January Monthly Meeting

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30 P.M ON WEDNESDAY THE 16th OF JANUARY 2008 IN THE MUNICIPAL OFFICES, RATHSTEWART, ATHY.


CATHAOIRLEACH; COUNCILLOR CUNNANE.

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

OFFICALS IN ATTENDANCE; JOE BOLAND, DIRECTOR of
SERVICES FOR WATER, MICHELLE DEVINE, TOWN CLERK, PAUL
HICKEY, TOWN ENGINEER, MARIA,
AHEARNE, A/SENIOR STAFF OFFICER


Suspension of Standing Orders to discuss the water situation in Athy

Proposed: Councillor Daly
Seconded: Councillor Dalton
And Agreed

The Cathaoirleach said that he regretted the lack of water in Athy and surrounding areas over the last few days but it was a good call to turn off the pump as the situation would have been a lot worse and added that it was extraordinary that a burst water main should occur this evening but was glad that this was a least resolved.

The Cathaoirleach also thanked Paul Hickey, Town Engineer, Pat Dunne, Town Foreman and Joe Byrne, Assistant Town Foreman and all staff members along with Ben Woodhouse and Martin Dalton from Athy Fire Services for their commitment to the job during this crisis.

Councillor Daly said that he would like to compliment the Town Clerk and Town Engineer for keeping the members updated and thought that the use of KFM Radio in keeping the general public informed was a good idea. Councillor Daly also suggests that more use could be made of Athy Town Council’s website in keeping the members and public updated on the water situation.

Councillor Dalton said that he would like to thank all staff in the council for what has been a difficult few days and asked why flooding alleviation measures were not put in place before now.

Councillor Wright said that it was totally unacceptable that people should be without water due to a day of very heavy rainfall and that the blame for this lies with Kildare County Council because for over the last forty four years no proper defence against flooding for the pump at the Gallery has ever been put in place and that it was scandalous the public should suffer and be without water because of this.

Council O’ Sullivan said that this flooding of the pump has happened twice in a short time and looked forward to the Town Engineer’s report.

Councillor Breslin thanked the Town Engineer and all the staff for their effort and hard work at this time and asked that funding be sourced and allocated so that an assistant Town Engineer could be appointed to share the work load that our present full time Town Engineer has to carry.

Councillor English said he would like to apologise to all the families that were without water and thanked the council staff for their regular updates on the water situation.

Councillor Lawler said that turning off the pump was a right decision but we needed to ensure that this does not happen again and asked whether it would be possible to treat and open the Carlow well which was closed some years ago.


Joe Boland Director said that on behalf of Kildare County Council he would like to apologise to the people of Athy for the present water shortage that they are experiencing and accepted that existing arrangements were unsatisfactory but explained that the new connection at Ardscull is been fast tracked and should be up and running in about four weeks. Joe Boland explained that this would give extra one million litres per day improving the overall flow of drinking water in Athy and the surrounding area.

The Town Engineer reported that:

Water levels have not been like this since 1990 and that the council had no choice based upon advice from the HSE but to turn off the pump at the Gallery due to the severe flooding of the Barrow as there was a chance that the drinking water could become contaminated.

As the Gallery handles about thirty percent of our water supply turning the pump off has seriously weakened the flow of water in and around Athy and as a result many areas have been without water.

Though the public were originally asked to boil the water as a precaution all water samples taken so far by the HSE have shown the water not to be contaminated and as and from yesterday the notification to the public to boil the water has been lifted.

Even though the council will be connecting at Ardscull in about four weeks the council are also looking at other remedial options such as the drilling of new boreholes, upgrading of existing boreholes, flood protection for the Gallery and linking of town supply to Monasterevin Road.


The Cathaoirleach said that he was against bigger schemes

Councillor Wright asked whether over chlorination was good for the people.

The Town Engineer replied that water is dosed with chlorine to ensure that bacteria is killed but he was not qualified enough to know what effect chlorine in the drinking water has on people.

Councillor Daly enquired whether the council should look at the possibility of a reservoir.

Councillor O’ Sullivan asked would the people on the Carlow road have improved water supply.

The Town Engineer said that there would be an overall improvement in water supply but that some estates on the Carlow Rd were not in charge and would still be the responsibility of the developers,

The Cathaoirleach thanked the Town Engineer for his report


Resume Standing Orders
Proposed: Councillor English
Seconded: Coucillor O’ Sullivan
And agreed





1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES.

Minutes of Dec Monthly 2007
Proposed: Councillor Breslin
Seconded: Councillor Daly.
And agreed


Minutes of Statutory Meeting
Proposed: Councillor Breslin
Seconded: Councillor Daly
And Agreed

Minutes of Special Meeting
Proposed: Councillor Breslin
Seconded: Councillor English
And Agreed


2. MATTERS ARISING

Councillor Breslin asked for an update on the Boundary wall at Kingsgrove and when the necessary works are to commence on the OAP houses at Nelson St

The Town Clerk replied that in relation to the wall at Kingsgrove the council’s planners have looked for further clarification and we would have to look for approval from the Department of Environment to carry out the necessary improvements to the OAP Houses in Nelson St.

Councillor Daly enquired how the Jetty was progressing and complimented the Boxers and asked that the Procedures and Protocols committee be set up.

The Town Clerk stated that the Town Council were awaiting title of deeds, right of way, method statement and liability queries re the Jetty.

Councillor Wright asked was there any further progress on the erection of 1798 Monument.

The Town Engineer said there were no developments since Christmas but that he had contacted the artist in question and will follow up again

Councillor O’Sullivan asked if any correspondence had been received from CIE re the Plots. The town Clerk advised that a reminder notice had been sent.

The Cathaoirleach referred to the Supplementary agenda issued with regard to filling the casual vacancy arising upon the death of Councillor Noel Scully (R.I.P.)

This was adjourned and will be on the February Agenda.

3. CORRESPONDENCE

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

· Letter from Failte Ireland explaining that Athy has been selected as town eligible for funding for the Pedestrian Tourist Signage in Historic Towns as part of the National Development Plan 2007 –2013.

· Press release from Irish Business against Litter stating that Athy is the only town in Kildare to be deemed ‘litter free’. The Town Clerk thanked the outdoor staff for their hard work in achieving this, which was endorsed by all the members.

· Letter from Clonmel Borough Council explaining that their motion calling for “the introduction of a clamping system for people who are parking in disabled persons parking spaces” was unanimously passed it members and asked that this motion be also endorsed by other councils. This had the unanimous support of Athy Town Council

· E-mails received Jean- Pierre Vassuer from Grandvilliers and Stephanie Grogan journalist from Midlands Radio expressing their condolences and sympathy on the recent passing away of Councillor Noel Scully. The member asked that these be forwarded to the Scully family

· Letter from Passage West Town Council explaining that their motion calling “on the Minister for Transport and Marine to postpone the implementation of the new rules concerning provision licence holders until the waiting period for a driving test has been reduced to the 8 week target set by the government” was unanimously passed by it members and asked that this motion be endorsed by other councils. This had the support of all the members

· Letter from Irish Water Safety acknowledging and thanking Athy Town Council for our contribution “of €300 towards the valuable work of Irish Water Safety.”

· Letter from John McKenna of Water to Wine Theatre Co asking “that Athy Town Council might consider making a grant towards the running cost of their latest production Corner Boys which will begin a six- week tour on February 6th and continue touring until March the 16th.” It was proposed by Councillor Daly and seconded by Councillor English and passed that €500 be allocated towards the running cost of this production.

· E-mail from Paul Aylward from Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Ltd outlining the optional “insurance cover for reduction/ loss of representational payments as set out in the local Govt (Representational Payments for Members) Regulations, 2001 arising from serious illness to the insure member over a sustained period.” This was noted by the members.

· Letter from Athy Toastmasters inviting Councillor Mary O’ Sullivan and Councillor John Lawler to attend an Open meeting on Tuesday January 22nd at the Carlton Abbey Hotel at 8pm.

· Letter from Antrim Borough Council informing the members that the fifth Antrim Tourism Conference organised jointly by Clare Tourist Council and Antrim Borough Council will be held in the Dunadry Hotel & Country Club Muckamore on Friday 1st February & Saturday 2nd February 2008.

· E-mail from Carol Johnson of Kadenza Consultancy informing the members that a Seminar titled “The Local Government Planning Service” is been held from Friday the 1st of February to Sunday the 3rd of Feb at the Clonea Strand Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Wexford. Councillor English was elected to attend on the proposal of Councillor Dalton and seconded by Councillor O’ Sullivan and agreed


· E-mail on forthcoming Seminar titled “Suicide Prevention: A Call to Action” with Senator Mary White on 23rd of Feb 08 at the City West Hotel which was noted.

· Notification from the Mid-West Regional Authority on their 14th Annual Conference titled “Planning for Renewable Energy” which is to be held at the Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick on Thursday 7th of February and Friday 8th of February 08.


· Letter from Tom Ryan, Director of Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland informing the members of the forthcoming Spring Seminar ‘08 which is to be held on the 15th and 16th of Feb 08 at the Trim Castle Hotel, Trim Co. Meath. Three members (Councillors Dalton, Lawler and O’ Sullivan) who are delegates are automatically entitled to go and will be attending along with the following two members who were elected to attend:

Councillor Breslin
Proposed: Councillor Lawler
Seconded: Councillor O’ Sullivan
And agreed

Councillor English
Proposed: Councillor Dalton
Seconded: Councillor Lawler
And agreed




· Letter from Third Sector Forum of a forthcoming Seminar titled “Irelands Newest Immigrants, ensuring their participation in the 2009 European and Local Election.” Which will take place in the Silver Tassle Hotel in Letterkenny, County Donegal on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd of Feb 08.

· Letter from Martin Egan, Secretary of the Colmcille Heritage Trust informing the members of a forthcoming conference titled “ The Mutual Benefits of North South Co-operation” to held from Friday the 29th of February to Sunday the 2nd of March 08 at the Colmcille Heritage Centre, Gartan Church Hill Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. The three following members were elected to attend:

The Cathaoirleach
Proposed: Councillor Breslin
Seconded: Councillor O’ Sullivan
And agreed



Councillor English
Proposed: Councillor Dalton
Seconded: Councillor Breslin
And agreed


Councillor Lawler
Proposed: Councillor Breslin
Seconded: Councillor O’ Sullivan
And agreed

4. NOTICES OF MOTIONS


5. Proposed: Councillor Daly
Seconded: Councillor O’ Sullivan
And Agreed

“That this council condemns the introduction of the new water charges on our schools and conveys this view to the Minister of Education.”

Councillor Daly said that it is disgraceful and annoying that this water charge should now be introduced by the Minister for Education considering our modern school building cannot even provide basic dual flush toilets and proper storage for rain water and that there is no summer work scheme in place for 2008 to upgrade these schools facilities.

Councillor Daly asked that a letter be forwarded to the Minister of Education as a matter of urgency requesting that the introduction of water charges be rescinded as they are unreasonable and unfair.

Councillor Wright said that it was a scandal that these water charges were even being considered and that they should not have to be paid.

Councillor Dalton said that water charges of €16,000 were levied on schools before and the new levy will be €11,000. Councillor Dalton added that council could make a decision at local level to what will be charged and hoped the summer scheme will return in 2009.

Councillor Lawler said that water rates that were charged to school were always waived.

Joe Boland said that water charges have been applied to schools for a number of years and that metering encourages conservation.






6. Proposed: Councillor Breslin
Seconded: Councillor Lawler
And Agreed


“That Athy Town Council to investigate a proper skate board park in Athy.”

Councillor Breslin said that she gave a petition a number of years ago to the council asking that a suitable skateboarding area be provided and asked that this be investigated again.


Councillor Lawler said that skate boarding parks have been provided through out the country and asked that the council

Councillor Daly said that grants were issued on a once off basis but has never been offered again.

Councillor Wright said he supported this motion but asked where this proposed skate Board Park would be situated.

Councillor English asked was there a skateboard club.

Councillor Breslin replied that there was a club “of a sort”

Councillor English said that club should form and look for funding themselves

Councillor English asked that the word “provide” in the above motion be changed to “investigate”. Cllr Breslin agreed and all members agreed in turn to amend the motion.

7. Proposed: Councillor Breslin
Seconded: Councillor Lawler
And Agreed

“That the town council re-valuates the Christmas lights in the town and ensures that the lights are upgraded and improved.”

Councillor Breslin said that the Christmas lights have not been updated in 20 years.

Councillor Lawler said that even though we had been given assurances by Town Manager that there would be more funding for the upgrading of Christmas lights and that the lights in the square looked very well overall it would have been better if no lights were put up all. Councillor Lawler said that he would raise this at the Chamber of Commerce meeting tomorrow night week.

The Cathaoirleach said that the lights were old fashioned.

Councillor Dalton said the lights were an embarrassment and was glad to hear that this was to be raised that the forthcoming Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Councillor O’ Sullivan said she was very disappointed with the Christmas lights and if they were upgraded and improved it would be an encouragement to bring people into the town


Joe Boland explained that Christmas light’s for Newbridge costs €70,000 and that some of this was covered by a once off payment of €50,000 which was funded from paid parking fines in the town.

Councillor Lawler said that Newbridge is far wealthier town than Athy



8. Proposed: Councillor O’ Sullivan
Seconded: Councillor Daly
And Agreed

“That the town council requests the HSE to extend the x-ray services at Vincent’s Hospital.”

Councillor O’ Sullivan said that the x-ray department in St. Vincent’s Hospital opened three years ago but presently there is a three week waiting list and asked that a letter be forward to the Minister for Health requesting that the radiographer attend more that one evening a week or an extra radiographer be appointed as a matter of urgency. This had the support of all the members.



9. Proposed Councillor Wright
Seconded: Councillor Lawler
And Agreed

“ That we as a council seek confirmation from Kildare County Council and the Department of the Environment that a foot bridge will be established in accordance with our swimming pool.”


Councillor Wright said that a footbridge was a prerequisite and necessary to a swimming pool and that it would also be a benefit to the local community.


Councillor Lawler said that it was an aspiration of Athy Town Development that a bridge would be built.

The Town Engineer reported that that land on the opposite side is on a flood plain and before a bridge could be erected a bank of puddle clay would be required and would cost €70,000.

Councillor Wright asked could it be funded from levies.

The Town Engineer replied that this could be financed from levies.








10. CATHAOIRLEACH’S BUSINESS


The Cathaoirleach requested an update on the following: SDR, Ardreigh Road, Youth Café, Retail Strategy and advised the members that Michael Kane was requesting a meeting to discuss the previously circulated correspondence re Expo 2008.

The Town Clerk replied that

· A draft copy of the Retail Strategy will be ready by the end of the week

· That the archaeology works at Ardreigh was coming to an end and subject to funding hope to complete in twelve months.

· That there were favourable reports about the Youth Café.

The Town Engineer said there was an agreement with Iarnrod Eireann that a CPO could not be put in place and that when it is ready to go for Environmental Impact Study funding would have to be put


Job Boland also reported a meeting had taken place with CIE on the proposed SDR and that there was agreement on all issues except one which was the link from the SDR to Railway project and had said there was some archaeology finds and they were on display during Shackelton weekend and hoped that work would commence on Ardreigh road in spring of this year.

The Cathaoirleach extended his best wishes to the Chamber of Commerce and congratulated the Boxing Club once again.

The Cathaoirleach said that he appreciated that there was problems with Iarnrod Eireann and hope that these would be resolved soon.

Councillor Lawler said he welcomed the reports on the roads and that it was good news that there was only one issue unresolved.



11. MANAGER’S BUSINESS.


It was agreed that there would be seven people on the Committee set up to oversee the remedial works in Carbury Park and that four these would be council members who were elected as follow:

Councillor Dalton
Proposed: Councillor English
Seconded: Councillor Breslin
And agreed


Councillor Daly
Proposed: Councillor O’ Sullivan
Seconded: Councillor English
And agreed


Councillor Lawler
Proposed: Councillor Breslin
Seconded: Councillor English
And agreed

Councillor Wright
Proposed: Councillor Lawler
Seconded; Councillor Daly
And agreed



The Youth Café
Proposed: Councillor Dalton
Seconded: Councillor Daly
And agreed.

Councillor Dalton said that there was a fear that local especially the youth of this town would not have any say or involvement in the setting up of this Youth Café.
This was note by the members


12. PLANNING REGISTER



13. OTHER BUSINESS

Councillor English said that meetings were regularly going beyond the allotted time as set out in standing orders. The Cathaoirleach said that this was duly noted.

Councillor Breslin said that outdoor staffs were concerned about their contracts.

The Town Clerk said that she had been talking at some length to the Town Foreman about this issue.


The Cathaoirleach asked that best wishes be conveyed to the Town Manager



THIS CONCLUDED THE MEETING



CATHAOIRLEACH__________________________________


DATE ___________________________________