MINUTES of a meeting held on the 2^nd of March 2009 at the Recreational Hall

PRESENT  Mrs. S. Phillips ( who took the chair in the absence of Mr. Oliver ), Messrs W. Morris, V.Ley, C. Mowbray, J.Baiss and T.Porter, Mrs. J. Williams, Cllr. P. Hood Williams and Mr. K.Evans ( Clerk).

APOLOGIES  FOR  ABSENCE from Mr. R. Oliver and Mrs. J. Birch

THE MINUTES of the previously month’s meeting having been previously circulated were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman

MATTERS  ARISING Mr. Morris advised that Fairwood Lane had been very busy with cars over a recent Sunday, but the Rugby Club had provided some stewarding. The Clerk mentioned e-mails from Mr Oliver and the Caretaker, both of whom highlighted problems with vehicles on that day. He also said the Club’s application for extra hard standing for parking was anticipated shortly.

SWANSEA  COUNCIL  MATTERS

Cllr. Hood-Williams said that he would try to prioritise road resurfacing in the Village, and that the damaged bus time table had been repaired. He will ask the Highways Department to liaise with the Police about whether there is to be further traffic calming. Receptacles for collection of garden waste had now been issued to householders in many of the roads in the Village. This year, Council Tax would rise by 4.4%. There was £350,000 funding available through the Rural Development Plan, and although this had already been allocated to suitable schemes, further bids could be made for projects for future funding. Also schemes for landscaping or building could be submitted for Heritage Lottery funding.

HALL  MANAGEMENT

Mrs Phillips reported that in the February Sub-committee meeting roofing work had been approved, and that repairs were under way. These will prove more extensive than anticipated, because although the rafters were sound, extensive renewal of board and batten was needed. It had been agreed to undertake full repairs now, to try and avoid greater problems in the future. The contractors had shown the problems to Mr Morris, and members were grateful for his time spent in inspecting and advising.

Two quotations had been received for a new boiler, but a third requested from Weavers had not been forthcoming. The quotes for a condensing boiler were £4536 from P.C. Jenkins Ltd., and £8970 from Flare Wales, who also quoted £4662 for a conventional boiler. It was resolved to accept the quote from P.C. Jenkins Ltd, as although the boiler was smaller than the condensing boiler proposed by Flare Wales, it would be sufficient for the hot water and the heating. A maintenance contract would be needed after 12 months, and the Clerk was instructed to approach nearby Community Councils to see if there could be a cost saving if one contractor were engaged for several village halls. The Sub-committee felt that the work by Mr. A.L. Porter on tree cutting had been done well. The cost of painting lines in the car park was to be investigated, and Mr. Don Lewis would be consulted about a request by Swansea College to use the playing area for rugby.

PLAYGROUND  EQUIPMENT

Mrs Phillips advised that enquiries had been made with a view to  replacing the large slide, which would become necessary at some stage. Consideration had been given to a rope ladder frame at £4458 or a smaller frame for £3434, with delivery and installation extra, both items for children of three years and upwards. It was queried whether pieces should be bought for older children, for example a skate board ramp, but noted that the shelter had been provided for this age group. It was agreed to review the matter following a site meeting for the Hall Management Committee.

PLANNING

FINANCES

The following cheques were approved for payment:-

Handprint                                                                 565     76

Don Lewis                                                             1763     00     

Chubb Fire                                                               73     83

Ricoh                                                                       15     28

The Clerk                                                                 900     00

John Collins & Partners ( Clerk’s expenses )             29    00

The following payments direct from the Bank in February were ratified:-

Welsh Water                                                              32    00

EON                                                                        178     92

SWALEC                                                                   63    00

It was resolved to accept Mr Don Lewis’s quote for the forthcoming year’s field maintenance, in the same sum as this year, as this was considered good value. The Clerk advised that he had submitted an application to renew the discretionary rate relief for the Hall.

ANY  OTHER  BUSINESS

1.     A letter had been received from Mr .Alan Jeffrey complaining about enclosure of land at Hen Parc Lane. The Clerk was instructed to write to clarify the nature of this issue.

2.     It was noted that a damaged street lamp had been replaced.

3.     Cllr. Hood-Williams reported on a recent One Voice Wales local committee meeting. Swansea Council were considering proposing charter working with community councils. Councillor training would shortly be in place. Llanrhidian Higher had received grants for provision of sporting facilities. The Pennard local produce market is going well.

4.     Cllr Hood-Williams advised that the Swansea Local Access Forum for landowners and users was coming to the end of its two year term. He could provide details to anyone interested in this.

There being no further business, the meeting was closed. The next meeting would be on April 6th 2009.