MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF ABERDYFI COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE OFFICE IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, LITERARY INSTITUTE, ABERDYFI ON MONDAY, 15TH JULY 2019
Councillors Present :-
Cllr D Williams – Chairman
Cllr Dewi Owen
Cllr Bryn Lloyd
Cllr Brian Kelly
Cllr David Owens
Cllr Bob Tyrrell
Cllr David Owen
Cllr Megan Reynolds
AGENDA ITEM 1 – APOLOGIES
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Cllrs J Bradbury Willis, S Bradbury Willis, G Jones and M Richards
AGENDA ITEM 2 – CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Cllr Williams thanked Cllr Owen for standing in at short notice at the June meeting. He noted that the Mountain Rescue ream had a satisfactory callout and a positive outcome.
AGENDA ITEM 3 – RECEIVE AND CONFIRM MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING 17TH JUNE
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It was agreed that the minutes were a true and accurate record of ordinary meeting of 17th June
Proposed: Cllr B Kelly Seconded: Cllr B Tyrrell
AGENDA ITEM 4 – MATTERS ARISING
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M/162 Burma Road
Ownership of Burma Road land is still awaiting confirmation before any permanent installation of prevention measures regarding parking can be pursued. Existing boundary markers (GWR) suggest that the land is owned by Network Rail.
M/172 Public Toilets Revenue
The revenue from the main car has been paid by Gwynedd Council £8662.12p. Cllr Tyrrell wished to pursue the issue of whether or not the Community Council is receiving payment from the season ticket holders. The contract we have with Gwynedd Council suggests that this should be so, but requires clarity. The Clerk is to draft a letter/e-mail to Gwynedd and raise the issue. Cllr Lloyd agreed that this was an appropriate way forward, and Council agreed unanimously with this course of action. Cllr Lloyd wished to note that he had requested a price quote to clean the Neuadd Dyfi public toilets, as those on the quay, with a view to address the matter in the Autumn. He requested that the Clerk ask for a price from Furneaux to decorate as they had done for the Wharf toilets.
Cllr Tyrrell asked whether an independent check, with counters, might be a good idea, to help verify the high numbers for 2018/19. It was suggested that figures for this year, 2019/20, would help the verification process.
M/176 Aberdyfi Welcome Signs
The Clerk has discussed the project with Geri Davies and he will detach the signs for transport to Leander, after his farm contracting work has been completed.
M/21 Cliffside Shelter
The Clerk met with Alan this to discuss contract and associated insurance and liability issues regarding the Cliffside Shelter. The Clerk has the insurance details but awaits other information regarding method of working etc.
M/29 Poo Bins
The additional poo bin has been installed on Pont y Brics and collection arrangements have been made with Gwynedd Streetscene.
M/46 Playing Field Goalposts
Cllr Bradbury Willis has sourced cost for goalposts on the playing field. The matter was discussed and the suggested size option to pursue was ‘Mini’’, one only, as per the current position, without nets. The matter was approved in principle and the project is to be fully costed in time for the September Council meeting, as an agenda item.
M/46 Removal of Planters
Cllr Tyrrell confirmed that the beach steps planters were removed by Cllr Dewi Owen and he wished to thank him for his work.
AGENDA ITEM 5 – DELEGATION OF POWERS DURING SUMMER BREAK
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Delegation of powers to Clerk, Chair and Vice Chair during summer recess.
Proposed: Cllr Lloyd Seconded: Cllr Kelly
AGENDA ITEM 6 – GREENER TYWYN – PLAYING FIELD SUNDAY 18TH AUGUST
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Permission to use the playing field on the Sunday after the Food Festival
Proposed: Cllr Lloyd Seconded: Cllr Owen
Unanimous approval by Council
AGENDA ITEM 7 – PENHELIG PARK WEDDING EVENTS
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Cllr Tyrrell declared an interest regarding this matter and retired to public gallery, as he was in direct discussion with Gwynedd Council regarding this matter, and wished to be available to Council to respond to questions, as a resident of Penhelig Terrace.
Cllr Williams then outlined the background to this matter. There had been complaints after a wedding event last year on Penhelig Park regarding the nuisance impact in the locality, specifically that of amplified music, the lateness of the event and its alcohol licence, and the deemed antisocial behaviour of some of the guests. The matter had been brought to the attention of Barry Davies, head of Gwynedd Maritime, and responsible for the booking of such events on the Park.
In the aftermath of the event it had been understood by all parties that no further permissions were to be granted for events on Penhelig Park, and that only existing bookings for 2019 would be honoured. However it had been disclosed that another provisional event had been booked in for 2020, without officially informing Aberdyfi Community Council.
Cllr Tyrrell had been advised of the wedding event with 100 guests and a hog roast next year and asked Cllr Owen if he could respond. Cllr Owen indicated that he understood from Barry Davies that the event could only take place if there was permission from the Aberdyfi Community Council.
Cllr Tyrrell said that there had been considerable correspondence recently between himself and other residents in the vicinity of Penhelig Park, complaining to Barry Davies about events on the park generally and not just the 2018 event previously referred to by Cllr Williams: specifically the increased frequency of the events and also the nature of the events. They had become parties with loud amplified music, rather than more simple and less obtrusive wedding ceremonies. The resultant correspondence from Barry Davies assured that there would be no more functions apart from ceremonies and photography. Cllr Tyrrell was annoyed that despite representations to Barry Davis and the Licensing Department, a new event for 2020 was being considered. It was accepted that the events for 2019 would not be affected and would go ahead as per the contracts entered into between the interested parties.
Cllr Williams read a letter from a resident of Penhelig Terrace, detailing the disruption created by the latest wedding party.
The three main reasons for seeking greater event control are as follows:
1. The Penhelig Gardens are not big enough for such events and impact disproportionately on the normal use of the gardens by the public, with the facility restricting access for effectively four days. Also, having perhaps three of four weekends devoted to such events, all during the summer months, is simply too much in a short British summer.
2. Loud amplified music during a party disrupts the immediate environment. Other councils already have bans in place regarding amplified music in public places.
3. The park had become known as a place for quiet contemplation and a memorial for 3 Troop Commandos who fought in the Second World War and that as such it was perhaps inappropriate to hold such events in the park.
Cllr Tyrrell felt that there were potential solutions to the problem. Ceremonies only, no parties, no amplified music and no alcoholic beverages.
The following observations were made by Councillors
Cllr Lloyd expressed disappointment that the opinions of Aberdyfi Community Council were not sought by Gwynedd Council regarding the matter.
Cllr Kelly wished to know what had specifically been agreed for this year’s most recent event and had there been any issues regarding non-compliance. He also noted that perhaps the Neuadd Dyfi was a more suitable venue for wedding parties.
Cllr Owen suggested that the Clerk write to Barry Davies regarding any events that might be in the pipeline for 2020, and request that any e-mails sent to Cllr Owen over the last 12 months regarding events on Penhelig Park be forwarded to the Clerk.
Cllr Williams expressed concern at the prospect of a simple ‘blanket’ ban on events. He also wished it to be noted that, being part of the process of installing the memorial to the commandos, and listening to the views of the those still alive at the time of the memorial installation, that they would have had no issue with the park being used by all and sundry, for a multitude of activities, the memorial representing the freedom to do so, something for which they had all fought.
Cllr Tyrrell expressed his disappointment at Gwynedd Council’s failure to respond to letters and to address the issues and that if events causing a nuisance in the vicinity were not stopped, he would have to consider taking legal action to prevent them from taking place.
In that case he would feel the need to step down from Aberdyfi Community Council as he felt that it would not be appropriate for him to remain a Community Councillor whilst in a dispute with the County Council.
Cllr Tyrrell resumed his seat at the Council table for the remainder of the meeting.
AGENDA ITEM 8 – CLERK VACANCY JOB DESCRIPTION
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The draft copy for the Clerk vacancy was discussed. The vacancy will appear in July’s Rushlight and hence be advertised in the Cambrian News in September.
AGENDA ITEM 9 – GWYNEDD COUNTY COUNCIL
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Cllr Owen reported that Network Rail were unhappy about the Picnic Island Bridge closure and he understood that they felt a completely new structure was to be the only solution, including new load bearing beams to bridge the cutting for which to erect any new structure. The Clerk confirmed that he had perused the original paperwork for when the existing structure was installed and that it was indeed the responsibility of Gwynedd Council to maintain it.
On a more positive note, he was able to confirm that the affordable housing project was ahead of schedule and that the ‘demo’ showhome should be ready by the end of the year. Also, it appears that the Wharf refurbishment project has progressed And that tenders are due to be sent out in September, with a target of 2020 for potential start to the build programme.
Cllr Llloyd asked Cllr Owen the check on apparent disappearance of a green bin at the cemetery and also asked if it would be possible to extend the permitted car park time at the Chapel in the square from 45 minutes to 60 minutes, fitting in with Chapel usage.
Cllr Lloyd also expressed his concern that the empty dwelling on Maesneuadd had been renovated at obvious expense, when perhaps it could have left to house someone on need. He was aware of someone in the village who had been forced to sleep in the bus shelter. It was suggested that Huw Evans be invited to speak to Council in the Autumn. The Clerk is to organise accordingly.
Cllr Owen left the meeting for another appointment.
AGENDA ITEM 10 – PLANNING
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NP5/50/42B Ardudwy Cottage, Aberdyfi
Ground Floor extension APPLICATION VIA EMAIL
NP5/50/148B 6 Melin Ardudwy, Aberdyfi
Replace existing conservatory APPLICATION VIA EMAIL
AGENDA ITEM 11 – TREASURER’S REPORT
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Reserve policy will be prepared by the Clerk for September Council meeting.
Proposed: by Cllr Lloyd Seconded: by Cllr Reynolds
AGENDA ITEM 12 – ONLINE BANKING
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The Clerk is to set up online banking to facilitate BACS payment for suppliers, and will draft an approved protocol, in line with One Voice Wales templates, for the Finance Committee to agree, in advance of ratification at the September council meeting.
AGENDA ITEM 13 – COMMITTEE REPORTS
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No Committee reports
AGENDA ITEM 14 – CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
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Snowdonia National Park Town & Community Councils Meeting – Thursday 3rd October, Neuadd Dyfi.
Valuation Office – Request for information.
Elizabeth Berry – Newspaper cutting from the Great War, listing those who had served in the conflict of 1914 to 1918. It was agreed to discuss the matter with Avril Richards and suggest that a copy of the cutting be framed and hung in the Literary Institute. A letter of acknowledgement will be sent by the Clerk to Elizabeth Barry, of Haddington, who forwarded the cutting.
Snowdonia National Park – Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance – Affordable Housing. Draft available online.
AGENDA ITEM 15 – PUBLICATIONS
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The Clerk SLCC Magazine
Clerks & Councils Direct
AGENDA ITEM 16 – ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AT FUTURE MEETINGS
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Cllr Kelly suggested that a review of the village’s road signs would be a good idea, Particularly the disappearance of the Bearded Lake sign.
AGENDA ITEM 17 – ITEMS FOR RUSHLIGHT
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Aberdyfi Food Festival
Aberdyfi Paws Festival
Don’t Feed The Gulls
Clerk Vacancy