Five councillors were present at the January meeting of Manorbier Community Council, which was held at the Skrinkle Community Centre.
Among matters discussed were the following:
Agenda
Approval of Employment Contract: After discussion, Clr. C. Haynes proposed acceptance and Clr. D. Baker seconded acceptance of the proposed contract from One Voice Wales. All councillors were in agreement.
Setting of 2009/2010 precept: Expenditure provided for 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 and the proposed precept for 2009/2010. After discussion, in which the chairman, Clr. R. Hughes, pointed out that £15,000 had been earmarked for the legal tribunal costs for the forthcoming year, the proposed precept stood at £31,680. It was proposed by Clr. T. Williams, seconded by Clr. J. Williams that they accept the proposed precept. All councillors were in agreement.
Amendment of Standing Orders: That the number for a quorum be dropped from four to three; also the clerk to have the power to record meetings at the consent of the council. Acceptance of these amendments was proposed by Clr. J. Williams and seconded by Clr. D. Baker. Proposal to adopt amended Standing Orders was made by Clr. R. Hughes, seconded by Clr. T. Williams. All councillors were in agreement.
Quotations for purchase of laptop and other equipment for clerk: quote 1 - Perfect PCs £695; quote 2 - PC World £600 (no cartridges or software installation included); quote 3 - Tesco £657 (no cartridges or software installation included). After discussion, all councillors felt that they should support a small local business who could offer a high level of personal after-sales service. It was agreed to accept the quote from Perfect PCs.
Ratification of 2007/2008 accounts: The BDO had instructed them that they had to accept the 2007/2008 accounts, although the present council was not in office at the time. All councillors were in agreement that they should be accepted.
Ratification from council for staffing committee to deal with tribunal case. After discussion, it was felt that it would be appropriate for the staffing committee to handle the tribunal case. Proposed by Clr. D Baker, seconded by Clr. J Williams. All councillors were in agreement.
Correspondence
Trees were to be felled opposite Manorbier Castle, on the hill towards the beach.
The National Park Newsletter was distributed, while a letter from Lowless & Lowless Solicitors regarding land by Corner House was discussed.
Manorbier Conservation Group - night firing at Manorbier: A letter was received asking the council to reconsider its previous decision. After discussion, it was decided that the council's position had already been made clear on this issue.
Ombudsman - complaint against Clr. M. Calver by Mr. C. Cochrane: Council were informed that this would not be pursued by the Ombudsman.
Funding request by South Pembrokeshire YFC: At present, no funds were available.
Payment of outstanding bills: £1,322.58 for Lowless & Lowless Solicitors re. tribunal case; £204.80 for YHA re. Skrinkle Community Centre. All councillors were in agreement that these should be paid.
Planning
Extension of agricultural building for Mr. Bean, Springfields, Manorbier. All councillors were in favour.