Minutes for Virtual General Meeting held on 21st January 2021 at 7.30pm via Zoom Present Cllr E Lewis Cllr J Powell Cllr M Watson Cllr M G Price Cllr W G Price Cllr A Watson County Cllr R Powell
1) Apologies Cllr W Lewis
2) Declarations Cllr W G Price declared an interest in section 7 Planning ii. Application Ref: 20/2113/FUL
3) Approve minutes from meeting held 19th November 2020 All councillors approved minutes; Chairman Cllr E Lewis to sign and date and forward to clerk.
4) Matters Arising No Matters Arising
5) Update from County Councillor Rachel Powell
6) Standing Items i) Finance – The Precept Application for 2021/2022 has been sent to Powys County Council for approval. The current bank balance is £11,005.54 as of 5th January 2021. ii) Roads – road between council houses and bridge in Llanbadarn Village
7) Planning i) Application Ref: 20/1912/FUL Middle Cochran, Llanbadarn Fynydd, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 6YT – Erection of steel portal framed building and all other associated works
ii) Application Ref: 20/2113/FUL Upper Cochran, Llanbadarn Fynydd, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 6YT – Erection of rural enterprise dwelling, erection of detached garage, creation of parking and garden areas, upgrading of existing vehicular access and all associated works
Cllr W G Price declared an interest so removed himself from the meeting for the discussion. All councillors agreed that the planning application would be good for the local area and economy and Cllr E Lewis agreed the area needed to encourage young people to start and expand businesses in the community.
8) Correspondence
a) Refill Wales Clerk received an email regarding refill wales and suggested that the community shop could be a point in the area to create a ‘refill hub’. Councillors agreed, clerk to look in to getting promotional pack and speak with shop secretary.
b) Wales Air Ambulance donation appeal Council received an email regarding Wales Air Ambulance donation appeal. Cllr M Watson highlighted the importance of Wales Air Ambulance in our rural area and that he would be happy to support the cause. Cllr W G Price agreed and proposed £100 donation, Cllr M Watson seconded the proposal. Chair asked Clerk to send a cheque and letter.
c) NHS Staff & Frontline Workers Day 5th July 2021 Clerk advised Councillors of the day; outlining the events proposed for the day hosted by One Voice Wales and other organisations. It was agreed to wait and see what the guidance is regarding Covid-19 and whether the council would be able to host an event to support the day.
d) Welsh Hearts – Defibrillators Discussed at length but the main concern is liability/governance and with who this sits with, especially if equipment is not in working order. Clerk to liaise with organisation and provide support in identifying if it is currently working or is it needs new batteries (was suggested that batteries should be replaced every 2 years). Once this is confirmed and if new batteries needed the community council will purchase. On-line lessons to be discussed at a further meeting for confirmation.
9) Llanbister C P School – Governorship Difficult year especially with school closures and change in learning offer to a ‘blended approach’ with virtual lessons and teaching children of essential worker status and vulnerable children. Greater emphasis on all schools offering a consistent approach, with challenge advisors and Governor bodies offering challenge to current offer. School Heads have had offerings of schools considered to be ‘good practice’ in order to provide guidance as to how this should be implemented. Thanks was made to Cllr Alan Watson for his support as the representative from Llanbadarn Fynydd Community Council who is undertaking the role as Governor.
10) Community Benefit Scheme Cllr Mark Watson and Cllr James Powell will meet to review the applications and consider approval.
11) Any Other Business a) Litter Picking Issue raised with excess litter on specific roads and if the Community Council would support and volunteer for litter picking sessions. Cllr Rachel Powell has emailed the Council to ascertain if this is acceptable during this Covid pandemic and also for guidance for resources. Awaiting feedback but, if this is approved the Council was unanimous and in full support to do this.
Signage was also discussed and considered to be a good idea. To confirm approach but, open to ideas.
b) Internet issues and Village Hall WIFI WIFI issues to resolve. Chair Erfyl Lewis will investigate and confirm the approach needed.
c) Internal Auditor Janet Edmonds is planning to retire and has been supporting the Council in her role as auditor. The Chair thanked her support and commitment. It was agreed to send a letter of thanks for her years of service and a token gesture. Suggestions have been mentioned as a means of replacement. To confirm.
d) Telephone box – Llaithddu Village Cllr James Powell has purchased the door handle to replace the missing one on the telephone box situated at Llaithddu hamlet. The total cost is £37.00 he will install at no cost. This will ensure the telephone box can be utilised into a community resource.
e) Gift for retired clerk Cllr W G Price advised that he is still pursuing a gift for retired clerk Mr David Jones, but due to the covid-19 pandemic, he has been unable to get any further with this. Cllr W G Price to give update at next meeting.
12) Date of next meeting To be confirmed
Meeting closed at 9pm