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September 2014

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held in 'Yr Aelwyd', Tregynnwr at 6.30pm on Thursday 18th September 2014.

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

APOLOGIES: Councillors Selwyn Thomas and Merlin Jones.

1. Chair's Resignation

The Clerk read out a letter from Cllr Paul Totterdale stating that he was resigning from the position of Chair on health grounds, the meeting reluctantly accepted his resignation. It was unanimously agreed that Cllr Glenda Lloyd take up the position of acting-chair for the remainder of this 'council' year.

2. Standing Orders

It was moved by Cllr Griffiths and seconded by Cllr West (minute 0914-2) that standing orders by re-introduced.

3. Minutes

RESOLVED to approve as a correct record the minutes of the monthly Council meeting and Planning Sub-Committee held on July 24th 2014 (minute 0914-3) Proposed by Cllr L Whatley and seconded by Cllr Elwyn Williams.

4. Matters Arising:

Matters raised/resolved outside meetings: August 2014/September 2014

a) Penymorfa Bus Stop - Awaiting response.
b) Police Drop in Sessions - Apparently this had now been resolved.
c) Dog fouling - Response from Carmarthenshire County Council "We continue to patrol Llangunnor for dog fouling offences but haven't seen anyone failing to clear up after their dog recently. If local residents can assist in providing names and addresses of offenders, descriptions, times of day, specific locations etc. we will target those areas".
d) Roman Road - Planning response to use of Roman Road "I've visited the above. The development is being constructed by accessing from Roman Rd. There is a condition stating there shall be no vehicular access to the development from Roman Rd. However, in this instance it's clear it would be preferable for deliveries etc not to come through the existing estate, especially during school holidays. Once the development is completed then the access through the estate will have to be provided. By keeping the close boarded fence by the estate in place it also makes the site safe/secure. Therefore, at this stage, the matter is not expedient to pursue further and the file is closed". Place this on the agenda of next meeting.
e) B4300 to Capel Dewi - Road now open.
f) Railings by Towy Garage - Now painted.
g) Response from Carmarthenshire County Council in relation to query regarding Llangunnor School Governor - "Firstly may I apologise to you for the delay in responding. As you indicate there has been some previous correspondence relating to this matter and for whatever reason I note that we did not provide you or your members with the information which you requested in time for the meeting on the 12th June,2014. May I therefore apologise to you and the members of the Community Council for not having done so. In relation to your enquiry I would advise as follows:
(i) A Local Authority Representative on a Governing Body does not have to be a County Councillor.
(ii) There is no requirement that a County Councillor on a school Governing Body be the Local Authority Representative on a Governing Body.
(iii) The Local Authority Representatives positions on Llangunnor CP School are currently all filled.
In response to your enquiry I would advise that the position is as follows in relation to governor nominated by Llangunnor Community Council and those appointed by the Local Authority
i) Additional Community Governor - Held by Cllr E Williams, his current term of office comes to an end on the 01/07/2016
ii) LA Representatives - there are three with the term of office for one coming to an end on the 4th September 2015 and both other positions on the 8th October 2016.
Cllr Watson seeked some clarification on the above and would forward e-mail to the Clerk
h) Query received "Is it possible to check with the County Council if the owners of the new bike shop "Cranc" have taken land, as originally there was a green patch of grass at the front of the property then you had a fence so I am not sure if the original fence marked the boundary of the property. If it did then I would ask that the County Council take action for them to reinstate the grass verge". Response from Carmarthenshire County Council "This matter was raised by third parties and is now with Enforcement for their attention, once there is further information available an update will be provided". Clerk to enquire with Carmarthenshire County Council what progress is being made.
i) Issue raised by several Cllrs in respect of van parking in front of park gate - Referred to Dyfed Powys Police and Carmarthenshire County Council, awaiting response. Clerk to write to Dyfed Powys Police and Carmarthenshire County Council to see what can be done.
j) Request for Mark Warren (Care & Repair) to attend meeting - Cannot make 18th Sept, but will attend October 16th. Unanimously agreed to invite Mr Warren to next meeting.
k) General upkeep of verges/paths in area - Still issues in Bronydre.
l) Blaengwastod Road/Login Road - Farm machinery causing issues with dirtying road, Carmarthenshire County Council monitoring. Also check with respect to the road markings.

5. The Park

The Clerk reported that he had met with different sections of Carmarthenshire County Council and discussions had been positive. The only issue causing concern was surface water at the entrance and any works would probably need a Planning Application, Clerk explained as it had been agreed that the works to the entrance would be left to the end of the project there was no immediate need to do anything. Cllr Watson had been in discussion with Lovell and it now transpires that they intend to erect a timber wall and not brick/concrete, it was unanimously agreed (minute 0914-5) that this be agreed and Lovells proceed.
Cllr Watson also reported that the Clerk was to get 3 quotes for the outdoor gym equipment and that this could also proceed.
Cllr Whatley reported that one corner of 'hut' was in poor condition, this will be part of overall project but in the meantime the Clerk ask the handyman to have a look.

6. Daffodil Planting

The Clerk to arrange to get daffodils for the school children (already discussed with school) to plant at the locations listed in July meeting. Cllr Watson to liaise further with Charlie's in regard to planting in verge in front of their store.

7. Christmas Tree/Lights

Following a discussion it was unanimously resolved (Minute 0914-7) that the 'turning on the lights' take place on Thursday 20th November at 6.00pm and as usual the school choir be invited to attend and that the Chair of the school council officially turn on the lights.
Cllr Whatley reported that refreshments would be available at Babell Chapel after the event, further details to be provided. The vicar and the two ministers in the parish be invited to attend and that they take turns in officiating at the event, the vicar would be invited this year.

As a result the next community council be moved back to 7.30pm.

8. Reports from Members representing Council on other Bodies

a) Riverside Association - Cllr Watson reported that this year's festival had been a great success. Plans were already being made for next year's event with local businesses being approached for sponsorship, going well, and that the schools/colleges had also been contacted with a view to participating.
b) Navigation Bar Committee - Cllr Watson reported that the committee had responsibility for providing navigation aids on the Tywi Estuary, they had agreed a five year plan of works with the first part being the provision of beacons.

9. Approve Schedule of Accounts for September 2014

It was Resolved (minute 0914-9) proposed Cllr Griffiths and seconded Cllr Sandra Thomas that the following schedule of accounts be approved (unanimous):

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

Payee Info (£) Amount
E Williams Playing Field (30/07/14) 75.00
Playing Field (31/08/14) 75.00
CJ Thomas Salary - August 2014 532.60
Office Allowance - August 2014 85.00
IT Allowance - August 2014 30.00
Salary - September 2014 532.60
Office Allowance - September 2014 85.00
IT Allowance - September 2014 30.00
Proprint Banner Printing 66.00
Just Print Printing 'welcome pack' sheets (200) 39.00
Bowen & Weaving Stationery 14.38
HMRC 1st Quarter 402.93
BDO LLP External Audit 390.00

B) Council to note receipt of income:

Payee Info (£) Amount
Carmarthenshire County Council 2nd Instalment of Precept 12,000

10. Correspondence

It was RESOLVED (minute 0914- 10) that the following correspondence be noted/action taken.

No Nature of Correspondence Agreed Action
1 My name is Kimberley Edmunds and I am the Volunteer Coordinator for Change Step, which is a peer mentoring project for veterans covering the whole of Wales. What is Change Step? Change Step is a CAIS led peer mentoring and advice service for military veterans and others with post traumatic stress disorder or probable substance misuse issues who want to make positive changes to their lives. If you would be interested in finding out more, please contact me on Kimberley.barr@cais.org.uk Noted
2 Invitation for the Chair - Dunelm are opening a new superstore on the 30th of September in Carmarthen (Parc Pensarn, Myrtle Hill, Pensarn, Carmarthen, SA31 2NG) and we were hoping that you would cut the ribbon and officially open the store. Noted
3 My name is John and I am speaking on behalf of Walking Well Carmarthenshire, which is a county wide organisation whose aim is to get people walking. This has benefits for the individual and society as a whole. A new group, Walking Well Gwendraeth Valley has just started and we would be interested in joint ventures, so we would like to be included in the events held. We can come along and tell people about the organisation, do 'taster' walks at your events etc. The group leader of Walking Well Gwendraeth Valley is Sandra and you can contact her email - sandrallewelyn@hotmail.com or mobile - 07806574122 Noted
4 From John McAvoy - "Further to the site visit last Friday afternoon to Elder GroveI advise the Council's Traffic section do not ordinarily place junction markings on residential estate roads except where the primary estate road joins the main road highway network. I advise that the Council's Traffic Management section does not have financial resources available in 2014-15 to take on additional works above that approved by the Council's Environment and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee in February 2014". Cllr Griffiths reported that he was unhappy how this item had originated. The Clerk explained that he had received an apology from Cllr Dafydd Williams for not following the correct protocol and that it would not happen again, the Council accepted this.
5 From Cyril Phillips Warden Llangunnor Church - "At our PCC meeting last Tues it was agreed that Officers of the Church should meet a small number of reps from the Community Council with a view to exploring common ground on progressing the Church's proposed burial policy. I should be grateful if you/the Chairman would give the matter your consideration and come back to me". Cllrs who were members at the Church registered their interest and took no part in the discussion. It was unanimously agreed (minute 0914-10.5) that Cllr Lloyd and Cllr Watson meet with the church to take this forward
6 One Voice Wales - Courses (see attached) Contact Clerk if Interested. It was proposed by Cllr Watson and seconded by Cllr Dafydd Williams (minute 0914-10.6) that all members attempt to go on the Code of Conduct training (Clerk to check if Carmarthenshire County Council have any plans to run a further course. Details of other courses with Clerk.
7 Welsh Audit Office - Redistributed Reserves, each Community Council to get £30. Noted
8 Celt1 Wind Turbine - See enclosed letter. Noted
9 One Voice Wales motions for AGM - See attached. Cllr Lloyd reported that unfortunately she could not attend, unanimously approved (minute 0914-10.9) that Cllr Watson go instead. Members attending to vote on motions with the interest of Llangunnor in mind.
10 Western Power - Preferred Route Re-alignment Details with Clerk or www.westernpower.co.uk/brechfaforest
11 Western Power - Free Parish Council Pack, see attached letter. Unanimously approved that 'pack' be given to the school (minute 0914-10.11)
12 Menter Cwm Gwendraeth - Invitation to AGM 29/09/14 @ 7.00pm Hywel Dda Centre, Whitland. Noted
13 Quiz at Yr Aelwyd, Tues 30th September @ 6.00pm (6.15 start), max 5 per team Any queries contact Cllr Lee Whatley.
14 Letter from school regarding swimming lessons. See below.
15 Email from John Tucker 'As Carmarthenshire County Council would not fill salt/grit bin, would the Community Council consider paying for it to be filled'. Unanimously approved (minute 0914-10.15) that clerk find out the cost and that Council pay for bin to be filled.
16 Carving Set - The Clerk reported that during the recent WW1 Commemoration the Council had won the set as a raffle prize. It was unanimously agreed (minute 09-14 10.16) that the Clerk write to give thanks for the gift and that enquiries be made whether it could be kept in the museum.
17 External Auditor (BDO) had been 'signed off' 13/14 accounts Noted

10.14. Swimming Lessons at School

Following a lengthy debate the following motions were put in front of the Council moved by Cllr Dafydd Williams and seconded by Cllr Totterdale that:

'The Council give £1000 to the school towards the cost of the swimming lessons'.
An amendment was put by Cllr Griffiths and seconded by Cllr Sandra Thomas that:
'The Council give £1000 to the school towards the cost of the swimming lessons but that the monies only be given to children that reside within Llangunnor and that consideration be given to any request made by other schools where children from Llangunnor attend'.
A further amendment (2nd) was put by Cllr Bevan and seconded by Cllr Elwyn Williams that:
'The Council give £1000 to the school towards the cost of the swimming lessons and that consideration be given to any request made by other schools where children from Llangunnor attend'.
Voting then took place on the second amendment and if this was carried then this would become the substantive motion it was resolved that (minute 0914-10.14) this substantive motion be accepted For 5, Against 1, Abstentions 2.

It is noted that as a LEA School Governors Cllr Lloyd, Howells and West (his wife works at the school) declared an interest in this item and took no part in the discussions or voting.

10. Tree Planting in Pensarn

The Clerk apologised that this had not been included on the original agenda. Cllr Griffiths suggested that the chair give consideration to planting a tree in Pensarn (with the school council chair assisting) in commemoration of those that lost their lives in WW1. The Chair took the suggestion on board and the clerk would make enquiries with Carmarthenshire County Council.

11. Any Other Business

a) Clerk to contact Carmarthenshire County Council regarding weeds in front of Carmarthenshire County Council building in Pensarn. Furthermore Clerk write to Carmarthenshire County Council asking that serious consideration be given to allowing Healthy Planet to use the building.
b) Clerk to contact Carmarthenshire County Council in respect of cleaning under bridges and position of dog fouling signs on Sticle Path.
c) Could the 'patch of land' where bus shelter was demolished on Capel Dewi Road be placed on agenda of next meeting.
d) Clerk to write to Housing Dept., asking if consideration could be given to providing painted parking bays at Bronydre as currently residents were parking haphazardly.
e) An elderly lady from Penymorfa had contacted Cllr Bevan with regard to youths throwing bricks/stones at her property. Clerk to write to Dyfed Powys Police highlighting issues and apparent lack of regular patrols in the area.
f) Item regarding new bicycle shop to be taken off website as although originally a news item it now looked like an advertisement.
g) Clerk to chase up extra railing to Sticle Path.
h) Clerk to ask Carmarthenshire County Council for copy of recent traffic survey carried out in Pensarn.

12. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 16th October 2014 at 6.30pm


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