MINUTES OF OCTOBER 2011 MONTHLY MEETING

The Monthly Meeting was held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 19th October 2011 at the Halley MacLiag. Present were Mr Cowin (Chairman), Mr Rae, Mrs Edds and Mr Berry. Apologies for absence were received from Mr Cringle. The Clerk was in attendance

The Minutes of the September Meetings, having been circulated, were confirmed as a true record and signed.

The following on-going matters were discussed:-

Risk Matters

The Risk Strategy document, having been circulated, was discussed. It was proposed by Mr Berry, seconded by Mrs Edds, and agreed, that the document be adopted.

Police Matters

It was reported that there had been 29 crimes recorded in Arbory during the previous period, but that most of these were a series of thefts by one person from motor vehicles on Friary Park.
Mr Cowin agreed to attend the November Meeting.

Events

Garden Competition prize-giving – it was noted the presentations had been deferred until 31 October. Arrangements were discussed.

Christmas – it was agreed to purchase two 15 foot trees as normal.

Tree Cutting at Friary Park

It was reported that the tree cutting was taking place and that rotten wood had been discovered on the large sycamore and that a cherry tree was in a dangerous condition. It was agreed to pay extra over the quoted price, to have these problems remedied.

Southern Area Plan

Mr Cowin reported on his appearance before the Inspector at the public inquiry.

Ballacarmick & Cronk Cullyn

Mr James Greenhalgh of Hartford Homes Ltd, attended part of the Meeting. He explained the situation regarding the refurbishment of Ballacarmick and the unsightliness of the surrounding area, and the reasons for the delay, and he anticipated that the problem should be resolved by the spring or summer of 2012. He also presented the current plans regarding the residential development of the land behind Colby Glen Hotel, but was unable to give any firm indication of when work might commence. Mr Rae declared a personal interest as a neighbouring property owner.

Audited Accounts 2010/11

The audited accounts, having been circulated, were discussed and it was proposed by Mr Berry, seconded by Mr Rae and agreed that the accounts be approved. The Chairman and Responsible Financial Officer were authorised to sign off the accounts.

Budget Report

The budget report for the period up to 30th September was received and noted. There were no significant deviations from plan.

Planning Matters

The following new applications were considered:-

- 1101322 – 3 Friary Park – flue – no comments. Mr Berry declared an interest as the applicant, and took no part in the discussion.
- 1101357 – New House, Main Road, Colby – alterations, dormers, etc – no comments.
- 110143 – Land at and adjoining The Pound, Ballabeg – residential development of six dwellings and associated road layout. It was felt that the opportunity should be taken to create pedestrian access to the rear of the Duck Street terrace.

Sundry Correspondence & Other Matters

The following correspondence was received:-

- Invitation to DOI briefing on planning applications – plans and supporting information – no members were available to attend.

- Consultation on Planning Policy – replacement and extension of dwellings in the countryside. (on Govt website)

- Physical Activity Strategy document – noted.

- Invitation to southern authorities from Castletown Commissioners to discuss local government reform. It was agreed in principal to attend, subject to the fixing of an agenda prior to the meeting.

- Rates on Pooill Vaaish Quarry – it was agreed that there was no objection to the rates from the quarry going to Malew Parish Commissioners in future.

- Juan Watterson MHK advised that, whilst canvassing, he had been asked about the possibility of providing goal posts in the Friary Park Play Area. It was noted that this had been discussed in the past, but that it had been felt that there was insufficient space for football to be played safely.

- Rushen Youth Committee - invitation from the three Rushen MHK’s to be represented on a new Rushen Sheading Youth Committee. Mr Cowin agreed to become the Arbory representative.

- 3rd Supplemental List 2011 – noted.

- IOM Model Engineering Society – an inquiry was received regarding land in public ownership for a model railway. It was felt that there was no suitable land available.

Accounts for Payment

The following accounts were passed for payment:-

Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection Aug £2,796.90
DOI - Refuse disposal Sept £1,841 28
M Smith - Garden Plaques & engraving £130.72
Manx Telecom - Telephone £55.75
Port Erin Commissioners - Contribution to library £500.00
Castletown Commissioners - Ditto £300.00
Garden Centre - Garden Competition prizes £615.00
Quine & Cubbon - Stationery £14.16

Sundry Matters Raised

The following issues were raised by members:-

Mr Rae asked that the DOI be reminded of the need to clear the culverts at Ballacriy entrance and farther up the pedestrian walk.

Mr Berry advised that the problem of dog fouling was again causing concern on Friary Park.

Mrs Edds advised that the fuchsia bushes at Bridge House, Glen Road, were again seriously blocking visibility at the junction with the Main Road.

The Meeting ended at 10.35pm.