20th March 2023

by Sandy Andrews | Jun 29, 2023 | ** COUNCIL, MINUTES ARCHIVE

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 20th March 2023

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Mark Dunton

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dewi Owen

Cllr Sadie Porter

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/152/20.03.23

Apologies accepted from Cllr Jones.

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/153/20.03.23

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chair announcements

CL/154/20.03.23

The Chair invited member to join a sub-committee with Aberdovey Golf Club to work together to address the issues posed by coastal erosion. Cllrs Hewin, Owen and Reynolds agreed to join the sub-committee. 

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 20^thFebruary 2023.

CL/155/20.03.23

Proposed: Cllr Porter Seconded: Cllr Owen

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/156/20.03.23

CL/140/(20.02.23) 

All defibrillators in the village are registered on The Circuit.

CL/141/(20.02.23) 

Voting on planning matters is decided by a majority vote.

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CL/144/(20.02.23) 

The painting of the playground equipment will require the rust coating paint first, then an undercoat, then the top coat.

The green benches should be fixed to the floor.

CL/146/(20.02.23) 

The design for the renovations will need to be agreed and signed off before the grant application process can begin.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s report

CL/157/20.03.23

Proposed: Cllr Williams  Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/158/20.03.23

Cllr Owen reported on Gwynedd Council matters at the Gwynedd Councillor for Aberdyfi. The report included:

Gwynedd Council met to approve an increase in the Council Tax for 2023-24 of 4.9%

Gwynedd Council are likely to be cutting back on staff.

The safety of Councillors at at Unitary and Community Councils is being looked into following recent disruption at Council meetings and online threats being made to Councillors.

There is to be no increase in rail services at present due to staff and rolling s tock shortages.

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Correspondence

CL/159/20.03.23

Planning Application

NP5/50/743 Braich Gwyn, Aberdyfi, LL35 0RD

Councillors discussed the application following amendments to the design at length with a number of different views put forward both in support and against the application. Clarification around the current policy on change of use of buildings outside the development boundary was requested and the Clerk will write to the Planning Officer.

Britannia Inn – external works update.

The arbour that has been built on the terrace was discussed as it changes the appearance of the building and has been reported to the planning officer.

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Reinstatement of Wharf columns

The lighting has been completed with upgrades to the car park and sea front lighting planned. The damage to the grass area will be repaired.

Time and Tide Bell

Peter Gringold is hoping to be able to address the Council at the May meeting.

AGENDA ITEM 9 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/160/20.03.23

Following a One Voice Wales training course, Cllr Bradbury-Willis asked whether the Community Council had an asset register. The Clerk will investigate and report back. 

Cllr Hewins asked when the website will be updated as Councillors details are out of date.

Cllr Williams congratulated the contractors for the work done on the wharf and that the Council write to offer formal thanks when the work is completed.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website/ Facebook

CL/161/20.03.23

Thanks to the contractors for the work on the wharf.

Vacancies on the Aberdyfi Improvements Committee.

Decorate the front of the institute for the Coronation and ideas to commemorate the occasion.

AGENDA ITEM 18 – Date of next Meeting

CL/162/20.03.23

Monday 17^th April 2023

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.59pm

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20th February 2023

by Sandy Andrews | Jun 29, 2023 | ** COUNCIL, MINUTES ARCHIVE

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 20th February 2023

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Mark Dunton

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dewi Owen

Cllr Sadie Porter

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen, David Tomkinson, Susie Waldock

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/134/20.02.23

Apologies accepted from Cllrs Reynolds, Bradbury-Willis, Jones and Tyrrell.

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/135/20.02.23

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chair announcements

CL/136/20.02.23

The Chair welcomed everyone and introduced Chris Wood who will be acting as Locum Clerk whilst the Clerk is away. 

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 16^stJanuary 2022.

CL/137/20.02.23

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Owen

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/138/20.02.23

Page 40

CL/130/(20.02.22) Wharf Development

The Clerk has written to the contractors and thanked them for employing local workers and has circulated drawings for railings and bollards to Councillors. It is still anticipated that the works will be finished early, in the first week of April just before Easter, though they are contracted to finish at the end of May. This does not mean though that the site will be clear before Easter.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s report

CL/139/20.02.23

Proposed: Cllr Williams  Seconded: Cllr Owen

Unanimously agreed

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AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/140/20.02.23

Cllr Owen reported on his work that the Wharf development looks very impressive and gave thanks to all involved in the project. There will be shortly a change in the access arrangements as the work nears completion which is hoped to be ahead of schedule.

Gwynedd Council will be meeting next week to set the Precept for 2023-24 and it is expected that there will be an increase of around 5%.

Network Rail will be attending to cut back overgrowth which has been extending onto the road at the beginning of March. It was commented that when night works were being undertaken, quantities of litter were being left, Cllr Owens will investigate.

Gully clearing will be undertaken by Gwynedd Highways in the next few weeks.

Work on the A493 to repair a dip in the road surface near a badger set will require temporary traffic lights to be installed.

Attended a One Voice Wales meeting where Liz Saville-Roberts spoke about the fuel payments schemes and how is hoped that payments will start to be made from next month. One Voice Wales reported on how there is a lack of Community Councillors and Clerks across Wales.

It was asked that the defibrillators be checked as to whether they are registered on the Circuit to ensure all consumables are up to date and the units are in working order.

Complaints have been received about the number of lorries driving along Maesnewydd and damage to gullies. Highways have been asked to attend and examine the damage. Gully clearing has not been attended to recently due in part to the new machine being too large to fit under the railway bridge.

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Planning

CL/141/20.02.23

Applications received:

NP5/50/L68B Nandoras, Aberdyfi, LL35 0LE

Councillors discussed the application at length with a number of different views put forward both in favour and against the application. A vote was taken with five Councillors raising no objection to the application and two Councillors opposing the application.

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AGENDA ITEM 9 – To discuss possible village celebrations for the King’s Coronation

CL/142/20.02.23

A resident has shown an interest in organising an event for the Coronation. Councillors discussed the idea and it was suggested that the Council offer support to any proposal to run an event but not to be the host.

Action: The Clerk to contact the resident and report back with what ideas were being considered.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To receive and approve quote for maintenance of trees in allotments

CL/143/20.02.23

Snowdonia National Park has granted permission to fell the sycamore tree. Additional works will be undertaken to trim the holly bushes and cut back plants which have overgrown the path. A quote of £800.00 has been received to undertake the required work, it was agreed to accept the quote and proceed with the work.

Action: Cllr Owen to liaise with the neighbour.

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill Seconded: Cllr Porter

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To discuss and agree quotes for playground repairs

CL/144/20.02.23

Councillors discussed the repair work required to satisfy both safety and cosmetic concerns. It was agreed to proceed with the Wet Pour repairs but defer the decision on repainting.

Action: Cerk to take pictures of the areas requiring painting

Proposed: Cllr Hewins Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To approve rate of pay for locum clerk

CL/145/20.02.23

The locum clerk left the room.

Following discussions between Councillors, it was agreed that the locum clerk be paid the same rate as the clerk.

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill  Seconded: Cllr Williams

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To receive and approve quote and design for playground renovations

CL/146/20.02.23

Cllr O’Neill provided the Meeting with an update on the proposed redevelopment with a plan and visuals showing how the design would work on the site. Councillors discussed the proposal at length with many views expressed and questions asked. Funding, insurance, the design and a need for further community engagement were all discussed in detail. It was agreed to defer the item to enable possible funding sources to be investigated.

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AGENDA ITEM 14 – To discuss coastal erosion and its effect on the Golf Club

CL/147/20.02.23

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Correspondence

CL/148/20.02.23

Time and Tide Bell – the Clerk will write and invite the Time and Tide to give a presentation to the Council.

Caravans in the car park – it was suggested that the Council investigate gaining the power to issue penalty charges.

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/149/20.02.23

Should Rushlight be bilingual? Councillors agreed that Rushlight should be bilingual and asked that costs be looked into whilst investigating whether there was anyone willing to volunteer translation services. 

AGENDA ITEM 17 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website/ Facebook

CL/150/20.02.23

Des George has an update on the post office development.

Cllr Owen gave thanks on behalf of the Council for the pantomine and congratulated everyone involved for their success.

The wharf development update.

Local events being held in the pubs.

AGENDA ITEM 18 – Date of next Meeting

CL/151/20.02.23

Monday 20^th March 2023

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 9.12pm

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16th January 2023

by Sandy Andrews | Jun 29, 2023 | ** COUNCIL, MINUTES ARCHIVE

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 16^th January 2023

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Mark Dunton

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dewi Owen

Cllr Sadie Porter

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/119/16.01.23

Apologies accepted from Cllrs Jones and Tyrrell.

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/120/16.01.23

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chair announcements

CL/121/16.01.23

The Chair welcomed everyone and informed the council that the clerk will be starting medical treatment very soon so has not attended this meeting. Instead, Cllr O’Neill will be taking the minutes. 

The council have received very positive feedback from a number of sources saying how good the New Year fireworks were, though the evening was marred by a group of individuals being disruptive, which is currently being investigated by the police. 

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 21^stNovember 2022.

CL/122/16.01.23

Proposed: Cllr Bradbury-Willis  Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/123/16.01.23

Page 35

M/46/(18.06.22) Tywyn Health Centre

No-one has come forward to volunteer to represent Aberdyfi Community Council on the Tywyn Health Centre Public Participation Group.

M/84/(17.10.22) Cycle Path

Iwan ap Trefor has confirmed he is still responsible for the cycle path project.

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Page 37

M/115/(12.12.22) Correspondence

New Year’s day 5k fun run / walk / crawl

A very successful event was held with 75 people taking part and the yacht club providing refreshments afterwards (for donations). Over £750 was raised for the Playground project and the organisers hope to run it as an annual event. 

Action: Clerk to write to organisers to thank them.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s report

CL/124/16.01.23

Proposed: Cllr Williams  Seconded: Cllr Owen

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/125/16.01.23

Cllr Owen reported that Gwynedd Council anticipates a deficit of £20million so community and town councils may well be expected to contribute more to services. 

He also reported that Network Rail will be cutting back the vegetation between Nant y Glo and the village sometime in the next month. 

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Planning

CL/126/16.01.23

Applications received:

NP5/50/439A Ty Carreg, Aberdyfi, LL35 0LE

Official amended plans to previous application

No objections were raised.

NP5/50/744 Compound near the boat yard, Penrhos, Aberdyfi

Formation of 12m x 12m hardstanding with power and water supply.

Aberdyfi Community Council unable to comment on application as the council is the applicant. No outside objections have been received.

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To approve precept for 2023-24

CL/127/16.01.23

It was agreed to increase the precept by 10% to £42,315.24, giving a Band D tax rate of £35.38, an increase of £0.27 from £35.11 last year. 

Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Hewins

Agreed unanimously

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss proposals for 20mph limit in Aberdyfi

CL/128/16.01.23

No objections were raised to the proposals.

Action: Clerk to respond to the consultation

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To agree amounts to be donated to other organisations

CL/129/16.01.23

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It was agreed to donate £100 each to the National Eisteddfod, Wales Air Ambulance and Dail Dysynni.

Action: clerk to arrange payments

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Correspondence

CL/130/16.01.23

• Email from Andrew Gregson regarding residents parking.

The email confirmed that any application for residents parking must come from the Community Council or Local County Councillor with the support of the Community Council.

• Email regarding sponsored walk event planned for 29^th April

This is being organised by one of the local pubs

• Email regarding a public meeting about local health provision on 16^th February with Mabon ap Gwynfor. 

Action: Clerk to advertise meeting

• Wharf development

It was asked if the wooden mooring bollards are being replaced on the wharf.

The contractors have employed local tradesmen and it was felt this needed to be acknowledged

Action: Clerk to write to contractors to thank them for employing residents and to ask them about the mooring bollards.

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/131/16.01.23

• Consider adding a card payment option to Pay & Display machine
• Training dates
• Review last 12 months of Council actions 
• Consider if Rushlight should be bilingual

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/132/16.01.23

• 5k fun run
• Blood donor service 20^th Feb and 20^th March have been cancelled.
• Aberdyfi Bike Ride will be on 16^th June – 30^th anniversary
• Sgwrs a panad
• Tree planting on 14^th January 
• Panto

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Date of next meeting

CL/133/16.01.23

Monday 20^th February 2023

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.40pm

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