MINUTES of the MEETING of GORSEINON TOWN COUNCIL ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, held on WEDNESDAY 3rd March 2010, at the INSTITUTE, LIME St. GORSEINON, at 6.00pm
Present; V Bruno (Chairman), M Preece. G Evans, C Parsons.
In view of the absentees and apologies given at the start of the meeting, as a quorum was present, Cllr V Bruno was asked to Chair the meeting, as Cllr M Curtice was not available until later that evening.
236. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. None received.
237. APOLOGIES were received from Cllr J Williams, M Curtice (until later), J Curtice (until later), K Jones.
238. Minutes of the Accounts Committee meeting held on February 3rd 2010 were agreed as a true record, and signed accordingly by the Chairman.
239.Committee received the Income / Receipts statement from the Clerk and approved the payment of the following outstanding cheques.
a. ACCOUNTS March 3 2010 .
1. Inland Revenue NI contributions / Tax £ 538.54 (NI employer 129.54/ employee 111.32/ tax 297.68) 2. Clerks salary £ 1079.40 3. Stationery / admin / flowers / stamps reimburse Clerk £ 76.67 Velcro notice boards Stationery Antivirus license 4. Clerk monthly mileage 105 m x 60.1p mile £ 63.10 5. SLCC Conference Stoke Feb 26 2010 Chairman/Clerk £ 136.44 6. SCVS subs £ 5.00
The Clerk sought clarification over appropriate mileage rates for Members / Officers when travelling outside of the County Boundary. Members asked that the nationally agreed car mileage rate of 60.1p mile be clarified, for future reference when travelling outside the County boundary.
The meeting closed at 6.25pm
MINUTES of the MEETING of GORSEINON TOWN COUNCIL PLANNING COMMITTEE, held on WEDNESDAY 3rd March 2010, at the INSTITUTE, LIME St. GORSEINON, at 6.30pm
Present; V Bruno(Chmn), K Jones, M Curtice, M Preece., D Lewis, C Parsons, G Evans, H Payne, N Rees, J Dunckley
240. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
241. APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs J Williams, D Thomas, C Freeman, J Curtice, S Cannon
242. Minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 3rd February 2010 were agreed as a true record, and signed accordingly by the Chairman.
a. NO OBJECTIONS were raised to the following applications received from Swansea Council as the Local Planning Authority;
• 2010/0108 Garage conversion to living accommodation, 15 Nicholas Court, Gorseinon
• 2010/0136 Dormer bungalow/granny annex 22 Mydham Lane Gorseinon (revised application)
The Planning Committee asked that a legal agreement be imposed to ensure the granny annex is linked to the main property and not partitioned or sold off as a separate dwelling in the future.
• 2010/0289 Rear extension. 3 High Street Gorseinon (revised smaller application)
b. OBJECTIONS were raised to the following applications received from Swansea Council as the Local Planning Authority;
None received. c.. Enforcement matter. No matters raised.
• The Planning Committee asked the Clerk to clarify what is the position regarding the recently cleared site of the terrace unit/retail frontage on High Street, Gorseinon opposite the TSB bank. Does the former planning consent remain currentnow the site is levelled, or is a new application needed for the proposed redevelopment?.
The meeting ended at 6.55pm
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE GORSEINON TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 3rd March 2010 at THE INSTITUTE, GORSEINON, commencing at 7pm.
Present; V Bruno (Chmn), K Jones, M Curtice, M Preece, D Lewis, C Parsons, N Rees, G Evans, J Dunckley, H Payne
243. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. None received. Members completed the schedule of Members interest.
244. APOLOGIES received from Cllrs J Williams, D Thomas, C Freeman, J Curtice, S Cannon
245. POLICE MEETING . Apologies were received from Sgt Gill that the Police were unable to attend tonights meeting.
246. PUBLIC FORUM. No issues were raised by the public present.
247. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Council approved the Minutes of the February 3rd 2010 Council meeting (proposed K Jones, seconded N Rees)
248. MATTERS ARISING a. Clerk reported the receipt of a formal letter of resignation from Cllr Alan Jopling. The Clerk outlined the procedure and had notified Swansea Council as required. Notices had been placed around the community and a formal letter requesting an election signed by 10 electors had already been received. If more than 1 candidate is put forward, the election would take place in the Penyrheol ward on Thursday 15th April 2010.
249. REVIEW OF COMMUNITY BOUNDARIES
Clerk advised Members of the receipt of the final proposals for the Review of Community boundaries with the City and County of Swansea from the Boundary Commission. He highlighted the implications for the Town Council area as follows,
• Area to the east of Garngoch hospital adjoining bypass transferred from Llwchwr to Penllergaer ward area. • 3 properties at Bryn car, Rose cottage and Gors fawr transferred from Gorseinon to Grovesend and Waungron. Together with a large area of agricultural land north of Valeo site. • Change of boundary between Llwchwr and Gorseinon to take Clos y Nant, Heol Pant y Dwr and Heol Pen y Cae on the Queensgate development into Gorseinon. • Change of boundary between Llwchwr and Gorseinon, to transfer area east of river Lliw, from Gorseinon into Llwchwr.( around Maerdy Works). • Garden area of farm at end Windsor terrace transferred from Penllergaer area. • Proposal from Cllr Gillian Evans to transfer properties at end of West St into Gorseinon ward was not supported.
Consequential changes;
Gorseinon west ward would be increased by 72 electors to 1545 electors. Gorseinon central ward would have 1204 electors, and the appropriate level of representation is considered to be 3 Councillors rather than 4 at present. Any further observations are to be made within 6 weeks of the submission to the National Assembly.
Members discussed the proposals and highlighted 2 areas of concern;
a. The large transfer of land in the north of the Town Council area to Grovesend/Waungron, which may have an impact upon future expansion plans for the Gorseinon community.
b. The transfer of the Maerdy works curtilage area to Llwchwr which may have an impact upon future road alignment proposals for the area, from the Cockle shell roundabout, High street in a southerly direction.
The Chairman and Clerk were asked to check the original observations of the Town Council to see if there was any point in raising the matters further.
250 . CHARTER WITH TOWN COUNCIL AND GORSEINON DEVELOPMENT TRUST
a. The Clerk had distributed a copy of the draft heads of agreement for the Charter between the Council and the Gorseinon Development Trust. The details of the Charter were still to be agreed, but the Charter was intended to clarify future working arrangements between both organisations.
b. Members discussed the principles involved, and raised concerns that the detail of the accompanying appendices were not enclosed. The Clerk outlined that whilst there appeared to be general support for a working charter to be produced to formalise future relationships between both Organisations, Members wanted to see the detailed arrangements and costings before signing any document.
c. Cllr M Curtice raised the issue of the use of the Canolfan staff to support the Clerk, and raised concern about the number of meetings the Chairman was having with the Clerk outside of Council meetings. The Chairman asked for clarification and the discussion focussed on the current workload for the Clerk. At this point the Chairman asked for the withdrawal of statements from Cllr Curtice, which was declined. The Chairman asked for a vote to eject Councillor Curtice for being disruptive, and being in conflict with the general provisions of the Code of Conduct adopted by the Town Council. As no Councillor responded, the Chair closed the meeting.
d. The meeting closed at 8.15 pm without the rest of the Agenda being finished.
Meeting closed 8.15pm
250 . CHARTER WITH TOWN COUNCIL AND GORSEINON DEVELOPMENT TRUST a. The Clerk had distributed a copy of the draft heads of agreement for the Charter between the Council and the Gorseinon Development Trust. The details of the Charter were still to be agreed, but the Charter was intended to clarify future working arrangements between both organisations. b. Members discussed the principles involved, and raised concerns that the detail of the accompanying appendices were not enclosed. The Clerk outlined that whilst there appeared to be general support for a working charter to be produced to formalise future relationships between both Organisations, Members wanted to see the detailed arrangements and costings before signing any document. c. Clerks original wording
Cllr M Curtice raised the issue of the use of the Canolfan staff to support the Clerk, and raised concern about the number of meetings the Chairman was having with the Clerk outside of Council meetings. The Chairman asked for clarification and the discussion focussed on the current workload for the Clerk. At this point the Chairman asked for the withdrawal of statements from Cllr Curtice, which was declined. The Chairman asked for a vote to eject Councillor Curtice for being disruptive, and being in conflict with the general provisions of the Code of Conduct adopted by the Town Council. As no Councillor responded, the Chair closed the meeting
Cllr Curtice proposed rewording
At the meeting of Gorseinon Town Council on Wednesday 3rd March 2010, a discussion took place on the Charter to be set up between Gorseinon Town Council and the Canolfan Gorseinon. Cllr Gill Evans suggested that as the Clerk was costing us £18 hour (including Tax/NI) it would be a cheaper option to use the staff at the Canolfan at a rate of £10 per hour to alleviate some of the workload of the Clerk. Cllr Curtice then raised the issue that if the Clerk was costing us £18 hour why was he taking photographs at Mayoral visits at that cost of £18 per hour to the Council. He also asked if the Clerk was spending 4 hours per month at our Council meeting where were the other hours going, and were meetings taking place that Members were unaware of. Cllr Curtice was asked to withdraw the question but declined, the Chairman then proposed that he be ejected from the meeting and called for support from other Members. As nobody responded, he then went on to close the meeting before completion of business at 8.15pm.
Chairmans proposed additional wording; proposed amendments to be attached to minute 250c
1. Cllr Malcolm Curtice expressed a non agenda item re the brass band competition he used the words “the brass band was not my idea Kelvin in the regeneration trust asked me to propose it”.
2. Cllr Malcolm Curtice expressed a non agenda item re the mayoral chain and the legality of a meeting if not used.
3. Cllr Malcolm Curtice expressed a non agenda item that the clerk was being asked to attend secret meetings by the chair.
4.Cllr Malcolm Curtice expressed a non agenda item that the clerk was being used as an £18 per hr photographer at the behest of the chair .
5. Cllr Malcolm Curtice when a fellow councillor (Howard Payne) raised a point of order stated “ here we go, point of order off again” .
6. Cllr Malcolm Curtice failed to respond to the chairs request for order.
Clerks proposed revised wording minute 250c. March 3rd 2010.
A discussion took place on the Charter to be set up between Gorseinon Town Council and the Canolfan, Gorseinon. Cllr Gill Evans suggested that as the Clerk was costing us £18 hour nett it would be a cheaper option to use the staff at the Canolfan at a rate of only £10 hour to alleviate some of the administrative workload of the Clerk. Cllr Curtice then asked why was he taking photographs at Mayoral visits at a cost of £18 per hour to the Council. He also asked if the Clerk was spending 4 hours per month at our Council meeting, where were the other hours going, and were meetings taking place that Members were unaware of. Cllr Curtice was asked to withdraw the question but declined. The Chairman then proposed that Cllr M Curtice be ejected from the meeting, for being disruptive, continuing to raise non agenda items, and questioning the authority of the Chairman. The Chairman asked for a vote from the meeting, but as nobody responded to support the proposal, he closed the meeting before the completion of business at 8.15pm.
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d. The meeting closed at 8.15 pm without the rest of the Agenda being finished.
251 CLERKS MATTERS. a. Trinity street parking restrictions. Clerk confirmed he had written to the Highways Authority and was awaiting a reply to the cost and likelihood of removing the yellow lines in trinity street as the original purpose had now been superceded with the closure of the Bryngwyn works. b. Licencing hearing for Lewis Jones Pub and restaurant, Lime street Gorseinon
Clerk reported that he and the Chairman had attended and presented the case for the Town Council and residents at the Public Hearing on 15 October in County Hall. The Licencing Committee decided to remove the license from the current holder and impose a series of new conditions including revised closing times of 11.30pm, requirements for proper management of the facility and new gates to be erected and closed to keep people out of the car park after closing time. c. Proposed car parking charges in Lime street and Brighton rd Car parks by Swansea Council. Lime street car park . Clerk advised members that he and the Chairman had attended a meeting with Chris Vinestock the Highways Chief of Swansea Council and senior Officers to discuss the proposed charges. A range of Five options had been proposed ( as previously discussed by the Town Council ) and a reply was awaited.
a. Clerk reported request to run event on behalf of the Mayors charity for the MS centre in Morriston. b. The Clerk reported the renewal of membership to SCVS at a cost of £5.00 Members confirmed the Council would remain a member for the coming year. c. Clerk advised that the next Community Council forum was on Tuesday March 16th 2010 at 5pm in County Hall. d. Clerk advised members of the confirmation of the Diversion of footpaths 15,16 and 103 (Pontlliw, Grovesend, Gorseinon) as had been advised by Swansea Council legal dept. No objections were raised to the proposed diversion. e. Clerk distributed written update statement by Welsh Assembly Government on Town and Community Councils. f. Clerk reported annual membership of One Voice Wales at a cost of £940.00( 2009 £910.00) based upon3839 chargeable dwellings from valuation list not electoral register. (+3.3%). Members agreed to renew the membership.
250. STANDING ORDERS. Clerk distributed the working draft for the review of the Town Councils Standing Orders, originally drafted in the mid eighties. The review was being done to bring the format in line with the model wording prepared by One Voice Wales.
251.VARIOUS CORRESPONDENCE a. Requests for funding was received from Mrs Bethan Evans of 35 Clos Tygwyn Gowerton who was seeking funding to attend a placement in Borneo this Summer. Members referred the requests to the Finance meeting in February 2010.. b. 90th birthday acknowlegements 18 Jan Mr George Edward Beatrup (2 Grenfell Avenue, Penyrheol) contact 533486 Mrs Anne Ingamalls c. Clerk confirmed the appointment of DCK Beavers as accountants to produce the 2009/10 accounts for the Audit commission. d. Clerk reported training courses at Cwmbran run by One Voice Wales on 15 March 2010, and in Rhondda in June.
251 .REPORTS FROM COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER. a. Cllr Alan Jopling had now resigned and was therefore not present at meeting.
252. REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES . a. Chairman asked to receive reports from the Council’s Representatives on Outside Bodies
Feb 10 Penyrheol primary International Comenius evening.
Feb 2010 PACT meeting
March 3 rd 10am Lantern parade meeting Canolfan / Xmas panels refurbishment
Tuesday March 16 2010 Community Council forum Civic centre Swansea @ 5pm
Thur 11 Feb One Voice Wales area Committee@ Guildhall
Monday March 8 Homecoming parade for Welsh Guards. Castle Square to Guildhall steps @ 1pm.
253 .ACCOUNTS. Cllr M Curtice as Chairman of the Accounts sub Committee of March 3rd 2010 confirmed that the accounts had been scrutinised and approved for payment.
254. The Clerk updated members on the progress with the development of the new web site for the Town Council.
THE MEETING ENDED AT 9.18pm
Chairman, Committee, Thank you for the opportunity to present the views of the Gorseinon Town Council which, following representations from the local community at the Sept 2 nd Council meeting, also represent the views of local residents, which I have been asked to represent today.
The amended licensing conditions resulting from discussions with the Police are NOTED, and are supported, but there remain concerns that from the Public point of view have still not been addresses. These are as follows;
1. PREMISES.
The Town Council has received ongoing representations at its meetings and at PACT meetings, seeking to clarify the term “premises ”. When residents ring the police to complain about activities and rowdiness in the car park outside the Lewis Jones pub, the Police assume this is in the adjoining Lime street public car park, ie outside of the curtilage, and therefore not the responsibility of the management. Gathering of youths however, usually occurs within the car park of the Public House establishment itself, and is considered to be within the premises adjoining the pub and therefore the direct responsibility of management.
Clarification is sought from the Management that they are responsible for their patrons actions whilst they are within the curtilage of the Lewis Jones public house.
2.NOISE
Residential properties surround the Lewis Jones public house on 4 sides. – West street (200ft distant), Lime Street (200ft distant). Trinity street (400ft distant) and Libanus rd (600ft distant).
The Town Council has received ongoing representations at its meetings and at PACT meetings, from residents complaining about the noise from the pub late into the night as a result of patrons being outside the building on the open balcony, and the doors and windows being open, with the entertainment blaring out loud music. The level of noise is considered unreasonable for local residents, and when complaints are made to the management that loud music at 2.30am in the morning is unreasonable, the staff are unreasonable, abusive and no action is taken to address the complaints.
Action requested- Management should react when complaints are made in future, and be sympathetic to the disturbance being generated when music is being played and doors and windows are left open. A limit should be set as an acceptable decibel noise level from the pub, and Environmental Health Officers be asked to monitor the level from the surrounding residential properties on regular occasions over the coming 12 months.
3.VANDALISM
The Town Council has received ongoing representations at its meetings and at PACT meetings, from residents complaining about vandalism / unsocial behaviour from patrons of the Lewis Jones pub who are leaving the establishment, late at night in an intoxicated state.
Vandalism takes the form of;
Vomiting / urinating in residential doorways, Damage to property Damage to parked vehicles outside houses – broken wing mirrors / youths walking over car roofs.
When Management are approached, they take no responsibity for the action of the patrons once they have left the premises.
4. CLOSING TIME
It is noted that the Police have agreed to an amended closing time of 23.30hrs., with 30 minutes drinking up time.
Representations from residents indicate they would prefer a closing time earlier again, of 23.00hrs. This would help to address the problem of patrons from other establishments moving on to the Lewis Jones pub, when the others pubs, such as Brighton road club, close at 23.00 hrs. This Change, would be more acceptable for the occupiers of the predominantly residential area surrounding the public house, and would confine disturbances to more acceptable hours.
It is considered that such a revision to the closing time, would probably have more beneficial impact upon the amenity of surrounding residential properties, than the other points raised previously.