Minutes of Monthly Meeting held on Wednesday 20th February 2008
The Monthly Meeting was held on Wednesday 20th February 2008 at the Halley MacLiag. Present were Mr Cringle (Chairman), Mrs Edds, Mr Berry and Mr Cowin . Apology for absence was received from Mr Rae.
The Minutes of the January Meeting were confirmed as a true record and signed.
The following on-going matters were discussed:-
Risk Matters
There were no risk matters to be discussed.
Police Matters
Notification of various changes at senior level in the Southern Police Division were received and noted.
Operation Baboon, targeting unlicensed and dangerously parked vehicles, and the recent spate of petty vandalism in Ballabeg and Colby were discussed.
Traffic Matters
Mr Berry reported that he had attended a meeting of the Southern Road Traffic Liaison Group and that the following matters had been discussed:-
- poor levels of response to queries by some section of the DOT – stated to be due to new appointments and re-arrangements of responsibilities.
- speed limit between Ballabeg and Colby and in rural areas in general – DOT at present developing a new policy document on the subject.
- traffic plan based on the School being progressed – the Commissioners will be able to participate.
- pavement re-alignment at Colby Bridge – being looked at by Derek Sewell.
- cycleway from Shore Hotel to Fishers Hill and possibly via Scarlett to Castletown – Derek Sewell to progress and bring forward proposals.
- road safety at the Iron Spout.
- the possibility of the DOT Operation Manager attending these meetings to discuss road and pavement repair issues.
Parish Hall Roof
Various slates from Tegral Slates were considered and it was agreed that the russet shade would be an acceptable alternative to that previously chosen and refused by the Planning Committee.
Municipal Association Waste Management Seminar
Mr Berry confirmed that he had attended the seminar on 23 January and reported that a wide range of views had been expressed, particularly in connection with kerbside collections. Mr John Shimmin MHK, DOLGE Minister, had been present and confirmed that the eastern area kerbside collection scheme would be proceeding as previously announced.
Monthly Budget Report
The report to 31st December was received and noted.
Civic Service
The Chairman felt that the Service had been a great success and thanked all who had taken part.
Local Authority Accounts
It was noted that most of the anticipated changes to local authority accounting procedures had been deferred by DOLGE until 2008/09.
Southern Area Plan
It was confirmed that DOLGE Planning Officers Emily Curphey and Fiona Mullen would be attending the March meeting to discuss this matter.
Streetlights
It was confirmed that four lights on Glen Road in need of upgrading and three possible sites for extra lights on existing poles had been identified. Also one light on Station Park and ten lights on the upper part of Ballacriy were in need of upgrading. It was confirmed that it was in order to proceed with these enhancements. A price for placing a light on the footpath between Ballastrooan and Glen Road had been sought from the MEA.
Photographic Competition
Following a suggestion received from a young resident, it was agreed to again run a photographic competition based on the parish website. Mr Cowin volunteered to take a leading part in the organisation of the event.
Grass Cutting
It was agreed to re-engage Mr David Cregeen for grass cutting and spraying for the coming season and to accept a 4.75% increase in his charge.
Audited Accounts
The Chairman noted that Arbory’s 2006/07 accounts were amongst only four presented on time to Tynwald at a recent sitting and he thanked the Clerk.
Planning Matters
The following new applications were considered:-
0800072 – 29 Cronk Cullyn – garage extension & widening drive – no comments.
0800177 – Southern 100 Headquarters – extension to shower facilities- no comments.
0800038 – 5 Cronk Cullyn – dormer & conversion of garage to living accommodation – there was some concern that the dormers might detract from the privacy of a neighbouring property.
The following decisions were received and noted:-
07/02135 – Earystane Chapel Field – portakabin – Approved to 31 Dec 2008.
07/02133 – Earystane Chapel Field – caravan & shed – Refused. It was noted that an Appeal had been requested by the applicant.
07/02296 – Cronk Veg, Glen Road – extensions – Approved.
07/02106 – 25 Cronk Cullyn – flue in roof – Approved.
07/02138 – Middle Field, Glen Road – convsersion of existing garage to living accommodation & erection of new garage with office over – Approved.
07/02191 – Ballacubbon House – side conservatory – Approved.
07/02190 – Ballacubbon House – rear conservatory – Approved.
Sundry Correspondence
The following correspondence was received:-
- A letter from Douglas Corporation offering free membership of the Henry Bloom Noble Library to all parish residents in return for an annual payment of £500. It was agreed not to participate in this scheme but rather to continue supporting the southern libraries in Port Erin and Castletown.
Accounts for Payment
The following accounts were passed for payment:-
Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection Feb -£2,243.72
DOLGE - Refuse disposal Jan -£1,207.80
Quine & Cubbon - Civic Service Order of Service -£116.80
SLA Swimming Pool Bd - Annual contribution -£4,319.48
Mycheilley - Civic Service - donation -£50.00
Ballabeg Chapel - Civic Service - donation -£50.00
Ballabeg WI - Civic Service - donation -£50.00
Sundry Matters Raised by Members
Mr Cowin advised that part of the pavement at the bottom of Fishers Hill was badly covered with mud and seaweed – agreed to bring to the attention of the DOT.