COFNODION / MINUTES

Cyng. Talat Chaudhri (Cadeirydd)

Cyng. Dylan Lewis-Rowlands

Cyng. Julien Brun (Eitemau 1-5 yn unig)

Cyng. Glynis Somers

Cyng. Jeff Smith

Cyng. Alun Williams (Eitemau 1-7 a 9-10 yn unig)

Yn mynychu

Cyng. Mair Benjamin

Cyng. Lucy Huws

Cyng. Mark Strong

Jess Bardley (Gŵyl Cariad Aber)

Sally Blaise (Gŵyl Cariad Aber)

Catrin Morgan-Lewis (Swyddog Gweinyddol)

Carol Thomas (Cyfieithydd)

Cllr. Talat Chaudhri (Chair)

Cllr. Dylan Lewis-Rowlands

Cllr. Julien Brun (Items 1-5 only)

Cllr. Glynis Somers

Cllr. Jeff Smith

Cllr. Alun Williams (Items 1-7 & 9-10 only)

In attendance

Cllr. Mair Benjamin

Cllr. Lucy Huws

Jess Bardley (Gŵyl Cariad Aber)

Sally Blaise (Gŵyl Cariad Aber)

Catrin Morgan-Lewis (Administration Officer)

Carol Thomas (Translator)

Yn absennol efo ymddiheuriadau:

Cyng. Kerry Ferguson

Cyng. Emlyn Jones

Yn absennol heb ymddiheuriadau:

Dim

Absent with apologies:

Cyng. Kerry Ferguson

Cyng. Emlyn Jones

Absent without apologies:

None

8. Ystyried costau Cytundeb Lefel Gwasanaeth (CLG) ar gyfer toiledau cyhoeddus: Datganodd y Cyng. Alun Williams fuddiant fel Cynghorydd Sir Ceredigion.

8. Consider Service Level Agreement (SLA) costs for public toilets: Cllr. Alun Williams declared an interest as a Ceredigion County Councillor.

·         Estynnwyd dymuniadau gorau i Grŵp Amddiffyn Gwasanaethau Bronglais, a oedd yn mynychu dadl yn y Senedd i siarad dros ofal strôc lleol yng Nghanolbarth Cymru.

·         Best wishes were extended to the Protect Bronglais Services Group, who were attending a debate at the Senedd to speak up for local stroke care in Mid Wales.

Croesawyd cynrychiolwyr Gŵyl Cariad Aber yn gynnes — gŵyl gelfyddydol beilot yn dathlu cariad ym mhob ffurf: rhamantaidd, teuluol, a chariad at greadigrwydd a’r gymuned. Cynhaliwyd yr ŵyl yn Aberystwyth rhwng 25 Ionawr a 14 Chwefror, gan drawsnewid y dref yn ganolfan o gysylltiad â chreadigrwydd.

Rhoddwyd trosolwg o weithgareddau blaenorol yr ŵyl, a gefnogwyd gan y Cyngor Tref ar gyfer Dydd Santes Dwynwen. Roedd y cyllid wedi galluogi rhaglen lwyddiannus yn cynnwys gorymdaith gymunedol, ‘flash mob’ gan Aber Opera, murlun etifeddiaeth, a gwaith celf ar raddfa fawr wedi’i daflunio ar y pier. Bu dros 70 o artistiaid a 50 o fusnesau yn cymryd rhan.

Amlinellodd y cynrychiolwyr eu cynlluniau ar gyfer rhaglen Gaeaf 2026, “Heddwch a Chariad”, menter beilot i brofi syniadau newydd a dyfnhau cysylltiadau cymunedol. Bydd y rhaglen yn cynnwys perfformiadau cyfranogol ac ymgyrch Crïwyr y Dref fel rhan o orymdaith Santes Dwynwen, gweithdai i fenywod dros 35 oed, a micro-oriel gelf ar safleoedd bysiau gan drawsnewid safleoedd canol y dref yn arddangosfeydd goleuol gan ddefnyddio gwaith celf archifol mewn cydweithrediad â Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru. Ymhlith gweithgareddau eraill, cynhelir digwyddiad agos-atoch mewn man tyfu cymunedol, gan gyfuno cawl, adrodd straeon, a thafluniadau ffilm ar bolytwnnel . Bydd artistiaid lleol a myfyrwyr Coleg Ceredigion yn cydweithio ar waith celf â thema Cariad i’w arddangos mewn 13 ffenestr siop, a bydd Sgyrsiau Artistiaid yn cael eu cynnal gan yr Ysgol Gelf.

Hysbyswyd yr aelodau bod y trefnwyr yn ceisio cyllid o £2,300 i gefnogi’r rhaglen. Mae partneriaethau’n cael eu datblygu gyda Chanolfan y Celfyddydau Aberystwyth, Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru, y Brifysgol, a’r Amgueddfa.

Mynegodd y Cynghorwyr eu cefnogaeth i’r fenter, gan nodi ei chreadigrwydd, cynhwysiant, a’i heffaith gadarnhaol ar y gymuned. Trafodwyd perfformiadau dwyieithog a chydweithrediadau posibl gyda Chyngor Celfyddydau Cymru ac Academi Heddwch Cymru.

ARGYMHELLWYD y dylai’r Cyngor gefnogi Gŵyl Cariad Aber yn egwyddor ac y dylid cyfeirio’r cais am gyllid o £2,300 i’r Cyngor Llawn i’w ystyried.

Estynnwyd diolch i’r cynrychiolwyr am fynychu a’u cyfraniad parhaus at fywyd diwylliannol Aberystwyth.

Gadawodd y cynrychiolwyr y cyfarfod.

Gadawodd y Cyng. Julien Brun y cyfarfod gan nad oedd y cyfieithiad ar-lein yn gweithio i’r rhai oedd yn mynychu ar-lein.

A warm welcome was extended to representatives from Gŵyl Cariad Aber, a pilot arts festival celebrating love in all its forms — romantic, familial, and love for creativity and community. Taking place in Aberystwyth between 25 January and 14 February, the festival transformed the town into a hub of connection and creativity.

An overview was provided of the festival’s previous activities, which had been supported by the Town Council for St Dwynwen’s Day. The funding had enabled a successful programme including the community parade, a flash mob by Aber Opera, a legacy mural, and a large-scale artwork projected onto the pier. Over 70 artists and 50 businesses had participated.

The representatives outlined plans for their Winter 2026 programme, “Heddwch a Chariad”, a pilot initiative designed to test new ideas and deepen community connections. The programme would include participatory performances and a Town Crier initiative as part of the Santes Dwynwen parade, workshops for women over 35, and a bus stop art micro-gallery transforming town centre bus stops into illuminated displays using archive artwork in collaboration with the National Library of Wales. Other planned activities include an intimate event at a community growing space, combining soup, storytelling, and film projections onto a polytunnel. Local artists and Coleg Ceredigion students would collaborate on Cariad-themed artwork displayed in 13 shop windows, and Artists’ Talks would to be hosted by the School of Art.

Members were informed that the organisers were seeking funding of £2,300 to support the programme. Partnerships were being developed with Aberystwyth Arts Centre, the National Library of Wales, the University, and the Museum.

Councillors expressed support for the initiative, noting its creativity, inclusivity, and positive community impact. Bilingual performances and potential collaborations with Arts Council Wales and Academi Heddwch Cymru were also discussed.

It was RECOMMENDED that the Council support Gŵyl Cariad Aber in principle and refer the funding request of £2,300 to the Full Council for consideration.

Thanks were extended to the representatives for attending and for their continued contribution to the cultural life of Aberystwyth.

The representatives left the meeting.

Cllr. Julien Brun left the meeting as the online translation did not work for those who were attending online.

Agenda Cyngor Llawn/ Full Council Agneda

Codwyd y pwyntiau canlynol:

1956 Wi-Fi y Dref a Diffibrilwyr: Nodwyd y dylid rhestru’r rhain fel penawdau ar wahân yn y gyllideb nesaf. ARGYMHELLWYD prynu diffibriliwr ychwanegol, i’w ystyried gan y Pwyllgor Rheoli Cyffredinol.

1931 Digwyddiadau, Celfyddydau & Bardd y Dre: Adroddwyd bod y penawd hwn wedi gwario llai na’r disgwyl, sef 8.4%. Roedd y gwariant is wedi’i neilltuo tuag at gyflogi’r Cynorthwyydd Amgylcheddol. Holwyd am y swm, a byddai’r Clerc yn darparu esboniad i’r Cyng. Dylan Lewis-Rowlands yn hwyrach.

ARGYMHELLWYD cymeradwyo’r cyfrifon.

The following points were raised:

1956 Town Wi-Fi and Defibrillators: It was noted that in the next budget these should be listed as separate headings. It was RECOMMENDED to purchase an additional defibrillator, to be considered by the General Management Committee.

1931 Events, Arts & Bardd y Dre: The heading was reported as underspent at 8.4%. The underspend had been allocated towards employing the Environmental Assistant. The amount was queried and the Clerk would provide an explanation to Cllr Dylan Lewis-Rowlands at a later date.

It was RECOMMENDED to approve the accounts.

Agenda Pwyllgor RhC/ GM Agenda

Roedd diweddariad ar statws TAW’r Cyngor wedi’i gylchredeg cyn y cyfarfod ac fe’i nodwyd. Eglurodd y Clerc fod y Cyngor ar hyn o bryd yn hawlio TAW yn ôl ar wariant ond nad yw wedi’i gofrestru ar gyfer TAW. Gallai rhai gweithgareddau, gan gynnwys Marchnad yr Hen Dref, llogi offer, gwerthu bagiau atal gwylanod, a stondinau bwyd a diod yn ystod Gŵyl y Castell, gael eu hystyried yn ‘weithgareddau busnes’ trethadwy os ydynt yn cynhyrchu dros £5,000 o refeniw gros y flwyddyn, gan olygu bod angen cofrestru ar gyfer TAW.

Nododd yr aelodau nad yw’r gweithgareddau hyn wedi’u bwriadu i gynhyrchu elw ac efallai nad ydynt yn bodloni’r meini prawf ar gyfer busnes. Codwyd cwestiynau ynghylch prisio’r bagiau atal gwylanod, a chadarnhawyd nad oes elw’n cael ei wneud ar y rhain.

ARGYMHELLWYD y dylai’r Clerc ysgrifennu at CThEM i gadarnhau pa weithgareddau sy’n gyfystyr â ‘gweithgaredd busnes’ ac y byddai unrhyw gofrestriad TAW angenrheidiol ac adolygiad o ffioedd yn dilyn ar ôl derbyn canllawiau.

An update on the Council’s VAT status had been circulated prior to the meeting and was noted. The Clerk explained that the Council currently reclaims VAT on expenditure but is not registered for VAT. Certain activities, including the Old Town Market, equipment hire, sale of seagull-proof bags, and food and drink stalls at Gŵyl y Castell, may be considered taxable ‘business activities’ if they generate over £5,000 gross revenue per year, requiring VAT registration.

Members noted that these activities are not intended to generate profit and may not meet the criteria of a business. Questions were raised regarding the pricing of seagull-proof bags, and it was confirmed that no profit is made on these items.

It was RECOMMENDED that the Clerk write to HMRC to confirm which activities constitute ‘business activity’ and that any necessary VAT registration and review of fees would follow receipt of guidance.

Llythyr/ Letter

Roedd adroddiad drafft wedi’i gylchredeg cyn y cyfarfod ac fe’i nodwyd. Cytunodd yr aelodau i nodi a derbyn yr adroddiad ac i sicrhau ei weithredu ar gyfer blwyddyn ariannol 2026–2027.

The draft report had been circulated prior to the meeting and was noted. Members agreed to note and receive the report and to ensure its implementation for the 2026-2027 financial year.

Cylchredwyd a thrafodwyd cyllideb ddrafft cychwynnol. Codwyd y pwyntiau canlynol:

1956 Wi-Fi y Dref a Diffibrilwyr: Nododd yr aelodau y bydd angen i’r Cyngor gyllidebu ar gyfer Wi-Fi y Dref yn 2027 gan y bydd y cyllid grant yn dod i ben. Gofynnwyd i’r Clerc gadarnhau’r wybodaeth hon.

Nodwyd y gallai’r Pwyllgor Rheoli Cyffredinol gael awdurdod dirprwyedig i reoli gwariant ar gyfer Rheolaeth Gyffredinol a’r penawdau cyllideb Digwyddiadau. ARGYMHELLWYD cyfeirio hyn at y Cyngor Llawn i’w ystyried.

A first draft budget was circulated and discussed. The following points were raised:

1956 Town Wi-Fi & defibrillators: Members noted that in 2027 the Council would need to budget for the Town Wi-Fi as the grant funding will end. The Clerk was asked to verify this information.

It was noted that the General Management Committee could have delegated authority to manage expenditure for General

Management and the Events budget headings. To be RECOMMENDED to the Full Council for consideration.

Agenda Cyngor Llawn/ Full Council Agenda

Datganodd y Cynghorydd Alun Williams fuddiant fel Cynghorydd Sir Ceredigion ac aeth allan o’r cyfarfod.

Ystyriodd y Pwyllgor gostau ac opsiynau ar gyfer rheoli toiledau cyhoeddus y Cyngor. Nododd yr Aelodau mai costau staff a chontractwyr yw’r rhan fwyaf o’r gwariant. Eglurwyd nad yw’n debygol y bydd y Cyngor yn gallu tendro’r gwasanaeth ar hyn o bryd oherwydd rhwymedigaethau cyfreithiol staffio, o dan TUPE, sy’n cynnwys gofynion staffio. Teimlai’r pwyllgor mai cytundeb lefel gwasanaeth (SLA) o dan Gyngor Sir Ceredigion oedd yr unig opsiwn ymarferol.

Ystyriwyd cyflwr safleoedd unigol, effaith cau posibl, a’r angen i gynnal cyfleusterau ar gyfer trigolion ac ymwelwyr er mwyn sicrhau diogelwch, hygyrchedd a hylendid. Ystyriwyd dewisiadau amgen megis rhedeg y gwasanaeth yn fewnol, uwchraddio’r cyfleusterau, neu gau’r toiledau, ond barnwyd eu bod naill ai’n anymarferol neu’n gofyn am gyllid ychwanegol sylweddol: naill ai drwy grant neu o gyllideb Cyngor y Dref.

Nodwyd fandaliaeth, cynnal a chadw, a mesurau diogelwch – gan gynnwys gatiau a larwmau – fel ffactorau cost sylweddol. Cydnabu’r pwyllgor bosibiliadau yn y dyfodol, gan gynnwys gosod paneli solar ar doiledau Traeth y De, fel arbedion tymor hir posibl.

Nododd yr Aelodau fod tair dull posibl ar gyfer y gwasanaeth yn y dyfodol:

·         Cytuno ar SLA gyda Chyngor Sir Ceredigion er mwyn cadw’r staff.

·         Rhedeg y gwasanaeth yn fewnol o dan Gyngor y Dref, gan gydymffurfio â’r rheoliadau TUPE.

·         Tendro’r gwasanaeth i ddarparwr allanol (nid yw hyn yn ymarferol ar hyn o bryd).

Awgrymwyd cynnal ymgynghoriad cyhoeddus ar effaith gyllidebol y toiledau cyhoeddus.

ARGYMHELLWYD y dylai’r Cyngor Llawn benderfynu pa fath o SLA i’w fabwysiadu ar gyfer rheoli’r toiledau cyhoeddus.

Cllr. Alun Williams declared an interest as Ceredigion County Councillor and left the meeting.

The Committee considered the costs and options for the management of the Council’s public toilets. Members noted that staff and contractor costs represented the largest proportion of expenditure. It was explained that the Council is currently likely unable to tender the service due to legal staffing obligations, under TUPE that has staffing requires,. The committee felt that an SLA under Ceredigion County Council was the only viable option.

Discussion included the condition of individual sites, the impact of potential closures, and the need to maintain facilities for residents and visitors for safety, accessibility, and hygiene. Alternatives such as running the service in-house, upgrading facilities, or closing toilets were considered but deemed either unfeasible or requiring substantial additional funding: from either a grant or from our Town Council budget.

Vandalism, maintenance, and security measures, including gates and alarms, were noted as significant cost factors. Future possibilities, including solar panel installation at South Beach toilets, were acknowledged as potential long-term savings.

Members noted that there were three potential approaches for the service going forward:

·         Agree an SLA with Ceredigion County Council to retain staff.

·         Run the service in-house under the Town Council, complying with the TUPE regulations.

·         Tender the service to an external provider (not currently feasible).

It was suggested that a public consultation be undertaken on the budgetary impact of the public toilets.

It was RECOMMENDED that Full Council decide on which type of SLA to adopt for the management of public toilets.

Agenda Cyngor Llawn/ Full Council Agenda

Finance Agenda