GENERAL MEETING

The MINUTES of the GENERAL MEETING held in the Board Room, Town Hall, Derby Road, Peel on Thursday 16^th February 2006 at 7.00 p.m.

Present: Mr. J E Lightfoot (Chairman)

Mr. T M Crookall

Mr. R Gimbert

Ms. P M Hardman

Mr. D J Lace

Mrs. C A Moughtin

Mrs. P Pugh

Mrs. P S Sweeney

Apologies Mrs. T M Birkett

In attendance Mr. P G Leadley (Town Clerk)

CHAIRMAN’S 05/391 The Chairman welcomed everyone to the

WELCOME meeting and indicated that a thank you card had been received from Mrs. Birkett in respect of the bouquet of flowers given to her during her incapacity.

PEEL KART RACES 05/392 Mr. Gimbert referred back to Minute 05/360 regarding motorsport events and stated that, in his opinion, no income was generated in Peel during the Kart Racing Event.

Ms. Hardman suggested that consideration might be given to running the event earlier in the year to avoid the main tourist season.

COMMISSIONERS 05/393 Mr. Gimbert reported upon the recent

SURGERY Commissioners Surgery and indicated that two residents had attended. A request for an additional litter bin between the Derby Road car park and Lyndale Avenue was approved. The other issue related to the future use of the Bus Depot, Atholl Street.

A further surgery would be held on 11^th March 2006.

MANX EXECUTIVE 05/394 The Chairman welcomed Miss K. Crooks to the

CHALLENGE meeting whom wished to ask a range of questions on the impact of the image and environmental quality of the Isle of Man’s town centres on the Island’s economy.

A range of views were given to Miss Crooks which emphasised the point that too much funding was centred on Douglas to the detriment of the other towns. It was suggested that a Government led initiative to diversify should be encouraged. Peel had room for growth and that development of more leisure led businesses such as cafes, restaurants and specialist shops would be of benefit.

TOWN RATE 05/395 The Chairman read out a statement which

2006/2007 recommended a town rate for 2006/07 of 212 pence in the £ an increase of two pence over the previous year. This represented an increase of 1% and was under the current rate of inflation. In addition the set refuse charge of £88 that had applied for the past three years would increase to £92 per dwelling.

The Chairman indicated that a range of improvements would be undertaken funded out of reserves. The recommendation after being proposed and seconded was unanimously approved by Members.

The Chairman wished to record his thanks to all the staff and Mr. Begley, consultant accountant, for the prudent manner in the operation of the Commissioners business and responsibilities.

POLICING PLAN 05/396 It was agreed to defer consideration of the IOM Constabulary’s Policing Plan for 2006/07 to a meeting to held with Inspector Lowe on 22^nd February 2006.

FLAG DAY 05/397 Members noted receipt of a letter from the St John Ambulance which indicated that £141.31 had been raised in 2005.

It was agreed to allow St John Ambulance to hold a Flag Day collection on 27^th May 2006.

TREES AND HIGH 05/398 Members noted the contents of various

HEDGES ACT 2005 documents relating to a new Act entitled Trees and High Hedges Act 2005.

PEEL CASTLE 05/399 Members noted receipt of a reply from the Head of Properties Management at Manx National Heritage regarding the Commissioners concerns over the measures taken by Manx National Heritage following an accident at Peel Castle.

Mr. Crookall expressed his concern over the closing off of the path from the outer walkway of the Castle onto Fenella Beach. This had given rise to a number of complaints and resulted in the loss of a public right of way. The legality of the steps taken by Manx National Heritage was discussed.

ROAD TRAFFIC 05/400 Consideration was given to a draft Order to

ACT 1985 create a reserved parking place at Westlands. The Board had no objection to the draft order.

RENT & RATING 05/401 Members noted receipt of a request for a

APPEAL COMMISIONERS reduction in rates by Mr Brand, 19 Close Quane, Peel. A temporary reduction of 15% had been offered and it was agreed to object to the offer made by the Appeal Commissioners as the inconvenience was deemed minimal and did not justify a 15% reduction.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL 05/402 A letter of thanks from the organiser of the

LEAGUE Junior Football League in respect of the Commissioners sponsorship was noted.

FACTORY LANE 05/403 Consideration was given to providing an additional street light in Factory Lane. After discussion it was agreed that an additional lighting column be provided to be sited between the two Mews Cottages.

Arising therefrom Mrs Sweeney enquired whether the lampheads could be upgraded at Westlands and Mountain View. It was agreed to cost out these improvement.

PHILIP CHRISTIAN 05/404 Reference was made to the future use of the

CENTRE Centre and it was noted that Mrs. Hannan had met with some of the Town’s youth to possibly make use of the premises as a “drop in centre”.

It was agreed to meet with the youths and Mrs Hannan on 8^th March 2006 to discuss the matter.

IRIS SCHEME 05/405 A rumour that the next phase of laying the connection from the Iris Pump Station up the Quay and along the former railway line would take place during this summer had been investigated and found to be unproven. Work would take place outside of the main tourist season in so far as it affected Peel.

MARINE PARADE 05/406 Discussion ensued over a number of issues regarding Marine Parade improvements following complaints from Mr. Washington. It appeared that Mrs. Hannan had met with the Department of Transport and that the Commissioners were aware of the various outstanding issues. The Chairman undertook to liaise with Mrs. Hannan.

PLAY IN THE 05/407 It appeared that Mr Shakespeare was interested

CASTLE in staging a play (sponsored by the IOM Arts Council) in Peel Castle. The event would start in St Peter’s Church prior to moving to the Castle. As this would involve use of consecrated grounds it was agreed to check out any possible restrictions.

This part of the meeting ended at 7.40 pm