MINUTES OF MONTHLY MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2010 (subject to approval/amendment by the Board)
The Monthly Meeting was held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 19th May 2010 at the Halley MacLiag. Present were Mr Berry (Chairman), Mr Rae, Mr Cringle, Mrs Edds and Mr Cowin The Clerk, Mr W I Lowey, was in attendance.
Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman
It was proposed by Mrs Edds, seconded by Mr Cowin, and agreed that Mr Berry be elected as Chairman for the year ending 30 April 2011.
It was proposed by Mr Rae, seconded by Mr Cringle, and agreed that Mr Cowin be elected as Vice-Chairman for the year ending 30 April 2011.
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 21st April 2010 were confirmed as a true record and signed.
The following on-going matters were discussed:-
Risk Matters
Information regarding Mr John Edwin’s qualifications and experience, and the terms and conditions of the employment of Edwin McGrath as risk and health and safety consultants, were received and accepted.
A draft revised Risk Strategy Document was considered and accepted.
Traffic and Highways Matters
In connection with the Earystane Road, the DOI advised that further repairs would be undertaken where necessary as soon as possible.
In connection with traffic passing The Cottage, Glen Road, it was agreed that the matter would be raised at the forthcoming Southern Traffic Liaison Group Meeting.
It was noted that some parents had expressed concern about schoolchildren crossing the road to the bus stop at Vicarage Close entrance. The members wondered whether school staff had any responsibility and it was agreed to have the matter raised at the Southern Traffic Liaison Group Meeting.
Police Matters
The Minutes of the April Meeting of the Southern Policing Partnership were received and noted.
It was noted that there were no crimes reported in Arbory during the previous month.
It was reported that a problem regarding a barking dog had been reported, and it was agreed to raise this at the next Southern Community Policing Meeting.
Ballamaddrell Allotments
The Chairman gave a further progress report, advising that the work was almost complete, awaiting only the erection of the new gates and one or two minor matters.
It was suggested and agreed that some gesture of appreciation should be given to Professor Maddrell for his generosity and encouragement.
Community Strengthening Initiatives
Mr Berry advised that he and Mr and Mrs Rae were taking forward the idea of regular coffee mornings at Colby.
Information was received regarding the Southern Community Initiatives Men in Sheds Scheme. The motivation behind this scheme was recognized, but there was some doubt expressed as to the practicalities.
Streetlighting
It was noted that the MEA had agreed to arrange free of charge for all the streetlights in the Parish to switch off at 12.30am on Friday and Saturday nights and at midnight during the remainder of the week. It was agreed to proceed with this immediately.
Unsightly Properties
A report was received from Mr John Howie, Environmental Health Department, in connection with Ballacarmick and Seaview Cottage, indicating that the properties were not yet in a sufficiently bad state to warrant formal court action, but that the Commissioners might consider it worthwhile pursuing the matter direct with the owner. It was agreed to do this.
Parish Crest
Mr Smith advised that he would charge £100 for his design fee and that thereafter the Commissioners would be free to use the crest on stationery, road signs and so on. A second amended version of the crest was received from Mr Smith
It was agreed to adopt the first version of the crest and to use it on letter headings and other appropriate places.
Newsletter
It was noted that the Newsletter was at the printers. Distribution by the members over the Bank holiday weekend was arranged.
Meeting with Auditors
Mr Berry reported that he and the Clerk had met Mr Martin Kneale of PKF and that most of the matters discussed had been of a technical nature. It had however been suggested by Mr Kneale that, as well as receiving the monthly budget, the Chairman should check the balances on the monthly bank statements. This was agreed.
National Week Event
It was noted that Mr Noel Cringle had agreed to conduct a walk in the Ballabeg area on Wednesday 7th July.
It was mentioned that the Laa Columb Killey was considering a hot-pot supper, perhaps on the same evening, but it was felt that the two events would be better kept separate.
Representation on Outside Boards
It was agreed that representation on outside boards would continue as previously, that is with Mr Rae on the Marashen Crescent Board, Mr Cowin on the Southern Swimming Pool Board and Mr Cringle on the Southern Local Authorities Civic Amenity Site Board.
Planning Matters
The following planning applications were received:-
1000609 – 118A Friary Park – alterations and two storey extension and dormer – no comments.
1000632 – Bemaken, Three Roads, Ballabeg – detached garage and vehicle hard standing – no comments
1000577 – Gahelen, Station Road – alterations & rear extension – no comments.
1000657 – 29 Friary Park – replacing window with French doors (retrospective) – no comments
The following planning decision was received and noted:-
1000363 – Ballamaddrell Farmhouse – porch & detached garage – Approved
1000447 – 7A Ballastrooan – sun lounge - Approved
Regarding the removal of the sheds at Earystane Chapel, the Planning Enforcement Officer advised that formal action was being considered by the Planning Committee Chairman
Sundry Correspondence & Other Matters
The following correspondence was received:-
- Consultation on amendments to election rules – no comments.
- Invitation to Port St Mary Civic Service 23 May – None of the members was able to attend.
- Island in Bloom Competition – cancelled due to budgetary restraints – noted.
- Children’s Week – details were received and noted.
- Destruction of upland paths by scrambles motorbikes – correspondence was received from Maughold Commissioners in this connection. It was agreed that this was becoming a matter of concern and that the Board’s support would be given when the issue was raised at the Municipal Association.
Accounts for Payment
The following accounts were passed for payment:-
Edwin McGrath - Fees to date £75.00
Manx Telecom - Office telephone £41.92
Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection May £2,595.87
Jones Services - Refuse collection April adjustment £82.92
Groundtech Plant Hire - Allotments - Cost of grassmat and laying & sundries £10,431.72
Colas Dog - bin bags & tape £66.49
DOI - Refuse disposal £1,712.46
Ballabeg WI - Cost of plants at Ballabeg Station £84.15
M Smith - Design parish crest £100.00
David Cregeen - Grass cutting and weed spraying £2,039.39
IOM Municipal Association - AGM costs £75.00
Sundry Matters Raised
The following issues were raised by members:-
Mr Cowin raised the following matter:-
- the deteriorated state of the old plaque on Cubbins Bridge, now barely readable. It was agreed in principle to have the plaque renovated, provided that various interested parties, including the DOI and Manx National Heritage, did not object.
Mrs Edds raised the following matter:-
- the fencing off of the layby on the bank of the Colby River across the road from Gahelen, Station Road. It was agreed to investigate.
Mr Cringle raised the following matters:-
- hedge trimming on the upland roads, especially the Grenaby Road
- a seemingly abandoned vehicle at the bottom of Fishers Hill.
Mr Rae raised the following matters:-
- the bad state of some of the manhole covers on Glen Road
- the need for hedge trimming on Glen Road, opposite Colby Beg.
The Meeting ended at 9.55pm