MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OFMACHYNLLETH TOWN COUNCIL

BY VIDEO CONFERENCING on WEDNESDAY 29TH MARCH 2021 at 6.30pm

PRESENT APOLOGIES

Cllr T JonesCllr R GaskellCllr G DaviesCllr M AtkinsCllr A MacGarryCllr G JonesCllr M RowlandsCllr N ElliottCllr J PaigeCllr M WilliamsCllr J Honeybill

Cllr R Gaskell asks on behalf of Cllr G Jenkins about the 6 month ruling for attendance of meetings. Locum Clerk Mr G Ripppon advises that the 6 month rule came into effect last May. Cllr M Williams reminds Councillors that Cllr G Jenkins has called in sick. All Agreed to accept Cllr G Jenkins apologies.

Cllr G Jenkins

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE Mr. Gwilym Rippon (locum clerk) Julie Humphreys (Minute Taker)

There was Five members of the public present.

Agenda item

Agenda item

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1. ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGIES

See list above.

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2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Name Item Personal PrejudicialCllr G Jones Staffing XCllr M Williams Nursery X

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3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING (previously circulated)

Following review of the minutes. RESOLVED That the minutes of the meeting held on 22nd February 2021were a true record of what transpired. Meeting held on March 11th, Cllr G Jones questions why compulsory purchase is not mentioned in the minutes, as he recalls it being discussed. Cllr R Gaskell does not remember compulsory purchase being discussed. Cllr A MacGarry says that she did mention that 90% of any sale would go straight to Powys County Council. Locum Clerk Mr G Rippon asks for accuracy to vote. Cllr M Williams proposed, Cllr G Davies seconds that the minutes of the meeting held on March 11th 2021 were a true record of what transpired. 7 Agreed, 3 Abstained, 1 Against.

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4. INFORMATION FROM THE MINUTES

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5. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Cllr R Gaskell thanks Deputy Mayor Cllr T Jones for all his help and for chairing the meetings. Also thanks to Locum Clerk Mr G Rippon. No activities to report on.

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6. CLERK’S REPORT

An email has been received with regards to xenophobic and Racist remarks made at the pump track and there is concern about the escalating problem. Cllr M Williams supports what has been written into the Clerk and stresses that Machynlleth Town Council needs to open up discussion with the persons that have written in. Cllr J Honeybill is appalled by this attitude and endorses any action that Machynlleth Town Council takes to lessen racism in Machynlleth. Locum Clerk Mr G Rippon suggests that a sign is designed for the pump track. Cllr N Elliott states that the problem starts at home. Cllr R Gaskell agrees that signs need to be displayed at the Pump Track and the Playground, Machynlleth Town Council does not tolerate abuse or foul language. Cllr A MacGarry stresses that we must not jump to conclusions, could Machynlleth Town Council sign up to Zero Racism Wales pledge. Cllr G Jones states that this behaviour is not typical of the wider community of Machynlleth and we must not jump to conclusions as the email does not mention that it was children. We DO NOT tolerate racism and guidance should be displayed as to where young people can get access to help and support. Cllr A MacGarry – the sign must be on a positive note. Cllr G Jones hopes that when Y Plas is open that people would feel comfortable in reporting it there. Cllr J Honeybill asks of Machynlleth Town Council should be replying stating what we intend to do about it. Locum Clerk Mr G Rippon suggests that Councillors consider a sign with contact details for where to go to for help and support, Cllr A MacGarry proposes that Machynlleth Town Council sign up to Zero Racism Wales. Cllr R Gaskell seconds. Cllr J Paige says that he cannot support something he has not seen, Cllr M Williams agrees with Cllr J Paige. Locum Clerk Mr G Rippon reminds Councillors that we are in Purdah. Cllr N Elliott asks if Machynlleth Town Council could make their own pledge. All Agreed that this be an Agenda Item for next month.

Locum Clerk Mr G Rippon read out an email from Steve Pickup with regards to Major Events Wales looking to run Covid-Secure events at the start of May here at Y Plas. It would be one event for 250 outdoors in groups of bubbles of 6. The lawn would have to fenced off and entry controlled by ticket. Cllr M Williams says that this would be a great boost for the community. Cllr A MacGarry proposes that Machynlleth Town Council supports this Cllr M Williams seconds. All Agreed.

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7. COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORT

Cllr M Williams – these reports are here for your information and if Councillors wants further information just to ask. Cllr T Jones expresses disappointment that there are new council houses being built across the county but yet again there are no plans to build here in Machynlleth. Cllr

A MacGarry asks why Powys County Council could not purchase the old Travis Perkins site and build council houses there. Cllr M Williams states that the land is privately owned.

Cllr G Jones draws council’s attention to point 3.14 where Cemetery Plans have

made progress with Presteigne and Norton Council having sold land to Powys

County Council for £47,000. Machynlleth Town Council currently rent the proposed new cemetery land to a local farmer and we are going to lose income from that Machynlleth Town Council is not flush with money. Those Councillors that voted to sell the land for £1 would not have done so if its was their own personal land. Cllr R Gaskell – we discussed this last month and the decision has been made.

Cllr G Jones- has had people approach him regarding the footpaths in Machynlleth, those being:

Felingerrig Bridge to Garth Caravan ParkTanyBrynBrickfield Street – Riverpath.These three footpaths are in very poor condition. Could these

observations be passed to Pathway Officer. Cllr M Williams supports this, the names of the officers to write to are Sian Barnes and Diane Watkins. He adds that there is an upgrade to Tan Y Bryn path in conjunction with planning approval. Cllr G Jones proposed a letter to be sent to Powys County Council Cllr A MacGarry seconds. All Agreed

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8. PLANNING

The following planning application were discussed 1. To discuss New Hospital site and the removal of trees. Cllr J

Paige proposes that Machynlleth Town Council writes to Powys teaching Health Board to request that they publish their ecology plan for mitigative tree, hedgerow and shrub planting and consult with the community regarding these plans Cllr M Williams seconds. All Agreed,Cllr J Paige recalls a while back that a planning committee was set up. We should have a dedicated planning panel. Cllr A MacGarry says that we do have a dormant planning sub-committee and we should consider opening it up to the public. Cllr G Jones does not agree with setting up a sub-committee and they should ask Powys Teaching Health Board to engage with the community. He accepts that Machynlleth Town Council may not have been sitting in June 2020 when the planning application came in but, that application was on Powys County Council Portal

for 21 days and no objections had been forthcoming from the public. Machynlleth residents would surely prefer a hospital to a botanical garden, Cllr M Williams advises that Powys Teaching Health Board Estates have quite recently responded to various groups who have been active in expressing concerns of tree felling. A full report has been given, the Estate do say that they intend working closely with the community and school children. He will forward the email to the Locum Clerk for his information. Cllr G Jones states that many residents of Machynlleth are sad to see the trees go but, they are resigned that in order to progress with the hospital, on a balance they would rather have improved Health Services.Cllr R Gaskell left the meeting.

2. 21/0301/LBCApplication for listed building consent for internal alterations to install new central heating system including new gas fired boiler, & no. radiators and external flue at 64 Maengwyn Street. NO OBJECTIONS

3. 21/0253/HHApplication for the erection of a single storey extension at BronWylfa , Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8EY. NO OBJECTIONS

4. 21/0231/FULApplication for the proposed single storey extension to the rear and vehicle parking at the Fire Station, Craigfryn, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 8HE. NO OBJECTIONS

5. 21/0197/DISApplication to discharge condition 5 of conservation area consent 20/0858/CAC (building recording) at Bro Dyfi Community Hospital, Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth, SY20 8AD. DISCUSSED EARLIER.

For Information6. 21/0206/NMA

Application for a non-material amendment for planning approval 18/0142/FUL for the construction of enclosure to house water tank for sprinkler system at Cwrt Y Maen Maengwyn St, Machynlleth SY20 8EA – NO OBJECTIONS

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9. THE MARKETS

Cllr G Jones asks who has prepared the report that was in information packs for councillors? Cllr A MacGarry -the report was done by Julie Humphreys in the absence of the Market Supervisor. Julie Humphreys gave a verbal report of the issues and concerns around the running of the market and updated the councillors on the problems last summer when the market returned after lockdown. Cllr G Jones – this can not be allowed to continue. Why has this not been addressed earlier?,

this report was prepared in July 2020, a meeting should have been convened between businesses and Market Traders, if it means that social distancing can not be maintained could the market be held elsewhere, maybe in the Plas Grounds? Cllr J Honeybill if you take the market off the street it will not come back. Cllr M Williams is shocked to see that winter rates were still being charged in the summer months. We must bring back the Market Panel that meets every 6 months, we must meet with the traders, it is crucial that we work together. We need to get back to a strong rationale in the running of the market. Cllr G Jones – we cannot return to how things were last summer, if there is not enough time between now and April 14th can we suspend the market until we are ready to accommodate social distancing. Machynlleth Town Council has responsibility to run the market, Social Distancing is the problem. Cllr A MacGarry proposes that letters be sent out to market traders advising them that summer rates come into force as of May 1st and each stall holder signs the agreement. Vans need to be off the street, Machynlleth Town Council to approach Powys County Council and the Police to ensure that they are present to enforce social distancing on Market days. Cllr M Williams seconds. ALL AGREED

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10. REPAIR OF THE CLOCK TOWER

Locum Clerk Mr G Rippon advised Councillors that a further quote for works required has been received of £3850. Before any of these works can be completed, we need a condition report, this will cost £55 per hr and 55p per mile. Cllr G Jones - everyone wants to see the clock fixed its anniversary is in 2 years time, it will be awful if it is not working by then. Smiths of Derby have quoted for the work is there anyone more local that can do this for us? Locum Clerk Mr G Rippon – Smiths look after the clock’s mechanism, once the condition report is completed quotes will be sought. Cllr G Jones how are we supposed to know what we can afford we are yet to see any accounts. Cllr A MacGarry – we can not afford everything in this year’s budget. Cllr G Jones – why is it that Cllr A MacGarry knows what our finances are and other councillors don’t. Accounts should be accessible to Councillors and the public. Cllr N Elliott proposes that the condition report is done Cllr G Jones seconds. ALL AGREED.

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11. FINANCE

1. To note the Bank Reconciliation – NOT AVAILABLE2. To appoint the Internal auditor for 2020 – 2021 –

Locum Clerk Mr G Rippon knows a reputable firm that complete the internal audit. Cllr G Jones – we should be supporting Local Businesses. Cllr G Jones propose Cllr

A MacGarry seconds to advertise for internal audit. All AGREED

3. To discuss quotes for tree maintenance -Cllr T Jones proposes to accept lower quote Cllr A MacGarry seconds. ALL AGREED

4. Invoices for payment -Cllr A MacGarry proposes to pay listed invoices Cllr J Paige seconds. ALL AGREED

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12. GARSIWN ALLOTMENT WALL

It was noted that the agreement to take over the Garsiwn Allotments has not been signed. Cllr A MacGarry proposes that Machynlleth Town Council write to Powys County Council with regards to the condition of the allotment wall and repairs before signing the lease agreeing to take the allotments over. Cllr J Paige seconds ALL AGREED

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13. NURSERY LEASE

No update, presentation moved to next month’s meeting

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14. CEMETERY EXTENSION

It was noted that in the planning application Powys County Council intend using Y Plas car park. The car park is in need of repair and the lighting is not sufficient. Cllr G Jones – Powys County Council are having a good deal, they should at the very least do the car park up. Cllr G Jones proposes that a letter be sent to Powys County Council stating that all necessary repairs and done and the lighting fixed Cllr N Elliott seconds. ALL AGREED

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15. REPORTS FROM NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIESNothing to report

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CORRESPONDENCE

An email was read out from Julie Price asking what Machynlleth Town Council’s decision was on Powys County Council’s proposal to change the language status of Ysgol Bro Hyddgen. Cllr G Jones asks what the answer to the question is? The minutes from November last year state that 3 people representing parents gave a presentation and that Councillors wanted to hear from Cllr E Vaughan. Was a decision made after Cllr E Vaughan’s presentation? Cllr J Honeybill – the first meeting

was with 3 representatives of parents Cllr E Vaughan spoke via zoom in January meeting – no decision was made. Cllr G Jones - this council should have an opinion. Cadfarch and Llanbrynmair did not support the move, it is ridiculous that this council did not give its response. Locum Clerk Mr G Rippon advises that no vote can be taken as it is not on the agenda, correspondence is not an agenda item, if a cote is taken it can be challenged. Cllr N Elliott proposes that each councillor expresses an opinion. Cllr T Jones seconds. All Agreed.Cllr T Jones – Backs the parents 100% - there should be no changeCllr N Elliott – the school always has been dual stream it should remain as it isCllr M Atkins – always been dual stream it should stay as it isCllr G Davies – Agrees with Cllrs M Atkins and N ElliottCllr J Honeybill – Any child in Wales should be bi-lingual a dual stream school is 2 languages. Most counties in Wales say that children should speak Welsh.Cllr G Jones – Support the parents 100% we have a dual stream school. Choice is the word. Cllr E Vaughan made the same point as Cllr J Honeybill. People should have the choice.Cllr A MacGarry – Declared an interestCllr J Paige – Opposes the change it would be detrimental to vulnerable learners in the community.Cllr M Rowlands – Choice should be there for both English and Welsh learners.ALL AGREED that a letter be sent to Powys County Council

A VOTE WAS TAKEN TO SUSPEND STANDING ORDERS. ALL AGREED

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INFORMATION FROM MEMBERS

none

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ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA

Zero Racism WalesPresentation from MCCP 1.

Cllr G Jones left the meetingA motion was passed under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 (3) to exclude members of the public during discussion of this agenda item due to the confidential nature of the business discussed.