UPPER  KILLAY  COMMUNITY  COUNCIL   MINUTES  of a meeting held at The Recreational Hall on the 8th day of January 2007 PRESENT. Mrs. J. Williams ( who took the Chair in the absence of Mr. Oliver )Messrs. J. Baiss and C.Mowbray, Mrs. B. Talbot and S. Phillips and Mr. R.K.Evans ( Clerk ). APOLOGIES  FOR  ABSENCE  Mr. R.Oliver, and Mrs. L. Holmes THE  MINUTES   of the previous monthly meeting were approved as a true record and signed by the Chair.   MATTERS  ARISING   Following the resignation of Mrs. Birch, it was resolved to advertise notice of the one vacancy on the Council.   SWANSEA  COUNCIL  MATTERS   Mr Sinclair, a member of the public who was present spoke from the floor, to complain of water ponding on Gower Road between no 738 and the bus stop, and on Fairwood Lane near its junction with Gower Road. He said this was arising following the retarmacing of Gower Road, and although some remedial works had been carried out, nevertheless the problem had not been rectified. It was resolved to write to Swansea Council to express concern, as this was a potential hazard, and at the same time to reiterate concern at water running on the hill by the School. It was noted that works to the Summerland Park roundabout had been completed.   HALL  MANAGEMENT   Mrs. Talbot advised that Gas Services Wales had recently attended to urgent boiler repairs. It was also noted that repairs to the emergency exit from the dayroom needed to be completed urgently. From the floor, Mr Sinclair said that a tree near the bus stop might need lopping, and the Clerk said he would report this to Mr.Oliver. A quote was awaited for removal of a fallen tree from the car park, and it would be queried whether any part of this could be saved. Mr Mowbray said that there had been vandalism to the Youth Shelter, but it appeared to be difficult to prevent this. Mr. W. Morris joined the meeting at this point. Mr Mowbray also mentioned concerns about the state of the Hall following some bookings, and it was reaffirmed that an initial deposit be taken to cover possible cleaning costs. Mrs Talbot explained that forfeiting this deposit was in practice only warranted very rarely. At this point Cllr. P. Hood-Williams joined the meeting Mr Alan Purnell, who has the caretaking contract, and also a background in marketing, then addressed the Council about raising the profile of the Hall, and said that many in the village appeared unaware of the facilities available. He felt there were opportunities for user by small businesses for meetings, and for additional regular weekly usage. He presented a brief paper on marketing strategies, and recommended improved signage, but he pointed out there would be a cost involved initially. It was agreed to form a new Hall Management Committee, with particular emphasis upon the advice given by Mr Purnell, who was thanked by the Chair for his input.   PLANNING   Cllr. Hood-Williams left the meeting at this point. It was agreed to support applications for a two storey side extension and single storey front extension at 620 Gower Road, and a rear first floor extension and attic conversion at 616 Gower Road. Both appeared to be for improvements that would not adversely affect neighbours. Cllr. Hood-Williams returned. Mr. W. Morris asked for information about the Gardening Club temporary shed, and was advised that Swansea Council were now looking to see what plans the Club did have to replace this before considering further limited approval. The Clerk said that Swansea Council were seeking to divert to Fairwood Lane the footpath that currently had its registered route through the Hall and the pond to Fairwood Common. This diversion was supported   FINANCES   The Clerk advised that an account had been received from B.T. that included a call out charge. It was agreed to query this, as it was suggested that the call out was through no fault of the Council’s equipment. It was also questioned whether the Hall now needed a payphone at all, and consideration would be given to dispensing with this when a decision is made about the security system.   It was resolved to pay the following:-                         £     p        Caretaker   `                                                             378     00 Beryl Talbot ( re Gas Services Wales )             41    13 B.T.                                                                           90    48                                The following payments direct from the Bank in December were ratified :- SWALEC                                                                   63    00 Swansea Council ( Rates )                                         68    00 Welsh Water                                                              32    50 Powergen                                                                 202    99 Security Centres                                                         49    20   BUDGET 2007 / 2008   It was agreed to allocate up to £1,000 of available development funds this present financial year for reinstating the path to the North of the pond, and £500 upon hall signage. For the 2007/8 precept, continuation of the general level of expenses was agreed, with some allowance for inflation. Major items budgeted for were £750 for refilling existing and four new hanging baskets, £1,000 for a new security system, £1,000 to start a sinking fund for boiler renewal, £2,000 for a disabled ramp, £250 for a string of outdoor Christmas lights for the School to display, if agreeable, and allowance for appropriate repairs to the Play-Area. It was agreed to retain a precept of £29.49 per Band D equivalent, resulting in a total precept of £16,544.   ANY  OTHER  BUSINESS   Mr Morris mentioned that cars parked upon the pavement in Edgemoor Drive were causing congestion. There being no further business, the meeting was closed. The date of the next meeting would be February 5th 2007.