April 2014

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held in 'Yr Aelwyd', Tregynnwr at 6.30pm on Thursday 17th April 2014.

PRESENT: Councillor Selwyn Thomas (Chair), Elwyn Williams, David J Watson, Robin O Griffiths, Paul Totterdale, Alun West, Dafydd Williams, Sandra Thomas, Lee Whatley, Sarah Howells, Glenda Lloyd and Merlin Jones.

APOLOGIES:Councillor Geraint Bevan.

RESOLVED to approve as a correct record the minutes of the monthly Council meeting and Planning Sub-Committee held on March 20th 2014 (minute 0414-2): Proposed by Cllr E Williams and seconded by Cllr D Williams.

Matters raised/resolved outside meetings: March 2014/April 2014

a) The fence opposite 23 Haulfryn is in poor condition - Awaiting action from Carmarthenshire County Council.
b) Conserving and maintaining Welsh war memorial heritage conference 27th March 2014 Cllr Lloyd and Cllr Whatley will attend. Report attached below.
c) Still issues with parking on the road outside Police HQ whilst Probation Service car park empty - Further advice be given to staff at Police HQ.
d) Cllr Griffiths asked if further representations could be made to Carmarthenshire County Council in respect of timetable at bus stop opposite HQ - Awaiting cost which will be provided to the Clerk.
E) Roads in Elder Grove - Works carried out, thanks to be sent to Ian Thomas (Carmarthenshire County Council).
f) Areas of potential daffodil planting be identified for a future meeting (July) - Suggestion from Cllr Bevan "Driving through Nantycaws back to Llangunnor and I noticed that the grass patch just past Philadelphia has no daffodils. Would make a good place to plant up if not used to park cars when people attend chapel". Rear of school also suggested.

On the 27th March 2014 Councillors Lloyd and Whatley attended a conference in Builth Wells on Conserving and maintaining Welsh war memorial heritage.

Organised by One Voice Wales, Cadw and War Memorials Trust it brought together interested parties in Wales to look at issues around war memorials. The conference started with Assembly Member John Griffiths (Minister for Culture and Sport) announcing a new £400,000 funding scheme called Grants for War Memorials which will be administered by Cadw.

Presentations were also given by the War Memorials Trust regarding managing war memorials, key conservation principles and ways of involving the community with war memorials. The afternoon session saw presentations by Cadw and the Heritage Lottery Fund on the various funding options available.
Both councillors had the opportunity to speak to representatives from various organisations in attendance and take a look at the exhibition stands which had further information. The conference was completed with a question and answer session with the entire panel.

The sub-committee had met and proposed the following:

a) The Council purchase more appropriate Domain Names (approx cost £35-£40) Resolved (minute 0414-4a) that the Domain Names (www.llangunnorcommunitycouncil.co.uk and www.llangunnorcommunitycouncil.com) be purchased.
b) The Council produce A5 flyers for distribution to businesses in the area - Not Supported.
c) The Council purchase a new banner to include the web address. Resolved (minute 0414-4c) that the banner be purchased.
d) It was also agreed to add a new 'tag' to the website for projects etc.

The Chair reiterated his thanks to the Clerk and particularly to Cllr Watson for his efforts with this project - the members unanimously supported this view. The Clerk also wished it be recorded he also greatly appreciated Cllr Watson's contribution.

The bid had now been received and accepted, consideration of the bids would be in mid-June, the Parks sub-committee would meet once a decision had been received.

The Clerk reported that the Finance sub-committee had met and had considered the accounts for 2013/14, they were recommending their acceptance. It was Resolved (minute 0414-6) that the Accounts for 13/14 be accepted and that Council employ Mr Lyn Llewelyn as Internal Auditor and that the Accounts duly be presented to Mr Llewelyn.

The Council considered where additional yellow lines were needed, these were marked on a plan and the Clerk to make an appointment to meet with Mr John McAvoy.

The Clerk reported that he had received a letter from Meriel Lewis Hon PCC & Parish Secretary in respect of Llangunnor Church Graveyard which was nearing capacity.

The letter asked the Council to consider
a) Advising on availability of land
b) Providing financial assistance.

The Clerk had taken advice from Carmarthenshire County Council and five members (Cllrs West, Griffiths, Whatley, Sandra Thomas, and Jones) all declared an interest, the Standards Committee had stated that the members could take part in the debate on the first request but not vote; however they could take no part in the second request.

Following considering all the issues it was Resolved Minute 0414-8 and unanimously supported by the members not mentioned above that the Clerk respond to Ms. Lewis giving the Council's support in their request to the Church in Wales to release land to extend the graveyard. The Clerk to also write directly to the Church in Wales asking that they release this land.

Carmarthenshire County Council advised that there was insufficient information in respect of the financial assistance request and this was not considered.

The pack needed to be updated after the AGM. Cllr Whatley will bring camera to AGM to take picture of new Chair.

The Clerk reported that the Sugarcraft Group had offered to provide refreshments after the AGM. Cllr Howells/Clerk to arrange for the invitations to be sent out.

It was unanimously Resolved (minute 0414-11) that the following be supported

No Reports

It was RESOLVED (minute 0414-13) proposed Cllr D Watson seconded Cllr G Lloyd that the following schedule of accounts be approved (unanimous):

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

B) Council to note receipt of income: None

It was RESOLVED (minute 0414-14) that the following correspondence be noted/action taken.

a) Clerk to contact Carmarthenshire County Council to request for Bus Shelter for Penymorfa.
b) Tree cutting had taken place at Primrose Hill, branches etc. left on pavement and blocking drain.
c) Following new posts being placed on Sticle Path could 'clean up after dogs' signs be put back.
d) The Clerk to get a padlock for Park gate.
e) Clerk to ask Carmarthenshire County Council if railings opposite Towy Garage could be painted.
f) Could bin at entrance to Park be emptied regularly particularly in fine weather and park is busy.

The next meeting will be the AGM on Thursday 8th May and the next monthly meeting held on Thursday 15th May 2014 at 6:30pm

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