MINUTES of a meeting held on the 6th of April 2009 at the Recreational Hall

PRESENT  Mr. R.Oliver ( Chairman ), Messrs W. Morris, V.Ley,  J.Baiss and T.Porter and Mrs. J. Williams and Mr. K.Evans ( Clerk).

APOLOGIES  FOR  ABSENCE from Mrs. S.Phillips and Mrs. J. Birch and Messrs P. Hood-Williams and C. Mowbray

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

The Clerk advised that he had spoken by telephone to Mr Alan Jeffery about land at

SWANSEA  COUNCIL  MATTERS

The Chairman had been advised by Cllr. Hood-Williams that speed surveys could be carried out on Gower Road traffic, and that the County Road Safety Officer had suggested larger speed limit signs, and roundel markings on the road. All these proposals were supported. The provision of white bags for garden waste was being rolled out through the Village, but a few areas had yet to receive their allocation. The Clerk was instructed to write to Swansea Council about ponding on the highway near Fairwood Lane, and repairs needed to Summerland Park. The County Rural Development plan had been received and would be circulated.

HALL  MANAGEMENT

It was resolved to accept a quotation from the boiler contractor of £320 plus VAT for installation of room thermostats and a motorised control valve. The existing programming system is out of date, and the Caretaker had advised that individual thermostats would assist with effective fuel economy. The Chairman reported that Prestige Builders had carried out work to the Hall roof. Payment of their initial estimate of £3380 was ratified, together with £1380 for additional work that was essential but which could not have been identified until the work was started and timbers exposed. Mr Morris had inspected and approved the additional cost. It was noted that the Caretaker had removed some graffiti, and had ordered additional removal fluid in order to continue. It was observed that a signifigant number of morning dog walkers were not cleaning up the mess left by their dogs. The Chairman had spoken to Swansea Council, and on their advice Hall Management Committee recommended acquisition of two banners discouraging dog fouling and a dog mess bin and glove dispenser at the cost of £275 and £120 respectively. The bin was safer than cheaper alternatives, and it was agreed to proceed with both. Swansea Council has a team surveying local hot spots, and issuing prosecutions after appropriate warnings, and they would be invited to assist. The Chairman was making enquiries about a dog ban bye law for the Playing Field, and would report further, although it was noted this had not proved feasible when considered a number of years ago.

PLAYGROUND  EQUIPMENT

The Chairman reported that Mrs. Phillips has literature for various possible items of new equipment, but many were too expensive for the level of expenditure currently budgeted. It was resolved that the focus would continue to be on equipment for small children rather than provide for the over 10s as well.

RUGBY  PITCHES

Requests for use of the playing field for rugby had now been received from both Swansea College and Uplands RFC. Mr.W. Morris declared a personal interest as a member of the Uplands, and the Clerk a potential conflict of interest for the same reason. Currently there are no regular users of the football pitches, which were as a result rarely played on. In principle, use for rugby was agreed, with a view to this starting next season. If protective nets were necessary, then planning consent would be needed, but they might not have to be erected if the pitches were reduced to one turned round the opposite way. It was agreed that the Clerk liaise initially with both parties, and that a sub-committee of Messrs Morris, Ley, Baiss and Porter consider the matter further by way of a meeting with both applicants and  Mr.Don Lewis, which Mrs Phillips would chair.

PLANNING

Mr Ley advised there were no new applications, but that Swansea Council had visited 627 Gower Road to review the question of the sale of vehicles. The view taken was that the proposed additional access appeared reasonable, and that the hard standing is considered to be permitted development. The Draft Delivery Agreement for the new Local Devlopment Plan was noted.

FINANCES

The following cheques were approved for payment:-

Handprint                                                                 599     04

One Voice Wales                                                     130     00

Prestige Builders                                                     1380    00

Handprint (09/10)                                                     599     04

Chairman’s Float                                                     100     00

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

Welsh Water                                                              32    00

EON                                                                        334     09

SWALEC                                                                   63    00

Prestige Builders (cheque)                                      3380    00

ANY  OTHER  BUSINESS

1.     Mr. Morris mentioned that the lane opposite

2.     Work on the trees and hedges on Fairwood Lane was continuing, but behind schedule as the contractor had been ill.

3.     A car parking sign had been bought at a cost of £60, of which one half would be requested from Uplands RFC

There being no further business, the meeting was closed.

 The next meeting would be on May 11th 2009.