21st June 2021

by Sandy Andrews | Jun 23, 2021 | ** COUNCIL, MINUTES ARCHIVE

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 21^st June 2021

Present were:                  

Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:                     

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dai Owens

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell       

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/33/21.06.21

Cllrs J. Bradbury-Willis, S. Bradbury-Willis and Jones

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/34/21.06.21

The Chairman welcomed everyone and remarked how busy the village has been in recent weeks because of the good weather.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Receive & confirm minutes of meeting 17^th May 2021

CL/35/21.06.21

Proposed: Cllr B Kelly      Seconded: Cllr M Reynolds

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/36/21.06.21

Page 4       

M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

Clerk emailed Edward Jones on 20^th May requesting convenient dates to meet but has had no reply.

Action: clerk to email again and copy in CEO of Snowdonia National Park

Clerk emailed Planning department of SNPA asking if any planning permission would be needed for a drinking fountain, but has had no reply.

Action: Clerk to chase up

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M/106/(16.11.20) Playground

Seating is still awaiting back boards.

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway Improvements

Clerk reported that still nothing has been received from Adrian Williams at Gwynedd Council Highways or Sean Wilkes. Cllr Jones suggested going higher up Gwynedd Council.

Action: Clerk to keep trying to contact both as well as emailing someone higher up the organisation.

M/139/(18.02.21) Crack in Sea Wall

The Clerk confirmed that this is now included in the monthly inspection list for the harbourmaster.

Page 5

M/150/(15.02.21) Installing CCTV

Cllr Kelly reported that Ron Thomas has agreed to do the work and will meet with Cllr Kelly to ensure they are put in the correct position.

M/164/15.03.21 Community Needs Survey

Cllr O’Neill reported that it has now been finalised and is currently being translated and will soon be uploaded to the system. The wording of the letter going out to each household is also being finalised and should go out very soon.

M/166/15.03.21 Buying football goalposts

These have been delivered and need to be installed, which seems to be a larger job than first thought, so it was agreed to get someone to put them in.

Action: Clerk to contact Geri Davies to ask if he will install them.

Page 6

M/23/(17.05.21) Cycle Path

Cllr Tyrrell reported that he and the Clerk had spoken to Iwan ap Trefor and were told that Gwynedd Council now has funding in place for the next phase of the project, which involves making sure the engineering problems can be overcome and all the relevant land is able to be used. For instance, he mentioned that they have had problems contacting the owners of a cottage to see if they can buy a slice of their land to enable the cycle path to go ahead.

Cllr Williams reported that Neil Storkey is hoping to meet with network Rail this week about the cycle path between the Cemetery and the village.

Action: Clerk to keep in contact with Iwan ap Trefor for updates.

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New Dyfi Bridge Project

Clerk has spoken to Gail Jones, public liaison officer for Griffiths, who are doing the work and was told that the disruption to traffic will only happen at the beginning and end of the project.

The Clerk also reported that when the work is done on the Aberdyfi side of the old bridge to install pumps, the road will not be closed but instead traffic will be controlled with traffic lights.

Action: Clerk to invite Gail Jones to a meeting later in the year.

Page 7

M/25/(17.05.21) Providing a bus shelter

Clerk has sent photos to Gwynedd Council and they are sending an inspector to look at it this week and will get back in touch once they have done costings etc. the clerk confirmed that it will hopefully be installed on the Neuadd Dyfi side of the road.

M/26/(17.05.21) 20mph proposals

The Clerk wrote to Iwan ap Trefor and had reply saying he is on holiday until 14^th June, but has still not had a reply.

Action: Clerk to contact Iwan ap Trefor again

Cllr Williams asked if the fence had been replaced on the footpath between the Penhelig and Hillside Village, but no-one could confirm this is the case

Action: Clerk to check if the work has been done and contact Gwynedd Council if not.

Correspondence

M/28/(17.05.21) Litter and bin problems

Cllr Tyrrell informed the council that homes which are let out and run as a business should be paying for litter collection as they do not pay council tax.

It was agreed to write to Gwynedd Council asking them to ensure these and all other businesses in the village do indeed pay for their refuse collections, as the rubbish problems are having a massive effect on the village.

Action: Clerk to write to Gwynedd Council saying we believe that there are several properties in the village who do not pay council tax and do not pay for refuse collection either.

Cllr Reynolds and the Clerk reported that the recycling bottle banks by the fire station are overflowing and Gwynedd Council said that the company that empties the glass recycling bins are short-staffed and do not want to come this far South to empty the bottle banks. Gwynedd Council are trying to sort out the problem.

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The clerk reported that she had spoken to Caron Jones from Gwynedd Council about the green bins opposite the chemist. He is more than happy for these bins to be put by the fire station where the glass recycling bins are. Before they are put there, the fence needs to be repaired and he asked if we could get two quotes from local contractors for the work. It was noted that if the green bins are put there, the area inside the fence will need to be extended to allow space for the extra bins.

Action: Clerk to get two quotes for repairing the fence and confirm with Caron that the area can be extended.

The Clerk reported that she had been contacted by a member of the public who had seen that staff from the Britannia Inn have been seen leaving bags of food rubbish next to the bins, meaning that birds etc. break the bags and leave a mess of food everywhere. The person also reported that Council refuse collectors had been seen having arguments with staff from Coast, as the staff from Coast were throwing rubbish bags across the road and shouting abuse at the Council workers. He also believes that Coast have now only 1 commercial bin, even though they have two businesses.

Action: Clerk to write to Coast and the Britannia Inn and Gwynedd Council.

Action: Clerk to put litter and rubbish problems on the agenda for next month

Page 8

Quotes for tree sculpture carving

It was agreed not to go for quote 2 as it was too expensive and agreed to ask if the other quotes include VAT and if the person in quote 1 can send photos of an example of a bird of prey they have previously done. The two quotes will be considered again next month.

Action: Clerk to write to all concerned and put on agenda for next month

Tywyn Health Centre

The Clerk spoke to the practice manager who told her that their phone system is controlled by Betsi Cadwallader Health Board, as the phone system for the hospital and GP’s practice was amalgamated when it was replaced after the fire. The practice manager confirmed that between 8am and 8.30am, there should be a message giving a number to call for emergencies and she said she would call it the next day to make sure the message is correct.

Action: Clerk to write to Betsi Cadwallader Health Board complaining about the phone system

Action: Clerk to put a notice in Rushlight explaining it is possible to make routine appointments via their website as well as via phone.

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AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/37/21.06.21

The Clerk informed the Council that everything should be transferred over to the new bank by this Wednesday, 23^rd June.

Proposed: Cllr. Kelly        Seconded: Cllr Williams

Unanimously approved

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/38/21.06.21

Chair reported that there was nothing currently to report from Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/39/21.06.21

NP5/50/346C      9 Terrace Road, Aberdyfi

          Construction of terrace in rear garden

No objections were raised

          NP5/50/589A      Ael y Don, Gwelfor Road, Aberdyfi

          Extension to existing patio at the front.

          No objections were raised.

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To consider quotes for tree sculpture carving

CL/40/21.06.21

Discussed under matters arising

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To consider request to use playing field for running event 16^th and 18^th July

CL/41/21.06.21

A request had been received for people taking part in a running event to camp in the playing field by the Neuadd Dyfi on the night before and night after the event. It was agreed that it would cause a lot of noise, disruption to locals and destroy the grass, as well as setting a precedent, so it was decided not to give permission.

Action: Clerk to reply to request

AGENDA ITEM 10 – Correspondence

CL/42/21.06.21

• Bollard in Neuadd Dyfi car park

Clerk reported that one of the bollards had been destroyed

Action: Clerk to contact Geri Davies and ask if he can replace it

14

• Brown bin.

The Clerk reported that visitors had filled the brown bin purchased for the wharf garden waste with normal waste, so she organised for it to be collected and put signs on the bin saying it is only for garden waste.

• Offer of fairground attractions

The Clerk reported that we have had an offer of fairground attractions for use in the future.

• Gwelfor Road subsidence

The clerk reported that there are a large amount of heavy lorries and cement mixers going up and down Gwelfor Road and causing subsidence. The Councillors all remember signs at the bottom saying a weight limit, which has now been changed to a long vehicle sign.

Action: Clerk and Chair to contact Gwynedd Council

• Complaints from visitors not able to get onto the promenade with a wheelchair or mobility scooter due to the amount of sand that is on the car park and on the promenade. Even if the sand wasn’t there, they were concerned that they couldn’t get through the gates with a wheelchair.

Action: Clerk to email harbourmaster, Barry Davies and CEO of Gwynedd Council

• Seaview Terrace parking problems

Agreed to put on agenda for next month

• Cllr Kelly reported that the sign board at the Gas Works is disintegrating and the clerk replied that it is in hand and being repaired.
• Cllr Kelly reported that the path behind Rhos Dyfi is overgrown. The clerk said she would check if we normally get it done or if it is Gwynedd Council’s responsibility.
• The Chair reported that the undergrowth on the Network Rail side of the road going out of the village is encroaching onto the road.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/43/19.04.21

EV chargers

Consider when to return to face to face meetings

Seaview Terrace parking problems

Aluminium signs for crowdfunding for playground project

Painting playground wall

Social media policy

Tree sculpture quotes

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AGENDA ITEM 12 – Items for Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/44/21.06.21

Remembering Muriel

Beach Clean

Make appointments via website at Tywyn Health Centre

Please put rubbish in the bins

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Date of next meeting

CL/45/21.06.21

Monday 19^th July 2021, 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.05pm       

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17th May 2021

by Sandy Andrews | May 20, 2021 | ** COUNCIL, MINUTES ARCHIVE

Minutes of the thirty-sixth Annual Meeting of the Aberdyfi Community Council and thereafter the minutes of the ordinary meeting of said Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 17^th May 2021

Present were :-                 Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors :-                   

Cllr James Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dai Owens

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell       

Cllr Dave Williams

Cllr Simon Worman

Public:                             Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL1/AM/17.05.21

Cllr Gareth Jones

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/2/AM/17.05.21

The Chairman welcomed everyone and thanked them for their work over the past year.

AGENDA ITEM 3- Annual Return

CL/3/AM/17.05.21

The Annual Return for 2020/21, done in conjunction with Steve Lister, was presented to Council for approval.

Proposed: Cllr Kelly         Seconded: Cllr Williams

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Election of Officers 2021/2022

CL/4/AM/17.05.21

Chairman

Cllr Dewi Owen was nominated for the position of Chair.

Proposed Cllr Williams     Seconded Cllr Worman

Agreed unanimously

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Vice Chairman

Cllr David Owens was nominated for position of Vice Chair.

Proposed Cllr Williams     Seconded Cllr Tyrrell

Agreed unanimously

CL/5/AM/17.05.21

Planning Committee

The whole Council

CL/6/AM/17.05.21

Aberdyfi Advertising and Improvements Committee

The whole Council, except for Cllr Tyrrell

CL/7/AM/17.05.21

Aberdyfi Literary Institute Management Committee

Cllr G Jones (Chair)

CL/8/AM/17.05.21

Harbour Advisory Committee

Cllr Tyrrell

CL/9/AM/17.05.21

One Voice Wales

Cllr D Owen and Cllr O’Neill, with Cllr Williams as deputy

CL/10/AM/17.05.21

Neuadd Dyfi Management Committee – Councillors with a vote

Cllrs Owen, Reynolds, Williams, Kelly and J. Bradbury-Willis

CL/11/AM/17.05.21

Richard Williams and Richard Roberts Trust Fund

Cllrs Owen, Jones and S. Bradbury-Willis with Cllr Reynolds as Chair and Cllr Williams as Trustee

CL/12/AM/17.05.21

Lewis Lloyd Trust

Cllr Reynolds

CL/13/AM/17.05.21

Meirionnydd Access Group

Cllr O’Neill

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CL/14/AM/17.05.21

Tywyn and District Memorial Hospital Appeal Fund

Cllr Reynolds with Cllr Tyrrell as deputy

CL/15/AM/17.05.21

Allotment sub-committee

Cllrs Jones (Chair), O’Neill and J. Bradbury-Willis

CL/16/AM/17.05.21

Finance Committee

Cllrs Owen (Chairman), Owens (Vice Chair) and S. Bradbury-Willis with Cllr Tyrrell as deputy.

CL/17/AM/17.5.21

Caravan Site Committee

Cllrs Reynolds, Owen, Williams, Kelly and S. Bradbury-Willis.

CL/18/AM/17.05.21

Re-appointment of Internal Auditor

Council re-appointed Mr Steve Lister for the year 2021/22, in accordance with minute CL/133/20.1.20

Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell                Seconded: Cllr Kelly

Agreed unanimously

CL/19/AM/17.05.21

Standing Orders and Financial Regulations

The Council agreed its willingness to adopt these documents, copies of which are available for inspection in Council office.

Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell                Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Agreed unanimously

THE BUSINESS OF THE ORDINARY MEETING IS NOW RECORDED

Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis joined the meeting at this point.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – To receive and confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting 19^th April 2021

CL/20/17.05.21

Proposed Cllr Kelly                    Seconded Cllr Williams

Agreed unanimously

3

AGENDA ITEM 6  – Matters Arising

CL/21/17.05.21

          Page 71

          M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

The Clerk had a reply from Mr. Jones, asking for clarification on various points on the project.

It was agreed to ask for a site meeting with Mr. Jones to clarify all his points, Cllr O’Neill to contact Refill UK for clarification and the clerk to talk to the planning department at SNPA. Cllr Kelly confirmed that the Community Council has previously agreed to pay for the water and associated costs with the water fountain.

Action: Clerk to ask Mr. Jones to do a site visit and meet with councillors to address the points raised. Cllr O’Neill to ask Refill UK for answers to points raised by Mr. Jones. Clerk to ask SNPA planning department if there are any planning implications. Cllr O’Neill to re-circulate a photo of the proposed fountain to all councillors. Clerk to add to agenda for June

          Page 72

          M/106/(16.11.20) Playground

Cllr O’Neill informed the council that GL Jones is still waiting for the Perspex for the back of the shelter to be delivered and apologised for the delay in installation. The shelter is finished, all except for the Perspex. As soon as they received the Perspex they will install the shelter.

          M/107/(16.11.20) Subway Improvements

The clerk has had a reply from Adrian Williams, in which he asked for sight of the proposals. It was agreed to write back to him, explaining the process the council hopes to go through (asking for artists to submit proposals or a competition) and asking for approval in principle. It was also agreed to ask in the first instance that the subway be cleaned up, as at present it is very dirty.

Action: Clerk to write to Mr. Williams

M/139/(18.01.21) Penhelig Toilets development

Chair informed the council that he has spoken to Gwynedd Council and the clerk has written to Gwynedd Council, expressing the council’s concern about the traffic problems caused by the work being done there.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council again.

          Page 73

          M/139/(18.02.21) Crack in sea wall

This has not yet been repaired and the clerk confirmed that she had been told by Gwynedd Council that it is on their monthly inspection list.

4

M/150/(15.02.21) Installing CCTV

Cllr Kelly reported that he waiting for a quote to install the cameras, but otherwise the system is ready for use.

M/164/(15.03.21) Community Needs survey

Cllr O’Neill informed the council that the first draft of the survey has been done and there is a meeting with various organisations involved in housing at the end of the month.

M/166/(15.03.21) Buying football goal posts

Clerk reported that she is waiting for a delivery date

Page 74

M/177/(19.04.21) Gwynedd Council Report

The Chair reported that he had spoken to Gwynedd Council and they confirmed that all parking will be changed to 45 minutes, not 1 hour as was requested by the Community Council in a letter and he was very disappointed that Gwynedd felt this was an acceptable decision.

          Page 76

          M/182/(19.04.21) Parking at Neuadd Dyfi car park 3^rd – 6^th June

The event has been postponed until 24^th – 26^th September and the Yacht club are seeking permission for motorhomes to park on these dates instead. It was agreed that this was acceptable

          Action: Clerk to inform the yacht club of the decision

          Page 78

          M/184/(19.04.21) Items for consideration at future meetings

          Railings at Penhelig shelter

Cllr Reynolds reported that the railings had been put in place and the gate will be in place shortly.

Missing fencing from side of footpath from Penhelig to Hillside Village.

The Clerk reported that she sent photos to Gwynedd Council who replied that they will send an inspector out to investigate the situation.   

Traffic Lights at Dyffryn Hill

The Chair reported that the lights are there because there is a badger set in the bank, which is causing subsidence, but because badgers are protected, nothing can be done until they finish breeding.

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AGENDA ITEM 7 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/22/17.05.21

It was agreed to accept the report as a true and accurate report.

Proposed: Cllr Kelly                  Seconded: Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis

Agreed unanimously

AGENDA ITEM 8  – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/23/17.05.21

Gwynedd Council has a new Chief Executive in Dafydd Gibbard, who has worked with Gwynedd Council since 2003 as head of housing and planning. He seems very approachable and the Chair suggested the Council invite him to one of the Community Council’s meetings later on this year.

Action: Clerk to put on agenda for later in the year

He also reported that he has been told that money will be forthcoming to move the cycle path project forward. He will make further enquiries and also talk to Tywyn town councillors, as they seemed to know more about the project than he did.

Action: Chair and Cllr Tyrrell to find out more information

The Chair reported that the leisure centre is back open now and has been well-used since it has been open.

Action: Clerk to put in Rushlight

Gwynedd Council had it Annual Meeting last week and there is a new Chair in Simon Glyn, a Plaid Cymru Councillor, and a new Vice Chair in Elwyn Jones, who is an Independent councillor. The Chair reminded the Community Council that next year there are elections for new councillors for Gwynedd and there will be changes, as a number of councillors will be retiring.

The Chair reported that Network Rail have closed the line between Machynlleth and Shrewsbury and it will not reopen until 27^th June, as they are repairing a bridge on the outskirts of Machynlleth.

He also reported that they have started on the new bridge on the outskirts of Machynlleth and as a result there have been extremely long queues due to the traffic lights, which are causing major problems already and it is particularly concerning as it will be much busier soon with a bank holiday and the main tourist season. It was agreed to find out how long the traffic lights are expected to be there.

Action: Clerk to contact Machynlleth town council as a matter of urgency and Chair will go to the council office at the Plas in Machynlleth.

6

Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis expressed concern as she has been informed that there is a plan to close the road completely in front of the small cottages on the Aberdyfi side of the current bridge over the river.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council as a matter of urgency

The Cambrian Rail Line will be shut between the 12^th September to 12^th December to allow work on the Barmouth bridge.

AGENDA ITEM 9  – Planning

CL/24/17.05.21

          NP5/50/T482G    Hafod, 13A Glandyfi Terrace, Aberdyfi LL35 0EB

          Removal of chimney and extractor flue

          No objections were raised

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss providing a bus shelter

CL/25/17.05.21

It was agreed that a bus shelter is needed but it is unclear whose responsibility it is to provide or pay for a shelter.  The Clerk reported that Gwynedd Council have told her that the process is to email Gwynedd Council who will send out an inspector, who will assess the situation and produce a plan and costs. Discussions can then take place about who will be liable for costs.

Action: Clerk to email Gwynedd Council with a location and report back their response

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To discuss 20 mph proposals

CL/26/17.05.21

The Chair reported that he believes there are a few village and towns in Gwynedd who have 20 mph in place and it was agreed that the community Council should site to Gwynedd Council asking for a 20mph speed limit between the institute and Penhelig Corner.

Action: Clerk to write to Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 12  – To consider installing a dog waste bin at Trefeddian Terrace car park

CL/27/17.05.21

It was agreed not to install a waste bin at Trefeddian Terrace car park but instead to purchase some humorous ‘take your litter home’ signs and put them up and review the situation at the end of the year.

Action: Cllr O’Neill and clerk to liaise and purchase signs

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Correspondence

CL/28/17.05.21

• Litter and bin problems

It was suggested putting stickers on the bins saying CCTV in operation but

7

it agreed that the bins opposite the chemist are not owned by the community council and therefore the council cannot put stickers on the bins. It was agreed to write back to the complainant suggesting they put clearer signs on their bins and keep them locked. It was also agreed to write to all the businesses again, asking them to ensure they keep the bins locked and work with Gwynedd Council to come up with a satisfactory way of dealing with the situation. It was also agreed that the chair will talk again to Gwynedd Council about putting the bins behind the wall. It was agreed that responsibility for these bins lies with Gwynedd Council and owners should be liaising with them, not the Community Council.

Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis suggested the council asked for limiters to be put on the bins in the main car park, to stop people putting in black bin bags of household waste.

Action: Clerk to reply to complainant and write to businesses, also to contact Gwynedd Council, forwarding the photos.

• Day on the Quay and Food festival

It was agreed that Day on the Quay will not be able to happen in 2022, as there will be work being done on the wharf development at that time.

However, the Food Festival will be able to go ahead in 2022 and the Council will support the organisers in their efforts to run the events.

Action: Clerk to inform organisers of these decisions.

• Choosing subject of tree sculpture.

The clerk reported that some residents had complained that there had been no decision to have an osprey as the subject of the sculpture. Cllr Williams informed the Council that a sculptor did a site visit and said that an osprey would make the best use of the shape of the tree, so it had been agreed that this is what would be carved.

The clerk reported that she has asked for quotes based on an osprey.

Action: The clerk will present quotes once they are all received.

• Health Centre

It was agreed that the response from the health centre was not very useful, as a resident was left without access to medical care between 8am and 8.30am, as at this time the health centre phone message said it was closed with no reference to the Out Of Hours service and she was not able to contact OOH at this time either. Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis reported that Access Standards say that telephones should be answered in a set time, but this doesn’t seem to be happening at Tywyn.

Action: Clerk to reply to the Health Centre asking for clarification on how to contact them in an emergency between 8am and 8.30am and other

8

issues raised. Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis will forward access standards for Betsi Cadwalder to the clerk. Clerk to ask Tywyn town council if they’ve had similar issues.

• Wharf development project

Chair believes that tenders have gone out this month and work is due to start in September. 

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/29/17.05.21

• New playground project

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/30/17.05.21   

• Leisure Centre open again
• What the money from Neuadd Dyfi car park has been spent on

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Date of Next meeting

CL/32/17.05.21

Monday 21^st June at 7pm

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.35pm.

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19th April 2021

by Sandy Andrews | May 20, 2021 | ** COUNCIL, MINUTES ARCHIVE

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 19^th April 2021

Present were:                   Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:                     

Cllr James Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Gareth Jones

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dai Owens

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell       

Cllr Dave Williams

Cllr Simon Worman

Public:                          Pat Hellen

                                      Patrick Hollis

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/172/19.04.21

No apologies – full attendance

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/173/19.04.21

The Chairman welcomed everyone and remarked how lucky we are in Aberdyfi as many communities in Gwynedd don’t have the same quality of internet access that we do and many councils are struggling to hold meetings. He also remarked how nice it is to see visitors back in the village, which is good for all the businesses but he is concerned about the amount of litter that is being left behind.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Receive & confirm minutes of meeting 15^th March 2021

CL/174/19.04.21

Proposed: Cllr B Tyrrell   Seconded: Cllr B Kelly

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/175/19.04.21

Page 64     

M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

71

Chair has tried to phone Edward Jones several times but there is no answer and he feels it is very inconsiderate that there has been no reply or acknowledgement to any emails or phones calls that have been sent over the last four months.

Action: Clerk to email the Chair of Snowdonia National Park.

Page 65

M/81/(21.09.20) EV charging points

Will be discussed under Item 9

M/106/(16.11.20) Playground

New seating is ready, all except for the back boards. As soon as they arrive, the seasting will be installed.

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway Improvements

Clerk reported that still nothing has been received from Adrian Williams at Gwynedd Council Highways or Sean Wilkes. Cllr Jones suggested going higher up Gwynedd Council.

Action: Clerk to keep trying to contact both as well as emailing someone higher up the organisation.

M/139/(18.01.21)

Penhelig Toilets development

Cllr Reynolds informed the Council that the area of garden that has been removed by the builders is actually a pet cemetery. Cllr Tyrrell believes that there was a meeting with Snowdonia National Park recently and a retaining wall has now been built and the bank will be put back. Cllr Tyrrell spoke to the workers there and asked if top soil will be put on top or if the bank will solely consist of slate. He was assured there would be top soil to allow planting. It was agreed it is the owners responsibility to rectify the damage. Cllr Williams suggested the council wait to see how the damage is repaired, as it is not the responsibility of the Community Council, but could contact the owners if it is not repaired satisfactorily.

Cllr J Bradbury-Willis expressed concern about the lack of parking in front of the development, as there are vans parked there and also fencing around the building works. This has removed all public parking there and will do until the development is finished. Cllr Owen informed the council that there were temporary traffic lights there last week as there was an issue with vehicles coming from different directions not giving way to each other and he believes that traffic lights are going to be installed for the duration of the work, but he hasn’t had any official information yet.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council to find out if traffic lights will be installed.

72

Crack in sea wall

Cllr Jones asked what was being done about the crack in the sea wall by the shelter at Terrace Road .The Chair reported that he had spoken to the harbourmaster and Gwynedd Consultancy will be repairing the wall and other areas in the village fairly soon, including the crack in the pavement reported by Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis recently.

M/150/(15.02.21) Installing CCTV

Update will be given under item 8

Page 66

M/164/15.03.21 Community Needs Survey

It was agreed that questions need to be very open-ended to allow residents to give their views freely. Cllr O’Neill informed the council that the survey needs to go out within the next two months, so questions need to be agreed within the next two weeks to be included in the survey and urged councillors to send questions to the Clerk as soon as possible.

Action: All councillors to send ideas for questions to the clerk ASAP.

Cllr Reynolds asked if the road sign at Bryn Gwylan has been put back up. The chair informed her that he reported it to Gwynedd Council and will contact them again.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council

Page 67

M/166/15.03.21 Buying football goalposts

These have been ordered by the clerk and will be delivered towards the end of May, after which the councillors will need to come together to install them.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/176/19.04.21

The Clerk informed the Council that Siemens have refunded the payment they took in error. Cllr Tyrrell congratulated Cllr O’Neill on getting the grant for the new seating in the playground.

Proposed: Cllr. Williams            Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Unanimously approved

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/177/19.04.21

The Chair reported that Dilwyn Williams is retiring from Gwynedd Council at the end of the month and they are interviewing this week for a new chief Executive. He has been a big asset to the Council, being very accessible to Gwynedd Councillors and will be a big loss.

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He reported that he has been told that the limited time parking along the front of the village is going to be changed from 1 hour to 45 minutes, though has had no official notification. The council felt that this, together with the increase in parking charges is not fair to Aberdyfi, as the charges are not going up by the same amount in other towns in Gwynedd and will adversely affect businesses in the village. Cllr S Bradbury-Willis expressed concern that the changes in the parking times and charges will push people to park in other areas of the village.

The Chair reported that he has been inundated with letters and emails from people unhappy with Gwynedd Council’s increase in Council Tax, two of whom are going to put their houses on the market at the end of the summer.

Action:  Clerk to email Gwynedd Council to express concern that the Community Council weren’t even consulted on the changes to the times of parking and asking to change them all to one hour.

Cllr Reynolds reported that a resident asked her if it would be possible to put up a bus shelter, but it is not clear where one could go, as there is very little room. It was agreed to come back to this item next month.

Action: Clerk to put on agenda for next month

Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis asked if there was any further information about the tree opposite Parc-yr-Ysgol. The clerk reported that the damaged branches were removed last week and the debris has now been cleared. Cllr Jones asked who is responsible for repairing the fence and it was agreed that it is Gwynedd Council’s responsibility.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council and ask for a timetable of repairs

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/178/19.04.21

NP5/50/L262A     8 Seaview Terrace, Aberdyfi

          Change of use from gift shop & café to bar

Concerns were raised about where the waste will be stored, but no planning objections were raised

          NP5/50/LB179C  8 New Street, Aberdyfi

          Listed building consent for internal alterations

          No objections were raised.

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AGENDA ITEM 8 – To consider and adopt a Privacy & CCTV Policy

CL/179/19.04.21

It was agreed to adopt the Privacy and CCTV policy

Proposed: Cllr Kelly                  Seconded: Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Kelly reported that the CCTV system at the Neuadd Dyfi is installed and working, though the cameras have not yet been installed outside. He also reported that he has spoken to the postmistress and she is happy for one of the cameras to show the forecourt of the Post Office, though it was agreed it will not show the shop front itself. Cllr Kelly confirmed that he and the Clerk are the only ones with access to the CCTV footage.

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To discuss installing EV chargers

CL/180/19.04.21

The Chair reported the he had spoken to Gwynedd Council and was given a non-committal answer as to whether they will be installing chargers in Aberdyfi. They are currently conducting a survey on this subject. Cllr Williams reported that the Neuadd Dyfi car park may be a better venue for situating chargers, due to the proximity of the sub-station and is concerned that Gwynedd Council may think that chargers can only be situated in the main car park, as the Neuadd Dyfi car park is not under their control.

Action: Chair to talk again with Gwynedd Council and to offer to work with them if they want to explore putting chargers in the Neuadd Dyfi car park.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – Tree sculpture project update and to consider quotes to prepare trees

CL/181/19.04.21

The clerk presented 2 quotes for the felling of two trees in the playing field – one to ground level and the other to a height suitable for carving. It was unanimously agreed to go with the lower quote.

Proposed: Cllr Jones       Seconded: Cllr Williams

Action: Clerk to accept the lower quote.

The Clerk informed the Council that she has requested quotes from 3 sculptors for doing the carving work but hasn’t had them all back yet, so they will be considered at a later meeting.

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AGENDA ITEM 11 – To discuss parking at the Neuadd Dyfi car park 3^rd – 6^th June

CL/182/19.04.21

The Yacht Club have asked for permission to park motorhomes in the Neuadd Dyfi car park for these dates. It was agreed to allow it but it is to be made clear that it is a one-off occurrence and details will be discussed next month.

Proposed: Cllr Jones                 Seconded: Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis

Action: Clerk to liaise with the yacht club about numbers attending and details.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Correspondence

CL/183/19.04.21

• A resident has done some work on clearing and planting the area by the toilets at the Neuadd Dyfi, after consultation with the clerk.

The Council felt it is a great improvement and wish to thank the resident.

Action: Clerk to write to resident

• Tree planting update

It was agreed to support the proposal by the wildlife and biodiversity group to plant trees in the area of the running track and golf club, assuming they receive the right permission from the appropriate agencies. 

Action: Clerk to inform the group of the Council’s support

• Anonymous traffic problem.

It was agreed that this is only an occasional problem during bank holidays but not at any other time of year and it is the responsibility of Gwynedd Council to deal with any parking issues at this area, as the Community Council has no jurisdiction for this. It was noted that this issue was discussed at length when the new development at Parc yr Ysgol was proposed, as it moves from 40mph to 30mph at this point and the Community Council welcome the proposals to reduce the speed limit to 20mph in the near future. It was suggested that a more dangerous situation currently exists in the centre of the village outside the shops with people queuing on the pavements and having to walk in the road to get round the queues. It was agreed to put the 20mph speed limit proposals on the agenda for next month.

Action: Clerk to add 20mph speed limit proposals to agenda for next month.

• Boat storage area

The Chair reported that the container that arrived there a couple of months ago has now been taken down to ground level and will be there permanently to provide storage for the fishermen’s pots over the winter instead of on the wharf and an area for them to work on the pots under cover. The Chair has asked if the container could be painted a dark colour so that it’s not so conspicuous and asked other councillors to do the same. It was noted that this area is necessary for people earn a living.

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It was agreed to put a piece in Rushlight to inform people what this storage area is for.

Action: Clerk to put into Rushlight

• Nyth Robin request for attendance at planning meeting

The Chair attended the meeting and reported that the application for a rural dwelling had been turned down yet again and he was extremely saddened that the planning committee were discussing issues that were not relevant to planning issues, eg. income and querying why campsite owners need to live on site. He understands that the owners of Nyth Robin will be appealing against the decision. It was agreed that the Community Council will support them in this.

• Litter and rubbish problem

There have been various reports of littering on the beach and remnants of fires, which are leaving nails and other debris, which poses a very serious danger to the public. Cllr Jones informed the council that it was local young people causing these problems and the police have been involved. It was noted that beach wardens will be employed during the summer and they will hopefully be able to monitor this situation closely. It was noted that the bins are so full at the moment because everyone has to get takeaways and when cafes etc. open again this situation will hopefully ease and we are lucky not to have the major problems that they have had in Cardiff and Sheffield. It was suggested that more signs around the village would be helpful.

Cllr Tyrrell has been asked by various residents if it is possible to have a dog poo bin at Trefeddian Terrace. It was agreed to check if there is a bin there and to discuss at the next meeting. Residents had also asked about one at Ffordd parc y Llethrau but it was felt that there is more need for bins by the beach.

Action: Clerk to put something in Rushlight to thank people for keeping the village clean and reminding them to take their litter home with them. Clerk to discuss possible solutions with the harbourmaster and investigate signage.

Clerk to add dog poo bins to agenda for next meeting.

The Clerk reported that residents have reported litter at Pen y Bryn and that the seating has been broken and removed. It was agreed to get quotes to repair the seating in the shelter.

Action: Clerk to get quotes and put on agenda for next month

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• Cycle-path project update

The aerial photography has been done for the cycle path between the cemetery and the village and it is hoped that planning consent will be granted. Mr. Storkey is currently in talks with Network Rail about the route of the cycle-path with a view to agreeing that the cycle path route is not too close to the railway line.

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/184/19.04.21

• Cllr O’Neill reported that the railings and gate above the shelter at Penhelig Gardens is in a state of disrepair and need to be repaired urgently as it is easy for children to run onto the road. Cllr Reynolds reported that a company has already been appointed to repair the railings as soon as possible.

Action: Clerk to talk to Bryn Lloyd about including the gate in the repairs.

• Cllr Tyrrell expressed concern that fencing has disappeared from the side of the path from the Penhelig towards Hillside village.

Action: Cllr Tyrrell to send a phot to the clerk and Clerk to forward this onto Gwynedd Council

• Cllr Reynolds reported that residents had complained to her that Tywyn Health Centre are not answering the phone and the Chair reported it took him over 45 minutes to get through and Cllr S Bradbury-Willis reported that an elderly neighbour of hers was very distressed that they were not able to access healthcare when she needed to

Action: Clerk to email Tywyn Health Centre practice manager to ask the reason for this situation

• Cllr Jones enquired how long the traffic lights at top of Dyffryn Hill are going to be there. The Chair reported that he has spoken to highways and the crack that has been there for years has got worse over the winter. Negotiations are ongoing between Gwynedd Council and Network Rail as the railway line is directly below. The chair hoped that the traffic lights will be gone by the summer.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council again and report next month.

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Items for Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/185/19.04.21

• Door stickers
• Recreation ground will open 1^st May
• Community Needs Survey
• Covid restrictions when voting

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• Boat storage area
• Litter

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Date of next meeting

CL/186/19.04.21

Monday 17^th May 2021, 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.25pm

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15th March 2021

by Sandy Andrews | Apr 22, 2021 | ** COUNCIL, MINUTES ARCHIVE

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 15^th March 2021

Present were:                  

Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:                     

Cllr James Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dai Owens

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell       

Cllr Dave Williams

Cllr Simon Worman

Public:                             Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/157/15.03.21

Apologies were accepted from Cllr S Bradbury-Willis and Cllr G Jones.

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/158/15.03.21

The Chairman welcomed everyone and remarked on the amount sand that had been blown onto the road and pavements due to the recent storms and hoped that it would be cleared soon.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Receive & confirm minutes of meeting 15^th February 2021

CL/159/15.03.21

Proposed: Cllr B Kelly      Seconded: Cllr B Tyrrell

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/160/15.03.21

Page 57     

M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

Clerk has emailed Snowdonia National Park again but still no response.

Action: Chair will contact Edward Jones direct as he has his telephone number

64

M/81/(21.09.20) EV charging points

Clerk wasn’t able to contact the clerk in Machynlleth, but had been in contact again with Jon Starbuck, who informed her that the chargers installed in Machynlleth were not fit for purpose, as they take too long to charge and therefore are not being used.

Action: Chair to talk to Gwynedd Council for an update on their plans

M/106/(16.11.20) Playground

New seating is being installed imminently.

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway Improvements

Clerk reported that she has sent another email to Adrian Williams at Gwynedd Council Highways and also tried to phone Sean Wilkes, but has had no response to either. Mr. Wilkes phone had been switched off every time she tried to ring him, so had been unable to leave a message.

Action: Clerk to keep trying to contact both

Page 58/59

M/139/(18.01.21)

Community Housing Trust

This will be discussed under Agenda Item 8, Community Needs Analysis

Crack in sea wall

Clerk has sent photos of the crack in the pavements as well as the sea wall to Gwynedd Council, who have replied saying they are on their monthly inspection list. The Chair has also spoken to the harbourmaster about this.

Cllr Tyrrell informed the meeting that the harbourmaster and Barry Davies have been to Penhelig gardens and have arranged for work to be done to the wall there and in other places round the village.

Penhelig Toilets development

Cllr Reynolds informed the Council that no work has been done on the development for about a month. The Chair reported that Snowdonia National Park have been to inspect the work and that the National Park were going to inform the owners that they have exceeded their boundaries, but nothing more has been heard.

Page 61

M/150/(15.02.21) Installing CCTV

Cllr Kelly has given log-in details for the CCTV system to the Clerk and has purchased a new system for the area around the Neuadd Dyfi.

Action: Cllr Kelly to install new system as soon as he is able. Clerk to make some CCTV system notices to be displayed outside the Neuadd Dyfi.

65

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/161/15.03.21

Clerk informed the Council that she has queried the 2 payments to Siemens on the 10^th and 11^th February as only one payment should have been taken. Siemens told her they have only taken one payment, but the bank statement shows that it has been taken twice. She is waiting to hear back from the accounts department at Siemens on this matter.

Cllr Kelly reminded the Council that the AA&I will be paying for half of the rent for the storage cupboard under the Council Office.

Proposed: Cllr. Tyrrell               Seconded: Cllr Williams

Unanimously approved

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/162/15.03.21

The Chair reported that there was a full Council meeting of Gwynedd Council last week with over 70 members present and the proposed increase in premium was discussed for almost three hours. Gwynedd Council passed the proposed increase as 30 voted for the increase and 16 voted against. The Chair reported that he spoke vigorously against it and some other councillors proposed that they should wait until next year. The Chair reported that they were told it is not a statutory increase and will be discussed every year at full council.

The Chair reported that the 3.7% increase in rates were confirmed at the meeting.

Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis reported that a road sign by Bryn Gwylan has fallen down. The Chair responded that he would report it to Gwynedd Council.

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/163/15.03.21

NP5/50/438B      Glascoed, Aberdyfi

          Construction of summerhouse

          No objections were raised

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To consider doing a Community Needs Survey

CL/164/15.03.21

The clerk reported that she represents a group wanting to set up a community drop-in centre and had formed a steering group with representatives from the Neuadd Dyfi, the Community Housing Trust and the Climate and Biodiversity group in order to come together to do a community needs survey, as all groups had previously been planning to do their own. This steering group would like to work with the Community Council on the project and ask if the Council would be willing to take part and even lead the survey.

66

The Council agreed a survey is a good idea and Cllr D Owens and Cllr D. Williams volunteered to be on the steering group.

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To decide on response to station audit

CL/165/15.03.21

The signs at the station are looking a bit tatty.

Action: Clerk to respond to the audit with this information.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To consider buying goal posts for the football field

CL/166/15.03.21

The clerk presented 4 quotes for a pair of goalposts to the Council, 12’ x 6’ (£172.99) and 16’ x 7’ (£229.99) freestanding steel from Networld Sports and 12’ x 6’ (£645.00) and 16’ x 7’ (£725.00) from the Soccer Store which are steel posts sunk into the ground.

It was agreed to put both posts out, rather than keeping one set of goals in storage. It was proposed to buy the larger ones from the Soccer Store at a cost of £725.00

Cllr Williams informed the Council that a child was killed a few years ago when some freestanding goalposts feel on them, so posts sunk into the ground would be a lot safer.

Proposed: Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis Seconded: Cllr M Reynolds

Unanimously agreed.

Action: Clerk to order goalposts

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To consider and decide on supporting work required for the cycle path project

CL/167/15.03.21

Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis declared an interest in this item and took no part in the discussions or decision.

Cllr Tyrrell reported that Network Rail have requested aerial footage of the proposed route of the cycle path between the cemetery and Aberdyfi. Four anonymous quotes for this work were presented to the Council, all to include editing of the final footage.

1. £375 + travel expenses at 45p for first 100 miles, 13p thereafter.
2. £579
3. £200 with company logo displayed on final video, £250 without logo
4. £350

It was proposed to accept the £250 quote from company No. 3

Proposed: Cllr Williams    Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Unanimously agreed

67

Cllr Tyrrell informed the Council about a survey currently being done by Gwynedd Council under their Active Travel Initiative and urged everyone to take the survey. Cllr Tyrrell had spoken to the person at Gwynedd Council in charge of the survey and was told they have to convince the Welsh Government that the local community wants it to happen, hence the survey. Cllr Tyrrell asked if there is any way the Council can help get the message to more people in order for them to take the survey and support the project.

Cllr Williams responded that Gwynedd Council will already know the feelings of many people in this area because of the exhibitions that were held in Tywyn a few years ago. He suggested the Council can help by putting it in Rushlight etc. He also pinted out that what is currently there only goes half way, which is not much use to either Tywyn or Aberdyfi communities.

Cllr Reynold pointed out that there is a small piece of land where the proposed route goes that belongs to David Inman.

Action: Clerk to put the cycle path link into Rushlight etc and make some posters to put round the village, as well as talking to the clerk in Tywyn. Councillors to spread the word.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Correspondence

CL/168/15.03.21

• Harbour users meeting

The Chair reported that a meeting was held recently and at that meeting it was reported that fewer moorings were being put out this year as there is less demand for them due to Covid etc.  He reported that the wharf development tenders should be going out by the end of the month and they were told that the work should commence towards the end of the year. He expressed concern that the cost will continue to rise which might mean that they decide not to put the steps into the wall to reduce costs. He reported that Aberdyfi has fought hard to get those steps put in for years so he will be monitoring the situation very closely to ensure this doesn’t happen. Cllr Williams expressed concerns that it is vital to monitor this as it will be the last chance to influence what happens for a very long time.

The harbour master reported that there will be two seasonal beach wardens employed this summer.

Neil Storkey reported to the harbour users meeting that the Picnic Island bridge is now fully funded and installation should go ahead as planned in the Autumn when the rail line is closed for maintenance on Barmouth bridge. Cllr Williams expressed concern that the council needs to liaise with highways to have temporary traffic lights just while they swing the bridge into place rather than a 24 hour road closure, as this will be more acceptable to the community.

68

• Home Start Cymru

Email seeking volunteers from families to support other families

• Snowdonia National Park Partnership Plan
• Brown bin has been delivered and the clerk is sourcing suitable locks. The harbourmaster has agreed it can be sited by the harbourmaster office where there are bolts in the wall to lock the bin to.
• 3 benches have been delivered. 1 still on order.

One is for Alf Bowen, which will be sited in the wharf gardens, beside a bench supplied by the Maritime Department of Gwynedd Council, also in memory of Alf.

• Work on the Gwelfor Terrace allotment retaining wall will start within the next couple of weeks and the clerk will inform the allotment holder of the plot immediately in front of the wall. There is going to be a drainage pipe leading to a water butt at the bottom of the wall.
• Tree sculpture. A resident has offered to help move this project on so the clerk will check the existing paperwork held in the office and take it from there. The council has been advised that the trees will need to be cut down in the next few years, so the project is timely. 

Action: Clerk to check the progress of the project so far

• New councillor emails are now ready for testing and the clerk will email everyone with details. The clerk informed the meeting that there is a £120 one-off set-up fee and £126 annually for the emails and email notification service, with optional £10 per 200 texts for each email address for SMS notifications.

It was proposed to go ahead without SMS notifications.

Proposed: Cllr Kelly                  Seconded: Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis

          Agreed unanimously

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/169/15.03.21

• CCTV policy
• Triangle of land at the old Catholic church – request to find out who owns this land and if no-one, perhaps the council could buy it
• Footpath at the top of the village has been blocked and signs have been moved.
• Container storage for the Council.
• Common land by Dyfi Yard Repairs seems to have been extended and trees have been cut down.

69

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Items for Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/170/15.03.21

• Election staff needed for 6^th May
• Beach wheelchairs
• Cycle path survey information
• New defibrillator at the Tourist Information Centre
• Electoral reform link. Welsh Government want to encourage young people and minorities to engage more with the democracy process.
• Installation of goalposts
• Installation of new shelter in playground
• Second home premium increase – it is not statutory, will be discussed again next year and Aberdyfi Community Council were not in favour of the decision

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Date of next meeting

CL/171/15.03.21

Monday 19^TH April 2021, 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.05pm

70

15th February 2021

by Sandy Andrews | Mar 18, 2021 | ** COUNCIL, MINUTES ARCHIVE

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 15^th February 2021

Present were:                   Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:                     

Cllr James Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Gareth Jones

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dai Owens

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell       

Cllr Dave Williams

Cllr Simon Worman

Public:                             Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/143/15.02.21

No apologies – Full attendance

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/144/15.02.21

The Chairman welcomed everyone and remarked how quickly the meetings come round. He noted that the vaccination programme in Tywyn seems to be going well with most people in the top categories having had their vaccinations already. He thanked the councillors for their good behaviour and decorum during meetings and referenced a recent council meeting that was widely seen on the internet where standards of behaviour were well below those expected of councillors.

The Chair paid tribute to Brian Bates, who passed away recently. Brian served on the Council for over 30 years, as well as on the RNLI and Coastguard. He was always willing to help anyone and was a great asset to the whole village.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Receive & confirm minutes of meeting 18^th January 2021

CL/145/15.02.21

Proposed: Cllr Kelly         Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Unanimously approved.

56

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/146/15.02.21

Page 49     

M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

Clerk has emailed Snowdonia National Park again but still no response.

Action: Clerk to keep trying to contact the National park.

M/74/(21.09.20) CCTV

Will be discussed under Agenda Item 8

M/81/(21.09.20) Correspondence

EV charging points

Chair reported that he has spoken to Cabinet members at Gwynedd Council and reported that Gwynedd Council representatives will be, or may well already have done a site visit, to look at where to site chargers in the main car park. They assured the Chair they would contact him again in March with an update.

Action: Chair will give an update next month

Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis informed the council that recently 4 quick chargers have been installed in the main car park in Machynlleth and suggested the Clerk talk to the clerk in Machynlleth to find out any information that might be useful about the installation and running of them.

Action: Clerk to contact Machynlleth Council clerk.

M/106/(16.11.20) Playground

New swings are now in place, with the work also having been completed on the climbing frame and the roundabout. Cllr O’Neill reported that the new seating should be installed in the next couple of weeks.

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway improvements

Clerk has emailed Gwynedd Council again and tried to phone Sean Wilkes, but no reply from either. The Chair spoke to Mr. Wilkes recently and was told he will do a site visit to see what work needs to be done there.

Action: Clerk to contact Sean Wilkes again.

Page 50

M/122/(21.12.20) Correspondence

Letter from Alan Turnbull

Chair met with a Gwynedd Council representative about siting Mr. Turbull’s bin at the far end of the car park by the fire station and was told that this shouldn’t be a problem. He was told that the fence will be replaced soon.

57

Gwynedd Council also agreed that the green bins opposite the chemist should be re-sited to behind the wall and they will arrange for this to happen in the next few months and will inform the owners of the bins. Cllr Williams pointed out that Outward Bound should be consulted, to make sure that there is enough space for them to swing boats in and out of the building, as the doors are directly opposite where the bins will be going. Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis pointed out that the sand may potentially build up against the bins and stop them being moved. The other option is for the bins to be moved to beside the recycling bins by the Fire Station but the owners of the bins may not be happy having to walk this far. It was agreed to try the bins behind the wall and monitor the situation.

Action: Chair to discuss with Outward Bound their requirements of the space behind the wall

M/131/(18.01.21) Gwynedd Council Report

The Chair has spoken to Gwynedd Council about the lamp-post that has been sited in the road by the Penhelig and there are no plans to move the lamp-post. Concern was also raised about the extent of the excavations and the Chair informed the Council that Gwynedd Council have done a site visit and that the excavations are to build a retaining wall which will be infilled behind afterwards. Snowdonia National Park assured the Chair that they will be monitoring the situation closely.

Cllr Tyrrell has spoken to the manager at the Penhelig Arms and there are no plans for the brewery to contest the building work. Cllr Williams pointed out that the lamp-post is the responsibility of Gwynedd Council, as they sold the land with the lamp-post on it, so it is their responsibility to fix the problem.

Concern was raised about cars and bikes potentially crashing into the lamp-post, though it may have the effect of calming the traffic, causing cars to slow down. Cllr. Tyrrell pointed out that if it is to be used as a traffic-calming measure, it needs to have signs indicating that the road narrows etc.

Action: Community Council to monitor the situation closely

The Chair informed the Council he will report on the sand shift next month.

Page 54 / 55

M/139/(18.01.21)

Community Housing Trust

Cllr O’Neill reported that the recent meeting of the Community Housing Trust was well attended and that Gwynedd Council are deciding soon whether to fund a scheme to buy back houses to rent to local people. She also reported that the Trust will be doing a community needs analysis in conjunction with the Neuadd Dyfi and they have been successful in obtaining £2,500 of funding from wales Coop to help with set-up costs.

58

There will need to be a Community Regeneration Group set up in the village at some point after the needs analysis has been done. During the meeting the question was raised as to who the land above Craig Y Lanch belonged to. Cllr Craig ab Iago checked on this and informed Cllr O’Neill that all available development land in Aberdyfi has been sold by Gwynedd Council to Adra for £1. 

Wharf Development Project

The Chair reported he will have more news next month as there is a Harbour-users meeting is on 2^nd March.

Crack in the sea wall

Chair has spoken to the harbourmaster about the crack in the sea wall opposite Cliffside Terrace and is hopeful that something will be done about it before Easter.

Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis pointed out that the pavement around one of the bollards on Seaview Terrace is badly cracked and will send a photo to the Clerk to pass on.

Action: Clerk to inform Gwynedd Council about the crack in the pavement.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/147/15.02.21

Proposed: Cllr. Reynolds           Seconded: Cllr Jones

Unanimously approved

Cllr Williams asked if the Council have changed bank yet. The Clerk reported that she is planning on changing bank after the end of the financial year.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/148/15.02.21

The Chair reported that Gwynedd Council have provided some figures by the finance department on the issue of second homes and a proposed increase in the Council Tax premium on those homes. There are 368 second homes in Aberdyfi, which is the second highest in Gwynedd, with Abersoch having the highest number with 454. Tywyn has 163. 131 of the 368 second homes are classed as businesses, so do not pay any rates at all (figures from November 2020). There are also 27 empty houses in Aberdyfi. In Gwynedd as a whole, there are 4,718 second homes, of which 2,166 are classed as businesses and pay no rates. The head of the finance department in Gwynedd Council said this equates to ball-park figure of £280,000 loss for Aberdyfi and over £3 million loss to Gwynedd and estimated it would go up to £5 million if the increase in premium is introduced. Gwynedd Council hope to make £10-12 million by increasing the premium, most of which will be spent on affordable housing in Gwynedd.

The decision about the increase will be taken by the Cabinet of Gwynedd Council on 16^th February and by the full Council at the beginning of March.

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The Community Council agreed that they would rather see council tax increased for all residents rather than the premium on second homes, but acknowledged this is unlikely to happen.

Cllr O’Neill asked if it is possible to get a list of the 27 empty houses in Aberdyfi so that possibly Gwynedd Council could buy them back.

Action: The Chair will try to find out the addresses

Cllr S Bradbury-Willis asked if there are any figures on the proportion of money that will be spent in Aberdyfi, given that the second home owners in the village will be providing a large portion of the income for Gwynedd Council. The Chair replied that he knows of no figures like this at present.

The Chair reported that Gwynedd Council are to change the system of charging for their car parks in April to a fee of £5 for up to 12 hours, so no matter how long someone parks in the car park, they will have to pay £5. In Winter months, the fee will be £3. Annual parking permits will go up from £125 to £140. The Chair noted that there is now no excuse for Gwynedd Council to keep the car park clear and tidy and will be contacting Gwynedd to ensure they do this by Easter.

Action: Chair to arrange to meet Gwynedd Council to discuss the upkeep of the main car park

Cllr Williams informed the Council that Nantiesin car park has finally been cleaned after 3 years of trying to get it done.

Cllr Tyrrell reminded the Council about the Residents Car Pass, which allows residents to park in a named car park for about half the price of the annual car park permit. 

The Chair has been informed that in April Gwynedd Council is likely to increase the Council Tax by 3.7%, equating to £52.90/year or £1.02/week for a Band D house.

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/149/15.02.21

NP5/50/E610A    Land adjoining Plas Panteidal Lodge 

          To build a low voltage overhead line

          No objections were raised

NP5/50/371B      5 Treflan LL35 0PN

          Extension to front raised patio and installation of balustrade

          No objections were raised

          NP5/50/147P      Nyth Robin Campsite, Panteidal LL35 0RG

          Construction of rural enterprise dwelling (re-submission)

          No objections were raised

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          NP5/50/479A      Ty’r Enfys, 4 Copperhill Walk LL35 0LG

Alterations including new Juliet balcony & installation of cladding at first floor level

No objections were raised

          Premises Licence Application: Coast to Go, 9 Glandovey Terrace

          No objections were raised

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To consider Installing CCTV in the village square around the Neuadd Dyfi

CL/150/15.02.21

The Clerk and Cllr Kelly have been approached by members of the public, asking if CCTV can be installed around the Neuadd Dyfi area, due to concerns about anti-social behaviour and members of the public have also approached Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis about installing CCTV in the square.

Cllr Kelly informed the Council that it is not possible to include the Neuadd Dyfi area in the existing CCTV provision in the village, as the wifi connection will not extend that far. He suggested buying a self-contained system at a cost of approximately £250-£300 which would not have any ongoing maintenance costs like the existing system. He has spoken to the Neuadd Dyfi, who are happy for the recording box to be sited in the Neuadd and also for the Neuadd wifi to be used. Cllr J Bradbury-Willis reminded the Council that the system needs to comply with GDPR. The Clerk informed the Council that she has spoken to the police and has been told that in order for the CCTV to be used in a Court of Law, the footage needs to be of good quality, clear and have signage declaring that CCTV is in operation.

It was proposed for Cllr Kelly to buy and install such a system.

Proposed: Cllr Kelly         Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Unanimously approved

Action: Cllr Kelly to buy and install a CCTV system in liaison with the Neuadd Dyfi

Cllr Kelly explained that there is a similar problem in the square but it is not possible to link it into the existing system so he is going to liaise with businesses in the square in order to move forward with installing CCTV in that area.

Action: Cllr Kelly to liaise with businesses in the square

Cllr Williams reminded the Council that the cameras currently in place were put in place following national guidelines on privacy, GDPR etc. Cllr Kelly informed the Council that a draft CCTV policy has been sent to Cllr J Bradbury-Willis for comments before circulating to the rest of the Council for approval and adoption.

Action: CCTV policy to be discussed for approval at the meeting in March.

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AGENDA ITEM 9 – To consider events for NHS Day, 5^th July

CL/151/15.02.21

The Clerk informed the Council that rather than signing up for the whole day, as previously thought, it is expected that organisations sign for up individual events during the day. It was decided to make a decision closer to the time, at the May meeting and Cllr S Bradbury-Willis asked it be put in Rushlight. Cllr J Bradbury-Willis asked the clerk to check the stands for the banners as they were in a state of disrepair last time he saw them.

Action: Clerk to check banner stands and put NHS Day celebrations on agenda for May meeting and in Rushlight.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To confirm donation to the Neuadd Dyfi

CL/152/15.02.21

Cllr Williams declared an interest in this item.

The Clerk confirmed that the Council had agreed in 2018 to give a yearly donation of £2,500 from precept and half of the net proceeds from the Neuadd Dyfi car park revenue to the Neuadd Dyfi. The income from the car park in the 2020 season was £5219.80, so the donation should be £5219.80 x 50% = £2609.90 + £2500 = £5109.90.

Proposed: Cllr Kelly                  Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Unanimously approved

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Correspondence

CL/153/15.02.21

• Email from Jon Starbuck regarding EV chargers.  Cllr Williams suggested it may be an idea for the Community Council to work with Gwynedd Council on this, as there is a small sub-station next to the Neuadd Dyfi car park and potentially a problem with electricity supply in the main car park. There was concern that people would not vacate the spaces once their car was charged and that it would be impossible to police. Cllr S Bradbury-Willis suggested this issue will perhaps need a sub-committee to move it forward as it is such a big project with many infrastructure issues. It was agreed to wait to see what Gwynedd Council proposes to do before moving forward at the moment.
• Email from Nick Aitken asking if the Council would like some defibrillator training. It was agreed this was a good idea, but would need to wait until after restrictions are lifted, so would be revisited then.
• Email from One Voice Wales for survey for the Land Registry about what land the Council owns and she asked if someone with more knowledge about this would help her fill it in. Cllr Worman asked if the land between the football field and the old running track was common land and this was confirmed.

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• The Clerk informed the Council that she will not be going ahead with buying a small memorial for Elaine Foote which was agreed in December, as she has found out that a Council cannot spend money on individuals.  

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/154/15.02.21

• Sandshift
• Cleaning up of the car park
• Wharf development project

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Items for Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/155/15.02.21

NHS Day celebrations

Climate Forum

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Date of next meeting

CL/156/15.02.21

Monday 15^th March 2021, 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9pm

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18th January 2021

by Sandy Andrews | Feb 16, 2021 | ** COUNCIL, MINUTES ARCHIVE

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 18^th January 2021

Present were:   Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:                     

Cllr James Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Gareth Jones

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dai Owens

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell       

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Simon Worman (co-opted during meeting)

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/126/18.01.21

No apologies – Full attendance

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/127/18.01.21

The Chairman welcomed everyone to a new year of the Council and informed everyone that it looks like we will probably need to continue with remote meetings until the Autumn.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – To co-opt a new councillor

CL/128/18.01.21

2 applications were initially received, but 1 withdrew, leaving 1 application and it was agreed to co-opt Simon Worman as a councillor

Proposed: Cllr Kelly                  Seconded: Cllr Jones

Unanimously approved

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Receive & confirm minutes of meeting 21^st December 2020

CL/129/18.01.21

Proposed: Cllr Reynolds  Seconded: Cllr Kelly

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/130/18.01.21

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Page 42     

M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

Clerk has emailed photos of the proposed site and of the preferred fountain to Snowdonia National Park but hasn’t heard anything back yet.

Action: Clerk to contact Snowdonia National Park again

Page 43

M/63/(20.07.20) Funding for cycle paths

Chair informed the Council that this had come up at the last meeting of Gwynedd Council and it is currently under consideration by Gwynedd Council Consultancy.

Cllr Tyrrell reminded the council that both consultations that were undertaken in the last 2 years had been extremely well-attended and that there was a large appetite for the cycle path to be completed.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council to find out the status of the project.

M/74/(21.09.20) CCTV

Clerk has emailed asking the camera to be moved, but hasn’t had a reply.

Action: Clerk to contact again and if quote is too high or if they don’t respond, the Council may consider moving the camera ourselves.

M/81/(21.09.20) Correspondence

EV charging points

Chair reported that he has spoken to Cabinet members at Gwynedd Council and it is looking hopeful that Aberdyfi will be included in the plans to install charging points, but it all depends on the availability of internet access in the car park. Gwynedd Council representatives will do a site visit to check the suitability.

Action: Chair will contact Gwynedd Council and give an update next month

M/106/(16.11.20) Playground

Clerk has left a message with GL Jones asking for a date when the swings will be re-installed and an installation date for the new seating, but has had no reply. Cllr O’Neill informed the Council that she has been in discussion with GL Jones about the designs on the panels. It was agreed to delegate decisions about this to Cllr O’Neill and the Clerk. It was pointed out that the shelter needs to be sited to ensure there is still emergency vehicular access through the playground.

Action: Clerk and Cllr O’Neill to liaise with GL Jones. Clerk to request date for re-installation of swings.

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway improvements

Clerk has had no reply from Gwynedd Council yet.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council highways again

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Page 45

M/122/(21.12.20) Correspondence

Letter from Alan Turnbull

Chair has tried to talk to Gwynedd Council about re-siting the bins at the far end of the car park by the fire station without success and is waiting for a reply.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council again

Wharf gardens committee

Chair hasn’t yet spoken to the harbourmaster about siting a brown bin in one of their stores.

Action: Chair to speak to harbourmaster

Page 46

M/123/(21.12.20) Items for consideration at future meetings

Cllr O’Neill informed the council that she has sent photos of the railings around the car park to Gwynedd Council and pointed out to them that the railings are their responsibility, so we should not apply for a grant to have them repaired. As yet she has had no reply.

Action: Cllr O’Neill to report on progress at next meeting

Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis pointed out that a discussion about installing CCTV in the square was not on the agenda this month as requested. This was an oversight by the clerk and will be put on the agenda for next month.

Action: Clerk to put onto agenda for next month

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s Report

No report as the Clerk has had no bank statements from Natwest, as they had started sending all statements to the branch, rather than to the Council Office, even although this had not been requested. The Clerk still has no access to online banking either, so has no access to any banking information at the moment.

The clerk reported that she spoke to the complaints department, who have said they’ll help with the application and have credited our account with £200 as compensation.

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/131/18.01.21

Chair has tried to contact highways about the lamppost next to the Penhelig Arms that has been put in the road, rather than by the side of the road, but without success.

Action: Chair will contact highways again and report back

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The Chair reported that Gwynedd Council do not plan to shift all the sand from the area around the slipway this year and that the harbourmaster is very concerned about this. He reported seeing someone with a tractor today but it’s not clear who this was or who has organised it. There is still a very large amount of sand along the promenade and in the car park itself, so much so, that plants have now taken root. The Chair has already spoken to Gwynedd Council about this issue but the person he spoke to didn’t seem to think it was a big problem, so the Chair pointed out that if the sand isn’t cleared regularly, it will cause a much bigger and more expensive problem for Gwynedd Council. He also pointed out again that Gwynedd Council gain a large income from the car park, so it is in their interest to keep it clear of sand and looking attractive. The Council agreed the whole area looks unkept and untidy and something needs to be done about it.

Action: Chair to talk again to Gwynedd Council and ask them to do a site visit to discuss all the problems with the car park, not just the sand. Clerk to add to agenda for February or March meeting, after Chair has met with Gwynedd Council.

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Planning

CL/132/18.01.21

NP5/50/L145F     12 Seaview Terrace, Aberdyfi LL35 0EF

                                      Creation of balcony on third floor flat roof

No objections were raised

NP5/50/L220C     32 Terrace Road, Aberdyfi LL35 0LU

                                       Removal of chimneys & installation of flues

                                       No objections were raised

Letter from Golf Club requesting supporting letter for an application to convert meeting rooms into accommodation.

Cllrs Jones, Reynolds and Williams declared an interest at this point.

It was agreed to write a strong letter of support for this application. A letter is required at this stage of the process to enable the application to go to the full planning committee.

Action: Clerk to write letter

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To consider declaring a Climate Emergency

CL/133/18.01.21

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill                Seconded: Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis

Unanimously approved

Climate Committee: Cllrs O’Neill, J. Bradbury-Willis and Worman. Cllr Kelly is keen to offer support when he is able.

Action: Clerk to work with Climate Committee to produce a Climate Emergency policy

51

Cllr Kelly informed the Council that there is a map in historical minutes showing the how much of the local area that would be lost if the sea level rises and suggested sharing it would be a good way to encourage more people to take Climate Change seriously.

Action: Clerk to find map for distribution.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To consider and approve grant applications

CL/134/18.01.21

The following donations were approved unanimously:

Proposed: Cllr Jones                   Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Welsh Air Ambulance – £200

Urdd – £50

Dail Dysynni – £50

Radio Ysbyty Gwynedd applied but it was felt that Aberdyfi has much stronger links with Bronglais so agreed not to donate anything to this cause.

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To appoint an internal auditor

CL/135/18.01.21

The Council thanked Mr. Lister for all his work so far and agreed to appoint him for the coming year.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To adopt Risk Assessment/Code of Conduct/Register of Interests.

CL/136/18.01.21

It was agreed to adopt for the next year

NO AGENDA ITEM 13 as Clerk mis-numbered the agenda items

AGENDA ITEM 14 – To consider moving banking to Unity Trust Bank

CL/137/18.01.21

It was unanimously agreed to move to Unity Trust Bank

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Correspondence

CL/138/18.01.21

Two Emails re: Village Tree Planting Project

Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis suggested the Climate Committee take this forward with the Tree Planting Project Group, which was unanimously agreed.

Action: Clerk to reply, informing them we have declared a climate emergency and formed a committee, who are keen to work with them on the project.

Cllr Williams reminded the council that the playing field is for children to play football so any trees planted should be able to withstand the rigours of this.

52

NHS Frontline Workers Day 5^th July 2021

A day to show appreciation for all frontline workers.

It was agreed to register the Council for this.

Action: Clerk to register interest and report further when more information becomes available.

Two emails from second-home owners objecting about proposed increase in council tax for second home owners.

It was agreed to write to Gwynedd Council informing them that Aberdyfi Community Council does not agree with the proposed increase.

Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell                Seconded: Cllr Jones

Agreed by majority.

Action: Clerk to write to Gwynedd Council informing them we do not agree with the increase, but we do not object to local housing being built. Also to make them aware that many members of the public are not clear why they want to make the increase. 

Action: Clerk to reply to emails informing them we have written to Gwynedd Council expressing our concerns about the increase.

Email from Gwynedd Council Assistant Head of Finance.

Email received outlining potential effect of the proposed increase in Council Tax for second home owners on precept for Councils.

It was proposed to keep the precept increase to 1.5% inflation as agreed at the previous meeting.

Proposed: Cllr Williams             Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Unanimously agreed

Wolverhampton Bike Ride

One of the organisers contacted the Clerk and informed her that the bike ride will happen this year, but it will be a circular route to and from Wolverhampton on a different weekend to normal, so that Aberdyfi is not swamped with visitors at this difficult time. This means that those people with rolling accommodation bookings can still come down for the weekend and can also take part in the bike ride this year, ensuring Aberdyfi doesn’t miss out on business. Next year it is envisaged that the bike ride event will return to normal.

Councillor’s contact details

The Clerk proposed that the Council set up council-specific email addresses for each councillor which is web-based, as recommended by One Voice Wales. Digital Egg informed the Clerk it is possible for all councillors to have a councillor@aberdyfi-council.wales email address for £45 per annum.

53

Cllr Tyrell asked if it is possible to set up a notification to councillor’s personal email address when an email comes in to the Council email.

It was agreed to ask Digital Egg to set this up.

Action: Clerk to liaise with Digital Egg

Message on Facebook asking why the Council didn’t buy ‘Aberdyfi.com’

Cllr Kelly reported that he had checked back in the minutes and Aberdyfi Community Council did not contribute towards the website when it was originally set up or anytime afterwards, as it was entirely orchestrated by Saturn Innovation. The AA&I were asked to contribute towards the cost of collecting local information to put onto the website and gave £1000, but this was not towards setting up or running of the website. The Council has never had any involvement with the website – it has always been a private business website.

Literary Institute

The Clerk has been informed that there will be no increase in rent this coming year.

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/139/18.01.21

The Clerk left the meeting at this point

Clerk’s probation period

The probation period has finished for the Clerk and the Council agreed to approve her position as Clerk.

The Clerk re-joined the meeting

Cllr Kelly declared an interest in the next item

Request for letter of support for residents of Plas Panteidal

Cllr Kelly asked for the Council to consider giving support to the residents of Plas Panteidal in their efforts to buy the estate from the liquidators.

It was unanimously agreed to write a letter of support.

Action: Clerk to write letter of support

Community Housing Trust meeting

Cllr O’Neill informed the Council that there is a meeting tomorrow night about Community Housing Trusts and she can give details on how to join.

Wharf Development Project

The Chair believes that the tenders went out at the beginning of the month, but is yet to hear officially that this is the case.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council Consultancy and report next month

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Picnic Island Bridge

It is hoped that this will be done in September / October when the Barmouth Bridge is having repairs carried out and the rail line is closed. The bridge will be built in Wrexham and installed in in one day. The project is currently being held up by Gwynedd Council Consultancy as they have yet to give their approval.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council Consultancy and report next month

Cllr Jones asked if any response had been given to the information sent to Gwynedd Council about the cracks in the wall by the shelter opposite Cliffside Terrace. The Clerk confirmed she had taken and sent photos to Gwynedd Council weeks ago but hasn’t heard back.

Action: Chair to contact harbourmaster

For Agenda Next month:

CCTV in the square

AGENDA ITEM 17 – Items for Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/140/18.01.21

Health Centre telephone number

Welcome new residents to the village

Welcome to new Councillor

Wolverhampton Bike Ride

Climate Emergency and invite to join in

Defibrillator not working at TIC

Reminder of website address and Facebook page

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Date of next meeting

CL/141/18.01.21

Monday 15^th February 2021, 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.35pm

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