MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF PONTARDDULAIS TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON THE 2ND MAY 2013
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PRESENT:Cllr R. WaterhouseCllr D. Beynon
Cllr G. JohnCllr P. J. Waterhouse
Cllr E. DaviesCllr P. Downing
Cllr J. HarrisCllr D. Howard Willis
Cllr G. WilliamsCllr K. Griffiths
Cllr J. T. MilesCllr G. Thomas
Cllr C. Davies
Prior to commencement of business members of the public were invited to ask questions. Mrs S. Davies, Wyndham Close,Pontarddulais, suggested the Council plants bulbs on the eastern entrance to Pontarddulais. Cllr Harris agreed that she would make enquiries with the City and County of Swansea and the matter be placed on the agenda for the September meeting.
1.APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors H. Roberts, C. Mathias and K. Harris.
2.TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST FROM MEMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COUNCIL'S CODE OF CONDUCT:
There were no declarations of personal interest.
3.ELECTION OF MAYOR:
RESOLVED that Councillor D. Beynon be elected Mayor for the ensuing year.
4.TO RECEIVE THE MAYOR'S DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE:
The Mayor duly signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office before the Proper Officer of the Council.
5.ELECTION OF DEPUTY MAYOR:
RESOLVED that Councillor K. Griffiths be elected Deputy Mayor for the ensuing year.
6.TO FIX THE AMOUNT OF THE MAYOR'S ALLOWANCE IN PURSUANT OF SECTION 34(5) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972:
The Clerk advised Members that the current allowance was £1,700 (one thousand seven hundred pounds). Cllr Williams proposed that the allowance be increased to £1,800 (one thousand eight hundred pounds). This was seconded by Cllr E. Davies. Cllr R. Waterhouse moved an amendment that the allowance remains at £1,700. This was seconded by Cllr P. J. Waterhouse. On being put to the vote the proposal was carried by 7 (seven) votes to 5 (five). RESOLVED that the Mayor's allowance for the ensuing year be set at £1,800 (one thousand eight hundred pounds).
7.TO APPOINT MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE UNDERMENTIONED COMMITTEES:
(a)Finance Committee:
RESOLVED that the Finance Committee be composed of Councillors J. Harris, P. Downing, D. Howard-Willis, J. T. Miles, H. Roberts and C. Mathias.
(b)Estates, Development and Regeneration Committee:
RESOLVED that the Estates, Development and Regeneration Committee be composed of Councillors D. Howard-Willis, P. J. Waterhouse, G. Thomas, R. Waterhouse, J. T. Miles and K. Griffiths.
(c)Special Events Committee:
RESOLVED that the Special Events Committee be composed of Councillors J. Harris, G. Thomas, G. John, D. Howard-Willis, K. Griffiths, C. Davies, P. J. Waterhouse and H. Roberts.
(d)Welsh Language Working Group:
RESOLVED that the Welsh Language Working Group be composed of Councillors G. John, E. Davies and C. Davies.
8.TO APPOINT REPRESENTATIVES TO SERVE ON THE FOLLOWING BODIES:
(a)Swansea Area Committee of One Voice Wales:
RESOLVED that Cllr G. John be appointed to represent the Council on the Swansea Area Committee of One Voice Wales.
9.TO FIX THE DATES AND TIMES OF ORDINARY MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE ENSUING YEAR:
RESOLVED that Council meetings be held on the first Thursday of the month with the exception of August when the Council is in recess.
10.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 5TH APRIL 2013:
RESOLVED that the above minutes be accepted as a true record.
(a)Second floor, The Institute, Pontarddulais (Min No 143(h)):
The Clerk advised Members that he had met with Mr Duncan and subject to agreement by Council he had negotiated a fee of £250 (two hundred and fifty pounds) for the exhibition about the StillWalks project "Sights and Sounds of the Countryside". It was agreed that the fee be confirmed.
(b)Notice of Audit of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2013 (Min No 143(i)):
The Clerk informed Members that he had completed the end of year accounts and was awaiting the Internal Auditor to complete his duties.
11.TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNTY WARD MEMBERS:
County Councillors J. Harris and P. Downing reported on the following:
change of county policy on school admissions;
the petition presented to Cabinet opposing the proposed bypass;
town centre enhancement scheme which will commence after the carnival;
micro-chipping of dogs;
"payday lending".
12.TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM COUNCILLORS (THREE CLEAR DAYS NOTICE OF ANY QUESTION HAVING BEEN GIVEN TO THE PERSON TO WHOM IT IS ADDRESSED:
There were no questions tabled.
13.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORTS FROM THE CLERK:
A.CORRESPONDENCE:
The following correspondence was received and noted:
(a)One Voice Wales - allotments/community growing training;
(b)City and County of Swansea - vacancy for a Community/Town Council representative on the Community/Town Councils Standards Sub-Committee;
(c)City and County of Swansea - Community Buildings and Facilities Grant Scheme fully subscribed;
(d)Welsh Government - consultation on the draft Social and Environmental Guidance to Ofwat;
(e)Availability of "Planning" Training Module:
The Clerk reported a letter from One Voice Wales offering a planning training course to the Council at a cost of £400 (four hundred pounds). It was agreed to request such a course from One Voice Wales.
(f)Lift, The Institute, Pontarddulais:
The Clerk reported correspondence from Swansea Lifts, Repair and Service Ltd advising that the cost of a new lift service agreement would be £180 (one hundred and eighty pounds) for two visits per annum. It was agreed to enter into the above agreement. The Council decided not to proceed with the quotation for a new second floor key switch activation.
(g)"Dawn Chorus":
The Clerk referred to previous discussion concerning the above and advised Members that Cobh in Ireland would not be taking part in the "Dawn Chorus". It was agreed that the Council would not now proceed with the event.
14.TO CONSIDER THE SPECIAL RESOLUTION TO RECONSIDER THE DECISION MADE AT THE MARCH 2013 COUNCIL MEETING NOT TO GIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PONTARDDULAIS & DISTRICT COMMUNITY CAR SCHEME:
The Clerk informed Members that in accordance with the Council's Standing Orders he had received written notice from Councillors G. John and E. Davies requesting the Council to reconsider the decision made at the March 2013 Council meeting not to give financial assistance to the Pontarddulais & District Community Car Scheme. Councillors R. and P. J. Waterhouse declared a personal interest. After a detailed discussion it was RESOLVED to make a donation of £250 (two hundred and fifty pounds) to the Pontarddulais & District Community Car Scheme.
15.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORTS FROM THE IMMEDIATE PAST MAYOR:
Cllr R. Waterhouse reported on his civic duties over the past month and thanked everyone for their support during his year in office.
16.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES:
Cllr John informed Members that there would be a Children's film show on Saturday 4th May and the Local Produce Market would be held in the Institute on Wednesday 8th May. Cllr Harris reported on Partnership matters. Cllr Beynon advised Members that the last PACT meeting had been well attended.
17.TO CONSIDER AND DISCUSS A NEW GRANT AWARDING POLICY:
Members had before them copies of the existing policy and a proposed new application form produced by the Clerk. Members agreed a new grant awarding policy and a new application form which would be presented to Members at the next Council meeting.
18.TO AUTHORISE AND APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2013:
The above expenditure was authorised and approved.
See Appendix "A".
19.TO RECEIVE PLANNING APPLICATIONS PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED TO ALL COUNCILLORS:
(i)20 Ffordd y Glowr, Pontarddulais - proposed conversion of garage to living accommodation (variation No. 7 of planning approval No. A00/1470 dated 21/11/2000);
(ii)Land adjoining Church Lane, Pontarddulais - outline planning application for a road and plot layout for land adjoining Church Lane, Pontarddulais.
Cllr Miles declared a personal interest in application (ii) above. There were no objections to the above applications.
Signed:Date:
CYNGOR TREF PONTARDDULAIS TOWN COUNCILExpenditure transactions for the month of April 2013
APPENDIX "A"
Name / Particulars / Net / Vat / Total
Cathedral Leasing / Hire of dustmat/etc / £35.10 / £7.02 / £42.12
Danwood / Printer copier costs / £23.57 / £4.71 / £28.28
C & C of Swansea / Non domestic rate / £205.60 / £0.00 / £205.60
C & C of Swansea / NEAT team payment Oct - Mar / £6,000.00 / £1,200.00 / £7,200.00
Clerk / Expenses / £20.00 / £0.00 / £20.00
C & C of Swansea / May 12 election admin fees / £160.00 / £0.00 / £160.00
B. T. / Internet Services / £54.00 / £10.80 / £64.80
SLCC / Wales Training Seminar / £49.00 / £9.80 / £58.80
One Voice Wales / Annual subs / £585.00 / £0.00 / £585.00
Caretaker / April salary / £467.69 / £0.00 / £467.69
Cleaner / April salary / £431.71 / £0.00 / £431.71
Clerk / April salary / £1,186.79 / £0.00 / £1,186.79
£9,218.46 / £1,232.33 / £10,450.79
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