MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF ABERDYFI COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE OFFICE IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, LITERARY INSTITUTE, ABERDYFI
ON MONDAY, 17th DECEMBER 2018
Present were Councillors:-
Cllr D Williams Chairman
Cllr Bradbury Willis
Cllr Dewi Owen
Cllr S Bradbury Willis
Cllr B Kelly
Cllr David Owens
Cllr G Jones,
Cllr B Lloyd
Cllr M Reynolds
AGENDA ITEM 1- APOLOGIES
CL/105/17.12.18
Cllrs Richards & Tyrrell
AGENDA ITEM 2- CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
CL/106/17.12.18
Cllr Williams noted that there were many events occurring over Christmas and that the Christmas tree and lights were very impressive. He also noted how enjoyable the Council Xmas dinner at the Golf Club had been, and wished everyone a very happy Christmas.
AGENDA ITEM 3 – RECEIVE AND CONFIRM MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING 19th NOVEMBER
CL/107/17.12.18
It was agreed that the minutes were a true and accurate record of ordinary meeting of 19th November.
Cllr James Bradbury-Willis requested that the Clerk made more clear the differentiation between he and his sister Sara in future minutes.
PROPOSED by Cllr Bryn Lloyd and SECONDED by Cllr Brian Kelly
AGENDA ITEM 4 – MATTERS ARISING
CL/108/17.12.18
M/58 Treasurers report/VAT
The VAT matter has been clarified after a meeting between Cllr Tyrrell and Steve Lister. All VAT can be claimed back, as was the case beforehand, regardless of whether purchases are relevant to precept or from other revenue generating activities such as the Food Festival.
M/55 Speeding in the village
The Clerk has left a message with Iwan ap Trevor at Highways Safety to arrange a meeting to clarify the situation regarding changes to speeding limits and other associated matters pertaining to village road safety. Note, Iwan is also our main contact regarding the cyclepath project.
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M/75 Dog poo bins
The Clerk has lodged a request with Gwynedd Streetscene regarding the installation of the new dog poo bin.
M/82 Picnic Island bridge.
Outward Bound is pressurising Gwynedd Council for some decisions regarding the future of Picnic Island bridge and Cllr Owen indicated that some news might be forthcoming in the New Year.
M/75 Gwelfor Road sign
Sion Wilkes has informed the clerk that the Gwelfor Road sign has been re-painted. The Mynedd Isaf sign is in too poor condition to repair and the matter has been noted for future replacement. It was noted that the ‘NO ENTRY’ white lining had at last been renewed.
M/81 Aberdyfi Community Council website
The tender documents have been sent to four interested parties with a response deadline of today at 12 noon.
M/97 Damaged recycling bins
The Clerk has spoken with Llyned Morgan, PA to Steffan Jones, regarding the damage to the re-cycling bins as a result of rough handling by the crew. She will address the matter through Steffan and the crews will be instructed to take more care in the future. Llyned requested that we monitor the situation and if there is no improvement to report back and further action will be taken.
M/97 Copperhill Street service valve covers
Cllr Jones asked whether Cllr Owen had been able to follow up the service valve covers repair on Copperhill Street. Cllr Owen reported it was in hand.
AGENDA ITEM 5
COUNCIL OFFICE & STORAGE RENT ARRANGEMENTS
CL/109/17.12.18
The Clerk reported that Avril Richards had requested that rental payments for the Council office and storage facility be paid by BACS. The Clerk had pointed out that this was not possible at the moment with NatWest Bank, in the context of multiple signature requirement. Setting up a direct debit would also create signature issues for the necessary form filling. Cllr Jones, as Chair of the Literary Institute, felt that payment twice a year by cheque would be acceptable.
AGENDA ITEM 6
COMMANDO LEAFLET REPRINT
CL/110/17.12.18
The Commando leaflet reprint needs to be organised by Avril Richards and she has requested that the cost of the reprint be covered by the Commando account. The proposal as carried unanimously.
PROPOSED by Cllr Megan Reynolds and SECONDED by Cllr Brian Kelly
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AGENDA ITEM 7
CYCLEPATH PLANNING APPLICATION
CL/111/17.12.18
The Clerk asked Council to consider applying for full planning permission for the cyclepath project, as this should help with regard to funding application from Welsh Government. He had liaised with George & Tomos, who had drawn up the original plans, at no charge, in consultation with the Clerk, regarding application cost. Dafydd Tomos indicated a cost of around £1100.00.
Cllr Lloyd attended the recent public meeting in Tywyn regarding the cycle route from Tywyn to Aberdyfi and noted how well attended it had been and the recognition by Gwynedd Council of the public support.
Cllr James Bradbury-Willis felt that such an application would represent an investment for the future, even without the successful completion of the final link beyond cemetery car park.
The funding could be covered by AA&I which would provide a positive indicator of community support, important when applying for funding.
PROPOSED by Cllr Bryn Lloyd and SECONDED by Cllr James Bradbury-Willis
Unanimous support from Council
AGENDA ITEM 8 – GWYNEDD COUNCIL REPORT
CL/112/17.12.18
Cllr Owen reported that Gwynedd Council were going to impose significant reductions in public services as a result of still more financial cutbacks. Rates might be increased to alleviate the problem, but it was inevitable that Aberdyfi would be effected in some way. Gwynedd were to carry out a survey on which services the public and councils would have least impact on community life. Cllr Reynolds wished to know why Gwynedd was investing money in other cash-strapped councils in England in the context of cutbacks and that this money could be invested in the community.
Cllr Jones asked if there were figures on how much revenue had been lost to Gwynedd in light of second home rates imposition of 50%. A discussion followed on the wisdom of the policy.
Cllr Williams noted that any reduction in street cleaning, for example, would impact significantly on the village during the holiday season.
AGENDA ITEM 9 – PLANNING
Cl/113/17.12.18
NP5/50/L255 5 Church Street, Aberdyfi
Construction of two storey extension
APPLICATION
NP5/50/635A 17 Mynedd Isaf, Aberdyfi
First floor extension and elevational changes to existing dwelling
APPLICATION
Cllr James Badbury-Willis declared an interest
Council to lodge an objection – over development
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NP5/50/L450B Froneithyn, Hopeland Road, Aberdyfi
Re-application compliant with Development Policy 15 of Eryi Local Development Plan
APPLICATION
Cllr Sara Badbury-Willis declared an interest – Council to lodge an objection – overdevelopment
AGENDA ITEM 10 – TREASURER’S REPORT
CL114/17.12.18
PROPOSED by Cllr Reynolds SECONDED by Cllr Kelly
AGENDA ITEM 11 – COMMITTEE REPORTS
CL/115/17.12.18
Meirionydd Area Committee
Cllr Owen attended the recent meeting and there was much to report on Network Rail activities. The recent cancellation problems have been sorted, caused by carriage bogey problems and spare part shortages.
Cllr Jones informed the meeting that unannounced cancellation of recent Barmouth trains had not been alleviated by a bus service support provision, with inevitable results of passenger delays and potential customer safety.
However, there are plans to improve the service for the future. Cllr Owen said £20m is to be invested in addition to £5m in new rolling stock, the new Bow Street Station should be ready by 2020, and there will be hourly service from Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury. 600 new jobs will be created throughout Wales, there are going to be 421 new, increased capacity carriages, there will be 5 trains on a Sunday from Pwlleli to Birmingham, and Machynlleth is set to be a flagship station in Wales, with 150 jobs for local people. The bi-lingual output is to be improved.
There will be an endeavour to connect more efficiently with bus services.
Cllr Williams noted that there was to be significant investment for 2019/20 on the Barmouth Bridge, reported to be in the region of £20m.
One Voice Wales
Cllr Williams attended the recent meeting and noted that good practice regarding effective monitoring and maintenance of services such as playgrounds had been discussed, an important issue if accidents resulting in financial claims for damages.
AGENDA ITEM 112– CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
CL/115/17.12.18
SLCC Request for membership renewal
Welsh Government Advice on how to calculate expenditure allowance increases for certain charitable purposes, in line with inflation.
Gwynedd Council Reminder of Precept deadline – Friday 25th January 2019
Network Rail Advice that further rock netting and de-vegetation work was to be carried out on Copperhill Street, December 9th for one week.
Time and Tide Bell Confirmation that Peter Gingold is now the National Coordinator of the Time and Tide
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Gwynedd – Bethan Roberts Public Partnership Scheme update.
NALC National Salary Award 2019-2020
Pensions Regulator Reminder regarding compliance online. (already completed by the Council)
Gwynedd Council Leisure Confirmation that Gwynedd Council leisure centres are now run privately by BYW’N IACH. Cllr Dewi Owen is one of the Directors and the MD is Amanda Davies, ex Gwynedd Council Community Regeneration
One Voice Wales Confirmation of Welsh Government Cabinet and Deputy Minister details
Gwynedd Council Confirmation of works programme, January 2019. Replacement/renewal of street lighting columns on Copperhill Street.
AGENDA ITEM 13 – PUBLICATIONS
CL/116/17.12.18
The Clerk magazine
Clerk & Councils Direct
AGENDA ITEM 14 – ANY OTHER BUSINESS
CL/117/17.12.18
The Clerk The Clerk has spoken with Ruth Edwards, Gwynedd Solicitor to chase up the Playing Field and Neuadd Dyfi car park leases. They were posted, according to her computer records, last week. No sign as yet but perhaps by the end of this week we might see a result of 5 years wait.
The Clerk received a call, 5.00 today, from Arwel Griffiths from Gwynedd Estates to confirm he will put a copy of the car park lease in the post tomorrow 1st class, followed by the lease for the playing field.
Cllr Bradbury-Willis Cllr James Bradbury-Willis expressed concern over the blocked storm drains on Balkan Hill
Cllr Lloyd Cllr Lloyd asked for Rushlight to promote the vacancy on the sub-committee for the village planting
Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis noted that the road at the rear of St Peter’s Church has subsided. Highways to be informed.
AGENDA ITEM 15 ITEMS FOR RUSHLIGHT
CL/118/17.12.18
ITEMS FOR PRESS RELEASE
Happy Christmas
Affordable housing
Treasure Island
Village planting volunteers
The meeting closed at 9.00
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