MINUTES OF MONTHLY MARCH MONTHLY MEETING

The Monthly Meeting was held on Wednesday 19th March 2008 at the Halley MacLiag.  Present were Mr Cringle (Chairman), Mr Rae, Mrs Edds and  Mr Berry.  Apology for absence was received from Mr Cowin.

The Minutes of the February Meeting were confirmed as a true record and signed.

The following on-going matters were discussed:-

Risk  Matters

The Clerk reported that the play area equipment had recently been inspected by the Wicksteed inspector and found to be in satisfactory condition except for a minor point regarding the suspension of the swings.  It was confirmed that this would be corrected.

Traffic Matters

Mr Rae raised again the increasingly frequent practice of vehicles parking on pavements and thereby blocking the way for pedestrians, particularly those with prams and he suggested that the DOT Road Safety Officer might have an Island wide campaign dealing with the problem.   It was agreed that this would be raised at the next liaison committee meeting.

Parish Hall Roof

It was reported that the Appeal was likely to be heard in late April.

Paths at Friary Park Play Area

Quotes were received from for either tarmac or concrete paths.  It was agreed that both were higher than had been anticipated and it was agreed to seek a price for a scalpings path.

Waste Disposal Licence at Earystane

It was noted that an application had been submitted to DOLGE to renew the licence.  An e-mail from an Earystane resident, was received in connection with this matter.  After considerable discussion, it was agreed not to oppose the licence provided that the conditions regarding such matters as operating times and noise would be clear and enforced.

Monthly Budget Report

The report to 29th February  was received and noted.

Southern Area Plan

DOLGE Planning Officers Emily Curphey and Fiona Mullen  attended part of the  meeting to discuss this matter.  The Commissioners recommendations, compiled after a meeting with the Rushen MHKs in the Spring of 2007, were used as the basis for discussion and the planning officers were in broad agreement with its contents.  They advised that in their opinion  it was unlikely that the Parish would see any further large scale residential development in the next ten years.   They explained that the next stage was the issue of an Issues and Options discussion document, taking account of submissions received from the local authorities, general public and prospective developers.

Streetlights

It was reported that the light outside 56 Ballacriy was badly obstructed by a tree.  Mr Rae agreed to look at the situation.

Weight Restrictions at Parville Road

It was reported that there had been a problem regarding a local lorry operator using this road.  It was agreed to advise the operator that this was primarily a matter for the DOT but that he would be welcome to speak to the Chairman or attend the next Monthly Meeting to discuss the matter.

National Week Event

It was agreed to raise again with  Meadowside Choir the possibility of organising a joint event on the Sunday afternoon of National Week.

Planning Matters

The following new applications were considered:-

08000339 – Field next to Glendawn, Ballagawne Road – stable – no comments

08000324 – The Coach House, Ballabeg – replacement windows – no comments

08000325 – The Coach House, Ballabeg – replacement door – no comments

0800264 – 11 Ballachrink – first floor extension – no comments

0800401 – The Garelly, Earystane – replacement stable & improvements to ménage – no comments.

The following decisions were received and noted:-

07/02379 – Vicarage Barn, Ballabeg – conversion to clergy house – Approved.

Appeals – it was agreed to make no further comments with regard to 07/2133, caravan & shed at field adjacent to Earystane Chapel and 07/1687, replacement dwelling at Silverbeech, Glen Road.

It was noted that the occupant of the Coach House, Ballabeg had applied to the Road Traffic Commissioners to have an operating centre at that property.  It was understood that only one vehicle was involved and that assurance had been received by the applicant from DOLGE that planning permission was not required.  It was agreed not to object to this application.

Sundry Correspondence

The following correspondence was received:-

• notification from Phil Gawne MHK that he would be holding a meeting of candidates for the forthcoming elections on 26th March and that he was making a press release encouraging people to stand for election.
• an invitation to enter the Island in Bloom Competition 2008.  It was agreed to enter the usual sections.
• draft regulations for licensing and registering heavy vehicles.  There were no comments.
• notification from The Golden Jubilee Trust of various initiatives and awards.
• notification from the DOT of the intention to create a reserved parking space outside Gahelen, Station Road, Colby.  There were no comments.
• a request from the operators of Cringle Quarry for a wheelie bin.   The Clerk reported that Mr Jones had agreed to collect fortnightly as part of the Rushen round.

Parish Gardens Competition

It was proposed by Mrs Edds and Mr Rae that a parish gardens competition be held, with judging to take place in late July/early August.  This was agreed in principle, the details to be discussed at a later meeting.

Parish Newsletter

It was agreed to issue a further newsletter during early May.

Local Authority Election

 It was agreed to appoint, depending on availability,  either Michal Kewley or Susan Kennaugh or the Clerk as Returning Officer for the forthcoming election.

Accounts for Payment

The following accounts were passed for payment:-

Jones Services Ltd              Refuse collection Mar                                      2,243.72

DOLGE                                Refuse disposal Feb                                       1,383.90                                                                    

W I Lowey                          Clerks salary net 2007/08                               4,920.00

IOM Govt                            Tax on Clerk’s salary                                     1,080.00

IOM Govt                            Employers Nat Insurance Clerk                        101.40

David Cregeen                     Grass cutting                                                     347.83

Manx Telecom                     Telephone                                                           99.87

IOM Govt                             Poll cards                                                         44.09

A C Cowin                           Attendance allowance                                        90.00

Wicksteed Leisure                Play equipment inspection                                117.51

It was agreed to pay any further accounts relating to the current financial year arriving before the next Meeting, subject to confirmation at the next Meeting.

Sundry Matters Raised by Members

Mr Berry raised the matters of the continued dilapidated state of the former Ballabeg Shop, a broken bench outside the Hall Cottages and overhanging briars along the road in Ballabeg.    It was agreed to pursue these matter.

Mr Rae raised the matters of the large dub forming on Glen Road following the rebuilding of  the property California and the need to re-varnish the Arbory WI seat in the Millennium Wood.  It was agreed to pursue these matters.

Mr Cringle advised that Ballabeg WI intended to place hanging baskets at Ballabeg Railway Station during the coming summer.   It was agreed to support this financially if required.