MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON MONDAY 27th NOVEMBER2017 AT 7.00 PM
PRESENT:CllrMrs J. Crisp (Mayor)
“ A. Bennett
“ E. Breeze
“ Mrs C. Edwardes
“ Mrs L. Evans
“ K. Hawkins
“ Mrs M. Jones
“ S. Lees
“ G. McArthur
“ Mrs A. Morgan
“ G. Morgan
“ Mrs P. Smith
Town Clerk
At 6.30 pm Council met with Mr Adam Price, Rugby Hub Officer to discuss funding the position for future years. Cllrs Mrs Margot Jones, Edward Breeze, Kelly Hawkins and Gareth Morgan all declared an interest as Governors at the Schools.
Mr Price distributed the Llanidloes Community Programme which explained the amount of students under his direction as well as the demographics of the users.He explained that his funding, currently provided from Llanidloes Schools, WRU, and local Town and Community Councils will run until next August (2018) when WRU will review again. Currently he teaches 2 ½ days at Llanidloes High School with the remainder of the week spread across Primary Schools. His evenings are spent coaching Rugby in Llanidloes and Bala. Friday evenings are spent helping to run a youth club at the Rugby Club. Cllr Edwardes was impressed with the extra -curricular activities which are provided alongside the position. Councillors agreed that this is a very worthwhile venture, and agreed that other Clubs in the area would benefit from a similar scheme operating and attracting younger players. Mr Price agreed it would be good to involve other clubs also.
Mr Price was thanked for attending and wished luck for the future running of the scheme.
430/01APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Cllr Griffiths
430/02TO ACCEPT PERSONAL AND PECUNIARY INTERESTS IN ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Declaration of Interest Forms were distributed and filed with the minutes. Cllr G. Morgan declared a personal interest in all matters relating to PCC as he is a member of Powys County Council. Cllr Hawkins declared a personal interest in item 12, as a Committee Member of the Community Centre and as a Parent Governor of Llanidloes Primary School. Cllr McArthur declared an interest in item 9, Llanidloes Joint Burial Board as he is a member of that Committee. Cllr Bennett declared an interest in item 9, Llanidloes Joint Burial Board as he is a member of that Committee. Cllr Crisp declared an interest in item 9, Llanidloes Joint Burial Board as she is a member of that Committee. Cllr Smith declared an interest in item 9, Llanidloes Joint Burial Board as she is a member of that Committee.
430/03MINUTES The following minutes were read and confirmed:-
Minutes of Council Meeting held on 23.10.17 Item 428/21 should read ..Brecon Radnor and Montgomeryshire. True Record – unanimously agreed
Minutes of Finance Panel Meeting held on 13.11.17 True Record - unanimously agreed
430/04TO RECEIVE CORRESPONDENCE:-
a)To receive statement of accounts from Public Sector Deposit Fund as October 2017 - Received
b)To receive letter from PCC informing Council that a Grant will no longer be available for Public Toilets - Received
c)To receive a request for funding from Welsh Hearts Cymru – To be looked at May 2018 Finance meeting
430/05TO DISCUSS COMPLAINTS OF HORSES RIDING THROUGH ALLT GOCH WOODS AS E MAIL RECEIVED FROM EMMA GUY, PCC RIGHTS OF WAY OFFICER It was unanimously agreed to write a letter to the offenders. Cllr G Morgan will help Clerk to write a letter.
430/06TODISCUSS PROPOSED CLOSURE OF STAYLITTLE OUTDOOR PURSUIT CENTRE (Cllr G. Morgan) Cllr Morgan mentioned that he is pleased that there is a well supported on line petition containing 5,000 signatures to keep the Centre open. The centre, which has 60 beds, is used for youth services as well as by more elderly people who use it for conferences. The Centre is up for closure meaning a saving of approx £130,000 per year. It has been advertised for sale or rent and had 4 bidders but none of them were suitable and therefore the Centre is due to close in December 2017.Cllr Morgan proposed that a letter is sent to Paul Griffiths, copied in to Rosemary Harris, Council Leader and County Councillor Phyl Davies asking them to reconsider and to keep it open for 12 months whilst a suitable Tenant or Buyer is found. Cllr Lees seconded the proposal, it was unanimously agreed.
430/07TO DISCUSS CHANGES TO DIRECTIONAL FINGERPOSTS TO LIBRARY/MUSEUM AND TO DISCUSS QUOTATIONS RECEIVED FOR REPAIR WORKS TOBE CARRIED OUT AT MUSEUM PRIOR TO A MEETING WITH KAY THOMAS, PCC, ON FRIDAY 8th DECEMBER. Clerk had received an e mail from Kay Thomas explaining that the fingerpost signs need to be redirected and will be discussed at a meeting with the Mayor and Town Clerk on 8th December. Clerk has received a quotation for treating a large amount of woodworm in the Museum/Library as well as much needed decoration of the staff areas. This will also be discussed on 8th December with PCC as there is some funding available for the works to be carried out.
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430/08TO RECEIVE LETTER REQUESTING PRECEPT 2018-19 AND BURIAL BOARD BANK RECONCILIATION STATEMENTS AND MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 2017 Cllr Edwardes thinks that the closing balances are too high
430/09TO DISCUSS A LETTER SENT BY BURIAL BOARD TO FUNERAL DIRECTOR RE DELAY OF FUNERALS DUE TO CARETAKER HOLIDAYS A letter sent to Mr Ian Hughes, Undertaker had been forwarded to Town Council. 3 more letters expressing concern at the decision to delay funerals while the Sexton was on Annual leave, had also been received from Jenny Garrard/Penny Burkill, W.O.M. Powell, and Rev Chiplin. Cllr Smith explained that the Caretaker is entitled to have holidays and Burial Board asked the Undertaker not to promise funerals during that time. She explained that the fees have increased and the Llanidloes Joint Burial Board are now on a par with towns of a similar size but regulations must be maintained and this process is costly. Cllr G Morgan stated that the 4 members of LJBC are elected members and are representatives of the community and that 2 weeks with no caretaker in charge would be a very stressful time for grieving families causing people unnecessary concern. He was annoyed that there has been no consultation with the main undertaker – the other undertakers in the area have not even been informed of this decision. He stated that this is a public service and special consideration should be given as it could mean a 3 week delay. Cllr Morgan asked for the Burial Board to consult withMr Ian Hughes and to arrange a meeting with him and other Undertakers in the area. Cllr McArthur stated that last year 3 burials were arranged during holiday time and this became costly to the Burial Board. Cllr Smith stated that the Burial Board have worked hard to ensure the balances are in place to carry out necessary works in the Cemetery, and they are waiting for quotations for the works to come in, and hopefully once they have the costs, they may come back to Town Council to reduce the precept request. It was agreed that copies of the letters to this Town Council will be answered accordingly and will be forwarded to the Burial Board.
430/10TO RECEIVE A LETTER FROM LLANIDLOES BOWLING CLUB RE WATER METER DISCONNECTION AND LOCKING OF RECREATION GROUND GATESIt was agreed to allow the Bowling Club to disconnect the unused Water Meter. It was agreed that the gates to the Recreation Ground will remain open as this is the access for the Air Ambulance.
430/11TO RECEIVE CERTIFIED ANNUAL RETURN FOR YEAR END 31ST MARCH 2017 FROM EXTERNAL AUDITOR (Grant Thornton) AND AUDITOR GENERAL FOR WALES AUDIT CERTIFICATE AND REPORT The report was received by Council and it was stated that Council have now adopted the code of conduct. Councillors were pleased that there were no other issues raised by the Auditor.
430/12 TO DISCUSS COMMUNITY CENTRE FURTHER TO INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM SOLICITOR Cllr Hawkins declared an interest and left the room. Cllr Edwardes recapped by explaining that she had concerns over section 59 – the ability to sell. Cllr Lees expressed great concern. Cllr G. Morgan stated that it is illegal to restrict the right to sell an asset, but it can only be sold if its current use comes to an end. The current trustees would have to consult with this Council as well as other stakeholders in any case. It was agreed that Council will request Kelly Chapman, Solicitor to come in to discuss further with Council.
430/13TO DISCUSS LETTER FROM LLANIDLOES LABOUR PARTY BRANCH Clerk stated that Council would advertise a Vacancy through the press and on notice boards. Council agreed that it is not necessary to inform individual groups.
430/14TO INFORM COUNCIL OF DEVELOPMENTS WITH TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS AT FOUNDRY TERRACEClerk explained that she and the Mayor met with Mr Chris Lloyd, PCC Highways along with residents of the area. A suitable decision was found, and Mr Lloyd will make a case for installing double yellow lines on the top corner – opposite the old Foundry buildings. He will consult with Town Council before the plans are finalised. In the meantime, traffic counters will be installed.
430/15 TO DISCUSS PRECEPT 2018-19 (DRAFT PRECEPT REQUEST ATTACHED) Cllr Breeze explained that we have now received the Tax base from PCC, we can finalise the request tonight if possible. Cllr Breeze read through the draft and explained Two Options, i.e. Option 1 being No increase in the Precept request, and Option 2 being 2.8% increase in the Precept request. Cllr Mc Arthur suggested that Burial Board may reduce their precept request by £10,000. Cllr Smith and Cllr Crisp suggested it could me more like £1000. The Majority of Councillors voted for Option 1. Therefore unless conflicting figures are received from PCC, there will be no increase in the Precept for 2018-19
430/16TO DISCUSS E MAIL RECEIVED REGARDING TURNING OLD RAILWAY LINE FROM MOAT LANE TO LLANIDLOES INTO A CYCLEWAY It was agreed that the e mail will be passed on to Powys County Council
430/17TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING PLANNING APPLICATION
DECC2017 0026 Application made under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 overhead line Regulations 2009 for a proposed overhead line at Land near Llanidloes F.C. Victoria Park Llanidloes Powys - No Objections
430/18THE FOLLOWING ACCOUNTS WERECONFIRMED FOR OCTOBER
Chq No
100630 Void 00.00
100631 P.R.J. Lymer(room hire for Dementia Friendly meeting) 15.20
100632 G. Latham (holiday pay owing) 52.50
100633 Assured Air and Water (legionella testing) 330.00
100634 LAS Recycling Ltd(waste collection) 61.20
100635 Petty Cash 77.69
100636 OVW (Cllr Lees Training) 40.00
100637 PCC (Pension) 535.42
100638 Inland Revenue 839.88
100639 Void 00.00
100640 British Legion Poppy Appeal 15.00
100641 Burial Board 15,000.00
d/dTotal GP (Town Hall Gas) 268.02
s/oWages 3186.51
Total£ 20,421.42
430/19 COUNCILLORS QUESTIONS
Cllr Margot Jones stated thatPalliative Care Unit works have started and hopefully are on schedule. She is however disturbed by the announcement that the Day Hospital is to close 3 days a week and only open for 2. No reasons have been given and she thinks that the Town deserves an answer and that the Health Board should be asked for the reasons. There has been no public announcement and the people who have been used to benefiting from this service will have the service very much reduced. Welsh Governmentrecently called this unit a “Beacon of Excellence” and this Council needs to make a protest. Cllr G. Morgan agreed that it is a total disgrace and those responsible should be requested to meet at the public at the Community Centre as they need reminding that lots of monies in this area has been raised by the Community.
Cllr Edwardes informed Councillors that she had been approached by Rev Lynda Cowan and had agreed to decorate a Christmas Trees in the Church on behalf of the Town Council. She asked all Councillors to sign a small card on which she will stick photographs of Councillors to hang on the Christmas tree.
Cllr Bennett expressed his disappointment at the window repair at the OMH. Cllr Edwardes explained that the repairs are temporary and that she is hopeful that next year the window will be repaired to a higher standard.
Cllr Crisp read out an e mail received from a resident complaining about the signage above the Kebab House. It was agreed that Council had taken up this complaint with PCC Planning Department previously – to no avail.
Clerk informed Councillors of a letter received from PCC invoicing for this year’s uncontested election – the total to Llanidloes will be £1038.74 for the 3 wards. Councillors thought this wrong as there was not an election and therefore it did not incur any costs. PCC wished to deduct the sum from the precept payment in December this year. Clerk was asked to request a breakdown of the cost and ask under what legislation they are charging us?
430/20DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Monday 11.12.17 Full Council Meeting
Meeting with Russell George/Post Office 15.01.18 at 11.00 am
The following items to be taken “In Committee” will be added to the next Agenda as Cllr Davies was not present this evening
430/21TO DISCUSS PCC CONTRACTED HOURS FOR STREET CLEANER
430/22TO DISCUSS RED KITE CAFE AT CLYWEDOG
Meeting closed at 8.42 pm
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