MINUTES OF LLANGWM COMMUNITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY 17th MAY 2016 AT THE PARISH HALL, LLANGWM
COUNCILLORS PRESENT: Colin Evans (Chair), Cllr. Mike Foster, Cllr. Bob Trigg, Cllr Peter Gough, Cllr David Williams, Cllr Gwyn Rowlands
IN ATTENDANCE: Caroline Evans (CSW Co-ordinator) and Shirley Hughes, Clerk
1. OPEN SESSION
COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH
Caroline Evans gave the following update on the Llangwm Community Speedwatch project.
The group had held 2 sessions so far and there were now 9 members signed up. The 2nd session was rather quiet as there were a great deal of cyclists who slowed down the traffic. She had attended a meeting of other co-ordinators and the new Police Inspector who will be overseeing the scheme. It was reported that over £40k had been spent on equipment for the scheme in Monmouthshire, so it would continue, but with less Police support. The Mobile Speed Van had been seen in the area, but again, this will be driven by a 'Pecking Order' on which area needs it most.
AGREED that the Clerk circulates the Minutes of the Police Meeting to all Councillors.
FLOOD IN LLANGWM VILLAGE
Mrs Evans reported that on Wednesday 11th May, several houses were flooded on Routes 63.1, which was very rare. It was noted that the water had run down Llanynant Road from the top, and had not gone its usual route - down the green lane opposite Croes Bychan. She also told the Council that whilst they were busy putting Sandbags around the properties, they noticed that there was damage to the left hand parapet of the first bridge from the B4235. The stonework was cracked and needing urgent attention. AGREED to add this to the Highways Report
POLICE REPORT
CSO Sally Parker had sent the following report:
11/5 - vehicle RTC at Llansoy near Star Inn - Only minor injuries received
There was a new Inspector covering Chepstow/Caldicot - Phil Morris.
2. APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence received - County Councillor Bob Greenland.
3. DECLARATION OF INTEREST
Declarations of interest will be made as and when required.
4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of 19th April 2016 were agreed and signed as a true and correct record by the Chairman.
5. MATTERS ARISING
5 a) Risk Assessment
The Clerk along with the Clerk from Llanhennock CC had produced a Risk Assessment which is more
suitable for a small CC.
Councillors AGREED that the document was what was required, and it was adopted and signed by the Chairman.
5 b) Casual Vacancy
Following the retirement of Lyn Bennett, the Clerk has been in contact with John Pearson from MCC Election Office who has generated a Notice to be displayed on the Llangwm Notice Board /VH Notice Board, and Llangwm residents have until 8th June to apply to MCC to become a Councillor.
It was noted that if nobody applies, LCC can Co-opt someone.
6. HIGHWAYS
a) Update on Matters Reported
B4235 Close to Bridge Inn culvert and gullies blocked - Culvert cleared in Feb/Mar. Gullies are still on list to do
B4235 - Very bad accident occurred due to ice across the carriageway between Pant Onnen and Grove Cottage - No issue when looked at. Without inspecting at the time, hard to say why ice was apparent considering this is on a salting route.
B4235 - Between Ty Coch and Oakfield chevron sign damaged and needs replacing - This will be addressed when resources allow. Added to programme.
Route 66.3 - George's Delight near to Cae-Twyn-Cyn very deep potholes on the side of the carriageway with 2 no. over 6 inches deep - Added to programme NOTED that one pothole has been filled.
b) New Issues raised by Councillors
60.11 - Bridge Inn to Pentre Farm. 2 x blocked gullies. Manhole cover on this stretch half way along on the right hand side is raised and causing issues.
63.1 - It was noted that the water had run down Llanynant Road from the top, and had not gone its usual route - down the green lane opposite Croes Bychan. She also told the Council that whilst they were busy putting sandbags around the properties, they noticed that there was damage to the left hand parapet of the first bridge from the B4235. The stonework was cracked and needing urgent attention.
B4235 - During the wet weather on 15th May, once again the road was flooded near the Bridge Inn and the road was closed for some time.
c) New highways issues raised by others
There were no highway issues raised by others.
7. FINANCE
Balance at the Bank as of 29th April 2016 - £1,654.64
Monmouthshire Building Society as of 31st March 2016 - £2,358.45
The Clerk stated that we had to hold back the payment to John Powell last month due to the fact that we would have been £41 overdrawn until the Precept came in and that was due on 29/4 and it was delayed until 3/5 but the Invoice is now paid.
RECEIPTS
The Clerk reported that on 6th May, our VAT refund of £80.24 was received for the 2013 - 2015 period.
INVOICES FOR PAYMENT
· Zurich Insurance - CC Insurance - £298.25 Chq no 658
· Shirley Hughes expenses for April/May Expenses - £17.21 Chq no 659
It was noted that the original documents from Zurich were sent to the previous Clerk at the beginning of April, and not forwarded on but the cover is as follows:
Public Liability - £15 million
Products Liability & Pollution - £15 Million
Employers Liability - £10 million at any one event
2 x Bus Shelters - Sum Insured £7,453.42
AGREED that these two invoices are paid
The Monthly Finance Reconciliation was signed by the Chair, and will be circulated to the Cllrs.
7 a) CLERK'S HOURS
The Clerk reported that she had worked 22.30 hrs since the last meeting
Cllr Evans has sent an email to People's Services informing them of the increase of an additional hour per
week, and also the SCP increase.
8. CORRESPONDENCE
From MCC
a) Countdown to National Eisteddfod BB
b) Plea for donation towards the Eisteddfod
c) Agenda for Planning Committee on 3rd May BB
d) 2 x emails from Kevin James to say the Precept would not be paid until 3rd May
e) Whole Place Dept asking when and where LCC meet Replied
f) Area Committee Grant Form
g) Whole Place Dept. with list of possible grants available for Community Groups BB
h) Enforcement Cases Open and Closed - nothing for the Ward
i) Agenda for Children & Young People Select on 19th May BB
j) Various Press Releases - including Usk Publican prosecuted, Business Awards launched, Caldicot Councillor to serve as Chairman - Cllr Jim Higgins
One Voice Wales
a) New S Wales Development Officer Shan Bowden BB
b) Link to The Ombudsman' Casebook - emailed to Cllrs
c) Opportunity from the Consumer Council for Wales who are looking for a new Local Consumer Advocate in Wales - Closing date 31/5/16 BB
d) Recall of the Model Financial Regulations which were recently sent out - minor changes to be made
Welsh Government
a) Wales Audit Office - PR on Consultation on future Audit Approach RE: The Well Being of Future Generations BB
Business
a) FOI request RE: How much spent on Queens Birthday from Cardiff University - Replied NIL
b) Newport City Council RE: New Welsh Unit BB
c) Older People's Commissioner for Wales Newsletter BB
d) GAVO Voluntary Voice BB
e) AON asking about Council Insurance
f) Launch of 'Shine a Light' film that promotes local energy from Community Energy Wales BB
General
a) Reply from Green Grafter stating 1st cut should have been last week
b) Letter from CHAD - Independent Living Project in Caerphilly looking for a contribution
9. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
New Applications
There were no new applications.
10. COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT
County Councillor Bob Greenland was not in attendance.
11. WARD REPORTS
Best Kept Village - Cllr Bob Trigg stated that the Best Kept Village Competition was being judged during June, so Cllrs were asked to keep the village tidy prior to judging.
12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
12 a) Community Councillors
It was noted that Cllr Bennett on his retirement would have served over 15 years as a Cllr and Cllr Mike Foster stated that he intended to stand down at the next meeting. The Clerk was asked to establish how many years Cllr Foster had been elected.
Date of Next Meeting,
Tuesday, 21st June 2016
Meeting closed 9:00pm