INUTES OF THE PONTARDDULAIS TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 5TH FEBRUARY 2015

PRESENT:Cllr K. Griffiths (Mayor)Cllr D. Howard-Willis

Cllr G. JohnCllr H. Roberts

Cllr D. BeynonCllr P. Downing

Cllr K. HarrisCllr C. Mathias

Cllr J. MilesCllr P. J. Waterhouse

Cllr R. WaterhouseCllr G. Thomas

Cllr E. DaviesCllr C. Davies

Prior to commencement of business members of the public were invited to ask questions. Mr R. Jenkins, Glasfryn Road, Pontarddulais referred to the proposal by Persimmon Homes to build in excess of 700 houses in Pontarddulais. It was explained to Mr Jenkins that the Council had submitted its observations on this proposal. Reference was also made to street lights not operational in part of St Teilo Street. Members explained that this was a fault.

118.APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors G. Williams and J. Harris.

119.TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST FROM MEMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COUNCIL’S CODE OF CIONDUCT:

There were no declarations of personal interest received.

120.TO RECEIVE AN ADDRESS FROM OFFICERS OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA ON THE PONTARDDULAIS TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT STUDY (HYDER REPORT):

The Clerk advised Members that due to personal circumstances one of the officers was unable to attend and it was agreed that they be invited to the April Council meeting.

121.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 8TH JANUARY 2015:

The above minutes were accepted as a true record.

(a)Public questions:

Cllr Beynon advised Members that he had made enquiries concerning local pharmacies not opening on Sundays. He stated that funding had stopped for such opening apart from exceptional cases in rural areas.

(b)Proposed cycle path (Min No 111(i)):

The Clerk reported an e-mail from the Chairman of Wheelrights stating that the City and County of Swansea had estimated the cost of a feasibility study at £10,000. He also informed the Council that they would be having a bike ride on Saturday 7th February to explore various route options in the Pontarddulais area. It was agreed that the Clerk requests further information following their bike ride.

(c)Kitchen boiler, The Institute (Min No 111(n)):

The Clerk advised Members that the above boiler had now been repaired.

122.TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 23RD JANUARY 2015:

The above minutes were received as a true record.

123.TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNTY WARD MEMBERS:

County Councillor Downing informed Members that budget cuts would affect everyone in the City and County of Swansea.

124.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER ANY URGENT MATTERS FROM TOWN COUNCILLORS:

There were no urgent matters to consider.

125.TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM COUNCILLORS (3 CLEAR DAYS NOTICE OF ANY QUESTION HAVING BEEN GIVEN TO THE PERSON TO WHOM IT IS ADDRESSED):

There were no questions tabled.

126.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORTS FROM THE CLERK:

  1. CORRESPONDENCE:

The following correspondence was received and noted:

(a)One Voice Wales – consultation response on frontloading the development management system;

(b)One Voice Wales – consultation response on planning committees, delegation and joint planning boards;

(c)One Voice Wales – consultation response on proposed amendments to legislation on the power to override easements and other rights;

(d)National Assembly for Wales – consultation on an inquiry into the consideration of powers of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales;

(e)Swansea Carers Centre – information on their services;

(f)Abergelli Power – update on their proposals to construct and operate a gas-fired power station on a site at Abergelli Farm, Felindre.

(g)Memorial plaque for the men who lost their lives at Graig Merthyr Colliery:

The Clerk reported a letter and e-mail concerning the above proposed plaque. The Mayor declared a personal interest in the matter. It was agreed to support the proposal and consider any financial contribution when they had received final quotations for the work.

(h)Joint One Voice Wales/SLCC Event – 14 May 2015:

The Clerk informed Members that the above event was being held in Llandrindod Wells and would focus on community governance; devolution of services/asset transfers from unitary authorities; financial governance and accountability; and contribution to sustainability. It was agreed that the Clerk and current Deputy Mayor attend the event at a cost of £69 per delegate.

(i)One Voice Wales Training Courses:

The Clerk advised Members that the following training courses were available:

  • Understanding the Law Training in Llanelli on the 26th February;
  • The Council as an Employer Training in Neath on the 18th February;
  • The Council Meeting Training in Bridgend on the 17th February.

Members having an interest in any of the above courses were requested to contact the Clerk as a matter of urgency.

(j)Reforming Local Government: Power to Local People:

The Clerk reported receipt of the above document from the Welsh Government. It was agreed that it be considered at the next Council meeting.

127.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR:

The Mayor advised Members that he did not have any matters to report.

128. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES:

Cllr John advised Members that a children’s film would be held in The Institute on Saturday 7th February and the Local Produce Market would be on Wednesday 11th February.

Cllr E. Davies informed Members that CorMeibionPontarddulais would be singing in the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, prior to the Wales v England Six Nations match on Friday 6th February.

129. TO AUTHORISE AND APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2015:

The above expenditure was authorised and approved.

See Appendix “A”.

130.TO RECEIVE A MONTHLY INCOME REPORT AND BANK RECONCILIATION FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2014:

The above income report and bank reconciliation were received.

See Appendix “B” and Appendix “C”.

131.TO RECEIVE PLANNING APPLICATIONS PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED TO ALL MEMBERS:

(i)3 Golwg y Twr, Parc St Teilo, Pontarddulais – garage conversion (currently used for storage:

(ii)Rhossili, Garnswllt Road, Pontarddulais – two storey side and single storey rear extensions. Double garage and external works;

(iii)Land off Church Lane, adjacent to St Teilo Church, Pontarddulais – one detached dwelling and formation of car parking area (outline, amended plans).

There were no observations concerning the above applications.

Signed:Date:

CYNGOR TREF PONTARDDULAIS TOWN COUNCIL
APPENDIX "A"
Expenditure transactions for the month of January 2015
Name / Particulars / Net / Vat / Total
C & C of Swansea / Non domestic rate / £208.00 / £0.00 / £208.00
Cathedral Leasing / Hire of sanitary units / £21.67 / £4.33 / £26.00
DwrCymru / Water/sewerage charges / £603.01 / £0.00 / £603.01
B. T. / Office phone / £24.28 / £4.86 / £29.14
Clerk / Expenses / £38.81 / £2.17 / £40.98
HMRC / Quarter tax/NI / £1,509.83 / £0.00 / £1,509.83
Information Commissioner / Data Protection Reg / £35.00 / £0.00 / £35.00
Zurich Municipal / Annual insurance / £2,726.04 / £0.00 / £2,726.04
Scott Lloyd / Attempted boiler repairs / £60.00 / £0.00 / £60.00
Clerk / Refund boiler repair / £84.00 / £0.00 / £84.00
PRS / Performing Right fees / £118.81 / £23.76 / £142.57
B. T. / Broadband services / £62.00 / £12.40 / £74.40
British Gas / Boiler maint. agreement / £610.57 / £122.11 / £732.68
Kingfisher Electrical / Replace switch unit / £23.00 / £4.60 / £27.60
Caretaker / January salary / £374.29 / £0.00 / £374.29
Cleaner / January salary / £450.66 / £0.00 / £450.66
Clerk / January salary / £1,186.79 / £0.00 / £1,186.79
British Gas / Quarter gas / £1,331.78 / £266.35 / £1,598.13
British Gas / Quarter electricity / £589.30 / £29.46 / £618.76
B. T. / Office phone / £44.51 / £4.90 / £49.41
British Gas / Dantwyn electricity / £23.91 / £1.19 / £25.10
Centregreat Ltd / Christmas illuminations / £4,138.49 / £827.70 / £4,966.19
£14,264.75 / £1,303.83 / £15,568.58

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APPENDIX “B”
01-Dec / 109/14 / Creative Cards / Room hire / £28.00 / £28.00
01-Dec / Friendship Club / Room hire / £21.00 / £21.00
03-Dec / 112/14 / Senior Citizens / Room hire / £48.00 / £48.00
03-Dec / 115/14 / M & D Care / Room hire / £56.00 / £56.00
04-Dec / 116/14 / CorGlandulais / Room hire / £60.00 / £60.00
04-Dec / 121/14 / MYW / Room hire / £12.00 / £12.00
05-Dec / 118/14 / Slimming World / Room hire / £48.00 / £48.00
05-Dec / 117/14 / Quilting Class / Room hire / £21.00 / £21.00
05-Dec / 111/14 / Ballet / Room hire / £140.00 / £140.00
08-Dec / 110/14 / Karate / Room hire / £102.00 / £102.00
08-Dec / 109/14 / Birthday Party (Hitchings) / Room hire / £22.00 / £22.00
09-Dec / Lloyds Bank / Bank interest / £2.25 / £2.25
09-Dec / Lloyds Bank / Bank interest / £1.24 / £1.24
10-Dec / 114/14 / W. I. / Room hire / £26.00 / £26.00
11-Dec / HMRC / VAT refund / £2,037.99 / £2,037.99
11-Dec / 113/14 / Art Class / Room hire / £28.00 / £28.00
15-Dec / 119/14 / Sewing Class / Room hire / £28.00 / £28.00
15-Dec / 120/14 / Scrapbook Club / Room hire / £14.00 / £14.00
15-Dec / Pantomime / Receipts / £110.00 / £110.00
16-Dec / Christmas cards / Cllr J. Harris / £20.00
23-Dec / C & C of Swansea / Precept payment / £27,666.66 / £27,666.66
Monthly totals / £654.00 / £27,666.66 / £3.49 / £2,037.99 / £130.00 / £30,472.14 / £98,791.57

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APPENDIX “C”
CyngorTrefPontarddulais Town Council
Bank Reconciliation / Dec-14
Balance brought forward / £82,628.43
Add total receipts as per R & P Book / £30,492.14
Less total payments as per R & P Book / £5,269.41
Balance carried forward / £107,851.16
Bank balances
Closing bank balances
(as per bank statements as at 31/12/14)
Current Account / £1.00
Deposit Account / £76,860.00
Reserve Account / £31,088.28
Total bank balance / £107,949.28
Less unpresented cheques / Cheque number
3984 / £98.12
Total / £98.12
Add cash/cheques received not yet banked
Other adjustments
Reconciled Balance / £107,851.16
(as at 31/12/14)

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