MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD 28th NOVEMBER 2018

 

Present

Cllrs. Mrs Jackie Allen (JA), Mr Brian Colley (BC), Mrs Barbara Humphreys (BH), Miss Lynne Painter (LP),
Mr Mark Holmes (MH), Mr Terry Evans (TE), Mr Gareth Baines (GB), Mr Michael Maxfield (MM),
Mrs Sarah Williams (SW), Mr Newman James (NJ), Ms Eleanor Burnham (EB) & Mrs Dot Griffiths (DG).
Mr Shaun Jones (SJ), Clerk to the Council.  Mr. Jack Butler (JB), Press – NWN.  

Apologies

Apologies for absence: Cllrs. Mr Frank Hemmings, Mr Mark Roberts & Ms Kirsty Cottam.

Declarations of Interest
No declarations of interest noted based on the published agenda.

 

97.      TO CONFIRM AND SIGN THE MINUTES AS A TRUE RECORD OF THE MEETING HELD ON 31st OCTOBER 2018.

The draft minutes for the Council Meeting held 31st October 2018 are now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings.  The motion proposed NJ and seconded LP was passed unanimously.

 

98.      TO CONSIDER ANY MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES RECEIVED ABOVE NOT REPORTED ELSEWHERE.

Minute 84 – SJ advised members that STOP Kronospan Pollution have responded and even though Kronospan themselves are not willing to participate on a platform, they still wish to proceed with agencies Public Health Wales, Natural Resources Wales and Wrexham County Borough Council – Public Protection and Planning being present.  Members instructed the Clerk to make contact with our contacts in the listed bodies to ascertain if they can attend.
Minute – 88 – EB requested clarification over dual member wards in Wrexham CBC.  It is likely that the review underway will endeavour to split wards like Gwersyllt and Cefn Mawr so that there is a single member elected for a ward of approx. 1,800 electors.  A follow on query about Councillors sitting on both Town & Community Council (T&CC) as well as County Borough was replied to – this is for the Welsh Government, the recent report on T&CC did recommend such twin hatted members should no longer be permitted.

 

99.      TO CONSIDER NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING MATTERS.

Members reviewed the usual Crime Report for the period since the last meeting.  6 crimes are recorded – low.  In addition, anti-social behaviour statistics report 2.  Noted.  Mention made of reports of a group of residents, wishing to put minds at rest, by undertaking drive by patrols of Chirk in the small hours.  One Council member suggested this was more like a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and would report any instances of ASB or possible criminal activities to the Police in the usual way.

 

100.    TO RECEIVE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM FINANCE SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 15TH NOVEMBER 2018.
 The draft report of the Finance Committee meeting held 15th November 2018 is now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings.  The motion proposed GB and seconded SW was passed unanimously.
Matters arising: –
Item 5 – A request for clarification on the Visioning Event.  Something like a Town Plan and that it is time to revisit.  TE to bring the original list that was published after the last event of this nature.  It is understood that all matters were delivered upon.

 

101.    TO RECEIVE ORAL REPORTS FROM COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES.

There were no reports from members.  

 


 

 

102.    TO RECEIVE ORAL REPORTS FROM LOCAL MEMBERS – WREXHAM CBC.

TE reported that the Bus Stop recently damaged by a tree has now been repaired.  The cost of repair is understood to be claimed against insurance cover.  He made mention of recent reports of some street lights needing repair – all in hand.  Reminded members of the online reporting tool.  Streetscene have been undertaking footpath clearing after seasonal leaf fall.


FH although unable to attend this evening did email the Clerk.  Earlier today he completed a ward walk with Housing Officers and a PCSO – looking at issues around the housing estates.  In addition, FH reports that there are plans to replace water mains in Chirk.  Further details will be shared once a meeting with those responsible has taken place this Friday.  Finally, it is reported by FH of the recent death of Mia Parry – a pupil at Ysgol Y Waun.  This was after an illness.  Mia’s siblings and fellow pupils are being supported by the school as well as bereavement councillors being made available by the Education Dept.  All members offered condolences to the family and friends of Mia.

 

SW asked TE and he agreed to follow up on the contractor’s base on Princess Ave/Coronation Drive which maybe in place for 2.5 to 3 years.  Buses are finding it very difficult to negotiate a route past and possibly narrowing of the footpath would be the solution.
Mention also made of buses getting the new one-way system at New Rhos-y-Waun wrong.  Also that the No Entry signs are still not illuminated.
Both JA and BC have requested a look again at the recent changes to double yellow line zone at Chirk Station.  Their view is that it is now really dangerous trying to negotiate this road by car and request TE to take action.
EB and DG mention that Colliery Road still has regular inconsiderate parking even though the double yellow lines have been repainted.  Friday and Saturday evenings being the worst.  Signage and continuing to inform the business owners to encourage customer to use the nearby car park is needed.  The Clerk was asked to invite Ms. Jo Rodgers of Wrexham CBC Enforcement to meet with members at an upcoming Council meeting.

 

103.    TO REVIEW AND APPROVE BUDGET/PRECEPT PREPARATORY WORK – OPPORTUNITY TO PUT FORWARD PROJECT IDEAS – SET DATE FOR DECEMBER FULL COUNCIL MEETING TO PRESENT FINAL PROPOSALS.
 The current list of projects being incorporated into the budget for 2019/20 were discussed – including a recent addition covering a tourism initiative.  The meeting date of 12th December 2018 was set for final presentation to full council.

 

104.    TO DECIDE UPON SITING OF NEW COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD – BLACK PARK.
 Members were updated on the preparatory work undertaken to site a new Community Noticeboard in Black Park.  Planning consent is required and some fees of approx. £150 will be incurred.  Proposed by EB and seconded by GB to proceed was carried.

 

105.    TO DECIDE UPON REPAIR AND RENOVATION OF MILLENNIUM GARDEN STEPS.

Members reviewed the photographs presented and it was agreed to invite quotations to repair and undertake a deep clean.  Proposed by NJ and seconded by LP to proceed was carried.

 

106.    TO DECIDE UPON APPEALS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RECEIVED.

·         Ifton Colliery Youth Band – after their recent participation in the Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph service members were extremely pleased and echoed the Clerk’s wish for them to participate at next year’s service.  A donation towards the cost of running the band at nominal cost to the members and towards new instruments would be most welcome.  Proposed TE, seconded LP to grant £100.  An amendment proposed DG and seconded EB to grant £250.  The amendment was carried by a majority.

·         Ysgol Y Waun – School Prospectus – placing an advertisement showing Chirk Town Council supporting the school on the back page, suggested donation £100.  Proposed MH, seconded MM to grant £100 – motion carried.

 

107.    TO RECEIVE THE ORAL REPORT OF THE CLERK – INCLUDES CORRESPONDENCE.
 SJ outlined recent attendance at the following meeting :-

·         Chirk & Ceiriog Valley Partnership meeting held at the Hand Hotel, Llanarmon DC on 13th November 2018.



 

          Matters to note:

·         Notice of the successful Quarter Peal by St Mary’s Church Bell Ringers to commemorate the Battles Over 100 years on. 

·         Planning application P/2018/0954 was responded to with No Objection by a majority of members of the Planning Sub-Committee. 

·         One Voice Wales invite nominations for their Annual Innovative Practice Awards 2019.

·         After a request from AVOW to submit nominations to the High Sheriff Community Awards SJ asked members if they would wish to resubmit the nomination placed last year.  Proposed NJ and seconded EB that we should – motion carried.
 
 Correspondence:-

·         Christine Ashford – Email thanking all concerned for the commemoration on Armistice Day – Sunday November 11th 2018. Noted.

·         Dynamic – Amy Lynch – Letter thanking the Council for the donation of £100.  Noted.

·         Marie Currie – Laura Ellis-Bartlett – Letter thanking the Council for the donation of £100.  Noted.

·         Graham Greasley – Email thanking all concerned for a fitting tribute to all those men of Chirk that went off to war, and especially those of the First World War as we remembered them 100 years on – at the Armistice. Noted.

·         Welsh Audit Office – Anthony Barrett – Letter responding to our request to reconsider the qualification of our Audit 2017/18.  Noted but members were of the view that the response was a disappointment.

 

108.    TO CONSIDER STAFFING OF CHIRK PARISH HALL OVER CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR.
 The local authority employer regulations – Green Book to be referenced over practice for staff asked to work on Bank Holidays and Christmas or New Year’s Eve with regards to rates of pay.  Once this information has been brought back to members a decision on whether to officially close the Parish Hall on certain days – e.g. Bank Holidays over the Christmas and New Year period can be considered.  In addition members were asked for their view on the payment of a Christmas Bonus to staff.  In principle members agreed with this proposal – formally made by NJ but the amount payable to be delegated to the Finance Committee – carried.

 

109.    TO APPROVE PAYMENTS TO BE MADE AS ON LIST ATTACHED.
 A list of invoices and payments (to 28.11.18) amounting to £9,970.60 & £211.46 (using pre-paid creditcard) was given to the Council and were passed for payment (see addendum).  The motion proposed GB seconded BC was passed unanimously.

 

110.    TO PRESENT ITEMS FOR INCLUSION ON THE NEXT AGENDA.

To note:

·         BC outlined an official opening event for Wylfa Newydd on December 13th 2018 at 10am – members invited to come along.  TE is the principal guest.  SJ also invited.

·         SW proffers apologies for Council meeting planned for December 12th 2018.

·         The Grant working party – JA, TE and GB is seeking a wish list for funding.  Currently they have the Disabled Child Swing at Chapel Lane, Adult Gym on Chirk Recreation Ground and additional provision of play equipment on Chirk Recreation Ground which all children can experience.  There is also a heritage wish – to replace the seating on Church Street (by the Spar) commemorating the mining activities in the area.

·         JA & GB attended the unveiling of the statue of an Ifton Miner commemorating the closure in 1968.  A very special event for St Martins.  Consideration for a similar effort relating to Chirk Green/Black Park should be given.  Request some historical information from Mr Graham Greasley.

·         Railings at New Rhos y Waun – mention made that these could be replaced with either the historical Coaching heritage or that of mining.  It is understood that WCBC are responsible but we could spearhead and include in a Heritage project for grant funding – see above.

·         GB asks if there is any protocol to follow when invitations to attend functions or submit reports on behalf of the Council is in place ?  SJ agreed to research.

 

Meeting closed 8:30pm.

 

 

Signed                                    Chairman                                                                            12th December 2018