---

September 2017

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held in 'Yr Aelwyd', Tregynnwr at 6.30pm on Thursday 14th September 2017.

PRESENT: Councillor Lee Whatley (Chair), Geraint Bevan, Robin Griffiths, Paul Totterdale, Alun West, Elwyn Williams, Sandra Thomas, Alexandra Trowbridge-Mathews, Vivian Davies, Adrienne Mackintosh and Dafydd Williams

APOLOGIES: None

2 members of public in attendance

Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest

1. Standing Orders

It was unanimously agreed (minute 0917-1) that Standing Orders be re-introduced

2. Chair's Announcements

Hoped Councillors had a relaxing break over the summer and were eager to get back to Council business. He had been informed that Councillor Maynard had made the decision to stand down from the Community Council, which he thought was a shame as during the few months that he has been on the Council he had engaged in discussions and raised a number of good points during those discussions. He also reminded Councillors that there was still have a vacancy which needed to be filled.

• Over the summer he had attended a Bosworth Day event at St Peters Church, organised by the Friends of St Peters where they had a copy of the Black Book of Carmarthen on display and various other activities to mark the Battle of Bosworth and the links with Carmarthen. He reported that they are hoping to make it more of an event next year and he also got the opportunity to speak to residents from Llangunnor.
• He had also attended a meeting of the Art & Craft group and was pleased to see that the group is still going even after the funding from Age Cymru had ceased. He explained that he felt it important that while these groups need to make sure they cover their costs the Community Council need to ensure that they offer support to help keep these groups active within our community.
• He reported that the Council were picked in a free draw that he took part in during a One Voice Wales Conference and had won a half barrel planter which had been delivered.
• He then informed members that he had been invited to attend a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan being held at Babell Zion Newydd on Friday 29th September, members are welcome to attend.

At the end of his announcements he informed the meeting that during the summer he had been notified that Mrs Carole Evans had passed away suddenly, Mrs Evans was known by most of the Council as one of the Sugarcraft ladies who helped out with the refreshments at the Council AGM. She was an active member of the community being a member of Cymdeithas Sant Cynnwr and more recently the Sugarcraft. Chairman asked that the meeting observe a minute's silence

3. Public Questions

Mrs E Jones from Roman Villa expressed her gratitude to the Council for the Chair's generous donation at her coffee morning in aid of her cancer charity, she also thanked individual members who had attended or sent donations, it had raised a magnificent £1700.

Mrs G Lloyd on behalf of Arts and Crafts Group asked the Council if they could look into why the Group was now being charged an insurance premium for using the hall. The group was made up of mainly 65+ but with some in their 90's and that one on its main attributes it that got vulnerable and elderly women to meet for a couple of hours each week not only to enjoy arts and crafts but also to socialise - any insurance premium would likely see the ending of the group. It was agreed that the Clerk contact Carmarthenshire County Council on their behalf to see if the matter could be resolved.

4. Minutes.

It was moved by Cllr Totterdale and seconded by Cllr Dafydd Williams (minute 0917-4) and RESOLVED to approve as a correct record the minutes of the monthly Council meeting and Planning Sub-Committee held on 18th July 2017.

5. Matters Arising .

Matters raised / resolved outside meetings

a) Path from Penymorfa to Llangunnor Road - i) Rail at bottom - Response from Carmarthenshire County Council "The original plan was indeed to place some sort of barrier at the bottom of the path, but unfortunately Western Power require vehicular access to the sub-station which is approximately 50-75m from the junction with Llangunnor Road. They have considered placing a gate at the bottom but this brings its own problems, including the likelihood that not everybody would close it after them, it could be padlocked but this would give rise to access issues". Unanimously agree that (minute 0917-5i) that a site meeting be arranged between Clerk/chair/Carmarthenshire County Council/Western Power ii) Light - Having made a site visit it is clear that the light only affects one property (as reported in last meeting), any pedestrians using path would probably welcome a light, however the residents whose land the post lie within have concerns in respect of congregating youths if a light is provided. Unanimously agree that (minute 0917-5ii) that Carmarthenshire County Council be asked to provide luminous paint on steps to make them more visible
b) Seat in Pensarn - Carmarthenshire County Council had confirmed that seat would be placed in position over next few weeks
c) Tree in Llangunnor Park - Park & Env. Sub-Committee recommending that it be cut down (cost £770 + VAT), it was resolved that this be placed on agenda of Finance Sub-Committee for consideration in the business plan
d) Entrance to Tywi View - Awaiting response from Carmarthenshire County Council, chase up by next meeting
e) Issues with path in Login Road - This work had now been completed, informed by Carmarthenshire County Council that works in Babell Road would hopefully be started week commencing 25th September
f) Report on A48 from Cross Hands to Carmarthen, in particular the entrance to the tip at Nantycaws - Council were particularly disappointed that there was still no progress in this matter, it was unanimously agreed (minute 0917-5f) that an invitation be sent to the Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Infrastructure (or his representatives) to attend a meeting of the Council, Adam Price AM to be copied into invitation
g) Adoption of Gwynfan - Carmarthenshire County Council "The approval form is dated 1st August 2017. I have not confirmed the adoption to each section as I await a payment of £345.00 from the Developer for Carmarthenshire County Council to bulk change lamps and number the columns. In respect of the conveyance of one of the properties I am happy to confirm the adoption"
h) Footpath in Nantycaws - Update at meeting
i) Bin in Nantycaws - Clerk to follow up

6. The Park

the following recommendations were made by the Park and Environment Sub-Committee:
a) Resolved unanimously that (minute 0917-P4(i)(a)) that the Clerk get a cost for replacing the rails and also consideration be given to amending the park entrance, this to be referred to Finance Sub-Committee for consideration for the business plan. Also consideration be given to providing some planters on the edge of the entrance.
b) Unanimously agree (minute 0917-P4(i))) that it be recommended to Council that the tree should be cut down (cost £770 + VAT), request report so that any future request is assessed on the same terms.
c) it was unanimously agreed (minute 0917-P4(iv)) that any work at the park be put on hold while a wide ranging review was carried out, the recommendations included within the report be put to the next Council meeting

i) Recommend to full council that they get an outside company (playground specialists) to carry out an audit on the equipment in the park: a. To check that it is fit for purpose and meets the required health and safety standards and complies with DDA.
b. To provide costs for refurbishment of equipment and any work that maybe identified.
ii) Recommend to full council that they set an appropriate annual budget for maintenance for the following:
a. Park
b. Notice boards (to include any interpretation panels)
c. Community benches iii) Recommend to full council that they obtain details from Carmarthenshire County Council as to what services they are providing to the Community Council in regards to the park. iv) Recommend to full council that a maintenance programme is developed for the park and other items identified under point 2. v) Recommend to full council that a balanced approach is taken between improving current equipment and installing new equipment in the park. vi) Recommend to full council that they note and take action to address the issues identified in appendix 1.
d) it was unanimously agreed (minute 0917-P4(v)) that Clerk writes to the Tywi Riders to remind them about parking responsibly.
e) It was unanimously agreed (minute 0917-P4(vii)) that the Clerk as Carmarthenshire County Council to carry our the inspection (cost £80 - VAT).
f) It was unanimously agreed (minute 0917-P6) that it be recommended to Council that the Clerk ask the Town Council to provide and erect a tree in the same position as usual, provided the cherry picker is available they be asked to place a taller tree than last year.
g) It was unanimously agreed (minute 0917-P8) that the Clerk and the handyman draw up an agreement of his duties and bring this to Council for consideration

It was unanimously agreed (minute 0917-6) that the recommendations of the Park and Environment Sub-Committee be accepted. It was also agreed that a sign be placed on the gate of the park stating No Parking.

7. Web / Media Sub-Committee

Chair gave an update of the changes currently being made to the web page

8. Finance Sub-Committee

Meeting arranged for September 19th

9. Christmas Decoration in Pensarn Sub-Committee

As reported from P & E Sub-Committee disappointment was expressed that tree in garden could not be utilised due to issues with getting a power supply to it. It was unanimously agreed (minute 0917-9) that:
i) the Clerk liaise with the Town Council for them to supply a tree (if possible larger than last year,
ii) the lights be switched on December 1st (alternative date 17th November) at 6.00pm a member of the Babell be invited to give the blessing.
iii) if required the Clerk purchase more lights for the tree up to the value of £100
iv) a meeting of the sub-committee be called in the next few months so that early plans can be made for next year's event

10. Tesco Bags of Help

following a lengthy discussion it was unanimously agreed (minute 0917-10) that the Council consider placing de-fibillators in the community, the Clerk to get some idea of cost and the Finance Sub-Committee to take the final decision

11. Daffodils Planting

following a discussion it was unanimously agreed (minute 0917-11) that: i) the school be asked to plant daffodils at the entrance to Tregynnwr, Gerynant, and the bank below Halfords, ii) the Clerk see what offers are available for the purchase of the bulbs and that a letter be provided to Cllr Griffiths who may be able to get some 'sponsorship' for further bulbs iii) Clerk contact Carmarthenshire County Council to see if there are any issues with these areas

12. Town and Community Council Health Check

The Chair collected completed forms, he asked that Cllrs who had not returned them please do so to him or the Clerk, electronic copies would be fine

13. Reports from Members Representing Council on other Bodies.

Riverside Association - Cllr Trowbridge-Mathews explained that due to family reasons she had been unable to attend the latest meeting, the Chair said that this was perfectly understandable

One Voice Wales - Cllr Whatley would be attending both the AGM and Area meeting in the coming weeks. It was agreed unanimously (minute 0917-13) that the Chair vote on any proposal with the best interest of the Council in mind

School Governors - It was reported by Cllr Griffiths that the school had been notified of a school inspection in the coming weeks, results would be out in November

Training - No report

14. Approve the Schedule of Accounts

It was Resolved (minute 0917-14) proposed Cllr Trowbridge-Mathews and seconded Cllr Elwyn Williams (unanimous) that the following payments be authorised.

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

Payee	Info	(£) Amount
E Williams	Playing Field (31/07/17)	75.00
	Hedge cut by seat in Login Rd	55.00
CJ Thomas	Salary - Aug 2017 (Incl. increases as minute 0717-8)	752.74
One Voice Wales	Cllr Whatley attendance at One Voice Annual Conference	80.00
E Williams	Playing Field (31/08/17)	75.00
	Cutting around basketball hoop	55.00
Cllr L Whatley	Travelling 1 Voice Wales Conf	46.80
CJ Thomas	Salary - Sept 2017	585.69
	Office Allowance - Aug / Sept 2017	200.00
	IT Allowance - Aug / Sept 20l7	80.00
	Extra Meetings [1]	240.00
HMRC	2nd Quarter	606.93

B) Council to note receipt of income:

Payee	Info	(£) Amount
Carmarthenshire County Council	2nd Precept payment	10,000

Extra Meetings held April 1st 2017 - September 30th 2017.
Finance Sub-Committee - 20th April; 18th July.
Park's Sub-Committee - 6th June; 4th September.
Web and Social Media Committee - 22nd June.
Christmas Lights Sub-Committee - 13th June.
6 x £50 = £300.00. This equates to £240.00 after tax. (Extra meetings - @ £50/meeting - salary only includes 11 meetings + AGM, all others treated as extra meetings, meetings over 4 hours will be paid at £100 (Minute 0717-8)

15. Correspondence

It was RESOLVED that the following correspondence be noted/action taken.

No	Nature of Correspondence	Agreed Action
1	Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service - Did you know survey	Circulated
2	Transforming Clinical Services "Big Conversation" Carmarthenshire, 3 August	Circulated
3	Older Peoples Commissioner for Wales 2017 Summer Newsletter	Circulated
4	Un Llais Cymru / One Voice Wales - Bwletin Newyddion Mehefin 2017 / June 2017 News Bulletin	Circulated
5	Unqualified Audit Report Received	Noted
6	Park Lease and Copy of Land Registry Received	Noted
7	The Ombudsman's Casebook - Issue 29	Circulated
8	Temporary road closure of the C2070 Nantycaws	Noted
9	Hywel Dda - Online Big Conversation	Noted
10	Welsh Government White Paper Consultation "Services fit for the future"	Noted
11	Public Notice - Proposed Road Humps: Penymorfa Lane	Noted
12	Cllr Maynard: Due to recent illness and personal circumstances I have made the difficult decision to stand down from the Community Council. The decision has been made following medical advice and the requirements of other commitments. I wish council members and yourself all the best in your work towards making Llangunnor a stronger and more cohesive community	Noted
5	As a result for resignation notices will have to be put in noticeboards and website - Carmarthenshire County Council to assist	Noted

16. Any Other Business.

• Could Clerk check up on timescale for getting lights on Towy Bridge back working
• Could Clerk check on timescale for introduction of yellow lines as previously discussed
• Could Clerk report to Carmarthenshire County Council that paths in Elder Grove are covered in weeds
• Could consideration of placing planter pots on the railings to the Range be placed on agenda of next meeting
• Could Clerk check to see if the lights on the tree sculpture on the roundabout into Carmarthen could be lit
• The litter pick took place and the weather was fine, one member of the public turned up and over the two hours four bags of litter were collected. The Chair wanted to thank Carmarthenshire County Council and Mr Brian Mogford for delivering and collecting the equipment. Council need to ensure that this event does not get forgotten about
• If details of the cost of the commemorative seat to be placed at the school be provided for the chair he will consider supporting it out of his fund

17. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 19th October 2017 at 6.30pm at Yr Aelwyd.

---

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