MINUTES OF JANUARY 2008 MONTHLY MEETING

The Monthly Meeting was held on Wednesday 16th January 2008 at the Halley MacLiag. Present were Mr Cringle (Chairman), Mr Rae, Mrs Edds, Mr Berry and Mr Cowin (part of Meeting).

The Minutes of the December 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.

Parish Hall Roof

It was noted that the Appeal submission had to be submitted by 24th January.
The Clerk advised that he had found the website of an Irish company manufacturing russet and terra cotta tinted slates but that he had been unable to obtain the opinion of Penketh Millar on their suitablility. It was agreed to either proceed with the Appeal or withdraw it, depending on the guidance hopefully to be received from Penketh Millar in the next few days.

Friary Park issue raised at previous meetings

It was confirmed advised that the DOT had now placed a barrier at the end of the link lane at the head of Greyfriars Close.

Earystane Issues raised at previous meetings

The renewal of the tipping license and related public consultation – advice was received from DOLGE that the local authority was not a statutory consultee but would normally be given the opportunity to comment but that this appeared to have been overlooked in this case because the circumstances had been somewhat complicated.

Municipal Association Waste Management Seminar

Mr Berry confirmed that he would attend the seminar on 23 January.

Monthly Budget Report

The report to 31st December was received and noted.

Mr Cowin joined the Meeting at this point.

Annual Estimates in Income & Expenditure

Figures for income and expenditure year to date and estimated for the remainder of the year were considered. For the forthcoming year, it was agreed that, as well as inflationary increases and election expenses and the servicing of new borrowing in connection with the Parish Hall roof project, expenditure would be required, amongst other things, on streetlight repairs and replacements, the path into the Friary Park Play Area, the Colby Bridge clock and possibly a public clock in Ballabeg.
In view of the anticipated surplus at the year end, it was agreed to decrease the rate to be levied for the forthcoming year from 90pence to 88pence in the pound.

Southern Area Plan

Following on from the recent presentation given to southern authority members by the DOLGE, it was agreed to invite Mrs Emily Curphey of the Planning Department to the next monthly meeting to discuss this matter. It was also agreed to forward the Commissioners policy document, agreed earlier in the year, to Mrs Curphey as a basis of discussion.

Planning Matters

The following new applications were considered:-

07/02296 – Cronk Veg, Glen Road – alterations & erection of first floor extension. No comments.
07/02379 – Arbory Vicarage Barn, Ballabeg – conversion to clergy house with new access and driveway. Mr Berry declared an interest as a member of the Arbory Church PCC. No comments.

The following decisions were received and noted:-

07/01103 – Plot 1, Ballacubbon, Ballabeg – adjusted dwelling location – Approved at Appeal.
07/02031 – Middle Field, Glen Road – window and door alterations & exterior elevation changes – Approved.
07/02006 – Greyney Mooar, Ballagawne – convert garage to tourist accommodation – Refused.
07/02053 – 4 Ballacubbon, Ballabeg – conservatory – Approved.

It was noted that the following Appeal was to take place:

07/01687 – Silver Beech, Glen Road – no further comments.

Dog Control Byelaw

The Clerk advised that the formal approval of the byelaw had been omitted in error from the Minutes of the June 2007 Meeting. It was confirmed that The Arbory Dog Control Byelaw 2007 had been formally approved and that the Chairman and Clerk had been authorised to sign the byelaw document.

Sundry Correspondence

The following correspondence was received:-

- Invitation from the Chief Minister to attend the Holocaust Memorial Day Service in Ramsey on 27th January. No members were able to attend.
- Information from the DHSS on the Smokefree Mann campaign launch.
- Invitation to Malew Civic Service on 17th February. Three members indicated that they hoped to attend.
- Invitation to comment on Southern 100 course road closures during 2008. There were no comments.
- Invitation to Castletown Band subscription concert on 27th January.

Accounts for Payment

The following accounts were passed for payment:-

Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection Jan -£2,243.72
DOLGE - Refuse disposal Dec -£1,111.10
W I Lowey - Reimbursements (generator, etc) -£1,315.43
Ballabeg WI - Refreshments at Lighting the Trees -£30.33
Colby Chapel - Hire Hall re Colby FC plans - £30.00
Chris Littler - Annual hosting costs website -£135.00
MEA - Christmas tree -£22.16
Port Erin Commissioners - Erection of dog bins -£200.03
Southern Amenity Site Bd - Quarter 4 payment -£4,983.95
Quine & Cubbon - Civic Service invitations -£42.68
B Rae - Reimbursement re dog sign poles -£16.67

Sundry Matters Raised by Members

Mrs Edds raised the following matter:-
- raised service cover on the pavement near Parville Lodge.

Mr Berry raised the following matters:-
- continued dangerous state for pedestrians of the bottom end of the Ballagawne Road.
- faulty streetlight at 43 Friary Park
- continued absence of timetables in bus shelters.

Mr Cowin raised the following matters:-
- mud on the pavement and road between Ballabeg and the Iron Spout
- blocked stream grids under the road at Iron Spout and Ballacriy entrance.

Mr Rae raised the following matters:-
- car parking on Glen Road in the vicinity of Colby Bridge.
- the reason for the speed limit between Ballabeg and Colby having been changed from 30mph to 50mph and shortly thereafter having been made unrestricted.
- lying water on the Glen Road in the vicinity of the football field entrance.
- DOT plans to improve the road drainage in the Ballacriy entrance area.

It was agreed to bring these matters to the attention of the appropriate authorities.