MINUTES Arbory Parish Commissioners Monthly Meeting June 2009 (approved by the Board as a true record 22 July 2009)
The Monthly Meeting was held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 17th June 2009 at the Halley MacLiag. Present were Mr Mike Berry (Chairman), Mr Brian Rae, Mr Murray Cringle and Mrs Kathryn Edds. Apologies for absence were received from Mr Cowin. The Clerk, Mr W I Lowey, was in attendance.
The Minutes of the May 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
Complaints were received regarding dubs in the roads through Colby and at Friary Park entrance, and it was agreed to raise the whole matter of poor road surfaces at the forthcoming meeting with the DOT Maintenance Manager.
It was noted that the DOT had agreed to erect another safety barrier at the end of the pedestrian pathway adjacent to 86 Friary Park.
Allotments
Mr Cringle declared a personal interest in this matter and took no part in the discussion.
It was noted that the second planning application had been submitted and that a decision was awaited.
Mr Berry reported that he and Dr Phil Smith had met again with the objector, the main upshot being that, although it had been agreed that the new plan did meet many of the objections, he would nevertheless continue to object, chiefly on the grounds of change of land use.
Hall Roof Project
It was noted that the permission from DOLGE to borrow funds was expected during next week.
It was formally proposed by Mr Rae, seconded by Mrs Edds and agreed unanimously to borrow from Isle of Man Bank Ltd a maximum amount of £52,000 at a fixed rate of interest of 4.5% pa, repayable over 15 years, for the purpose of replacing the roof of the Parish Hall and cottages. It was noted that annual repayments plus interest would be the equivalent of a 3 pence rate.
Existing Borrowing
The Clerk advised that Isle of Man Bank Ltd was willing to combine existing borrowing of approximately £45,000, presently taken on a variable rate loan at a rate of interest of Base Rate plus 0.2 %, (presently 1.2% pa), with the new Hall Roof Project borrowing, the total amount to be at a rate of interest of 4.5% pa fixed. It was agreed not to convert to the fixed loan.
Replacement Streetlight at Ballacriy
There were no further developments to report
Grass Cutting at Ballacubbon, Colby
In view of complaints received from residents and the absence of any progress by DOLGE, it was agreed to seek Mr Juan Watterson’s assistance in having the plots brought up to a standard for adoption by the Commissioners.
Ballastrooan Footbridge
It was reported that the DOT advised that the adoption of the upper part of the estate and the footbridge was imminent.
Health Services Consultation
The comments, as drawn up by Mr Berry and Mr Rae following last month’s discussion were approved.
Dilapidated Buildings
A copy of correspondence between Rushen Commisioners and Mr Juan Watterson MHK in connection with progress with this issue was noted.
Parish Photo Competition
The entries were judged and prizes awarded and it was agreed to publish the names of the winners and the winning photgraphs on the website. It was agreed that the prizes would be in the form of HMV vouchers.
Fly Tipping
It was reported that a fridge/freezer had been dumped alongside the road near Pooill Vaaish Farm and that DOLGE had been informed.
Watering place at The Glebe, Main Road, Ballabeg
Mr Noel Cringle MLC called in at the Meeting, and advised that the access to the stream at The Glebe had been blocked off by the owner of the new house on the site.
Planning Matters
The following new applications were considered:-
- 0900888 – Ballamenaugh, Earystane – replacement windows and doors – no comments.
- 0900932 – 23 Ballachrink – alterations & extensions – no comments
- 0900919 – Ballabeg Stores – amended plans – no comments
- 0900822 - 6 Ballacriy – fencing (retrospective) – there were concerns over the height and poor appearance of the fence, particularly at this corner location on a largely open-plan estate.
- 0900839 – Sonnish ny Marrey, Fishers Hill – replacement windows and door – no comments.
- 0900866 – Yn Shenn Oik Post, Main Road, Ballabeg – extension and replacement windows and door – no comments.
- 0900977 – 27 Cronk Cullyn – rear extension – no comments.
- 0900998 – Ballastroke Farm, Ronague Road – replace existing doorway with patio door – no comments
The following planning decision was received and noted:-
- 0900525 – The Friary, Ballabeg – alterations & extension – Approved
- 0900621 – Earystane Chapel – portacabin as temporary living accommodation – Approved to 31 Dec 2009 or until former chapel ready for occupation, whichever is the sooner.
Sundry Correspondence & Other Matters
The following correspondence was received:-
- Invitation from Hartford Homes to visit St Ninians Court, Douglas – no members wished to accept the invitation.
- DAFF consultation document on cable reef trials in Port Erin Bay – there were no objections to this experiment.
- Information on Drug Advice Service – noted.
- Letter from MEA re the health and safety problems in using light standards as a mount for for dog bins – noted.
- Letter from Manx Telecom re installation of booster cabinets near Colby Bridge – Mr Rae advised that he had been asked to speak to Mr Paul Watterson of Manx Telecom on site, and that a suitable location alongside Station Road had been chosen – noted.
- Invitation to Peel Civic Service 12th July – Mr Berry indicated that he would be attending.
- Information on local authority induction course 5/6th August – noted – Mrs Edds indicated that she wished to attend.
- Letter from DTI re intention to grant a mining lease at Earystane Quarry – noted.
- Consultation document on constitution and functions of Manx National Heritage – there were no comments to make.
- Complaint re Earystane Quarry – a complaint was received from a Friary Park resident that the quarry workings were becoming more conspicuous. It was agreed to refer the matter to the Planning Enforcement Officer for his views.
- Consultation document on Litter Control Notices (Amendment) Regulations 2009 – the proposed changes, mainly concerned with cigarette butts and other litter outside pubs and workplaces, were welcomed.
- Invitation to Douglas Civic Service on 28th June – no members were available to attend..
Monthly Budget Report
A report covering the period from 1st April to 31st May was received and noted.
Accounts for Payment
The following accounts were passed for payment:-
- Manx Telecom - Office phone £47.00
- DOLGE - Refuse disposal May £1,319.50
- David Cregeen - Grass cutting £365.91
- Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection June £2,459.48
- JM Pearson & Co Ltd - Clerk fidelity y insurance cover £125.50
- JM Pearson & Co Ltd - Liability & employers liability cover £361.09
- Penketh Millar - Professional service, etc re re-roofing Hall and cottages £3,188.73
- Data Protection Supervisor - Annual fee £40.00
- Quay DesignLtd - Drawing plans for allotments planning application £480.00
- Bondholders - Half yearly interest £150.00
- Municipal Association - Annual subscription £254.72
- David Cregeen - Grass cutting £388.87
Sundry Matters Raised by Members
Mrs Edds advised that trees at Holmcroft, Main Road, were impeding the footpath – agreed to advise the DOT.
Mr Rae raised the following matters;-
- the seemingly low frequency of road sweeping through the villages, especially when compared with the Southern 100 course – agreed to raise again with the DOT
- the need for a new Chairman’s chain of office – it was agreed to give this further thought, including the possibility of seeking a sponsor.
- Ongoing maintenance of the British Legion grave in Arbory Churchyard - it was agreed that the Commissioners in co-operation with the British Legion and the Church Wardens would ensure that the grave would be maintained in the future.
Mr Cringle raised the following matters:-
- the Southern 100 sandbags at the Iron Gate impeding the footpath – it was agreed to advise the DOT.
- the smell from the sewage pumping station at Ballabeg Station – agreed to bring to the attention of DOT Drainage Section.
- the work of the Ballabeg WI in planting flowers at Ballabeg Station – it was agreed to congratulate the WI and offer financial assistance if required. It was also agreed to investigate whether a water supply could be made available at the station.
- building work rubble on the roadside at the bridge near Cooil Aalin Veg, Main Road, Ballabeg – agreed to bring to the attention of the DOT.
Mr Berry advised that the hedge of 1 Friary Park was beginning to encroach on the pavement at the Friary Park bus stop – Mr Cringle agreed to raise the matter with the owner’s son.
It was confirmed that the July Meeting would be held on Wednesday July 22nd.