UPPER  KILLAY  COMMUNITY  COUNCIL   MINUTES  of a meeting held at The Recreational Hall on the 2nd day of April 2007 PRESENT. Mrs. J. Williams ( who took the Chair in the absence of Mr. Oliver )Messrs. J. Baiss, and W.Morris , Mrs. L. Holmes, B.Talbot and S. Phillips, Cllr.P.Hood-Williams C.Mowbrayor a Councillor would be advertised in the newsletter. and Mr. R.K.Evans ( Clerk ). APOLOGIES  FOR  ABSENCE  Mr. R.Oliver and Mr C.Mowbray.  THE  MINUTES   of the previous monthly meeting were approved as a true record and signed by the Chair.   MATTERS  ARISING It was noted that the improvements to the hedging around the Pond had been favourably received..   SWANSEA COUNCIL  MATTERS. Cllr Hood-Williams said he was still progressing remedying apparent faults to the speed signs, and also work on potholes. Mrs Talbot reported upon the latest Community Councils Forum. She said there was to be a streamlined general planning process, to allow more time for debate of controversial applications. If such applications were called in for consideration by the full Council, then it was important that Community Councils advised their ward members of local views. Objections would need to be within the scope of formal planning policies, but consideration could be given to issues of privacy and obstruction of light. She said there had also been a presentation upon Swansea’s latest budget. Heavy borrowings had been raised to deal with expenditure upon the Guildhall, Library, Leisure Centre and also a pension fund deficit.   HALL  MANAGEMENT Mrs Talbot advised that the hot water boiler had broken down with a damaged fan. This boiler was too old to repair, and estimates had been obtained for a new water boiler only. In view of the likely need for a review of the central heating boiler, it was agreed that Hall Management Committee take expert advice on the overall water heating needs of the Hall before placing an order. It was noted that Mr Oliver had been reviewing the Hall risk assessment, and the Clerk would liaise with him in respect of this. It was also noted that some repairs had proceeded to the Play Area, and that a letter had been written to Mr Clive Knox requesting financial assistance from the Community Association. The Clerk advised that the Insurers required the new alarm system to include Redcare signalling, despite the advice of two of the three contractors approached.   HALL  CHARGES Mrs Talbot produced a sheet of the current charges, which had not increased for several years, despite rising overheads, because of the risk of the loss of bookings. Following a discussion, it was agreed that a rise in charges was appropriate, and there would be an increase of £1.00 per hour for casual bookings, and regular bookings would be increased by £2.00 per session.   PLANNING There were no matters this month   GARDENING  CLUB  SHED Mr Morris declared an interest as a Club member, and left the meeting, which was addressed by the Club Treasurer. He advised that the City Planners require removal of the existing shed, which would involve the loss of an important asset for the Club. The plant sales in particular had provided a valuable facility for members of the Village, as well as generating a profit which had on occasion been utilised to support Cila School. The Club now requested permission to refurbish the area adjacent to the Main Hall, to make good the exterior and to install a steel door for security. The room then created would be used for Club storage, which he felt would benefit members of the Community as a whole. The work would be at no cost to Council. Following a discussion, this proposal was generally favoured, and the Clerk was instructed to consider the possible implications of granting the Club specific use of a designated hall space, in view of the Hall’s charitable status.   FINANCES   It was resolved to pay the following:-                         £     p        Kidde Fire Protection                                               511     22 Local Council Review                                                17    00 Audit Fee 04/05                                                        141     00 Audit Fee 05/06 ( subject to verification)                 293     75 Celtic Mowers                                                          359     32 Standard Signs                                                         703     84 ( The last two above subject to confirmation by Mr Oliver                          The following payments direct from the Bank in March were ratified :- SWALEC                                                                   63    00 Welsh Water                                                              32    50 Powergen                                                                 561    20 Security Centres                                                         49    20 Security Centres                                                         49    20 The following further payments during March were ratified:- Celtic Mowers                                                            77    06 Caretaker                                                                 378     00 A.L.Porter Gardening                                               675     00 John Weaver Construction                                     2602     86   It was resolved to apply to Swansea Council for business rate relief in view of the charitable status of the Recreational; Hall Trust.     CARETAKING  CONTRACT The Clerk advised that Mr Purnell had sent a further proposal, on the basis that he remain self employed. He would undertake the works for all but two weeks per year, and was proposing an hourly rate of £8.32. It was resolved to agree this, provided the caretaking contract could be updated and amended to include all tasks now considered approporiate. The Clerk would consider this with Mr. Purnell, Mrs Talbot and Mr Oliver.   ANY  OTHER  BUSINESS None There being no further business, the meeting was closed. The date of the next meeting would be May 14th 2007