CYNGOR CYMUNED GWAUN CAE GURWEN

GWAUN CAE GURWEN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council

Held at the Tairgwaith Community Centre

On Tuesday 14th January 2014.

153.Present.

Cllrs. S.Sunderland (Presiding), M.Pugh, C.Puw, G.Moore, J.Penston, D.Jones, J.E.Jones, I.P.Lewis, L.Harrison.

Apologies.

Cllrs. A.Herdman, T.Darnbrook, L.G.Williams, L.Davies.

154.Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held at the Gwaun Cae Gurwen Community Centre on Tuesday 10th December 2014.

These were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairperson.

155.Matters arising upon those minutes.

a)Memorial plaque Gwaun Cae Gurwen square (min 137 refers), the Clerk reported that a copy of completed deed from NPTCBC had now been received, Celtic Energy Ltd have agreed to pay the total amount £1395.00 for the plaque and would like to be involved in the official opening.

RESOLVED that council thank Celtic Energy Ltd for their funding for the memorial plaque, and agree date for the official opening.

b)Community Web Site (min 139b refers); the Clerk updated council members and also produced copies of the home page design. Work on the text for the home page , the introductory page for the 4 wards and the 4 ward history pages for feedback ready to build the website (Monday 6th January 2014). This is needed for the basic framework. It was also agreed that Cllr L. Harrison join the sub group.

RESOLVED that sub group inform council members of progress.

c)The Old YGG Ysgol Y Glyn (min 139c refers), the Clerk distributed copies of feasibility study interim report by Dr Sonia Reynolds and options available to council, this feasibility study will form part of the funding process for a Development Officer to look for funding packages for the YGG Glyn School project, draft head of terms for grant of a Lease for council members to discuss, a meeting with Alan Stonehouse to discuss the Lease will be held at future meeting. Also next meeting with Canolfan Meardy will be 6th February 2014 at 7.15pm.

RESOLVED that special meeting be held on Tuesday 21st January 2014 at the Tairgwaith Community Centre at 7.00pm.

d)Re-advertise Councillor Cwmgors Ward (min 139d refers).

RESOLVED that the Clerk discussed with NPTCBC.

e)Cemetery Road, Cwmgors (min 139f refers) correspondence from Derek Vaughan stating the ESF largely funds training schemes, so they do not think it would be appropriate for your query, Derek’s suggestion is that we contact NPTC to ask about their use of the Rural Development Fund, or other funding schemes that might be suitable, also we could contact the Welsh European Funding Office, who might put us in the right direction.

RESOLVED that the Clerk and Council members look at the various funding opportunities.

f)NPTCBC / Community Councils Charter Agreement (min 139g refers), WT has meeting with NPTCBC on the 23rd January 2014 for discussion and comments on acceptance of the Charter Agreement.

RESOLVED that the Clerk informs WT of our council’s acceptance.

g)Road Safety Measures A4069, Brynaman Road, Gwaun Cae Gurwen and Lower Brynaman (min 139h refers), correspondence from NPTCBC stating that they do not feel that there is merit in attending a community council meeting as the scheme has already been approved by the Welsh Government and cannot be changed, are happy to meet with the Clerk to discuss the plan and provide a letter/note for the council’s information.

RESOLVED that the Clerk invites NPTCBC Officers to discuss the above scheme.

h)Retirement of Councillor (min 139j refers), Gwaun Cae Gurwen Ward.

RESOLVED that Notice of Vacancy be advertised throughout the community.

i)Personnel committee (min 140 refers); community council employees, the Clerk stated that the minimum wage is £6.31.

RESOLVED that the caretaker’s hourly rate be set at £6.50, and back paid from October 2013.

156.Precept 2014/2015.

The Clerk produced an estimate expenditure level for 2014/2015 based on a Tax Base of 1292.02.

RESOLVED that the Councils level of expenditure for 2014/2015 be set at £63,360.00 (Sixty Three Thousand Three Hundred and Sixty Pounds) and Precept to remain the same as last year 2013/2014 £60,870.00 (Sixty Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy Pounds). This would entail using reserves amounting to £2,490.00 (Two Thousand Four Hundred and Ninety Pounds).

Financial assistance for 2014/2015 is financed in the first instance from surplus carried over from last year and any further expenditure is financed from reserves.

157.NPTCBC – Community Managed Libraries.

In order to progress the concept of community managed libraries, NPTCBC wondering would it be possible to arrange a further meeting with the group at G.C.G to look at some of the practical implications and discuss the best way forward.

RESOLVED that a meeting be arranged at the G.C.G Community Centre on Wednesday 22nd January 2014 at 7.00pm.

158.Police Matters.

NPT Community safety news distributed to council members and future dates as follows for the PACT meeting

Wednesday 19th March 2014.

Wednesday 14th May 2014.

Wednesday 9th July 2014.

Wednesday 3rd September 2014.

Wednesday 26th November 2014.

RESOLVED that the matter be noted.

159.NPTCBC – Special Meeting of the Community Councils Liaison Forum.

A Special meeting of the CBC/CC Liaison Forum has been arranged for Wednesday 22nd January 2014 at 5.00pm, Port Talbot Civic Centre to discuss the 2014/15 budget.

RESOLVED that the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson attend the above budget meeting.

160.One Voice Wales – Buckingham Palace Garden Parties, Wednesday 21st May, Tuesday 3rd June and Tuesday 10th June 2014.

OVW has been requested by the Lord Chamberlains Office to inform member councils that Her Majesty will be hosting three garden parties at Buckingham Palace on the above dates. The quota which has been allocated to OVW is thirty invitations to be split between the three dates.

RESOLVED that the Chairperson and Cllr L.Davies attend the garden party if successful.

161.FCC Environment – Lower Brynaman, Ball Court and Skate Park Facilities.

Further to the grant awarded on the above project, a cheque in the sum of £412.00 to cover overpayment of the third party contribution.

RESOLVED that the matter be noted.

162.Out of School Activity Brochure.

Further to a recent meeting held on 12th December 2013, attended by Cllrs M.Pugh and D. Jones at Pontardawe Town Council, costs obtained for both 16 page brochure (£107.00) and 32 page brochure (£154.00) as at present are unsure of the actual number of pages that would be required.

RESOLVED that the Clerk informs the Pontardawe Town Council that we are in favour of either the 16 or 32 page brochure.

163.G.C.G Bowls Club – Financial Assistance.

Correspondence received from the GCG bowls club, stating that due to NPTCBC cutbacks across the whole of their expenditure, one of the areas in which they are going to achieve savings is in sport and leisure. Have met with GCG Ladies bowls club and have agreed that will dissolve both clubs and join to become the GCG Community Bowls Club.

RESOLVED that council contribute £500.00 as financial assistance in order that they are able to take the club forward.

164.West Glamorgan St John Council Fund Raising Concert.

Informing of the above organisation to make us aware of their fund raising concert which is to be held at 6.00pm on February 22nd at St Marys Church Swansea. The concert features Morriston RFC Male Voice Choir, Carrie Thompson (Soprano) and the Class Act Theatre School. Tickets are £6.00 each and available from 01792 422349.

RESOLVED that the matter be noted.

165.Financial Assistance.

Glo Man.

Stroke Association.

RESOLVED that the matter be deferred.

166.Planning Applications.

RESOLVED that no objections be made against the following planning applications:-

a)Application No P2013/1089 – First floor rear extension, 36 Leyshon Road, Gwaun cae Gurwen.

b)Application No P2008/0798 – Outline application for residential development and alterations to existing access, Forge Washery, Lower Brynaman.

167.Accounts Paid and Income Received January 2014.

Accounts Paid.

M and D Services – Grass Cutting.4416.00

Wicksteed – Inspect Park.156.00

SWALEC – Cwm Centre.83.10

SWALEC – Tair Centre.97.30

SWALEC – Tel Box.5.97

Robert and Son – WDW Cleaning.90.00

Chubb – Service Tair Centre.167.06

Wages and Salaries January.2432.50

D.Jones – Trav Allowance.79.95

The Meeting finished at 8.20pm.

Signed...... Dated......

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