HOLYWELL TOWN COUNCIL
CYNGOR TREF TREFFYNNON
Minutes of the Meeting of Holywell Town Council held remotely on Tuesday, 15th September 2020 at 6.00pm. ______
PRESENT: Councillor L.A. Carter (Mayor). Councillors: S. Delaney, R. Dolphin, I. Hodge, J.M Johnson, P.A. Johnson, S. Johnson, B. Scragg, and A. Trumper.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Councillors K. Davies, E.B. Palmer, M.D. Phelan, S.E. Wallbanks, and P.A. York.
IN ATTENDANCE: J. Baker (Clerk), and C.S. Lowry (Support Officer).
PRE-MEETING TRIBUTE
The Mayor requested all attendees join her in holding a minutes silence, in memory of former Councillor and Past Mayor Mr Phil McGarry, who had sadly died recently. Mr McGarry had a real vision for Holywell and introduced new ways of thinking into the Council, and members’ thoughts and prayers are with his family at this extremely difficult time.
31. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – MEMBERS’ CODE OF CONDUCT
Minute Name of Personal Prejudicial Nature of Interest No. Councillor 35 P.A. Johnson ✓ Member of Flintshire County Council Planning Committee 38.1 L.A. Carter ✓ Resident member of Holywell Market Group
32. MAYORS REMARKS
Firstly the Mayor extended a warm welcome to our two new town councillors, Sue Delaney, and Andy Trumper, and looked forward to working with them and getting to know them both.
The Mayor held two very successful eco uniform stalls in Holywell market recently and would like to thank Cllr Ian Hodge and his wife Lynn for their continued support with this important project.
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The Mayor was currently working with the Mayor of Mold to promote reused school uniforms in the two towns and supported the Mayor of Mold on their uniform stall. The Mayor of Mold was delighted to receive a picture depicting Old Mold from Gino of Pedrini Antiques when visiting the Holywell market stall.
The uniform stall in Holywell was visited by Hannah Blythyn MS and Rob Roberts MP, who were both fully supportive of the project. The Mayor was invited by Hannah Blythyn MS to Mold Market and supported the Mold uniform stall and was delighted to meet Sir Keir Starmer MP who visited and was very impressed by this project.
The Mayor was considering operating a Holywell Town Council market stall in the future to promote the work of the council in the community. The first stall was to operate on Thursday 24th September and all members were invited to attend and show their support.
Ysgol Gwenffrwd were presented with a cheque for £100 towards their breakfast club. This funding was generated by the Holywell uniform stall proceeds and was the second such donation to date, following on from St. Winefrides RC School who were the first beneficiaries.
The bilingual flyers for the Kids bank had now been produced and will be distributed to town councils and health professionals in Holywell and Mold.
The scarecrow competition was judged on the 28th August and the awards presentation was held on the 8th September. The residents award went to the Mrs Brown entry made by Mr & Mrs Elfed Jones, Halkyn Road, Holywell. The shop award went to Bill and Ben the Flower Bowl men.
The handover and demonstration of the bandshell and parasols in tower gardens was well attended by town councillors, and the area looked extremely impressive. The events committee will be considering its operation and usage at its meeting tomorrow 16th September.
Finally the Mayor had requested that the Clerk contacts Flintshire County Council about code of conduct awareness sessions. The Mayor was mindful that the council had two new members and it would be beneficial for them and indeed all members to have some refresher training on the code and lawful practices.
33. PUBLIC SPEAKING
There were no such requests.
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34. MINUTES & MEETINGS
34.1. Minutes of Meetings
RESOLVED:
That the minutes of the following meetings be approved as a correct record. Minutes were to be signed at the council offices. Clerk to arrange with the respective Chairs.
• Holywell Town Council meeting held on Tuesday 21st July 2020; • Town Centre Committee meeting held on Wednesday 29th July 2020; • Finance & Resources Committee meeting held on Wednesday 29th July 2020; • Special Meeting of Holywell Town Council held on Wednesday 26th August 2020.
34.2. Meeting(s) of Committees
Members received and noted the resolutions from the committee meetings as stated above.
34.3. Committee Membership
Members reviewed the committee membership, giving consideration to new members and those members not currently able to attend meetings.
RESOLVED:
1) That Councillor I. Hodge be ratified as a member and Vice Chair of the Finance & Resources Committee. 2) That Councillor R. Dolphin be confirmed as a member of the Local Environment Committee. 3) That Councillors S. Delaney and A. Trumper be confirmed as members of the Council Offices & Communications Committee, and the Events Committee. 4) That Councillor S. Delaney be confirmed as a member of the Town Centre Committee. 5) That any changes to working groups can be considered by the relevant parent committees.
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6) That any changes to outside bodies and communication of agendas be deferred until the next Annual Meeting of the Council.
35. PLANNING
35.1. New Planning Applications
Consideration was given to applications forwarded to the Town Council as part of the County’s planning consultation.
RESOLVED:
That the following responses be submitted to the County Planning Authority.
Application Proposal Details Number Removal of a glass pane from a ground floor window on the southeast and northwest elevations and replacement with an aluminium louvre fixed to the 061584 window frame. Location: Telephone Exchange, Fron Park Road, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7US. The council noted this application as received. Erection of two storey side and rear extension, loft conversion with new dormer extensions plus external glazed balcony. 061580 Location: 15 Meadowbank, Holway, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7EE. The council had no objection to this application.
35.2. Applications Under Delegated Powers
Members noted the following applications and the council’s response under delegated powers during the summer recess period.
Application Proposal Details Number
Erection of single storey extension to the front of dwelling and detached double 061498 garage. Location: Charnwood, 39 Rose Hill, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7TL. The council had no objection to this application.
Redevelopment of existing garage and store to provide 5 no. compact 061517 apartments. Location: 53 High Street, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7TF. The council had no objection to this application.
Installation of interpretation boards at various sites at Holywell Town Centre 060966 Location: Holywell Town Centre, Holywell. The council noted this application as received.
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36. ACCOUNTS
36.1. Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED:
That payment of the following accounts be approved.
SCHEDULE OF ACCOUNTS – AUGUST 2020
Voucher Payment Creditor Name Payment Details Amount Power Number Method £ Key Mayor's Allowance Reinstatement of Account - 7938 ONLINE 1,713.10 *^^* Account 2020/21 Civic Year Mayor's Charity Contribution to Charity 7939 ONLINE 500.00 ^^ Account Account 7940 ONLINE David Lea Hanging Basket Installation 250.00 ^^ 7941 - ONLINE Council Staff Staff Salaries - Jul 2020 4,604.91 *** 7943 7944 ONLINE HMRC Staff Paye/NI costs - Jul 20 1,382.44 *** 7945 ONLINE Clwyd Pension Fund Staff Pension Costs - Jul 20 1,490.38 *** Flintshire County CCTV Charges Quarter 2 - 7946 ONLINE 4,502.04 ***** Council Jul-Sep 2020 7947 ONLINE Pottles Premier Plants Hanging Basket Refills 2,386.20 ^^ Rialtas Business Annual Software Support 7948 ONLINE 206.40 **** Solutions Ltd Licence Refill Baskets/Three Tiered 7949 ONLINE B.G. Hartley 205.00 ^^ Units Philip Jones ICT Support Costs - Apr-Jun 7950 ONLINE 123.75 **** Computers 2020 North Wales Assoc. of Annual Subscription Fees 7951 ONLINE 65.00 **** Town Councils 2020/21 Siân Jones Translation 7952 ONLINE Translate Documents 30.74 *** Services Clean Windows Bank Place 7953 ONLINE DJB Window Cleaning 15.00 **** Offices Financial Assistance 7954 CHQ Hope House Hospice 200.00 ** Donation Financial Assistance 7955 CHQ St Kentigern Hospice 200.00 ** Donation Flintshire Citizens Financial Assistance 7956 CHQ 750.00 ** Advice Donation Financial Assistance 7957 CHQ Carmel Cricket Club 250.00 ^^^ Donation 7958 DD Plusnet Alarm Line - Jul 20 19.80 **** 7959 DD Plusnet Phone & Broadband - Jul20 40.90 **** 7960 DD BNP Paribas Copier Lease - 16/7-15/10 154.80 **** 7961 DD Plusnet Alarm Line - Aug 20 19.80 **** 7962 DC Tesco Batteries 8.75 **** 7963 DC Running Imp Equipment 104.76 ****
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7964 DC 1&1 Internet Ltd Office Premium/Mail Pro 100.59 **** 7965 DC Tesco Refreshments 0.80 **** 7966 DC W Bevan Cable Ties 10.50 **** 7967 DC Tesco Refreshments 0.80 **** 7968 DC Tesco Refreshments 0.80 **** 7969 DC Zoom Video Monthly Pro Subscription 14.39 **** 7970 DC 1&1 Internet Ltd Mail Pro 12.00 **** 7971 DC Royal Mail Postages 2.94 *** 7972 DC Tesco Refreshments 0.80 **** TOTAL 19,367.39
INCOME RECEIVED – AUGUST 2020
Date Debtor Name Income Details Amount £ 01/07/2020 Cadwyn Clwyd Grant Allocation – Covid-19 2,835.00 TOTAL 2,835.00
VAT REFUND 2019/20
Date Debtor Name Income Details Amount £ 13/07/2020 HMRC VAT Refund 2019/20 9,533.51 TOTAL 9,533.51
SCHEDULE OF ACCOUNTS - SEPTEMBER 2020
Voucher Payment Creditor Name Payment Details Amount Power Number Method £ Key Water Basket Displays - 7973 ONLINE David Lea 500.00 ^^ Jul20 Bracket Testing, Hanging 7974 ONLINE N.B. Austin 370.00 ^^ Baskets, Extra Brackets 7975 ONLINE Viking Water Cooler and Bottles 178.19 **** Stationery/Postages/ 7976 ONLINE Viking 63.02 **** Consumables 7977 - ONLINE Council Staff Staff Salaries - Aug 2020 4,605.31 *** 7979 7980 ONLINE HMRC Staff Paye/NI costs - Aug 20 1,382.04 *** Holywell Leisure Contribution Payments 7981 ONLINE 8,000.00 ^^^ Centre 1 & 2 Christmas Lights Contract 7982 ONLINE BKB Solutions Ltd 5,245.55 ^^ Payment 7983 ONLINE Clwyd Pension Fund Staff Pension Costs - Aug 20 1,490.38 *** CHUBB Fire & Annual Intruder Alarm 7984 ONLINE 951.50 **** Security Contract Flintshire County Annual Licence Fee - Town 7985 ONLINE 70.00 ^^ Council Centre 7986 ONLINE Siân Jones Translation Translate Documents 19.03 ***
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Drinks Machine Lease 10/8 7987 ONLINE UK Vending 0.00 **** - 9/11 Water Basket Displays - 7988 ONLINE David Lea 500.00 ^^ Aug20 7989 DD Plusnet Phone & Broadband Aug20 41.50 **** Electric 14 Bank Place May- 7990 DD British Gas 30.85 **** Jul20 Electric 12/13 Bank Place 7991 DD British Gas 167.94 **** May-Jul20 Gas Bank Place Offices 7992 DD British Gas 34.69 **** May-Jul20 7993 DC Canva Annual Subscription 107.88 **** 7994 DC Tesco Refreshments 0.50 **** 7995 DC 1&1 Internet Ltd Office Premium/Mail Pro 100.59 **** 7996 DC Tesco Refreshments 0.80 **** 7997 DC W Bevan Batteries 5.00 **** 7998 DC Zoom Video Monthly Pro Subscription 14.39 **** 7999 DC Tesco Refreshments 0.50 **** 8000 DC Tesco Postages 16.92 *** 8001 DC Tesco Refreshments 5.40 **** 8002 DC 1&1 Internet Ltd Mail Pro 12.00 **** TOTAL 23,913.98
INCOME RECEIVED – SEPTEMBER 2020
Date Debtor Name Income Details Amount £ Flintshire County Local Taxation Precept (2 of 28/08/2020 84,000.00 Council 3) TOTAL 84,000.00
Powers to Make Payments:
* The Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW) Regulations for the remuneration of members and co-opted members of relevant authorities – Part 5 Community/Town Councils // Local Government Act 1948 S.33 /// Local Government Act 1972 S.34 ** Local Government Act 1972 S.137 *** Local Government Act 1972 S.112, 151 **** Local Government Act 1972 S.133 ^ Local Government Act 1972 S.111 ^^ Local Government Act 1972 S.144, S.145 ^^^ Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 S.19 ^^^^ Local Government Act 1972 S.143 *^ Local Government Act 1972 S.140 **^ Local Government Act 1972 S.176 **^^ Local Government Act 1972 S.13 *^^* Local Government Act 1972 S.34 **^* Local Government (Misc. Provisions) Act 1953 S.4
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^^** Local Government Act 1972 S.173, S.174 ^^^* Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 S.4 < Local Government Act 1972 S.124 # Local Government Act 1972 S.142 ## Representation of the People Act 1983 S.34 (repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985) ### War Memorials (Local Authorities’ Powers) Act 1923 - maintain war memorials #### Litter Act 1983 S.5-6 ***** Local Government & Rating Act 1997 S.31
36.2. LOAN AGREEMENT – FLINTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
Members considered the final draft of the loan agreement with Flintshire County Council, to finance the Town Council’s contribution to the High Street Works, Tower Gardens Events Area and Gateway Signs projects. The Interpretation Boards project had now been removed from the agreement.
RESOLVED:
That the loan agreement be approved, and the Clerk authorised to sign the agreement once Welsh Government confirm their ratification of the arrangement.
37. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
37.1. Monthly Report
Members had before them for consideration the latest report from the Projects & Development Officer. There were action points this month that covered the youth council, telephone box project, and a sanitiser station.
Members also received the report on the Benefits of Railways Links in Holywell for Young People prepared by Youth Councillor E. James. Members wished to record their thanks for this report, which would be added to the documents being compiled to support the business case for a railway station at Greenfield.
RESOLVED:
(1) That the Clerk writes to former Youth Councillors Emilia James and Seren Wynne to thank them for their services to the council. Mayor to present commemorative plaques to mark their term of office.
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(2) That the recruitment process for youth councillors is delegated to the Council Offices & Communications Committee. (3) That the Projects & Development Officer be authorised to commission the preparatory works to the High Street Telephone Box, to progress the community project. (4) That the Projects & Development Officer purchases 1 no. free standing portable sanitiser station, for the council to deploy as required.
38. CORRESPONDENCE AND OTHER MATTERS
38.1. Holywell Market Group
Members considered the request from the Group, for support from the Projects & Development Officer, to coordinate ideas and suggestions, provide advice and improve communication with the County Council’s Markets Team.
RESOLVED:
That the involvement of the Projects & Development Officer be approved. The arrangement was to be reviewed periodically. Clerk to write to the Group to confirm the arrangements.
38.2. Greenfield Valley Funding Application
Members considered their support for the funding application for the valley, to develop the water wheel and wire mill area including the bandstand.
RESOLVED:
That members confirm their support and endorsement of the grant application. Clerk to inform Helen Mrowiec.
38.3. Holywell Half Marathon
Members considered the request for support from Mr Daniel Thomas, who was investigating the running of a half marathon in the Holywell area.
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RESOLVED:
That members support the project in principle. Further details were required, and the Clerk was to invite Mr Thomas to the next Events Committee meeting, to provide further detail around the proposal and answer any questions from members.
38.4. Lluesty Woodland Remedial Works
Members considered the request for remedial work at the above site, which involved spraying vegetation growing onto the adjoining footpath.
RESOLVED:
That the Clerk be authorised to proceed with the works.
38.5. Additional Inscription to Panton Place War Memorial
Members considered the approval of the additional inscription requested for Frantisek Naxera, interred at Holywell Cemetery.
RESOLVED:
That the Clerk be authorised to proceed with the works. Public notice to be served before the commencement of any works.
38.6. Volunteer Works – Panton Place Memorial Gardens
Members considered the request from Mr Fred Herbert, to assist with maintaining the memorial gardens. The Council had been asked by the County Council to formally endorse the request.
RESOLVED:
That members support and endorse the arrangements. Clerk to inform Streetscene Officers, Flintshire County Council.
38.7. Flintshire County Council – Town Centres Promotion
Members considered the County Council’s intentions for promotional activities designed to assist the economic recovery of towns in
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Flintshire. The council had also been asked to nominate a representative to attend a web based meeting.
RESOLVED:
That Martin Fearnley, Projects & Development Officer, be nominated to attend on behalf of the council. Clerk to make arrangements.
38.8. Groundwork North Wales – We Care Project
Members considered the above project; Groundwork were seeking a suitable community to work in partnership with to deliver environmental improvements.
Greenfield community garden on School Lane was suggested by members as a potential project.
RESOLVED:
That the matter be referred to the Local Environment Committee to consider further and identify potential locations. Clerk to arrange for Mr Richard Aram to attend the meeting.
38.9. Reports Received
Members were informed that the following items had been received and were available for perusal from the Clerk. A copy was enclosed where the item is marked *, or ** if already circulated to Members:
Ref Item Status Date Circulated A Flintshire County Council Daily Updates ** Various Dates B FLVC Daily Digest Updates ** Various Dates C Welsh Government Updates ** Various Dates D Hannah Blythyn MS ** Various Dates E Summer Playscheme Information ** 27 Jul 2020 F Flintshire LDP Comments ** 29 Jul 2020 G King Head Museum Re-Launch Plans ** 31 Jul 2020 H Dog Control PSPO Consultation ** 31 Jul 2020 I Community Centre Advice ** 5 Aug 2020 J Rob Roberts MP Art Competition ** 6 Aug 2020 K NW Association of Councils – Plastics ** 17 Aug 2020 Consultation L Consultation – PSPO Alcohol ** 17 Aug 2020 M NW Association of Councils – Affordable ** 18 Aug 2020 Housing Consultation N Flintshire LDP – Data Protection ** 18 Aug 2020
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O Thomas Pennant Society Update ** 18 Aug 2020 P Carmel & Holywell Woodcraft Association ** 18 Aug 2020 Update Q Travellers Activity Bulletin ** 10 Sep 2020 R NW Association of Council – Taxation ** 2 Sep 2020 Consultation S Heritage Funding Information ** 7 Sep 2020 T Rob Roberts MP – Greenfield Rail Station ** 9 Sep 2020 Project
39. STAFF PAY AWARD – 2020/21 FINANCIAL YEAR
The Clerk provided an update on the recent pay award, agreed by the Employers and Joint Trades Unions.
RESOLVED:
That members endorse the pay award and authorise the Clerk to apply the new pay rates for staff from 1st September 2020, taking account of any backpay accrued.
40. APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE – SEPTEMBER 2020
Members considered requests received for financial assistance from two further organisations together with a schedule of the organisations and events supported by the Council for the last three years. Councillor B. Scragg read out supporting background and financial information provided by each organisation, together with the recommendations from the working group meeting.
A statement was circulated with details of donations made to date (£1,650) in the current financial year, budget provision for donations (£7,000), with remaining provision (£5,350) being available for allocation.
RESOLVED:
That, having considered each application on its merits and in accordance with the council’s grant awarding policy, the following donations from the budget be made:
Organisation £ Greenfield FC 500 Total 500
That the application from Marie Curie be received without a donation being made on this occasion.
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41. MEMBERS’ AGENDA ITEMS
Item From Councillor P.A. Johnson – Community Centre Development
Members considered the potential to develop all community centres within the Holywell and Greenfield area, to benefit the local community. The potential was there for these centres to be a community hub, hold events, etc and members discussed the opportunity to invest in the outlying community areas and estates.
RESOLVED:
That the matter be referred to the next meeting of the Transport & Local Development Committee, to explore in further detail and consider options.
42. REPRESENTATIVES’ REPORTS
Councillor I. Hodge provided an update on the Holywell Age & Dementia Society meetings. An outside event was being arranged in Greenfield Valley and a grant was being sourced to cover the cost of handheld devices for those living alone.
43. COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS
The LDP was being considered on the 29th September by the County Council.
Councillor J.M. Johnson was to be appointed Chair of the County Council in May 2021.
RESOLVED:
That the LDP is added as an agenda item for the next Transport & Local Development Committee meeting.
44. CLOSE OF MEETING
The Mayor closed the meeting at 7.45pm.
……………………….…………..…..…….. Mayor
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