Minutes of Council meetings- list.:

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AT MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COBH TOWN COUNCIL, HELD AT CARRIG HOUSE, COBH, ON MONDAY 9TH JULY 2007

Presiding - Cllr. P. Whitty, Mayor.

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

Officials Present

Ms. M. O’Halloran, Town Manager

Ms. R. Mullarkey, A/Town Clerk

Mr G. O’Hora Town Engineer

 An apology for their inability to attend was received from Cllr’s N. Doyle 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:

In Committee Meeting                14th May, 2007 

Monthly Meeting                         11th  June 2007

In Committee Meeting                 18th  June 2007

Annual General Meeting             18th  June 2007

Proposed – Cllr Mulvihill         

Seconded – Cllr Crowley

The Town Manager announced that she was moving to a new directorship which would encompass housing construction for all of Cork County Council and that she would be leaving Cobh Town Council as Town Manager. The move would take place in September and her replacement would be Ms. Mary Ryan, currently Director of Corporate Affairs, Cork County Council.  The Town Manager expressed sadness at leaving Cobh Town Council but felt that she had worked on many projects during her time as Manager and had the enjoyment of seeing some of these projects come to fruition such as the Swimming Pool and the Community Centre. All the members thanked and congratulated the Town Manager and wished her well in her new role.

 
Matters arising from Minutes

Cobh Landslide Programme

The Manager advised the members that the expert appointed by Cork County Council  to prepare a brief for a Consultants report in relation to the review of the landslide programme, was awaiting approval in order to advertise for the Consultants.  Cllr. Mulvihill queried the expected timeframe for the review. The Town Manager replied that the timeframe could be 18 months, in the meantime, she hoped that the Dept. of Finance will fund urgent works.

Fascias and Soffits at Sarsfield Hogan Place

The Town Engineer stated that the Contractor would start works over the coming weeks in this area.

Traffic Calming Measures at Eaton Heights.

There was some confusion expressed by Cllr’s O’Connor and Crowley as to what part of Eaton Heights was the proposed area for the traffic calming measures. The Town Engineer stated that he would investigate and revert.

Planting of Roundabouts on the R624 by Cork County Council.

Dissatisfaction was expressed by Cllr. Whitty over the fact that this work was not completed despite the fact that it was requested months earlier. The Town Engineer stated that Derry O’Sullivan was in contact with Jack Casey in relation to this and there were talks of co-funding with Carrigtohill Community Group in relation to same. The Town Engineer stated that he would follow up with Derry O’Sullivan in relation to an update and would pass the members comments on.

 
Update on Derelict Sites

A/Town Clerk advised the members of the current position in relation to derelict sites. She stated that three properties namely 1 Church Street, 4 Wolfe Tone Street & 30 Wolfe Tone Street were placed on the Derelict sites register.  She also advised that since the Derelict Site Notices had gone out, there was a great deal of positive response in relation to same.

Update on Pump at Newtown

Town Engineer stated that he had spoken to David O’Keeffe, Senior Executive Engineer of Cork County Council in this regard and would revert when there was an update.

 
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. 

 
Children at Play Signs in Council Housing Estates

Cllr. Whitty raised again, the issue of the erection of these signs in other private estates throughout the town. Cllr. McCarthy asked for a list of the estates taken in charge for the next meeting. The A/Town Clerk agreed to look into the compilation of this list for the September meeting. Cllr. Mulvihill asked that when planning is granted for large developments, that a condition which related to traffic calming measures be considered. Cllr. McCarthy also requested consideration be given to the erection of permanent litter signs in estates.  Cllrs Whitty and Histon also expressed concern about vehicles being advertised at the side of public roads and mentioned the new restrictions that Cork County Council were putting in place whereby it would be deemed a litter offence to advertise any vehicle at the side of a public road thereby incurring a litter fine penalty.

Location of Bin at corner of Orelia Terrace and Bishops Street

Town Engineer stated that this work is listed for action.

No Dumping Signs at the Burma Steps

Town Engineer stated that these signs were on order and works were listed for action.

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 had started and envisaged the work to be completed within six weeks.

Miscellaneous

Cllr. Keating congratulated the Mayor on his recent election as he had been absent at the AGM and Cllr. Whitty thanked fellow Councillors and Officials for their good wishes and help since his election.

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 Council especially wanted to extend their sympathy to Cllr. Sean O’Connor and his family on the death of his wife Anne. The votes were passed in silence all standing.

The Town Manager wanted to extend her sympathy to Cllr. O’Connor and his family for both herself and the Town Clerk who could not attend the funeral service.

Cllr. O’Connor thanked everyone for their support over the recent weeks and withdrew from the meeting.

It was agreed that the A/Town Clerk would prepare a letter of thanks on behalf of the Council to Mr. O’ Shea of the Commodore Hotel for bringing a letter of condolence on behalf of the Council to the family of Mr. Howard Fletcher, who had died recently in Pontarddulais.

3.      MANAGERS ORDERS

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

4.      CORRESPONDENCE
 
Special Olympics Ireland – Letter of thanks for recent contribution, marked as read.
Cobh Community College Parents Association – Letter of thanks for recent contribution, marked as read.
Cobh Basketball Club – Letter of thanks for recent contribution, marked as read.
Ballywilliam Residents Association – Letter of thanks for recent contribution, marked as read.
Hilltop Park Residents Association – Letter of thanks for recent contribution, marked as read.
People of the Year Awards invitation for submission – marked as read.
Spike Island Heritage Committee – invitation to the Commemoration of the Spike Island Flag Raising on the 11th July 2007 – marked as read.
Invitation to Sea Sunday on the 15th July 2007 – marked as read.
Cobh Harbour and Chamber correspondence congratulating the Council on the results of the recent IBAL poll – marked as read.
Omagh District Council invitation regarding the 6th Annual Benedict Kiely Literary Weekend – marked as read.
 

5. OFFICER’S  REPORTS
   
a.)    Town Manager Transfer

The Town Manager spoke in relation to her impending move to another directorship.

All Members thanked the Town Manager and commended her for her achievements since her appointment as Town Manager. Clrs Crowley and McCarthy spoke of the importance of continuity in the Town Manager role.

   
b.)    VEC Lease on the Leisure Centre.

The Town Manager spoke in relation to the reduction in the amount of the VEC Lease from 20k to 1k per year. The 15k already paid over to the VEC for the lease ensures that the lease is now paid for 15 years. The VEC Lease has not been signed yet by VEC Management. Cllr. Whitty commended the Town Manager and Cllr. Doyle on their work in this reduction.

    
c.)    Membership of Local Police Board.

The Town Clerk had previously 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 A/Town Clerk would check the minutes of that meeting and advise Superintendent Sheehan of the membership of the Local Police Board.

 
 6.COMMITTEE REPORTS

 A).East Cork Tourism/Failte Ireland

Cllr Whitty advised the members that the brochures promoting East Cork by East Cork Tourism had major discrepancies and this was reported to Ryan Howard who apologised and stated that this would be rectified on the next print of the brochure. It was agreed that both Cobh Town Council and Cobh Tourism should review the next print of the brochure. Cllrs. Mulvihill, Crowley and Keating commented that Failte Ireland and East Cork Tourism were not representing Cobh in the media as adequately as they should be. It was proposed by Cllr.Mulvihill and seconded by Cllr.Crowley that a letter of complaint be drafted and sent to Failte Ireland. It was mentioned again that the monies to East Cork Tourism were held until further notice.

 B).Cobh Local Bus Service

Cllr Whitty announced that the service provided by Barry’s Coaches was now discontinued until further notice.  He stated that background discussions were on going in relation to ensuring that another service would operate in its place but it was very early stages yet. Cllrs Crowley and Mulvihill emphasised the importance of the restoration of the service as soon as possible. 

 7.DISPOSAL OF OLD TOWN  HALL.

The A/Town Clerk circulated a disposal notice ten days prior to the meeting which stated that the Town Hall was currently under offer at 780k by Mr. Aiden Coffey. There were two interested bidders, however a report by the Auctioneers selling the property, Hamilton Osbourne King, recommended the acceptance of the offer of 780k. Concerns were expressed by Cllr. Crowley in relation to future development access by the Council should this sale go ahead. The Town Engineer stated that future development by the owner would be subject to planning permission by the Town Council and thus any development around the area in question would be restricted. Cllrs Keating and Mulvihill welcomed the sale of the Town Hall and its future commercial potential.

In accordance with the provisions of Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, the Disposal of the old Town Hall was approved on the proposal of Cllr Keating and seconded by Cllr Whitty on the condition that all monies acquired through this sale were used for the purchase of the new Town Hall.

8.CONSIDERATION OF DRAFT AFFORDABLE SCHEME.

  A copy of the affordable housing points allocation scheme was circulated to members. The Town Manager stated that this new scheme was a simplified version of  the old housing scheme which had omitted any anolomolies that had existed with the old version. The Town Manager recommended the adoption of the scheme. Cllr.Keating mentioned the fact that there are two different application forms for the Affordable Housing Scheme for both the Town Council and Cork County Council. On the proposal of econded by Cllr. Mulvihill, the Members agreed to adopt the Scheme of Allocation Priorities for the Affordable Housing Scheme. 

9. PORT OF CORK PROPOSED DELEGATION.

Cllr. Whitty stated that he would talk to Denis Healy, Port of Cork and revert on dates and times.

10.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS

a. Cllr Mulvihill spoke of the proposed water metering of B&B’s in the area. He spoke of the fact that B&B business is seasonal. The Town Manager pointed out to Cllr. Mulvihill that all sanitary functions including the water metering project are the responsibility of Cork County Council. She also stated that any applications for an amendment in the charges levied by Cork County Council would have to be made for the coming years as the charges for 2007 have already been set. The Town Manager advised that any representations regarding this matter should be made to Sharon Corcoran, Director of Infrastructure, Cork County Council. Cllr. Whitty stated that he was compiling a comprehensive brochure which would have all relevant details included in relation to this topic and would be available to all B&B owners. Cllr. Mulvihill again expressed concern over these charges and the impact for small businesses in general for the future. 
 
b. Anti-Social Behaviour in Local Authority Estate – A/Town Clerk stated that the Town Foreman had visited the house in question but the house was inaccessible at that time. The A/Town Clerk stated that the Town Foreman would visit this house again. 

c. Cllr Mulvihill mentioned the disabled parking space on Bond Street. The Town Engineer stated that this would go ahead if there were no objections from Council.

d. Cllr. Crowley mentioned Cows Cross, an area prone to accidents and currently overgrown. The Town Engineer stated that there were plans to maintain this area.

e. Cllr. McCarthy asked the proposed new fence at Philip O’Neill Place be painted. 

f.  The need for the Road Sweeper to visit Norwood Park was mentioned and Cllr.Whitty expressed satisfaction at its progress.

g. Cllrs.Whitty and O’Connor mentioned an area in Carrignafoy which could be dangerous and asked for this area to be concreted to make it safe. Town Engineer mentioned that this work was listed.

 h. Cllr. McCarthy mentioned Newtown Road, the entrance to Assumption Place and on the corner of Kirkwood Vilas were prone to constant flooding. The residents of St. Patricks Square had also a problem with vision on exiting their estate. There was a request for “Concealed Entrance” Signs to be erected to rectify this problem. - Town Engineer to examine. The overgrowth at Leonards Corner was mentioned and Town Engineer informed members that work at Bellevue which was also mentioned was listed for work.

 i.  Members were reminded of the Spike Island Commemoration Ceremony the following Wednesday as well as the Sea Sunday Ceremony the following Sunday, 15th July.

 j. Cllr Whitty asked that the Officials speak with Aura regarding the condition of the surrounding outside area of the new pool and Leisure Centre. A/Town Clerk stated that Aura would be contacted regarding same and it was also agreed that both Board Members would also contact Management at Aura regarding the same issue with a view to resolving it as quickly as possible.

k. Cllr. Whitty concluded the meeting by thanking the Town Manager for her courtesy, dedication and courage throughout her time in Cobh. Cllr. Whitty also thanked fellow Members, Officials and the Press for their attendance. Cllr. Crowley congratulated the new Mayor on his first meeting since his recent election.

This concluded the business of the meeting.  

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CATHAOIRLEACH

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TOWN CLERK
 

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