DRAFT MINUTES OF NOVEMBER MONTHLY MEETING (Approved 16 Dec 2009)

The Monthly Meeting was held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 24th November 2009 at Ballabeg Chapel. Present were Mr Berry (Chairman), Mr Rae, Mr Cringle, Mr Cowin and Mrs Edds (part of Meeting) . The Clerk, Mr W I Lowey, was in attendance.

The Minutes of the October Meeting and the Special Meeting held on 27th October were confirmed as true records and signed.

The following on-going matters were discussed:-

Risk Matters

There were no new risk matters to report.

Police Matters

The minutes of the October Meeting of the Police Community Partnership Group were received and noted. Mr Cowin advised that the new Criminal Justice Act had been discussed and that it had been stressed that this Act would make it obligatory for local authorities to co-operate with the police in fighting crime.

Highways Matters

Mr Berry confirmed that he would be raising the problems at Ballacubbon entrance and Costain Close entrance at the meeting of the Southern Road Traffic Liaison Group on 25th November. It was agreed to seek a site meeting with a DOT officer in connection with the Costain Close problem.

Hall & Cottages Roof Project

It was noted that several issues remained outstanding and that a further report was expected from Penketh Millar within the next two days.
It was agreed that Mr John Barron be employed to paint the new and old woodwork under the eaves of the Hall and cottages at a cost of £1,430 plus VAT.

Dilapidated Buildings

It was noted that the roof on Sea View Cottage appeared to be in a dangerous condition, and that this had been reported to Mr Mansell at DOLGE, and that temporary measures had been taken by the owner.

Parish Gardens Competition

The 2009 competition was reviewed and it was agreed that next year the competition would be extended to gardens not in public view, with entries to be nominated by the owners or by neighbours. It was also agreed to provide certificates for all prize-winners.

Mrs Edds arrived at the Meeting.

Allotments

It was reported that the appeal against the allotments access, track and car parking area had been dismissed and that further meeting had been held with Professor Maddrell, to discuss the progressing of the scheme.
Various issues relating to the scheme were discussed and the way forward agreed.
Mr Cringle declared a financial interest and took no part in the discussion, except to give advice on agricultural aspects.

Municipal Association Matters

Mrs Edds reported on the October Meeting of the Association.

Audit Fees

There were no further developments.

Corporate Governance

It was confirmed that Mr Berry, Mr Rae, Mrs Edds, Mr Cowin and the Clerk had attended the presentation given by DOLGE staff. It was agreed that the Clerk would review the guidelines provided, to ascertain which aspects of the code were already followed and which could reasonably be enhanced or introduced.

Briefing by DOLGE Minister

It was confirmed that most members and the Clerk had attended a briefing to all local authorities on the circumstances and impact of the unilateral amendment by the UK Government of the VAT arrangements, causing a major reduction in Central Government’s income. It was agreed to bear in mind the Minister’s suggestion that efficiencies should be sought, in order not to add unnecessarily to the rates at a time when Central Government might be seeking to move expenditure from tax-payers to rate-payers.

Draft Southern Area Plan

Copies of the draft Plan were received for comment. It was agreed to defer detailed discussion until a later meeting.

New Streetlights at Station Park

The price of £9,520 plus VAT for new lighting, as previously agreed, was received from the MEA and accepted.

Annual Civic Service

It was agreed to hold the Civic Service on the first Sunday in February at Colby Methodist Chapel. It was also agreed to ask Gareth Moore and Christine Sutcliffe to provide musical items.

Budget Report

The monthly budget report to 31st October was received and noted.

Proposed Ballabeg Conservation Area

Mr Stephen Moore, DOLGE Building Conservation Officer, and Mrs Diane Brown, Planning Officer, attended part of the Meeting to discuss the Ballabeg Conservation Area, as proposed in the new Southern Area Plan. The rationale behind the creation of conservation areas and the effects on property-owners, both in general and in relation to Glen Road and Ballabeg village, were discussed. It was noted that a DOLGE public roadshow, covering these issues, was to be held in mid-January, and it was agreed to defer any comments on the proposed Ballabeg Conservation until after this event.

Planning Matters

The following new applications were considered:-

- 0901732 – 57 Friary Park – front porch and conservatory – no comments
- 0901709 – Colby Beg, Glen Road – extension – no objection provided that no removal of mature trees.

The following planning decision was received and noted:-

- 09/01418 – Sea View Cottage – alterations and extension – Approved
- 09/01629 – Twin View, Douglas Road – alterations, extension, replacement garage with roof terrace – Approved
- 09/01602 – Arbory Vicarage – alterations and extension – Approved
- 09/01557 – Ballacomish, Ronague Road – alterations, extensions, stabling with staff accommodation & home office and landscaping – Approved.
- 09/01420 – Parville – Renovations work, etc – Approved.
- 09/00822 – 6 Ballacriy – Fencing – Appeal against refusal dismissed. Fence to be removed by 30th November
- 09/00147 - Grenaby Road – allotments – access, track and park – Appeal dismissed, approval confirmed.

Appeals:-

- 0900334 - Colby AFC Appeal – Mr Berry reported back on this appeal, the main issue as far as the Board was concerned being late night use of the facilities and clubhouse. Mr Berry was thanked for his attendance.
- 09/0932 – 23 Ballachrink – alterations & extension - agreed on appeal.

Sundry Correspondence & Other Matters

The following correspondence was received:-

- Consultation on Public Sector Pensions Bill – no comments.
- Clarification on Rent and Ratings Tribunal procedures – noted.
- Invitation to Port St Mary Christmas event 4th December – noted.
- Information from DASH on mephedrone misuse – noted.
- Invitation to Port Erin Christmas event 17th December – noted.
- Information on bio-diesel from Manx Biofuels Ltd – noted.
- Consultation on DOLGE draft planning policy statements re flood risk and landscape character – consideration deferred until next meeting.
- Consultation on Juan Watterson’s Budget Bill – no comments.
- IOM Water Authority Annual Report – noted.
- Consultation on draft Fisheries Bill – consideration deferred until next meeting.
- Letter from Mrs Brenda Carter re garden competition and signposting of ancient monument – agreed to accept Mrs Carter’s suggestion of certificates for garden prizewinners and to support her efforts to have the Ballayelse Keeill signposted.
- Letter from Mr & Mrs J Kennaugh re Southern Plan & Colby Conservation Area - noted.
- Consultation on DOT proposal to permit routine road closures for racing on Sunday afternoons and evenings. It was felt that there were already too many road closures and that this addition was undesirable, causing unnecessary inconvenience to churchgoers and to the general public.
- E-mail from householder at Brook Cottage, Colby, regarding mossy and slippery pavement and Millennium Wood tree blocking light from property – agreed to bring former matter to attention of DOT and investigate the latter issue.

Accounts for Payment

The following accounts were passed for payment:-

- Manx Telecom - Office phone £45.09
- DOLGE - Refuse disposal Oct £1,002.00
- Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection Nov £2,459.48
- Arbory School - Millennium Shield £29.00
- Harbour Lights - Deposit (to be reimbursed by the members) £120.00
- Royal British Legion - Poppy wreath £50.00
- W I Lowey - Reimbursement – laser printer and cartridges £404.57
- JM Pearson & Co Ltd - Additional premium £62.42
- W I Lowey - Reimbursement re stamps & cartridges £84.85
- Quine & Cubbon - Paper, etc £81.15
- David Cregeen - Grass cutting £463.87
- A Cowin - Reimbursement re Christmas glowsticks £111.79

Sundry Matters Raised

The following issues were raised by members:-

- Streetlight lighting times – agreed to review with the MEA and police.
- Time taken for allotments appeal to be resolved and in particular the two months delay from the date of the Inspector’s report to the date of the Minister’s decision – agreed to enquire from Planning Appeals Administrator.
- Poor state of surface and drainage on the Ballagawne Road and flooding of the road in Ballabeg in front of Hall Cottages – agreed to bring again to the attention of DOT.
- Further apparent problems at the Ballabeg IRIS pumping station.
- Planning enforcement in relation to the road wall at Colby Mill, Glen Road – agreed to seek the views of the Planning Enforcement Officer.

It was agreed to go into Committee to discuss a matter raised by a local resident.

The Meeting ended at 10.40pm.