MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF ABERDYFI COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE OFFICE IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, LITERARY INSTITUTE, ABERDYFI ON MONDAY, 16TH MARCH 2020
Councillors Present :-
Cllr D Williams – Chairman
Cllr Brian Kelly
Cllr Dewi Owen
Cllr Megan Reynolds
Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis
Cllr Dai Owens
AGENDA ITEM 1- APOLOGIES
CL/157/16.03.20
Cllrs Bob Tyrrell, Mike Richards, Gareth Jones & James Bradbury-Willis
AGENDA ITEM 2 – COUNCILLOR VACANCY INTERVIEWS
CL/158/16.03.20
With the retirement from Council last October of Bryn Lloyd, and the more recent retirement from Council of Mike Richards, the two vacant posts were advertised. There was a very good response resulting in four candidates being interviewed, all of whom would have made excellent councillors. Councillors were advised to complete the ballot papers at this meeting or by email (for those unable to attend tonight, see agenda ITEM 13).
AGENDA ITEM 3– CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
CL/159/16.03.20
The Chairman noted that the westerly winds had once again created a sand drift problem in the village. It was understood that a sandshift might be scheduled by Gwynedd Council, but confirmation was awaited.
He expressed surprise at the number of visitors to Aberdyfi, with many second home owners apparently expressing the intention to stay in the village during the coronavirus threat.
AGENDA ITEM 4 – CORONAVIRUS SITUATION
CL/160/16.03.20
One Voice Wales had advised all Councils to adopt delegated powers if the coronavirus situation gets worse. In the same way that this council operates during the August break.
If the situation worsens, council meetings might not take place, including May’s AGM & ordinary meeting.
In the meantime, Council matters will continue, through Council Office in the normal way.
The Clerk suggested that, although there was some flexibility from Wales Audit Office, this Council should be able to meet existing deadlines for internal and external audit as currently advised.
AGENDA ITEM 5 – RECEIVE AND CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING 17TH FEBRUARY
CL/161/16.03.20
Receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary Council meeting 17th February.
Proposed: Cllr M Reynolds Seconded: Cllr B Kelly
AGENDA ITEM 6 – MATTERS ARISING
CL/162/16.03.20
M/85 Website
The website was declared for launch ready within the next few days. The Clerk will advise Council in due course and also confirmed the web address as www.aberdyfi-council.wales
M/72 Storage Unit
Geri Davies has been briefed regarding ground preparation and once everything has been agreed with Will Stockford and Gwynedd Maritime regarding exact location, the unit can be ordered.
M/107 Childrens’ Playground
An update from Cllr. Sara Bradbury Willis. Quotes were awaited and the project was processing.
M/108 Picnic Island Bridge
A conference call was held on 24th February at Outward Bound. Representing Aberdyfi was ACC Clerk Neil Storkey, Outward Bound Head of Centre Al Crisp, Outward Bound Jim Lee, ACC Cllr Dewi Owen and Gwynedd Maritime Barry Davies. Representing Network Rail (from Cardiff) was James O’Gorman and Alice Clements.
The conference call was arranged to move the Picnic Island Bridge project forward. The meeting resulted in a consensus view in the context of promised funding as follows:
ACC – Cllr Owen – pledged £20k (15k from AA&I and 5k from ACC)
Outward Bound pledged £30k
Gwynedd Maritime pledged £50k
Network Rail acknowledged that the bridge was used by their own maintenance staff and that a financial ’consideration’ would be appropriate. No detail, but perhaps a cost reduction in engineering. Details to follow.
In the light of the consensus and positive view regarding the installation, possibly a modular plastic construction, the meeting agreed to target October 2020 for completion of new bridge installation.
M/121 Village Welcome Signs
Installed and looking smart. Cllr David Owens suggested that the undergrowth around the sign by the Trefeddion needs cutting back.
M/151 Tree Sculpture
Jon Townsend contacted and awaiting confirmation of date to carry out felling on playing field
M/155 Blocked drains by Old Catholic Church
After a conversation with the Clerk Sean Wilkes has arranged for the gulley crew to attend to all sand blocked drains in the village – he has identified all that require attention. No date of confirmation as yet. Cllr Kelly noted that the church garden trees were overhanging the perimeter fence.
M/155 Neuadd Dyfi Toilets
The Clerk has spoken with Alun Wyn Jones who confirmed that the cost of keeping the toilets open for the winter period would be £2k. No negotiations have been opened, this is a simple calculation based on current costings.
AGENDA ITEM 7 – GWYNEDD COUNCIL REPORT
CL/163/16.03.20
Cllr Owen confirmed that, given the coronavirus situation, all Gwynedd Council meetings have been cancelled until further notice, or until video/conference facilities are set up.
AGENDA ITEM 8 – PLANNING
CL/164/16.03.20
NP5/50/LB59 14 Glandyfi Terrace, Aberdyfi
Internal and external alterations
NP5/50/629/B Bryn Coed, Aberdyfi
Construction of single storey extension
NP5/50/299/L Golf Club, Aberdyfi
Change of use of existing store to B&B accommodation
NP5/50/678/E 60 Maesnewydd, Aberdyfi
Construction of side extension and side port
AGENDA ITEM 9 – TREASURER’S REPORT
CL/165/16.03.20
Proposed: Cllr B Kelly Seconded: Cllr S Bradbury Willis
Responding to a question from Cllr Owen, the Clerk confirmed that Gareth Pugh has vacated his allotment and that the vacant plot will be advertised in Rushlight. The Clerk also confirmed that Diane Osborn is taking over Ian McCutchions plot.
AGENDA ITEM 10 – COMMITTEE REPORTS
CL/166/16.03.20
Cllr Owen attended a tourist workshop at which it was confirmed that in 2018 6.16 million tourists visited Gwynedd, generating income of £907 million. There had been a visitor increase of 15% in the three years up to 2018. However, there had been a decrease in B&B rooms.
AGENDA ITEM 11 – CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
CL/167/16.03.20
Gareth Pugh – Letter to relinquish his allotment plot with immediate effect.
Network Rail – Advice of work on Dyfi Junction Bridge. 4 April to 12 April.
Creative Play – For Cllr Sara Bradbury Willis.
Gay Richardson – Email outlining tree planting ideas. (ACC representative required?)
Anna Grundy – Letter of farewell and thanks.
Gay Richardson – Email objecting to the widespread use of weed killer by Gwynedd Council.
Gwynedd Housing Statement – Advice of changes in the way social housing in Gwynedd is changing.
Gwynedd Highways – Notification of April works on the public footpaths in Aberdyfi.
One Voice Wales – Coronavirus Briefing Note.
AGENDA ITEM 12 – PUBLICATIONS
CL/168/16.03.20
Clerk Magazine
Clerk & Council Direct
AGENDA ITEM 13 – BALLOT VOTING
Council was requested to fill in the ballot papers and return them ASAP. The new Councillors would assume their positions officially at the AGM in May.
AGENDA ITEM 14 – ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AT FUTURE MEETINGS
The Clerk confirmed that the Day on the Quay event in Aberdyfi had been cancelled because of Coronavirus.
AGENDA ITEM 15 – ITEMS FOR RUSHLIGHT
Anna Grundy farewell thank you to the community
Appointment of New Clerk
Picnic Island Bridge
Coronavirus