GENERAL MEETING

 

The MINUTES of the GENERAL MEETING held in the Board Room, Town Hall, Derby Road, Peel on Thursday 17th May 2007 at 7.00p.m.

 

Present                         Mrs. P S Sweeney (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

 

Apologies                     Mr. D J Lace

                                                                

In attendance                Mr. P G Leadley (Town Clerk)

                                    Mr. R Baker (Curator)

                                                                

CHAIRMAN’S           07/018               The Chairman welcomed the public to the

WELCOME                                          meeting and referred to the recent Public Hearing regarding the proposed sale of land at Marine Parade for proposed hotel development.  She also wished to thank the public for attending the recent meeting concerning the Peel Bay Festival and traffic measures around the Town for this event.  With reference to the Ward Library plans were progressing and the library building was now looking good having been repainted new shelves and desk.  Mrs. Horton the Librarian was planning events during the summer leading up to the centenary celebrations in August/September.  In conclusion the Chairman asked Members to think of ways to mark the 50th anniversary of the building of the Town Hall which is scheduled for February 2008.  Mrs. Sweeney tabled some photographs of litter left on the Promenade alongside one of the shelters which would appear to suggest excessive drinking in the shelters by young people.  She indicated that six bags of litter were cleared off the Promenade and beach by Town Hall staff.  It was also noted that a problem of litter was evident on the headlands.  Mrs. Pugh indicated that the Clean Team would look to make a further effort in cleaning areas of the Town in the near future. 

 

MINUTES                   07/019               The Minutes of the meeting held on 19th April 2007 were taken as read and CONFIRMED.

 

LEECE MUSEUM      07/020               The quarterly report of the Leece Museum was NOTED.  The Curator indicated that visitor numbers were healthy despite the town suffering with the recent spate of road works and road closures. 

 

                                                              Mr. Baker indicated that the available space in the Ward Library flat had proved useful in enabling the storage of certain items from the museum.  The Curator sought permission to remove certain of the radiators to create more display space.  It was AGREED that a price be obtained for an alternative type of skirting radiator heating.  Mr. Baker indicated that he would liaise with Mr. Dawson the Commissioners plumber and heating engineer accordingly.

 

                                                              Mr. Baker confirmed that a display of pictures of motorbikes and trophies would be available for the TT period including the production of a limited edition of calendars to mark the TT Centenary. 

 

                                                              Upon a request from Mr. Kelly the Licensee of the adjacent Peveril Hotel permission was given for him to hang flower baskets on the Leece Museum wall.  Mr. Baker also sought permission to seek planning permission for a sign on the Leece Museum Quayside gable.  AGREED

 

                                                              Mr. Baker left the meeting at 7.25p.m.

 

WESTERN CIVIC      07/021               Mr. Gimbert indicated that earlier concerns

AMENITY SITE                                   over the funding of the increase in use of the site had been investigated and it appeared that only one extra skip had been filled and used over the period.  It was noted that the Department of Local Government and the Environment sought to set specific opening times for all civic amenity sites across the Island.  Mr. Gimbert confirmed that he had been appointed Chairman of the Western Civic Amenity Site Committee for the current year and it was his wish that a meeting be arranged with the Department to discuss various issues including the Department’s desire that all education school waste be taken to the amenity sites.  This raised the query as to whether such waste was commercial.  Concern was also voiced over the lack of parity with regard to funding of the various civic amenity sites.  It appeared that Central Government through the Department of Local Government and the Environment gave financial assistance to the North and South sites whereas the Western one was totally funded out of the rates.  It was the Board Members view that all civic amenity sites should be run on an even basis. 

 

FENELLA BEACH     07/022               Members noted that Manx National Heritage had re-sited the railing on St. Patrick’s Isle enabling access to Fenella Beach.  It was AGREED that a letter of thanks be sent to Manx National Heritage accordingly.

 

POWER SUPPLY       07/023a             The Town Clerk indicated that the Manx Electricity Authority had responded to his enquiry and confirmed that any increase or upgrading of the electricity supply to the Quay for use of boat owners would have to come from the Department of Transport itself.  Mrs. Birkett indicated that one of the power point boxes was in a dangerous condition.  It was AGREED that enquiries be made of the Department as to whether an upgrading of the power supply could be accomplished in the current financial year with funding from the Town’s rate on the basis that the Department repaid it out of its revenue budget the following year.  The Town Clerk undertook to make enquiries accordingly.

 

PEEL BEACH             07/023b             The Town Clerk referred back to Minute 06/493 and confirmed that the contractor had been advised of the need to ensure he prepared a Method Statement in the future when the movement of sand was undertaken on Peel beach.  NOTED

 

YOUTH                       07/024               Further consideration was given to Mr.

CHAMPION                                        Gimbert’s motion for the appointment of a youth champion and the amendment of Standing Orders accordingly.  Mr. Gimbert outlined his definition of a youth champion and it was felt that this appointment if approved would be the point of contact for the Town’s youth. 

 

                                                              After discussion the Board AGREED that the motion as defined by Mr. Gimbert be approved and that Mr. Baker be appointed the youth liaison member for the Commissioners.  AGREED

 

FLUORIDE IN            07/025               Members noted receipt of a letter from the

WATER                                                Health and Social Security Consultant in Public Health Medicine.  Members felt that the Department of Health and Social Security required to give the matter public debate with appropriate advice to the general public on fluoridation of water.

 

TOWN FLAG             07/026               Members considered an initial draft of a proposed town flag.  It was AGREED that a screen printed version for display on the Promenade incorporating a blue background with the town crest in the centre should be obtained.  With regard to the Town Hall it was suggested more expensive embroidered flag be obtained. 

 

PROMENADE            07/027               Consideration was given to a request from Mrs.

KIOSK                                                 Rose the lessee of the Promenade kiosk for the erection of a three sided tent during the summer period when major events were being held in the Town.  APPROVED

 

YN                              07/028               Members considered a letter from the Yn

CHRUINNAGHT                                 Chruinnaght Committee requesting permission to provide music and dancing groups at various venues in and around Peel during the summer months.  AGREED

 

EASTER                      07/029               Members noted receipt of a letter of thanks

ATHLETIC FESTIVAL                        from the Manx Harriers in respect of the facilities provided and permission granted for access to Peel Hill for the recent Easter Athletic Festival.  NOTED

PEEL HERITAGE       07/030               The Town Clerk referred to a letter from the

TRUST                                                  Peel Heritage Trust in which the Trust had agreed to purchase a fingerpost sign.  It was noted the sign would be located in the vicinity of the new harbour footbridge and it was AGREED that the Commissioners fund two finger post signs for the sign itself.  It was also AGREED that the outdoor staff would undertake the erection of the sign when it was received. 

 

                                                              Arising therefrom concern was expressed over the advertising of the railway museum operated by Peel Heritage Trust on the new bridge railings.  It was AGREED that a letter be sent to Mr. Sam Knight requesting the removal of such signage bearing in mind that the new fingerpost sign will cover all directional requirements. 

 

REAYRT AALIN        07/031               The Town Clerk indicated that three companies

RE-PAINTING                                     had tendered for the re-painting scheme at Rearyt Aalin namely Southwards Limited, Cedar Developments Limited and SGL Construction Limited.  It was noted that tenders had to be submitted by 31st May 2007 at 12 noon. 

 

ACCOUNTING          07/032               The Town Clerk read out a letter from the

OFFICER                                             Department of Local Government and the Environment dated 11th May 2007 under which the Commissioners had to submit the name of a responsible Finance Officer under the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2007.  It was AGREED that a copy of the letter with the relevant regulations be copied to Members prior to a  favourable response to the Department.

 

REAYRT                     07/033               The Town Clerk referred to the new housing

NY KEYLLEY ESTATE                      development at Ballawattleworth recently named as Reayrt Ny Keylley.  Heritage Homes had requested that the Commissioners submit the new names for the roads of the estate.  Members AGREED to give this matter appropriate consideration in due course. 

 

CIVIC SUNDAY        07/034               Due to a clash with Veterans Day on 24th June 2007 it had been AGREED due to the non-appearance of the Castletown Silver Band that Peel’s Civic Sunday be changed to the 22nd July 2007.  NOTED

 

STREET HERITAGE   07/035               Mrs. Moughtin wished to complain about the

LIMITED                                              apparent digging up of East Quay by Street Heritage Limited without seeking appropriate Department of Transport approval.  It appeared that this related to the provision of a power supply to the new apartment development on East Quay named Mariner’s Wharf.  Street Heritage had not communicated with the neighbours in the vicinity and it appeared that the Department of Transport decision was still awaited on the digging up of the road.  It appeared that concern related to the fact that no traffic management proposals had been submitted to the Department.  Mrs. Moughtin requested that the Police be advised to enforce the double yellow lines on the Quay and in front of the House of Manannan.  AGREED

 

COMMISSIONERS   07/036               Mrs. Birkett sought items from Members for

NEWSLETTER                                     inclusion in the next edition of the Commissioners newsletters. 

 

                                                              Reference was made to the lack of Press Officers in attendance at the Commissioners public meetings and it was noted that the northern correspondent’s first priority was with Ramsey and the North.  After discussion it was AGREED to contact the Editor of Isle of Man Newspapers indicating the Commissioners concerns at the lack of coverage of western news.

 

SOLAR TECH            07/037               Mr. Gimbert tabled information regarding the provision of solar panels for properties.  It was noted that the Department of Local Government and the Environment was investigating the use of solar panels in local authority housing schemes and in that respect an initial experiment was being carried out at Janet’s Corner.  It was AGREED that the matter be borne in mind for future refurbishment schemes on existing local authority properties around the Town. 

 

KERROO COAR        07/038               Mr. Gimbert referred to complaints from certain tenants at Kerroo Coar regarding children playing ball games on the grassed area near to their properties.  It was his wish that a “No ball game” sign be erected as the children should play in the vicinity of the playground area.  Other Members disagreed with Mr. Gimbert’s view and felt that on a mixed estate with older residents and children that a degree of co-operation and patience should exist.  Members AGREED that a sign should not be erected.

 

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