MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER MONTHLY MEETING OF ATHY TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30 P.M ON WEDNESDAY, 24th SEPTEMBER 2008 IN THE MUNICIPAL OFFICES, RATHSTEWART, ATHY.
CATHAOIRLEACH:
COUNCILLOR JOHN LAWLER.
COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE:
CLLRS SEAN CUNNANE, MARK DALTON, TONY EGAN, FRANK ENGLISH,
RICHARD DALY, MARY O’SULLIVAN & PADDY WRIGHT.
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
TOMMY SKEHAN, TOWN MANAGER/ DIRECTOR OF SERVICES
BRIAN O’ GORMAN, TOWN CLERK
DIARMUID DONOHUE, TOWN ENGINEER
MARIA AHEARNE, STAFF OFFICER
APOLOGIES:
CLLR AOIFE BRESLIN
The Cathaoirleach welcomed Diarmuid Donohue, Town Engineer to his first Athy Town Council meeting and wished him all the best in his role as Town Engineer.
1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES.
Minutes of July Monthly Meeting held on
On the proposal of Cllr Dalton
Seconded by Cllr Cunnane
Minutes of Meeting ‘In Committee’ on
On the proposal of Cllr Dalton
Seconded by Cllr Cunnane
2. MATTERS ARISING
Councillor Wright noted that the River water in the Barrow was very clean but that there was a taste off the drinking water. The Town Manager informed the meeting that a test would be taken and the members would be updated with the results. Cllr Wright requested to meet with the Town Engineer to discuss the smell on
3. CORRESPONDENCE
Town Clerk read the following correspondence: -
· Tidy Towns Competition 2008 – Adjudication Report
The Cathaoirleach extended a thank you on behalf of all the members to the Tidy Towns Committee, and to all the Council staff involved. He also noted that the onus was on all of us, and that more volunteers would be welcome, particularly from the business sector. All members extended their congratulations to all involved, noting it a great achievement to increase by 13 points. Cllr Cunnane supported the Cathaoirleach in welcoming more support suggesting there should be a ‘5 Pillar Approach’, Athy Town Council/ Kildare County Council, Chamber Of Commerce, Tidy Towns Committee, Resident Associations and Schools.
· Correspondence from elected public representative Jean-Pierre VASSEUR, Grandvillier thanking Athy Town Council for hosting the students and the organisation of the recent student placements.
Cllr Daly extended a sincere thank you to Helen Dowling and all the Farmers involved and asked that a letter issue from Athy Town Council to all.
· Women’s Integrated Network thanking the Town Council for the opportunity to partake in the Pride Of Place.
Cllr Daly informed the meeting that the information centre was opening next Friday and requested that €500 issue from Athy Town Council.
€500 to issue to W.I.N.
On the proposal of Cllr Daly
Seconded by Cllr Cunnane
All Agreed
· Face to Face Polar Portraits Exhibition in the Heritage Centre from October 22nd for 3 weeks touring
The Town Manager informed the members that Kildare County Council contributed €5,000.
€500 to issue to Face to Face Polar Exhibition
On the proposal of Cllr Daly
Seconded by Cllr
All Agreed
· Kildare County Library Service launching an Initiative aimed at Children and Adults with Disabilities - Toys, Training and Technology Project in Athy Community Library later this month.
· Notices of Motions, submitted by various local authorities, as circulated were noted as read.
CONFERENCES:
Cllr Dalton noted that the Cathaoirleach Cllr Lawler had attended the AMAI and was elected as the Provincial Vice President and onto the Standing Orders Committee. Cllr Dalton also noted that Town Councils were to retain their own Housing Allocation as a result of many submissions made by the association.
The members agreed that the Conference details were to be submitted with the Agenda each month. Each member planning to attend a conference would contact the office to confirm his or her place.
4. NOTICES OF MOTION
Councillor Wright
5. “That in view of the fact that Athy is a Heritage town and also that St. Vincent’s Hospital is a Heritage building with a beautiful façade frontage but the disgraceful fact of the matter is that the top windows are rotten and falling out and also to add the top rooms in the hospital are not in use either. I propose that we write to hospital authorities ands ask them their intentions as this is no way to treat one of the best geriatric hospitals in Ireland.”
On the proposal of Cllr Wright Seconded by Cllr Egan All agreed
Cllr Wright noted that this is a marvellous hospital but unfortunately it was in very poor repair. He requested that a letter issue to the management in the hospital to establish if they had any plans and also to compliment the matron and the staff in running the greatest geriatric hospital in
Cllr Egan and all the members spoke in support of the motion.
6. “That in view of the fact that the present council offices are too congested for both staff and general public and also the lack of privacy afforded to the public leaves a lot be desired, I propose that we look at the possibility of applying for monies to extend our offices (in conjunction with Kildare County Council area office).”
On the proposal of Cllr Wright Seconded by Cllr Egan All agreed
Cllr Wright noted that this was a disgraceful situation and demanded that he brought this motion to the table on behalf of the staff and the customers accessing our services.
Cllr Egan supported the motion. Cllr Lawler noted the building could do with some upgrading, as the building was open since 1986. The Town Clerk noted that the issue was known for some time now and that a ‘working group’ had been set up and some short term solutions were being worked on at the moment.
The Town Manager supported the motion and noted that the town had grown in the 22 years and the level of services provided had increased. A report will issue to the members outlining the short term and long term measures. It is very important to ensure a better level of efficiency to the public and we also have a duty to the staff.
7. “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 tenant’s rights”.
Motion withdrawn by Cllr Wright.
Councillor Breslin
8. “That
Motion deferred until October Meeting.
9. “That Athy Town Council fully supports the proposed Family Resource Centre as planned by the Traveller’s Club at Mount Hawkins, Athy by whatever means available to it including supporting any application for funding to the Government Departments and state agencies”.
Motion deferred until October Meeting.
Councillors Dalton & English
10. “That this Council co-operate with the NRA and
On the proposal of Cllr Dalton Seconded by Cllr English All agreed
Cllr Dalton said that due to the huge volumes of traffic a joint approach was needed here and that it needed to be addressed sooner rather than later.
Cllr English supported this motion and said that fast and remedial action was needed. It can take one hour to travel from this route to the schools in the town. Cllr Cunnane and all the members supported the motion and the Cathaoirleach; Cllr Lawler added that this was a motion of Cllr Noel Scully, R.I.P. in his time.
11. “That a report of vacant houses in council stock is given.”
On the proposal of Cllr English Seconded by Cllr Dalton All agreed
Cllr English informed the meeting that it was very frustrating to have large numbers on our housing list and to have vacant units. Cllr Dalton noted that the numbers of vacant units nationally were very high. Cllr Wright asked that we write to Kildare County Council to seek a tenant for the vacant unit at
The Town Clerk gave the following report:
| No. Of units | Location | Comment |
| 2 | Townspark | For |
| 2 | | Community Houses |
| 1 | Clonmullion | Awaiting Central Heating |
| 2 | | Currently being surveyed/ assessed |
| 2 | Canal Walk | Temporary accommodation re: Carbury Park Remedial Scheme |
Cllr English thanked the Town Clerk for the report. The Cathaoirleach noted that updates on our Capital Programme of housing could be given at the ‘Special Housing Meeting’ scheduled for next Tuesday, 30th September at
12. “That a review of the council’s anti-litter policy is carried out.”
On the proposal of Cllr Dalton Seconded by Cllr English All agreed
Cllr Dalton said that we needed to look at the purchase of a hand held sweeping machine strategically and expressed disappointment to a letter that issued to each business about cleaning outside their premises and a warning about unauthorised signage and enquired what had been done with regard to regulating the Tuesday market. He noted that we should be more sensitive to our ratepayers and that the members should pass letters of a policy nature first in future.
Cllr English agreed that areas outside of premises should be kept clean and asked that some flexibility take place re the issuing of fines for small signage outside premises.
The Town Manager noted that we have to be cognisant of legislative, health & liability issues. The Town Clerk welcomed the business people to come and discuss their individual case. Licence fees were as prescribed in the Planning & Development Regulations.
Councillor Egan
13. “That
On the proposal of Cllr Egan Seconded by Cllr Wright All agreed
Cllr Egan said that a bin is required at this location when the youth café opens, as there would be more people in the area. Cllr Wright agreed and asked that the Town Engineer investigate.
14. “That
marked as some speed ramps are not very visible to vehicle drivers and that all warning signs of ramps should be clearly visible before approaching the speed ramps.”
On the proposal of Cllr Egan Seconded by Cllr Wright All agreed
Cllr Egan noted that some speed ramps and not very visible. Cllr Wright agreed and asked that the Town Engineer investigate.
Councillor Daly
15. “That Athy Town Council make available lands and architectural
support on its lands adjacent to the river for the development of water/outdoor pursuit centre to be developed under Athy Action for Youth.”
On the proposal of Cllr Daly Seconded by Cllr Cunnane All agreed
Cllr Daly informed the meeting that this initiative was brought forward from the Athy Action for Youth Group and proposed that Athy Town Council allocate some of their land to allow applications be made through the Dormant Accounts Fund. Cllr Daly suggested that initially, architects could be engaged to look at the land. Cllr Cunnane supported the motion and said it was a good idea.
The Town Manager informed the meeting that INTERREG Athy was currently working on rebranding Athy and that €130,000 would be provided over the next 3 years.
16. “That
Of parking charge at Athy rail station as it appears counterproductive when we should be encouraging the use of public transport.”
On the proposal of Cllr Daly Seconded by Cllr O’Sullivan All agreed
Cllr Daly expressed his disapproval to the introduction of the €2 charge per day and felt that it was not encouraging the public to use the train service. Cllr O’Sullivan noted that for the last ten years we were encouraging people into the town and the service provided currently is inadequate. Cllr Dalton said it was counter productive and did not make any business sense. A letter is to issue to Iarnrod Eireann outlining our disapproval.
TO SUSPEND STANDING ORDERS, as it was
On the proposal of Cllr Dalton Seconded by Cllr Cunnane All agreed
17. “That
Ordinates as a reference point in all our estates and premises. Displaying and promoting their use can assist emergency services and also promote business”
On the proposal of Cllr Daly Seconded by Cllr Cunnane All agreed
Cllr Daly said the introduction of satellite navigation co-ordinates would benefit emergency services by the use of reference points. It makes good business sense and the town council needs to be pro-active on this. Cllr Cunnane supported the motion.
Councillor O’ Sullivan
18. “That a prohibited sign be erected at area near Lennon’s Bridge as
Horses are destroying the walk way.”
On the proposal of Cllr O’Sullivan Seconded by Cllr Cunnane All agreed
Cllr O’Sullivan asked that this be erected in the interest of safety. Cllr Cunnane supported this motion.
19. “That the fence at back of Flinter’s Place is repaired to prevent
People out walking from being attacked by dogs”
On the proposal of Cllr O’Sullivan Seconded by Cllr Cunnane All agreed
Cllr O’Sullivan asked that the fence be repaired as a dog was chasing a small child in this area recently. Cllr Cunnane supported the motion.
20. Cathaoirleach’s Business.
The Cathaoirleach noted that standing orders were suspended as it was past
The Cathaoirleach asked that each Councillor consider each motion submitted carefully and that he would like to see the Protocol Committee set up to meet shortly.
The Cathaoirleach asked that use of the old swimming pool be discussed at the next meeting.
· Noted to the Town Engineer that road markings be placed at the roundabout at
· Requested that setting up of the Estimates Committee be put on the October agenda.
· New Joint Policing Guidelines to operate as and from today and to be circulated to all the members.
· A report of all the alleyways closing to be brought to the November meeting.
Cllr Daly asked that a letter issue to A Mc Culloch to acknowledge the very generous gift of the Arrol-Johnson to Athy Heritage Company.
Cllr Daly also informed the meeting that the Community Hall at the rear of the
21. MANAGER’S BUSINESS:
· Finance: The approval of overdraft accommodation for six months.
· Housing: To approve the raising of a loan from the Housing Finance Agency in respect of affordable housing.
The Town Manager noted that the 2009 Estimates would be a difficult one.
He noted that no current overdraft facility was in place and due to the current economic circumstances facing the council and to ensure sufficient cash flow, as Town Manager he wished to make a recommendation that an overdraft facility be put in place for the next six months to the value of €1 million. Also, that the procedure to seek loan approval from the DoEHLG be initiated.
It was highlighted that if the members approve this, it would be subject to the approval from the DoEHLG. If loan & overdraft approval is granted, it was hoped not to have to use the overdraft facility. It will be there as a backup to assist with the timing when drawing down/processing claims to give the Council the flexibility to honour commitments as they arise.
- Finance: The Approval of overdraft accommodation for six months for the value of €1 million to ensure sufficient cash flow for the capital and revenue projects.
On the proposal of Cllr Dalton
Seconded by Cllr Daly
All Agreed
- Housing: To approve the raising of a bridging finance loan from the Housing Finance Agency in respect of affordable housing to the value of €4.160 million.
On the proposal of Cllr Dalton
Seconded by Cllr Daly
All Agreed
· LG 09/08 – Representational Payment for Councillors from
On the proposal of Cllr Dalton
Seconded by Cllr O’Sullivan
All agreed
· Material Contravention for file Ref: 07/300050, informing the members that this will be advertised in national newspaper tomorrow.
22. REPORT FROM SUB COMMITTEES
Updates and reports were discussed on the following:
· Strategic Policy Committee on Transport, Iarnrod Eireann to investigate the provision of additional services to Athy.
· RAPID Report, Education is the next Theme to be launched by Minister O’Cuiv at the ploughing Championships on Thursday 25th September.
· Youth Sub Committee, Youth Café to open shortly. Next project to explore the creation of an activity/outdoor pursuit centre.
· French Twinning Committee, 18 equestrian/agricultural students travelled from Grandvillier earlier in the month.
· Arts Committee, The Town Manager informed the meeting that Breda Gleeson.
· Carbury Park, Work progressing well on the remedial scheme.
· Cemetery Committee, meeting to take place tomorrow.
23. PLANNING REGISTER
Nothing noted.
24. OTHER BUSINESS
Cllr Cunnane noted the
Cllr Daly asked for an update in regard to the taking in charge of the Jetties.
Cllr Daly informed the meeting that he was irate about the issuing of a warning letter to the Rowing Club, as it was as a result of a developer not following conditions of permission granted. The Town Manager noted that the relevant legislation must be complied with at all times.
THIS CONCLUDED THE MEETING
CATHAOIRLEACH ___________________________________
DATE ___________________________________
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