MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 2010 MONTHLY MEETING (Approved by the Board 17 March 2010)
The Monthly Meeting was held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 17th February 2010 at the Halley MacLiag. Present were Mr Berry (Chairman), Mr Rae, Mr Cringle, Mr Cowin and Mrs Edds . The Clerk, Mr W I Lowey, was in attendance.
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 20th January 2010 were confirmed as true records and signed.
The following on-going matters were discussed:-
Risk Matters
It was noted that it would be necessary to appoint a new Health and Safety Advisor to replace the late Mr Hornsby. It was agreed to make enquiries to find a suitably qualified person.
Police Matters
The Minutes of the January Meeting of the Southern Policing Partnership were received and it was noted that there were four crimes in the Parish during the previous month.
An invitation was received to contribute towards the Southern Policing Plan 2010/11. It was felt that the general direction of the existing policy was being successful and should be continued.
The Clerk, who was attending the next Liaison Group meeting, was instructed to bring up the issues of parking on pavements, vandalism on empty properties, and the possibility of streetlights being switched off at midnight instead of 1 am.
Highways Matters
Mr Berry confirmed that he would be pursuing the following ongoing matters at the forthcoming Southern Road Traffic Liaison Group meeting – speeding on the Glen Road, parking at Arbory School, and parking at Ballabeg Shop.
An e-mail was received from B&C Haulage in connection with the Earystane Road road surface. It was noted that the DOT was fully aware of the situation.
Mr Berry and Mr Rae reported that they had met two representatives from Cemex with regard to haulage of cement to the new Ballagawne water storage facility via Parville Road. Cemex had indicated that permission had been received from the DOT to make a maximum of twelve trips per day at the peak of the activity and that the road surface was to receive temporary repairs before the haulage operation commenced. It was decided to seek assurances from the DOT that more permanent repairs would be undertaken after this project had been completed.
Ballamaddrell Allotments
The Chairman gave a further progress report.
Annual Civic Service
The Chairman thanked all concerned with organising and attending the Civic Service.
Third Sector Strategy Group
Mr Berry reported on a meeting that he, Mr Rae and the Clerk had had with Mrs Janet Bridle. Amongst the community-related issues that had been discussed were a community forum, allotments and garden sharing, junior commissioners and communications with parishioners. It was felt by the members that the present absence of a daily playgroup was significant, and that a weekly coffee morning might be useful in getting people together. It was agreed to give the issue of community strengthening further thought.
Streetlighting
Mr Ian Gilbertson of the MEA attended part of the Meeting to discuss the possible reduction in street lighting hours. He indicated that, by using individual time switches or photo-electric switches, it was possible to have more or less any arrangement that was required. There was discussion as to whether certain lights should be left on later or all night, and the general view was that it would be preferable if all lights were to go off at the same time, probably midnight. This was agreed, subject to the police or any other parties not having any serious objections.
Mr Gilbertson also gave advice on other matters relating to streetlights.
Budget Report
The monthly budget report to 31st January 2010 was received and noted.
Southern Civic Amenity Site Annual Report
The annual report was received and noted.
Grass cutting
It was agreed to accept a 3% increase in the grass-cutting costs by Mr Cregeen for the 2010 season.
Trees
A quote was received from Webster & Smith for felling a dead cherry tree at Ballastrooan entrance and removing low branches from a tree at the Millennium Wood, adjoining the neighbouring house. This was accepted.
Planning Matters
The following new applications were considered:-
- 1000103 – Harbory House, Main Road, Ballabeg - replacement of conservatory with two-storey extension, east elevation. No comments.
- 1000167 – 21 Ballacubbon, Ballabeg – extension. The Clerk advised that this property was owned by his daughter and son-in-law, although he had no personal financial interest in the matter. No comments.
- 1000172 – 75 Friary Park, Ballabeg – dormer. No comments.
- 1000137 - Land at Arbory Vicarage, Ballabeg – three dwellings in principle. No comments. Mr Cringle wished it to be recorded that he objected to this application, on the grounds that it was contrary to reassurances previously given with regard to the development of the site.
The following planning decision was received and noted:-
0902061 – Magher Feailley, Main Road, Colby – conversion of garage to office and replacement garage – Approved.
0902002 – Land at The Bungalow, Duck Street – dwelling – Refused
It was noted that another completion date extension, this time to 31st March 2010, had been granted by the Planning Department in respect of 07/12135, temporary accommodation at Earystane Chapel.
Sundry Correspondence & Other Matters
The following correspondence was received:-
- Annual Tynwald Report – noted.
- Reciprocal health arrangements – DHSS brochure – noted.
- Draft Children Bill for consultation - discussion deferred until March Meeting
- Restructuring of IOM Government – noted.
- Invitation to Transition IOM meeting – Mr Berry agreed to attend.
- Letter from Kennaugh & Skinner Ltd re Ballabeg Shop – noted.
- Invitation to Castletown Band Subscription Concert 21st February – Mr Cowin indicated that he would be attending.
- Invitation to Malew Civic Service 7th March – Mrs Edds and Messrs Berry, Rae and Cowin indicated that they would attend.
- Physical activity framework for IOM document – supported in general terms.
- Consultation on bus network – it was felt that the proposed changes were beneficial to the residents of the Parish and were to be supported. It was, however, felt that consideration should be given to a direct service from the South to the hospital.
- Highways Monthly January 2010 – noted.
- Unsightly buildings – a letter was received from DOLGE, indicating that it had been proposed that the issue of unsightly buildings should become more directly the responsibility of the local authorities and that there would be a charge for any assistance obtained from central government officers. This was felt to be acceptable in the early stages of the enforcement procedure. However it was considered to be unrealistic to expect the smaller authorities to have the in-house resources to take offenders to court. It was decided to seek further information, particularly with regard to costs involved.
- Advertising in the Countryside – a consultation document was received through the Municipal Association, advising that a working group was proposing that the posting of small and temporary posters in the countryside would become a matter for the local authorities, whereas large and more permanent signs would remain a responsibility of central government. This was felt to be acceptable.
Accounts for Payment
The following accounts were passed for payment:-
- Manx Telecom - Office phone £44.39
- DOLGE - Refuse disposal Jan £1,108.35
- Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection Feb £2,512.95
- Colby Chapel - Refreshments Civic Service -£40.00
- Arbory WI - Refreshments Civic Service -£40.00
- Quine & Cubbon Ltd - Civic Service Orders of Service -£120.70
Sundry Matters Raised
The following issues were raised by members:-
Mr Cowin raised the following matters:-
- Southern Swimming Pool Audited accounts – accounts for 2007 and 2008 – received and noted.
- Mr Manton, Head Teacher at Arbory School, had expressed a wish to discuss school and parish matters with the Commissioners – agreed to invite Mr Manton to the March Meeting.
- The very bad state of the upland road surfaces following the frosty weather In January. It was noted that the Grenaby Road, the diversion route when racing was taking place on the Southern 100 course, was particularly bad.
- Suggestion that a congratulatory letter be sent to the Zoe Gillings in recognition of her performance in the Winter Olympic Games – agreed.
Mr Rae raised the following matters:-
- Vandalism at Ballacarmick and the adjoining empty properties – agreed to raise with the Police and to advise the owners.
- Overgrown hedges impeding pavements and whether more active enforcement by the DOT would be more cost-effective than the frequent but seemingly ineffective public notices in the newspapers – agreed to raise with the DOT.
- Broken footpath sign at Ballacriy/Moaney Lane – agreed to advise DOT.
Mr Berry raised the following matters:-
- Arbor Week and the possibility of planting two or three trees in the Churchyard – agreed, subject to agreement of the Church authorities.
- The purchase of a new street sign for Duck Street, Ballabeg – agreed.
The Meeting ended at 10.24pm