MINUTES OF THE PONTARDDULAIS TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2016

PRESENT:Cllr P. Downing (Mayor)Cllr J. Harris

Cllr P. J. WaterhouseCllr R. Waterhouse

Cllr C. MathiasCllr K. Harris

Cllr D. Howard-WillisCllr G. Williams

Cllr K. GriffithsCllr D. Beynon

Cllr J. MilesCllr G. John

There were no members of the public present.

69.APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors H. Roberts, E. Davies and C. Davies.

70.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.

71.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 1ST SEPTEMBER 2016:

The above minutes were accepted as a true record subject to the removal of the sentence “Members confirmed that permission would not be granted for that site” under minute number 64 (To consider the siting of the proposed Graig Merthyr Memorial Stone). Cllr K. Griffiths declared a personal interest.

(a)Mynydd y Gwair Wind Farm (Min No 51):

The Clerk reported a newsletter from Innogy Renewables UK Ltd together with a copy of the Town Council’s response to the planning applications relating to the discharge of conditions. Cllr Miles advised Members that the proposed output had now reduced to 33 mega watts and the community fund down to £164K. Cllr Miles to forward the information to the Clerk

(b)Water Street, Pontarddulais (Min No 54(a)):

The Clerk reported a reply e-mail from the City & County of Swansea indicating that Water Street would not feature as a priority for the installation of speed bumps at this time.

(c)Friends of Coedbach Park (Min No 62):

The Clerk reported a reply e-mail from the secretary of the Friends of Coedbach Park following the Council’s letter of congratulations to her on being awarded the Green Flag Volunteer of the Year.

(d)Speed cameras (Min No 63):

The Clerk reported reply e-mails from “Go-Safe” and South Wales Police indicating that road safety devices used for speed surveys will be installed shortly.

(e)Monthly expenditure (Min No 66):

The Clerk advised Members that he had been in contact with Lloyds Bank who confirmed that monthly charges of £5.00 (five pounds) apply when a non-charitable organisation has a turnover in excess of £50,000 (fifty thousand pounds).

72.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE ESTATES, DEVELOPMENT AND RGENERATION COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON THE 15TH SEPTEMBER 2016:

Cllr Miles, Chairman of the above committee, reported on the above minutes.

73.TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNTY WARD MEMBERS:

Cllr Downing reported on the following:

  • Recent flooding – met NRW. Sand bags now have to be bought from the Council;
  • Car wash rear of Gwyn Hotel – works on stop due to drainage issues;
  • Proposed pedestrian crossing, Bolgoed Road – works due to commence in December.

Cllr Harris reported on the following:

  • Continued financial constraints on County budget;
  • Proposed improvement works to Castle Square, Swansea.

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

There were no urgent matters to consider.

75.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.

76.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORTS FROM THE CLERK:

  1. CORRESPONDENCE:

The following correspondence was received and noted:

(a)City & County of Swansea – consultation on “The Protection of Trees on Development Sites”;

(b)Planning Aid Wales – dates of planning training;

(c)Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot Citizens Advice – notice of Annual General Meeting;

(d)Welsh Government – update on local government reform from Mark Drakeford AM, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government;

(e)Welsh Government – changes to stamp duty in Wales;

(f)Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority – draft corporate plan 2017 – 2022;

(g)Plwyf Llandeilo Talybont Parish:

The Clerk reported a request from the Secretary of Llandeilo Talybont Parochial Church Council for the Council to make a financial donation towards their Christmas Tree Festival in St Michael’s Church in December. Cllr Miles declared a personal interest in the matter. RESOLVED that a donation of £200 (two hundred pounds) be made towards the above Festival.

(h)Public Footpath Application – Pentre Road to Coedbach Park, Pontarddulais:

The Clerk reported correspondence from the City & County of Swansea concerning the above application. It was agreed to write to the City & County of Swansea supporting the application and Cllr J. Harris would make further investigations.

(i)Closure of Pontarddulais Youth Club:

The Clerk reported an e-mail from Whitehead-Ross Education and Consulting concerning the provision of youth service in Pontarddulais. It was pointed out that the Clerk had already sent a letter of support to the company.

(j)Swansea Rural Development Plan:

The Clerk informed Members that he had received an e-mail from the City & County of Swansea regarding a local community council who propose to carry out a community consultation exercise in order to develop a community plan. They were querying whether the Town Council would be interested in the RDP providing support to carry out community engagement and consultation as a way of helping develop a community plan. The Clerk explained that he had already expressed an interest in the above. The Clerk’s actions were confirmed.

(k)Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales:

The Clerk reported a letter from the IRPFW inviting representations and comments on their Draft Annual Report for 2017/18. It was agreed that the Report be considered by the Finance Committee.

(l)Hanging baskets:

The Clerk informed Members that he had received information concerning the City & County of Swansea’s hanging basket scheme for 2017. Cllr John suggested that next year planters be placed at the front of the Dulais Glen Gardens. It was agreed that the matter be discussed by the Finance Committee.

(m)School Governor – Pontarddulais Junior School:

RESOLVED that Councillor P. Downing continue as the Council’s representative.

77.TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORTS FROM TH MAYOR:

The Mayor reported on his civic duties during the past month.

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

Cllr John presented a written report following her attendance at the One Voice Wales conference. She informed Members that the children’s film had been held in the Institute on Saturday 1st October and the Local Produce Market would take place on the 12th October. This month’s market would include a Macmillan Coffee Morning.

Cllr Beynon informed Members that the PACT meeting had been held on the 26th September with parking and speeding issues being discussed. He also stated that two cannabis farms had been raided in Pontarddulais.

79.TO APPROVE AND ACCEPT THE COUNCIL’S ANNUAL RETURN FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2016:

Members had before them a copy of the Annual Return, BDO’s Issues Report and Clerk’s e-mail to BDO concerning their Issues Report. RESOLVED that the Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2016 be approved and accepted.

80.TO CONSIDER THE BOUNDARY COMMISSION FOR WALES’S 2018 REVIEW OF PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCIES IN WALES INITIAL PROPOSALS:

Members had before them a copy of the above report as it relates to Pontarddulais. It was agreed that the matter be referred to the Estates, Development and Regeneration Committee.

81.TO CONSIDER THE COUNCIL’S FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TOWARDS THE NEAT TEAM:

Members considered the e-mail from the Litter and Cleansing Manager and discussed the work of the NEAT team. It was agreed that the Council should continue its financial support of the team.

The Mayor and Members agreed to bring forward agenda items 16, 17 and 18.

82.TO AUTHORISE AND APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER:

The above expenditure was authorised and approved.

See Appendix “A”

83.TO RECEIVE A MONTHLY INCOME REPORT AND BANK RECONCILIATION FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2016:

The above reports were received and accepted.

See Appendix “B” and Appendix “C”

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

(i)32 Caecerrig Road, Pontarddulais–forming and relocating the existing driveway access onto the main highway;

(ii)1 Glynhir Road, Pontarddulais – rear ground floor shower room & lobby extension, construction of a rear parking bay and crossover;

(iii)39 St Teilo Street, Pontarddulais – change of use from A1 shop to office A2;

(iv)15 James Street, Pontarddulais – garden shed – retrospective planning permission required;

(v)14 GolwgyrEglwys, Pontarddulais – single storey side and rear extension and alterations.

There were no observations concerning the above applications.

85.TO DETERMINE QUOTATIONS RECEIVED FOR THE ERECTION AND DISMANTLING OF THE CHRISTMAS ILLUMINATIONS:

The Clerk advised Members that quotations had been received from the following contractors:

  • Centregreat Ltd :£5020.00
  • RT Electrics:£1925.00
  • Commercial Christmas:£4250.00

It was proposed by Cllr Beynon and seconded by Cllr P. J. Waterhouse that the Council accepts the lowest tender. On being put to the vote the proposition was carried by 9 votes to 3 votes. RESOLVED that the quotation from RT Electrics be accepted.

86.TO CONSIDER THE COUNCIL’S EXISTING AND FUTURE PRINTER CONTRACT:

Members had before them the current printer costs and proposed A4 and A3 options from Danwood (existing provider) and Morgan & Morgan Document Solutions. The Clerk explained that an A4 printer would be suitable and Members noted the considerable savings with the Danwood HP printer option. RESOLVED that the Council accepts the A4 printer option from Danwood.

Signed:Date:

CYNGOR TREF PONTARDDULAIS TOWN COUNCIL
APPENDIX "A"
Expenditure transactions for the month of September 2016
Name / Particulars / Net / Vat / Total
C & C of Swansea / Non domestic rate / £214.00 / £0.00 / £214.00
B. T. / Office phone / £29.23 / £5.85 / £35.08
Danwood / Printer/copying costs / £123.96 / £24.79 / £148.75
Clerk / Expenses / £49.91 / £0.00 / £49.91
Cathedral Leasing / Hire of 2 No san units / £21.67 / £4.33 / £26.00
Salaries / August salaries / £2,082.79 / £0.00 / £2,082.79
Community Cinema / Film 10/09 / £50.00 / £0.00 / £50.00
Royal British Legion / 2 No Remembrance Wreaths / £70.00 / £0.00 / £70.00
Lloyds Bank / Service charge / £5.00 / £0.00 / £5.00
£2,646.56 / £34.97 / £2,681.53

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INCOME REPORT AUGUST 2016

04-Aug / 27/16 / C & C of Swansea / Room hire / £52.50 / £52.50
09-Aug / Lloyds Bank / Bank interest / £1.75 / £1.75
09-Aug / Lloyds Bank / Bank interest / £1.24 / £1.24
19-Aug / 35/16 / Slimming World / Room hire / £54.00 / £54.00
19-Aug / 29/16 / Karate / Room hire / £50.50 / £50.50
19-Aug / 28/16 / Sewing Class / Room hire / £42.50 / £42.50
19-Aug / 34/16 / W. I. / Room hire / £22.00 / £22.00
19-Aug / 30/16 / Senior Citizens / Room hire / £40.50 / £40.50
22-Aug / 31/16 / Art Class / Room hire / £35.00 / £35.00
25-Aug / HB/10/16 / Garden of Eden / Hanging baskets / £142.98 / £142.98
25-Aug / C & C of Swansea / Precept payment / £28,000.00 / £28,000.00
Monthly totals / £297.00 / £28,000.00 / £2.99 / £0.00 / £142.98 / £28,442.97 / £66,418.54

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CyngorTrefPontarddulais Town Council
Bank Reconciliation / Aug-16
Balance brought forward / £70,438.54
Add total receipts as per R & P Book / £28,442.97
Less total payments as per R & P Book / £3,015.68
Balance carried forward / £95,865.83
Bank balances
Closing bank balances
(as per bank statements as at 31/08/16)
Current Account / £1.00
Deposit Account / £64,911.54
Reserve Account / £31,114.24
Total bank balance / £96,026.78
Less unpresented cheques / Cheque number
4271 / £160.00
4272 / £0.95
Total / £160.95
Add cash/cheques received not yet banked
Other adjustments
Reconciled Balance / £95,865.83
(as at 31/08/16)

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