MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY MEETING OF
CATHAOIRLEACH:
COUNCILLOR JOHN LAWLER
COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE:
SEAN CUNNANE, RICHARD DALY, MARY O’SULLIVAN, AOIFE BRESLIN, PADDY WRIGHT, MARK DALTON & FRANK ENGLISH
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
JOE BOLAND, TOWN MANAGER/ DIRECTOR OF SERVICES
BRIAN O’GORMAN, TOWN CLERK
DIARMUID DONOHUE, TOWN ENGINEER
THOMAS KELLY, STAFF OFFICER
April Monthly Meeting Minutes
Minutes of April Monthly Meeting held on the 22nd of April, 2009.
On the proposal of Councillor English, Seconded by Councillor Cunnane
Matters Arising.
Councillor O’ Sullivan sought an update on the clean-up from
Councillor O’ Sullivan sought an update on the “children at play signs” in the Dun Brinn estate. The Town Engineer advised that the Council will obtain the signs and arrange with the contractor to have them erected. This was welcomed by the members.
Councillor Daly requested that the hoarding around the new swimming pool would be removed and the area cleaned up before the Tri-Athy triathon begins next week. The Town Manager advised the members that the main work to complete the development would begin shortly, but that in the interim, it was hoped that some preliminary clean up work would be completed before the Tri-Athy event next week.
Councillor English sought an update on the bus shelter. The Town Clerk advised the members that Iarnrod Eireann had being written to on this issue but we are still waiting on a reply and he will follow up again on this matter.
Councillor Wright sought an update on next years
Councillor English requested that motion 11 on the April minutes be amended to include “seconded by Councillor Daly” and not Councillor English as originally reported. This was duly noted.
Correspondence.
The Town Clerk read out the following correspondence:
· Letter from Pauline Crowley, Rehab Group, inviting nominations for the 2009 People of the Year Awards.
On proposal of Councillor Frank English, seconded by Councillor Dalton, it was agreed that Mr. Billy Brown should be nominated for this year’s award. The members noted Mr. Brown’s ongoing work with the local Aontas Ogra group and more recently with the Athy Action for Youth Sub Committee in developing the new Youth Café at
The schedule for forthcoming conferences had been circulated previously to members and was noted.
Notices of Motion:
None
5. Cathaoirleach’s Business
The Cathaoirleach said even though his tenure as Cathaoirleach over the last 12 months was a time of economic downturn in the country, and here in Athy, it was still a great honour and privilege to represent Athy Town Council and people of Athy as Cathaoirleach over the last year. The Cathoirleach said he would like to thank the members for their support and wish them all the best and good luck in the forthcoming elections. The Cathaoirleach said he would also like to thank the staff of Athy Town Council for their assistance and courtesy during his time as Cathaoirleach and the press for their positive coverage over the last year.
6. Manager’s Business.
Annual Financial Statement for 2008
The Town Manager advised the members that the Annual Financial Statement was completed and ready within the statutory timescale. He outlined the main elements of the report. The members formally noted the Annual Financial Statement
The Town Manager also sought an approval by resolution of the schedule of additional expenditure as contained in Appendix 9 in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2001 for Athy Town Council Annual Financial Statement 2008
On the proposal of Councillor Cunnane and seconded by Councillor English and agreed by all the members, the schedule of additional expenditure as contained in Appendix 9 was approved by resolution.
Athy Historical Trail
The Town Clerk circulated an update report regarding the historical trail project, which is due for completion this summer. He noted that the new trails would further promote the existing heritage status of the town.
Casual vacancy in membership of Council
The Town Manager advised the members that under Section 19 of Local Government Act 2001 the Council were statutorily required to have the casual vacancy, arising from the resignation of Tony Egan from the Council, on the agenda.
On the proposal of Councillor Breslin and seconded by Councillor Daly, the members agreed to have this adjourned until the June Monthly Meeting.
7. Report from Sub- Committees.
Town Twinning Committee
The Town Clerk advised the members the town twinning delegation from Grandvilliers would arrive for the 5th anniversary celebration on Friday, 29th May. A schedule of cultural activities was being finalised and would be circulated to members.
Tidy Towns
Councillor O’ Sullivan said this Committee and volunteers continued to do great work in improving the town’s appearance. This was echoed by the Cathaoirleach, who agreed and asked that the town should work together to
present the town at its optimum, particularly over the coming weeks and months when a number of national events were planned to take place.
1798 Committee
The Cathaoirleach advised the members that the final design and costings for the 1798 monument have being finalised and a further meeting of the above Committee would take place in late June to discuss and establish when this monument would be erected. This was welcomed by the members.
8. Planning Register.
9. Other Business.
Councillor Wright said even though the present caretaker does great work in the upkeep and maintenance of graveyards in Athy, another staff member, or a new employee was necessary to assist him due to the work involved. The Town Clerk advised the members that the present financial position does not permit the Council to employee a new staff member.
Councillor Wright said a box sewer appeared to be blocked on
Councillor Wright said the approach area to the Council yard should be better presented and required road works to improve the area. Councillor Wright requested that this area be cleaned up by the Council as soon as possible. The Town Engineer advised the members that monies have been allocated under the annual road block grant and that he was hoping to have works carried out later in the year. This was welcomed by the members.
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The Cathaoirleach noted that this was the last monthly meeting that Councillor English and Councillor Cunnane will be attending, as they are retiring on the election of the new Council, and now would be an appropriate and opportune time for his colleagues to say a few words on this auspicious occasion.
The Cathaoirleach said that Councillor English, who was first elected to this Council in 1967, and has given over 42 years of unbroken service, as a member of Athy Town Council, and to the community of Athy, was during that time totally committed and dedicated to this Council and for the good of Athy. The Cathaoirleach said Councillor English, over the years, had become a close friend and colleague to all past and present members, including himself and will be sadly missed. The Cathaoirleach said that personally, he would like to wish Councillor English and his family all the best on his retirement and for the future.
Councillor Dalton said he hoped to convince Councillor English not to retire but, sadly, did not succeed. Councillor Dalton said Councillor English made a considerably contribution to this Council over the many years he was a member and was always held in high esteem by his colleagues and respected by people of Athy, for his steadfast commitment and never ending work on their behalf over the years. Councillor Dalton said he would like to wish Councillor English and his family all the best for the future on this retirement.
Councillor Daly said that it was an honour to work along side Councillor English during his time as member of Athy Town Council Council and would now like to wish him and his family all the best on his retirement.
Councillor Breslin said the trojan work Councillor English did over the years for this Council and the people of Athy was outstanding and a great achievement Councillor Breslin said his advice and guidance was greatly valued and appreciated by his colleagues and that he should be proud of his 42 years of service as a member of this Council, and would like to wish him and his family all the best for the future.
Councillor Cunnane said it was a magnificent accomplishment to have such a long and distinguished service as a member of Athy Town Council. Councillor Cunnane said during their times as councillor there was never a cross word exchanged between them. Councillor Cunnane said Councillor English was a good colleague and would like to wish him and his family every happiness on his retirement.
Councillor O’ Sullivan said Councillor English had a great belief and faith in what ever he did as a member of this Athy Town Council. Councillor O’ Sullivan said that Councillor English was greatly respected by his colleagues and trusted by the people of Athy to work on their behalf. Councillor O’ Sullivan said, like her previous colleagues, she would like to wish Councillor English and his family a long and peaceful retirement.
Councillor Wright said Councillor English was a diligent and a hard working member of this Athy Town Council, who did his best at all times for the people of Athy. Councillor Wright said he would like to wish Councillor English and his family all the best for the future.
The Town Manager said Councillor English was a member who had great experience and confidence and was not afraid to make important and hard decisions when required. The Town Manager wished him and his family all the best for the future.
The Town Clerk said on behalf of the staff and himself he would like to thank Councillor English for his courtesy and professionalism with the staff over the years and would also like to wish him and his family a happy retirement.
Councillor English said he would like to thank the people of Athy who elected him to Athy Town Council on seven occasions. Councillor English said it was a great honour to have served the people of Athy for the last 42 years and that everything he did as a member of Athy Town Council was for them. Councillor English said over the years, he was privileged to work along side excellent councillors, and would like to thank past and present colleagues for their support and friendship and will miss working along side them on the Council. Councillor English said on behalf of his family and himself, he would like to thank his colleagues and staff of Athy Town Council, for their kind and thoughtful words and wished his colleagues all the best in the forthcoming elections.
The Cathaoirleach said that Councillor Cunnane was first elected to this Council in 1994 and in all that time, his service to Athy Town Council and to the people of Athy, was 100 hundred per cent. The Cathaoirleach said Councillor Cunnane was a gentleman to work with, and his colleagues greatly appreciated his support, advice and friendship over the years. The Cathaoirleach said that Councillor Cunnane will be missed by all and would like to wish him and his good family the very best on his retirement.
Councillor English said that Councillor Cunnane during his time as member of this Council, acted at all times, with great integrity and absolute honesty. Councillor English said Councillor Cunnane was man of principle, who was admired and held in high regard by his colleagues and the community of Athy. Councillor English said he would like to wish Councillor Cunnane and his family a long and happy retirement.
Councillor O’ Sullivan said that Councillor Cunnane was a conscientious and respected member of this Council and that personally, would like to thank him for his friendship and advice over the years and will always be eternally grateful for this. Councillor O’ Sullivan said she would like to wish Councillor Cunnane and his family all the best on his retirement and that he will sadly be missed by his colleagues and staff.
Councillor Daly said that he would like to thank Councillor Cunnane for his help and encouragement over the last five years. Councillor Daly said members of Athy Town Council would not be here today without the support and loyalty of their families, and was sure this was the same for Councillor Cunnane and would like to wish him and his family, a very long and happy retirement.
Councillor Breslin said there is great sadness here today with the retirement of Councillor Cunnane. Councillor Breslin said his colleagues had the highest respect for him, both personally and politically, and that he made a positive contribution to this Council and to community of Athy. Councillor Breslin said that Councillor Cunnane should enjoy his retirement and would like to wish him and his family all the best for the future.
Councillor Dalton said that Councillor Cunnane was someone who had a great love and interest in politics, which was evident during his time as member of this Council. Councillor Dalton said that Councillor Cunnane worked with his colleagues tirelessly for the people of Athy and was someone you could trust to do the right thing and stand by his principles, and would like to take this opportunity to wish Councillor Cunnane and his good family all the best on his retirement.
Councillor Wright said even though, they would have differed on issues over the years it was never personal, and that all times, found Councillor Cunnane to be a decent and honourable person and wished him and his family all the best on his retirement.
The Town Manager said Councillor Cunnane was a member of Athy Town Council whose input and opinions were greatly valued and respected by his colleagues and people of Athy and who was never afraid to make important and hard decisions when required. The Town Manager wished him and his family all the best for the future.
The Town Clerk said on behalf of the staff and himself he would like to thank Councillor Cunnane for his courtesy and with the staff over the years and would also like to wish him and his family a happy retirement. He further noted that he hoped that both Councillor Cunnane and English would continue to take an interest in the town’s development and progress.
Councillor Cunnane said he would like to thank the people of Athy who elected him on three separate occasions to this Council. Councillor Cunnane said their trust and faith in him was very humbling and appreciated. Councillor Cunnane said his time as a member of this Council was, on occasions, very challenging but also very rewarding and will miss working along side his colleagues for the good of Athy. Councillor Cunnane said like Councillor English, on behalf of his family and himself, would like to thank his colleagues and staff of Athy Town Council, for their kind and thoughtful words, and wished his colleagues all the best in the forthcoming elections.
This concluded the business of the meeting
Cathaoirleach____________________________
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