MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF ABERDYFI COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE OFFICE IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, LITERARY INSTITUTE, ABERDYFI ON MONDAY,
15th OCTOBER 2018
Present were Councillors:-
Cllr D Williams Chairman
J Bradbury Willis
Dewi Owen
S Bradbury Willis
B Kelly
David Owens
G Jones
B Lloyd
AGENDA ITEM 1- APOLOGIES
CL/77/15.10.18
Cllrs Reynolds, Richards & Tyrrell
AGENDA ITEM 2- CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
CL/78/15.10.18
Cllr Williams informed the meeting that the Clerk will be attending a funeral the following day, 16th October, and that the Council office would be closed for the day.
It was felt that the adverse weather had not seriously impacted on the village and that, in fact, there were many visitors still frequenting the village.
AGENDA ITEM 3 – RECEIVE AND CONFIRM MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING 17th SEPTEMBER
CL/79/15.10.18
It was agreed that the minutes were a true and accurate record of ordinary meeting of 17th September
PROPOSED by Cllr Gareth Jones and SECONDED by Cllr Bryn Lloyd
AGENDA ITEM 4 – MATTERS ARISING
CL/80/15.10.18
M/39 Affordable Housing Project
The correspondence pertaining to the pedestrian crossing installation has been forwarded by Snowdonia Planning to Gwynedd for consideration.
M/41 Running Track
Nia Watkin, NRW Senior Conservation Officer has responded to Cllr Richards letter. Clerk is meeting on site to discuss the project October 25th. Cllr Richard will of course be kept in the picture and de-briefed on how the meeting progresses.
M/58 Treasurer’s report
The Clerk updated Council on the VAT situation regarding reclaim. Any expenditure with regard to income generating activity, such as maintenance on the pay & display car park, cannot have its VAT reclaimed. Other expenditure as per the Precept, can be reclaimed in the normal manner.
25
M/55 Speeding in the Village
Cllr Lloyd noted that the policer were maintaining their crackdown on speeding motorists, having seen the speed trap in the previous week on the main road into the village from Tywyn.
M/67 Wharf Gardens
Gwynedd Council have cleared the Wharf gardens of the summer planting. The Clerk advised that the old bedding had been cleared by Gwynedd Council. Cllr Owen had discussed the matter with David Richardson who had confirmed he would be delighted to assist in the planting foe the future. David was looking for volunteers to assist with moving the planters along the front.
M/68 Members’ Remuneration
All Aberdyfi Community Councillors advised the Clerk that they wished to decline acceptance of the remuneration as laid down by the Independent Remuneration Panel. Therefore, a ‘nil return’ was forwarded to the Panel, who have proved very helpful as advisors in this matter.
M/69 Gwynedd Council Report – Copperhill Street white lining
The Clerk has pursued this matter with Highways who indicated that the white lining will be re-done before the end of November.
Cllr Jones asked why Highways continue to repair the hole outside the Neuadd Dyfi, again, when it is clear that the problem is more deep seated than may be apparent. Cllr Owen clarified that the deep rooted problem was the responsibility of Dwr Cymru.
M/73 Concrete Blocks – Pont y Brics
The Clerk has been advised by Will Stockford that the concrete blocks await the erection of safety signage, to be installed in the Spring.
M/73 Snowdonia National Park meeting – Neuadd Dyfi
Cllr Williams thanked those councillors who managed to attend the meeting, but expressed some disappointment that more Councillors could not attend. The Clerk had been advised that the Powerpoint presentation would be made available.
M/75 Gwelfor Road sign
The Clerk has asked Highways to check this matter. Sion Wilkes to advise. Cllr Jones asked that the roadsign at the top of Mynedd Isaf also require attention.
M/75 Pont y Brics dog poo bins
The Clerk has received a donated, brand new, dog poo bin. He is liaising with Streetscene regarding its installation and emptying. Cllr Owen informed the meeting that Gwynedd Council has only one dog warden for the entire County. Cllr Williams noted how important it was that the local initiatives were encouraged.
M/75 Fireworks
Cllr Lloyd confirmed that the firework display would be taking place on November 3rd and would be managed by our local fire volunteers led by Louis Hiatt.
M/75 Penhelig Parc Events
Cllr Owen confirmed that the matter of events on Penhelig Park was being reviewed by Gwynedd Maritime, who have responsibility for events at the park. Cllr Jones noted that the spot was ideal for events such as weddings, but that with a sensible curfew time, such as 9.00 pm perhaps, the nuisance problem could be resolved. It was agreed by Council that sensible management and common sense should prevail, but that the facility should not be withdrawn.
26
AGENDA ITEM 5
ABERDYFI WEBSITE
CL/81/15.10.18
Cllr Lloyd and the Clerk had discussed the website and Cllr Lloyd took the opportunity to outline the broad principles of the proposed design. Details are available for Councillors to examine in the Council office.
The Clerk, in the context of other local council websites which were in some cases, up to seven years out of date, noted that all maintenance and updating must be carried out in house, and not be assigned to third party organisations. Cllr Williams agreed. Cllr James Bradbury-Willis declared an interest as his business incorporated web site origination, design and construction, but pointed out that great care must taken with website management and security.
It was agreed that a tendering process should be adopted for discussion at the next Council meeting. The Clerk pointed out that all Councillors must, by law, publicise their full contact details – a little invasive perhaps, but a legal obligation.
AGENDA ITEM 6
PICNIC ISLAND
CL/82/15.10.18
The Clerk had received a call from the Harbourmaster to confirm that the Picnic Island Bridge had been closed on health & safety grounds. He had discussed the matter with Al Crisp, who is very concerned about the safety of the youngsters who will now need to walk further along the main road to access the Outward Bound Centre on the wharf.
Contact had been made by the Clerk with Steve Richardson from Griffiths Engineering, Network Rail contractors, who promised to arrange attendance by engineers.
The Clerk had copied Will Stockford immediately regarding the matter. If the matter cannot be resolved, the proposed new access footpath opposite the current exit onto the main road will be under threat.
AGENDA ITEM 7
INDEPENDENT REVIEW PANEL REPORT
CL/83/15.10.18
The Clerk had examined the report and the main conclusion of relevance was that town and community councils in Wales must be retained as they are seen as important and essential elements of the democratic process. This suggests clearly that the future of councils such as Aberdyfi Community Council is secure.
It is clear that for the future, all Clerks will need to take CiLCA examinations.
AGENDA ITEM 8 – GWYNEDD COUNCIL REPORT
CL/84/15.10.18
Cllr Owen confirmed that more financial cuts are in the pipeline, with a further 5% reduction in budget planned.
At the full Gwynedd Council meeting the previous week, the North Wales Fire Service gave a presentation and confirmed that they were called to 2000 fires, 3800 incidents but that 1200 malicious callouts were made, at significant cost to the community.
27
There is an investment programme with a budget of £670m set aside, but there is concern that the bulk of this investment will be focussed on the A55 corridor, and very little in the southern parts of Gwynedd County.
Copperhill Street is due to be closed in November for work on the Chapel House.
Network Rail will be removing the traffic lights at Penhelig Station, and Arriva Trains have been replaced by KeoleyAmis, under the banner of Transport for Wales.
AGENDA ITEM 9 – PLANNING
Cl/85/15.010.18
NP5/50/726 Compton House, Glandyfi Terrace, Aberdyfi
Extension to existing dormer (Rear) window and installation of Velux rooflight
APPLICATION
NP5/50/563B Affordable Housing, Aberdyfi
Confirmation that ACC letter of concern regarding pedestrian safety has been forwarded to Gwynedd Council
CORRESPONDENCE
AGENDA ITEM 10 – TREASURER’S REPORT
CL86/15.10.18
The Treasurer’s report for September was accepted and minuted as a true record.
A Finance Committee meeting will be held before the next council meeting
PROPOSED by Cllr Lloyd SECONDED by Cllr Kelly
AGENDA ITEM 11 – COMMITTEE REPORTS
CL/87/15.10.18
Neuadd Dyfi
Cllr Kelly confirmed that the hall chandeliers are to installed shortly, the books are balancing, bookings are solid for the future and a cleaner has been employed.
Cllr Owen confirmed that Des George had started compiling an operating handbook/manual for the Neuadd Dyfi and commended him for his diligence.
AGENDA ITEM 12 – CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
CL/88/15.11.18
AVIVA Community Fund Aviva have launched a fund for charities and not-for-profit organisations
HMRC Correspondence regarding the new online service to claim VAT refund
Brunton Solicitor Bill for legals regarding the Running Track
Mr & Mrs Edwards Donation to the community of new Dog poo bin
Harbour Consultative Next meeting 13th November, Neuadd Dyfi
Committee
Dwr Cymru Advice of available credit of £164.87
The Pensions Regulator Automatic enrolment duties
28
KEO Films Looking for volunteers to take part in a documentary
CCG There are no garages available for ACC to rent as storage
Gwynedd Council Advice of Road Closure – Church Road Aberdyfi
Food & Drink Wales Events – Swansea and Wrexham, November
Gwynedd Municipal Letter to advise closure of Gwynedd paper and magazine recycling banks. With affect from November 5th 2018
North Wales Police Request for confirmation of Remembrance Day Service arrangements.
Outward Bound Copy of letter from Outward Bound to Barry Davies – Picnic Island bridge
Eric Richards e-mail to Cambria Coast Rail
Jenny Tyrrell Request to promote a volunteer litter pickup on Aberdyfi beach 28th October
Natural Resources Wales Confirmation of receipt of Cllr Richards’ proposal for Running Track. Clerk to meet Nia Watkin next week.
Gay Richardson What to do about the planting, Winter bedding now or late Spring.
Gwynedd Council Vacancy for an Independent Member on the Council’s Standards Committee
AGENDA ITEM 12 – PUBLICATIONS
CL/89/15.10.18
None
AGENDA ITEM 13 – ANY OTHER BUSINESS
CL/90/15.10.18
Cllr Lloyd expressed a shared concern that a number of allotment tenants were not maintaining and looking after their allotments adequately and that the site was not reflecting well on the village. The Clerk will correspond with all allotment holders to remind them of their contractual responsibilities.
Cllr Lloyd expressed concern that the allotments were not looking at their best and a plan for the future may need to be executed.
Cllr Bradbury-Willis suggested that the Trefeddion should be congratulated on its latest award.
Cllr Kelly requested that the Clerk forward Rushlight electronically to all Councillors with immediate effect.
AGENDA ITEM 14 ITEMS FOR RUSHLIGHT
CL/91/15.10.14
ITEMS FOR PRESS RELEASE
Picnic Island Bridge closure, Aviva community Fund
Public meeting – Neuadd Dyfi, litter collection Aberdyfi
Trefeddian Hotel of the year
The meeting closed at 9.45
29