GENERAL MEETING

The MINUTES of the GENERAL MEETING held in the Board Room, Town Hall, Derby Road, Peel on Thursday 20^th April 2006 at 7.00 p.m.

Present: Mr. J E Lightfoot (Chairman)

Mr. T M Crookall

Mr. R M Gimbert

Mr. D J Lace

Ms. P Hardman

Mrs. C A Moughtin

Mrs. P Pugh

Mrs. P S Sweeney

Apologies Mrs. T M Birkett

Mr. T E Leece (Town Member)

Town Members Mr. S Knight

In attendance Mr. P G Leadley (Town Clerk)

Mrs. C Horton (Librarian)

Mr. R Baker (Curator)

CHAIRMAN’S 05/467 The Chairman welcomed the Press to the last

WELCOME meeting of his tenure as Chairman and referred to a letter of thanks from the Chairman of Peel Heritage Trust following the recent question and answer session organised by the Trust with the Commissioners.

MINUTES 05/468 The Minutes of the meeting held on 16^th March 2006 were taken as read and CONFIRMED.

WARD LIBRARY 05/469 The annual statistical report for the Ward Library for the period ending March 2006 copies of which had been previously circulated was noted.

Mrs. Horton expressed her continued concern over the small number of non-payers with regard to annual subscriptions. It was noted that the audio books were now well established and being used to a significant degree.

The Chairman indicated that a small sub-committee could be formed shortly to organise and plan the arrangements for celebrating the Ward Library centenary in 2007. It was noted that the summer reading scheme would be held over to 2007 as part of the centenary celebrations.

LEECE MUSEUM 05/470 The quarterly report for the Leece Museum copies of which had been previously circulated was noted. The Curator indicated that visitor numbers were down for the winter period which had followed a period of closure whilst the Museum was redecorated. However attendance figures were up for the Easter period and in particular some eighty visitors to the Museum were recorded when the BBC Bus visited Peel. Mr. Baker indicated that three exhibitions were planned for later in the year including a photographic exhibition by Peter Hughes, a Peel City Guardian exhibition and the annual TT exhibition when he hoped to have “Milky” Quayle’s winning TT bike on display.

STREET LIGHTING 05/471 Mr. Knight referred to the matter of street lighting being left on during the day. It was indicated that the Manx Electricity Authority undertook testing of the street lights during the daytime. Mr. Knight wondered whether savings could be made if evening visits were undertaken. It was suggested that there would be an overtime implication to pay Manx Electricity Authority staff if this were the case.

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

BALLATESSAN 05/472 Mr. Crookall indicated that comment had been

MEADOW made over the plot numbers in respect of the new estate at Ballatessan Meadow being confused with the specific house numbers which had previously been decided by the Commissioners. It was confirmed that the street numbering would remain in force.

BUS HOPPER 05/473 The Town Clerk read out a response from Mr.

SERVICE Maule of the Isle of Man Transport with regard to a proposed bus hopper service in Peel. The Department was not in a position to undertake such a service at the present time pending the long term resolution of the future of the Peel depot. It was the Department’s wish to extend its services to Peel and an appraisal of the various service options would be undertaken in due course in consultation with the Commissioners.

VIKING LONGBOAT 05/474 An application for a road closure in respect of a

RACES portion of East Quay had been submitted by the Peel Viking Association Longboat Committee and the views of the Commissioners had been sought from the Department of Transport. It was confirmed that the Commissioners had no objection to the proposed road closure on the 1^st July 2006.

WESTERN 05/475 Members considered a letter from the Secretary

ATHLETICS CLUB to the Western Athletics Club and gave permission for the various road running series in and around Peel utilising the camp site facilities for signing on.

MANX HARRIERS 05/476 The Chairman of Manx Harriers had requested permission to use the Philip Christian Centre for the Isle of Man Bank sponsored Peel to Douglas road run scheduled for 1^st May. The centre would be used from 5.45p.m. until 6.30p.m. to allow competitors to change and use the toilet facilities. AGREED

A letter of thanks from the Chairman was read out by the Town Clerk with regard to the recent Easter Athletics Festival and in particular the support of the Commissioners in staging the Peel Hill Race. NOTED

PEEL KART 05/477 Consideration was given to a request from

RACES Döhle (IOM) Limited to sponsor one of the competitors Mr. Jason Kitchen. As in previous years it was requested that a marquee be erected on the grass area at the Creg Malin Park for the duration of the event and that a barbeque be set up outside the marquee and that live music be played on the Friday night together possibly with the Saturday evening. Permission was granted with the condition that the organisers clean up the site after use.

PEEL DUATHLON 05/478 Consideration was given to a letter from the Manx Tri Club in respect of the Peel Duathlon scheduled for the 2^nd July and the Peel Triathlons scheduled for 7^th May and 3^rd September 2006. The organisers wished to use the campsite for changing facilities on the various evenings of the events. It was noted that the Dulthon date would clash with the extensive use of the campsite by the re-enactors involved in the Viking Festival. It was suggested whether alternative facilities at the Philip Christian Centre might be available. In any event it was AGREED to give permission to the organisers to stage the various events utilising the use of the campsite if required.

PEEL 05/479 The Town Clerk updated Members on the

CONSERVATION AREA response from the Conservation Officer with regard to the Commissioners request for a proposed reduction of the Town’s Conservation Area. Concern was expressed that the matter had been deferred, without any consultation with the Commissioners, until the Issues and Option stage of the plan for the West had been completed. It was AGREED that an appropriate response be sent to the Conservation Officer enquiring as to when the Issues and Options stage of the plan for the West was scheduled for completion.

PEEL TRAWLER 05/480 Consideration was given to a letter from the

RACE Manx Fish Producers Organisation in which they wished to stage a Manx Trawler Race out of Peel on 1^st July 2006. Mrs. Sweeney indicated that it was disappointing to note that this proposed event would clash with the Viking Festival running during that week. It was however noted that Mr. Bryan-Brown on behalf of the Manx Fish Producers had indicated that the two events would not conflict. The producers had initially sought permission to run the event and also enquired as to whether the Commissioners would be able to offer any sponsorship/donation to the running of the event. The Chairman indicated whether they wanted a straight cash donation or the event to be underwritten. It was AGREED to write to Mr. Bryan-Brown and enquire as to the exact situation. It was also hoped that if the event became established then an alternative date would be found in ensuing years so that it did not clash with other events.

HOUSING (FLATS) 05/481 Consideration was given to a recommendation

REGULATIONS 1982 from the Environmental Health Officer to register flats 2,4,6,7, and 8 at the Wharfside, Peel Quay, Peel. Members queried the specific address as the Wharfside Apartments were in Station Place. It was AGREED to advise Mr. Mansell accordingly and that the Commissioners had no objection to registering the flats as recommended.

A further request for registration in respect of flats at 1 Irving Lane (above 3 Michael Street) Peel was considered. It was indicated that Irving Lane was not a public road and it was queried as to who had the right to give it this name. The correct postal address would be the Flats above 1 and 3 Michael Street. It was AGREED that the Town Clerk liaise with Mr. Irving over the correct address and that Mr. Irving be advised that the Commissioners preferred a consultation process in such matters rather than being notified of a specific address being given a street name which was the responsibility of the Commissioners and not the developers.

PLANNING 05/482 The following planning application were

APPLICATIONS FOR COMMENT considered for comment as follows:-

PA 06/00592/B Erection of an extension, Dalton, Peveril Avenue, Peel. RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

PA 06/00593/B Erection of a dwelling with garage, Plot 2, Southview, Poortown Road, Peel. RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

PA 06/00594/B Re-siting existing garage, Dalton, Peveril Avenue, Peel. RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

PA 06/00013/B Erection of a timber stable block with associated access road, creation of paddocks, dressage arena and fencing, field adjacent to Lheany Voar, Ballaquane Road, Peel. It was noted that amended plans had been received on the application. RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

PA 05/00466/B Erection of a steel framed industrial unit for the maintenance of motor vehicles, Department of Trade and Industry Industrial Estate, Old Brickworks Site, Mill Road, Peel. It was noted that amended plans had been received in respect of this application. RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL.

KERBSIDE 05/483 The Town Clerk indicated that a demonstration

COLLECTION of a kerbside collection vehicle had been arranged by Douglas Corporation to take place on 26^th April 2006 at 12 noon at the Douglas Corporation’s new service centre. NOTED

Arising therefrom a letter from the Department of Local Government and the Environment was considered. The Department wished to establish a working party to collate information and put forward suggestions on how kerbside collection could be introduced to the Isle of Man. The Department sought the nomination of a suitable Officer to participate in this initiative. Whilst the request was for an Officer the Board suggested that a Commissioner be appointed to the working party and it was AGREED to advise the Department accordingly.

WESTERN CIVIC 05/484 Consideration was given to a letter from the

AMENITY SITE Department of Local Government and the Environment dated 13^th April 2006 in which the proposed expansion of the Amenity Site was under discussion. At this stage the Department had enquired from the constituent local authorities of the amenity site as to whether there was an alternative site available for the construction of a brand new Western Civic Amenity Site similar to the one at Middle River, Douglas as opposed to the expansion of the existing site on the Curragh Road, St. Johns. Members felt that the present site could quite easily be expanded and indicated that there was no available land in Peel for a Civic Amenity Site as sought. At this stage it was AGREED to obtain from Mrs. Faid, Clerk to the Civic Amenity Site, a copy of the proposed plan for a suggested expansion.

STREET 05/485 The Town Clerk referred to a list of four quotes

LIGHTING for the street lighting schemes at Westlands, Factory Lane, Mountain View and the West View Play Area. The various schemes provided for new 5 metre columns and it was suggested that it was only the actual light units that were required and not new columns. It was AGREED to pursue the matter further along the reviewed lines suggested.

CORRIN 05/486 Consideration was given to a letter from the

MEMORIAL HOME Corrin Memorial Home Board of Governors with regard to its 50^th Anniversary celebrations during 2006. It was noted that a service at St. Germans Cathedral would take place on the morning of 11^th June to be followed with refreshments in the Corrin Hall. The Commissioners AGREED to assist towards the cost of the refreshments in the sum of £250.00.

ANNUAL TAX 05/487 The Town Clerk advised Members of the

VISITS proposed annual visits of a tax officer to assist residents of the town on the 19^th May, 16^th June, 21^st July and 18^th August 2006 at the Town Hall. It was suggested that when the Citizens Advice Centre became operational that the tax officer could utilise these premises. AGREED

PROMEMADE 05/488 Consideration was given to a request from Mrs.

KIOSK Rose who sought permission to erect a small additional outside catering tent alongside the kiosk on days when specific events were being held namely Honda Day, Viking Week and the Peel Carnival Day. AGREED subject to the proprietors cleaning up after the specific events.

IRIS PUMP 05/489 Mrs. Sweeney wished to congratulate staff on

STATION – CLOCK the installation of the light on the clock. NOTED Arising therefrom she indicated that visitors to Peel had commented on how clean the Town was and the good condition of the beach. NOTED

SHEEP 05/490 Mr. Lace referred to incidents of sheep worrying

WORRYING on Peel Hill and it was AGREED that a warning should be issued in the local Press.

PROBLEM DRAINS 05/491 Mr. Gimbert referred to the drain between West View and Heathfield Drive which appeared to be blocked and requested that it be cleared. He enquired as to whether regular checks were undertaken of the drainage system to ensure blockages did not occur. NOTED.

Mr. Crookall wished to take the opportunity to thank Mr. Lightfoot outgoing Chairman for his sterling work during his year of office which appeared to involve more meetings than ever. AGREED by other Members.

This part of the meeting ended at 8.10p.m.