BOARD MEETING

 

The MINUTES of a BOARD MEETING held in the Board Room, Town Hall, Derby Road, Peel on Thursday 19th April 2007 at 7.00p.m.

 

Present                         Mr. D J Lace (Chairman)

                                    Mr. I Baker

                                    Mrs. T M Birkett  

                                    Mr. R M Gimbert

                                    Ms. P Hardman

                                    Mr. J E Lightfoot

                                    Mrs. C A Moughtin

                                    Mrs. P Pugh

                                    Mrs. P S Sweeney       

 

In attendance                Mr. P G Leadley (Town Clerk)

                                                                

CHAIRMAN’S           06/473               Mr. Lace welcomed everyone to the last

WELCOME                                          meeting during his chairmanship and wished to especially thank Mrs. Moughtin whose idea it was to arrange and hold a commercial presentation to Members of Government.  The Chairman referred to the support of Mr. Crookall, MHK and was hopeful that the Commissioners would be able to work with Central Government to achieve new commercial activity in Peel.

 

MINUTES                   06/474               The Minutes of the meeting held on 22nd March 2007 were taken as read and CONFIRMED.

 

WARD LIBRARY       06/475               The Ward Library annual report for the year ending March 2007 was tabled and NOTED. 

 

                                                              It was noted that the improvements works for the centenary celebrations were proceeding on schedule.  Discussion ensued over the Heritage computer system for libraries which Mrs. Horton supported the acquisition of at a cost of at least £3000.  It was noted that the Ward Library would shortly be the only library on the Island using a ticketing system for loan of books.  Mrs. Birkett was of the view that the matter needed serious consideration in the future and in the meantime further research was required from the librarian regarding the Heritage Software system.

 

                                                              It was AGREED that a further meeting of the library sub-committee be held on 9th May 2007 at 10.00a.m. at the library.

 

                                                              Consideration was given to the proposed renovation and repair of a number of important Manx books held at the library.  A list of the books and the individual costs to undertake a proper refurbishment was noted by Members.  It was AGREED that the librarian prioritise the list and bring it back to the Board for a decision on which books would be renovated and in which order.  Mr. Lightfoot suggested that one book be sent away for repair to enable whether the work was of an adequate standard prior to undertaking repair and renovation of the remaining list of books.  AGREED

 

                                                              Mrs. Horton left the meeting at 7.20p.m.

 

LEECE MUSEUM      06/476               It was AGREED that the quarterly report for the Leece Museum be held over until the next meeting of the Board.

 

PEEL SAILING           06/477               Reference was made back to Minute 06/445

AND CRUISING CLUB                      and it was AGREED that a further run of brochures prepared by Mr. Bates be undertaken.  This brochure advertised the Peel Sailing Club and was handed out to visiting sailors to Peel. 

 

                                                              Mr. Lightfoot indicated that it had been suggested that a meeting with the Peel Sailing and Cruising Club be arranged in due course to discuss the 2007 boat rally.  It was further AGREED that the previously agreed donation to the Peel Sailing and Cruising Club in respect of this years rally be made early. 

 

COMMISSIONERS   06/478               Reference was made back to Minute 06/442

SURGERIES                                         and it was noted that the surgery arranged for 21st April 2007 would involve Mr. Crookall, MHK, a member of the Police Force and Mr. Gimbert, Commissioner.  Arising therefrom Mrs. Sweeney suggested that consideration might be given to holding the surgeries in an alternative, less imposing location.  It appeared that some residents found the Town Hall rather intimidating and it was her view that a different impartial location in or near Michael Street maybe of better value. 

 

PEEL CAMPSITE       06/479               The Town Clerk referred to the campsite with particular regard to the campsite’s safety guidelines issued by the Isle of Man Fire Service.  It was of particular concern to note that the recommended space between each tent or caravan was a minimum 6 metres.  Members felt this was excessive in the extreme and if complied with would decimate the number of campers available to camp during the TT and Manx Grand Prix fortnights.  It was AGREED that the Town Clerk contact other campsite operators to ascertain their views on the guidelines. 

 

                                                              The Town Clerk confirmed that a meeting had been arranged by the Department of Tourism for 10th May 2007 to discuss this issue.  It was generally felt that the guidelines were late in being issued for this year’s event bearing in mind the number expected for the Centenary TT.

 

KERBSIDE                 06/480               The Town Clerk advised the Board that twelve

RECYCLING                                       individuals had registered their non-interest in taking part in any kerbside recycling scheme in Peel.  Mr. Gimbert updated Members on the proposal with recycling bags costing £1 and boxes £3 each.  Reference was made to the current scheme being proposed by the Department of Local Government and the Environment which would entail recycling across the Island with the collection of materials down to the local authority.  Such a scheme would involve savings due to scale of operation.  However the matter was discussed and it was confirmed that a trial run had been agreed by the Commissioners.  At this stage it was AGREED that 100 bags and boxes be purchased for a recycling experimental scheme. 

 

ISLAND IN                 06/481               Reference was made to the annual Island in

BLOOM                                               Bloom competition and it was AGREED that an application be submitted to the Department of Tourism as in previous years. 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL      06/482               The first supplemental valuation list for 2007

VALUATION LIST                              was tabled and NOTED.  A penny rate in Peel currently raised the sum of £3141.76 NOTED.

 

FLAG DAY                 06/483               Consideration was given to a request from the Sailing for the Disabled to hold a flag day on 23rd June 2007.  Bearing in mind the limit of two charitable organisations per month for flag days it was AGREED that an alternative date later be offered to the organisation. 

 

WESTERN                  06/484               It was AGREED that the campsite be utilised

ATHLETIC CLUB                                by the organisers from the Western Athletic Club for the signing in of runners for the summer series of races. 

 

TT SIGNS                   06/485               Members noted receipt of a letter from Mr. Hannay, Director of Highways concerning the erection of temporary signs welcoming visitors to the towns and villages of the Island for the TT period.  It was AGREED that such signs be displayed at appropriate locations. 

 

HOTEL                        06/486               The Town Clerk indicated that a public

PLANNING APPLICATION               meeting had been arranged for 3rd May 2007 to consider the Commissioners proposal to sell land at Marine Parade for the development of a hotel/apartments block.  It was AGREED that Mr. Lightfoot and the Town Clerk present the case for the Commissioners in favour of the sale of the land. 

 

WESTERN                  06/487               Concern was raised over the extensive use

CIVIC AMENITY SITE                       being made of the Western Civic Amenity Site consequent upon the Department of Local Government and the Environment decision to open up all sites to visitors from all parts of the Island.  It was noted that the eastern site was closing at 2.00pm. and that users of that site were then being sent to the Western site.  The increased cost of skips would impact upon the budget of the Western Civic Amenity Site as there was no commercial waste income generated.  The disparity on funding between the various sites was raised and it was AGREED that Mr. Gimbert make these concerns known through the Western Civic Amenity Site Committee for onward transmission to the Department of Local Government and the Environment. 

 

PEEL BAY                  06/488               Consideration was given to a letter from Mr.

MUSIC FESTIVAL                              Jonathan Irving of Street Heritage Limited concerning the use of the headlands field for the Peel Bay Music Festival event.  Apart from daytime use on Honda Day when the field would be utilised for parking by the Commissioners it was AGREED that the field be reserved for the controlled parking of local residents being temporarily displaced from Peveril Road and to provide parking for festival staff.  AGREED

 

                                                              With regard to Honda Day it was AGREED to advise Mr. Irving if vehicles were already in the field during the day there would be no compunction upon them to move such vehicles for the evening festival event.

 

LEECE MUSEUM      06/489               The Town Clerk referred to the last meeting of the Leece Museum Trustees which were noted.  The Board AGREED to the proposed amendment to the Constitution in which three new members would become trustees namely Mr. Cooper, Mrs. Quine and Mrs. Bridson.  It was further noted that three members of the Friends of the Museum would also attend future meetings of the trustees.

 

MANX                        06/490               The Town Clerk referred to the requirement to

ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY              provide an improved power line to the

EASEMENT                                         emergency communications site on Peel Hill.  In terms of Commissioners land an easement was required for the power line to pass from Peel Hill to the bank of the River Neb.  It was AGREED that an easement be approved and signed accordingly.  Arising therefrom it was requested that the Town Clerk enquire as to the Manx Electricity Authority providing a power cable along the Quay for visiting and local boats in return. 

 

FENELLA BEACH     06/491               Mr. Lightfoot reported that the Manx National Heritage had still not removed the railing blocking off the steps leading to Fenella Beach and the Castle.  It was AGREED that the Town Clerk write accordingly requesting a date when the railings would be removed following agreement last year. 

 

                                                              With regard to the litter bins on Fenella Beach it was AGREED to remind the Department of Transport, Harbours Division of the need to ensure adequate bins were available for litter. 

 

TOWN RATE             06/492               It was suggested that publicity required to be made on the composite rate bill issued for the Year 2007/2008.  In particular it was confirmed that 52% of the total rate bill related to the Commissioners with 48% referring to the water rate and the burial rate which had nothing to do with Peel Town Commissioners.  It was AGREED that this matter required more publicity. 

 

PEEL BEACH             06/493               Mr. Gimbert referred to the use of the digger to move sand on Peel beach.  He was concerned to note that the digger had been operating over the Easter period when numerous people were on the beach and he was particularly concerned over the health and safety aspect of the operation.  Mr. Gimbert indicated that a Method Statement and risk assessment should have been prepared and the Town Clerk undertook to enquire as to whether this was the case or not. 

                                                             

                                                              This part of the meeting ended at 8.15p.m.