Minutes of Council meetings- list.:

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AT MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COBH TOWN COUNCIL, HELD AT CARRIG HOUSE, COBH, ON MONDAY 11TH JUNE 2007

Presiding -   Cllr. N. Doyle, Mayor.

Present - Cllrs. P. Whitty, J. Mulvihill, S. O’Connor, K. McCarthy, P. Histon and D. Crowley

 Officials Present
Ms. M. O’Halloran, Town Manager
Mr. P. Lynch, Town Clerk
Mr G. O’Hora Town Engineer

An apology for their inability to attend was received from Cllr’s Michael Keating and Stella Meade.

The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.

1. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

The following minutes of Council meetings held having been circulated, were adopted as follows:

Monthly Meeting        14th May, 2007     Proposed – Cllr O’ Connor 
Seconded – Cllr McCarthy

On the proposal of Cllr Whitty seconded by Cllr O’Connor the members refused to adopt the minutes of the meeting on the 14th May 2007 with the County Manager and asked that the minutes be rewritten prior to the July Meeting to reflect all of the issues raised at that meeting.

Matters arising from Minutes

Cobh Landslide Programme
The Manager advised the members that Cork County Council had now appointed an expert to prepare a brief for a consultants report in relation to the review of the landslide programme.  She also advised the members that Cork County Council had agreed to take over the control of the financial aspects of the landslide programme and that this would ensure Cobh Town Councils financial situation would not be affected by the landslide programme.  Members welcomed the progress on both of these issues.  

Facias and Soffits at Sarsfield Hogan Place
The Town Engineer stated that he was unhappy with the prices received to date and he had sought additional prices in this regard.  He agreed to have the work done as quickly as possible.
 
Parking at the junction of Thomas Kent Street and Bishops Street
The Town Engineer stated that this work had now been completed.

Erection of a sign adjacent to the Sea Scout Shed
Town Engineer stated that this sign was in order and would be erected once it had arrived.

Update on Derelict Sites
Town Clerk advised the members of the current position in relation to derelict sites. He stated that four additional properties namely 1 Church Street, 30 Harbour Row, 4 Wolfe Tone Street & 30 Wolfe Tone Street would be placed on the Derelict sites register on the managers instructions.  He stated that in relation to the properties of 1 and 2 Casement Square no progress had been made in this regard and that he had now intended in contacting the Council Solicitors to institute legal proceedings for collection of the derelict sites levy.  He stated that he had also received a report in relation to derelict sites at 5 Albert Terrace and 5 Cathedral Place and that he intended writing to the owners of both of these properties advising that the properties would now be valued with a view to levying a derelict sites levy.

Development Potential of Town Council’s owns Land
Town Clerk stated that he had now received reports from the Town Architect in relation to the two sites which the Council was considering selling, and that he intended forwarding these matters onto a local auctioneer to place on the market.

Parking Bye-Laws
Town Clerk stated that the Bye-Laws were now on public display, and that he would revert to the members once the public consultation period had expired.  Cllr Crowley stated that he wished to place on record that he disagreed with the proposed changes, he stated that he did not feel that the changes would make the parking situation any better.  He stated that if the Council agreed to abolish pay parking, that 120 Residents Permits which had issued to date would also disappear.  Manager stated that her views in relation to the proposal were well known, and that she was not in favour of the proposals.  Cllr Whitty stated that he wished to record the fact that no decision had been made by the members to abolish pay parking or residents parking permits and that a decision in relation to pay parking would be made at the end of the public consultation process.

Update on Pump at Newtown
Town Engineer stated that he had spoken to the County Council in this regard and that the County Council had agreed to examine to see if it could be repaired.

Traffic Calming Measures between the Water Tower and the main road at Cahill’s Shop
Town Engineer stated that he felt that traffic calming measures were not necessary but that he would look at the other options to control traffic in this area. 

Pot Holes adjacent to the Grotto at the entrance to Bayview
A number of members stated that this problem was on going and asked the Town Engineer to raise the matter again with Cork County Council.

Children at Play Signs in Council Housing Estates
Town Engineer stated that the signs had been delivered and their erection was listed for work.  Cllr Whitty asked that the Council would also consider the erecting of these signs in other private estates throughout the town.

Traffic Calming Measures
Town Clerk stated that the public consultation process had commenced in relation tt the installation of Traffic Calming measures at Eaton Heights and Russell Heights.  Cllr McCarthy asked that the Town Engineer look at the possibility of ramps at Leeview Court when carrying out works at Russell Heights.

Introduction of a Sliding Scale for Rates.
Town Clerk circulated a copy of a letter he had received from the Department outlining the fact that local authorities were entitled under section 2 of the Local Government Rates Act 1970 to introduce a scheme in relation to a sliding scale for rates.

Proposed Sale of Town Hall and Quay
Town Clerk advised that the auctioneers had received one offer as well as some expressions of interest.  He stated that the auctioneers had stated that they would examine this matter further and would report back to the members before the July meeting.  Cllr Crowley stated that he had asked last month if the Council had the right of way through the road way to the front of Sirius Warf and asked that this matter be examined.  Cllr O’Connor stated that he had asked wheather or not the Council would have sufficient space to access Lynch’s Quay and the baths area if the Town Hall and adjoining Quay were sold.  It was agreed that the Town Clerk would examine both of these issued and report back to the members.

Planting of Round-about at the R624
Town Engineer stated that the County Council were reviewing the matter.

Condition of Promenade Railings.
Town Clerk advised the members that the railings had now been painted.

Condition of Railings between Promenade and Department of the Defence Pier
Town Engineer stated that he was currently examining this issue in reply to questions from a number of members.  Town Engineer agreed to examine the possibility of providing a gate at the steps leading down to the water from the promenade.

Location of Bin at corner of O’Rahilly Terrace and Bishops Street
Town Engineer stated that he would discuss this issue with the Town Foreman.

No Dumping Signs at the Burma Steps
Town Engineer stated that these signs were on order.

Pot Hole close to College Road Manor
Town Engineer advised the members that this matter was listed for work by the County Council.

Attendance of Ms. Anne O Donnell Ras Officer for Cork County to a future meeting of the Council
Town Manager stated that Ms. O Donnell intended on visiting all of the Town Councils but that she had agreed to meet with each of the S.P.C’s in Cork County Council first.

Pedestrian Crossing at Cobh Hospital
Town Engineer stated that he had committed to providing a pedestrian crossing at Bishops Street, and that the issue of the crossing at Cobh Hospital would be looked at when this was completed.

Conditions of the Manhole covers at the rear of One Hour Photo Shop
Town Engineer stated that new manhole covers were on order.  This matter will be followed up.

Resurfacing of Norwood Park Road
Town Engineer advised the members that this work was due to start within the next week.

Other matters arising at the minutes were dealt with as appropriate.

2. VOTES OF CONDOLENCE

The sympathy of the Council was extended to the relatives of all of those who had died since the previous meeting of the Council. The votes were passed in silence all standing.

On the proposal of Cllr Whitty Seconded by Cllr Crowley the condolences of the Council were extended to the family of Mr. Howard Fletcher of Pontra Dolas who had died recently. Cllr Whitty stated that he had been advised that Mr. Pat O Shea, of the Commodore Hotel might be travelling to the memorial service for Mr. Fletcher in Pontra Dolas.  It was agreed that the Town Clerk would prepare a letter of condolence on behalf of the Council and that Mr O Shea would bring the letter if he was attending.

3. MANAGERS ORDERS

Cllr noted Manager’s orders copies of which had been circulated.

4. CORRESPONDENCE

1. Irish Water Safety.  Letter from Irish Water Safety asking that the Annual Allocation from each Town Council be increased by €50.  On the proposal of Cllr Whitty Seconded by Cllr Crowley it was agreed that a total contribution of €1100 would be paid to Irish Water Safety for 2007.
 
2. Notice of Motion Skibbereen Town Council – Marked as read.
 
3. Letter from European Affairs Liaison Officer, Cork County Council in relation to a Twinning arrangement in France – Marked as read.
 
4. Letter from the Festival Director of the Cork International Folk Dance Festival in relation to the 2007 Festival which was due to be held from Wednesday July 18th to Sunday July 22nd.  The letter stated that the Festival organisers would appreciate an invitation from Cobh Town Council to visit Cobh with one of the groups performing at the festival, and looked to discuss the matter further with the Mayor.  It was agreed that the Town Clerk would acknowledge the letter and look for further details from Festival Director in this regard.

5. Letter from Ms. Kathleen Geary, Chief Executive, Cobh and Harbour Chamber in relation to the Summer Swings Series of Concerts in the Promenade from June to September.  On the proposal of Cllr Whitty seconded by Cllr Histon it was agreed to allocate €500 to the Chamber for the Summer Swings series.  The letter also requested funding for the Cobh information guide, it was agreed that this matter would be discussed at a later date.

6. OFFICER’S  REPORTS

 A)    Membership of Local Police Board

The Town Clerk stated he had been contacted by Superintendent Sheehan with a view to setting up a meeting of the local Police Board which had been discussed at a previous meeting of the Council.  It was agreed that the Town Clerk would check the minutes of that meeting and advise Superintendent Sheehan of the membership of the Local Police Board.

B) Affordable Housing Scheme

The Town Clerk stated that work was progressing on the development of Marine Gate.  He stated that he had contacted Cork County Council with a view to getting a copy of their affordable housing points allocation scheme.  He had been advised that the County Council were currently reviewing their scheme and that they would forward a copy of their scheme once it had been approved.  It was agreed that the Town Clerk would get a copy of the scheme and circulate it to the members as soon as possible so that the matter could be discussed at the July meeting of the Council.

C) Titanic Memorandum of Understanding

The Town Clerk advised the members that following discussions with Officials of Southampton City Council, the signing of the memorandum of understanding would now take place on Friday 15th of June at the Council Chamber, Cobh.  He stated that representatives of Southampton City Council would attend.  Mayor Doyle stated that the programme of events for the day involved the formal signing of the memorandum of understanding by both herself and the Deputy Mayor of Southampton City Council at a function at 7:30 on the Friday evening, followed by a formal dinner in the Commodore Hotel at 9pm.  On the proposal of Cllr Crowley seconded by Cllr Mulvihill it was agreed that Mr Michael Martin would be invited to attend the function.  The Town Clerk circulated the press release to members of the media present in relation to the Memorandum of Understanding.

6. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A).  Cobh Tourism
Cllr Whitty advised the members that the Welcome to Cobh sign at the Deep Water Quay had now been virtually completed, he stated that flags including the flag of the town as well as the tri colour would be erected every time that a liner visited Cobh.  He asked that the 2007 allocation to Cobh Tourism be paid as quickly as possible to allow the organisation to pay its debts in this regard.  The Manager stated that she was precluded by instructions from the County Manager from paying any tourism funding allocations.  It was agreed that the Town Clerk would issue “Thank You” letters to those involved in the erection of the sign.  Cllr Whitty stated that he would provide full details to the Town Clerk to allow the letters to issue.

B).  Activities at June Weekend
Cllr Crowley stated he wished to thank all of those who were involved with ensuring that the activities over the June weekend were a success.  He stated that the crowds in Cobh benefited the local economy.  Cllr Doyle stated that she had been advised that there was a possibility that the South of Ireland Pipeband Championship could be held again in Cobh in 2008.  On the proposal of Cllr McCarthy seconded by Cllr Crowley it was agreed that a letter would issue to the Heritage Centre. Cllr McCarthy stated that he had been advised that the Heritage Centre had closed on the Sunday of the June weekend at 4.30pm.  Cllr Crowley stated that on the day that the Litter Awards for the Children’s Competition were allocated in the Heritage Centre he had received complaints from tourists that the Heritage Centre was also closed at 4.30pm on that date.  It was agreed that a copy of the letter would be provided to Cllr Paddy Whitty before the Board Meeting on Friday.  It was also agreed that a copy of the letter would be circulated to all members of the Council.

      C).  Cobh Local Bus Service
Cllr Doyle stated that she had been advised by Barry’s Coaches that the local bus service would be discontinued from the 29th June 2007 until further notice.  She stated that she had been advised that background discussions were on going in relation to ensuring that another service would operate in its place, and that she would advise the members further at a later date. 

 7.   DRAFT BOUNDARY ALTERATION PROPOSAL

The Town Clerk circulated a proposal which he stated had a number of minor amendments to the proposal circulated at the previous meeting.  On the proposal of Cllr Whitty seconded by Cllr Mulvihill it was agreed to adopt the report and to forward the report to Cork County Council and to begin the public consultation process as quickly as possible.

8.  SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE

On the proposal of Cllr Crowley Seconded by Cllr Whitty it was agreed that a Supplementary Estimate as provided by Section 11 of the City and County Management Act 1955 as amended by Section 11 of the 1978 Financial Provisions Act arising from expenditure incurred in the financial year ended on the 31st of December 2006 in excess on the following:

Program 1:  Housing and Building €21,104
Program 2:  Road Transportation and Safety €35,506
Program 3:  Water Supply and Sewerage €76,135
Program 4:  Development incentives and Controls €81,267
Program 5:  Environmental Protection €65,694
Program 6:  Recreational Amenities €21,917
Program 7:  Miscellaneous Services €19,578

9. EXTENSION OF TIME

On the proposal of Cllr Whitty Seconded by Cllr McCarthy it was agreed to suspend Standing Orders to allow the Business of the Meeting to carry on.

10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

a. Cllr O’ Connor stated that he wished to raise the issue of an error made by the Council in relation to a grave at the old Church Cemetery.  He stated that two years after the error had been made the matter had not been resolved and asked that the Manager ensure that the matter would be resolved as quickly as possible.  The Manager stated that she accepted that an error had been made by the Council and she also  stated that the Council had contacted the person involved shortly after the events and had advised that person that the Council had intended acquiring ownership of the grave back from the third party and transferring ownership to that person.  She stated that as this had been a legal matter it had not been possible to conclude this transfer until October November 2006.  She stated that this person had now come back to the Council and had requested a second grave which she had agreed to provide. She stated that this person had also raised an additional issue which she felt was totally separate and could not be dealt with in conjunction with this matter.  She stated that she would meet with this person with a view to final resolving the matter.  However she stated that she did not agree with Cllr O’ Connor who had stated the person involved had been treated badly by the Council in this regard.

b. Anti-Social Behaviour in Local Authority Estate - Town Clerk stated that the Town Foreman was due to carry out an inspection at this property. 

c. Cllr Histon asked why members of the Council had not received an invitation to the Corpus Christi Procession.  The Mayor stated that she had been advised by the Parish Administrator that an invitation had issued to the Town Hall a number of weeks before the event.  The Town Clerk and the Manager stated that the invitation had never been received and that any invitations that were received were forwarded to the members automatically as a matter of course.

d. Erection of Fence at the green area of Philip O’Neill Place adjacent to the roundabout - Town Engineer to examine.

e. Condition of surface at Belmont Place - Town Engineer to examine.

f. Need for Road Sweeper to visit Norwood Park Road - Town Engineer to examine.

g. Condition of flower bed at Edmund Rice Crescent - Town Engineer to discuss with Town Foreman.

h. Cllr Whitty asked that a start date for works at a private house on Harbour Hill where an improvement of works in lieu of Re-Housing Scheme had been approved by the Department be provided as quickly as possible.

i. Cllr Mulvihill asked that the Manager consider the introduction of Rates Scheme as set out in the letter from the Minister for Environment  which would provide for New Businesses paying 50% rates in year 1 75% in year 2 with full rates payable from year 3 onwards.

j. Current position of Marine Planning Application.  Town Clerk stated that no correspondence in relation to a decision had been received to date from An Board Pleanala, but that he would arrange to have the matter followed up. 

k. On the proposal of Cllr Doyle Seconded by Cllr Whitty it was agreed to hold the committee meeting to discuss the allocation of funds to local groups at 5.30pm on Monday the 18th of June prior to the Annual General Meeting.  It was agreed that the list of applications would be circulated with the agenda.
 
This concluded the business of the meeting.  

____________
CATHAOIRLEACH

________________________
TOWN CLERK

________________________
DATE