MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2009

The Monthly Meeting was held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 18th February 2009 at the Halley MacLiag. Present were Mr B Rae (Chairman), Mr M Cringle (part of Meeting), Mrs K Edds, Mr A Cowin and Mr M Berry. The Clerk, Mr W I Lowey, was in attendance.

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 report

Highways Matters

It was reported that work was taking place at Duck Street corner and at California Cottage as requested by the Commissioners.
An invitation was received from Mr Phil Gawne MHK for a member to join him in a meeting with Mr Bruce Hannay, DOT on Friday 20 February at 9.30am, to discuss highways matters. No members were available to attend but it was agreed to ask Mr Gawne to raise the following issues:- 1. The general poor state of the road surfaces and highways maintenance in the Parish, 2. The poor response to matters raised by the Commissioners with the Highways Department, 3. Minor repairs, 4. DOT plans for the Colby Bridge area and the hope that the Commissioners will be properly consulted.
It was noted that there was again a considerable amount of mud on the lower part of Station Road and parts of Ballacriy and that this had been reported to the Police.
Mr Berry reported on the issues that had been raised at a recent Southern Road Traffic Liaison Group meeting, these including re-alignment of the Halt sign at Duck Street, re-painting of road markings and the narrow pavement at Colby Bridge junction.

Mr Cringle arrived at this point.

Police Matters

An invitation was received from Inspector Mike Musson to contribute to the local policing plan for the coming year. There were no comments to make.
Mr Cowin reported that the Golden Jubilee Trust, in co-operation with the southern neighbourhood police and some southern local authorities, was organising a Young Peoples Challenge for 14 to 16 year olds at Ard Whallian on 4th May and that he was involved on behalf of Arbory Commissioners.

Allotments

It was reported that the planning application had been submitted and would be determined after 5th March.
Prices were received for fencing the area and for laying a track and parking area and laying a water pipe from the Grenaby Road. . Mr Berry proposed, Mrs Edds seconded and it was agreed to accept the lowest tenders in each case, totalling approximately £18,000.
There was further discussion on various aspects of the organisation and administration of the allotments.
It was agreed to arrange another meeting with the prospective allotment holders, provisionally on Thursday 12th March.

Hall Roof

It was reported that the asbestos survey had been undertaken and that there would be no problem with removing the existing slates provided that a competent contractor was used. It was also reported that the process of vetting contractors and tendering was in hand.

Civic Service

It was noted that a successful Civic Service had been held on 1st February and thanks were given to all who had helped with the organisation of the event.

Budget Report

The Budget Report for the period to 31st January 2009 was received and noted.

Estimates for 2009/10

It was reported that a 5% increase in the cost of refuse collection had been agreed with the contractor.

Beating the Bounds

It was agreed that this matter be referred to the Captain of the Parish

Dilapidated Buildings

Mr Rae reported on the first meeting of the joint working group instigated by Mr Juan Watterson MHK and on the related issues that Mr Watterson was taking forward with DOLGE

Parish Calendar

It was agreed to make enquiries as to likely costings and to postpone a decision until the next meeting. It was suggested that Mr Mykl Corrin might be asked whether he would be willing to provide the photographs.

Colby FC New Plans

It was noted that some members had attended a meeting with Colby FC in a private capacity to view alternative plans for new facilities below the railway line. It was agreed to discuss this matter when the new planning application had been submitted.

Church and School Anniversaries

It was noted that Arbory Church and Arbory School were both celebrating significant anniversaries during 2009. It was agreed that it was not necessary for the Commissioners to become directly involved but that any support sought would be considered.

Southern Plan – Community Involvement

It was noted that DOLGE Planning Department would be holding an all day community involvement event at the Parish Hall on Tuesday 10th March. Members agreed to attend.

Village Regeneration

Correspondence with the new regeneration project manager was received and noted.

Grass Cutting & Weed Spraying

The contractor’s proposed increase of 5.2% in the charge for grass cutting and weed spraying was agreed.

Planning Matters

The following new application was considered:-

09 00158 - Ballastroke Farm, Ronague Road – replacement windows – no comments.
09 00107 - Field 424989, Ballagawne – service reservoir – no comments. The Clerk was instructed to enquire from the Water Authority concerning plans for the future use of the defunct Ballagawne filtration plant and the Cringle Reservoir.
09 00147 – Field 421205, Ballamaddrell – trackway & parking area in association with allotments – no comments.

The following decisions were received from DOLGE and noted:-

08/02302 – Ballacubbon Barn, Glen Road – windows, porch & balcony - Approved
08/02294 – Ballayelse Farm, Ronague – garage and sheep pens & alterations to renovations and barn conversion - Approved.
08/02290 – Ballacomish, Ronague Road – Alterations and extension – Approved.
08/02090 – Cringle Quarry – Extensions, etc – Approved.

Sundry Correspondence & Other Matters

The following correspondence was received:-

- Information from DAFF on conserving wildlife in new and existing gardens – noted.
- Invitation to attend a Castletown Band Subscription Concert – noted.
- Chronically Sick & Disabled Persons Committee Newsletter – noted.
- Letter from Marown Commissioners requesting information on small play areas – agreed to assist.
- Erin Arts Centre forthcoming events list – noted.
- Information from DTL on Britain in Bloom Neighbourhood Awards – noted.
- Information on Accident Prevention Seminar 24th March - noted
- Onchan Commissioners Civic Service 24th May - advance notice – noted.
- Request from Rev Peter Robinson to attend the March Meeting to discuss a churchyard extension – agreed.
- Note from Ballabeg WI that they hoped to place a new seat and tubs of flowers at Ballabeg Station for the summer – agreed to assist with costs if requested.

Accounts for Payment

The following accounts were passed for payment:-
Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection Feb - 2,283.82
IOM Govt - Refuse disposal Jan - 1,258.00
Manx Telecom - Office - 53.68
Quine & Cubbon - Civic Service Order of Service - 122.80
N J Dernie - Asbestos Survey, Hall roof project - 782.00
S Civic Amenity Site - Qtr 4 payment - 5,310.51
Colas (IOM) Ltd - Litter bin Colby Bridge - 124.90
Manx Print Care - Printer cartridges - 64.98
MEA - Streetlights maintenance - 1,563.08
MEA - Streetlights power - 1,647.50
Ballabeg WI - Donation re Civic Service refreshments - 50.00
Kennaugh & Skinner Ltd - Friary Park Playarea path - 2,202.25
Kennaugh & Skinner Ltd - Escape door Halley MacLiag - 4,772.50
Kennaugh & Skinner Ltd - Sundry minor work - 932.03

Municipal Association Matters

Mrs Edds advised that the IOM Municipal Assocation would be meeting the DOT Footpaths Officer and it was agreed to suggest that the following issues be raised:- 1. The placing of footpath detours made by land owners and developers on a proper legal footing, 2. The introduction of better quality footpath signage, including distances and destinations where appropriate, 3. Improved general maintenance of footpaths. 4. Dual purpose footpaths for the use of mountain bikers as well as pedestrians.
Mr Berry reported on the previous Municipal Association Meeting and advised that dog control and the new audit act were amongst subjects discussed.

Sundry Matters Raised by Members

Mr Rae raised the following matters:-
- The adoption by the DOT of the footbridge between Ballastrooan and Glen Road, now showing signs of decay – agreed to make enquiries.
- Need for a new litter bin at Cronk Cullyn pedestrian entrance – agreed.
- Road surface on the upper part of Cronk y Thatcher breaking up – agreed to remind DOT.
- Need for minor repair at the Ballacriy end of the Moaney Lane – agreed to advise DOT Footpaths Officer.
- Publicity for the Parish Gardens Competition – agreed to bring forward the annual newsletter for distribution in April and to include an item on the Competition. Mr Rae also advised that Mr John Kennaugh has expressed a wish to contribute a prize.