Minutes of June 07 Monthly Meeting

MINUTES OF JUNE MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, 20th JUNE, 2007 IN THE MUNICIPAL OFFICES, RATHSTEWART, ATHY.

CATHAOIRLEACH : COUNCILLOR BRESLIN

COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE: COUNCILLORS CUNNANE,
DALTON, DALY, ENGLISH,
LAWLER, O’SULLIVAN,
WRIGHT.


OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE : T SKEHAN, TOWN MANAGER,
H. DOWLING, TOWN CLERK,
M. AHEARNE, A/SSO.

APOLOGIES : COUNCILLOR SCULLY.


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On the proposal of Cllr Dalton
Seconded by Cllr Cunnane
And agreed

MINUTES OF MAY MONTHLY MEETING HELD ON 16TH MAY, 2007

On the proposal of Cllr Daly
Seconded by Cllr English
And agreed

MINUTES OF MATERIAL CONTRAVENTION SPECIAL MEETING ON
14TH MAY, 2007

2. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Councillor Dalton requested an update on the Retail Strategy. The Town Clerk circulated a memo dated 13th June, 2007 from Marion Chalmers to all councillors.

Councillor Dalton requested an update in regard to the Coneyboro water situation. The Town Clerk read a report from Town Engineer Noel Dillon outlining there was little the Council could do until legal proceedings had decided otherwise. The Town Clerk outlined that the pressure had improved a little since the commencement of leak detection works and that the 11th September, 2007 was the date set for the court. Cllr Dalton requested assurance from the officials that there would not be an adjournment. The Town Manager said he would assist where he could.

Councillor Daly requested an update re: Whitecastle Lawns Boat Slip and right of way in People’s Park. The Town Clerk advised that Mr Donovan had submitted revised drawings and that a special meeting could be organised to discuss further. The Town Clerk also outlined that the Council had a map to say land was not ours to which Cllr Daly requested to know the legal position. The Town Clerk stated it was private land. Cllr Wright stated it was the caretaker’s years ago.

Councillor Daly stated that the IBAL seems to be out of sink and that it was a pity we don’t have an engineer at the moment. He stated it was critically important to keep the sweeping up to date. The Town Manager stated that interviews were held yesterday and the Town Council would have an engineer in a few weeks. The Town Clerk outlined that Athy was participating in Pride Of Place in a number of areas, St Dominick’s Park, CDP, Boxing club, Travellers club and Age Action. Councillor English stated we needed more litterbins in the park and that there were probably six seats without bins. Councillor O’Sullivan noted that a request was made to paint the seats. The Town Clerk said she would investigate. Cllr Wright noted that the park was beautiful and that litter was irresponsible. He requested more tables in the park to which the town clerk replied she would investigate. Councillor Dalton congratulated the progress made at McCauley Park and noted a lot of work had been done.

Councillor Daly requested an update on the swimming pool. The Town Clerk advised that a letter was sent out on the 29th May and that no reply had been received to date. Cllr Wright stated the ambience around the whole new swimming pool was disgraceful and could anything be done to improve the old pool visually. The Town Manager said he would look at this.

3. CORRESPONDENCE

IBAL – Irish Business Against Litter placing Athy 31st in the Moderately Littered rating.


Invitation from Clifford Reid retracing Sir Ernest Shackleton’s footsteps across South Georgia Island at Athy Library on Tuesday 26th June, 2007.

Training Seminar for Councillors – The Local Government Planning Service, Thursday, 5th to Saturday, 7th July, 2007 at The Baltimore Harbour Hotel, Baltimore, West Cork.

Letter from Department of Social and Family Affairs dated 16th May, 2007 re possible waiver of waste collection charges for pensioners.

Letter from Department of Environment re waiver of waste charges.
Cllr Wright stated that the letter did not mean anything anymore and requested the Town Clerk to write to the new minister, Mr Gormley. Cllr Cunanne stated it was grossly unfair and that it was not social justice to have no discretion in the same way that Bus Eireann and TV Licensing have. Cllr Wright stated that Kildare County Council gives free waivers and now that Athy has development levies we should subsidise.

Confederation of European Councillors hosting a one day Seminar in the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh on Friday, 29th June, 2007 to focus on ‘Tackling Poverty and Social Need in Ireland, North & South’.

Councillor Dalton informed the meeting that this seminar is now cancelled.

A letter from Jean-Pierre VASSEUR, Chairman of the Twinning Committee thanking the members of Athy Town Council for the warm welcome they received when over for the Water Festival.

A thank you for councillor’s contribution from The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland North Barrow Branch.

People of the Year awards Nomination Form 2007 closing date Friday, 20th July 2007.

Preliminary Notice Association of Irish Regions 10th Annual Conference – “The Challenge of Climate Change for the Island of Ireland”, The Malton Hotel (Formerly The Great Southern Hotel), Town Centre, Killarney, Co Kerry, Friday, 19th October, 2007. Councillor Dalton requested that this be noted for the September meeting.

Chambers Ireland requesting nomination for the Partnership with Business Award 2007 by 29th June, 2007.

Athy Age Action Committee, Requested letter addressed to Kildare Civil Defence to be read re: Charity Walk on Sunday, 9th September, 2007.

On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
And Seconded by Cllr Cunanne
And Agreed

That a €500 donation be paid.

Social and Community Facilities Capital Scheme 2007 Approval of Grant – KE003/07 – Renovation of Heritage Centre, Athy €49,000 granted.

AMAI Conference in September

On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr English
And agreed

That Cllr O’Sullivan attend

On the proposal of Cllr Dalton
Seconded by Cllr Lawler
And agreed

That Cllr English attend

On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr Dalton
And agreed

That Cllr Scully attend

On the proposal of Cllr O’Sullivan
Seconded by Cllr English
And agreed

That Cllr Cunanne attend.


Councillor O’Sullivan requested that the plots be included in the correspondence to Iarnrod Eireann and that a copy of the correspondence received be reissued to Cllr O’Sullivan, Cllr Breslin and Cllr Lawler.


4. NOTICES OF MOTION

On the proposal of Cllr Wright
Seconded by Cllr Lawler
And agreed

5. “ That we as a Council seek confirmation from Kildare County Council and the Department of Environment that a footbridge will be erected over the barrow at Rathstewart so as to facilitate the people going to our new Swimming Pool and the people in general from the area.”

Cllr Wright stated the footbridge was essential for the town, paths are too narrow for pedestrians and he is awaiting an engineer’s report. It is in the Town Development Plan. It is not a costly job and the people of the town are crying out for it. Cha Chandlers put the motion in and we had no money. We will have a fabulous pool and need a bridge. Cllr Lawler supported the motion and noted it as a vision of the Development Plan and that it would seem the natural option to serve both ends of the town linking the schools, pitches, etc. Cllr Cunanne stated that there was a level of opposition 28 years ago but that it was definitely needed now. Cllr Daly noted to make sure it would be wheelchair friendly. Cllr Dalton remarked that the location of it would be critical. All members supported the motion.

The Town Manager stated that the footbridge is an objective of the Town Development Plan and that other projects are in consideration. The location, design and objective are critical and that Joe Boland, Director of Services would be attending the July Monthly Meeting.

Below Motion deferred

6. “That we as a council look at the possibility of having Kildare County Council and the Department of Health to investigate water pollution in the River Barrow from raw sewage coming from Portarlington and Monasterevan and that in all my years I have never seen the Barrow so filthy”

On the proposal of Cllr Wright
No Seconder

7. “That in view of the fact that Councils and Corporations around the Country have demolished low cost and old houses so as to provide better houses for their tenants I propose that we look at the possibility of doing likewise with Woodstock Houses and to relocate some and spread others out with consultation with the tenant’s and the Department of Environment as these houses will not stand the test of time”.

On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr Dalton
And agreed

8. “That Athy Town Council de-list the property at Number 22 Offaly Street, Athy as the listing of this property is causing great inconvenience for the owner”.

The Town Clerk stated she would start the statutory process.

On the proposal of Cllr O’Sullivan
Seconded by Cllr Daly
And agreed

9. “That the Town Council could provide clothes and plastics bank along the bank at Edmund Rice Square”

Cllr O’Sullivan noted that people had requested it recently and that it would reduce refuse. Cllr Daly noted that recycling should be easy, we need more adequate provision and that the amenity centre is not accessible to all. Cllr Lawler did not support the motion because of the potential of them being set on fire. Cllr English requested if it could be monitored but agreed that if they were burnt they would look unsightly. Cllr O’Sullivan noted that the Bottle Bank in Nurney had a sign on it stating that a donation was being made to The Asthma Society.

The Town Clerk stated that there are alternatives at the moment, St Vincent De Paul being one. Helen noted that they were taken away because they were burnt out. Town Clerk agreed that CCTV could be considered if further funding was made available.

On the proposal of Cllr Daly
Seconded by Cllr O’Sullivan
And agreed

10. “That Athy Town Council erect signage at strategic locations informing people of our bye-laws on drinking alcohol in public places”.

Cllr Daly proposed the motion and noted he was trying to curb drinking illegally in the town and that we are lucky to have byelaws. The Horse Bridge was a particularly bad area. Cllr O’Sullivan noted that Off Licences could be brought into this too. Cllr Cunanne supported the motion and has requested prosecution figures for drinking in public places from the JPC. Cllr Breslin wondered how we could go about introducing a levy on cans. Cllr Lawler stated the role of the publican’s and supermarkets was very important. Cllr Dalton supported the motion fully, it’s a by-product to crime, and litter, anti-social behaviour/suicides and can have an intimidating feeling. Cllr Dalton we currently have a lot of signage that needs to be cleaned.

On the proposal of Cllr Daly
Seconded by Cllr Dalton
And agreed

11. “ That Athy Town Council calls on Kildare County Council to erect ramps on the Kilberry Road entrance to the town to slow down traffic”.

Councillor Daly remarked how cars are travelling at speed coming in from the straight stretch of road and has had a number of complaints from the resident’s of St Joseph’s Terrace. This needed to be addressed urgently. All councillors supported this motion and the need to protect life is important and that ramps are successful in slowing down traffic.

The Town Clerk read a report from Area Engineer.


12. CATHAOIRLEACH’S BUSINESS

The Cathaoirleach thanked Cllr Lawler and all the members for their contribution to the Ceremony for the Privates.

The Cathaoirleach noted that it was important to set a date to discuss the Retail Strategy.

The Cathaoirleach also noted that Cllr English would be 40 years a councillor next month – making him the ‘Daddy of the Chamber’ proposing July 6th or 9th to have a presentation.

Cllr English informed all he was first elected on 28th June, 1967. Cllr Daly said he would be on holidays for both dates unfortunately. All agreed July 6th.

The Cathaoirleach congratulated the Town Clerk on her recent promotion to RAPID co-ordinator. All councillors noted that Linda Mulhall would be a hard act to follow but there was no doubt that Helen would fulfil the role and do a fantastic job. Cllr Cunanne congratulated Helen on behalf of the A.I.T.Cllr O’Sullivan wished Helen all the best and noted how courteous and helpful Helen was at all times. The Town Manager congratulated Helen and was glad she was not leaving the town. The Town Clerk replied by saying she was glad not to be leaving the town and that Athy had been very good to her too.

13. MANAGER’S BUSINESS

AFS 2007 – The Town Clerk noted that the long-term debt was down €145,000 this year and is now at €1.6 m, also stating there would be a six monthly report for the next meeting.

On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr Cunanne
And agreed

RE: Over expenditure

On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr Cunanne
And agreed

RE: AFS 2007

Cllr English raised a query re the Water Collection Rate and was happy with the response that it was an issue in regard to the issuing of the bills and not the customers refusing to pay. The Town Manager thanked the cathaoirleach and members for their support in putting the budget together.

14. REPORTS FROM SUB-COMMITTEES

No reports to note.

The Town Clerk noted that a report on the Heritage, Community Council, Graveyard and Arts would follow at the next meeting.

15. PLANNING REGISTER

Cllr Wright wanted an update on the Shaws file. The Town Clerk stated the file was due next week and that there had been an objection.

Cllr Dalton enquired when we planned to scan the files. The Town Clerk stated she had a meeting next week in regard to this and would keep members informed.

Cllr Cunanne requested clarity on why there would be a planning application for a sub station.

Cllr Dalton queried where we were at in regard to the Development Levy Review. The Town Manager replied that Mr John Lahart is reviewing the County at the moment and Athy would be reviewed as part of this in September/October. The Town Manager noted that the 50% reduction served us well at the time and it is due a review now.

16. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The Cathaoirleach passed on congratulations to Olive Kavanagh, Audrey Myles and Maria Ahearne for all passing exams recently.

The Cathaoirleach sympathised with the Town Manager on the death of his mother Mrs Nora Skehan.

Cllr Wright requested that a letter be written to the Inland Fisheries in regard to the mound near the Moneen River.

Cllr Wright enquired who is responsible for looking after the nun’s graves at the Carlton site. Sr Brendan Walsh is buried here and he would like it looked after.

Cllr Wright requested to find out who was responsible for the school wall at Convent View. The Town Clerk read a report compiled by the Town Engineer before he left. It was agreed that the Department of Education should be written to.

Cllr Daly conveyed congratulations to the three elected TDs and other members agreed and noted that Cllr Daly’s vote numbers were very good for the first time running.

Cllr Lawler remarked that bins are at times very full in the town and requested that the Town Clerk write to the Model School Board of Management with regard to the dangerous parking on the road instead of using the access system provided by the School.

Cllr Cunanne noted the triathlon was a fantastic success and requested that the organisers be written a letter of congratulations.

Cllr Dalton noted that the river was used on two successive weekends and that the river is underutilised.

Cllr O’Sullivan congratulated Arthur Lynch and his team for the successful triathlon. Cllr O’Sullivan thanked Tidy Towns on the way the square was prepared. The slipway at Dr McDougalds has been cleaned up too and the Town Clerk noted that the rail was on the way.

Cllr Wright requested that AIB be written to, to take away the ‘jungle’ at the front of their premises. Cllr Cunanne supported this and requested the manager be written to and asked to attend a council meeting.

Cllr Dalton noted that Aontas Ogra are 40 years next Thursday and to write a letter to them.

A minute’s silence was observed for the death of Mrs Nora Skehan, mother of Town Manager, Mr Tommy Skehan.


THIS CONCLUDED THE BUSINESS OF THE MEETING


CATHAOIRLEACH: ________________________
DATE: _______________________