MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 16TH APRIL 2008
The Monthly Meeting was held on Wednesday 16th April 2008 at the Halley MacLiag. Present were Mr Cringle (Chairman), Mr Rae, Mr Cowin, Mrs Edds and Mr Berry.
The Minutes of the March Meeting were confirmed as a true record and signed.
Election Results
It was confirmed that at the recent election Mr Rae, Mr Cringle, Mr Cowin, Mrs Edds and Mr Berry had been re-elected unopposed to serve as Commissioners for four years commencing on 1st May 2008.
The following on-going matters were discussed:-
Risk Matters
There were no risk matters to report.
Police Matters
Crime figures for the year ended 31 March were received and noted.
The Partnership Plan 2008/09 was received and noted.
It was noted that the issue of restorative justice following the petty vandalism in Ballabeg and Colby during January appeared to have faded and the Clerk was instructed to pursue the matter with the Police
Traffic Matters
It was noted that the matter of parking on pavements had been raised at the Southern Neighbourhood Policing forum and that the Police had indicated that they would deal with any specific cases that were reported to them.
It was noted that there had been no developments regarding the speed limit between Ballabeg and Colby.
Parish Hall Roof
It was reported that the Appeal was to be heard on 29th April. Mr Cringle agreed to represent the Commissioners and Mr Cowin also indicated that he would attend.
Weight Restrictions at Parville Road
A letter was received from Mr J Bennett of B & C Transport Ltd in connection with the use of the weight restricted Parville Road by his lorries. The Chairman advised that he had had several conversations with Mr Bennett on the subject. After lengthy discussion it was agreed that in the circumstances the Commissioners would not oppose the granting by the DOT to the company of an annual permit to use the road provided that it was restricted to the two vehicles and to a stated number, say five or six, trips per day.
National Week Event
There was further discussion on the holding of a concert in Colby Glen in association with the Meadowside Choral Society. It was agreed to meet representatives of the choir and put to them the suggestions that the event be held on the afternoon of Sunday 6th July, that Arbory School be invited to have the country dance team perform and that the Commissioners provide refreshments and facilities. It was agreed in principle to make a donation to Meadowside.
Parish Garden Competition.
There was further discussion and it was agreed that the competition would automatically cover all gardens in the Parish, would be judged as viewed from the highway and prizes of garden goods vouchers and certificates would be given.
Ballabeg Shop
It was noted that the owner had indicated that plans were to be submitted in the near future, with a view to commencing the work during the summer months.
Photography Competition
It was agreed to hold the competition on the same lines as last year but to restrict the entries to under 14s and to allow two entries per person. Mr Cowin agreed to ensure that the competition was publicised in Arbory School and CRHS.
Parish Newsletter
A draft newsletter was considered and, after various amendments, agreed for publication in mid May along with a leaflet publicising Laa Columb Killey. The members agreed to distribute the newletters themselves.
Streetlighting
Proposed lighting arrangements on Ballacubbon, Colby were received from DOLGE Architects Department and agreed.
A quote of £4,750 plus VAT was received from the MEA for erecting a new light on the footpath between Ballastrooan and the Glen Road, including 60 metres of trench work. It was felt that this was not good value for money and it was agreed not to proceed with this work.
Refuse Collection Contract
It was noted that the charge had increased by 4% in line with the Manx RPI as at 31 December. It was agreed to renew the contract with Jones Services Ltd for a further three years from 1st April 2008 on the same terms and conditions as previously.
Streetlights Maintenance Contract
The contract for 2008/09 was received from the MEA and agreed. The Clerk and Chairman were authorised to sign the contract.
Minor Works
The Clerk reported that Kennaugh & Skinner Ltd had indicated that the firm would be willing to undertake minor sundry works such as erecting signs and bins from time to time. This was agreed.
Municipal Association Matters
Mr Berry reported that the AGM was to be held on 26th June but it was noted that this was Laa Columb Killey and that it was therefore unlikely that any members could attend.
Monthly Budget Report
The report to 31st March was received and noted.
Planning Matters
The following new applications were considered:-
0800507 – Riverside, Colby Bridge – erection of first floor extension – it was feared that this further proposed development could be excessive visually on this conspicuous site within a conservation area.
0800510 – Ballacannell, Earystane - amendment to approved extension, etc – no objections.
0800615 – Fuchsia Cottage, Three Roads, Ballabeg – alterations, extension, etc – no objections
0800621 – Sycamore Cottage, Main Road, Ballabeg – replacement windows – no objections
0800546 – 18 Ballastrooan – garage, etc – no objections
05/92127 - Amendment to Colby FC new clubhouse – no objections.
The following decisions were received and noted:-
0800038 – 5 Cronk Cullyn – dormer & conversion of garage to living accommodation – Refused
0800072 – 29 Cronk Cullyn – extension to garage & widening of drive – Approved..
Sundry Correspondence
The following correspondence was received:-
- Copies of Central Government Departments’Service Delivery Plans for 2008 – Noted.
- Invitation to nominate a person to attend the Tynwald Garden Party on 6th July. It was agreed to nominate Mrs Edds.
- Invitation for the Chairman to attend the Douglas Mayors Parlour for drinks on 9th May. The Chairman was not available to attend
- Brochures showing forthcoming events at the Erin Arts Centre.
- Parish Walk road closure applications – there were no objections raised.
- A consultation draft Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. There were no comments.
Accounts for Payment
The following accounts were passed for payment:-
Peel Commissioners - 50 wheeliebins - 1,151.50
MEA - Streetlights maintenance to 31 March - 1,376.89
MEA - Streetlights power to 16 March - 1,429.39
W I Lowey - Reimbursements re stamps, etc - 99.68
Quine & Cubbon Ltd - Election notices - 5.29
Kennaugh & Skinner Ltd - Replacement windows Parish Hall - 4,982.00
MEA - Streetlight replacements - 10, 024.98
DOLGE - Refuse disposal March - 1,075.90
IOM Bank - Loan Account interest - 834.66
IOM Bank - Loan Account repayment - 3,987.35
Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection April - 2,333.47
David Cregeen - Grass cutting (2nd cut) - 347.83
IOM Newspapers - Election result notice - 198.11
W I Lowey - Returning Officers Fee - 64.00
Sundry Matters Raised by Members
Mr Berry advised that a resident of Station Park had complained to him regarding dogs wandering loose and inconsiderate parking on the estate and that she would be e-mailing with further details.
Mr Cowin advised that the public seat at Belleabbey Church was in need of repair and it was agreed to attend to this. He also advised that there were indications that further roadworks were about to take place at Colby Bridge.
Mr Rae advised that the road in the vicinity of the Ballacubbon, Colby development was in need of regular sweeping. There was also concern over the frequency of road sweeping through both villages. It was agreed to pursue this with the DOT.