MINUTES OF THE PONTARDDULAIS TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 7TH MARCH 2013
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PRESENT: Cllr R. Waterhouse (Mayor) Cllr D. Beynon
Cllr P. J. Waterhouse Cllr G. John
Cllr H. Roberts Cllr C. Mathias
Cllr J. T. Miles Cllr K. Harris
Cllr D. Howard-Willis Cllr E. Davies
Cllr G. Thomas Cllr K. Griffiths
Cllr C. Davies Cllr J. Harris
Cllr P. Downing
Prior to commencement of business members of the public were invited to ask questions. Mr R. Jenkins referred to the possibility of a northern industrial access road and was advised that TATA Steel have a ten year lease on the old Coated Metals site which was on the proposed route.
124. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor G. Williams.
125. TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST FROM MEMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COUNCIL'S CODE OF CONDUCT:
There were no declarations of personal interest received.
126. TO RECEIVE AN ADDRESS FROM CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT JULIAN WILLIAMS:
Chief Supt. Williams thanked Members for the invitation to attend the Council meeting and introduced Sgt Leighton Anthony and PC Mark Jones who would now be responsible for the Pontarddulais area. He answered the questions previously forwarded to him as follows:
v They will continue to maintain a police base in Pontarddulais;
v On an average week the amount of police time spent in Pontarddulais was approximately 33 hours;
v Everyone represents Pontarddulais on the Safer Swansea Partnership;
v They are committed to the PACT meetings.
The Mayor thanked Chief Supt. Williams for his attendance.
127. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 7TH FEBRUARY 2013:
The above minutes were accepted as a true record.
(a) Bont Elim Community Church (Min No 118(b)):
The Clerk reported a letter of thanks from the above church following the donation of surplus seats from the Council.
(b) Coedbach Park, Pontarddulais (Min No 118(d)):
The Clerk reported e-mails from the Friends of Coedbach Park referring to their park Ecology Survey and advised Members that he had placed a link to the survey on the Council's website.
(c) Proposed plaque on Institute (Min No 118(h)):
The Clerk referred to the invitation he had received from Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg for Members to attend the unveiling of the above plaque on Saturday 9th March at 11.00am.
(d) Pontarddulais Town Centre Enhancement Scheme (Min No 118(w)):
It was stated that the provision of a pelican crossing instead of a pedestrian crossing would require an additional £15,000 from the Town Council. Concern was expressed that the granite kerbs were to be replaced by conservation kerbs. It was agreed that the Clerk contacts Mr Rowland Lanchbury, City and County of Swansea and requests he address the Council as a matter of urgency on these matters.
(e) Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay (Min No 118(y)):
The Clerk advised Members that there would be a presentation on the above proposal in the June Council meeting.
128. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON THE 21ST FEBRUARY 2013:
Cllr John, Chairperson of the above committee, reported on the above minutes. It was agreed to accept the committee's recommendations.
129. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNTY WARD MEMBERS:
County Councillor Downing reported on the government's proposed welfare reforms. Cllr P.J. Waterhouse queried how many county councillors had attended the proposed wind farm site visit. She also queried whether there had been any progress concerning the pavement in Bolgoed Road. County Councillor Harris replied that she had written to the officers concerned and stated that there would be major pothole repair works in Pontarddulais.
130. 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.
131. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORTS FROM THE CLERK:
A. CORRESPONDENCE:
The following correspondence was received and noted:
(a) Traffic issues in Pontarddulais - e-mail from City & County of Swansea re proposed pedestrian crossing in Water Street and alleged speeding in St Teilo Street;
(b) Licensing Act 2003 - Review of Licensing Policy from the City & County of Swansea;
(c) Tree Preservation Order - land to the rear of 137 Goppa Road, Pontarddulais;
(d) Abber Valley Heritage - proposed Welsh National Mining Memorial;
(e) Draft Charter update - City & County of Swansea;
(f) Public Services Ombudsman for Wales - complaints procedure literature;
(g) Pontarddulais Transportation and Development Study - Stage Report - extract of Cabinet meeting minutes 28 February 2013;
(h) Family & Young People's Music Festival - Pontarddulais Partnership:
The Clerk reported an e-mail from the above Partnership requesting a grant towards the cost of the above event. Cllr Harris referred to another grant application from Canolfan y Bont which would be considered later in the meeting and suggested the above application be noted.
(i) Mr P. Richards, 84 Bolgoed Road, Pontarddulais:
The Clerk reported a letter from the above person requesting a financial contribution to support his participation in this year's London Marathon in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. It was agreed that the Mayor considers making a donation from his allowance.
132. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR:
The Mayor reported on his civic duties over the past month.
133. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES:
Cllr John reported a good attendance for the March children's film and explained that she would not be available for the April film. She reminded Members that the Local Produce Market would be held in the Institute on Wednesday 13th March.
134. TO CONSIDER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOWARDS THE MAINTENANCE OF THE GRAVEYARDS AT CAPEL Y TRINITI, GOPPA CHAPEL AND LLANDEILO TALYBONT ST TEILO'S CHURCHYARD:
Cllrs J.T. Miles and E. Davies declared an interest and took no part in the discussion. RESOLVED that a donation of £150 (one hundred and fifty pounds) be made to each of the above chapels/church.
135. TO CONSIDER AND DETERMINE REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Members had before them the following applications from within the area:
(a) Pontarddulais & District Community Car Scheme;
(b) Bridge Community Project;
(c) Pontarddulais & Hendy Disabled Association;
(d) Pontarddulais Senior Citizens;
(e) Glynhir W.I.;
(f) Pontarddulais, Hendy & District Festival Committee;
(g) Pontarddulais U3A;
(h) Age Concern Pontarddulais;
(i) St John Ambulance Pontarddulais Division;
(j) Pontarddulais AFC Juniors;
(k) St Teilo's Church Restoration Fund;
(l) Llandeilo Talybont Ancient Churchyard (on marsh);
(m) Pontarddulais Town AFC;
(n) Pontarddulais Town Band;
(o) Cantorion Pontarddulais;
(p) Canolfan y Bont.
Concern was expressed at the amount of money displayed in the balance sheet of application (a) above and on being put to a vote it was carried by 9 (nine) votes to 6 (six) that no financial assistance be given to the Pontarddulais & District Community Car Scheme.
It was RESOLVED that a donation of £250 (two hundred and fifty pounds) be given to each of the other applications ((b) to (p) inclusive).
Concern was expressed that six of the above applications had been received after the agendas had been posted to Members. It was agreed that the Council reconsider's its Grant Awarding Policy to reflect the need for all applications to be received in advance of the notice of meeting and that only applications received from organisations within the Council's boundary should be considered.
Members had before them 15 (fifteen) applications from organisations outside the area - 7 complying with the Council's policy. It was agreed that, having regard to the budget set aside for donations, none of these applications be given any financial assistance.
136. TO AUTHORISE AND APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2013:
The above expenditure was authorised and approved.
See Appendix "A".
137. TO RECEIVE PLANNING APPLICATIONS PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED TO ALL MEMBERS:
(i) 2 Bryn Road, Pontarddulais - detached garage, single storey, barn style doors, single door exit to southside, no windows;
(ii) Plot adjacent Gorsaf y Glowr, Pontarddulais - detached dwelling & double garage with turning bay;
(iii) 132 St Teilo Street, Pontarddulais - change of use from retail to cafe/bistro;
(iv) Bont Elim Community Church, Alltiago Road, Pontarddulais - to create a coffee house within the church, opening 8.30 - 5.00. To create a car park for the coffee house and church;
(v) 11 Cambrian Place, Pontarddulais - first floor addition to an existing rear single storey extension.
Observations were made to the City & County of Swansea concerning application (iv) above concerning the possible traffic problems that could occur bearing in mind the existing traffic issues during school opening and closing times.
Signed: Date:
CYNGOR TREF PONTARDDULAIS TOWN COUNCILAPPENDIX "A"
Expenditure transactions for the month of February 2013
Name / Particulars / Net / Vat / Total
British Gas / Gas 08/01 - 24/01 / £311.69 / £62.33 / £374.02
Cathedral Leasing / Hire of dustmat/etc / £35.10 / £7.02 / £42.12
Clerk / Expenses / £51.25 / £0.00 / £51.25
Dragon Events / Fencing for Xmas trees 11/12 / £360.00 / £72.00 / £432.00
B. T. / Office phone / £22.41 / £4.48 / £26.89
British Gas / Quarter electricity / £495.12 / £24.76 / £519.88
British Gas / Datwyn Xmas tree electricity / £43.16 / £2.16 / £45.32
Caretaker / February salary / £374.09 / £0.00 / £374.09
Cleaner / February salary / £415.31 / £0.00 / £415.31
Clerk / February salary / £1,186.59 / £0.00 / £1,186.59
Chaplins / Pantomime 2013 deposit / £200.00 / £40.00 / £240.00
£3,494.72 / £212.75 / £3,707.47
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