MINUTES OF THE JUNE MONTHLY MEETING

MINUTES OF THE JUNE MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30 P.M ON WEDNESDAY THE 18th JUNE 2008 IN THE MUNICIPAL OFFICES, RATHSTEWART, ATHY.



CATHAOIRLEACH; COUNCILLOR CUNNANE.

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

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE; TOMMY SKEHAN, TOWN MANAGER,
BRIAN O’GORMAN, TOWN CLERK, MARIA AHEARNE, A/SSO, PAUL
HICKEY, TOWN ENGINEER.

The meeting commenced at 6.30pm. The Cathaoirleach welcomed the Chamber of Commerce and the members present and noted this was a preliminary meeting and hoped to set out an area of mutual responsibility and proposed that the Council meet with the chamber three times a year.

Paul Cunningham, President of the Chamber thanked the Council for setting up this meeting. He elaborated on how the Chamber was established to represent the businesses of the Town. A copy of letter, which had been circulated to all members by the Chamber previously, was handed in and this was noted.

The President Paul Cunningham informed the meeting that the Chamber had been divided into six categories in the hope of making it more appealing and active. He noted that the Chamber needed to be brought up to speed on the current situation with the Roads network in the town. The Cathaoirleach pointed out that there had been delays on the SDR due to negotiations with CIE but was confident that good progress was currently being made. The Chamber highlighted the importance of ‘Broadband’ and a good ‘water supply’ in the town. The President highlighted the importance of having a good working relationship with the Council and it was agreed that any policies formulated by the Chamber would be forwarded to the Council. A briefing on the roads was suggested for the next FORUM meeting. The Cathaoirleach concluded the meeting by saying that he would like to see a strong and vibrant Chamber of Commerce in the town located in a nice building and hoped this was the beginning of a structured relationship.

At 7.20pm the Cathaoirleach welcomed Mr Tom Yates from Athy Heritage Company. Mr Yates informed the meeting that a 1902 ‘Arrol Johnson’ car that Earnest Shackleton had brought to the Antarctic, which he estimated would be valued at a six figure sum, had been donated to the Heritage company. The lady involved is coming to Athy for a family wedding in September and Mr Yates highlighted the importance of having the car on display in the Heritage Centre at this time.

That the meeting be deferred by five minutes to facilitate the taking of Councillors’ photos for Athy Town Council’s Website.
Proposed: Councillor English
Seconded: Councillor Daly.

To resume standing orders
Proposed: Councillor Daly
Seconded: Councillor O’Sullivan

1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES.

Minutes of the May Monthly Meeting held on 21st May 2008.
On the proposal of Cllr Wright
Seconded by Cllr O’Sullivan.

2. MATTERS ARISING

Cllr Wright asked for an update on the Anglers Rest. The Town Clerk advised that a number of weeks had been given for the works and that it would be followed up on.

Cllr Breslin requested an update on the following;

1) a timescale and report on the Nelson Street Houses
2) Item no. 5 – Waterways Ireland Meeting
3) Capital Housing Report

The Town Clerk replied that preliminary work was being done and that a full report would issue at the July meeting on the Nelson St Houses. The manager added that he wanted a detailed analysis of the works as the costings were now significantly higher.

A date is yet to be set to meet with Inland Waterways, Anglers Club, Rowing Club and Canoeing club.

The Capital Housing report is to follow later.




Cllr Daly requested an update on the following;

1) Jetty
2) Graysland Footpath
3) Methodist Church

The Town Engineer noted that no progress had been made since the last meeting on the Jetty and that the footpath is agreed to be part of the Scheme of works in July.

The Town Manager added that a meeting of the Arts sub committee took place the previous night. They are to finalise and come back to the Town Clerk and Town Manager for a meeting next week with regard to the handover.

Cllr O’Sullivan enquired if a letter had issued re the closure of St Vincent’s Hospital and that two lifebuoys were now missing alongside the Barrow. The Town Clerk advised that a letter had issued and there was no reply to date and that he would report the missing lifebuoys to the Town Foreman.

Cllr Lawler enquired about the regulation of the Market and the delisting of No. 9 Duke Street. The Town Manager noted that contact is being made with other local authorities with regard to the Charter. The Town Clerk advised that 4 weeks had to be given to an authority to reply before it could be brought back to the meeting.

Cllr Egan requested an update on the vacant housing units. The Town Clerk informed the meeting that a number of units were being finalised and that some sales were near completion.

3. CORRESPONDENCE

Brian O’Gorman, Town Clerk read the following correspondence:-

· Correspondence from Michael O’Brien, Chairperson of County Kildare Taxi Drivers Association.

The Cathaoirleach suggested that a special meeting be set up to discuss this topic as it was an issue that needed to be addressed in the short term. The Town Manager requested that the Town Engineer could issue a report on the suitable locations in the Town. It was also agreed that this correspondence be brought to the next Joint Policing Committee meeting and that this letter be forwarded to the Gardai to allow them sufficient time to issue a briefing on Taxi Ranks in the town.

· Email from Nick West, Irish Rail following up on the request made by motion raised by Cllr O’Sullivan for the clean up of the area known as ‘The Plots’. Mr West expressed a concern that, by removing the briars in the area, such anti social behaviour will only be encouraged. However, he did note that a specialist rat exterminator would be organised to treat the location.

Cllr O’Sullivan noted that the email was an insult that anti social behaviour was being used as an excuse to not clean up an area. Cllr Daly noted that this land is the responsibility of CIE and they should cleanup the area. Cllr Lawler noted that it was an area that repeatedly comes up on our Tidy Towns remarks. Cllr O’Sullivan requested that a letter issue to CIE expressing our disappointment and concerns. The Town Manager added that this letter should be copied to Barry Kenny also. Cllr Wright noted that a letter issued to CIE re antisocial behaviour on the train and he had not to date received a reply.

· Tom Kelly, Chairman Kildare County Show Society Ltd, 22nd June 2008 in Athy Showgrounds.

The Town Clerk advised the members that Athy Town Council together with Kildare County Council, Athy Civic Amenity Centre and Athy Fire Brigade were taking a stand at the show and would appreciate plenty of support.

The Cathaoirleach noted how it was a very expanded show this year and that it is great to see its return as it was missed last year.

· Macroom Town Council seeking support for motion, “That Macroom Town Council call on the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government to change the law regarding the payment of refuses charges in private rented accommodation. At present this is the duty of the tenants and not the landlord. In a lot of cases the tenants do not have long term contracts so why should they pay annual refuse charges. If a refuse service is provided to tenants they will use it. A small increase in tenants’ rent would off- set the cost to landlords. Fly tipping has become a major national problem and this Council believes that a change in this law would greatly reduce this problem.” This motion has the unanimous support of the members.

· Macroom Town Council seeking support for motion, “That we never forget the appalling tragedy of the Famine, the people who died, those who had to leave our shores in search of a new life and to escape the terrible tragedy of Ireland at the time. In our dramatically changing Ireland it is very important that we remember the history of our country therefore Macroom Town Council proposes that on an annual basis perhaps one of the Public Holiday Mondays be set aside as Famine Remembrance Day.”
This motion has the unanimous support of the members.


· Listowel Town Council seeking support for motion, “That we the Town Council put in place a policy that all our future housing stock for our elderly/living alone be fitted with a “peep hole” in their front doors in doing so giving these tenants a sense of independence and security.”’
This motion had the unanimous support of all the members

CONFERENCES:

· ‘Managing your Local Environ for Tourism Growth’ in Ramada Hotel, Killerig, Co Carlow 18th June to 20th June 2008.

· Launch of Irish Arts Review Summer 2008 national Craft Gallery Kilkenny on 19th June 2008.

· Symposium ‘JFK in Ireland’ New Ross, Wexford June 28th 2008.

Cllr Egan to attend
On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr Breslin

· Training for Councillors re ‘The Local Gov Planning Services’ in West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen, Co Cork 4th to 6th July 2008.

Cllr English to attend
On the proposal of Cllr Dalton
Seconded by Cllr Lawler

Cllr Lawler to attend
On the proposal of Cllr O’Sullivan
Seconded by Cllr Breslin



Cllr O’Sullivan to attend
On the proposal of Cllr Breslin
Seconded by Cllr Lawler

· Seminar on ‘The Arts’ in Dooley’s Hotel, Birr on 22nd to 24th August 2008.

· AMAI Conference in Sligo 11th to 13th September 2008.

Cllr Lawler, O’Sullivan & Dalton to attend ex official

Cllr Cunnane to attend
On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr O’Sullivan

Cllr English to attend
On the proposal of Cllr Dalton
Seconded by Cllr Lawler

Cllr Breslin to attend
On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr O’Sullivan

Cllr Egan to attend
On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr Breslin

· A Journey of Remembering ‘10th Anniversary of the inauguration of the Island of Ireland Peace Park’ Messines, Belgium 9th November to 12th November 2008.

Defer to September Meeting

· Green paper Seminars

For all Councillors available to attend.

4. NOTICES OF MOTION

5. Councillor Wright:

‘That we as a Council in conjunction with Kildare County Council look at the possibility of widening the road at the left turn from Leinster Street down Kirwan’s Lane as with the school population and the general population of the area is absolutely lethal to all of the people using it’.

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

Cllr Wright advised the meeting that this was a return for juggernauts and had to be taken seriously. Kildare County Council Roads Design have a responsibility because lives are at risk. Cllr Wright asked that the Council write to the DoEHLG and KCC.

Cllr Egan added that it is lethal and that something should be done. Cllr Lawler added that with the increase in the population and the close vicinity to the school that illegal parking should be addressed here and that it was a bigger matter than just removing a building. Cllr O’Sullivan and Cllr Cunnane supported the motion and asked that the illegal parking be addressed.

6. Cllr Wright
‘In view of this fact that in the last two years or more none of the déjà vu motions have been resolved or addressed I propose that we hold a
special meeting to discuss them as going through the ritual of the
motions at every meeting is farcical’

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

Cllr Wright highlighted that it is important to address things that should have been done years ago. The Cathaoirleach noted that members had previously received progress reports and that he found them very worthwhile. Cllr Lawler suggested that a meeting once a year would be of benefit. The Town Manager advised that a two-year report was being compiled and would be circulated on completion. The Cathaoirleach advised that they would await the report and note how to progress at the July meeting.


7. Cllr Wright
That we as a council under the Freedom of Information Act investigate all landlord owned houses in the urban area and supply the names of all as houses are not being kept in proper order and rents should be investigated and also to supply charter on tenants rights’

Motion to be deferred to September meeting.

8. Cllr Egan
‘That Athy Town Council request Kildare County Council to investigate the feasibility of providing a pedestrian crossing on Woodstock Street’.

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

Cllr Egan & Cllr O’Sullivan informed the meeting he was now aware that a study was taking place. Cllr Dalton said it is difficult to pick a location on this street for a crossing and the Cathaoirleach said they would await the outcome of the study.

9. Cllr Dalton & Cllr English
‘That a report be given on the operation and implementation of the affordable housing scheme’

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

Cllr Dalton informed the meeting that he was aware of some difficulties and enquired if it was units only now and what the DoEHLG guidelines are now. Cllr Lawler stated there was no need to expand. The Town Clerk informed the meeting that as part of the Housing Strategy and Development Plan that the favoured option is housing, land and then finance. There are currently six affordable units for sale in Gallowhill and 24 coming on stream at Ardrew in late October. Cllr Wright enquired how many affordable units the Town had over the last few years. Cllr Breslin emphasised how units needed to be more affordable. The Town Clerk advised that a report would be prepared.

10. Cllr Dalton & English
‘That a report be given on the future waste water and water capacity for the town’

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

11. Councillor Lawler
. ‘Following the investigative survey that was carried out in the sewerage
problems in Leinster Street can the Town Council now issue a report on the findings and what action is too being taken to eradicate the problems’

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

Both motions number 10 and 16 to be taken together.

Councillor Dalton noted that the Chamber of Commerce were in earlier and expressed an element of surprise that water and sewerage capacities in the town were an issue. He referred to a comment made by former Town Manager Terry O’Niaidh that there was sufficient capacity for 7/8 years. Cllr Dalton enquired to know what discussions, plans and processes were in place to address this. Cllr Lawler said the Town Council needed to be proactive and that the matter should not be further delayed. Cllr Wright noted that the sewerage smell in Leinster Street is going on over 25 years. Cllr Daly reminded the members of a previous motion he had tabled with regard to new water conservation measures. The Town Engineer said he would like to circulate a detailed report on the water and sewerage capacity in the town and the Town Council was nearly at the point of signing the contract for the remediation of the sewerage scheme. Cllr Dalton emphasised the importance of getting a positive message out. The Town Manager noted that motion numbers 10, 12 & 16 could be looked at together and that Directors of Water Services and Transportation, Joe Boland and Des Page, together with the Town Engineer, Paul Hickey would report back to the members. The need to promote confidence and clarity to developers was highlighted. Both Directors are to be invited to attend an Athy Town Council meeting.

12. Cllr Dalton & English
‘That this council investigate the noxious odours affecting residents in the William Street/Woodstock area’.

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

Cllr Dalton remarked that the Environment Section, Kildare County Council needed to be contacted to investigate a prominent local business to address this smell for the benefit of business and domestic people affected as a result. Cllr Lawler noted how he witnessed fluid going across the road and he noted that an EPA licence might be required. The Town Engineer said he had contacted Kildare County Council and would issue a report for the July meeting.

13. Councillor Daly
‘Given what now appears to be interminable delays in the construction of the Southern Distributor Road and bearing in mind the importance of this project in the overall development of the town that the Design Team and the consultants be asked to present to the Town Council a realistic and firm timeframe for completion of the project’.

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

Cllr Daly noted that he tabled this motion in the interest of clarity as this is a very serious project in the town and the timeframe needed to be known. Cllr Lawler noted that the Town Manager had said the Director of Transportation is to attend a meeting shortly and a full briefing on the timeframe of this project should issue. Cllr Dalton informed the members that David Reel had given a presentation to the Area Committee and that whilst this project only commenced in January 2007 the KCC Officials were fully committed to its delivery. Cllr O’Sullivan welcomed the news that an up to date report would issue shortly.

14. Councillor Daly
‘That an updated register of derelict buildings and sites be presented to the council with a view to taking decisive action on their current status’.

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

Cllr Daly welcomed the news that a report is being currently worked on. Cllr O’Sullivan supported the motion and would like to see the new register issue shortly.

15. Councillor Daly
‘That a Town Council information point be established in the Community Library’.

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

Cllr Daly noted that a motion was previously passed to put a point in the Town Council and that one could be set up at in the Library to serve the public. Cllr O’Sullivan noted the importance of an information point in Emily Square also.

16. Councillor O’Sullivan
‘That Athy Town Council would consider erecting ramps in the Dun Brin Estate’.

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

Cllr O’Sullivan noted that the estate was not taken in charge by the Town Council but requested that ‘Drive carefully/Children at Play’ signs would be erected. Cllr Daly remarked that it was a sad indictment of our road culture. Cllr Lawler highlighted that the onus was on the developer to and that Athy Town Council should have a policy that ramps should be put in all estates and suggested the Town Engineer meet with the developer. The Town Manager supported this.

17. Councillor Breslin
‘As agreed at the budgetary meeting can the council give a definite date
when the traffic wardens will be provided with handheld machines’.

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

Cllr Breslin noted that finance was saved when compiling the budget and provisioned for handhelds for the traffic wardens. Cllr Lawler requested a date. The Town Clerk advised the members that €10,000 was provisioned and that he was requesting quotations and would discuss the matter with other authorities.


18. Councillor Breslin
‘That Athy Town Council in conjunction with Kildare County Council
puts in place measures to eradicate the problem of dumping at Woodstock Street, Athy adjacent to the Health Centre’

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

Cllr Breslin remarked that dumping in this area is a disgrace. Cllr Lawler asked that contact be made with Kildare County Council and appealed to the public to report illegal dumping as a lot of time is wasted at every meeting talking about it. Cllr Wright supported the motion. The Town Manager noted that he had discussed this with the Town Clerk and Town Engineer and said that a master plan for Flinters Field is due shortly and hoped to have it available for the September meeting.


On the proposal of Cllr Daly
Seconded by Cllr Dalton
To suspend standing orders as it was 10.00pm


19. Councillor Breslin
. ‘That a full report be given on the up to date position regarding the outstanding compliance issues with planning permission in all estates at Rheban Manor and what action is being taken to ensure compliance’.

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

Cllr Breslin noted that after 8 years of deputations there was multiple issues to be addressed including the pumphouse, sewerage, fencing in lieu of block walls at some units, lack of green areas, vacant units and enquired why the enforcement orders had been lifted. Cllr Breslin remarked how she was deeply ashamed by progress made here and demanded that these bonds be drawn down. Cllr Lawler referred to numerous meetings held on the green areas with the residents and that this developer had treated the members and officials of Athy Town Council with contempt. Cllr Dalton said that at a deputation last summer the residents were to be kept informed of progress and that the current situation was a disgrace. Cllr Wright enquired who was responsible and what was happening at this stage. The Town Manager informed the meeting that he had dealt with a number of developers in his time but never noted this one as the most protracted. He remarked that investigations were taking place and that it would take four weeks to get a full assessment and hoped to have a report for the July meeting. The Town Manager added that he would meet with the residents and move this along adding that they were entitled to a service. The Cathaoirleach said that the Council needed to ensure compliance at this estate.


20. CATHAOIRLEACH’S BUSINESS

The Cathaoirleach expressed his disappointment with the recent IBAL report and congratulated Leixlip and Newbridge on their success. The report is to be thoroughly examined and followed up on.

The Cathaoirleach enquired about ESB and was advised that a representative is to attend the July meeting.

Preliminary work on the Ardreigh Realignment had commenced and asked that the Town Engineer talk to Dave O’Flaherty and the Town Clerk to confirm the route of the footpath. Tarmac is due to be down by November 2008.

Cllr Daly complimented the Council staff on the work completed on the Monasterevin Road.

Cllr O’Sullivan was thanked for her contribution to the Pride of Place, noting that the final is in Waterford this year.

21. MANAGER’S BUSINESS

· Annual Financial Statement 2007 – The Town Manager thanked Helen and Maria and the staff for finalising the AFS.

On the proposal of Cllr Lawler
Seconded by Cllr Egan
That the overexpenditure/underexpenditure be approved

· Retail Strategy – The Town Manager informed the meeting that the Town Development Plan is a statutory document and that the Retail Strategy is a guidance document and was noted as an objective in the plan.

On the proposal of Cllr Daly
Seconded by Cllr Dalton
And agreed
The members requested that an addendum be noted as follows:

1. The members are assured that the Retail Strategy is an Advisory Document with no statutory import (unlike the Town Development Plan.)

2. All technical definitions and references in the Retail Strategy should be disregarded as all relevant policies are included in the Town Development Plan.

3. The members support a sequential approach suggested in the Retail Strategy and as stated in the Town Development Plan ensuring that adequate time is allowed for the town centre to develop.

4. It is vital for the town that centre- town developments should be prioritised in the granting of planning permission. The creation of a vibrant town centre will act as a catalyst in attracting other services and retail outlets and could lead to critical mass of people which could sustain an evening culture featuring our waterways.

5. It is contingent on the local authority to address the infrastructural issues which could act as impediments or obstacles to centre town development. It is the expressed wish of the elected members that a development takes place in this area developers have been directed towards this area and they must now be assisted in every way to overcome access and other infrastructural difficulties.

· Local Authority Staff re Circular Letter EL 02/08

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

· Annual General Meeting

The 2008 AGM date was confirmed as 25th June 2008 7.30pm

· Infrastructural Meeting

Cllr Lawler noted that he would not be available between 12th and 25th July and hoped this meeting would take place in early July.

· Financial & Budgetary Review Meeting

No date was set for this meeting.

· The Town Clerk gave an update on the Social Housing Investment Capital Programme as follows:

€4m allocated for 2008.

Current programmes included Ardrew with a total cost of €9.7m to Athy consisting of 87 units, 28 social, 24 affordable due for completion in early 2009 at a cost of €3.34m in 2007.

€1.04m to be taken from Internal Receipts for the Carbury Park Remedial Scheme including 11 private houses, 13 Council units and the construction of 3 new units.

Heating to be set up in approx 100 houses in the Greenhills/Clonmullion area and this project would now be progressed.

Woodstock Lodge is now to proceed to contract stage for contracts to sign in the coming weeks.

Cllr Dalton enquired what the position was in regard to Rheban Manor and Riverview. The Town Manager informed the meeting that as noted by the Town Clerk the €4m. made available is committed.


22. REPORT FROM SUB COMMITTEES

· Athy Town Twinning – Two students are to go to France in July and Jean-Pierre is to visit Athy next weekend for the Kildare County Show.
· Tidy Towns – The Town Clerk is assisting with co-ordinating works.
· Cemetery Committee Meeting – The Cathaoirleach asked that a meeting be set up before the July meeting.
· Athy Swimming Pool – The Town Clerk informed the meeting that this meeting is due to take place on week commencing 30th June.


23. PLANNING REGISTER
Nothing noted.


24. OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Breslin asked that a cleanup of the green area at the ‘wishing well’ take place as it was very distressing for the deceased members’ family.

Cllr Lawler noted that a one way system needed to be addressed for the road near the sun dial. The Town Engineer has requested an update on the suggested Roads Design from Kildare County Council.

Cllr Wright asked that AIB be contacted to cleanup the wall.

Cllr Wright noted he had discussions with the Town Engineer re a telegraph pole at Clonmullion and requested that a letter issue to the Post Office People.

Cllr Wright complimented the cleanliness of the River Barrow adding that he ate two eels and one trout recently and that it was like it was 40 years ago.

Cllr Egan asked that the Town Engineer investigate loose kerbing going onto Leinster Street at Emily Row.

Cllr O’Sullivan enquired if a ‘No Dumping Sign’ could be erected opposite Avondale Drive.

Cllr Lawler informed the meeting that he was unavailable for the third week in July and requested that the July Monthly meeting be held on the second Wednesday in July.

The Cathaoirleach expressed a vote of sympathy to the wife, daughter and family of Mr Colm O’Ceannabhan, CEO of Co Kildare VEC 1988 to 2002 who passed away recently.


THIS CONCLUDED THE MEETING



CATHAOIRLEACH ___________________________________


DATE ___________________________________