18th September 2023

by Sandy Andrews | Oct 24, 2023 | ** COUNCIL, MINUTES ARCHIVE

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 18^th September 2023

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Roman Hackelsberger

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dewi Owen

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Dave Williams

3 members of the public were present.

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/46/18.09.23

Apologies received and accepted from Cllrs Dunton, Porter and Tyrrell

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chair announcements

CL/47/18.09.23

The chair remarked on how good it was to see events taking place again after the pandemic and that the Food Festival and DyfiFest were both very successful. He thanked everyone who was involved in organising the events and hoped that they will continue next year.

In July there was an incident involving young people who live locally, where the signs etc. from outside the Post Office were placed on the main road, causing obstruction to traffic. CCTV footage has been passed to the police, they have issued a crime number and will be investigating further. 

The chair has been researching the sewage outlet problems reported by residents and said that it is still ongoing and he will report back when he has the full picture. 

AGENDA ITEM 3 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 17^th July2023.

CL/48/18.09.23

Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Hewins

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/49/18.09.23

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M/3/15.05.23 – Time & Tide Bell

The clerk reported she has been unable to contact the harbourmaster regarding the location of the information board for the Time & Tide Bell, or Peter Gringold.

Action: Clerk to contact the harbourmaster and Peter Gringold. 

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M/24/19.06.23 – Coastal erosion

Cllr Owen reported that he is still waiting to meet with Mabon ap Gwynfor and the golf club to discuss this issue but is hoping to soon and will report at the next meeting.

Action: Cllr Owen to meet with Mabon ap Gwynfor and the golf club

Page 12

M/34/17.07.23 – Gwynedd Council report

Planning violations

Cllr Owen has not been able to contact SNPA regarding this issue.

Action: Cllr Owen to contact SNPA regrading planning violations and confirm they will visit Aberdyfi in the Autumn to meet with residents.

M/35/17.07.23 – Introduction of 20 mph speed limit

Cllr Owen is waiting to hear from Andrew Gregson of Gwynedd Council as to how much flashing speed limit signs will cost and if Gwynedd Council are willing to install them in Aberdyfi. 

The clerk has requested brochures from companies who sell these signs.

Action: Cllr Owen to contact Andrew Gregson 

Action: Clerk to add to the next agenda

M/39/17.07.23 – use of football field for golf junior training

The Chair has spoken to the secretary of the golf club and both parties seem agreeable to the proposal and agree that a legal lease or licence needs to be put in place. 

The clerk has not yet been given the details of a solicitor. 

Action: Clerk to obtain details and contact a solicitor regarding leases / licences.

Action: Cllrs Hackelsberger and Tyrrell to compile list of requirements to be included 

Action: Clerk to put on agenda for next meeting.

Page 13

M/40/17.07.23 Installation of water-bottle filling station

This is due to be installed within the next few weeks

Page 14

M/42/17.07.23 

Playground project

We have been advised that we require planning permission so an application has been submitted. Banners containing a QR code have been bought and put up. Cllr O’Neill pointed out that we can’t apply for any grants until we know if we have planning permission or not.

Railings in main car park

Cllr Owen has written 3 emails regarding this issue and is waiting to hear back. 

Action: Clerk to chase up

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Maintenance of osprey sculpture

The clerk reported that she bought oil and arranged for it to be applied to the sculpture. There is enough oil left to last two or three years

House sign on old Catholic Church

Cllr Owen has been unable to contact the owners despite 3 visits to the property. It was reported that apparently several residents have written directly to the owners but none have received a reply. 

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s report

CL/50/18.09.23

Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Williams

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/51/18.09.23

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

20mph speed limit

Gwynedd Council acknowledge that the change will cause different feelings within the community and Cllr Owen said he will contact Mr Gregson again about installing flashing speed cameras at either end of the village.

Road closure in January

Cllr Owen has spoken to Griffiths Ltd, who have been inundated with complaints about the proposed closure at the cottages on the North side of the old bridge for 3 weeks in January. This will result in a diversion via Talyllyn and Corris, which will add approximately an hour onto the journey. Griffiths Ltd explained that the pipes they need to lay will have to go along the middle of the road, so the whole road will need to be closed. They also explained that they are contracted by the Welsh Government to do this work, so they have to obtain permission / direction from the Government to make any changes to the plans. The clerk reported that she had also spoken to Griffiths Ltd and was told that they are logging every complaint they receive and will be passing them all onto the Welsh Government. Cllr Owen reported that Gwynedd Council were not happy with the situation either and will be objecting to the closure.

Action: Clerk to ask liaison officer of Griffiths Ltd to attend the next council meeting

Action: Clerk to write to Highways, Griffiths Ltd, Mabon ap Gwynfor and Liz Saville-Roberts

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/52/18.09.23

No planning applications have been received

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To discuss placing double yellow lines at the entrance to Parc yr Ysgol

CL/53/18.09.23

It was noted that the zig-zag lines have been removed from the entrance to Parc yr Ysgol but have not been replaced by double yellow lines. It was agreed to request

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double yellow lines for the minimum distance either side of the side road. 

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To discuss removing grass cuttings from Maes Newydd playground

CL/54/18.09.23

The clerk has received a quote from Pennal Garden Services for cutting and removing the cuttings, which is approximately half the cost that Gwynedd want for just removing the cuttings. It was agreed to see if Gwynedd Council will allow the Community Council to take over responsibility for the grass cutting and reclaim the money back from Gwynedd. 

Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss making a payment for storage of the mobile kitchen

CL/55/18.09.23

No payment has ever been made to Mr. George for storing the mobile kitchen for approximately the 7 years that we have owned the kitchen. It was agreed obtain a figure and invoice from Mr. George. 

Action: Clerk to contact Mr. George

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To decide whether to make an insurance claim for locum clerk costs

CL/56/18.09.23

It was agreed to find out how much the policy excess is and how much premiums would go up if a claim is made. It was agreed for the Chair and Clerk to decide whether to make a claim based on the figures. 

Action: Clerk to find out policy excess and premium increases.

Action: Clerk and Chair to jointly decide whether to make claim.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To discuss RoSPA report and decide any actions

CL/57/18.09.23

The clerk reported that the last quote from GL Jones for repairing the wet-pour is out of date and though it was agreed to have the work done, GL Jones was not asked to do the work as the clerk went off sick before she was able to contact them. It was agreed to obtain a new quote and to go ahead if the Chair and Clerk decide if it is reasonable.

The Clerk reported she is going to meet with Stuart Myring to obtain a quote for repainting the play equipment that requires it. 

The clerk has ‘No Dogs’ signs ready to be put up

The clerk is waiting for a reply from Barry Griffiths with a quote for repairing the concrete benches and bolting down the metal benches and picnic bench. It was agreed to go ahead if the Chair and Clerk decide the quote is reasonable.

Action: Clerk to obtain new quote for repairing the wet-pour and go ahead if reasonable

Action: Clerk to obtain quote for painting equipment

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Action: Clerk to put up ‘No Dogs’ signs

Action: Clerk to contact Barry Griffiths and decide with Chair if the quote is reasonable. 

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To review Food Festival

CL/58/18.09.23

It was agreed that the festival was an overall success, having received a lot of positive feedback. The clerk reported that she had had one complaint about dogs being allowed onto the site and another about the fumes from the generator entering the properties in Rhos Dyfi. It was agreed the generator could be sited in a different place next year. It was agreed to try to get more quotes for a generator next year. It was agreed that it would be good to continue with the Food Festival next year on the same site, but noted that the organisers will need more help next year with the organising in the run-up to the event, not just on the day. Cllr Owen reported that he will meet with the clerk and the organisers to review the Food Festival and make a plan going forward.

Action: Cllr Owen and Clerk to meet with the organisers

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Correspondence

CL/59/18.09.23

Coach signs at the Neuadd Dyfi.

Gwynedd Council are going to create a design to include cars as well as coaches and will provide a quote as well. The Community Council will then decide whether to go ahead. 

Fingerposts

Stuart Myring is going to paint 3 of the fingerposts in the village, at a cost of £125 per post. Cllr Tyrrell is going to ask Les Hunt to remove the fingerpost by the toilets. It was agreed to ask Stuart Myring if he could repaint the part of the village sign that has been painted out by persons unknown.

Action: Cllr Tyrrell to contact Les Hunt

Action: Clerk to contact Stuart Myring

Boardwise

Boardwise are having a demonstration weekend on 7^th and 8^th October and in previous years they have been allowed to park campervans in the Neuadd Dyfi car park. The clerk has given permission again for this. 

Campervans in main car park

Complaints have been received that campervans have been staying overnight in the car park and emptying their waste in the surrounding bushes etc. Apparently the traffic warden has told them it’s OK to stay overnight, so long as they have paid the fee for 24 hours. It was noted that Gwynedd Council are trialling specific campervan sites so it was agreed to wait to see the results of these trails and to tell Gwynedd Council about the complaints and what the traffic wardens have said. 

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council

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Buddlea by Old School House

This is pulling the wall down on the footpath opposite the council office. It was agreed for the clerk to write to Gwynedd Council.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council

Area above Penhelig Gardens

It was reported that the path, railings and bench above Penhelig Gardens are in poor repair and need attention.

Action: Clerk to find out who is responsible for this area and contact them.

Water on road in front of the Britannia Inn

The clerk reported that workmen have been several times to try to fix this, but when they put cones out to clear the area, cars move them and park in the way, so they have been unable to do the work as yet.

Footpath behind the Penhelig Arms

It was reported that this footpath is deteriorating further and needs urgent attention. 

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council / Snowdonia National Park

Time & Tide Bell

Cllr Owen reported that he had received an email from a person involved with the Time & Tide Bell in Angelsey, asking to create closer links between our 2 Bells, as they are the only ones in Wales. It was agreed it would be good to explore options on how we can increase the profile of our bell and it’s remit to raise awareness of climate change.

Action: Clerk to contact them and arrange a meeting

Action: Clerk to contact harbourmaster with regard to revamping Time & Tide Bell signs with QR codes etc.

Drug use / dealing at Parc Yr Ysgol

Complaints have been received regarding apparent drug use and dealing by some residents at Parc yr Ysgol. It was agreed to write to Adra expressing concern.

Action: Clerk to write to Adra

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/60/18.09.23

* Digital Noticeboard

* EV charging points

* Review social media policy

* Review training plan

* Footpath between Picnic Island Bridge and OB

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/61/18.09.23

* Thank organisers of the Food Festival and DyfiFest

* Road closure

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* Community lunches

* Water bottle filling station

* Boardwise

* Messy church

* Time & Tide Bell

AGENDA ITEM 17 – Date of next Meeting

CL/62/18.09.23

Monday 16^th October 2023 at 7.00pm

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.50pm

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17th July 2023

by Sandy Andrews | Oct 11, 2023 | ** COUNCIL, MINUTES ARCHIVE

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 17^th July 2023

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Mark Dunton

Cllr Roman Hackelsberger

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dewi Owen – Gwynedd Councillor

Cllr Sadie Porter

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell

Cllr Dave Williams

4 member of the public were present.

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/27/17.07.23

No apologies received.

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chair announcements

CL/28/17.07.23

The Chair welcomed everyone and said how good it is to have the clerk back at work.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – To co-opt a new councillor

CL/29/17.07.23

Roman Hackelsberger was co-opted as a councillor.

Proposed: Cllr Williams  Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Unanimously agreed

Mr. Hackelsberger signed an Acceptance of Office form in the presence of the clerk and council.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive a presentation and discuss the 2023 Food Festival

CL/30/17.07.23

A presentation was received by the organisers of the Food Festival which is planned for Sunday 20^th August and it was agreed that the council would arrange for the football posts to be removed on the Friday before the festival and would help on the Saturday to set-up chairs, water-connections etc. and clean the site before and after the event. The council also agreed for dogs to be allowed on the site for the event and would provide dog poo bags to be positioned around the site. 

Action: Councillors to remove football posts and help set-up and clear-down the event. Clerk to supply dog poo bags.

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AGENDA ITEM 5 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 19^th June2023.

CL/31/17.07.23

Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Williams

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Matters arising

CL/32/17.07.23

Page 7

M/3/15.05.23 – Matters arising

The clerk reported that it is unclear whether anyone has spoken to the harbourmaster about the location of the information board for the Time & Tide Bell, or if anyone has written to Peter Gringold for examples of other information boards. The council confirmed that neither has been done and asked the clerk to follow up both items.

Action: Clerk to contact the harbourmaster and Peter Gringold. 

Page 8 

M/23/29.06.23 – Correspondence

Benches to replace the curved ones in the wharf gardens have been ordered and will be delivered on 18^thJuly.

M/24/19.06.23 – Items for consideration at future meetings

Coastal erosion

Cllr Owen reported that he is meeting with Mabon ap Gwynfor and members of Aberdyfi Golf Club on 1^stAugust to discuss this issue, so will be able to give an update at the next meeting.

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Treasurer’s report

CL/33/17.07.23

Proposed: Cllr Hewins Seconded: Cllr Owen

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/34/17.07.23

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

Some information from the census which was done a few years ago has now been published and contains some statistics such as there were less Welsh speakers in Gwynedd than the last census and the average age of the population in Gwynedd has increased. 

He also reported that he has spoken to National Resources for Wales who informed him that the recently reported pollution in the water in Aberdyfi is due to animal waste being washed down the estuary from farms and areas further upstream during high tides and it is not human waste being discharged from the storm drain in the village.

Action: Clerk to find out more information regarding storm drain in Aberdyfi.

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It has been reported that Aberdyfi has a high incidence of planning violations and Cllr Owen will ask if Snowdonia National Park planning department are coming to Aberdyfi in the Autumn as normal, and if not, he will request that they come down to meet with the council to discuss planning matters.

Action: Cllr Owen to contact Snowdonia National Park planning department

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To discuss 20mph speed limit to be introduced in September

CL/35/17.07.23

It was reported that all 30mph signs will have to be replaced by 20 mph signs by law and Cllr Owen reported that he had asked Gwynedd Council how much this was going to cost, but a figure was not available. He was assured he would be given the figure at the next meeting of Gwynedd Council. 

Cllr Owen reported that he has discussed the possibility of placing flashing speed signs at the entrance to the village with the Highways department at Gwynedd Council and they are happy to work with the Community Council to explore this idea.

Action: Cllr Owen to research price of flashing speed signs.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To confirm members of the Finance Committee

CL/36/17.07.23

The clerk informed the council that at the Annual Meeting this year, the members of the finance committee were agreed to be Cllrs Bradbury-Willis, O’Neill and Owen, with Cllr Tyrrell as deputy. Cllr O’Neill informed the council that she had not agreed to be on the finance committee and this was a mistake. The council agreed that going forward the finance committee will be comprised of Cllrs Bradbury-Willis, Owen, Tyrrell and Williams. 

Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Porter

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Planning

CL/37/17.07.23

No planning applications have been received

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To discuss and confirm member’s allowance payments to be made to councillors

CL/38/17.07.23

All councillors did not want to claim any allowances for the year to end of March 2023 and supplied written confirmation of their wish to opt out.

The clerk reminded the council that next year it will be compulsory to accept allowance payments and the council noted that this will need to be taken into account when setting the budget for next year.

Action: Clerk to ensure allowance payments are included in next year’s budget.

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To discuss and decide on a proposal for the golf club to use the football field for junior training

CL/39/17.07.23

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The Chair informed the council that he was approached by the golf club with a request to use the football field for training junior members in return for maintaining the field, cutting the grass etc. It was agreed in principle to go ahead, with a final decision being made after consultation with a solicitor and a lease being agreed. 

It was agreed that in the interim Cllr Owen would cut the grass with a tractor and the council would pay for the fuel. Cllrs Hackelsberger and Tyrrell agreed to compile a list of requirements and responsibilities to be included in any lease.

Proposed: Cllr Dunton Seconded: Cllr Hewins

Unanimously agreed 

Action: Cllr Hackelsberger and Tyrrell to compile list of requirements and responsibilities to be included in lease

Action: Clerk to contact a solicitor and ask them for more information on leases

Action: Cllr Owen to cut the grass on the football field.

AGENDA ITEM 14 – To discuss and decide on installation of water-bottle filling station

CL/40/17.07.23

The clerk reported that she has had confirmation from SNPA that planning permission is not needed as it comes under permitted development. The clerk will forward this information to Mr Edward Jones at SNPA and it was agreed for Cllrs Hewins and Owen to install the station. 

Proposed: Cllr Porter Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Action: Clerk to contact Mr. Jones and copy in the harbourmaster

Action: Clerk and Cllrs Hewins and Owen to liaise with the harbourmaster regarding installation

Action: Cllrs Hewins and Owen to install the filling station

AGENDA ITEM 15 – To delegate powers to the Clerk and Chair until the September meeting

CL/41/17.07.23

Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Hackelsberger

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Correspondence

CL/42/17.07.23

* Fisherman’s compound

The Chair informed the Council that this project is now not going ahead, as new planning permission was required for the project to go ahead without electricity, as this was proving to be too expensive to include in the project, but planning permission would not be completed in time before the deadline for the EU money to be spent, so FLAG took the decision not to proceed with the project. FLAG has now disbanded due to the EU funding stream coming to an end.

* Dovey Fest

This will take place on 26^th / 27^th August on the wharf gardens with fireworks on the Sunday evening on the beach.

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* Graffiti at Pont y Brics

Cllr Reynolds sent photos to the Clerk, who forwarded them on to Gwynedd Council. The Council came to view the graffiti the next day and informed the clerk that it will be dealt with. 

* Playground Project update

Cllrs O’Neill and Porter informed the council that the working group had a site meeting with Calloo last week. The colours have been toned down and slight changes made to the wetpour design and they are waiting for these changes to be sent through. Once the new design has been received, banners will be created which will include the design and a QR code linked to the fundraising page. Cllr O’Neill reported she has meetings about National Lottery and Community grants in the next few weeks.

Action: Cllr O’Neill to meet with grant-giving bodies 

It was agreed to ask Barry Griffiths for a quote to repair the concrete benches.

Action: Clerk to contact Barry Griffiths for quote

* Railings in main car park

Cllr Tyrrell reported that Ardal Ni have been working through the list of areas in the village needing attention, but the list needs updating. He is meeting with Gwynedd Council next week to discuss the railings between the car park and the promenade and will suggest a wall be put in place of the railings, to help stop the sand being blown into the car park. They will also discuss what options are available to tidy the areas that currently contain trees, boulders etc. in between the parking bays. He reported that Gwynedd Council have agreed to replace all the lamp-posts in the car park. 

Action: Cllrs Owen and Tyrell to meet with Gwynedd Council 

* Maintenance of Osprey sculpture

The clerk informed the council that she will purchase the oil required to maintain the sculpture and arrange for it to be applied. 

Action: Clerk to purchase oil and arrange for it to be applied

* House sign at the old Catholic Church

Several complaints have been received about the house name being displayed outside the old Catholic Church. It is felt to be an inappropriate and disrespectful name as people’s ashes are scattered in the land adjoining the property.

Action: Cllr Owen to speak to the owners

* Community wi-fi network

The clerk and Cllrs Hewins, Owen and Porter attended a meeting last week regarding the community wi-fi network installed in the village. Currently it only covers the wharf gardens, the car park and the bottom of Copperhill Street, but there are plans to extend it further and it was requested that it be extended as far as the Neuadd Dyfi. 

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Sensors are available to collect different types of data such as footfall, pollution levels, noise levels etc. and the data would be uploaded to a website so that the information would be in the public domain. More information will be forthcoming on the project as it progresses. 

Action: Clerk to keep council informed of project progress

AGENDA ITEM 17 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/43/17.07.23

List of improvements needed in the village

AGENDA ITEM 18 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/44/17.07.23

Food Festival

Dovey Fest

Wellbeing Hub

Fire Service 125 year celebrations

AGENDA ITEM 19 – Date of next Meeting

CL/45/17.07.23

Monday 18^th September 2023 at 7.00pm

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 9.15pm

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