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September 2021

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held remotely at 6.30pm on Thursday 16th September 2021

PRESENT: Councillor Elwyn Williams (Chair), Geraint Bevan, Paul Totterdale, Charlie Evans, Heather Lewis, Sandra Thomas, and Jennifer Slate

APOLOGIES:

Also present Howard Davies (Clerk) and two members of the public present Mr Robin Griffiths and Mr Lee Whatley

Declaration of Interest

None

3. Chair's Announcements

Cllr Williams advised that he had received an invitation to attend the Town Mayor’s Civic Ceremony a week on Sunday and would be representing Llangunnor Community Council.

4. Public Questions

Robin Griffiths asked two questions.

1. He was concerned at the ongoing parking problems continuing to be seen around the facility of the park entrance and sought an update on what the Council was doing to try and improve matters?

Clerk responded that he was well aware of the issues here and had indeed escalated matters to Mike Jacob at Carmarthenshire County Council and was awaiting his response. Chair was asked to speak with Mike Jacob to chase up his response on this important issue. Clerk further advised from his discussions with Nicola Walters PCSO about this issue, she advised that she could only intervene on a reactionary basis eg following complaint from a resident that the entrance to his driveway was being blocked, and in these circumstances the residents are to be encouraged to contact the Police direct. She had also suggested that we contact Carmarthenshire County Council who could consider the use of mobile parking enforcement van, traffic wardens, and the adoption of traffic calming measures, with this already having been done.

2, He was concerned about the excessive amounts of grass that had been left at the memorial site on Llangunnor Road, following a recent grass cut, which had led to an untidy visual experience. He had himself been down to clean up the memorial and asked who had cut the grass, and what could be done to ensure that the site be left in a tidy condition following such works. Additionally, he enquired as to why the works to improve the access to the memorial stone itself had not progressed despite having been agreed by the Council ?.

Clerk thanked him for his efforts in cleaning up the area around the stone and was in the process on investigating further. From his initial discussions with Carmarthenshire County Council it was apparent that the work had not been carried out by them, as due to current policy the Highways Department only undertake one grass cur per year. He would now consult with the Trunk Road Agency to see if their contractors had cut this area, as they cut around the Pensarn roundabout near to the Currys. Additionally, he asked Cllr Charlie Evans who lives near by if he would consult with local residents to see if they could shed any light on the matter of who was cutting the grass, to enable us to have a discussion with them. Clerk will then report back with his findings.

3. Additionally, he enquired as to why the works to improve the access to the memorial stone itself had not progressed despite having been agreed by the Council ?.

With regards to the improvement works already agreed to improve the access to the memorial and its surrounding area the clerk advised that these had been temporarily suspended to allow for a conclusion to be reached as to the type of memorial to be erected to commemorate the Covid Pandemic that still besets us, as dependent on what was decided this could affect the layout of the memorial area. An update on the Covid Memorial will be received tonight under agenda item 14

Lee Whatley asked five questions:

1. Is Llangunnor Community Council open to criticism?

Chair responded that yes it was open to criticism.

2. Why have certain Councillors not had their photographs placed on the new web page?

Clerk responded that it was part of his training for the new web page and would be attended to shortly.

3. What is the reason for having Committees?

Chair responded to say that certain Committees such as Finance were compulsory, and others had evolved to spread workload, and to allow for discussion and evaluation on relevant matters appertaining to that Committee prior to bringing their recommendations to full Council. However, any urgent time critical decisions would go to full Council to be dealt with immediately.

4.How many Councillors have paper copies of the agenda delivered to them.?

Clerk initially responded 4, however upon checking the actual number was 5.

5. When was the agenda notices placed up for display on the notice boards for this month’s meeting

Clerk apologised to say that due to work load this month, and computer problems the previous week having been without a laptop for 5 days, the notices were not posted until the previous evening, however had been available online since Monday which was accepted without further comment. There were no further questions

5. Minutes

It was unanimously agreed and RESOLVED (minute 0921–5) to approve as a correct record the minutes of the monthly Council meeting held on 15 July 2021

6. Committees

Finance

Noted the minutes of the meeting held on the 22nd of July had been circulated and updated to web site

Park & Environment

Noted the minutes of the meeting held on the 12th of July the minutes had been circulated and uploaded to web site

Web & Media -

Meeting to be rearranged as meeting scheduled for 28th July had to be cancelled through the unavoidable absence of Councillors

Christmas -

Meeting to be arranged shortly

7. To ratify and minute our discussions held at our April 21 meeting where it was unanimously agreed that all email correspondence received by the clerk must have a contact address. This will also apply to requests received to attend our virtual meetings over Zoom. Due to Clerks oversight this agreement was not minuted, and therefore ratification now sought to fully document.

Ratification was provided to our earlier agreement made at our April 21 meeting to make it a requirement for all correspondence received by the clerk, to contain a contact address, and this will also apply to requests made to attend our virtual “Zoom” meetings, which had not been previously minuted at the time of that meeting due to Clerks oversight (Minute 0921-7)

8. Review of Clerks probationary period with further request to consider uplifting his paid hours from 50 hours per month to 55 hours to replicate agreement with previous clerk as present agreed hours insufficient to cover workload

It was unanimously agreed that the Clerk had successfully completed his probationary six-month period, which had proved to be most challenging in terms of workload and complexity. Furthermore, his request to increase his working hours from the present level of 50 to 55 hours to cover increased workload, and to replicate the hours paid to the former clerk was agreed. Clerk then thanked the Councillors for placing their faith in him, and that he would continue to serve the interest of Llangunnor Community Council to the best of his abilities. (Minute 0921–8)

9. To ratify agreement of Finance Committee to pay Mr Clive Thomas retiring clerk his pension gratuity of £1000 in respect of his 10 years’ service to the Council

9. Ratification was unanimously provided for the payment of £1000 to be made to Mr Clive Thomas retired clerk in respect of his pension gratuity as recommended by the Finance Committee (Minute 0721 F6) (Minute 0921 – 9) 10. Proposal from Cllr Jenny Slate

To co-opt Cllr Charlie Evans onto the Web and Media, and Park and Environment to fill vacancies generated through the resignation of Cllr Paul Price

Cllr Jenny Slate proposal to co opt Cllr Charlie Evans onto both the Web and Media, and Park and Environment Committees following the resignation of Cllr Paul Price given no other expressions of interest having been received from Councillors, was unanimously agreed (Minute 0921–10)

11. Proposal From Cllr Jenny Slate

To discuss the possibility of joining with other Local Councils to attend a training session available from One Voice Wales for “Use Of IT, Websites and Social Media”. This can be booked for a group of up to 20 at a cost of £399

Cllr Jenny Slate proposal to discuss the possibility of joining with other Councils to attend a training session available from One Voice Wales for Use Of IT, Websites and Social Media” was further discussed and it was agreed that the clerk write to Carmarthen Town Council, and five of our neighbouring Community Councils to ascertain interest and to report back with their responses to evaluate further if feasible to proceed.(Minute 0921–11)

12. Proposal from Cllr Sandra Thomas

To review and agree arrangements for Remembrance Day

Cllr Sandra Thomas proposal to review the arrangements being made for Remembrance Day this year was further discussed.
Cllrs felt that that Llangunnor Church be contacted in the first instance to see if it would be possible to hold a service there, given the current Covid restrictions, with Cllr Thomas agreeing to make enquires and then to advise Council.
It was also suggested that the Clerk approach Ian Axon to see if he would play “The Last Post” at the service as he has done in previous years. Clerk to contact Ian Axon to see if he would be available to play at the service

13. Alun West – Memorial Seat

Cllr Bevan reported that he had visited Alun West widow, and that she had approved the wording for the proposed memorial plaque to be placed on the on a seat near to his home in Tregunnor. The plaque had been ordered and will be available shortly. Cllr Bevan sought the approval of the Council to approach Nigel Owens former International Rugby referee, a close friend and colleague of Mr West to preside over the unveiling ceremony which was unanimously agreed for him to be approached. (Minute 0921–13)

14. Update on Covid Memorial Stone

Cllr Bevan reported back advising he had visited 16 properties which overlooked the site On Llangunnor Road, where he had met with nine of the owners, and had received the following comments/observations:

• Generally, all were in favour of some sort of recognition for those who had lost their lives to “Covid” in Llangunnor.
• The majority were in favour of a plaque as opposed to a memorial stone, seeing a stone as being more “macabre”, and a plaque being more appropriate, with consideration perhaps being given to placing this on the nearby seat itself. There were also suggestions that consideration be given to establishing a “wildflower meadow” on the large nearby grass verge that surrounds the existing stone. That we as a Council needed to be more respectful of the area, by ensuring that the immediate area surrounding the stone was kept in a tidy condition throughout the year, especially now as Carmarthenshire County Council were now only cutting grass verges once throughout the summer

The above feedback was discussed at the last Park Committee length and given that the nearby houseowners were more in favour of a plaque, as opposed to a memorial stone, and as the Council had previously agreed to put a stone there, it was decided that the matter be referred back to the full Council given these findings, for further discussions. The feedback was noted, and the Councillors felt it was again felt appropriate to place the proposal back to the Park’s and Environment Committee for further discussion, with revised proposals to be brought back to full Council. (Minute 0921–14)

15. County Councillor Report

Councillor Williams had nothing major to impart, other than much of his time lately had been taken up “on the ash tree die back project” where the delivery of such was proving to be challenging
He further advised that due to a recent review of Electoral boundaries, certain county, and community boundaries will change as from next May’s elections, and there would be a period of consultation prior to these changes being agreed

16. Reports from Members Representing Council on other Bodies

Riverside Association - No meeting

One Voice Wales - A quick update from Cllr Evans on the availability of training modules available for Councillors through One Voice Wales, which had already been circulated by the clerk

School Governors - No meeting

Training -

17. Approve the Schedule of Accounts

It was Resolved unanimously (minute 0921–17) that the accounts submitted be approved.

Ratification for August payments made under delegated authority, as Council was in recess for the month of August will be sought at our October meeting via an agenda item

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

Payee	Info	(£) Amount
E Williams	Playing Field - 31/08/2021	97.00
Diane Evans	Cleaning, opening, and closing of temporary toilet at the park. Period 23.8-1.9. 10 days at agreed rate of £12 per day	120.00
Howard Davies	Salary - Sept 2021	596.11
	Office Allowance - Sept 2021	100.00
	IT Allowance - Sept 2021	40.00
	Reinbursement: Zoom Monthly Payment	14.39
	Reinbursement: Postage	0.85
	Reinbursement: Castell Howell Sanitizers x 2 -£47.95 plus VAT £9.59	57.54
	Reinbursement: Purchase new padlock and chain to secure new temp toilet	17.98
	Extra meetings	120.00
	Travelling	198.00
Abba Loos	Weekly service of temp toilet	27.00

B) Council to note receipt of income:

Payee	Info	(£) Amount
Carmarthenshire County Council	2nd Precept instalment	11,000.00
	Draw Down of 106 Monies re labour and material costs to erect Interpretation Boards	453.79

18. Correspondence

The following correspondence be noted/action taken:

No	Nature of Correspondence	Agreed Action
1	Community Health Council Leaflets Circulated
2	1 VW Invitation to Innovative Practice Conference – 22 Sept 2021 Circulated.
3	IVW Training Courses – July 2021 Circulated
4	Welsh Govt Consultation on a default 20mph speed limit Circulated
5	Litter and Dog Fouling Consultation – 1VW. Circulated
6	6. Latest news Planning Aid Wales Circulated
7	Hate Crime – Desk top guide Circulated
8	Cash Card Scams DPP Circulated
9	1 VW Environmental Discussion Group Circulated
10	Remote Training 1VW August Circulated
11	Electoral Reform Newsletter July 2021 Circulated
12	Net Zero public sector route map Circulated
13	Hywel Dda CHC August Newsletter Circulated
14	Multi Locations Meetings -Briefing note. Circulated
15	Carmarthenshire County Council: Advice of road closure Babell Hill -CCC Circulated
16	Training courses August 1VW. Circulated
17	Updated guidance Code Of Conduct	Circulated
18	Resignation of Cllr Paul Price	Circulated
19	Innovative Practice Conference IVW 22.9.21	Circulated
20	Draft Local Electors Rules 2021	Circulated
21	Training Courses Sept 1VW	Circulated
22	B T Scams	Circulated
23	Children’s Playgrounds and outside area’s - Revised guidelines WLGA	Circulated
24	Active Travel Consultation Map	Circulated
25	Consultation on Local Taxes for second homes and self-catering	Circulated
26	Carmarthenshire County Council: Latest news from Carmarthen County Council	Circulated
27	Online Planning Application training	Circulated
28	Improving Health Services in your area	Circulated
29	Electoral Reform Newsletter Aug 21	Circulated
30	Cymru Cofio Wales Newsletter	Circulated
31	Response to Remuneration frameworks for Community and Town Council 1VW	Circulated
32	Remote Training September 1VW	Circulated
33	Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon update	Circulated
34	Carmarthenshire County Council: Refusal of seat application at junction of Penymorfa Lane	Circulated

No correspondence received other than a request from Carmarthen Symphonic Wind Band, for support to assist them with the annual cost of their insurance, given their inability due to Covid restriction to hold fund raising events. The application was duly discussed, where it was noted that we had assisted via a £100 donation for the previous two years and that they have supported the Council by playing at various functions which had been well received. It was unanimously agreed to again support this to the extent of £100, with the donation to come from the Community Fund. (Minute 0921-18)

19. Councillor's Report

• i) Councillor Jenny Slate suggested that Councillors log onto our virtual meetings 10 minutes before hand to avoid delays in starting the meetings on time due to technical issues.
ii) She also suggested that daffodil bulbs be planted again this year at the park and in the tubs at the entrance, which was unaminously agreed (0921–19ii) Clerk to ask handyman to plant similar volume to last year
iii) An offer had been received via Facebook from a resident offering to donate two planted tree saplings to be planted in the park. After much discussion it was decided to politely decline the offer, as management of single trees would prove onerous, and not to establish a precedent. Councillor Slate was asked to convey our decision and thank the resident for her kind offer.(Minute 0921–19iii)
• iv) Councillor Thomas was pleased to have received a compliment from a resident on the flower displays in Pensarn funded by the Council.
v) She also wished to report that the new safety gate at the entrance to the park was not closing properly.
Action point : Clerk confirmed that the matter had been reported to Wicksteed the fence supplier, where urgent assistance had been requested due to safety concerns.
vii) Councillor Thomas advised that she had been approached by a resident of Towy View chalet park to see if the Council would place low level lighting nearby. Clerk was able to advise that from his recent discussions held with Arwel Price Public Lighting Engineer at Carmarthenshire County Council that Council would not support the provision of such on the grounds of safety and being prone to vandalism. Councillor Thomas was asked to convey this policy decision by Carmarthenshire County Council to the resident.
• Councillor Heather Lewis viii Two neighbours had approached her asking if the Council would place additional lights on the Ger Y Nant Path to lighten up dark area’s along one section of the path, which causes danger to walkers late at night, and during the winter periods. She wished to support subject to necessary consultation with nearby householders as to where the lights would be placed, and subject to costing/funding. All agreed it was a good idea to explore further given the safety concerns, and this being a well-used by school children and residents of Penymorfa alike.(Minute 0921 – 19viii) ix) Councillor Lewis has also received reports of graffiti on the railings alongside Sticle path, and two streetlights not working near to the underpass. Action point : Clerk to investigate and report as necessary.
• Councillor Paul Totterdale x) Wished to highlight the continued safety concerns caused by drivers parking near to the park entrance. Action point : Clerk acknowledged this was an ongoing issue and that it had been dealt with previously under point 5 of tonight’s minutes.
• Councillor Charlie Evans xi) Wished to remind his fellow Councillors that under changes proposed under the recent Electoral Boundary Review it was proposal that Llangunnor be attached to the Llanelli Constituency seat, even though we are right next door to Carmarthen Town, and should we object to this.
The Chair advised that the consultation period would end on the 3rd November, and suggested that Councillors gave the matter some thought, where it would again be placed as an agenda item for our October meeting.

20. Any other important business

Clerk had no other important business, apart from to advise that Carmarthen Town Council would be switching on the Town Christmas lights on November 20th

21. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Thursday October 21st 2021

Meeting closed 8.10pm

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