Prior to the Council meeting, at 6.30 pm Mr Adam Cairnes, Chief Executive of Shrewsbury & Telford NHS Trust gave a presentation to Councillors (as attached). He stated that in the Current year, finances are performing well, and the Planning application for a New Development at Telford has been submitted. Mrs Cathy Smith, head of midwifery joined Mr Cairnes. Mr Cairnes explained that the travel and transport issues between the Telford and Shrewsbury sites are being looked into.Waiting times for outpatient appointments in Wales is 23 weeks whereas in England it is 18 weeks. Mr Cairnes and Ms Smith were thanked for attending.
MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON MONDAY 27th FEBRUARY, 2012 AT 7.00 PM
PRESENT:Cllr J. Whittal Williams (Mayor)
“ E. Breeze
“ Mrs C. Edwardes
“ Mrs E.L. Evans
“ Mrs A.M. Jones
“ D.C Jones
“ Mrs S. Mills
“ G. Morgan
“ P. Rees
“ G. Rowlands
“ Mrs P. Smith
“ N. Venti
Town Clerk
The Mayor explained that prayers are no longer allowed prior to the Council Meeting
359/01APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Cllr Lady Hooson
359/02DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr David Jones declared an interest in Agenda item 12 – School Modernisation, as a member of the governing body and employee of Coleg Powys
Cllr Gareth Morgan declared a personal interest in matters relating to Powys County Council as an elected member.
359/03MINUTES Council Meeting held on 23.01.12 True record - unanimous
Town Hall/ Finance Panel meeting held on 13.02.12 it was agreed to insert into item 1: Cllr Whittal Williams asked for it to be minuted that the football ground would be reinstated to its original condition once the leasewas relinquished. Unanimous.
359/04CLERKS’ UPDATE
a) Bronglais Hospital Protest – still some spaces available on the Coach.
b)Lollipop Photo has now been taken
c)OVW - Strong Roots meeting – we still need 2 Councillors names
d)Bedroom Browsers - not yet confirmed
e)Saturday Market – It was agreed that Council wish to meet with Clerk and Markets Manager from Aberystwyth. It was agreed to meet as soon as possible, and meet with the interested group separately.
f)Notification of Classic Car Rally
g)PCSO - it was agreed that the presence of a PCSO has been a positive step forward.
359/05CORRESPONDENCE
a) Resignation letter from Cllr Powell – Received
b)Neighbourhood Management Update – Received
c)Countryside Council for Wales – Received
d)Walk for Life - Received
e)Letter regarding Rats and Dog Fouling – Received. Cllr Morgan offered to obtain a report from PCC
f)PCC – Visitor Information Centre. Councillors agreed that the letter was disappointing and that Visitor information is needed on the main street.
g)WG –s137 Expenditure Limit - Received
h)WG – Borrowing – received
i)Montgomeryshire Against Pylons – It was agreed that the information should be displayed at the Library
j)National Survey for Wales - Received
k)Postal Services – It was agreed to request a meeting with the postmaster and Mayor/Deputy and lady who wrote the letter.
l)David Davies Hunt – It was agreed to reply explaining that PCC are the responsible authority.
m)Annual Conference/Training day - Received
n)Letter from resident expressing concern over lack of events in the Town –Cllr Venti suggested a response inviting the resident to join the Diamond Jubilee Committee , as well as many other committees, ie. Carnival, Council etc It was agreed to write to thank the resident for the letter,
o)Morris Marshall & Poole - It was agreed to accept the offer made.
p)One Powys Plan – Received
359/06SATURDAY STREET MARKET - Cllr Smith stated that she had attended a meeting but was not a committee member as mentioned in the letter. Cllr Venti gave his apologies for a meeting with the Charter Market Group as he is an employee of Llani Ltd.
359/07HIGHWAYS ISSUES
a) New road markings, Van Road
b)Potholes, Caegwyn
It was agreed to invite Mr David Andrew Jones, PCC Highways manager in to discuss
359/08SCRUTINY COMMITTEE - Proposal :-
"Further to the resolution confirmed at the last meeting of the Town Council to review the Council's Employment and HR policies, combined with the meeting in January where the Town Council took advice from representatives of One Voice Wales and the SLCC, it is proposed to set up a Scrutiny Committee of three or five Cllrs (inclusive of the Mayor and deputy Mayor) to conduct a comprehensive review of the operation of the council against current best practice. The remit of the Scrutiny Panel to be as follows:
1) Oversee the review of HR and Employment policies - further to advice from HR / Employment law professionals (budgeted for recently in the setting of the precept)
2) Review Standing Orders against the latest model document and make proposals for any changes to those in use by the Town Council
3) Review current best practice for committees / panels and make proposals for reforming the panels of the Town Council
4) Develop terms of reference for the operation of the panels, for the role and responsibility of the Mayor and deputy Mayor, and the heads of the various panels.
5) Receive written evidence / suggestions from members of the council in regard to the development of the above proposals
Given that a new Council will be formed in May of this year, the Scrutiny Committee to be charged with undertaking the development of terms of reference, proposal for panels and amendments to Standing Orders before the elections - for discussion by the new Council."
Cllr Whittal Williams suggested that we request expert advice and help in setting up the above. It was decided that Cllrs Whittal Williams (Mayor), Mrs C Edwardes (Deputy Mayor), Mrs A.M Jones, N. Venti and P. Rees will make up the Panel. The proposal was unanimously agreed upon.
359/09FOREST SCHOOL IN ALLT GOCH Cllr Venti explained that Anna Jenkins wishes to set up a Forest School in Allt Goch woods. She wishes the Summer School to erect a shed and Earth toilet with help from CAT. It was suggested that a member of Council should be on the committee. Cllr Morgan requested that the group be constituted, and a formal agreement drawn up so that things are formally recorded. 8 votes for, 3 against 1 abstention
359/10DATES FOR MAYOR MAKING - Friday 11th May - unanimous
359/11DATE FOR MAYORAL SUNDAY - Sunday 13th May - majority
359/12UPDATE ON SCHOOL MODERNISATION PROPOSALS Mayor put it to the vote that Mr Andrew Capel (a member of the public) was allowed to speak. Mr Capel explained the latest developments of LEAG, and that transport issues have been discussed at meetings with parents at Rhayader and Caersws. Welsh medium issues are still cropping up. Cllr Morgan stated that we must continue to lobby PCC on the transport issues. All-through school issue – Machynlleth have had the green light with one School and one head whereas Llanidloes has yet to hear.
359/13The following Accounts for JANUARY 2012 were confirmed:-
Chq No
104520Raymond T. Rees2,280.00
104521Wages & P. Cash (05.01.12) 787.44
104522Agri Power 40.14
104523P.C. Q 18.37
104524Severn Trent 100.37
104525BDO LLP 660.00
104526Office Express 22.14
104527Sage (uk) Ltd 132.00
104528Wages (12.01.12) 727.18
104529Wages (19.01.12) 727.18
104530Wages & P. Cash (26.01.12) 813.61
104531Void
Total£6,308.43
Pursuant to Section 1 (2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 it is resolved that, because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, the public and press leave the meeting during consideration of the following item:-
359/14To ratify sensitive minutes relating to a decision made at a meeting on 28th November, 2011 relating to a member of Council Staff
Clerk distributed a copy of the sensitive minute. Councillors were given adequate time to read through. 8 Councillors – Cllrs Mrs Margot Jones, Mrs Sian Mills, Nick Venti, David Jones, Edward Breeze, Mrs Lynne Evans, Graham Rowlands, and Gareth Morgan voted in agreement with the minute. 2 Councillors – Cllr Whittal Williams and Cllr Rees voted against. Cllr Mrs Pam Smith abstained from the Vote and Cllr Mrs Christina Edwardes did not vote as she was absent from the meeting on 20.02.12
Meeting closed at 9.45p.m.
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