MINUTES OF THE PONTARDDULAIS TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 7TH SEPTEMBER 2017

PRESENT:Cllr J. Harris (Mayor)Cllr C. Mathias

Cllr G. JohnCllr H. Roberts

Cllr C. HarrisCllr D. Beynon

Cllr R. JohnCllr R. Jenkins

Cllr K. GriffithsCllr D. Howard-Willis

Cllr Rev. J. BeynonCllr A. Cascarini

Cllr. M. Roberts

Prior to commencement of business members of the public were invited to ask questions. There were no members of the public present.

51.APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors P. Downing and E. Davies.

52.TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE FROM NEWLY CO-OPTED COUNCILLORS:

The six newly co-opted Councillors duly signed their Declarations of Acceptance of Office which were countersigned by the Clerk and Proper Officer of the Council.

53.TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST FROM MEMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH TH COUNCIL’S CODE OF CONDUCT:

There were no declarations of personal interest received.

54.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 6TH JULY 2017:

The above minutes were accepted as a true record.

(a)ATMs (Min No 24(c)):

The Clerk reported e-mail replies from the local M.P. stating that she would not be available to attend any Council meeting held on a Thursday evening. It was agreed to seek feedback from the M.P. on any investigations she had undertaken concerning problems associated with the local ATMs.

(b)Caecerrig Road, Pontarddulais (Min No 44(i)):

The Clerk reported a copy of a reply from the South Wales Police Commissioner concerning speeding traffic on Caecerrig Road. Members stated that speeding traffic was a problem in many parts of the town. It was agreed that the matter be brought up in the next PACT meeting in October.

(c)Code of Conduct Training (Min No 44(j)):

The Clerk informed Members that he and Cllr G. John had attended the above training and presented copies of the presentation slides.

55.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON THE 20TH JULY 2017:

Cllr H. Roberts, Vice-Chairman of the Finance Committee, reported on the above minutes. Members had before them information relating to the Council’s budget for the quarter April 2017 to June 2017.

56.TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNTY WARD MEMBERS:

County Councillor K. Griffiths reported on the following:

  • Problems with construction works undertaken by Virgin Media – will be arranging another site visit with officers from the City & County of Swansea;
  • Housing adaptation problems;
  • Local Development Plan – met with some local residents;
  • Road signage/road markings;
  • Met with Rebecca Evans AM re various matters;
  • Attended proposed cycle path meeting with Sustrans, officers and landowners;
  • Resurfacing (patch work) to be undertaken in September;
  • Mynydd y Gwair – complaint of late night noise from road sweeper – would contact Innogy.

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

There were no urgent matters to consider.

58.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.

59.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORTS FROM THE CLERK:

  1. CORRESPONDENCE:

The following correspondence was received and noted:

(a)Review of the future of the community council sector in Wales – panel membership;

(b)Tree Preservation Order – land at St Teilo’s Church;

(c)City & County of Swansea – LDP to be submitted to the Welsh Government and Planning Inspectorate for independent examination;

(d)Greed Flag Community Award 2017 – Coedbach Park;

(e)Second CAP Debt Counselling Centre open in Swansea;

(f)Welsh Government Loan Sanction Scheme;

(g)Planning Aid Wales – training opportunities;

(h)One Voice Wales – South Wales training schedule September – December 2017;

(i)Local Dispute Resolution Protocol – copy of agreed document for Town Council;

(j)Bus services to Glanffrwd – changes to buses to and from Glanffrwd;

(k)Autism (Wales) Bill – explanatory memorandum of proposals;

(l)Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Community Health Council – briefing paper on the Welsh Government White Paper Consultation “Services fit for the future”;

(m)Tree Charter – update from the National Association of Local Councils;

(n)Welsh Government – Clustering: Funding to support the initial setting up of joint arrangements;

(o)Information on “What’s stopping you from being an AM”;

(p)Holocaust Memorial Day 2018 – local workshop in Swansea 19 October 2017;

(q)City & County of Swansea Area Review:

The Clerk reported a copy of a letter addressed to Cllr K. Griffiths concerning property assets owned by the City & County of Swansea. There were certain omissions on the list which Cllr Griffiths would bring to the attention of the County.

(r)Graig Merthyr Commemorative Stone:

The Clerk presented a quotation from the Graig Merthyr Committee for the installation of the above stone which would be unveiled on the 7th October 2017. Cllr K. Griffiths declared a personal interest. It was agreed to ascertain from the committee whether there was now a shortfall between the cost of the stone and the donations raised.

(s)Proposed Cycle Path:

The Clerk reported an e-mail from the secretary of Wheelrights giving an update on the proposed bike routes to and from Pontarddulais. The Clerk explained that he and Cllr K. Griffiths had attended a meeting with Sustrans, officers and landowners when it had been agreed that a “drop” in session be held in the local produce market in the Institute on Wednesday 11th October.

(t)One Voice Wales Conference and AGM:

The Clerk reported an invitation to attend the above conference on Saturday 30th September 2018. It was agreed to confirm the attendance of the Clerk and Cllr G. John (the Council’s representative on the Swansea Area Committee) with Cllr John having the voting rights for the Council. Members also had before them the motions for consideration at the meeting.

(u)Corner of William Street and Water Street:

The Clerk presented an e-mail from a resident concerned at the safety aspects of speeding vehicles in the vicinity of the above corner. Cllr K. Griffiths explained that the City & County of Swansea were considering various options to alleviate the problem.

(v)New play or fitness equipment:

The Clerk reported an e-mail from the Friends of Coedbach Park regarding a competition by KOMPAN offering the opportunity for town councils and community groups to win matched funding towards new play and fitness equipment. Cllr C. Harris explained that Pontarddulais Partnership was looking at a plan and would be speaking to local children concerning play equipment.

(w)National Grid overhead line refurbishment:

The Clerk reported an invitation from the National Grid to attend a briefing on the refurbishment of overhead power lines between Swansea and Pembroke. The Mayor agreed to attend.

(x)Reform of Data Protection Legislation:

The Clerk informed Members that the EU regulation known as General Data Protection Regulation will come into force on the 25th May 2018. One Voice Wales are working with the Information Commissioner’s Office to arrange a number of seminars around Wales and it was agreed to await the details in due course.

(y)Cymraeg 2050 Grant Scheme:

The Clerk reported information from the Welsh Government concerning the above grant scheme which invites organisations to make an application for funding for new and innovative projects to increase the use of the Welsh Language. It was agreed that a possible candidate would be digital signage in the Dulais Glen Gardens.

(z)Website enquiry:

The Clerk advised Members that he had received a website enquiry relating to “the drug problem” that is affecting children in Pontarddulais. He was not able to respond to the enquiry since the person concerned had not given any contact details.

60.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR:

The Mayor reported on her civic duties in the last two months.

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

Cllr G. John informed Members that there would be a children’s film in the Institute on Saturday 9th September and the Local Produce Market would be held in the Institute on Wednesday 13th September. She also advised Members that she and the Clerk had represented the Lord Mayor’s “boules team” in a competition in Mumbles on Saturday 2nd September.

62.TO APPROVE AND ACCEPT THE AUDITED ANNUAL RETURN FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2017:

Members had before them a copy of the Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2017 and the auditor’s comment that the Council’s website did not contain the audited statement of Accounts for previous years. RESOLVED that the accounting statements and Annual Governance Statement by approved and was duly signed by the Mayor.

63.TO CONSIDER THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTATION DOCUMENT “ELECTORAL REFORM IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN WALES”:

Members had before them a copy of the above document. It was agreed that the document be considered by the Finance Committee and confirmedat the next Council meeting.

64.TO AUTHORISE AND APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE FOR THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST 2017:

The above expenditure was authorised and approved.

See Appendix “A” and appendix “B”.

65.TO RECEIVE A MONTHLY INCOME REPORT AND BANK RECONCILIATION FOR THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST 2017:

The above reports were accepted. See appendices attached.

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

(i)12 Heol y Coed, Pontarddulais – single storey rear/side extension (application for a certificate of proposed lawful development);

(ii)13 Heol y Coed, Pontarddulais – single storey disabled adaptation rear extension (application for a certificate of proposed lawful development);

(iii)18 Park Terrace, Pontarddulais – proposed replacement detached garage, decking and creation of additional hardstanding to provide additional off road parking;

(iv)81 Glynhir Road, Pontarddulais – split 4 bedroom semi-detached house into 3 bedroom terrace and one 2 bedroom house;

(v)54 Woodville Street, Pontarddulais – full demolition of existing extension. Proposed extension changed from masonry structure to timber frame;

(vi)11 Bryn Road, Pontarddulais – rear extension part one storey part two storey with rear dormer;

(vii)St Teilo’s Church, Pontarddulais – to fell four trees;

(viii)16 Goppa Road, Pontarddulais – new dwelling;

(ix)23 Llysgwyn Terrace, Pontarddulais – proposed rear single storey kitchen extension, 2 storey bedroom extension and detached garage;

(x)121 Glynhir Road, Pontarddulais – part 2 storey and part single storey rear extension;

(xi)Land to the west of Pentre Road adjacent to the bridge on the B4296 crossing the M4 – request for Agricultural determination for a new barn and cattle sheds on an existing agricultural holding as well as a hardcore path to the perimeter of the site to enable access for boundary maintenance;

(xii)Shell Gargae, St Teilo Street, Pontarddulais – retention of an installed ATM.

There were no adverse observations concerning the above applications.

Signed:Date:

CYNGOR TREF PONTARDDULAIS TOWN COUNCIL
APPENDIX "A"
Expenditure transactions for the month of July 2017
Name / Particulars / Net / Vat / Total
HMRC / Quarter tax/N.I. / £1,565.09 / £0.00 / £1,565.09
C & C of Swansea / Non domestic rate / £220.95 / £0.00 / £220.95
DwrCymru / Water/sewerage charges / £1,130.16 / £0.00 / £1,130.16
ESPO / Cleaning materials etc / £55.97 / £11.20 / £67.17
Community Cinema / Film 01/07 / £50.00 / £0.00 / £50.00
Cariad / 5 No defibrillators/2 cabinets / £5,800.00 / £0.00 / £5,800.00
B. T. / Office phone / £22.50 / £4.50 / £27.00
B. T. / Broadband services / £76.00 / £15.20 / £91.20
S. Porch / Repairs to toilet / £115.00 / £0.00 / £115.00
Cathedral Leasing / Hire of 2 No. san units / £21.67 / £4.33 / £26.00
Pitney Bowes / Reset franking machine / £108.00 / £1.60 / £109.60
British Gas / Quarter gas / £414.43 / £20.72 / £435.15
Salaries / July salaries / £2,112.39 / £0.00 / £2,112.39
British Gas / Quarter electricity / £397.14 / £19.85 / £416.99
Apogee Corporation / Priner/copier charges / £69.52 / £13.90 / £83.42
C & C of Swansea / NEAT team 04/17 - 09/17 / £6,000.00 / £1,200.00 / £7,200.00
Lloyds Bank / Service charge / £5.00 / £0.00 / £5.00
£18,163.82 / £1,291.30 / £19,455.12
CYNGOR TREF PONTARDDULAIS TOWN COUNCIL
APPENDIX "B"
Expenditure transactions for the month of August 2017
Name / Particulars / Net / Vat / Total
BNP Paribas / Printer rental / £80.96 / £16.19 / £97.15
C & C of Swansea / Non domestic rate / £225.00 / £0.00 / £225.00
One Voice Wales / 2 No delegate fees for AGM / £160.00 / £0.00 / £160.00
British Gas / Electricity to Dantwyn Xmas point / £25.56 / £1.27 / £26.83
Mayor / Second third of allowance / £600.00 / £0.00 / £600.00
C & C of Swansea / Floral display / £10,617.50 / £2,123.50 / £12,741.00
Cathedral Leasing / Hire of 2 No. san units / £21.67 / £4.33 / £26.00
Salaries / August salaries / £2,112.59 / £0.00 / £2,112.59
B. T. / Office phone / £26.05 / £5.21 / £31.26
Swansea Lift & Repair / Lighting to comply with BS7255 / £690.00 / £138.00 / £828.00
Lloyds Bank / Service charge / £5.00 / £0.00 / £5.00
Clerk / Expenses / £27.59 / £0.99 / £28.58
Rotary Club of Mumbles / Lord Mayor's Charity Boules / £50.00 / £0.00 / £50.00
£14,641.92 / £2,289.49 / £16,931.41

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MONTHLY INCOME REPORT – JULY 2017

04-Jul / HB/12/17 / Celtic Wealth Management - hanging baskets / £303.96 / £303.96
07-Jul / 33/17 / Senior Citizens - room hire / £60.00 / £60.00
07-Jul / 30/17 / Slimming World - room hire / £150.00 / £150.00
07-Jul / 31/17 / Sewing - room hire / £50.00 / £50.00
10-Jul / 32/17 / Karate - room hire / £130.00 / £130.00
10-Jul / 29/07 / Quilting - room hire / £30.00 / £30.00
10-Jul / Lloyds Bank - bank interest / £2.71 / £2.71
10-Jul / Lloyds Bank - bank interest / £1.32 / £1.32
11-Jul / 35/17 / CorGlandulais - room hire / £60.00 / £60.00
11-Jul / 36/17 / W. I. - room hire / £25.00 / £25.00
11-Jul / 34/17 / Art Class - room hire / £40.00 / £40.00
11-Jul / 37/17 / Dulais River Writers - room hire / £20.00 / £20.00
14-Jul / 38/17 / Creative Cards - room hire / £60.00 / £60.00
17-Jul / HB/2/17 / Candyfloss Cakes - baskets / £127.32 / £127.32
19-Jul / Cancelled cheque 4362 (Scouts) / £200.00 / £200.00
20-Jul / 39/17 / Scrapbook Club - room hire / £20.00 / £20.00
21-Jul / HB/7/17 / Pleser - baskets / £127.32 / £127.32
28-Jul / HB/10/17 / Root 107 - hanging baskets / £127.32 / £127.32
Monthly totals / £645.00 / £0.00 / £4.03 / £0.00 / £685.92 / £200.00 / £1,534.95 / £36,861.00

MONTHLY INCOME REPORT – AUGUST 2017

02-Aug / 45/17 / Dulais River Writers - room hire / £40.00 / £40.00
04-Aug / 46/17 / Scrapbook Club - room hire / £20.00 / £20.00
04-Aug / 47/17 / Slimming World - room hire / £120.00 / £120.00
04-Aug / 42/17 / Senior Citizens - room hire / £60.00 / £60.00
04-Aug / 48/17 / Sewing Class - room hire / £40.00 / £40.00
09-Aug / Lloyds Bank - bank interest / £2.26 / £2.26
09-Aug / Lloyds Bank - bank interest / £1.28 / £1.28
18-Aug / 40/17 / Karate - room hire / £170.00 / £170.00
18-Aug / 44/17 / W. I. - room hire / £25.00 / £25.00
18-Aug / 41/17 / Art Class - room hire / £40.00 / £40.00
21-Aug / HB/8/17 / Garden of Eden - hanging baskets / £135.32 / £135.32
31-Aug / C & C of Swansea - precept payment / £28,666.67 / £28,666.67
Monthly totals / £515.00 / £28,666.67 / £3.54 / £0.00 / £135.32 / £0.00 / £29,320.53 / £66,181.53

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CyngorTrefPontarddulais Town Council
Bank Reconciliation / Jul-17
Balance brought forward / £94,473.49
Add total receipts as per R & P Book / £1,534.95
Less total payments as per R & P Book / £19,455.12
Balance carried forward / £76,553.32
Bank balances
Closing bank balances
(as per bank statements as at 31/07/17)
Current Account / £1.00
Deposit Account / £53,242.76
Reserve Account / £31,128.51
Total bank balance / £84,372.27
Less unpresented cheques / Cheque number
4392 / £606.95
4396 / £12.00
4414 / £7,200.00
Total / £7,818.95
Add cash/cheques received not yet banked
Other adjustments
Reconciled Balance / £76,553.32
(as at 31/07/17)
CyngorTrefPontarddulais Town Council
Bank Reconciliation / Aug-17
Balance brought forward / £76,553.32
Add total receipts as per R & P Book / £29,320.53
Less total payments as per R & P Book / £16,931.41
Balance carried forward / £88,942.44
Bank balances
Closing bank balances
(as per bank statements as at 31/08/17)
Current Account / £1.00
Deposit Account / £58,509.18
Reserve Account / £31,129.79
Total bank balance / £89,639.97
Less unpresented cheques / Cheque number
4392 / £606.95
4396 / £12.00
4421 / £28.58
4422 / £50.00
Total / £697.53
Add cash/cheques received not yet banked
Other adjustments
Reconciled Balance / £88,942.44
(as at 31/08/17)

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