Minutes of the Meeting of Broughton Community Council
Held at the Brymbo Sports and Social Club
on Thursday 19 November 2020
Members
Councillor A Humphreys (Chair)
Councillor Miss N Davies (Vice Chair)
Councillor G Davies Councillor Mrs L O’Donnell
Councillor Mrs B Parry-Jones Councillor F Prince
Councillor T Alan Edwards Councillor N Williams
Councillor Mrs B Roxburgh Councillor Mrs S Williams
Councillor D Jarvis Councillor a Lovett
Councillor Mrs E Jones Councillor S Feely
*Absent
- APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
There were no apologies as all Members were present.
- DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST
Cllrs. Nigel Williams and S. Williams declared a personal and prejudicial on agenda item 3 and left the meeting for that item.
- COUNCILLOR VACANCIES
The Clerk reminded Members that the Council currently had vacancies in the Brynteg and Gwenfro wards. There had been no applications for the Brynteg vacancy and one for the Gwenfro vacancy. Copies of the application had been circulated to councillors prior to the meeting as they had requested.
A number of points were raised :
- Concern that almost half the council comprised of various family members and that this could distort the decision making process. The Clerk pointed out that there was no limit on the number of family members who could serve on a community council. He agreed to circulate a copy of the Council’s Constitution.
- Cllr Parry – Jones had concerns about the quality of the application and the candidate’s suitability.
- Could we move councillors to represent a different ward ?
- Some Members felt that we defer the decision whilst awaiting clarification on the constitution.
Councillors, by a majority decision, agreed to appoint Mrs Caroline Williams.
- MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13 SEPTEMBER 2020 / MATTERS ARISING
Members accepted the minutes as a true and accurate record. There were no matters arising.
- OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
Cemetery
- It was suggested that additional privet hedging be planted to fill the gaps left where the conifer trees had been.
- In addition, some Members felt that the tree stumps in the cemetery looked unsightly and could also be a trip hazard. Could they be ground down ?
It was agreed that the Cemetery Working Group hold a site visit as soon as it was safe to do so.
Citizen’s Advice Bureau
- The CAB has recommenced the outreach service.
Community Agent
- The Clerk had sat in on a Zoom Meeting with Wrexham CBC’s Co-ordinator and other Clerks who had a Community Agent. The Clerk was concerned both about the how much funding was available for the remainder of this year and also future years.
Christmas Lighting
- A Member felt that less monies had been spent on the Bryn Cefn Ward compared to the other wards and no lighting at all in the Lodge. It was explained that the type of lighting columns which existed determined what type of Christmas lighting motifs could be put in place, taking account the height of the columns and the weight and windage of the motif. In case of Lodge most of the lighting is fixed to BT poles, who will not allow such lighting. In addition, there is a need to take account of the longer term costs such as erection and dismantling, storage, maintenance etc.
- It was also highlighted that comments had been made about the fact that the Xmas lights being put up at the same time as the lamppost poppies which detracted from Remembrance Day. It was pointed out however that, although they were both on lampposts at the same time the lights were not switched on until almost a week after Remembrance Day.
- It was suggested, assuming the current restrictions have been removed by then, that a more formal switch on of the lights be arranged next year, possibly to coincide with the Wrexham CBC event.
Christmas Trees
- Sponsors for six trees had been identified. However, it was suggested that any shortfall in funding for lighting, baubles etc, be funded from the appropriate Environmental budget. This was agreed.
Street Lighting
- The Clerk gave an update on progress with the installation of LED lighting. Attached to the agenda was a list of lighting columns requiring Scottish Power repairs , together with a list of those lamps which have not yet been replaced for various reasons e.g. access to private property etc.
It was agreed to pay Vision Snapfast for the lamps installed to date (approximately 90% of the lighting stock).
- The Clerk had provided Scottish Power with the relevant information for the lower energy costs relating to the LED lighting. He had informed them that he required that the new lower tariffs be applied from 1 November 2020.
- The first half yearly instalment of the SALIX loan had been paid in October 2020.
Remembrance Sunday
- Members felt that the arrangements for the above had gone as well as could be expected, given the Welsh Government constraints.
Burglaries
- Whilst Members generally supported the North Wales Police initiative there were concerns on certain aspects.
It was agreed to consider this again once further information had been received from Sgt. Kate Davies.
Boundary Review
- The Clerk had detailed the changes to the County Borough Electoral Boundaries. Some Members felt they were unclear as to the boundaries of each individual community council ward.
- FINANCE
The Clerk had provided details of income and expenditure for the period 1 August 2020 to 31 October 2020.
Members agreed the payments.
- DECISIONS TAKEN UNDER DELEGATED POWERS
Members noted the above.
- CORRESPONDENCE
Requests for donations from Family Friends and Cerebral Palsy – Noted.
- ANY OTHER BUSINESS
(i) A discussion took place as to the use of each Ward’s Environmental Budget.
(ii) Concerns were expressed about comments being made in emails being criticised by other Members in their responses.
(iii) Complaints had been received from residents at Valley Court about the use of the War Memorial Car Park in the evenings. It was stated that the police were aware of the problem.
(iv) A replacement PCSO should be in post early in the New Year.
Signed …………………………………… (Chair)
Date …………………………………………………
