MINUTES of the November 2011 Monthly Meeting
The Monthly Meeting was held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16th November 2011 at the Halley MacLiag. Present were Mr Cowin (Chairman), Mr Rae, Mrs Edds, Mr Cringle and Mr Berry. The Clerk was in attendance
The Minutes of the October Meetings, having been circulated, were confirmed as a true record and signed.
The following on-going matters were discussed:-
Risk Matters
There were no new risk matters to report.
Police Matters
Mr Cowin reported on the November meeting with the Police. There were three crimes reported in the Parish during the previous period.
Mr Cowin agreed to attend the next meeting, and he agreed to raise the issue of re-launching Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.
Traffic and Highways Matters
The Board had been copied into a complaint by a resident to the Rushen MHKs, regarding the use of the Parville (Ballagawne) Road by heavy lorries. It was decided to ask the DOI for details of the issue of licenses to lorry operators.
Events
Christmas Event – the Father Christmas / Carol concert on 5th December was further discussed.
Queens Jubilee – it was agreed to consider this matter further at a later meeting.
Civic Service – it was agreed to hold the annual service at Ballabeg Chapel during the first fortnight in February 2012.
Ballamaddrell Allotments
Information was received from Arbory Allotments Association, regarding changes in allotment holders and other matters.
Budget Report
The budget report for the period up to 31st October was received and noted. There were no significant deviations from plan.
Planning Matters
The following new applications were considered:-
- 1101542 – 7 Ballastrooan – rear extensions – it was felt that this proposed development, with windows on the south-east elevation overlooking a neighbouring property, was un-neighbourly
- 1101501 – 66 Ballacriy – flue – no comments.
- 1101436 – Riverside, Colby Bridge – erection of wall – no comments.
- 1101357 – New House, Main Road, Colby – alterations, roof work, dormer (amended plans) – no comments
- 1101554 – Ballayelse, Ronague – replacement dwelling – no comments.
The following decision was received:-
- 1101322 – 3 Friary Park – flue – Approved.
- 1101043 – Ronague Chapel – replacement garage, plus utility room and home office – Approved.
Other planning matters:-
1100684 – 35 dwellings, Colby AFC Ground – hearing 7th December. Mr Cowin and Mr Berry agreed to attend.
1101434 – 6 dwellings at The Pound, Ballabeg – further copy letters of objection were received.
Sundry Correspondence & Other Matters
The following correspondence was received:-
- Invitation to Port Erin Commissioners Christmas event on 15th December – several members indicated that they would be attending.
- Invitation from Castletown Commissioners to a meeting of southern local authorities, to discuss local government reform, on either 1st or 8th December. Mr Cowin and Mr Berry were able to attend on 1st December, but no members were available on 8th December.
- A 15% reduction in rates during the period of construction work at Ballacomish, in respect of Ballastroke Cottage, Ronague Road & Ballacorrin, Ronague Road, was noted.
- DOI Order – designation 38,000kg transport routes – noted.
- MEA advised that the streetlight at The Glebe, Ballabeg was beyond repair, and it was agreed to have it replaced.
- All Island Depot strategy – it was noted that the DOI was investigating the rationalisation of its depots, with a view to having four regional depots, the southern depot being at Balthane.
- Input was invited on use of reservoirs for recreational purposes – no comments.
- Street-naming – details of the local authority’s role in street-naming was received and noted.
- Details of the DOI snow preparations were received. It was noted that the road through Ballabeg and Colby had now been designated as a primary route for gritting purposes.
- Invitation to Port St Mary Commissioners Christmas event on 2nd December – no members were available to attend.
- Rates collection – letters were received from Braddan Commissioners and the Government rates collection section, regarding the efficiency of the present system for collecting rates and pursuing arrears. It was agreed that the Board was entirely satisfied with the present arrangements.
- Letter from Mr Howard Quayle MHK, the newly elected planning chairman, suggesting that each local authority should chose a lead member for planning, who would be invited to attend relevant meetings of the Planning Committee. It was agreed that this would be beneficial, but it was suggested that it would be best left until new boards were in place in May 2012.
Accounts for Payment
The following accounts were passed for payment:-
Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection Nov £2,796.90
DOI - Refuse disposal Oct £1,445.84
Manx Telecom - Telephone £49.84
David - Reimbursement – Father Christmas gifts 200.00
Southern Swimming Pool - Annual contribution 3,665.88
PKF - Audit fee 3,906.00
JM Pearson & Co Ltd - Additional premium £20.16
MEA - Replacement light fitting at Belleabbey £368.57
WI Lowey - Reimbursement re garden prizes £600.00
WI L - Poppy wreath £50.00
A Cowin - Reimbursement – Father Christmas glow sticks £107.99
MEA - Christmas tree £10.28
Sundry Matters Raised
The following issues were raised by members:-
Mr Rae raised the issues of the infrequency of road sweeping on the Main Road in Colby, and the lack of response by the DOI to a request to clean the culvert and ditch at Ballacriy. Agreed to raise with the DOI.
Mr Berry stated that he had been advised by a resident that the road drain near to 86 Friary Park was blocked. Agreed to raise with DOI.
Mr Cowin raised the problem of mud on the pavement and road connected with the Arbory Vicarage development site. Agreed to raise with the developer.
Mr Cowin advised that the refurbishment of the play area at Arbory School was proceeding. The Board renewed its offer to contribute £1,000 towards the cost, on condition that the play area remained available to the public outside of school hours.
The Meeting ended at 10.10 pm.