DRAFT MINUTES OF MAY 13TH 2009 MEETING

The Statutory Annual Meeting was held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13th May 2009 at the Halley MacLiag. Present were Mr Brian Rae (Chairman), Mr Murray Cringle, Mrs Kathryn Edds, Mr Adrian Cowin and Mr Mike Berry. The Clerk, Mr W I Lowey, was in attendance.

Mr Rae thanked the members for their support over the past year.

Election of Chairman

Mrs Edds proposed, Mr Cowin seconded and it was agreed unanimously that Mr Mike Berry be elected Chairman for the coming year.

Mr Berry took the Chair and thanked Mr Rae for his chairmanship over the past eventful year.

Election of Vice-Chairman

Mr Cringle proposed, Mr Cowin seconded and it was agreed unanimously that Mrs Edds be elected Vice-Chairman for the coming year.

The Minutes of the April Meeting were confirmed as a true record and signed.

The following on-going matters were discussed:-

Risk Matters

There were no risk matters to report.

Highways Matters

The Clerk reported that Mr Nigel Foster, DOLGE Operations Manager, had accepted an invitation to attend the July Meeting to discuss highway matters in the Parish.

A questionnaire received from Mr Foster, regarding DOT’s winter maintenance policy was discussed and the Clerk was instructed to respond accordingly.
Mr Berry reported on the recent Southern Traffic Liaison Group Meeting and advised that, amongst the matters discussed relating to Arbory, were the pavement re-alignment at the Colby Glen Road junction (for consideration by DOT for inclusion in this years programme of works), speeding at Duck Street (30mph road marking roundels to be installed shortly), Duck Street junction (DOT to look at various alternatives for improving the junction), Friary Park junction (possible extension of pavement on Castletown side of the junction), Cronk y Thatcher junction, and speed limit reminder signs entering Ballabeg from Castletown direction (DOT speed policy review to be completed by the end of June). Mr Berry also reported that the DOT was about to review and rationalise all village and Manx National Heritage signage.

Police Matters

Mr Cowin reported on the April Meeting with the Police, advising that there had been no crimes in the Parish during the month and that he had again raised the problem of speeding through the villages.

Allotments

Mr Cringle declared a personal interest in this matter and took no part in the discussion.
The plans for the second planning application were finalised.
The Rules & Regulations, as drawn up by the AAA, were discussed and agreed subject to several suggested amendments.
It was noted that the objector to the first application had indicated that he was willing to discuss the matter further and it was agreed to arrange a further meeting with him.

Hall Roof

The Clerk reported that the matter was proceeding, that the finances had been arranged informally with the Isle of Man Bank, that Mr Millar had submitted the required report to DOLGE and that the necessary public notice for borrowing would be in the newspaper in the next few days.

Replacement Streetlight at Ballacriy

The MEA had proposed that, because of inaccessibility, the light standard should be replaced at a cost of £3,200, rather than having the light fitting replaced at an approximate cost of £420. Upon further enquiry, the MEA advised that this was necessary because the platform truck could not reach the site, and health & safety regulations no longer permitted access by ladder alone. It was felt that narrow-space lifting devices were available for hire and that this should be suggested to the MEA.

Parish Calendar

In view of various difficulties, it was agreed not to proceed with this matter this year.

Accounts for Audit

Draft accounts for 2008/09 were received and various queries were explained by the Clerk.

Planning Matters

The following new application was considered:-
-0900719 – Ballacarmick, Main Road, Colby – alterations & extensions and shared access. It was agreed to suggest that, in view of the dilapidated and unsightly state of the property, the Planning Department should try to expedite the commencement of the work.
0900700 – Seaview Cottage, Main Road, Colby – alterations & extensions, detached garage & alternative vehicular access. It was agreed to suggest that, in view of the dilapidated and unsightly state of the property, the Planning Department should try to expedite the commencement of the work.
- 0900681 – Rambling Rose, Glen Road – replacement of replacement garage with games room above – no comments.
- 0900685 – Ballacomish, Ronague Road – erection of enclosed stables and manege – no comments.
- 0900760 – Colby Chapel Hall – creation of French door in place of existing window – No comments.
- 0900579 - 21 Ballachrink – it was felt that the proposed dormer windows might have a detrimental effect on the privacy of the adjacent property. A copy letter from the owners of a neighbouring property to DOLGE was received and noted

Copy letters from Mr & Mrs John Kennaugh and Mrs E Corrrin to The Planning Department in connection with the Cronk Cullyn Phase 2 planning application were received and noted.

Sundry Correspondence & Other Matters

The following correspondence was received:-
- Letter from DOLGE re areas for adoption by Commissioners at Ballacubbon, Colby. It was agreed to adopt the specified areas provided that they were put in acceptable condition by the developer prior to adoption
- Quote from David Cregeen re grass cutting & weed spraying on Ballacubbon, Colby. The quote was accepted.
- Offer of two grandstand seats and car park pass for Chairman for Tynwald Day 6th July – Mr Berry agreed to attend.
- DOLGE First Time Buyers Newsletter – noted.
- Consultation document on the constitution and functions of Manx National Heritage – deferred until next Meeting.
- Invitation to Onchan Civic Service 24th May – no member was available to attend.
- Leaflet from JD Landscapes Ltd offering landscaping and other services - noted.
- Letter from DOLGE re planning enforcement issues & planning workshops – noted. Several members expressed an interest in attending a workshop.
- Letter from a Friary Park resident re safety matting at Friary Park Play Area and the Clerk’s response - noted.
- 2008 Report of the Chronically Sick & Disabled Persons Committee – noted.
- IOM Municipal Association – information on AGM 28th May – Mr Berry, Mrs Edds, Mr Rae and Mr Cowin indicated that they would attend.
- Information from Copyright Licensing Agency – agreed to check authenticity.
- Phone call from a Colby resident re new “Dogs on leads” notices on footpaths – members advised that the notices were not new – referred to DOT Footpaths Officer.
- Information via Municipal Assn re energy saving – noted and agreed to put on website.
- Audit requirements re professional valuation of properties – The Clerk advised that Cowley Groves were to provide a valuation as required by the auditors.
- E-mail from Colby resident re car blocking access to Ballastrooan footbridge – agreed to bring to the attention of the DOT.
- Complaint about dog constantly barking at one of the new DOLGE bungalows at Cooyrt Ballacubbon – referred to DOLGE.
- Consultation on Island health and social policy – the contents of a consultation document were discussed. It was agreed that Mr Berry, and Mr Rae and any other members available would meet informally to formulate a response in accordance with the views expressed.
- Information on the Southern Leadership in the Community course awards – Mrs Edds agreed to attend the presentations

Accounts for Payment

The following accounts were passed for payment:-

- Manx Telecom - Office phone £47.22
- IOM Bank - Audit certificate fee £31.62
- DOLGE - Refuse disposal April £1,143.00
- David Cregeen - Grass cutting £365.91
- W I Lowey - Reimbursement re stamps, paper, laminating pouches £77.31
- Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection May £2,459.48
- Jones Services Ltd - Adjustment refuse collection April £61.48
- Port Erin Commissioners - Contribution to public library £500.00
- Castletown Commissioners - Contribution to public library. £300.00

Sundry Matters Raised by Members

Mr Cowin advised that the Golden Jubilee Trust Challenge Event, intended to foster good relationships between young people and the local authorities and the police, had been very successful and that the southern team had performed well.

Mr Rae raised the following highways matters for the attention of the DOT:-
- ivy overgrowing footpath at Vicarage Close entrance
- bushes overgrowing footpath at Trafalgar House, Colby
- stop road markings and sign in need of attention

Mr Rae advised that a planning application was about to be submitted by the Marashen Crescent Committee for approximately thirty new units for the elderly at Four Roads, Port St Mary.

In view of the unavailability of two members on the third Wednesday of July, it was agreed that the July Meeting would be held on Wednesday 22nd.