GENERAL MEETING

 

The MINUTES of the GENERAL MEETING held in the Board Room, Town Hall, Derby Road, Peel on Thursday 21st July 2005 at 7.00 p.m.

 

Present:                        Mr. J E Lightfoot (Chairman)

                                    Mr. D J Lace

                                    Mrs. T M Birkett

                                    Mr. T M Crookall

                                    Ms. P Hardman

                                    Mrs. C A Moughtin

                                    Mrs. P Pugh

                                    Mrs P S Sweeney

 

Apologies                     Mr. R M Gimbert

 

Town Member             Mr. T E Leece

                                                                                                                                               

In attendance                Mr. P G Leadley (Town Clerk)

                                    Mrs. C Horton (Librarian)

                                    Mr. R Baker (Curator)

                                                                                                           

CHAIRMAN’S              05/086                The Chairman welcomed the Press to the second

WELCOME                                              meeting of July and indicated that he was pleased to attend the first full Graduation ceremony from the Isle of Man Business School which had been held at St. Germans Cathedral with a reception in the Corrin Hall afterwards.  The Chairman was also honoured to greet, with the Lieutenant Governor, the crew of the Gaia Viking Boat which had sailed from Norway via the Scottish Islands to the Isle of Man prior to its onward trip to Dublin, Wexford and London.  Mr. Lightfoot had an enjoyable weekend as did the crew members and he wished to particularly thank Mr. Baker and Mrs. Sweeney who had organised the visit.

 

                                                                  The Chairman presented a plaque to Mr. Crookall in recognition of his Year of Office as  Chairman 2004/2005.

 

WARD LIBRARY          05/087                Members considered the quarterly Ward Library

REPORT AND LEECE                             report the contents of which were noted. 

MUSEUM REPORT                                 Discussion ensued over the new borrowers which were included in the report although no reference was made to those that had cancelled their membership.  Mrs. Horton, Librarian, indicated that this information was included in the statistical report that was produced annually in April of each year. 

 

                                                                  Mrs. Horton indicated that she had applied to the National Lottery Trust Fund for funding which was noted.  Discussion ensued over the use of the library computers through the internet of under sixteen year olds.  Following an unsavoury incident with the computers Mrs. Horton proposed that either parents accept control of their children and be in attendance when the internet is being used by under sixteen years old or appropriate signage be displayed linked to appropriate blocks being placed on the computers themselves.  Members AGREED to the proposal that the computer hardware be adapted to prevent access to unsuitable internet sites together with the display of an appropriate disclaimer.  It was also AGREED that the Librarian be empowered to ban any children who abused the situation.  Members noted the intended preparation of a quiz to celebrate the centenary of the library which should generate some additional funding.  NOTED

 

                                                                  Discussion ensued over the quarterly report for the Leece Museum and the Curator indicated that the attendance figures were on a par with 2004.  Mr. Baker indicated the need for additional storage space and it was AGREED that the Commissioners would look into to identifying suitable facilities for storage purposes. 

 

                                                                  Mrs. Sweeney reported that the Curator was encompassing difficulty in taking his annual leave with his reliance on volunteers to einsure the Museum was open.  This was becoming more and more difficult and Members AGREED that the Museum be placed on a similar footing to the library with paid cover for relief staff.

 

                                                                  Mrs. Horton, Mr. Baker and Mr. Leece left the meeting at 7.20p.m.

 

MINUTES                      05/088                The Minutes of the meeting held on 16th June 2005 were taken as read and CONFIRMED.

 

PREDATORY                05/089                The Chairman referred to an increasing problem  

SEAGULLS                                               in which seagulls in Peel and particularly on the promenade were becoming more predatory and a nuisance to visitors and residents alike.  It was AGREED that appropriate notices be displayed on the Promenade requesting people not to feed the seagulls.  Arising therefrom Mr. Lace indicated that a similar problem had arisen over the seals in Peel bay.  It appeared that they were taking mackerel off the fishing lines of children and Mr. Lace was concerned at the possibility of a youth/child being pulled into the sea.  It was AGREED that the Harbour Division be asked to put up appropriate signs warning of the possible danger.

 

CIVIL                             05/090                Mrs. Hardman referred back to Minute 05/050

EMERGENCIES                                       and indicated that she had attended the training course in respect of civil emergencies.  Ms. Hardman indicated the course was very interesting and AGREED to forward the handouts from the course to the Town Clerk so that it might be copied to Members. 

 

VIKING BOAT              05/091                Mrs. Sweeney referred back to Minute  05/059 and wished to correct an error in which she had indicated that the Viking boat Gaia had originated from Sweden.  This was incorrect and it had in fact sailed from Norway. 

 

QUARTERLY                05/092                Mrs. Pugh referred back to Minute 05/062 and

NEWS LETTER                                        reiterated her suggestion that a quarterly news letter be prepared and issued by the Town Hall to residents of Peel.  Discussion ensued over  whether it should be quarterly, half yearly or monthly and asked as to the gathering of information for its content.  Members AGREED that a news letter would be of benefit to the residents and AGREED to progress the matter.

 

                                                                  Arising therefrom Mr. Crookall referred to a previous meeting of the Peel Heritage Trust which wished to erect a web cam at the harbour looking towards the castle.  The matter was discussed and it was felt that it may be of advantage for the Commissioners to progress such a proposal and it was felt that a web cam looking down the harbour and one placed on Marine Parade looking towards the castle would be of advantage and benefit.  At this stage it was AGREED to investigate the likely costings of two cameras. 

 

PROVISION OF            05/093                The Chairman indicated that Mr. Gimbert who

MEDICAL SERVICES                             was unable to attend this meeting had forwarded the most recent correspondence he had had with the Minister for the Department of Health and Social Security regarding medical services to the West with particular regard to ambulance response times.  NOTED  It was AGREED that it would be of advantage to seek a meeting with the Minister and the Town Clerk undertook to arrange a suitable date in due course. 

 

ROYAL BRITISH          05/094                Members noted a letter from the Poppy Appeal

LEGION                                                    Section of the Royal British Legion who sought permission to hold a street collection in support of the 2006 Poppy Appeal during the period 4th – 11th November 2006.  AGREED

 

PEEL CAMPSITE          05/095                Members noted the receipt of a two key grading from the Registration and Grading Commission in respect of Peel Campsite.  It was AGREED to ascertain the exact criteria on which the keys are approved and awarded to enable consideration to aim for a higher key award in future years. 

 

                                                                  Arising therefrom Mrs. Sweeney requested that consideration be given to exploring the possibility of leasing additional land adjacent to the campsite for the TT fortnight period.  It was AGREED that an appropriate letter be sent to the Department of Education. 

 

                                                                  Consideration was given to a letter from Karen Davies of the Young Carers Project which indicated that three staff and fifteen young people would be camping in Peel on 19th and 20th August 2005.  The Commissioners considered a request for a discount and after discussion it was AGREED that a flat fee of £30 for the two night stay apply. 

 

HEADLANDS                05/096                Consideration was given to a letter from the Isle

FIELD                                                       of Man Children’s Centre which wished to run its open access mobile play scheme on the headlands field on 3rd, 17th, 26th and 30th August 2005.  After discussion the Commissioners AGREED to the charity running its mobile play scheme as detailed.

 

RATING APPEAL         05/097                Members noted receipt of a letter from the

1 PATRICK STREET                                Valuation Assistant at the Treasury which clarified the reasons given for a temporary reduction in rates for 1 Patrick Street, Peel.  The property was directly opposite 4 Patrick Street which had recently been demolished and was subject to extensive site works resulting in additional noise and dirt nuisance from the demolition and ongoing building works which had a direct effect on 1 Patrick Street, Peel.  NOTED

 

ISLE OF MAN               05/098                The Town Clerk referred to the submission of a

RENT AND RATING APPEAL                rating objection in respect of the Creek Inn, Peel

COMMISSIONERS                                 due to the extensive building works at the adjacent property causing loss of revenue.  Upon discussion Members AGREED to oppose the application as the work on the adjacent property was more or less completed. 

 

SECOND                       05/099                The second supplemental valuation list for 2005

SUPPLEMENTAL VALUATION            copies of which had been circulated was noted

LIST                                                          by Members.

 

FLAG DAY                    05/100                Members noted receipt of a letter from Victim Support an Isle of Man Charity which indicated that the flag day held in Peel on 24th June 2005 had raised the sum of £180.  NOTED

 

LOCAL                          05/101                Consideration was given to a letter received

GOVERNMENT REFORM                      from Mr. Quintin Gill, MHK concerning local government reform.  Having noted that the Minister for the Department of Local Government and the Environment had decided to unilaterally withdraw his proposals for Local Government Reform at Tynwald, Mr. Gill had requested that local authorities across the Island needed to work in more effective partnerships to ensure such reform proposals could be strongly opposed if the Department chose to resurrect it’s intentions to address Local Government Reform again in the future.

 

                                                                  The Chairman was of the opinion that whilst small rural authorities were in a position to work closer with each other it was not appropriate with larger urban authorities.  In the Chairman’s mind the two areas did not mix.  The Chairman indicated that the new Chairman of the Municipal Association was of the opinion that the Association would benefit from two sections, one for the smaller rural authorities and one for the larger urban authorities.  In this respect a letter from Mr. Kennedy the new Chairman was awaited.  Mrs. Birkett was of the view that the larger authorities needed to exchange views and information on a more regular basis and was of the opinion that the matter of reform would likely be resurrected

 

                                                                  The Chairman suggested and the Board AGREED that a letter be sent to the Department of Local Government and the Environment requesting that the Peel and Western District housing stock together with the Department’s own small housing stock in Peel be transferred to the administration and control of Peel Town Commissioners thereby creating a larger property portfolio. 

 

PLANNING                   05/102                The following planning application was

APPLICATIONS FOR COMMENT        considered:-

 

                                                                  PA 05/01177/B Installation of a timber shop front to replace existing aluminium shop front (Conservation Area), 24 Michael Street, Peel.  RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

 

CREG MALIN               05/103                Consideration was given to a letter from the Isle

PARK                                                        of Man Christian Fellowship which wished to organise a “Fun Afternoon” at the Creg Malin Park on Monday 29th August 2005.  The Fellowship intended to offer free of charge a bouncy castle, drinks, face painting, balloons and games of swing ball under supervision between the hours of 2.00p.m. and 5.00p.m.  It was noted that the organisers would arrange to clear the litter from the site after the event and after discussion Members AGREED to approve the request. 

 

LOCAL AUTHORITY   05/104                The Town Clerk referred to a letter from the

TRAINING                                               Department of Local Government and the Environment in which it was reviewing the contents of the local authority induction course.  As part of the review the Department was looking to include a more comprehensive section on financial matters relevant to local authorities.  In particular consideration was being given to holding a separate course based specifically on financial matters.  After discussion the Board AGREED to advise the Department that it fully supported the provision of more detailed financial training for Commissioners and staff alike. 

 

ANTI-LITTER                05/105                The Town Clerk updated Members on the

CAMPAIGN                                             progress with the Anti-litter campaign.  Contact was being made with possible sponsors for the campaign and the Town Warden had contacted Mrs. Saunders, Head teacher at the Clothworkers School to obtain participation from the school children.  It was suggested that a poster campaign with prizes for the best designed poster be undertaken by the school children and it was anticipated that the campaign would run from September 2005 onwards. 

 

HOUSING (FLATS)      05/106                Consideration was given to a recommendation

REGULATIONS 1982                              from the Environmental Health Section of the Department of Local Government and the Environment to approve registration of flats 14 and 15 Magher Breek, Ballawattleworth Estate, Peel.  After consideration the Board approved the registration of the aforesaid flats. 

 

CLERICAL MEDICAL  05/107                The Town Clerk read out a letter from the Race

PARISH WALK                                        Secretary to the Parish Walk and on behalf of Manx Harriers who wished to thank the Commissioners for the use of the facilities of the town hall and Philip Christian Centre.  NOTED

 

 

 

 

ROAD TRAFFIC           05/108                The Town Clerk advised Members of a

REGULATIONS ACT 1985                     temporary suspension of parking on a section of Church Street for the 22nd July 2005 under an Order number 532/05.  NOTED

 

BEACH CLEANING     05/109                Mr. Crookall requested that additional resources be given to keeping the main Peel beach and Fenella Beach tidy with particular emphasis on Friday’s prior to the weekend during the summer season.  With regard to Fenella Beach some dead sea birds had been washed up and it was AGREED that they be removed.

 

PEEL TRADERS            05/110                The Chairman referred to a recent letter in the local Press concerning the traders view that the Commissioners were not supportive of them with regard to possible road closures in Michael Street.  Mr. Lightfoot wished to reiterate that the Commissioners held valid concerns about the viability of traders in Peel but nevertheless the proposal to make Michael Street more user friendly by excluding vehicular access for the majority of the day was felt to be of benefit.  In highlighting this issue there was a near accident when a person and pushchair were nearly hit by a vehicle entering Michael Street.  Members felt that the proposed extension of the road closure would be better for all concerned.

 

                                                                  This part of the meeting end at 8.25p.m.