April 2011

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held in 'Yr Aelwyd', Tregynnwr at 6.30pm on Thursday 21st April 2011

PRESENT: Councillor S Howells (Chair), DE Williams, EA Jones, DI Davies, PE Totterdale, CM Jones, DJ Watson, G Lloyd, LK Carmody, GP Bevan, RO Griffiths and SH Thomas

APOLOGIES: Councillor A West and PC. M Richardson

RESOLVED to approve as a correct record the minutes of:
i) The Monthly Council meeting held on 17th March 2011
ii) The Planning Committee meeting held on 17th March 2011.

In considering the minutes the following points were raised:

i) Minute 125i): For Sale cars parked on pavement in Pensarn: Clerk reported on further response from the County Council Enforcement Officer stating contrary to apparent planning conditions attached to GWD Motors there's no limit on number of car parking spaces approved in front of the establishment, RESOLVED: To seek further clarification from the County Planning Officer.
ii) Minute 125iii): Public Lighting Plan: Clerk distributed list of candidate lamps for conversion to part-night lighting for consideration at the May meeting and reported that the County Lighting Officer was awaiting approval from the Housing Department before installing the lighting on footpath in Bron y Dre;
iii) Minute 125iv): Old Photographs of Pensarn Creamery: Clerk awaiting a response from the owner of the photographs
iv) Minute 128): Zero Carbon Project: Cllr S H Thomas appealed for the immediate elimination of competing vegetation around the trees planted in Nantycaws. RESOLVED: Clerk to obtain prices and proceed with the Chair's approval.
v) Minute 133viii): Speeding on Babell Hill: Councillors expressed dismay that none of the appeals to the County Council for traffic calming measures in the community had been installed. RESOLVED: seek an update on the requested measures and subject to the reply invite the County Head of Transportation to attend a Council meeting.

i) Note that 38 applications had been received for the vacancy of Council Clerk
ii) Interview the following 5 candidates: Ms B Griffiths, Mr P Phillips, Mr C Thomas, Mr W James and Ms H Jones.

20 minute interviews with 5 set questions approved by the Chair and one question to be answered in the Welsh language. Questions framed to explore the applicant's knowledge of the Llangunnor community, understanding of the job, Welsh language facility, future challenges facing the Council and financial management experience.

Selection by secret ballot with successive voting if necessary until absolute majority is given in favour of one applicant.. Members not present by the start of the meeting would not be permitted to participate in the interviews.
Public to be excluded from the meeting.

Clerk reported that one shortlisted candidate had withdrawn and only four applicants would present for interview.

The four candidates in turn were asked to answer 5 set questions with one to be answered in the Welsh language. Following the interviews and ballot Council RESOLVED as follows:

Offer the position to Mr Clive Thomas in line with the job specification and the following conditions:
i) The appointment takes effect from 1st June 2011 with a 6 month 'probationary period'.
ii) The Council address and office base will be the Clerk's home with the necessary space to store all the Council records currently kept in 2 filing cabinets [4 drawers each], tabletop photocopier and a storage box.
iii) IT: The Clerk will have the option of allowing Council the use of own personal IT facilities for which a monthly IT allowance will be paid or to approach Council with the request for the provision of the necessary equipment.
iv) As was confirmed at the interview, the services of the present Clerk have been retained for a period of 3 months on his existing conditions of employment [June, July and August] to work with the new Clerk and ensure a smooth handover.
v) Signing a Contract of Employment.
vi) The present Clerk will complete the annual accounts for the year ending 31st March 2011.

The Chair reported attendance at the Ysgol Llangynnwr 50th anniversary exhibition; 2 celebrations by the Carmarthenshire WI and the official opening of the refurbished Capel Dewi Water Works

Clerk reported that the County Parks Maintenance Manager had confirmed that the long term improvements for the entrance be included in the plans for the Park when the Section 106 funding becomes available in respect of the new housing development on Brynheulog land off Roman Park.

Meanwhile some minor improvements pending receipt of funding will be undertaken. The Manager confirmed that he would welcome discussion on the utilisation of the section 106 funding in due course.

Clerk also reported damage to the pavilion and that on health and safety grounds the Council 'handyman' had been instructed to carry out essential repairs.

RESOLVED: i) The improvements should be subject to wide consultation involving community groups and engaging Ysgol Llangynnwr in project work.
ii) Request supply of litter bins that are secured at various locations in the park and regularly emptied by the County Environmental Team.
iii) Approve the repairs action taken by the Clerk.

11 applications received and considered for grant aid.

Chair to donate £50 to Carmarthen Family Centre

[Cllr Totterdale declared his interest in Kidney Wales Foundation and took no part in approval of grant aid]

Riverside Association: Cllr Griffiths reported that ideas for improvements on the Llangunnor side of the river were being invited.
River Festival Committee: Cllr Totterdale reported that the Festival will be held over the week 4-10th July 2011. Information was being sought on the ownership of the land between Pont King Morgan and Pont Lesneven. RESOLVED: Clerk to contact Mr Lewis, Bolahaul Farm who may have knowledge of ownership and convey information to Carmarthen Town Clerk.

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

Expenditure:

Income:

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

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

(i) Seek information on exposed pipe in River Tywi by the Capel Dewi Water Works from Cllr DE Williams
ii) Refer to County Council
Appeal for traffic calming measures on road in front of Yr Aelwyd, Tregynnwr

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