November Monthly Meeting

MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30 P.M ON WEDNESDAY THE 21ST OF NOVEMBER 2007 IN THE MUICIPAL OFFICES, RATHSTEWART, ATHY.


CATHAOIRLEACH; COUNCILLOR CUNNANE.

COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE; COUNCILLORS DALTON, ENGLISH,
DALY, O’SULLIVAN, BRESLIN,
LAWLER, WRIGHT.

OFFICALS IN ATTENDANCE; TOMMY SKEHAN, TOWN MANAGER,
JOE BOLAND, DIRECTOR OF
SERVICES KCC, MICHELLE DEVINE,
TOWN CLERK, MARIA AHEARNE,
SENIOR STAFF OFFICER,


The Cathaoirleach welcomed Brendan O’ Sullivan, Eastern Regional Manager for the IDA.

Mr O’ Sullivan told the members that it was four years ago since he attended a Council meeting in Athy and was delighted at the amount of development that has taken place in Athy and the county over that period and added that these changes offered great hope for the future. Mr O’Sullivan gave a presentation outlining the responsibilities of the I.D.A.

Cllr Wright enquired whether there would be more factories coming into the town.

Cllr Dalton said he would like to see the regeneration of the town centre and this would only happen if there was more new investment in Athy.

The Cathaoirleach asked what was inhibiting this new investment.


Suspend Standing Orders
Proposed: Cllr Lawler
Seconded: Richard Daly
And agreed

Cllr Lawler thanked Mr O’Sullivan for his active involvement with the Forum over the last four years. All members thanked Mr O’Sullivan for attending the meeting.


Resume Standing orders
Proposed: Cllr John Lawler
Seconded: Cllr Mary O’ Sullivan

The Cathoirleach on behalf of all the members welcomed Michelle Devine as our new Town Clerk. The Cathoirleach also thanked Maria Ahearne for her hard work and effort as A/Town Clerk over the last four months. This was endorsed by all members present.

1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES.

Minutes of Oct Monthly Meeting 2007
Proposed: Cllr Daly
Seconded: Cllr Lawler.
And agreed

2. MATTERS ARISING

Cllr Daly extended a thank you to acknowledge the CFL bulbs being installed in the Chamber together with the new Flags.

Cllr Daly enquired whether Athy Town Council had taken the Jetty in charge.

The Town Engineer replied that there were a number of issues that still had to be addressed one of which was insurance. The Town Engineer explained that as IPBMI do not insure jetties for councils we could not make any progress until this was sorted out.

The Town Manager added the he was not sure whether other town councils had ever taken jetties in charge and it was important that we get this right.

Cllr Dalton enquired how the Youth Café was progressing. The Town Clerk outlined that the last date for submissions is December 6th and that a Planners Report would follow for the December meeting.

Cllr O’Sullivan enquired whether the council had received a response from CIE to our previous letter. Maria Ahearne, Senior Staff Officer said that we would send a reminder to follow.

Cllr Breslin requested an update on the promised remedial scheme within Carbury Park and Townspark.

The Town Manager said DOE were carrying out a detailed review of funding for all remedial schemes with each local authority and as a result no decision has yet been made when our own remedial scheme work will commence.


The Cathaoirleach said all members were originally full of hope and now it appears that there is some uncertainty whether the works would happen at all The Cathaoirleach found this unsettling.

Cllr Breslin questioned where had all the funding gone for this project

Cllr Dalton said that the delay for the contracts to be signed and work to commence were inexcusable and requested that Peter Minnock attend next meeting.

Cllr English understood that funding was granted some years ago and therefore could not understand why there was a delay in remedial works commencing as promised.

Cllr Daly queried whether money allocated under AIT was available to the council.

Cllr Wright said that it appears that the members had no influence into what was happening in relation to the remedial works.

Cllr Lawler proposed that a strongly worded letter be forwarded to the DOE.
This was seconded by Cllr Wright.

The Town manager requested the members to wait until all issues were clarified with DOE which should happen within the next week

The Cathaoirleach asked that the proposal be deferred. This was agreed by the members present.


3. CORRESPONDENCE

Michelle Devine, Town Clerk read out the following correspondence to the members:-

· Letter from the Confederation of European Councillors about a one day Seminar on the theme of “Tackling Poverty and Social Need in Ireland North and South” to be held on Friday the 7th Dec 2007 in the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh.

· Letter from Woulfe Event Management of a forthcoming Seminar on Crime in the Greenhills Hotel, Limerick on the 24th and 25th of Jan 2008

· Letter from The Island of Ireland partnership about of Pathfinding Conference to be held in the Regency Hotel, Swords Rd, Dublin on Saturday 1ST of Dec 2007 to consider proposals to from a “An Island of Ireland Local Government Partnership.”

· Reply form the Department of Health and Children acknowledging receipt of letter from this council “concerning the Oncology Unit at Naas General Hospital.”




· Reply from the Inland Waterways Associations of Ireland North Barrow Branch that they would be interested “in the setting up of a committee to study the feasibility of the future development of the River Barrow and the Canal in Athy “and would like “to meet with the council to discuss the matter.”

· Letter from Cuan Mhuire thanking this council for its generous “support in respect of the Golf Classic which was held on Friday the 28th of Sept at Athy Golf Club.”

· Letter from Francis B. Taafee & Co thanking this council for their response and involvement in the Dominican 750th Anniversary Celebrations.

· Letter from B. Corcoran Chief Superintendent and Personal Assistant to Commissioner acknowledging receipt of our correspondence date 2nd of Nov 07 and that this matter had been passed on to Deputy Commissioner who will communicate in due course.

· Letter from TRI Athy asking that we following up on the pledge by this council to contribute €1,000 towards the running of this event which was successfully held on 2nd of June 2007.

Proposed: Cllr Lawler
Seconded: Cllr Daly
That €1000 be contributed to Tri Athy.

· Letter from K. Kavanagh Environment Section in Kildare County Council informing the members that charges at Athy Civic Amenity site will not be waived as there is already “a significant cost to the Council - through providing the appropriate infrastructure and resources- in delivery of waste management services, including civic amenity sites.”

· Letter from Margaret Walsh, Manager, Athy Heritage Centre requesting sponsorship from Athy Town Council for the Santa South Pole Village.

It was proposed by Cllr Lawler and seconded by Cllr Daly that €1,000 be allocated by this council as sponsorship towards the Santa South Pole Village

· Letter from Gabriel Dooley, Manager Director of Dooley Property
proposing “that Athy Town Council give serious consideration to
to organising a property expo in the first half of 2008.”








QUALITY WATER REPORT OF THE RIVER BARROW


The Cathoirleach welcomed Joe Boland Director of Services for Water who was here to report to the members on the level of water quality of the River Barrow.

Joe Boland informed the members that sampling and checks are carried out regularly on the river Barrow to test the quality of water and to ensure that there are no unauthorised discharges into it. Joe Boland explained that these tests show that the overall water quality of the river is very good. However he also asked that if the members or the public become aware or notice any unauthorised discharges into the river that waters services should be notified immediately.

Cllr Daly said that the report showed that the river Barrow was clearer and cleaner than others.

Cllr Wright asked that the river along McEwan and Croom a Boo Bridge be investigated as he believed there was some discolouring

The members on the whole welcomed the water quality report and the Cathoirleach on behalf of the council thanked Joe Boland for his report.

The Section 85 Agreement was brought before the members for Athy Town Council to extend the care taking agreement on behalf of Kildare County Council for the period 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2008.

Section 85 Agreement
Proposed: Cllr Lawler
Seconded: Cllr Breslin
And agreed

4. NOTICES OF MOTION

The Town Manager referred to motions 5, 8, and 12 and explained that:

· Slievemore Homes were granted planning permission by Bord Pleanala
· Management and Landscaping plans were submitted and accepted
· A committee was set up to address certain outstanding issues and had met with the developer on several occasions.

Therefore he concluded that if these motions were adopted they may need to be referred to Bord Pleanala

Cllr Daly said that these motions are as a result of these meetings.

Cllr Dalton said he had been told by residents that they had no trust in their elected members and also felt let down by council officials by the granting of the permission.
Cllr Wright said he was here when this land was been rezoned and thought there was another entrance.


Cllr Breslin said there was still some uncertainty in who owns the boundary

Cllr Lawler asked if the members could meet with the developer.

Cllr Wright enquired that if these motions are passed will the council be subject to litigation.

The Town Manager suggested that these motions be deferred and meet with developer first.

Cllr Dalton said that the members had a duty to the residents and that these motions would not be deferred as it was making a bad situation worse.

Cllr Dalton asked that these motions proceed subject to legal advice,

Cllr Wright said that he had a legal right to be on committee.

The Cathaoirleach replied that this committee was properly formed and was set by up consensus

Proposed: Cllr Dalton
Seconded: Cllr Daly
And Passed

That motion 5, 8, and 12 be combined as one and will now read as:


5. “That the council retain the boundary between Kingsgrove and the new development granted under 05/300070 and that palisade be erected behind the hedgerow to protect the privacy of the residents in the former estate.”

Cllr Wright said that this council had no authority to advise the developer what to do on his side.

Cllr Lawler explained that the line between the two estates can only to be the centre of boundary.

Cllr Daly said that we did give a commitment to erect boundary

Cllr Breslin asked that legal opinion be seeked on the boundary.






6. Proposed: Cllr Dalton
Seconded Cllr English
And Passed

“That consideration is given to the provision of additional car park spaces at Avondale Drive.”

Cllr Dalton asked that the Town Engineer report back on the possibility of providing additional car parking spaces in Avondale Drive.

7. Proposed: Cllr Dalton
Seconded: Cllr English
And Passed

“That this council review its policy regarding the parking of HGVS in residential areas.”

Cllr Dalton said that this motion has come up on a number of occasions and this was a problem that was common across the county and in new estates particularly.

Cllr English said that alternative parking for HGVs may have to be provided.

Cllr Daly asked that the best parking practise in other areas be looked at

8. Motion taken at number 5.

9. Proposed: Cllr Breslin
Seconded: Cllr Lawler
And passed


“That Athy Town Council calls on the Government to modify the new
proposed childcare subvention scheme and to reconsider the implementation of the scheme in its present format.”

Cllr Breslin said that there was two childcare subvention schemes in Athy and
asked that changes were necessary to these schemes as people on low income were been squeezed out

Cllr Dalton asked that this council write to the relevant Minister asking to reconsider the present scheme under the present format.








10. Proposed: Cllr Breslin
Seconded: Cllr Lawler
And Passed

“That a report be presented to the council meeting give the cost of upgrading and repositioning the heating system in the OAP houses in Nelson St.”

Cllr Breslin explained that the houses in Nelson St were now damp and the baths were not suitable for use and what was now required was the upgrading and repositioning of the heating systems in these houses. Cllr Breslin said that she had previously requested a report showing costing involved in carrying out this work but still has not been presented to the members and asked that this be done as a matter of urgency.

11. Proposed: Cllr O’ Sullivan
Seconded: Cllr Daly
And Passed

“That the Town Council would consider installing a bus shelter at a location convenient to the town centre.”

Cllr O Sullivan said that she had received numerous complaints about this motion and thought it unacceptable that there was no shelter for the general public from the elements while waiting for a bus which also sometimes three quarters of an hour late.

Cllr O Sullivan also asked that shelter be amended to shelters which was duly
Noted.

The Town Engineer said that this matter will be investigated.

12. Motion taken at number 5.


13. CATHAOIRLEACH’S BUSINESS

The Cathoirleach said that he could not attend the last JPC Meeting and requested an update on the changes introduced at that meeting to the traffic system in Chapel Lane.

The Town Engineer explained that the original changes made to the traffic direction in Chapel Lane have been reversed.

Cllr Lawler added that the local Gardai were in support of these changes.

The Cathaoirleach said a report which was to be prepared by KCC for this council on the road alignment at Ardreigh has still not been presented to the members and asked that this be done as soon as possible.

The Cathoirleach informed the members that the Christmas lights were to be turned on the 7th of Dec which was to coincide with the opening of the Santa Pole Village within the Athy Heritage Centre.

The Cathaoirleach requested that we look at the bins at Garter Lane.

The Cathaoirleach reported that he could not attend the Pride of Places Awards on behalf of the council but was represented by Mary O’ Sullivan, Leas-Cathaoirleach.

Cllr O’ Sullivan said that she was very happy and honoured to accept the certificate on behalf of the council and people of Athy.


12. MANAGER’S BUSINESS.

The Town Manager informed the members that:

· The Finance Committee are to meet on the 11th of Dec at 7pm to discuss and decide the Budget for 2008.
· Full council in Committee to discuss the above the 17th of Dec at 7pm
· Statutory Budget meeting set for 19TH of Dec at 6.30pm

The sale of 37 Castlepark
Proposed: Cllr Dalton
Seconded: Cllr Lawler
And passed

13. PLANNING REGISTER

The desisting of 4 Emily Row was noted

14. OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Breslin enquired whether there was going to be free parking in Athy leading up to Christmas.

The Town Manager explained that due to recent robberies of the pay parking machines in the town our income was down ad therefore the council would only be turning off the machines for the two Saturdays before Christmas

The Town Engineer added that the necessary protection had been fitted to the pay parking machines.

Cllr Breslin asked that the residents parking at Butlers Row be investigated.

Cllr Breslin noted her support to extend the contracts for the 2 Temporary General Operatives.

Cllr Daly reported that parking on the footpath by St Josephs was making it very hard for buggies and pedestrians in general to pass and asked that this be looked at. The Town Engineer said that he would investigate this.

Cllr Lawler thanked the Town Engineer for the report on the public lighting in the Peoples Park.

Cllr Dalton noted that the flashing lights at the school were now switched on.

Cllr Dalton added that a written petition is being prepared for the submission re the Green Paper.

Cllr Lawler asked that the cars parking on the Stradbally road be investigated.

Cllr Lawler informed the members of the CD launch that was taking place on Thursday.

There was a minutes silence for Mrs. Kathleen Stynes mother–in-law of Bernie Stynes a member of staff of this Council who passed away recently.



THIS CONCLUDED THE MEETING



CATHAOIRLEACH__________________________________


DATE ___________________________________