MINUTES MARCH 2011 MONTHLY MEETING

The Monthly Meeting was held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16th March  2011 at the Halley MacLiag.   Present were Mr  Berry (Chairman), Mr Rae, Mr Cringle, Mrs Edds  and Mr Cowin.   The Clerk, Mr  Lowey, was in attendance.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 16th February 2011 were  confirmed as a  true record and signed.

The following on-going matters were discussed:-

Risk  Matters

The annual report on the Friary Park play area equipment by Wicksteeds, the manufacturers, was received.  It was reported that the play equipment was in satisfactory order, and there were suggestions made regarding the picnic table, gate and signage.  The report was noted.

Highways Matters

The following highways matters were discussed:-

• pavement realignment at Colby Bridge – it was noted that the adjoining property owner was not co-operating with the DOI, to enable the pavement to be widened.
• uncertainty over the timing and extent of the re-surfacing of the Main Road in Ballabeg – the Clerk to seek clarification.
• Vicarage Close bus stop – it was noted that the Police had investigated the situation where schoolchildren from Arbory School were having to use, without supervision, a bus stop on the south side of the Main Road, where there was no  pavement.  It was agreed to support the Police recommendation that the most realistic solution would be to enlarge the existing stop, cutting back shrubbery and painting the stop area more conspicuously, together with providing appropriate additional signage and extending the 20mph speed limit to include the bus stop.
• Ballakeighan junction – it was noted that it had been decided by the DOI that there was insufficient space at the junction to provide an additional lane.
• parking at Ballacubbon entrance, Colby, by parents picking up children off the school buses – it was noted that Mr H Mackenzie of the DOI and Mr P Halliwell of the DSC had both responded fully to a further complaint from a resident of Dreeym Balleycubbon, and it was felt  that there was nothing useful that the Commissioners could add.
• a complaint from a Ballachrink resident regarding a neighbour’s parking practice. It was felt that the complainant should be advised to take the matter up with the Police.
• footpath through Ballagarmin – it was noted that the DOI Footpaths Officer was considering a planning application involving the diverted part of this public right of way.
• Footpath below Ballaoates – it was agreed to urge the DOI to boardwalk a small section of the public right of way, that was almost impassable during wet weather.

Police Matters

It was reported that there had been no recorded crimes in the Parish during January/February period.

The Southern Policing Plan was received and noted.

Regarding Neighbourhood Watch Schemes, it was noted that PC Dave Hicksom was the co-ordinator in the South and that he would be pleased to co-operate with the Commissioners in setting up new schemes or re-vitalising existing schemes.  It was agreed that Mr Cowin would take the matter up at the next Southern Community Partnership meeting, with a view to possibly holding public meetings.

Municipal Association Matters

A response was received from Phil Gawne MHK regarding rumours, raised at a recent Association meeting,  that a two tier planning system, with more flexible planning regulations for dwellings for residents of high net worth, was being considered by Government.  Mr Gawne, in his capacity of  Minister responsible for planning, advised that such a two tier system was not under consideration, and that he was not in favour of such a proposal.

Streetlights

Advice was received from the MEA that a streetlight fitting at Colby Glen Hotel required replacement at an estimated cost of  £330 plus VAT.    It was agreed to proceed with this.

Refuse Disposal

The annual report from the Southern Local Authorities Civic Amenity Site Board was received and noted.

It was agreed to enquire whether a receptacle for plastic bottles might be provided at Bring Sites.

Newsletter

A draft newsletter was considered and suggestions for amendments made.  It was agreed that the Chairman and Clerk should liaise further and circulate a revised draft within two weeks for final comments by the members.

Future Events 2011

It was agreed to organise a photograph competition and a gardens competition on similar lines to last year.

It was also agreed to organise a National Week event, possibly in the form of a coach trip around historical sites in the Parish, followed by refreshments.

Dog Fouling

The current problem of dog fouling on Friary Park was again discussed.  The Clerk advised that an alleged culprit had been identified and that the Dog Warden had offered to visit the person concerned.  It was agreed to ask the Warden to do this and to distribute a letter to all Friary Park residents with the annual newsletter.

Ballacarmick, Main Road Colby

In response to a further enquiry from the Commissioners, Hartford Homes advised that this property would be refurbished during the summer of 2011.  It was agreed to further  urge Hartford Homes to abide by this undertaking, given that the property had now been a blight on the area for several years.

Monthly Budget Report

The monthly report was received and noted.

Planning Matters

The following planning applications were received:-

• 1100256 – Magher Feeailley, Main Road, Colby – extension of domestic curtilage – no comments.
• 1100182 – Costain’s sheds, Duck Street, Ballabeg – one dwelling – there was some concern that this proposed development might be a prelude to further development elsewhere on the site, but it was felt that this could not  be held relevant to the present application.

Sundry Correspondence & Other Matters

The following correspondence was received:-

• Notification of dates for the Southern Draft Area Plan Inquiry.   Mr Berry and Mr Cowin agreed to attend the pre-Inquiry Meeting on 27th April.  It was noted that the Inquiry would be held during the period commencing 6th July.

• Invitation to Patrick Civic Service April 17th – no members were available to attend.

• Retirement of Carole Sutherland, Manager DOI Local Government Unit.  It was noted that the Chairman and the Clerk had already expressed the Board’s thanks to Mrs Sutherland for her assistance over the years.

• Consultation on Public Health (Amendments) Bill 2011 – no comments.

• Consultation on Manx Agri-Environment Scheme – no  comments.

• Public Auditor independence code of practice – it was noted that the public auditors would no longer be able to assist with the final preparation of the accounts and that another firm of accountants would probably have to be employed to finalise the accounts before submission to the auditors.

• Letter from Mr Chris Clegg regarding supplying public works services – it was agreed to keep Mr Clegg’s offer in mind, although there were no planned public works anticipated in the near future and the provision of snow clearing services was at present under review with the DOI Highways Department.

• Rating of Agricultural properties – the list of properties in the Parish incurring agricultural rates was received and noted.

• Street parties re Royal Wedding – the procedures for closing streets were received and noted.

Accounts for Payment

The following accounts were passed for payment:-

 Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection March -£2,651 10
DOI - Refuse disposal Feb -£1,318.07
Manx Telecom - Office phone - £22.43
W I Lowey - Salary 2010/11 - £5,880.00
IOM Govt - ITIP on Clerk’s salary 2010/11 - £1,470.00
IOM Govt - Employers National Insurance on Clerk’s salary 2010/11 - £213.48
Sinking Fund - Annual pay -£32.20
A Cowin - Attendance allowance to end March - £150.00                                                                                                                                  

Sundry Matters Raised

The following issues were raised by members:-

Mrs Edds advised that the footpath sign at the railway line was falling – agreed to advise DOI Footpaths officer.

Mr Cringle advised that the frost damage to Grenaby Road had not yet been repaired and suggested that the DOI be reminded that this is the diversion route during closures of the Southern 100 course – agreed to remind DOI.

Mr Rae advised that he had received a complaint regarding litter on the Glen Road, following football matches – agreed to ask Colby AFC to consider whether anything could be done to alleviate this problem.

Mr Rae suggested that the DOI should be asked to review the efficacy of the home zone humps at the entrances to estates.  It was his view that they were not needed, in that traffic was already slow near junctions, and that the humps were not being adequately maintained or repaired.  The members agreed with Mr Rae and it was decided to contact the DOI accordingly.

The Meeting ended at  10.25pm