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A meeting of Llangunnor Community Council will be held Babell Zion Newydd Chapel on Thursday 20th April at 6:30p.m. To transact the following agenda:
1. To receive apologies for absence.
2. To record all declarations of interest.
3. Chair’s Announcements.
4. 12 minutes for any questions from public. Please note new. Guidelines before asking a question to ensure compliance. Members of the public in attendance will be provided with a reasonable opportunity to make representations about any. business to be discussed at the meeting, unless doing so is likely to prejudice the effective conduct of the meeting. This does not mean. that members of the public can take part in debate, but they will be given a reasonable opportunity to make representations about the business to be discussed as referenced on the meeting agenda. Questions relating to matters not on the agenda will not be permitted and should instead be communicated to the Clerk to the Council for his attention and where appropriate a response.’
5 To approve the minutes of the Monthly meeting of Council held on 16th March 2023, where copies have been circulated to all Councillors Electronically.
6. Council Committees – a) Park & Environment meeting took place on the 25th of January. Draft Minutes have been circulated electronically and uploaded to our web. Page. Further meeting to be arranged. b) Finance Committee. Meeting took place on the 26th of January. Draft Minutes have been circulated and uploaded to our webpage. Further meeting to be arranged. c) Web / Media Committee. Meeting took place on the 1st of February. Draft minutes have been circulated and uploaded to our webpage. Further meeting to be arranged. d) Events Committee. Meeting took place on the 22nd of March. Draft minutes have been circulated and uploaded to our webpage. Next meeting to be arranged.
7. To receive update from the clerk.
8 To discuss Committee membership ahead of AGM.
9. To receive a presentation from Cllr Jenny Slate, Chair of Events Community outlining the anticipated income/cost streams to be generated from putting on this event, and seeking agreement to a working budget of £2800 to be drawn on in advance of receipt of revenue with a 10% contingency.to be built in to avoid undue reporting.
10. To agree the asset transfer of the defibrillator located at Llangunnor School, into the ownership of the School as they have now agreed to the transfer and to assume future responsibility for its care and maintenance going forward.
11. To thank Cllr Whatley for agreeing to undertake the monthly checks on the four remaining defibrillators, where the clerk will share any updates. received via “The Circuit” directly with him, and he in turn can update the Clerk with any issues identified.
12. Motion from Cllr Charlie Evans – “Llangunnor Community Council expresses grave concerns over the Hywel Dda UHB’s Programme Business Case for a new Urgent and Emergency Care Hospital. We urge The Health Board to reconsider the case based on transport and workforce Concerns”
13. Motion from Cllr Charlie Evans – “Llangunnor Community Council Opposes The Towy Valley Pylon Project”
14. To consider Council’s views and to provide a response on a proposal received from Electoral Services Dept Carms C C , “To unward Llangunnor Community Council. We believe that the Community Council is one whole community, and we believe that the electors are best served by councillors representing the whole Community Council; it makes all areas inclusive and avoids conflict between ward Interests”.
15. To discuss the new National Speed Limit of 20mph, to be implement nationally by The Welsh Assembly. - Cllr C Evans.
16. To consider estimate received from D W Furlong Building Contractors to Complete paving around the Memorial Stone. Quote has already been circulated electronically to all Councillors
17. To receive County Councillors Report.
18. To receive reports from Members representing Council on other: Bodies/Training. a) One Voice Wales b) School Governors c) Anything else.
19. To approve the schedule of accounts for April 2023.
20. To receive correspondence and agree responses.
21. Councillor’s Report
22. Date of next meeting – Thursday May 18th, 2023, to be held at

April 2023

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held at Babell Zion Newydd at 6.30pm on Thursday 20th April 2023

PRESENT: Councillor Geraint Bevan (Chair), Alison Wadeward, Charlie Evans, Paul Totterdale, Joan Evans, and Jennifer Slate

Cllrs Lee Whatley and Elwyn Williams joined remotely

APOLOGIES: Councillor Matthew Williams and Graham Slate

One elector present (Robin Griffiths) in addition Howard Davies Clerk

Declaration of Interest

To be recorded during agenda items

3. Chair's Announcements

I would like to draw the council’s attention to the poor water quality in the River Tywi. Currently our constituency has the highest level of water pollution in Wales. Last year there were 78 dumps of raw sewage in Sticle Bach which lasted for 186 hours. I feel this water pollution issue is something we need to remember when future planning applications come before us. I met with the clerk, and a local contractor at the war memorial and a quote has been provided for this meeting for the provision of a path from the pavement to the memorial. Recently a lorry made a dangerous U-turn at the Nantycaws junction on the A48 and damaged safety signage. The speed warning sign has now been replaced close to the old blacksmiths (opposite Login School) before the turning for Login Road.

4. Public Questions

Robin Griffiths queried why the Council had not voted on the amendment prior to bringing it in last month, where members of the public had the opportunity of being able to speak on matters appearing on the agenda, but anything outside of this had to be sent to the clerk.

Chair responded that this amendment had been made for clarity to ensure the speaker adhered to asking questions relating to the agenda only, thereby ensuring the smooth running and efficiency of the meeting and complying fully with current policy. Any questions falling outside these criteria would have to be sent to the clerk. As this was existing policy, and to bring us in line with other Community Councils there was no requirement for a vote.

The Clerk for clarity added the following from our internal Model Standing Orders 2018 which will be updated shortly. Members of the public may make representations, answer questions, and give evidence at a meeting which they are entitled to attend in respect of the business on the agenda.

5. Minutes

It was agreed and RESOLVED to approve as a correct record the minutes of the monthly Council meeting held on the 16th of March 2023. (Minute 04/23–5) Noted 9 Councillors in favour with Cllr Whatley abstaining.

6. Committees

i) Finance

Noted that a meeting took place on the 26th of January. Draft minutes had been circulated and uploaded to our webpage. Further meeting to be arranged.

ii) Park & Environment

Noted the minutes of the meeting held on the 25th of January had been circulated and uploaded to our webpage. Further meeting arranged for Wednesday 3rd May.
Update The dangerous trees at the entrance to the park have been removed and the hedge laid. Following consultation with our neighbours it has been agreed to relocate the toilet, to where the defibrillator is located, and to move the defibrillator to the entrance which has now been completed.

iii) Web & Media

Noted the minutes of the meeting held on 1st February had been circulated and uploaded to our webpage. Further meeting to be arranged.

iv) Events Committee

Noted the minutes of the meeting held on the 22nd of March had been circulated and uploaded to our webpage. Regular working groups continue to meet to move the Event forward.

9. To receive a presentation from Cllr Jenny Slate, Chair of Events Community outlining the anticipated income/cost streams to be generated from putting on this event, and seeking agreement to a working budget of £2800 to be drawn on in advance of receipt of revenue with a 10% contingency to be built in to avoid undue reporting.

With the Chair’s permission agenda point 9 was dealt with next as Cllr J Slate would have to leave shortly due to another pressing engagement. Cllr Slate went on to go through her detailed budget for the Community Event Schedule for the 16th of July line by line, taking any questions at the end. Following a detailed explanation, the Council voted to adopt a budget of £2800 with a 10% contingency as presented allowing for essential payments to made now ahead of the event if they appeared on the budget sheet which every Councillor had received a copy of. A vote was taken with 7 in favour, with Cllr Whatley abstaining (Minute 04/23 – 9)

:: Cllr J Slate left the meeting at 7.25pm ::

Chair then returned to the agenda:

7. To receive update from the clerk The Clerk provided brief updates to the Council on the following matters:

i) Creation of an emergency-controlled exit from Charlie’s carpark. He was pleased to advise that following our intense lobbying and recent meetings with Council Officials they have now agreed to undertake a feasibility study of our proposals where their findings would be advised in due course. This being seen as significant progress on what has been a long-standing issue. ii) The park toilet had again fallen victim of senseless vandalism, however whilst being time consuming and expensive to clear up, he was pleased to advise that there had been no permanent damage. As there was no damage the item could not be reported to the local Police. Hopefully with the toilet relocated and secured at its new prominent location near to the main entrance this would help combat this behaviour. The item has been reported to our PCSO Nicola who has agreed to keep a vigilant eye around the area. Grateful thanks to Emrys our handyman, and Diane our cleaner for helping to move the toilet to its new secure location and to ensure that it was both safe and clean to reopen. As always only one phone call was all that was required to obtain their help which is much appreciated especially in situations like this when response time is of the essence. Cllr C Evans also asked that the Council’s grateful thanks be extended to Cllr G Slate for voluntarily opening and closing the toilet throughout the year and this to be minuted. (Minute 04/23-7ii) iii) Dynevor Trees will again be undertaking further works at the Lewis Morris entrance, and at the bottom of the park near the skateboard park this coming Saturday.

8. To discuss Committee membership ahead of AGM

The clerk advised that he would be shortly sending out a questionnaire to every Councillor, asking them to complete and to return to him advising him of which Council Committees, and Outside bodies they would like to serve on. This was piloted last year and was deemed a success saving much time at the AGM, as Councillors preferences were known in advance, and if oversubscribed then a vote would be taken, and if equally undersubscribed then nominations would again be sought at the AGM. The following nominations were received to fill the Positions of Chair, Vice Chair, and Chair of Planning. Election to take place at AGM. Nomination Nominated by Seconded by Chair of Council: Cllr J Slate Cllr E Williams Cllr Wadeward Vice-chair of Council: Cllr E Williams Cllr J Slate Cllr C Evans Chair of Planning: Cllr C Evans Cllr J Slate Cllr P Totterdale

10. To agree the asset transfer of the defibrillator located at Llangunnor School, into the ownership of the School as they have now agreed to the transfer and to assume future responsibility for its care and maintenance going forward

Following a short discussion it was agreed that the Defibrillator situated within the Llangunnor Primary School building be formerly transferred across from the Council to their ownership, where they would assume responsibility for its management going forward. A vote was undertaken with 6 in favour, and C Cllr E Williams abstaining. (Minute 04/23-10)

11. To thank Cllr Whatley for agreeing to undertake the monthly checks on the four remaining defibrillators, where the clerk will share any updates. received via “The Circuit” directly with him, and he in turn can update the Clerk with any issues identified.

The Chair and the Clerk wished to record their thanks to Cllr Whatley for agreeing to undertake the required monthly visual checks on the four Council owned defibrillators situated at, The Park, Yr Aelwyd, Nantycaws Bus stop, and on Llangunnor Road opposite the Carms Decorating Centre. The Clerk agreed to forward any communication received from the “The Circuit” to Cllr Whatley, who in turn was asked to advise the clerk of any issues. The clerk will also investigate if Cllr Whatley can be added to “The Circuit” database for him to receive the communications direct. (Minute 04/23-11)

12. Motion from Cllr Charlie Evans Cllr C Evans proceeded to introduce his motion: –

“Llangunnor Community Council expresses grave concerns over the Hywel Dda UHB’s Programme Business Case for a new Urgent and Emergency Care Hospital. We urge The Health Board to reconsider the case based on transport and workforce Concerns”

The motion was seconded by Cllr P Totterdale and was adopted by the Council following a vote with 6 in favour, and C Cllr E Williams abstaining explaining that if he voted he would not be able to vote when the issue came to Carmarthen County Council. (Minute 04/23-12)

13. Motion from Cllr Charlie Evans – “Llangunnor Community Council Opposes The Towy Valley Pylon Project”

Cllr C Evans did not wish to introduce his tabled motion relating to the proposed pylons in the Tywi Valley at this stage as he had subsequently deemed it required further work and would be presented to Council at a future date.

14. To consider Council’s views and to provide a response on a proposal received from Electoral Services Dept Carms C C , “To unward Llangunnor Community Council. We believe that the Community Council is one whole community, and we believe that the electors are best served by councillors representing the whole Community Council; it makes all areas inclusive and avoids conflict between ward Interests”

Following a short discussion it was agreed to support Carms Electoral Services Department’s proposal to “To unward Llangunnor Community Council. We believe that the Community Council is one whole community, and we believe that the electors are best served by councillors representing the whole Community Council; it makes all areas inclusive and avoids conflict between ward interests. Cllrs Voted 6 in favour with Cllr Bevan Abstaining. (Minute 04/23-14)

15. To discuss the new National Speed Limit of 20mph, to be implement nationally by The Welsh Assembly. - Cllr C Evans

The forthcoming introduction of the 20mph National Speed Limit, within Llangunnor was discussed, and it was suggested to revisit again post implementation in September, as clearly there will be pros and cons here.

16. To consider estimate received from D W Furlong Building Contractors to Complete paving around the Memorial Stone. Quote has already been circulated electronically to all Councillors

An estimate was received from D W Furlong Building for the surfacing of a plinth around the Memorial Stone on Llangunnor Road, the details of which had been previously circulated electronically to all Councillors. The final cost was dependent on chosen materials and finish, and came in at between £2000 and £2558 plus VAT. Following a lengthy discussion whilst acknowledging that these works would need to be undertaken at some time to improve the pedestrian access onto the Memorial, and to finish it off it was decided by a majority that the Council defer this expenditure presently given the period of austerity being seen, and to include it within the framework of the “Councils 5 year plan of expenditure and works that is currently been worked on. Councillors voted 6 in favour of deferring this expenditure with Cllr Whatley Abstaining. (Minute 04/23-16) Action point: Clerk to thank D W Furlong for his estimate, and our current decision to defer these works to a future date when he will again be given the opportunity to quote.

17. County Councillor Report

C Cllr Williams advised he has nothing to impart

18. Reports from Members Representing Council on other Bodies

Ove Voice Wales: Cllr Whatley advised that the next Area meeting would take place on April 26th, and he would provide an update at our next meeting.

School Governors: C Cllr Williams advised that he had been unable to attend the recent meeting due to prior commitments. However, was able to confirm that Cllr Ally Williams had been appointed as our Council Governors Representative, for a four-year term which will expire on 28th March 2027.

Carmarthen Town Forum: Cllr C Evans advised that he had attended the recent meeting where there are a lot of ideas and plans being discussed and worked on such as a Daffodil festival to bring more visitors into the town, with further details awaited.

. Approve the Schedule of Accounts 19.To approve the schedule of accounts April 2023: – Resolved to approve with (Minute 04/23 – 19) C Cllr Elwyn Williams declared an interest as his brother is the handyman. Expenditure/Income April 2023

Payee	Info	(£) Amount
Emrys Williams	Playing Field (31/03/2023)	97.00
Howard Davies	Salary - Apr 23 (Gross £889 plus back pay of £660.24)	1,213.29
	Extra Meeting	40.00
	Office Allowance - Apr 23	100.00
	IT Allowance - Apr 23	40.00
Howard Davies	Reinbursement: Zoom Monthly Payment	15.59
Carms C C	Grass cutting at park for Q4	731.02
	Footway Lighting Charges 1.4.22 - 31.3.23	3265.85
	Recharge for Community Elections	323.32
J R B Enterprise Ltd	Dog Gloves for park	42.84

£ Income £ Ratification sought for payment made by Clerk & Chair to HMRC on 21.3.23. To cover tax and NI payments for Clerk & Councillors due by 19th April otherwise a late payment would be incurred. Request received on the day following our March meeting, with decision made to pay to avoid penalty and to discharge Council’s liability. Date of Cheque 20 March 2023 Payee Cheque No Amount Extra Meetings HMRC 103582 £877.20 1 X £50 = £ this equates to £40.00 after tax. (Extra meetings - @ £50 meeting – salary includes 11 meetings + AGM, all others treated as extra meetings over 4 hours will be paid at £100. (Minute 0920 – F4) Extra Meetings held. March 22-Events 19. Schedule of Correspondence Received for our monthly meeting – April 2023.

The following correspondence be noted/action taken:

No	Nature of Correspondence	Agreed Action
1	Planning Consultation PL05611 Re Sub Station at Carmarthen Garden Centre	Circulated
2	Tools for Self-Reliance Cymru	Circulated
3	Open Spaces and Paths-a new guide to protection	Circulated
4	Carmarthen Meadows Group. Spring meeting	Circulated
5	1VW Training courses March & April	Circulated
6	DPP-Crime Prevention Booklet	Circulated
7	Thank you for 20-Newsletter	Circulated
8	Planning Appeal PL/00228-AP7164- Land at Penbryn Farm, Llangunnor, Nantycaws,Carms	Circulated
9	Local Authority Ethical Standards Framework and Code Of Conduct	Circulated
10	1VW Training Courses April	Circulated
11	Hywel Dda Engagement	Circulated
12	OPCC Bulletin	Circulated
13	Planning Consultation PL/05772	Circulated
14	Advance notice from 1VW of amended Standing Orders to be published by end of April	Circulated
15	New pay scale for Clerks-2022/23	Circulated
16	Crime Stats for Llangunnor-March 23	Circulated
17	Planning Consultation PL05742	Circulated
18	Request from Robin Griffiths re purchase of Commemorative Mugs for the Kings Coronation	Circulated
19	Letter from Robin Griffiths - see below	Circulated

Additionally with the permission of the Chair the following item of correspondence received from Robin Griffiths (details of which has been circulated electronically to all Councillors) was discussed.

Please could you bring this letter up in correspondence and discuss it in the next monthly meeting of the council, Please could the council discuss at the next meeting the purchase of Coronation mug for every child living in Llangunnor up to the age of 16 the council has a long history of this over the years, which was a great success over the years and they are passed down the family , if there is a money problem I would like to point out that not all the money was spent when the community received money for the Oil spill at Nantycaws a few years ago, and could be distributed at party in the park hope to receive a reply to this email many thanks Robin Griffiths.

Following a lengthy debate Cllr Ally Wadeward agreed to take the proposal away to research options and to obtain costings, and then to bring these back for further discussion at our May meeting. (Minute 04/23-19) The Clerk advised that the Valero monies had been transferred to reserves some time ago, upon the recommendations of the Auditor, as no further financial requests had been received for consideration from the Community of Nant Y Caws.

21.Councillor's Report

Cllr C Evans wished to report that trade waste had been left outside Brynmeurig Stores and could present a health hazard. Action point: Clerk to ask the Council to remove as the tenant had vacated the premises, with the property going up for Auction within the next two weeks. :: Cllr Charlie Evans left the meeting at 8.30pm due to prior commitments:: Cllr Totterdale again wished to draw the Council’s attention to the damage caused to a traffic bollard at the Nantycaws exit off the dual carriageway onto the old road, by a large lorry carrying out a prohibited U-turn across the traffic island to re-join the carriageway in an Easterly direction. Action point: Clerk to write to Cwm Environmental expressing our concerns that lorries continue to undertake this dangerous manoeuvre and asking them for their comments on how to address this issue.

22. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held the Annual General Meeting on Thursday 18th May at Babell Zion Newydd Chapel

Meeting closed 8.35 pm. . County Councillor Report

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