MINUTES OF AMEETING OF THE SALTNEY TOWN COUNCILheld at the ODDFELLOWS HALL, 65 HIGH STREET, SALTNEY on WEDNESDAY13 JUNE,2012
PRESENT: The Mayor, Councillor D Evans and Councillors H D Beddow;T A Evans; V Gay; E E Greensmith;D A Hope; A C Lloyd;T R Lloyd; B J Marshall; A J Pearson; M S Streeter; T Walkerand the Town Clerk.
18. APPOINTMENT OF CO-OPTED TOWN COUNCILLOR
The Town Clerk reported that in accordance with Minute 5 of the last meeting he had written to Mr R Lythe and that he had accepted the co-option as a Town Councillor for the Saltney Stonebridge Ward. Councillor Lythe had signed the necessary Acceptance of Office and the Code of Conduct.
RESOLVED: That the report be received.
19. APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Councillor A V Rattigan.
20. PUBLIC ATTENDANCE AT ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Mr McManus, acting on behalf of Dee-Tex, spoke about the problems the Company were having in respect of siting their clothing bin at the Morrison’s store.
21. MINUTES
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 9 May, 2012 be confirmed as a correct record.
22. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS
The Mayor reported that since the last meeting of the Council he had:-
- joined with the celebrations of the Olympic Torch being carried through the Town on Tuesday 29 May. He complimented the North Wales Police in the splendid way in which they had ‘marshalled’ the event with a special mention of the motor cycle escorts;
- had the privilege of opening the new Cafe at St Marks Church which was now serving lunches on Thursdays from 10 am until 1pm;
- immediately following that event at St Marks’s, he had attended a ‘Jubilee Party’ at The Oddfellows Hall;
He also drew to Members attention that, in conjunction with the Welsh Arts Council, the Youth Club had arranged a Musical Evening with 1940’s music and songs. All support would be welcome.
23. POLICE MATTERS
PC Millington was in attendance and reported upon the following:-
- thanked The Mayor for his kinds words with regards to the policing of the ‘Olympic Torch Event’;
- there had been little crime reported: no crime hot spots but there had been two burglaries where windows had been left open due to the warm weather. He asked that all residents should take care to maintain the security of their homes;
- the Police Forum had produced one action plan relating to the Police Station side of the High Street. The Forum had not been well attended and Members agreed to give the next Forum as much publicity as they could;
- members of the public should also be encouraged to report any Anti Social Behaviour to the police. There would be no publicity given to the persons reporting an incident but it would help the police to identify problem areas.
On being asked, PC Millington gave his opinion on the provision of a CCTV camera on the High Street adjacent to the Methodist Church which was an item later in the agenda. He felt that such a provision could be justified.
Members referred again to problems with cars parking on Boundary Lane adjacent to the junction with Green Lane and also parking at the opening to Park Avenue from the High Street causing difficulties for the buses turning. PC Millington encouraged Members and members of the public to ‘phone in whenever they encountered such an obstruction.
24. FLINTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL – STREETSCENE
Members received a presentation on the recently rolled out programme new Streescene from Mr Alex Williams and Mr John Griffiths. A new single telephone number (01352 701234) or e-mail address would alert the County Council to problems with cleansing; Waste Disposal; maintenance and Highways and Councillors and members of the public were encouraged to use these contact points. The local contact officer was Mr John Griffiths.
Members asked questions with regards to the programming of EVA’s; grass cutting; hedge cutting and weeds on pavements.
RESOLVED: That the Officers be thanked for their presentation.
25. APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES
Youth Centre Management Committee.
The Town Clerk reported that further to Minute 7/2012 of the last meeting, the County Council had confirmed that the Saltney Youth Centre Management Committee had been dissolved during 2010. Questions were asked as to the feedback to the Town Council with regards to their funding of the ‘extra night’.
RESOLVED: That the report be received and an invitation be issued to the Leaders of the Youth Club to attend a future meeting.
26. MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICE
Further to Minute 12/2012 the Town Clerk reported that the mobile library service referred to in that Minute was in addition to, and not instead of, the present service to the residents of Saltney Ferry who live across the railway bridge.
RESOLVED: That the report be received.
27. SECTION 137 – LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972
ST DAVID’S HIGH SCHOOL
In accordance with Minute 12/2012 of the last meeting, Members gave further consideration to the request from St David’s High School for assistance with the travel costs of the performing trip organised by the Music Department to Barcelona.
RESOLVED: That a grant of £800 be made to the school Music Department.
28. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES
Members considered the appointment of the Committee/Sub Committee structure which had been deferred at the last meeting Minute 8/2012 refers.
RESOLVED: That the terms of reference of the following Committees be confirmed with the following membership. (Note: Standing Orders provide for The Mayor and The Deputy Mayor to be ex-officio members of both Committees).
FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE - 7 members including 2 ex-officio
Terms of Reference
- to report to the Council, at least four times each year on all matters relating to the financing of the Council including budget provision and financial management;
- to be responsible for the inspection of the Council’s accounts and financial records;
- random checking of invoices and to generally provide an internal audit service in respect of the Council’s financial transactions;
- to consider, on behalf of the Council, any other urgent matters that might fall outside the normal Council meeting cycle.
Membership: Councillors H D Beddow; T A Evans; V Gay; A C Lloyd and T R Lloyd.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND REGENERATION COMMITTEE - 8 members including 2 ex-officio
Terms of Reference
- to report to the Council on all matters relating to regeneration of the Town including observations on planning applications and where necessary, because of urgency, to have delegated power to act on such applications; also to liaise with the relevant bodies and consider any planning matters as they affect Saltney;
- to be responsible to the Council for the preparation of the Business Plan;
- to report to the Council on all matters affecting the Environment of Saltney including anti-social behaviour; Emergency Planning and flood prevention;
Membership: Councillors H D Beddow; V Gay; A C Lloyd; R Lythe; B J Marshall and A J Pearson..
29. GOVERNOR SALTNEY FERRY CP SCHOOL
The Town Clerk reported the resignation of Councillor T R Lloyd as the minor authority representative on the governing body of the abovementioned School and Members considered the appointment of a replacement representative.
RESOLVED: That Councillor A C Lloyd be appointed the Town Council representative on the Governing Body of the Saltney Ferry CP School.
30. ADJUDICATION PANEL FOR WALES – NOTICE OF DECISION APW/008/2010-011/CT
Members received a copy of the reasoned Decision Report from the case tribunal referred to above.
RESOLVED: That the Tribunal be informed that the Town Council do not accept the recommendation contained in paragraph 7.1 of the report.
31. ONE VOICE WALES 2012 CONFERENCE AND AGM
The Town Clerk reported that the abovementioned Conference would be held on 13 October at the Bont Pavillion, Pontrhydfendigaid. The particular focus of the conference would be on the implementation of the Local Government (Wales) Measure. Members were invited to send delegates and also propose a maximum of two Motions for debate at the AGM which had to be at the Head Office no later than 29 June.
RESOLVED: That Councillor Gay and the Town Clerk be nominated to attend.
32. PLANNING APPLICATION
The Town Clerk reported that the following Planning Applications had been received for comment:
(1) REF: 049577
PROPOSAL: Retention of building to accommodate 11 speculative/storage/business units with associated parking
LOCATION: the old Bithell Boat Yard, River Lane, Saltney
GRID REF: E 338232 N 365225
RESOLVED (1) That the County Council be informed that the Saltney Town Council are unanimous in their objection to this retrospective planning application. The applicant haDshown no regard to the planning process having knowingly levelled the land and erected the building without any planning approval. The Town Council object to the application on the following grounds:
- there is no statement as to how foul sewerage is to be disposed of and unless proper drains are laid there is serious danger of foul water getting into the adjacent river;
- there is no assessment of flood risk although the building stands on the river bank;
- as the building is to be used to accommodate 'unknown' businesses, proper arrangements for the disposal of trade waste must be made;
- there is no report from the Environment Agency;
- the land is known to be part of the old boat yard and is likely to be contaminated with industrial waste; indeed local residents suggest that a deal of used 'fullers earth' is present. Tests must be carried out to ensure that no hazardous waste is concealed around and underneath the building;
- any future planning consent must ensure that no hazardous substances are stored in the premises where spillage would contaminate the adjacent water course;
- viewing the premises from the outside and during the building stage would suggest it is of a very flimsy construction and should be checked against building regulations for the security of the framework and the cladding.
(2) REF: 049638
PROPOSAL: Placement of a portakabin and storage container
LOCATION: Playing fields to the rear of Saltney Community Centre, Sandy Lane, Saltney
GRID REF: E 337410.2 N 34762.4
RESOLVED: That the County Council be informed that the Town Council support this proposal.
33. CLOSURE OF ACCOUNTS 2011/2012
INTERNAL AUDITORS REPORT
Members received the Internal Auditors report on the closure of the Town Council’s accounts for 2011/2012.
RESOLVED: That the report be received and the accounts be submitted to the External Auditor.
34. SLCC WELSH CONFERENCE
The Town Clerk reported that the SLCC Welsh Conference was being held in Swansea on 18 July. The conference had as its main theme the implementation of the Local Government Measures (Wales). The cost would be £65 plus train fare and overnight stay.
RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk be authorised to attend the conference.
35. QUESTIONS
The Town Clerk reported that there were no questions in accordance with Standing Order 23..
36. NOTICES OF MOTION
The Council considered the following Notices of Motion:
(1) from Councillor Alan Evans ‘that Members of this Council be CRB checked, due to possible contact with children and vulnerable persons when conducting their duties as Town Councillors’
RESOLVED: (1) That the abovementioned Notice of Motion be approved and the Town Clerk be authorised to make the necessary arrangements.
(2) from Councillor Richard Lloyd ‘that a camera be purchased for installation on the High Street similar to the one for the Carlton Avenue playground. The request is made following an increase in the anti-social behaviour in the area.
RESOLVED: (2) That the abovementioned Notice of Motion be approved and a supplementary estimate in the sum of £4,500 be granted.
37. INFORMATION FROM THE LOCAL COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Further to Minute 210, County Councillors Gay and Lloyd were invited to give any feedback they might have received from County Council meetings that may or will affect Saltney.
Councillor Gay referred to the setting up of a Flintshire Food Bank for people and families in crisis. The operational centre was to be in Mold but a Saltney out-post would be established in the Methodist Church on the High Street. Food would be donated by businesses and the general public. The Centre in Saltney would operate on Fridays and volunteers were required. Councillors M S Streeter and E E Greensmith put their names forward.
Councillor Lloyd referred to a meeting with the County Emergency Planning Officer. In any case of a District emergency in Saltney the reporting Centre would be St David’s High School.
He also informed Members that the Scouts had been to the Planning Department with their plans for the new Scout Hut. The cost of the application would be £2310, however if the planning application was submitted on their behalf by the Town Council the cost would be reduced to £1155.
RESOLVED: That the Town Council make a grant under Section 137 to the Scouts in the sum of £1155 and the Town Clerk be authorised to use the money to submit a planning application for a new Scout Hut on behalf of the Town Council.
38. PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS
RESOLVED: That the following accounts be authorised for payment:
PayeeInvoiceAmount
A ThornileySalary + Office (£50.00) May £982.62
HMRCTown Clerk’s Income Tax£233.20
NI£74.74 £307.94
A ThornileyOffice Sundries and Mileage £123.75
Deeside Ldge Room Hire £18.00
NWPMaintenance£245.84
PEC Bradshaw Ave (24.50); PEC Ewart Street (24.50)
Faulty Lantern Salisbury Ave (150.00); PEC Salisbury
Ave(24.50)VAT £93.87 £563.21
FCCRent of 3.8acres at Saltney Ferry £50.00
A Thorniley500 2012 Official Olympic Flags£872.50
VAT£174.50 £1047.00