• Minutes, Wed 19th March. 2008

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    Gill is the Clerk to the Rushen Parish Commissioners.

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    July 17th, 2008 by Gillian Kelly in Meeting Minutes

    Meeting held 7:30pm Wed. 19th March 2008, Ballafesson Hall.

    Present: Mr D Cain (Chairman), Mr P Vernon (Vice-Chairman), Mr P Gunn, Mr A Tinkler
    Apologies: Mr D Ronan

    The Minutes of the Meeting held Wed. 27th February 2008, having previously been circulated, were taken as read. Mr Cain requested that a slight amendment be made to ‘2 r)’ Ballafesson Road, Ballachurry. To be amended to ‘car parking’ and not ‘the problems which could arise’. The amendment was made and the Minutes were agreed a true record.

    1. Matters Arising:

      1. Local Authority Elections

        Nomination Notices were put up in the Parish on 13th. DoLGE had placed notices covering all Local Authorities in The Courier and the Examiner.

        The Clerk had written to the CEO of IOM Post regarding their requirements for Local Authorities to have ‘two trade references’ before they would open an account. She pointed out that LAs had been in existence for over 100 years and that Members were surprised and shocked that an organisation such as the Post Office should require this. Also that RPC would not therefore open an account but would pay by cheque upon receipt of an invoice. The Clerk had subsequently received notification that DoLGE would provide the reference. She pointed out again that they seemed to be missing the point – a Local Authority should not need a reference. However, she had completed the form so that an invoice for payment could be sent should there be an election.

        Phil Gawne MHK was to hold a candidates meeting at 7 30pm on 26th March at Ballafesson Hall. He was trying to encourage people to stand and also giving his views on how he thought the Southern Local Authorities should work together. Members said they may attend.

      2. Waste Management and Refuse Collection

        New wheelie bins: Nothing yet.

      3. Southern Area Plan including Ballakilley Land

        A submission to be sent to Ian McCauley regarding this on similar lines to what had been typed out for discussion at the meeting. It was felt important to make clear about how the National Heritage Area should be run and, possibly to have Cregneash Village and the land on the Peninsula treated separately. Mr Gunn suggested the possibility of the land being a National Park and be separate from the Village. RPC must have involvement in the running of it.

        The Clerk was to type out a further submission and send to Members before forwarding to Mr McCauley.

      4. National Heritage Area

        see above.

      5. MNH

        nothing at present.

      6. Street lighting at Cregneash

        The Clerk had contacted the MEA again and there had been a delay on getting the fittings but they were going to chase it up. The Clerk had told Mr Gilbertson that RPC would have liked them up before Easter.

      7. MEA street lighting

        The Clerk had asked for an explanation on the difference in price between the light fittings on Mount Gawne Road and Croit-e-Caley. Someone from MEA had contacted the Clerk and they would send a breakdown of the costs.

      8. Southern Civic Amenity Site

        Mr Cain reported that two of the operatives who should be working on the Eastern Amenity Site, which was at the moment being run by ‘Tel’s’, had come down to the Southern Site to help out. Their wages were not coming from the Southern Site Board.

      9. Traffic

        nothing at present.

      10. DoT

        There had been nothing further about the requested pavement at Plantation Hill. Mr Cain reported that some of the residents were to take photographs of the children walking down the road to show the problem.

        Glen Chass — there had been nothing further from Jim Davidson, DoT, regarding the proposed widening of the corner.

        Surby Road — the Clerk had written to Mr & Mrs Felton asking of they could clear the drain in their field to stop the water flooding onto the road. There had been no reply and it was not known if the work had been done.

        Qualtrough’s Lane — Mr Vernon reported that, where the DoT had been carrying out work, the road way was collapsing in places. The Clerk was to report this to DoT.

      11. Police

        There were no issues to be brought up at the next meeting.

      12. Litter, dog fouling, fly tipping, beach cleaning

        Mr Ronan had been in touch with Mr Dunn from CRHS and they had decided that 19th April would be a suitable day to clear Bay ny Carrickey. They would start at 7 45am.

        The Clerk would order bags. Mr Kelly would remove the rubbish to the Amenity Site.

      13. Ballafesson Playing Field

        Lease — Mr Gunn had not seen either John or David Radcliffe yet but hoped to over the weekend.

      14. Croit-e-Caley, The Level

        Nothing further at present.

      15. Car Park, The Howe

        There had been no reply from the IOM Water Authority to the proposal that RPC take out a lease for the required amount of land to extend the car park. The Clerk was to phone them to ask what was happening.

      16. Hedges and Verges

        Mr Vernon was to send the documents regarding his problems with the neighbour’s hedge to DoLGE.

      17. Municipal Association

        Mr Gunn had attended the February Meeting. The Association was trying to get more Local Authorities to become Members. He would be attended the March meeting the following week.

      18. Southern Swimming Pool

        Mr Ronan was not present so there was no report.

      19. Southern Health Committee

        Mr Tinkler said that there was nothing to report other than that the signed Minutes of the Committee would be circulated to all Clerks.

      20. Rushen Ambulance Committee

        Mr Vernon had the Minutes of their last meeting. He reported that the First Responders were now all sorted and they were covered by St John Ambulance insurance if they were called out, but if called out by the Ambulance Service then they would be covered by that insurance. The Rushen Emergency Ambulance Committee would be able to retain all their funds. A letter to be sent to the Committee stating that RPC were glad that the situation had come to fruition and the First Responders were in place. They offered their support.

        Mr Tinkler said that Mr Vernon should take some credit for moving the situation on so that it was resolved.

      21. Marashen Crescent Housing

      22. Secret Gardens in Rushen

        There was nothing further on this.

      23. Housing Consultative Conference

        Mr Vernon gave a report. There was to be a meeting of Local Authorities after the elections. This would be to discuss different rent structure and would be after the elections. It was considered there may be problems with means-testing. There were two legal people there who spoke on the legal aspects of tenancy.

      24. Contract of Employment

        Mr Tinkler had looked at the Clerk’s current Contract and said that it should at least be updated with regard to the age. He was to get a draft of a part-time contract and bring it to the next meeting.

    2. Revenue

      Rents 1,118 23
      Searches 60 00
      Shore Hotel (overdue a/c)large w/bin
      and refuse disposal      		 587 80 (inc vat)

    3. Accounts for Payment

      Jones Services 2,171 71
      Clerk’s salary 750 00
      MEA – light at Mount Gawne Road 644 84 (paid and queried)
      DoLGE – refuse disposal Feb 1,216 35
      Manx Telecom 37 77
      Arbory Commissioners 2 w/bins 82 25
      Viking Direct – minute book, folders 59 28
      Information Systems Div. Poll Cards
      (paper only – no charge for printing)      		 40 36
      Postage 19th Sept. – 14th March 40 91
      Clerk’s mileage May 07- March 08 115 84
      Petrol for mower July 07 11 89
      Q &C copies & laminating pouches 4 54
      Nick Thornley — set up of web site 1,541 25

    4. Financial Situation

      (as at Fri. 14th March 2008)

      General current 1,000 00
      Liquidity 55,626 78
      Fixed Term 32,851 03
      Rent Current 7,833 77
      Housing Maintenance 2,553 42

      The bank statements had been brought to the meeting and seen by Members of the Board.

    5. Correspondence

      1. Manx Telecom – phone box at The Level.

        They were reviewing all the payphones on the Island as part of a major upgrade which would ‘replace all existing units with new cash-only payphones that are fully compatible with the next generation of exchange network (NGN).’

        They proposed to take away the phone box at The Level as it had only taken £30 in the previous year. ‘The cost of replacing the payphone would far outweigh any future revenues in a fast declining market. An alternative public payphone exists are Colby Bridge and there is mobile coverage in the area. With these factors in mind, it is their intention to remove this payphone following 60 days public notification in the kiosk. This withdrawal is compliant with the guidelines agreed with the Communications Commissioners which I have enclosed for your information I would appreciate you informing the Commissioners of our intentions of our intentions and feeding back any comments they may have’. Graham Shimmin, Product Manager.

        Members did not object to the removal of the box, provided there was consultation with the people in the area.

        It was agreed that Manx Telecom should be approached, once again, with regard to providing mobile phone cover in the Cregneash/Sound area. It was to be suggested that they investigate putting a mobile mast on Cronk-e-Watch

      2. Application for License to Dispose of Waste

        08/01578/EPWDE Moorhouse Farm Ltd, Moorhouse Farm, Mount Gawne Road had applied to DoLGE for a licence to dispose of waste at Moorhouse, a modification of existing licence.

        It transpired that this was not at Moorhouse but at Earystane., which is in Arbory.

      3. School Crossing, Ballafesson Road, Port Erin.

        Letter from Road Safety Manager – ‘You may be aware that the school crossing patrol officer at the Ballafesson Road site has recently resigned from her post. Since then it has not been possible to staff the crossing with a relief officer. Patrol sites are usually established subject to the criteria set out in the school crossing patrol guidelines. However, this patrol site was established in September 2005 as part of a developing safer route to school scheme with the intention that its usage would increase, this has not happened. At a recent survey the number of pupils using the patrol site was very low. The head teacher of Rushen Primary School mentioned the crossing in last month’s newsletter and asked for comments, of which there were none. The unit therefore is, with regret, looking into disestablishing this patrol site. Before this happens I would welcome your comments.’

        There were no objections to this proposal.

      4. Licensing and Registration of Vehicles (Amendment) Regulations – Draft.

        Noted.

      5. Road Closure Application –

        End to End Walk 21st September. Mr Tinkler was to query whether the roads were actually closed.

        Parish Walk 21st June - views on timing would be appreciated.

        Noted.

    6. Planning Applications

      1. 08/0332. Upper Kirkhill, Ballakilpheric. Mr & Mrs Berry

        Erection and repositioning stable block away from house and in a field.

        Members objected to this as it was a fairly large building proposed some distance away from the existing house and yard. It should be situated close to the buildings.

      2. 08/0316. Bridge House, Surby. Mr A Crowther

        Two storey extension to the rear of the existing property to accommodate new kitchen, bathroom and bedroom areas.

        There were no objections but it was noted that there was an existing manhole situated where the proposed extension was to be built.

      3. 08/0413. Fuschia Cottage, Ballakilpheric Road. J Reynolds

        Siting of oil tank to replace bulk gas tank, removed prior to building renovation and extension.

        No objections

    7. Planning Approvals 9, Planning Refusals 10, Planning Appeals none

    8. Other Planning Matters

      1. PA 06/1930. The Level Garage Site

        Erection of two detached dwellings and associated parking and landscaping. Copy of letter from Deputy Secretary to the Planning Committee to

        W B Vannan, Planning and Architectural Consultant – dated 7th March and sent to Arbory Commissioners and forwarded to RPC:- ‘I refer to your letter dated 17th August 2007 regarding conditions 3,4,and 6 of the above application, the contents of which were considered by the Senior Planning Officer at a meeting held on 7th March 2008. Under the authority delegated to her by the Department, the Senior Planner determined that the use of Redlands Cambrian or Marley Monarch imitation slate would satisfy the requirements of condition 6 of the approval. In respect of condition 4, the provision of visibility splays in accordance with the drawings approved at appeal, would satisfy that condition, subject to the walling within the splay not exceeding one metre in height. In respect of condition 3 or the approval, the Senior Planner determined that the provision of a gated access at the top of the bank on the southern boundary, as shown in drawing received on the 22nd February 2008, would satisfy that condition.’

    9. Completion Certificates

      None.

    10. Any Other Business

      1. Postal Addresses in Rushen

        Mr Potts, The Views, Lhingague. He had contacted the Clerk with his concerns about his address which now seemed to be Ballakillowy. Delevery men were getting lost and going into Ballakillowey Estate. There are no signs saying Ballakillowey Road, Lhingague or Ballakilpheric Road.

        The Clerk pointed out that the sign to Ballakillowey Estate only says ‘Ballakillowey’.

        It was agreed to look at this and possibly to change the estate sign to something more appropriate.

      2. Community Sports Halls

        These had been discussed in Tynwald and Mr Gill had been on Manx Radio talking about them. The Clerk had contacted him to ask for more information. These were to be separate building from the schools and would not involve school buildings or staff. They were to be built in various parts of the Island and Rushen had been identified as the best place to build the first one. This would be on part of the playing field and it was hoped that, with Tynwald approval of the funding procedures proposed, that it would be built within a year.

        Members were pleased that this may be going ahead as it was a much needed facility.

      3. Thousla Cross/wreck of Jeune St Charles

        The Clerk drew Members’ attention to 8th April 2008 being the 150th anniversary of the wreck of the Jeaune St Charles and the rescue of some of the crew by men from The Howe and Port St Mary. As it was Rushen Commissioners who had the Cross erected at the Sound to commemorate this it was felt that it should be remembered.

        It was agreed that an article should be put in the newspapers giving information and inviting anyone interested to come along. The Clerk was to contact Mel Wright and to also suggest that it could be put on Terry Cringle’s page and to ask for a photographer to come along.

        The Ceremony would be short and informal, with no formal invitations being sent out.

        The Clerk was to get a wreath to be laid at the Cross.

    11. Date of Next Meeting

      Wednesday 16th April 2008.

    This part of the meeting closed at 9:10pm.

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