NOTICE OF MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 19TH NOVEMBER, 2008 AT 7.30 P.M. IN THE MUNICIPAL OFFICES, RATHSTEWART, ATHY
AGENDA
1.Minutes of OctoberMonthly Meeting held on the 15th of Oct 2008.
Minutes of Meeting with Athy Chamber of Commerce on the 15th of Oct 2008.
2.Matters Arising.
3.Correspondence.
4.Notices of Motion
Councillor Wright
5.“That in view of the fact that the Ombudsman has ruled that all town councils are to provide waivers forms to people on social welfare benefits (and who are now denied them when this council privatised its waste collection) which means the financial burden on our people is disgraceful. People before dogs and race horses in government grants.”
6.“That in view of the continuous increases on social welfare recipients in our local authority houses, I propose that we have a complete review of our housing stock as the present system is a waste of money as on our tenants who will never own their houses but are being crucified by these rent increases.”
7.“That in view of the fact that the proposed footbridge across the River Barrow is in our Development Plan I propose that this council keep us up-to-date on this necessary project which should have been a prerequisite to our magnificent swimming pool’’
Councillors Dalton & English
8. “That this council requests that planning application ref.07/300060 be granted as a matter of urgency.”
9. “That in light of the Access Group report, an update is given onaccess improvement works in the town.”
11.“That this council requests Kildare County Councilto consider erecting bollards on the footpath in Emily Sq (east side) between the Bank of Ireland and the junction with Meeting Lane in order to improve pedestrian safety.”
Councillor Breslin
12.“That Athy Town Council in conjunction with Kildare County Council investigates and has measures put in place to overcome the serious safety problems with traffic entering and exiting Whitecastle Lawns on the Monasterevin Road.”
13.“That Athy Town Council has remedial works to have the back lanescleared out in Upper St Joseph’s Tce and Lower St Joseph’s Tce.”
14.“That Athy Town Council implements a policy which prohibits thekeeping of horses in estates and green areas.”
Councillor O’ Sullivan
15.“That the members of Athy Town Council encourage people to shop local this Christmas.”
MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30 P.M ON WEDNESDAY, 15TH OCTOBER, 2008 IN THE MUNICIPAL OFFICES, RATHSTEWART, ATHY.
CATHAOIRLEACH:
COUNCILLOR JOHN LAWLER.
COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE:
SEAN CUNNANE, MARK DALTON, TONY EGAN, FRANK ENGLISH,
RICHARD DALY, MARY O’SULLIVAN, AOIFE BRESLIN & PADDY WRIGHT.
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
TOMMY SKEHAN, TOWN MANAGER/ DIRECTOR OF SERVICES
BRIAN O’ GORMAN, TOWN CLERK
DIARMUID DONOHUE, TOWN ENGINEER
THOMAS KELLY, STAFF OFFICER
1.ADOPTION OF MINUTES.
Minutes of Monthly Meeting held on the 24th September, 2008.
On the proposal of Councillor English, seconded by Councillor Cunnane.
Minutes of Meeting ‘In Committee’ on 30th September, 2008.
On the proposal of Councillor English, seconded by Councillor Cunnane.
2. MATTERS ARISING
Councillor Wright requested update regarding the special meeting for ‘déjà vu’ motions. Councillor Wright also sought an update on repairs to the front façade of St Vincent’s Hospital (Motion No. 5, September 2008) and office accommodation (Motion No. 6, September 2008). The Cathaoirleach replied that the special meeting for déjà vu motions would take place in January 2009. The Town Clerk said that a letter had been forwarded to the management of St Vincent’s Hospital asking that the vacant rooms in question be utilised and that the necessary repairs to the front of the building be carried out as soon as possible. The Town Clerk said that a working group of staff members had been established and were reviewing office accommodation with a view to making improvements for staff and customers. The Town Clerk said that he would update members further.
Councillor Daly asked when the jetty at the Barrow Quay would be taken in charge. The Town Engineer replied that he had been in contact with Waterways Ireland and other bodies requesting information on procedures involved in taking jetties in charge and their experience in running them but up to the time of this meeting none of theabove bodies had replied yet to his queries.The Town Engineer said he would follow up again and report back to the members when he has received a reply to his original queries.
Councillor O’ Sullivan wanted to know when “Children at Play” sign wasgoing tobe erected at the residential development off the Fortbarrington Road. The Town Engineer said that he would liaise with the Town Foreman.
Councillor Cunnane noted that works at Ardreigh were finally being progressed. The Town Engineer informed the members that the Council was seeking the consent and agreement of residents for the laying of the new footpath at Ardreigh.
3.CORRESPONDENCE
Town Clerk circulated the following correspondence:
·Letter from John McKenna, Secretary of Town Council Arts Sub-Committee regarding MethodistChurch/ Hall and proposal for community arts facility. This was duly noted by the members. Following a discussion, it was it was agreed that a meeting would be take place with the relevant parties over the coming weeks.
·Invitation from Athy Access Group to attend the launch of Athy RAPID’s Accessibility Report and presentation of Athy Accessibility Award on November 4th 2008 at 5.30pm in the new Church of Ireland hall.
·Invitation to attend the launch of “Co. Kildare Dial to Stop Drug Dealing” by Mayor of Kildare, Senan Griffin in the Council Chamber of Kildare County Council, on Friday 17th of Oct 2008 at 12pm.
·Update from ESB further to Council queries. Councillor Cunnane referred to the reply received from ESB re. ESB sub-station atBarrow Quay. Councillor Cunnane said that he was pleased that work on the sub-station was scheduled to be completed in the first quarter in 2009.
4.NOTICES OF MOTION
Councillor Breslin
5.“That AthyTown Council carries out remedial and refurbishment works at the memorial garden at Malone Place.”
On the proposal of Councillor Breslin, seconded by Councillor English.
Councillor Breslin stated that the area in question was in a bad state and was now overgrown. Councillor Breslin asked that the Council carry out animmediate clean up of the memorial garden. Councillor Breslin said this would be a once off commitment by the Council and noted that local residents were prepared to maintain the upkeep of this area on a regular basis.
The Cathaoirleach said it is a sad indictment of our times when some people do not have respect for such a memorial and it was agreed by all members that residents should be assisted with the necessary works.
6.“That Athy Town Council fully supports the proposed Family Resource Centre as planned by the Travellers’ Club at Mount Hawkins, Athy by whatever means available to it including supporting any application for funding to the Government Departments and state agencies.”
On the proposal of Councillor Breslin, seconded by Councillor English.
Councillor Breslin asked that this Council give whatever support it can whether financial or otherwise to the proposed centre, when the local organisation are applying to Government agencies for funding. All the members endorsed this.
The Cathaoirleach asked that motions 7 & 12 be taken as a composite motion. All the members agreed this.
7.“That AthyTown Council in conjunction with KildareCounty Council removes the palisade fencing around fencing around the boundary of the new swimming pool.”
On the proposal of Councillor Breslin, seconded by Councillor Daly..
12.“That Athy Town Council call for the immediate removal of the unsightlypalisade fencing which has been erected around the new swimming pool, as it has a negative visual impact, which is contrary to negotiations held with residents and was never part of the original plan as presented to the liaison committee.”
On the proposal of Councillor Daly, seconded by Councillor Breslin.
Councillor Breslin stated there was no consultation with residents on the decision to erect the palisade fencing at the new pool, and up to the meeting, the fencing was still being erected. Councillor Breslin requested that works on the fence cease and that it was important that the Council demonstrated to the local community that their concerns were being listened to. Councillor Breslin noted that it was only through pressure from members of the Council that a swimming pool liaison committee had been established when the project was initially being developed.
Councillor Daly remarked that despite the country experiencing a period of economic and financial downturn, there appeared to be no difficulty in sourcing funds to erect the fence. Councillor Daly said it made the area look like a security zone and asked that the fencing be dismantled straight away.
Councillor Dalton said the decision to erect this fencing without informing the Town Manager, members and residents was a disgrace. Councillor Dalton said the Council was supposed to be working with the community and not in isolation.
Councillor Cunnane asked whether the architects were aware of the matter.
Councillor Wright said it made the area around the new swimming pool look like “FortKnox”.
Councillor Breslin stated that it appeared that everyone, including the Town Manager, had been treated particularly poorly by officials of Kildare County Council on this matter and that this should be noted.
The Town Manager said that a letter had gone to the architects looking at the possibility of putting up a wall and that they have been requested to visit the site and consult with the contractor on this.
The Cathaoirleach asked for a vote on the removal of the palisade fencing. All members voted in favour for its removal.
Councillor O’ Sullivan
8.“That this Council and its members commits itself to the support the needs of the elderly and the vulnerable of our community in this time of economic downturn.”
On the proposal of Councillor O’ Sullivan, seconded by Councillor Cunnane.
Councillor O’ Sullivan asked that the public, members and staff of the Council would be more vigilant and keep a close eye on the elderly in the community during this time of economic downturn. Councillor O’ Sullivan said that it is the elderly who are hit the hardest, financially, in times like this.
Councillor Egan asked would it be possible to reduce the rent of our elderly tenants during the winter months.
Councillor Daly said it was terrible and deplorable that the elderly were hit in this budget
Councillor Dalton said that last year, there was nil increase in rent for old age pensioner tenants and asked that this be kept in mind when rent is been reviewed and the budget for next year was being prepared.
Councillors Dalton & English
9.“That the following be removed from the list of protected structures at 12 Emily Square Ref AY093 and Upper William St Ref Y149.”
On the proposal of Councillor Dalton, seconded by Councillor English.
Councillor Dalton said that the owner of 12 Emily Square wanted to do some renovations and asked that both be taken off the record for Protected Structures.
All the members endorsed this.
11. “That a report on the taking in charge of estates be given.’’
On the proposal of Councillor Dalton, seconded by Councillor English.
Councillor Dalton said that he had discussed this matter recently with the Town Engineer and was advised that a list of estates in charge was being updated.
That Cathaoirleach requested that this would be completed as soon as possible.
12.“That an update on the derelict sites is given.”
On the proposal of Councillor Dalton, seconded by Councillor English.
Councillor Dalton stated that this motion was self explanatory similar to the
previous motion requested that the report be finished as soon as possible. This request was supported by the Cathaoirleach and members. .
13.CATHAOIRLEACH’S BUSINESS.
The Cathaoirleach noted that there appeared to be general agreement amongst the members to changing the start time for the monthly meeting to one hour earlier (6.30pm) from the current time (7.30pm). The Cathaoirleach said this would entail reviewing the present standing ordersthe Standing Orders/Protocol Committee be elected to carry to commence this process.
The following councillors were duly elected:
Nominated: Councillor Daly
Proposed: Councillor O’ Sullivan
Seconded: Councillor Cunnane
All Agreed.
Nominated: Councillor Breslin
Proposed: Councillor English
Seconded: Cunnane
All Agreed
Nominated: Councillor Egan
Proposed: Councillor Wright
Secoded: Councillor Daly
All Agreed
Nominated: Councillor Wright
Proposed: Councillor Cunnane
Seconded: Councillor Egan
All Agreed
The Cathaoirleach stated he had attended the recent launch by Minister John Gormerly of new guidelines for the operation of the Joint Policing Committees.
14.MANAGER’S BUSINESS:
Disposal of land
The Town Clerk advised the members regarding the proposed long-term lease of lands (c. 0.9402 hectares) at Clonmullion to the Trustees of Clonmullion Football Club. It was noted that details had been circulated to the members in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 within the specified period. On the proposal of Councillor Dalton, seconded by Councillor Cunnane, it was agreed to approve the lease to the club.
Councillor Wright thanked the Town Manager, staff and the members for their work and support in the transfer of land owned by the council to Clonmullion Football Club.
Budget 2009
The Town Manager advised that preparatory work for next years budget was to commence.
The Cathaoirleach asked that the Budget 2009 Committee be elected and added that he would also be Chairperson of the Committee.
The following members were elected to the Budget Committee:
Nominated: Councillor Wright
Proposed: Councillor Cunnane
Seconded: Councillor Egan
All Agreed
Nominated: Councillor Breslin
Proposed: Councillor O’ Sullivan
Seconded: Councillor Cunnane
All Agreed
Nominated: Councillor Daly
Proposed: Councillor Cunnane
Seconded: Councillor O’ Sullivan
All Agreed
Nominated: Councillor Egan
Proposed: Councillor Breslin
Seconded: Councillor Dalton
All Agreed
15.REPORTS FROM SUB COMMITTEES
Athy Action For Youth
Councillor Daly advised the meeting that remedial works to the Youth Café building at Meeting Lane were to be finalised over the coming weeks and it was expected that the centre would be opened shortly thereafter. The Town Clerk advised the members that a lease would be put in place with Athy Action for Youth for the building. This was noted by the members.
Town Twinning
Cllr Daly stated that the Town Twinning Committee would be making an application for funding to cover the cost of events planned during the visit of citizens and officials from Grandvilliers to Athy next year.
Cemeteries Committee
Councillor O’ Sullivan advised that the Cemetery Committee had recently met and were progressing improvement works at the cemeteries. The Town Clerk said that additional funding had been sourced to help this committee with projects. The members welcomed this.
16.PLANNING REGISTER
Noted.
26.OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor Dalton said there was a “Sign of Life” exhibition in the Bay-Tree at 8pm on the 16th of October and all were welcome. He also requested that a letter of congratulations should be sent to all Scoil Naofa on their 50th anniversary.
Councillor Daly asked that the Town Engineer look at the access route at the endof Rathstewart.
Councillor Daly also noted that residents in the Shanrath development appeared to be encountering problems obtaining telephone connections. .
Councillor Egan asked for an update on when work would commence on the Community House in Castlepark.The Cathaoirleach said that this had gone to tender.
Councillor Egan also asked about the possibility of information leaflets for the civic amenity centre. The Town Clerk replied that he would ask Kildare County Council to provide the promotional material, as the amenity centre was managed by the County Council.
Councillor Wright asked that the trees at the front of the Heritage Centre be pruned as the clock cannot be seen. The Town Engineer said that he would investigate the matter.
Councillor Wright asked the Council to find out what the owner of the castle intends to do with that building. The Town Clerk said that the owner would be contacted.
Councillor Cunnane said that the Community College got the go ahead and this was to be greatly welcomed
