Full Council - 28-10-2013
6:30 pm
Minutes:
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF FULL COUNCIL HELD IN THE MEETING ROOM,11 BAKER STREET ABERYSTWYTH ON MONDAY 28th OCTOBER 2013 AT 6.30PM
Present: Cllr Wendy Morris-Twiddy
Cllr Martin Shewring
Cllr Alun Williams
Cllr Brenda Haines
Cllr Sue Jones Davies
Cllr Sarah Bowen
Cllr Ceredig Davies
Cllr Mererid Jones
Cllr J Aled Davies
Cllr M A Strong
Cllr Jeff Smith
Cllr Kevin Roy Price
Cllr Brian Davies
Cllr Endaf Edwards
Cllr Mair Benjamin
Cllr Dylan Lewis
Cllr Steve Davies
Apologies: None
Minute 84
Declarations of Interest- None given
Minute 85 – Personal References.
Regards were sent to Cllr Aled Davies and Cllr Ceredig Davies as their mother is in hospital. Aberystwyth Town Council would like to wish her a speedy recovery and send our best wishes.
Best wishes and speedy recovery also to be sent to Mrs Mona Morris MBE after her recent fall.
We would like to congratulate Parc Natur Penglais on winning a Green Award.
Minute 86 – Mayoral Activities.
The Mayor had circulated a detailed list of her activities on behalf of Aberystwyth Town Council.
Minute 87 – Minutes of the meeting of full council on 23rd of September 2013.
Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to accept and adopt the minutes of the above meeting.
Minute 88 – Meeting of Planning Committee held on 14 October 2013
Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to accept and adopt the minutes of the above meeting.
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE HELD IN THE MEETING ROOM, 11 BAKER STREET, ABERYSTWYTH ON THE 14th OF OCTOBER 2013 – 6.30pm
Present :-Dylan Lewis
Mererid Jones
Aled Davies
Endaf Edwards
Kevin Price
Ceredig Davies
Alun Williams
Wendy Morris-Twiddy
Brian Davies
Sue Jones-Davies
Brenda Davies
Mark Strong
Apologies –Jeff Smith
Aled Davies
Mair Benjamin
A130668/ A130669LB
Victoria House
Cllr Mark Strong did not participle in the vote.
Objection on the grounds of being over-development of a historical building. There is not sufficient parking provision.
A130700
Bryndedwydd, St David Road
No objection- supportive on condition that the windows are of historical type . That they replicate what is there present.
A130701
11 Pier Street, Aberystwyth
Objection on the grounds that there are too many late night establishments along Pier Street impacting on the quality of life of those living in the area. Concerns that the establishment is in contravention of it current planning consents.
A130714
Cwm Pennant, Cliff Terrace
No objection
A130714
Bay Hotel
Objection on the grounds that the rear development is not in character with the area. The rear should be a floor lower with a pitched roof. Town Council appreciate that the original frontage is retained.
A130724
Costa Coffee
No objection.
A130746
Aberystwyth Bandstand
We weclome the development of the bandstand but have deep reservations on the part of the building that contains the public toilets. The scale and design of the auxiliary part is function led and not designed. We would prefer a design more in keeping with the promenade area.
Meeting 89 – Meeting of the General Management Committee on the 14th October 2013
Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to accept and adopt the minutes of the above meeting.
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE GENERAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HELD IN THE MEETING ROOM, 11 BAKER STREET, ABERYSTWYTH ON THE 14th OF OCTOBER 2013 – 7.00pm
Present :-Dylan Lewis
Mererid Jones
Aled Davies
Endaf Edwards
Kevin Price
Ceredig Davies
Alun Williams
Wendy Morris-Twiddy
Brian Davies
Sue Jones-Davies
Brenda Davies
Mark Strong
Apologies –Jeff Smith
Aled Davies
Mair Benjamin
Update on items raised
(4) Premises: Plans to be discussed with architect
(5) Christmas Arrangements: Test certificate from Gala Lights still waiting. Christmas Tree has been selected and will be put up on the 21/11/2013. Lights will be switched on 29/11/2013. Senior citizen dinner held on the 11/12/2013.
(6) Remembrance Day – Correction Alun R Edwards Centre
(7) Hourly train service: Councillor Alun Williams reporting that 6,500 surveys had been completed.
(8) Skateboard Park: No updates from previous minutes
(9) Website. No update from minutes.
(10) By-election: To be held in Bronglais ward. Notices have been put up.
Meeting 90 – Minutes of a Finance Committee meeting held on the 21st of October
Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to accept and adopt the minutes of the above meeting.
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE FINANCE AND ESTABLISHMENT COMMITTEE HELD IN THE MEETING ROOM, 11 BAKER STREET, ABERYSTWYTH ON THE 21st OF OCTOBER 2013 – 6.30pm
Present :-Dylan Lewis
Mererid Jones
Aled Davies
Endaf Edwards
Kevin Price
Ceredig Davies
Alun Williams
Wendy Morris-Twiddy
Brian Davies
Sue Jones-Davies
Apologies –Brenda Davies
Mair Benjamin
Declarations of Interest – None
Correspondence
- A request received from the Welsh Football Trust requesting funding for an under-16 international match between Wales and Scotland on 31st of October 2013. It was AGREED to fund the hosting of the reception to the sum of £800
- A request received from the National Eisteddfod for funding towards the 2014 event in Carmarthenshire. It was AGREED to write to remind the Eisteddfod of the grant process and for an application to be submitted before the April meeting.
- A request received from the Bobath Children Therapy Centre Wales for funding. It was AGREED to write to remind the Bobath of the grant process and for an application to be submitted before the April meeting.
- A request has been received for funding the British Chess Championship to be held in Aberystwyth between the 20th of July and 2nd of August 2014. The Council had previously indicated informally that it would be prepared to consider a sum of up to £3,000. It was AGREED to fund this sum on the following conditions: –
- The Mayor of Aberystwyth to open the event.
- Local children to receive Chess coaching.
- Town Council sponsorship to receive prominent acknowledgements in publicity.
- A request from Trefechan for a Christmas tree in line with that funded in the previous year. It was AGREED that we would contribute £150 towards the cost of a Christmas tree but an invoice would have to be provided.
- Quotation was received for Festoon lights on the promenade. It was agreed to postpone this item until the next meeting.
Christmas Arrangements
Christmas Tree
A Christmas tree has been ordered from Esgair Timber (same company as 2012). The tree is 35ft high and the cost is unknown yet, but likely to be cheaper than last year as smaller.
The tree will be expected on the week commencing 25th of November in readiness for the lighting ceremony on the evening of 29th of November.
Christmas Lights Ceremony
It was agreed to ask Brigitte James, mother of Elain of Apel Elain to light the Christmas Tree.
The Business Club will provide a Santa with a sledge.
A lantern procession led by a donkey will walk from Clock Tower Square to Owain Glyndwr Square. The lanterns will be made by the school but need a risk assessment. Cllr Jones to provide Cllr Morris-Twiddy with the insurance details.
The Town Council will need to organise gifts for the children, mince pies & drink.
The Silver Band will attend.
Senior Citizen Dinner
The dinner will be held on the 18th of December at Llety Parc at 12.30. The cost for senior citizen will be £3 per head. The cost for councillors will be £22.50. Sister of Cllrs Davies has agreed to be the harpist free of charge.
Town Council Christmas Cards
The Mayor will purchase Christmas cards from the Aberystwyth Stroke Association to be sent on behalf of the Council.
Temporary Staffing Arrangements
It was agreed that, due to the Secretary’s illness, the Mayor requires administrative support. It was therefore RESOLVED to approach Carl Williams to assist as a self-employed contractor. He will work 9 hours per week in the office only.
Cae Kronberg
The contract with Freestyle for the planning element of the Cae Kronberg project has to be signed under seal by the Town Council’s solicitor. This action was agreed.
It was agreed that Anna Bullen will remain as a self-employed co-ordinator for the project. Funding for this role will come from the £60,000 ring-fenced funding.
Accounts
The accounts for the end of 30th of September 2013 were presented.
Questions were raised regarding CCTV funding. It was agreed that this will be considered in January.
Budget
An initial budget was presented. All councillors to review bring comments and suggestions. Need information from Ceredigion County Council on how many Band D houses there are in Ceredigion.
Minute 91 – Planning Applications.
(i) A130741AV Signage at Lloyds Pharmacy: Objection to non-bilingual language – Bilingual required: Agreed.
(ii) A130769 Rear of former Town Library: Concrete slab. No objection in line with previous planning application. Prefer that space used as a public amenity for local residents. Concrete slab to remain adequate on casting vote of Mayor.
Minute 92 – Correspondence.
(i) E-mail received from Mr Owain Meredith re: rope maze requesting site is locked at night – every effort to be made to ensure the site is locked.
(ii) Bus timetable to be displayed on the Aberystwyth Town Council noticeboard.
(iii) Youth Council: Cllr Mererid Jones proposed a Youth Council for town, an idea discussed at One Voice Wales conference. Welshpool and Fishguard have successful Youth Council and we will correspond with both councils and One Voice Wales for their advice.
Minute 93 – Questions relating only to matters in this remit.
(i)Playground inspections: to be investigated further to ensure correct procedure adopted at all times.
(ii)BID Scheme – a meeting will be held in the Morlan Centre on the 11th November. It will be conducted by Peter Austin – Ceredigion County Council officer. All councillors were invited to attend.
Minute 94 – Finance.
Cllr Aled Davies, Cllr Jeff Smith and Cllr Kevin Price declared an interest.
| NAME | DESCRIPTION | Amount £ |
| Abercolour Computers | Computer repair | £36 |
| Cyngor Sir Caerfyrddin | Wages – September | £5,569.26 |
| Cllr Jeff Smith | Expenses to meeting | £4.95 |
| TRBL Poppy Appeal | Remembrance Day wreath | £50 |
| TME Electrical Contractors | Fixing light | £54.53 |
| Cllr Aled Davies | Costs of the rope maze | £30.67 |
| Cyngor Sir Ceredigion | Licence | £70.00 |
| Purchase Power | Postage costs | £228.38 |
| Cambrian Christmas Tree | Tree for Trefechan | £150.00 |
| Blanchere Illumination | Lights | £302.88 |
| Konica Minolta | Photocopier cost | £444.02 |
Provision of digital maps for planning applications encouraged by Cllr Mark Strong. The payment to Pear Technology was authorised as the invoice had been received. Free use of Ordinance Survey facility to be considered in future.
Expenditure approved.
Minute 95 – Verbal Report from County Councillors.
(i) Cllr Mark Strong: Ceredigion County Council now has a live online feed of council meeting.
(ii)Cllr Alun Williams: Ceredigion County Council £9.5m has to be cut from the budget as there has been a reduction in the financial settlement from Welsh Government support grant. This is the second worst settlement in Wales as the criteria is based on population.
Arriva buses: CCC requesting financial assistance from WAG to continue proposed service. Closures- strategic importance of routes- negotiations continuing with WAG. He is also in contact with other local bus companies, but WAG assistance will make it more viable.
Minute 96 – Reports from outside bodies.
Reports were received and noted.
Minute 97 – Report from the Regeneration Board
Cllr Alun Williams will give a full report of activities from the Regeneration Board once relevant minutes have been published.
Minute 98 – Motion Castle Rock paddling pool
Proposed by Cllr Dylan Lewis. To agree in principle that the renewal of the castle point paddling pool would be desirable for the benefit of both the local community and visitors to the town. An investigation into the feasibility as to a community based project exploring all possible options. Motion agreed.
Minute 99 – Staffing panel
Carole Prime – secretary to the Mayor is absent from work due to sickness. Short term provision for her cover has been provided. There has been no cover in place regarding the clerk.
Legal disclaimer read out by Mayor as follows: –
To consider that under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 160 (as extended by s.100 a (4) of the Local Government Act 1972), the public and accredited representatives of newspapers be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt business is Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. The nature of the exempt business is relating to a legal and confidential staffing matter at the request of the Staffing Panel.
Member of the public and both newspaper reporters left the meeting.