MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE SAID COUNCIL HELD IN THE OFFICE IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, LITERARY INSTITUTE, ABERDYFI ON MONDAY, 27TH JUNE 2016
Present were :- Cllr B Lloyd Chairman
Councillors :- B Bates
D Owen
D Williams
C Fowles
M Reynolds
AGENDA ITEM 1- APOLOGIES
CL/36/27.06.16
Apologies received from Cllrs. G Jones, D Richardson, G Pugh, C Fowles and G Davies
AGENDA ITEM 2 – CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
CL/37/27.06.16
Cllr Lloyd observed that village communications were inadequate and that many events were being overlooked by visitors and villagers alike. Perhaps the solution to this problem was a matter which could be driven by the Community Council.
Baroness Morgan of Ely had visited Aberdyfi to discuss the initiatives within the village which had been brought to her attention. In particular she had expressed her enthusiasm to help with our Big Lottery application with regard to the school project.
AGENDA ITEM 3 – MINUTES OF AGM & ORDINARY MEETING 16TH MAY
CL/38/27.06.16
It was agreed that the minutes were a true and accurate record of the May AGM and regular meeting.
AGM – PROPOSED by Cllr Reynolds and SECONDED by Cllr Williams
The Chairman reported that Cllr Jones, as proposed at the AGM, was unable to take over Cllr Bates’ position on the Access Committee and that the matter would be held over.
ORDINARY MEETING – PROPOSED by Cllr Owen and SECONDED by Cllr Fowles
AGENDA ITEM 4 – MATTERS ARISING
CL/39/27.06.16
A/M133(15.02.16)
Gull nuisance.
The clerk has distributed the ‘do not feed the gulls’, notices around the village eateries and requested that they put them on display.
B/M/(18.10.15)Footpaths.
The Clerk has received a full set of up to date maps of the footpaths around the village. There is still no sign of the promised new bin for the Pont y Brics boardwalk from Gwynedd. Cllr Owen suggested that enquiries should be made regarding the possible availability of funding for some of the footpaths in Aberdyfi that may come under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Path budget. Cllr Williams confirmed that there was a budget to the best of his knowledge. He also pointed
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C/M155/(21.03.16) Dogs on the playing field
The ‘dogs prohibited’ signs have finally arrived from Gwynedd Streetscene and the Clerk will arrange for their installation on the playing field. Cllr Owen asked about the emptying of bins and the Clerk confirmed that he had requested Streetscene to respond, but that the response was tardy. He will chase up Mark Mortimer again.
D/M155/(21.03.16) RNLI Safety Issues and Slipway
The Clerk has written to Barry Davies, copied to Dilwyn Williams and Will Stockford, requesting a joint meeting between Maritime, Tywyn Town Council, Aberdyfi Council and RNLI to discuss beach safety issues and the Council has received a response which simply confirmed that there would indeed be no funding for beach supervisors.
Cllr Bates reported that there was some confusion over whose responsibility it was for slipway maintenance and he had pointed out that it was a Gwynedd issue. Cllr Williams confirmed that Harbourmaster Will Stockford had carried out some repairs but that the slipway was in need of major maintenance.
E/M25/(16.05.16) Public Toilets
The matter of public toilets provision is ongoing. The Clerk is liaising with Phil Cousins and the architects to gain full access to the wharf toilets in advance of preparation of draft plans.
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F/M28/(16.05.16) Storm Drains
The gully team had been in Aberdyfi clearing the storm drains and will need to be monitored accordingly. Cllr Owen confirmed that he had seen the crew clearing blocked cattle grids.
AGENDA ITEM 5 – HILLSIDE PARK RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
CL/41/27.06.16
The naming of Hillside park development was discussed, as requested by Gwynedd. The Community Council has power of veto over the naming.
There was some confusion over that interpretation of the names but that in general there was no objection to any of the three suggestions.
AGENDA ITEM 6 – COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP
CL/42/27.06.16
The Chairman read out an invitation for communities to apply be part of the process of transfer of services. There is no funding available but the process is seen as a relationship which can assist in how communities can best contribute to and develop their own initiatives, with the help of Gwynedd.
Cllr Reynolds suggested that the Community Council should respond positively. Cllr Owen was aware of the Lottery Coastal Initiative fund which might present some opportunities. The Clerk and Cllr Lloyd had met with Collette Davies of the Lottery at the SOS conference in Wrexham.
It was agreed that Aberdyfi would put its name forward to be part of the initiative.
AGENDA ITEM 7 – ANNUAL RETURN 2015/16
CL/43/27.06.16
Clerk can give a brief explanation of the slightly amended new form of Return. The Clerk also pointed out that regular budget meetings will be held through the Finance Committee to comply with expectations from the external auditor BDO.
The return was agreed as a true record.
PROPOSED by Cllr Owen and SECONDED by Cllr Fowles
AGENDA ITEM 8 – NEW CODE OF CONDUCT
CL/44/27.06.16
Aberdyfi Community Council unanimously voted to adher to the new Code of Conduct
PROPOSED by Cllr Fowles and SECONDED by Cllr Bates
AGENDA ITEM 9 – GWYNEDD COUNCIL REPORT
CL/45/27.06.16
Cllr Owen expressed concern regarding a letter of complaint to the Ombudsman from Iwan Edgar of Hendre Abererch, Pwllheli, LL53 6PZ, regarding the Clerk of this Council and his response to an e-mail received in Welsh only, to which the Clerk responded in English politely requesting that the e-mail could be translated. A translation was not forthcoming but another Welsh only e-mail was received. The Clerk did not respond to this, not knowing where it had some from.
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The Clerk is to communicate with the Ombudsman outlining the policy of this Council and confirmation of the communication process as aforementioned.
Cllr Owen had a Meirionydd Area Committee meeting in Trawsfynedd in the community run Prysor Café and noted how successful it had become.
There was a discussion of the Meirionydd Employment Plan and the decommissioning of the Magnox power station. Although the work was meant be completed by the end of this year it appears that it will continue until 2028 and will continue to employ 300 people. The towers will be demolished and the site might be suitable for the installation of SMR (Small Micro Regeneration Units) which will have the potential for long term employment.
There was more news about the Llanbedr Space Port which has exciting employment potential.
Cllr Owen suggested that the Clerk discuss the issue of electric vehicle charging points in Aberdyfi with Gwynedd and the meeting was reminded that the school plans included two points, one single phase for trickle charge (three to four hours) and one three phase for quick charge (30 minutes)
Cllr Williams suggested the pay and display car park might be a sensible site for installation.
The Clerk is to find out if there is any funding for such an initiative.
AGENDA ITEM 10 – PLANNING
CL/46/27.06.16
PLANNING
NP5/50/147G 26 Mynedd Isaf, Aberdyfi
Erection of two storey extension
APPLICATION
NP5/50/363D Barn at Foel y Craig, Aberdyfi
Replacement garage
APPLICATION
NP5/50/703 Brackens, Rhoslain, Aberdyfi
Garage extension with terrace
APPLICATION
NP5/50/375B 2 Corbett Lane, Aberdyfi
Construction of single storey garage
APPLICATION
NP5/50/159A 3 Melin Ardudwy, Aberdyfi
Construction of 1st floor balcony
APPLICATION
NP5/50/678B 60 Maesnewydd, Aberdyfi
Erection of 2nd storey extension
APPLICATION REFUSED
NP5/50/702 26 Mynydd Isaf, Aberdyfi
Erection of extension
APPLICATION REFUSED
NP5/50/147G Panteidal Leisure Site, Aberdyfi
4 camping pitches & toilet block
APPLICATION GRANTED
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AGENDA ITEM 11 – TREASURER’S REPORT
CL/47/27.06.16.
The Treasurer’s report for June was accepted and minuted as a true record
PROPOSED by Cllr Reynolds SECONDED by Cllr Fowles
AGENDA ITEM 12 – COMMITTEE REPORTS
CL/48/27.06.16
One Voice Wales
Cllr Owen reported that the Gwynedd Council cuts were the main topic of concern and will continue to be so for some time to come.
Neuadd Dyfi
Cllr Williams reported that the Neuadd Dyfi was maintain its level of commercial activity and was operating well within its means.
Health Committee
Cllr Reynolds reported that local doctors’ surgeries were presenting patients with one month waiting lists, which was unacceptable.
AGENDA ITEM 13 – CORRESPONDENCE
CL/49/27.06.16
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
Snowdonia Nat. Park Notification of Town and Community Council evenings
Snowdonia Nat. Park Times and dates for all 3 of the Authority’s main committee meetings for the forthcoming year
Michael Barnes Budget figures for maintenance programme
Cath Lloyd Letter expressing concern over the parking issues when the village os empty
Regular visitors to Aberdyfi Letter expressing concern over the state of the cemetery
Gwynedd Council Rights of Way Document update for all footpaths in Aberdyfi
Ombudsman Letter of complaint about your Clerk.
Ombudsman Annual Report
Gwynedd Barry Davies Response to my letter of 27th April, expressing concern over beach safety. (see attached correspondence)
Gwynedd Clive Jones Winter bedding price for next year.
Marion Billingham e-mail notification of plans to improve Cae Argoed Flats, Copperhill Street
Steve Myatt e mail.Tourism questionnaire
AGENDA ITEM 14 – PUBLICATIONS
CL/50/27.06.16
Clerks and Councils Direct
The Clerk magazine
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AGENDA ITEM 15 – ANY OTHER BUSINESS
CL/51/16.06.16
Cllr Owen commended Des George for all his on the Neuadd Dyfi and how his continued efforts had created a real asset for the village. The Clerk informed the meeting that he had spoken with Des earlier in the day and that Des had received permission from Gwynedd to carry our exploratory drilling under the car park with regard to the plan to install ground source heating, subject to grant approval.
Cllr Reynolds noted that our heath service as unable to employ Commonwealth GPs because of EU regulations and how this was impacting on the service to patients.
AGENDA ITEM 17 – ITEMS FOR THE PRESS/RUSHLIGHT
CL/52/16.06.16
- Bike Ride
- Food festival
- Queen’s birthday
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.15pm
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