MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD 30th MAY 2018

 

Present

Cllrs Mr Frank Hemmings (FH), Mrs Jackie Allen (JA), Mrs Barbara Humphreys (BH), Mr Brian Colley (BC),
Mr Michael Maxfield (MM), Ms. Eleanor Burnham (EB), Mr Gareth Baines (GB), Mr Newman James (NJ),
Mrs Sarah Williams (SW), Mr Mark Holmes (MH), Mrs Dot Griffiths (DG), Miss Lynne Painter (LP)
& Mr Mark Roberts (MR) – late to arrive due to work commitments.
Mr Shaun Jones (SJ), Clerk to the Council.  Ms. Lucy Wain, Press – NWN & 2 Members of the Public.

 

1.         TO ELECT THE CHAIR OF CHIRK TOWN COUNCIL FOR 2018/19 AND WITNESS THE ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE.

   

Cllr. Barbara Humphreys proposed Cllr. Jackie Allen for the post of Chair.  This was seconded by Cllr. Dot Griffiths.  No other nominations were made and Cllr. Jackie Allen was duly elected as Chairman – motion carried - unanimous.

 

Cllr. Allen after signing the Declaration of Office and being presented with the Chain of Office by Cllr Frank Hemmings, she took the opportunity to address the meeting and thanked Cllr. Frank Hemmings for all his hard work over the last year and hoped it was enjoyable.  She thanked the Councillors on being elected as your Chair and will perform the role to the best of her ability.

 

2.         TO ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE THROUGH THE CLERK.

Apologies for absence: Cllr. Mr Terry Evans & Ms Kirsty Cottam.

3.         TO RECEIVE REPORT FROM RETIRING CHAIR.

Cllr. Frank Hemmings thanked all members of the Council and the Clerk for their support during his year as Chairman of the Council.  Continued improvements in the work of the Council were noted, including the work of our Community Agent, during the period.  Also thanks to the caretaking staff for all their hard work.

 

4.         TO MAKE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA.
 Declarations of Interest: No declarations of interest made at this point.

 

5.         TO ELECT THE VICE-CHAIR OF CHIRK TOWN COUNCIL FOR 2018/19 AND WITNESS THE ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE.

JA called for proposals for the post of Vice-Chair of Chirk Town Council. 
Cllr. Mark Holmes proposed Cllr. Sarah Williams for the post of Vice-Chair.  This was seconded by Cllr. Mark Roberts. 
Cllr. Lynne Painter proposed Cllr. Brian Colley for the post of Vice-Chair.  This was seconded by Cllr. Dot Griffiths.
 JA called for a secret ballot where each Councillor selects one candidate and hands the written slip to the Clerk.  The Clerk sorted and counted the votes, 6 for Cllr Williams and 7 for Cllr. Colley. Cllr. Brian Colley was duly elected as Vice- Chairman – motion carried.
Cllr. Brian Colley signed the Declaration of Office.

 

6.         TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES:

The following committees agreed and members elected thereto: -

General Purposes Committee. The Full Council.

Plans Committee.

Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr Michael Maxfield, Mrs Barbara Humphreys, Mr Mark Roberts,
Mrs Sarah Williams, Mr Mark Holmes, Mr Terry Evans, Miss Lynne Painter, Mrs Dorothy Griffiths,  
Mr Gareth Baines & Ms. Eleanor Burnham

Finance Committee.

Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mrs Barbara Humphreys, Mr Mark Holmes, Ms Kirsty Cottam,
Mr Terry Evans, Mrs Sarah Williams & Mr Gareth Baines.

Standing Orders Committee.  In abeyance.

Special Committee.

Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mrs Sarah Williams.

Consultations Committee.  Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr Mark Roberts.

Parish Hall Sub-Committee. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr Mark Holmes, Mrs Barbara Humphreys,
Mr Michael Maxfield, Mr Newman James, Mrs Dorothy Griffiths & Mr Frank Hemmings.

Longfield Sub-Committee. The Full Council

Staffing & Policies Committee.  Chairman, Vice Chairman, Mr Mark Roberts, Mr Mark Holmes,
Mrs Sarah Williams, Miss Lynne Painter, Mr Frank Hemmings & Mr Gareth Baines.

 

 

7.         TO AGREE APPOINTMENTS OF COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES ON THE FOLLOWING OUTSIDE BODIES

School Governors:

Ysgol Y Waun Chirk School Mrs Sarah Williams.

Federated Pentre Controlled Mrs Barbara Humphreys.  

Chirk Charities   Mrs Jackie Allen, Mr Newman James, Mr Mark Holmes and Mr Frank Hemmings.

Chirk Environmental Liaison Group Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mrs Sarah Williams,
Ms. Eleanor Burnham & Miss Lynne Painter.

Black Park Community Centre. Mr Frank Hemmings and Mrs Sarah Williams. 

OneVoice Wales, Wrexham/Flint Area Regional Committee.  Mrs Jackie Allen & Mr Mark Roberts.    

Shrewsbury/Chester Rail Users Association. Mrs Jackie Allen.

Chirk Air Training Corps – Civilian Committee. Mrs Jackie Allen.

North East Wales Play and Playing Fields Association. The Clerk.

Penybont Liaison Group. Mr Frank Hemmings. Mrs Barbara Humphreys and Mrs Jackie Allen.

Chirk Youth Football Club. Mr Michael Maxfield, Mr Newman James, Mr Mark Holmes and Mr Mark Roberts.

Footpath Liaison. Mr Frank Hemmings and Mr Brian Colley.

Chirk/Ceiriog Valley Partnership. Mrs Jackie Allen (Deputy Mr Frank Hemmings).

Chirk Celebrations and Lights Committee. Mr Frank Hemmings, Mr Newman James, Mr Mark Roberts & Mr Mark Holmes.

Chirk Recreation Ground Trust. All members of the Council.

Chirk Community Forum.  Mrs Jackie Allen and Mr Frank Hemmings

Wrexham CBC Community Council Forum. Chairman, Vice-Chairman and the Clerk.

Glyn Valley Tramway Trust – Mrs Jackie Allen.

Aqueduct Community Association – Mrs Barbara Humphreys.
 Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Champion – Mr Frank Hemmings.

 

8.         TO AGREE DATES OF MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL 2018/19
 The suggested dates for Ordinary Meetings in 2018/19 were passed.  These will be published on our website.

 

9.         TO RECEIVE INFORMATION OF ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL 2017/18.
 Details of Councillors attendance for 2017/18 presented for information.  Congratulations to Cllr. Barbara Humphreys who achieved 100% attendance.

 

10.      TO CONFIRM AND SIGN THE MINUTES AS A TRUE RECORD OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 25TH APRIL 2018.
 The draft minutes for the Council Meeting held 25th April are now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings. The motion proposed LP and seconded EB was passed unanimously.

 

11.      TO CONSIDER ANY MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES RECEIVED ABOVE NOT REPORTED ELSEWHERE.
 Minute 170 The date of the Public Meeting has been moved from 11th June 2018 – further update to follow. A Four Councils meeting will be arranged after the Public Meeting.  This was usually an annual event.

 

12.      TO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC AND PRESS FROM ITEM 28 ON THE AGENDA ON THE GROUNDS OF CONFIDENTIALITY.
 All agreed – Motion Carried.

 

13.      TO CONSIDER NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING MATTERS.
 No PCSO present this evening however a report has been received today covering– 25/4/ to 30/5.

Crimes- 11

5 X Thefts (car battery/fish/purse/tables)

1x Currency offence (fake £20)

1x Domestic

2x Criminal damage (scratches on car/window smashed)

1x theft from vehicle (fire extinguisher)

1x dangerous dogs

ASB- 7

6 x neighbour disputes (4 from same two addresses)

1x Go Safe van (shaked/abused by youths)

BH reports of Arriva Buses are often speeding in Chirk.  She also reports of a resident with a double buggy witnessing an Arriva Bus passing through the Church St pedestrian crossing while the lights were red.  It happened on May 2nd at approx. 9:15am.  This is very concerning.  Would the CCTV camera have picked this up ?  FH suggests this is taken up with Wrexham CBC – with the officer responsible for buses, there should be tachograph records to check and perhaps a case of dangerous driving ?  SJ requested to check the recording on May 2nd.

DG and NJ have continued concerns over Colliery Road and inconsiderate parking.  A person in a wheelchair had to use the road because the pavement was blocked by a van.  The lack of lines has been reported.  The road surface is also in a shocking state.  It is understood there is a National Review on Parking on Pavements.  DG also reports that the entrance to the Public Car Park accessed through Pwll y Waun was completely blocked by a vehicle parking on the junction.

EB also highlighted the issue of dangerous parking.  NJ is also concerned over the complete lack of Police presence to deter all these incidents.

 

BC reported a vehicle parked on the zig zag zone North of the Church St pedestrian crossing.  CCTV information was used to report to the Police.  It turns out the vehicle was a hire car.

JA suggests thought be given to a campaign to highlight issues, mapping and keeping evidence.  Inform Highways and the Enforcement Team to work on sorting out the problem.  EB states this is really Anti-Social Behaviour and FH states the Police have no authority with respect to parking matters.

 

14.      TO RECEIVE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 20TH FEBRUARY 2018 – AN OMISSION FROM AN EARLIER AGENDA.
 The draft report for the General Purposes Committee Meeting held 20th February 2018 is now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings. The motion proposed FH and seconded LP was passed.

 

15.      TO RECEIVE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM STAFF SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 22ND MAY 2018.
 The draft report for the Staff Sub-Committee meeting held 22nd May 2018 is now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings.  The motion proposed MH and seconded FH was passed.
 Matters arising – an appraisal for SJ has been arranged for 7th June, JA, MR & FH to undertake.

 

16.      TO RECEIVE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 22ND MAY 2018.
 The draft report for the Finance Committee meeting held 22nd May 2018 is now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings.  The motion proposed FH and seconded MH was passed.
Matters arising – Item 8 – members agreed to offer a prize for the fastest male and female participating in the Chirk Triathlon.  This is a departure from presenting a prize to only local competitors and reflects the increasing popularity of the Chirk Triathlon.  Each prize is a £50 donation to the winner’s charity of choice.

 

17.      TO RECEIVE ORAL REPORTS FROM COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES.
 FH reported on the recently held Chirk Environmental Liaison Group meeting he and other members attended.  Presentations from Kronospan, Natural Resources Wales and Wrexham County Borough Council were given.  Concerning the use of the new silos, it is expected these will be operating by the end of June.  A request from a resident to receive the meeting minutes was politely declined mainly on the grounds of company confidentiality and for legal reasons as an action over dust is ongoing.  It is understood that Kronospan has now submitted a significant variation under the permit regulation which will take as long as 12 months to be approved.  After this it is expected that only NRW will regulate the processes undertaken by Kronospan.  NRW plan to hold some communication events later in the year for the public to understand more the role of the single regulator.  WCBC stated they will undertake a new period of dust monitoring in the coming weeks.  Next CELG meeting is in September.

JA reported on the AGM of the Shrewsbury and Chester Rail Users Assn. she recently attended.  Overall the meeting were pleased with the franchise being awarded to Keolis-Amey and expect more improvements in the local rail service.

LP reported that she recently attended the Annual Review of Clwyd Guiding.  It was good to hear of their success over the previous 12 months. 

 

18.      TO RECEIVE ORAL REPORTS FROM LOCAL MEMBERS – WREXHAM CBC.
 FH reported Wrexham CBC recently held their Annual General Meeting and the new Mayor Cllr. Andy Williams and Deputy Mayor Cllr. Rob Walsh start their year of office.  FH is now Vice-Chair - Employment, Business and Investment Scrutiny Committee.  There is a new Bus operator – EasyBus due to increase services running through Chirk.  An hourly service, Oswestry to Wrexham starts on 29.6.18.  Ian Bancroft has been appointed the new Chief Executive of Wrexham Council.
 

19.      TO CONSIDER THE REINSTATEMENT OF GOALPOSTS ON RECREATION GROUND OWNED BY WREXHAM CBC AT OFFA, LODGEVALE PARK.
 FH updated members on a recent report to him of a broken goal post on the Offa recreation ground.  Initially he requested Chirk TC staff to make safe.  Then WCBC removed all but one upright of the goal.  WCBC are responsible for the grassed area, Chirk TC lease the fenced play area only.  WCBC claim they have no money to replace the goal post.  Members requested this matter be discussed in more detail and requested it placed on the agenda of a future General Purposes Committee meeting.

 

20.      AN UPDATE ON PEN-Y-BONT LANDFILL SITE, THE PROPOSED RE-DEVELOPMENT – SITE VISIT FOR MEMBERS BEING ARRANGED.
 BH advises a site visit has been arranged for Tuesday 5th June 2018 at 6:20pm.  All names of those wishing to attend need to be submitted beforehand.  48 people could possibly attend.  Sturdy shoes recommended.  Proposals are for 50/60 new homes and 30/40 holiday chalets. 

 

21.      TO RECEIVE ORAL REPORT ON RECENT MEETING WITH WREXHAM CBC STREET LIGHTING PLUS CONSIDER COST QUOTE RECEIVED SUBSEQUENTLY.
 FH and TE recently met with Paul Rogers and Steve Jones of WCBC to discuss issues over street lighting provision in Chirk.  A quotation (£3,568 plus VAT) has been provided to Chirk Town Council to install 2 new street lights with LED lanterns and update another existing lamp to LED in Walden Crescent.  Footway lighting throughout Chirk is likely to be behind current standards.  GB commented that the quotation received is lacking in detail.  Really there is not enough to go on.  Questions raised – what is the contractual arrangement ?  What does current Street Lighting precept pay for ?  Is there any plan to bring all footway lighting up to standard ?  JA suggest 3 quotations would be preferred.  Has Chirk TC the authority to add new lights ?  The thinking is that we would also have to maintain new lamps installed.  It was proposed by MR and seconded by SW that Chirk Town Council should in principle look to improve the lighting in Walden Crescent but once better information on costs is received that the General Purposes Committee will need to ratify.  Motion carried.

 

 

22.      TO DECIDE UPON APPEALS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RECEIVED.

·         North Wales Miners Association Trust Ltd – proposed BC, seconded EB to grant £50 – motion carried.

·         Children’s Air Ambulance – proposed NJ, seconded MR to grant £100 – motion carried.

·         Chirk Gardeners’ Club – proposed EB, seconded FH to grant £100 – motion carried.

·         Home Start – proposed SW, seconded EB to grant £50 – motion carried.

·         Bobath Cymru – proposed FH, seconded BH to leave on table – motion carried.

·         Double.LL – proposed MH, seconded FH to leave on table – motion carried.  Members are happy to support this business venture but have no power to make a grant.

 

23.      TO RECEIVE THE ORAL REPORT OF THE CLERK – INCLUDES CORRESPONDENCE.
 SJ advises that the renewal of Shrewsbury to Chester Rail Users Association membership is due.  Corporate membership is £10 annually.  Members were happy to renew.

The suggestion from Wrexham County Borough Council that Chirk Town Council consider the funding of a part time Seasonal Ranger for Brynkinalt Park (The Mount).   Members asked this matter be placed on a future General Purposes Committee agenda for consideration.

The April Kingdom Security report details 268 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued across the County Borough – 241 for cigarette litter.  In Chirk 26 FPN’s issued – included in this number is 1 Dog Fouling and 1 Dog Exclusion.

Correspondence:-

 

·         One Voice Wales – Innovative Practice Conference, 4th July 2018 – Builth Wells. JA wishes to attend – all agreed plus the payment of the £50 conference fee.

·         Kidney Wales – Letter of thanks for £50 donation. Noted

·         Chirk Youth FC – Thanks for the £250 donation – the trip to Holland is on. Noted

·         Karen Weaver – AONB Communications Officer – Grand Opening of Minera Quarry Reserve -2nd June 2018 10am – 4pm. Noted and already circulated to all members.

·         Seafarers UK – Fly the Red Ensign on 3rd September. Leave on table.

24.      TO RECEIVE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 30TH APRIL 2018.
 The draft report for the Planning Sub-Committee Meeting held 30th April 2018 is now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings. All agreed – motion carried.

 

25.      TO RECEIVE ORAL REPORT FROM PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE THAT MET PRIOR TO THIS MEETING - 30TH MAY 2018.
 P/2018/0403 Change Of Use From A1 (Photographic Shop) To A3 Tea Room

2B Greystones Church Street Chirk Wrexham LL14 5HA
A reference to the WCBC June Planning papers shows this application has already been determined and has been refused.  Let it lie.
P/2018/0423 Application For Approval Of Reserved Matters Pursuant To Outline Planning Permission P/2018/0053 - Appearance, Landscaping, Layout, Scale For Mixed Use Development Comprising Class A1 Foodstore, Petrol Filling Station And A3 Drive-Thru Cafe

Ruabon Business Park Site Adjacent To A483 Ruabon Wrexham LL14 6TE

No Objection.

Pre- Application Consultation.
 For the Development of an Orientated Strand Board Production Facility

Kronospan Ltd Holyhead Road Chirk
Members are concerned over the height of the proposed two buildings (28m and 32.2m respectively) to accommodate the new production facility and made the suggestion that Kronospan be approached to request a site visit to place the new OSB facility in context of the existing buildings layout.  By majority the motion was carried that the Planning Committee in its entirety be invited on the proposed site visit.  SJ to action.
 

26.      TO APPROVE PAYMENTS TO BE MADE AS ON LIST ATTACHED.
 A list of invoices and payments (to 30.5.18) amounting to £11,220.88 & £285.92 (using pre-paid creditcard) was given to the Council and were passed for payment (see addendum). Proposed GB, seconded SW to approve – motion carried.

 

27.      TO PRESENT ITEMS FOR INCLUSION ON THE NEXT AGENDA.
 1. SW requested an agenda item concerning the Skate Park on Chirk Recreation Ground.

2. DG provided members with background the lack of grass cutting for those that pay a service charge to WCBC Housing.  The presence of the 2 members of the public is believed to relate to this – they are very concerned.  If no progress is seen this should be a matter to put on the next agenda.

 

28.      TO CONSIDER NOMINATIONS FOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2017 AND AGREE TO WHOM IT SHOULD BE AWARDED.
 Two nominations have been received for Councillors to consider.  SJ read out both and members were asked to vote on the first – 9 votes were cast in favour with one abstention.  Mathematically this demonstrates Council have decided upon the Chirk Citizen of the Year 2017.  SJ will contact the person ahead of publically announcing the name.  Members thanked both nominators for taking the trouble and encourage more names to be put forward in 12 months’ time.


 

Meeting closed 9:25pm.

 

 

Signed                                    Chairman                                                                              27th June 2018