MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF ABERDYFI COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE OFFICE IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, LITERARY INSTITUTE, ABERDYFI ON MONDAY,
17th JULY 2017
Present were :- Cllr B Lloyd Chairman
Councillors :- J Bradbury Willis
B Kelly
M O’Reilly
D Owen
G Pugh
M Reynolds
B Tyrrell
D Williams
AGENDA ITEM 1- APOLOGIES
CL/53/17.07.17
Apologies received from Cllrs. G Jones & M Richards
AGENDA ITEM 2- CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
CL/54/17.07.17
Cllr Lloyd welcomed the village’s new pharmacist, Tunde, to Aberdyfi and wished him the best for the future. He also asked to note the community’s thanks to Sohail for his contribution to the village over the last 20 years.
Regarding the manner in which council meetings are conducted, Cllr Lloyd reminded councillors that all questions and comments be addressed through the Chair at all times, and that councillors address each other by their surnames. This procedure will assist the Clerk in the important matter of correct minute taking.
AGENDA ITEM 3 – RECEIVE AND CONFIRM AMENDED MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING 26th JUNE
CL/55/17.07.17
It was agreed that the minutes were a true and accurate record of the ordinary meeting.
PROPOSED by Cllr Pugh and SECONDED by Cllr Kelly
AGENDA ITEM 4 – MATTERS ARISING
CL/56/17.07.17
- CL/71/(19.09.16) Public toilets
Se agenda item 5 for update
- CL/153/(20.04.17) Village signposts
Cllr Tyrrell was able to confirm that the signpost by the fire station has at last been updated. The signpost by the TIC represents a major problem however and poses problems that may not be cost-effectively solved.
- CL/185/20.04.17 Village poop bins – Cemetery car park, Cliffside & Maesnewydd
This matter is in hand. Gwynedd’s Mark Mortimer is leaving and Clerk is to liaise with Peter Simmonds on his (Peter’s) return from holiday. Cllr Bradbury Willis reported that he had received positive comments from visitors about the poo bag campaign and how it was alleviating the problem of dog mess in the village.
- CL/153/16.05.17 Car park and Playing field leases
- After suggested amendments by Cllr Richards during a meeting the Clerk, the draft was still awaiting written response from Peter Brunton Solicitor.
- CL/24/16.05.17 Invitation to Gwynedd Council Leader
In hand. Written invitation to Dyfrig Siencyn been sent.
- CL/32/16.05.17 Grass cutting
During a meeting with Gwynn Parry Jones from Gwynedd to discuss the toilets situation, the poor grass cutting service was discussed. It was confirmed that the main highway verge cutting had been reduced, owing to budget cuts, from 5 to 3 a year. We were advised that we could not use local contractors, at our initiative, to do the extra work as there were insurance/litigation issues. If we carry out the smaller grass cutting in the village, perhaps they would consider do the Morfa Gypsies again this summer. The matter of grass collection was also discussed and we await a response. Cllr Owen noted that we could make a financial contribution towards more frequent cutting. Cllr O’Reilly also observed that the untidiness reflected negatively on visitors entering the village from Tywyn.
- CL/44/26.06.17 CCTV
The appropriate lease documents have been signed and the Clerk will advise when the installation process will commence and be up and running. The Clerk advised the meeting that access to the new system will be via the Council, the Police and the harbourmaster only. At this juncture, Cllr Owen suggested that the Council write a letter of congratulation to Des George for his recent award regarding his support of local theatre as empresario.
AGENDA ITEM 5
CL/57/17.07.17 ABERDYFI WHARF TOILETS
The TAIS funding expression of interest application has been unsuccessful. However, Cllr Lloyd pointed out that a constructive meeting had been held with Gwynn Parry Jones and clarified the situation regarding the closure policy. The £6,000 demanded by Gwynedd to keep our toilets open are to be fixed for the next 5 years of the existing Gwynedd Administration. However Mr Parry Jones was able to confirm that this Council will be presented with an offer to give 10% of net car park revenues (potentially, on existing figures, perhaps £12,000 per annum). £6,000 of this will be retained by Gwynedd to keep the toilets open. The balance will be retained by this Council for community projects. The 10% will be calculated from the revenues net of VAT. Cllr Bradbury-Willis felt that on the face of it the proposition was attractive. Cllr Williams noted that the responsibility for total maintenance should be confirmed to lie with Gwynedd Council.
Cllr Tyrell felt that we needed to confirm payment terms in the context of audited accounts. He also noted that basic maintenance should go beyond cleaning and should include basic issues such as painting and renewal of items such as toilet seats and rubbish bins. Cllr Kelly agreed that the situation should be used to negotiate a more appropriate and thorough programme of ongoing maintenance.
Cllr O’Reilly understood that there was an obligation to maintain toilets to a minimum standard. Cllr Williams believed, however, that there were only guidelines rather than obligations.
Although the TAIS funding application was unsuccessful, there will be a need for capital investment in our toilet facility in the next few years. Cllr Lloyd suggested that a sub-committee should be created to work on a long term plan for toilet development, comprising Cllr Owen, Cllr Williams, Cllr Lloyd, Cllr Tyrrell and the Clerk, Neil Storkey. Cllr Lloyd confirmed that a businessman with a holiday home in Aberdyfi had offered to give the community £6,000 to keep our toilets open and that this offer should kept in reserve as a final measure if all else fails. He required nothing in return but it was agreed that there would be no objection to this council ‘going public’ regarding his company’s generosity and any resulting publicity.
The Council is to try to negotiate 15%, agree the £6,000 payment in the context of car park incomes. Council was asked to vote on the acceptance of the foregoing in order to progress the matter without delay. Cllr Williams felt it important that we should at no point give Gwynedd any opportunity to back down from their responsibilities.
The Clerk confirmed that appropriate correspondence will be drafted and agreed through the Public Toilets Sub Committee.
Proposed Cllr Lloyd Seconded Cllr Pugh
There unanimous approval to the proposal
AGENDA ITEM 6
CL/58/17.07.17 CYCLEPATH FUNDING APPLICATION
This TAIS (Tourism Amenity Support Fund) expression of interest application has been successful. The Clerk will submit the full application by 18th August. Result in October.
AGENDA ITEM 7
CL/59/17.07.17 DELEGATION OF POWERS
As is the case each summer during the summer break, it is proposed that delegation of powers to clerk, chair and vice chair will be put in place, to enable the normal routine working of Council during this time.
This proposal was carried unanimously
AGENDA ITEM 8 – TYWYN HEALTH CENTRE
CL/60/17.07.17
Cllr Lloyd had a meeting with Beverly Williams, Tywyn Health Centre Manager for clarification regarding concerns regarding the issue of availability of doctors for appointments, in the context of his videoing the empty waiting area, when patients had been informed that the list is full.
It was confirmed the practice comprises six doctors, of which Dr Church is directly employed by the practice, and that there is only one full time doctor, working Monday to Friday, who runs clinics Monday to Thursday. Friday is allocated as administration day. The other doctors operate surgeries on a rota throughout the week. On Wednesday and Friday, there are only ever a maximum of two GPs available to run clinics.
The standard working week allows for 411 GP appointments plus telephone call backs. Nurses have 378 appointments plus telephone call backs.
Cllr Lloyd felt that the most disappointing aspect of the meeting was that 4.3% of patients who make an appointment do not turn up and do not advise to cancel – 33 a week. This represents three morning clinics wasted. Appointments are designated as ‘GP requests’, ‘bookable appointments’ and ‘allocated via triage’.
Cllr Lloyd made three suggestions regarding more effective communication at the practice as follow:
- Tell patients how many doctors are working on a day, be transparent
- The phone system does not inform incoming callers whereabouts they are in the queue. This was a problem of which they were aware.
- Perhaps the practice could use the Neuadd Dyfi for annual flu vaccinations. Aberdyfi’s new pharmacist, Tunde, is qualified to assist in this.
Rushlight can utilised to publicise the situation. It was understood that if patients consistently do not attend appointments they may be struck off.
Cllr Reynolds took the opportunity to inform Council that small injuries services in the area had been significantly reduced.
AGENDA ITEM 9 – GWYNEDD COUNCIL REPORT
CL/61/17.07.17
Cllr Owen attended a meeting in Tywyn to discuss with Gwynedd senior management the impact of the financial cuts on the community. The three main areas of concern were grass cutting, toilets closure and rubbish collection.
Cllr Owen brought up the issue of care for the elderly. There was an admission that it was a problem that required attention.
Cyclepath issues were brought up and why it was that the existing cyclepath ended at Caithle, between Tywyn and Aberdyfi. Cllr Owen was told that there may be a possibility that funding might be found in the near future.
The concerns were widely the same around this part if Wales.
Cllr Kelly asked about re-cycling centres and Cllr Owen confirmed that the status quo will continue but there was still concern about fly-tipping.
AGENDA ITEM 10 – PLANNING
Cl/62/17.07.17
Planning
NP5/50/L497A 9 Tai Newyddion, Aberdyfi
Construction of two storey side extension
APPLICATION
AGENDA ITEM 11 – TREASURER’S REPORT
CL63/17.07.17
The Treasurer’s report for June was accepted and minuted as a true record, subect to ‘total’ figure (Clerk’s error)
PROPOSED by Cllr Tyrrell SECONDED by Cllr Pugh
AGENDA ITEM 12 – COMMITTEE REPORTS
CL/64/17.07.17
There were no committee reports the
AGENDA ITEM 13 – CORRESPONDENCE
CL/65/17.07.17
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
Coast Dining e-mail from Ceri Thomas
Gwynedd Legal Services letter advising of the completion of lease extension on old primary school
SLCC Training, Cheshire Brief appraisal of the recent training session by Chairman Cllr Bryn Lloyd. Of particular note was the presentation by the Wales Audit Office. There is no differentiation between small and large councils and there appeared to no proportionality.
A discussion followed about external audit issues and the potential threats to local democracy.
Blood Transfusion Service Neuadd Dyfi Wednesday 26 July 3.00pm to 5.50pm
AGENDA ITEM 14 – PUBLICATIONS
CL/66/17.07.17
Clerk Magazine
Clerks and Council direct
AGENDA ITEM 15 – ANY OTHER BUSINESS
CL/67/17.07.17
Clerk away Clerk is away from the office this Wednesday 19th July. Back on Thursday. The Clerk is also having a couple of days holiday at the end of July. Council will be advised once dates are confirmed.
Parking machine validators Main car park has been done, but not Neuadd Dyfi. Clerk has voiced his displeasure to Metric Group. May be done this week but so far the promises have not materialised so don’t hold our breath.
Beach Boardwalk Cllr Owen advised the meeting that Barry Davies, head of Gwynedd harbour Authority has had to close the beach boardwalk because it is unsafe. Cllr Tyrrell asked why the boardwalk was required.
Cllr Williams explained the necessity of the boardwalk in the context of constant erosion by walkers, endangering the long term integrity of the sand dunes as a natural flood barrier, as a consequence, significant damage to the golf course. He felt that the cost of maintaining the boardwalk was very small in the context of its importance as a flood barrier.
Plas Panteidal Cllr Kelly declared an interest but had to inform the meeting that there had been an e-coli contamination problem at Plas Penteidal. However, within just a few days, the water had been designated as fit for purpose by the Gwynedd Council. There was move afoot to ‘go to the press’ regarding this matter, but Cllr Kelly observed that this would be to the detriment to Aberdyfi as a whole. Cllr O’Reilly concurred that press coverage should be avoided and that other methods should be sought to pressure the owners of Plas Panteidal to sort the issue. There followed a general discussion regarding the matter allowing for Cllr Kelly to clarify the historical and ongoing implications.
Medina café/bins Cllr Bradbury-Willis had been asked by the owners of Medina Café about the usage of the rubbish bins opposite the chemist by the Outward Bound sheds. Cllr Pugh said that there were extra bins now in place for Coast Dining. He indicated that the Harbourmaster had offered to install paving slabs on the vicinity of his office. Clerk is to follow this up.
Cllr Bates’ retirement Cllr Williams extended retired Cllr Bates’ thanks to Council for his retirement gift which now has pride of place in his living room
Carys Webb Cllr Reynolds informed Council that Carys Webb had recently passed away
Speeding Cllr O’Reilly has received major concerns from Anna Grundy (Post Office) about speeding on the main road from Tywyn, in the vicinity for the post office. Was there anything that can done further to do something about this matter? The matter of a pedestrian crossing was also raised.
Picnic Island It was confirmed by Cllr Pugh that Picnic Island
Is the responsibility of the Harbour Authorities
Community Watering Cans It was confirmed by the Clerk that with Council’s agreement, the plant watering committee would be issued with official galavanised watering cans. This matter was confirmed as appropriate.
Bodfor Terrace Cllr Pugh requested that the subsidence on Bodfor Terrace should be attended to.
Seagulls Cllr Pugh noted the danger again regarding seagulls and how their constantly fed by visitors was not helping.
AGENDA ITEM 16 ITEMS FOR RUSHLIGHT
CL/69/17.07.17
ITEMS FOR PRESS RELEASE
- Aberdyfi Food Festival
- Dovey Beach Rangers
- Commando fun Run
- Doveyfest
The meeting closed at 9.30