouncilsClerk had circulated Members with details of the National Training Programme for Councillors with dates of the modular courses to be held locally RESOLVED: Defer consideration to the September meeting
34. Receive the Report of the Finance Sub-CommitteeCllr DE Williams, who had been elected Chairman of the Finance Sub Committee, presented a verbal report on the meeting that had been held immediately before the Council meeting and noted the following points:
i) had approved the financial out-turn for the year ending 31st March 2009 as presented by the Clerk [Proper Financial Officer];
ii) noted that the Internal Auditor had approved the Council's accounts for the year ending 31st March 2009.
iii) had reviewed and approved the Council's risk assessment criteria as appropriate but will review again in January 2010.
iv) considered the Annual Return as presented by the Clerk [Proper Financial Officer] and resolved to recommend that Council approves its submission to the External Auditor
In line with the resolution of the Finance Sub-Committee [Minute 34iv refers] RESOLVED: certify the Statement of Accounts and approve the Annual Governance Statement in the Annual Return. It was further RESOLVED that the Annual Return be submitted to the External Auditor duly signed by the Chairwoman and Clerk. The Chairwoman thanked Cllr DE Williams and the Sub Committee for its work and thanked the Clerk for the presentation of the accounts
36. Budget 2009/10The Clerk presented a budget statement detailing the current year financial position to 30th June 2009 RESOLVED to receive the statement
37. Llangunnor ParkClerk reported on complaints received noting the poor structural condition of the pavilion and concerns over the exposed solar lighting cables alongside the path leading to the pavilion. He advised of the need to strengthen the floor of the pavilion and that he was waiting for estimates of cost to carry out essential repairs. The Handyman had been instructed to remove the cables. RESOLVED: Endorse the Clerk's action
38. Reports from Members Representing the Council on other BodiesPlay Association Advisory Group: Cllr Howells reported that she had attended a meeting of the Advisory Group and reported on the possibility that there may be Lottery funding available to support activities at Llangunnor Park
39. 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 (June 09) | 57.00 |
Playing field (June 09) | 70.00 | |
Repairs to Park Pavilion | 40.00 | |
IW Davies | Salary - July 09 | 457.50 |
Office allowance - July 09 | 70.00 | |
IT allowance - July 09 | 20.00 | |
Office support - July 09 | 152.50 | |
Bowen & Weaving | Stationery | 23.99 |
Mr L Llewellyn | Internal Audit Fee | 150.00 |
Really Welsh Company | Daffodil bulbs [4 bags] | 34.80 |
B) Council to note receipt of income: Nil
40. CorrespondanceRESOLVED to receive the monthly schedule of correspondence and agreed action as follows:
Item | From | Nature of Correspondence |
i | Un Llais Cymru/One Voice Wales: | Details of the National Training Programme for Community and Town Councils
Invitation for a Member to be involved in a gobal research project concerning sustainable community developments RESOLVED: nominate Cllr Howells Noted presentation at the National Eisteddfod in Bala on a new partnership evolved between Gwynedd County Council and a number of Communuity Councils |
ii | Carmarthenshire County Council: | Noted details received of a central point for communication with County Council departments for all matters except for Planning
Noted the Draft Housing Sustainability Strategy Consultation document Responses to various work referrals Noted acknowlegement of request for costs of new bus shelters Noted confirmation that the vacant seat in the East Ward will be filled by election and that notices had been published, inviting nominations by 23rd July. RESOLVED: Agreed to the issue of Poll Cards should an election be held Noted that Council will be addressing the relocation of the 'green bunkers' by Gerynant in Llangunnor Road and will place litter bins in Old Llangunnor Road |
iii | Financial Appeals: | Appeals for financial aid received from County Urdd, Shelter Cymru - RESOLVED: refer to December 2009 meeting |
iv | Public Service Ombudsman: | Noted Annual report 2008/9 |
v | British Legion, Carmarthen: | Noted name of new Poppy Appeal Organiser |
vi | Carmarthenshire Voluntary Services: | Notice of Play Project Network Meeting on 23/07/09 referred to Cllr Howells |
vii | Elector: | Noted response of the Clerk to complaints received from a local elector concerning the Park and the excessive use of the Brynmeurig Area by Schools of Motoring - complaints considered in Minute 30 and 37 |
viii | Carmarthen Town Council: | Noted Youth Festival to be held in the Town Public Park on 19th September |
ix | BBC Digital Switchover Help Scheme: | Noted details of the help scheme |
x | South Wales Trunk Road Agency: | Noted response on the issue of the vehicles queuing to enter the A48 central filter lane at Nantycaws |
xi | Mr L Llywellyn: | Internal Auditor's report and professional fee charge. RESOLVED: Receive the report and approve payment of fee |
xii | Network Rail: | Confirmation that Arriva Trains is responsible for the road outside the train station. RESOLVED: refer the damaged bollard to Arriva Trains |
xiii | Sustrans | Minutes of the Connect2 meeting held on 9/06/09 - copied to Cllr DE Williams |
xiv | National Botanic Garden: | Received copies of the Garden's magazine 'Yr Ardd' |
xv | Carmarthenshire Community Health Council: | Noted meeting to be held at West Wales general Hospital on 13th July |
xvi | Noted all other correspondence and promotional material received |
i) Refer to County Council:
The poor road surface of Rhiw Babell following resurfacing and the absence of white lines
ii) September meeting agenda - Place on September meeting Agenda:
Signs for the proposed Police Surgery in Yr Aelwyd
The development land at Parc Pensarn [behind the Morrison Store].
Consider the Council's Public Lighting Plan
Identification of personal information in reports and Council minutes
iii) Repairs carried out to fence in Llangunnor Road.
Clerk reported that the owner of the Carmarthen Decorating Centre in Llangunnor Road had repaired the damaged fence following request made by the Community Council and that he had written to the owner to convey thanks on behalf of the Council
iv) Council meetings in the Residents Lounge - Yr Aelwyd
Clerk reported on a meeting he had had with the Housing Officer and the Warden of Yr Aelwyd. Council can hold meetings after the official opening on 27th July but must end by 9.30pm and all to depart the building before 10.00pm. Designated Llangunnor Council items of furniture will be reinstated in the lounge. The charge per meeting/session may be increased from £5 to £10 RESOLVED: Noted the report and agreed to the revised charge
RESOLVED to suspend Council's Standing Orders for the period between the July and the September monthly meetings and grant powers to the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Chairman of Planning to deal with Council matters, in conjunction with the Clerk
¦ 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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