DRAFT MINUTES OF MONTHLY MEETING DECEMBER 2008

Approved 21 Jan 2009

The Monthly Meeting was held at 7.30pm on Monday 15th December 2008 at the Halley MacLiag. Present were Mr B Rae (Chairman), Mr M Cringle, Mrs K Edds, Mr A Cowin and Mr M Berry. The Clerk, Mr W I Lowey, was in attendance.

The Minutes of the November Meetings 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

Members raised the following matters for the attention of the DOT Highways Division – wall at Duck Street corner, Ballacriy back footpath, water accumulation on the road at Colby Bridge, developing potholes near Strathallan, The Garth and Cronk y Thatcher, broken kerb at Belleabbey Road junction, bad state of Ballagawne Road, poor road markings at various places, mud on the road on Ballacriy and Station Road, flooded road signs not being removed for three days after the floods and footpath repairs required at the Ballacriy end of the Moaney Lane.

Police Matters

A request was received from Inspector Musson for any observations on potential strategic threats that might affect the Parish. There were none identified.

Allotments

Mr Rae and Mr Berry reported on the recently held meeting with potential allotment holders and advised that all remained keen to proceed. It was noted that planning permission would be required for a track into the field and it was agreed to obtain the view of the DOT regarding the need for a splayed entrance. The Clerk was instructed to progress the project, including the planning application, as speedily as possible.

Garden Competition

It was agreed to repeat the competition in 2009 and to give it a higher profile. It was also felt that it would be preferable to hold the prize presentation in the Autumn rather than December and to combine it with the presentation of the Summer photograph competition prizes.

Christmas Event

It was estimated that 120 children had been present at the Father Christmas event, including many from outside the Parish and it was therefore felt that, for safety and other reasons, it might be preferable for Father Christmas to be in a grotto, perhaps in the Hall, rather than on the sleigh. It was agreed to join with Ballabeg WI again for the combined event for Christmas 2009.

Eistedfodd

It was reported that no suitable dates were available in the Spring and it was therefore agreed to defer the event until Autumn 2009.

Civic Service

Mr Cowin undertook to approach Arbory School to provide a small choir to perform at the Civic Service on 1st February.

Refuse Collection

The Clerk reported that Mr Jones had felt that his men would be too busy to distribute leaflets but that Mr Jones would be advertising the revised Christmas and New Year schedule in the press and that notices would be placed in the usual locations and on the website. It was noted that collections over the period would be on Saturdays instead of Fridays.

Regeneration of Towns and Villages

Mr Berry reported on a recent seminar and indicated that the matter would be progressed in early 2009, when it would be put before Tynwald and a co-ordinator would be appointed. It was agreed to give the matter further thought at that time.

Leadership in the Community

Mrs Edds reported on a recent meeting regarding training courses provided by the IOM Childrens Centre for persons wishing to have a role in community affairs. It was agreed to give this publicity on the website and elsewhere.

Budget Report

The Budget Report for the period to 30th November 2008 was received and noted.

Review of Planning System

After consideration of the consultation document, it was felt that the Board concurred with most of the proposals and that further comment was not necessary.

Planning Matters

The following new application was considered:-

08/02174 – Mount Pleasant, Main Road, Colby – two storey extension – no objections
08/02104 – Gys yn Jiass, Main Road, Colby – replacement windows – no objections
08/02113 – The Coach House, Ballabeg – conservatory – no objections
08/02168 – The Bungalow, Three Roads, Ballabeg – part demolition of existing bungalow and replacement bungalow in principle – no objections.
08/ 02153 - Rambling Rose, Glen Road – alterations and extensions & amendment to vehicular access – no objections

The following decisions were received from DOLGE and noted:-

08/01989 – Middle Field, Glen Road – orangery & replacement pool roof - Approved
08/01790 – Earystane Quarry – extension & restoration – Approved.

Comments were sought by the Planning Department regarding an anticipated planning application to remove a mound, thought to contain gravel, in a field at Ballaglashen, Ronague. Concern was expressed that, with this effectively being a gravel quarry, no information had been provided regarding the access route and the lorry movements involved in transporting the gravel off site.

Sundry Correspondence & Other Matters

The following correspondence was received:-

- Review of Local Authority Elections – no comments.

- Consultation on Endangered Species – no comments.

- Southern Amenity Site Board estimates for 2009/10 – noted.

- Request for details of employees who were members of the Local Government Pension Schemes – agreed to provide a nil return..

- Notification of Housing Consultative Conference on 6th March 2009 – noted.

- Invitation to Holocaust Memorial Day Service 25th January 2009 – Mrs Edds or Mr Berry agreed to represent the Board.

- Complaint regarding frequent rubbish burning at Ballagilbert, Ronague – noted that the DOLGE Inspectors had become involved and that the activity appeared to have ceased.

- E-mail from Mr Juan Watterson MHK regarding the setting up of a group to investigate solutions to the problem of dilapidated buildings. Mr Rae agreed to represent the Board on this group.

- Letter from Fritha Costain regarding a survey of interpretative signage on the Island. It was agreed to suggest that a notice describing the flora and fauna to be seen at the Pooil Vaaish SSSI or elsewhere along the coast might be considered.

Accounts for Payment

The following accounts were passed for payment:-

Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection Dec £2,333.47
IOM Govt - Refuse disposal Nov £1,103.41
Bondholders - Interest £250.00
Manx Telecom - Office £54.75
Gill Thompson - Reimbursements re Xmas event £11.00
Remco Signs - Xmas tree bulbs £86.25
Adrian Cowin - Reimbursement Xmas glow sticks £79.89
Malew Commissioners - 12 Wheelie bins £338.40
Rushen Band - Christmas event £50.00
Brian Rae - Reimbursement mince pies & sweets £66.00

Commissioners Bonds

It was noted that the bondholders had been invited to renew their loans for a further year at 3% per annum.

Sundry Matters Raised by Members

Mr Berry advised that the broken stopcock cover in the pavement outside 2 Friary Park had not yet been repaired – Clerk to remind the Water Authority.
Mr Cringle advised that he had been approached by a Friary Park resident regarding road signs for Bemaccan Close, Greyfriars Close, etc. It was felt that this expense would not be justified.
Mrs Edds suggested that a new litter bin should be provided for the new bus stop at Ballacubbon, Colby. This was agreed.