Minutes of Council meetings- list.:

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AT MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COBH TOWN COUNCIL, HELD AT CARRIG HOUSE, COBH, ON MONDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2007

Presiding -   Cllr. P. Whitty, Mayor.

Present - Cllrs. M. Keating, N. Doyle, S. Meade, 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
Ms. R. Mullarkey, Staff Officer

An apology for their inability to attend was received from Cllr J. Mulvihill.

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        3rd July 2007 
Proposed – Cllr Doyle, seconded – Cllr Histon

Monthly Meeting                         9th July 2007
Proposed – Cllr Histon - seconded – Cllr McCarthy

In Committee Meeting        23rd August 2007
Proposed – Cllr Doyle, seconded – Cllr Histon

Matters arising from Minutes

Cobh Landslide Programme
The Manager advised the members that the tender advertisement for the Consultants had been entered into the European Journal in line with Public Procurement Policy. There was a change in Personnel dealing with the Cobh Landslide Project in the Department of the Environment. An update would be looked for in the coming weeks to clarify some aspects of the Project that are still outstanding

Traffic Calming Measures at Eaton Heights.
Town Engineer stated that these works were to be started over the coming weeks and additional works would be listed for action. The issue of the gates in Russell Heights would also be addressed.
 
Update on Derelict Sites
The Town Clerk advised the members of the current position in relation to derelict sites. He stated that three properties namely 1 Church Street, 4 Wolfe Tone Street & 30 Wolfe Tone Street were to be reviewed by the Town Engineer in relation to their dereliction status. He also stated that 1 & 2 Casement Square had been referred to the Council’s Solicitors with a view to implementing the derelict sites levy on these properties.
 
Children at Play Signs in Council Housing Estates
The Town Engineer stated that some of this work was already implemented such as Norwood Grove and Brookvale. It was agreed that more signage was needed in Victoria Estate. Cllr. Histon requested that more signs to be placed in Hartlands Point. A list of estates taken over by Cobh Town Council was distributed at the meeting. This list created some queries from the Members in relation to estates which had been completed for a substantial number of years and had not yet been taken over by Cobh Town Council. The Town Manager clarified that developers have to request the estate to be taken in charge before the Council can take over the estate. Cllr. O’Connor spoke about bonds being returned to developers before the works were complete. The Town Clerk clarified that the return of the bond is based on the value of the works done and final bond cannot be issued until certification of complete works has been received. The Town Clerk reiterated that the Council is legally obliged to return partial bond upon certification of works being complete. Cllr. O’Connor requested a list of all remaining developer bonds. Cllr. Whitty requested a report on all unfinished housing estates for the next meeting. The Town Engineer agreed to prepare this report for the meeting.

Location of Bin at corner of Orelia Terrace and Bishops Street
Town Engineer stated that this work would start over the next week.

Conditions of the Manhole covers at the rear of One Hour Photo Shop
Town Engineer stated that new manhole covers were on order.  Works should start over the next week.

Resurfacing of Norwood Park Road
Town Engineer advised the members that this work had been completed apart from remedial works and speed ramps. Concern was expressed by Cllr. Whitty in relation to the standard of works carried out by the contractor in certain areas. The Town Engineer stated that he would investigate and revert.

August In Committee Meeting
Concern was expressed by Cllrs. Doyle and Crowley in relation to the Port of Cork’s Oyster Bank Proposals. Cllr. Doyle stated that she had met with Denis Healy of the Port of Cork and he was disappointed with the view that Cobh Town Council had taken regarding the proposals. Cllr. Crowley stated that the Port of Cork had not fully
looked into all options for the site. Cllr. Whitty stated that the Members had made a submission to the Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposals and would await the outcome of this stage of the planning process.

Cllr. Crowley expressed his dissatisfaction over the new Parking By-laws  adopted in August by the Members. The Town Clerk stated that no submissions were made during the public consultation period and agreed to circulate the Press Statement regarding same at the end of the meeting.  Cllr. Whitty reiterated that these new By-laws were for a trial period only.

Miscellaneous
Cllr. Whitty stated that the widow of Howard Fletcher was due to visit Cobh over the coming days and Members would arrange to meet with her to extend their condolences in person. It was agreed that the Mayor would arrange to take Mrs. Fletcher for a meal during her visit.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin’s successful visit to Cobh in late June was also mentioned by Cllr. Whitty.

The Town Manager announced that the lease on the swimming pool was signed by the VEC Management .Cllr Doyle proposed and Cllr. Meade seconded the proposal to issue a letter of thanks to the VEC Management.

Cllr. Whitty stated that a company had applied for the licence for the Cobh Local Bus Service but unfortunately the previous bus company operating the service had not informed the Department of Transport of the discontinuation of their service. Members would be updated once there was any news regarding a new service.  Cllr. Crowley stated that it was positive news that a new company had applied for the licence.

The Town Engineer stated that the painting of the fence at Philip O’Neill Place was listed for works. Cllr. O’Connor mentioned that there was damage done at the back of Philip O’Neill Place and Belmont Place. The Town Engineer agreed to investigate.

The Town Engineer also stated that the overgrowth at Leonards Corner would be listed for work.
 
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 the family of Cllr. Joe Sherlock T.D. and also to Cllr. Sean O’Connor and his family on the death of his wife Anne.

The votes were passed in silence all standing.

Cllr. Crowley proposed and Cllr. Doyle seconded the motion that a letter of condolence be prepared and sent on behalf of the Council to Cllr. Joe Sherlock’s family. It was agreed that the Mayor should attend the funeral on behalf of the Council.

Cllr. O’Connor also stated that a letter of condolence should be prepared and sent to the family of Paddy Short who also recently passed away.

3. MANAGERS ORDERS

Cllrs. noted Manager’s orders copies of which had been circulated. Cllr. Whitty mentioned that the planning permission being granted on the development adjacent to the Lake Road should not add to the already increasing volume of traffic in this area already.

4. CORRESPONDENCE

1. Mayor of Lake Charles- Louisiana. Town Twinning Proposal to be placed on October Agenda.
2. Julian Hutchinson re: Titanic Commemoration – marked as read.
3. Cllr. Histon & Irish Epilepsy Association re: Ball run
4. Letter of thanks from Cobh and Harbour Chamber re: Summer Swings
5. Letter of thanks from Cobh Harbour Islands Project.
6. Letter of thanks from Cobh Ladies Hockey Club.
7. AOIFE Conference notification
8. Notice of Motion – Kilrush Town Council. Cllr Crowley proposed and Cllr. Meade seconded this Notice of Motion.
9. Notice of Motion – Clonakilty Town Council
10. Garda Superintendent re: Local Policing Body Meetings.
11. Letter to Failte Ireland re: marketing of Cobh
12. Mayor of Cobh to Port of Cork re: Oyster Bank Development
13. Port of Cork re: Oyster Bank Development, Dermot O’Mahoney.
14. Port of Cork re: Oyster Bank Development, Brendan Keating.
15. Letter of thanks from Frank O’Brien re: Team Ireland.
16. Letter from John Lawlor, Suicide Support Group.

Regarding the local policing body meetings, the following Councillors, at a previous Council Meeting on the 17th January 2005 were appointed to be a member of any future informal working group with the Gardaí: Cllrs. Crowley, Mulvihill, McCarthy and Doyle. It was agreed to write to the Garda Superintendent to arrange a meeting for the 8th October at 5pm regarding this working group.

Regarding the Letter from John Lawlor, Suicide Support Group, a proposal for funding of €600 for this cause was made by Cllr. Keating and seconded by Cllr. Crowley.

Regarding the correspondence from the Port of Cork, it was noted that whilst Cobh Tourism’s request for a public meeting was denied by the Port, they were to meet with the Management of the Port to discuss the proposed development and Cllr. Whitty would update the Members as to its outcome.
 
All correspondence acknowledged and marked as read.

5. OFFICER’S  REPORTS
   
a.) Robert Forde Memorial
Correspondence was received from the Robert Forde Memorial Committee regarding the erection of a memorial to Robert Forde in the Promenade. The Town Clerk stated that this had been discussed with the Town Architect who could see no planning implications. Cllr. O’Connor proposed and Cllr. McCarthy seconded this memorial erection. Cllr. Whitty proposed and Cllr. McCarthy seconded the consideration of grant aid for this memorial to be looked at in the context of the 2008 budget and a submission for funding would be requested from the committee organising this memorial. It was also agreed that this memorial would receive the assistance of the Council staff in its development.
   
b.) County Council Special Speed Limit By-Laws.
The Town Clerk circulated a report and map devised by Cork County Council in relation to the new special speed limit by-laws for the non-national roads within the town boundaries.  It detailed how speed limits in such areas as Ticknock, Cuskinny and the R624 will change. Signage works were listed for action and the Town Engineer highlighted that the R624 would receive priority in the works schedule. Cllrs Histon, Meade and Doyle all highlighted the fact that cars parked on footpaths caused numerous hazards both for drivers and pedestrians alike in areas such as Rushbrooke Village. Cllr. Doyle suggested that pedestrian access should be considered from the Five Foot Way car park to the train station to alleviate the illegal parking in this area.

   
c.) Cobh Tourism Proposal for Old Church Cemetery’s Lodge.
The Town Clerk outlined the proposal of Cobh Tourism to convert the old lodge to an interpretive centre for the cemetery. Cllr. McCarthy proposed, Cllr. Doyle seconded the proposal to agree in principle to aid this conversion by allowing the lodge to be converted for that purpose and to help with the restoration of the roof. Cllr. O’Connor also highlighted the condition of parts of the Old Church Cemetery.

   
d.) Tidy Towns Results
The Town Clerk informed the Members of the recent Tidy Towns results which saw Cobh gain 2 more points in the Tidy Towns Competition. The Town Clerk reiterated the fact that it was steady progress in the right direction.

   
e.) Pay Parking By-Laws
The Town Clerk informed the Members that at a meeting held on the 23rd of August, minutes of which were circulated with the meetings pack, the members agreed to adopt the Cobh (Traffic & Parking) By-Laws, 2007. As a result, the Bye-Law will come into effect on the 24th September 2007. With the Members permission, the Town Clerk arranged for a press release regarding same after the meeting. Again, it was reiterated that this change in Parking Laws were for a trial period of 3 months only.

6. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A).  Proposal – Construction of a Multi-Use Games Area in Cobh 
 Town.

Cllr Whitty advised the members that both himself and Cllrs Histon and McCarthy had been in contact with Liam Singleton, Recreation and Amenity, Cork County Council regarding the development of a Multiple Use Games Area (MUGA) currently in operation in Glanmire and presently a proposal for Cobh Town. A grant of up to 40k is also available for this purpose. This facility would be in operation for games such as soccer and basketball. Cllrs proposed a site in Russell Heights as being suitable for this facility. It was agreed to circulate the accompanying documentation and place the proposal on the agenda for the October meeting. 
   
 B).  Íarnród Éireann.

Cllr Whitty announced that on a recent meeting with the Town Clerk and AJ Cronin of Íarnród Éireann, the Council was informed that Cobh Station would undergo renovations due to the fact that all platforms would have to be raised to accommodate the new trains commissioned by Íarnród Éireann. Cllr. Whitty stated that the options of the station renovations would be discussed with Cobh Heritage Centre. Also, the issue of overgrowth in Íarnród Éireann property would be addressed. 

 7.   TOWN DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROGRESS- Managers Report.

The Town Clerk circulated a report outlining the progress made to date under the current Development Plan which came into operation in June 2005 and asked for comment. The Town Clerk stated that Sean Connolly, Senior Executive Planner, who had submitted a report in relation to the progress of the Scoping Studies provided for in the Plan was otherwise engaged but would revert at a later date for comment. Cllr. Whitty expressed his dissatisfaction both in the progress of the current plan and the system by which the plan is devised as did Cllr. McCarthy. The issue of Rushbrooke School renovations was raised by Cllr. Doyle and the Town Clerk advised that the Council had not yet received any planning application in relation to same but had a pre planning consultation with the management of the school. Cllr. O’Connor mentioned about the overhead cables not being placed underground to avoid obstruction of views etc of the harbour. The Town Clerk reiterated that the Council can only request and encourage outside bodies for the best interests of Cobh, but cannot force or direct these bodies in their duties. Cllr. Crowley stressed the importance of the Town Development Plan but emphasised the fact that it needs to be driven. Cllr. Whitty mentioned the fact that Cork County Council’s Planning Dept. was looking at Cobh as a study area for the month of September.  

8. LOCAL GOVERNMENT STATUTORY AUDIT REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 2006.

The Town Manager stressed the serious financial situation that the Council found itself in at the end of 2006 and the reasons for same such as unexpected expenditure in relation to legal fees and the reduction in income for both taxi/hackneys and pay parking. The inadequate rate base for the Town was also mentioned as a major cause for concern.  Cllr. O’Connor asked about the current status of the Council sites around the Town. The Town Clerk stated that auctioneers had been contacted in relation to sales details and that reports were awaited from the Town Architect in order to furnish a more detailed description to the auctioneers for valuation.

Cllr. Whitty stated that all new development was outside of the Town Boundary thereby hindering the potential for rates income for the Town thus strengthening the case for the Boundary Proposal to Cork County Council. The Review of Local Government was ongoing and Members were encouraged to submit to this review. The Town Clerk stated that this matter would be mentioned at the Town Clerks and AMAI conferences and on the proposal of Cllr. O’Connor seconded by Cllr. Crowley, it was agreed to write to Cork County Council enquiring about the Boundary Proposal in conjunction with the budget for 2008 and future budgets.

The Town Manager recommended the adoption of this Audit Report. Cllr. Crowley proposed and Cllr. O’Connor seconded the adoption of this report.

9. DISPOSAL OF FREEHOLD.

The disposal of the freehold of 1 Glenanaar Place and 41 Philip O’Neill Place, Cobh,  pursuant to Section 90 of the Housing Act, 1966 and Section 26 of the Landlord & Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act, 1978 was approved on the proposal of Cllr. O Connor seconded by Cllr. Crowley.

 
10. DISPOSAL OF LAND

The disposal of the land adjacent to 23 Springfield Park, Cobh, pursuant to Section 90 of the Housing Act, 1966 and Section 26 of the Landlord & Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act, 1978 was approved on the proposal of Cllr. McCarthy seconded by Cllr. Crowley.

11.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS

a. AMAI Conference. Cllr McCarthy proposed and Cllr. Keating seconded the proposal that Cllr. O’Connor should attend the AMAI conference. Cllr. Doyle proposed and Cllr. Crowley seconded the proposal that Cllr. Meade should also attend the AMAI conference as a delegate in the event that Cllr. Mulvihill could not attend.
b. On the proposal of Cllr Doyle, seconded by Cllr Meade,  it was agreed to suspend Standing Orders to allow the Business of the Meeting to carry on.
c. Cllr. McCarthy spoke of the problems with the temporary surface laid in Whitepoint Playground. The Town Engineer agreed to examine and revert.  Cllrs. McCarthy and Doyle also made the suggestion of an extension of the playground, however, the Town Manager stated that the funding was not available for this request. Cllr. Whitty stated that the latch on the playground on the Five Foot Way is broken. Cllr. Doyle also stated that the broken latch was extremely dangerous. The Town Engineer agreed to look into this immediately.
d. Cllr. McCarthy stated that the overgrowth at the Burma Steps badly need to be addressed. The Town Engineer stated that this work was listed for action.
e. Cllr. McCarthy stated that parking on both sides of the road on Assumption Place should be addressed as it was causing a problem.
f. Cllr. O’Connor asked for an update on the entrance to the Cathedral. The Town Clerk mentioned that Professor Cathal O’Neill was to review this issue and would revert when there was an update.
g. Cllr. O’Connor mentioned the funding for the maintenance of Russell Heights was insufficient. It was agreed that the remainder of this funding would be reviewed at a later date.
h. Cllr. O’Connor mentioned the sewer blockage in Elton Estate. The Town Engineer agreed to investigate. Cllr. O’Connor also mentioned the crack in the entrance to The Rock which appeared to be getting wider.  The Town Engineer agreed to investigate.
i. Cllr. Crowley spoke about the abandoned car outside 1/3 Victoria Estate. The Town Clerk clarified that this was in the County Council area. The Gardai needed to give a declaration of abandonment and then the County Council can remove it. Cllr. Whitty also stated that any cars being advertised on the public road can be reported to the Glanmire office as a litter offence.
j. Following a query from Cllr. Crowley, the Town Clerk stated that An Bórd Pleanála had been contacted over the Marina Planning Decision and they stated that there would be no decision until the 11th September.
k. Cllr. Doyle stated that the Council should plan for the playground extension to allow for corresponding funding to be allocated in future budgets.
l. Cllr. Meade queried when the spraying would be carried out as the High Rd. in particular was particularly overgrown. The Town Clerk stated he would refer this issue to the Town Foreman for action.
m. Cllr. Histon asked about the start date for the tarmacadam in West View. The Town Engineer replied that this would be carried out when the work at Wolfe Tone St. was complete.
n. Cllr. Whitty expressed his disappointment at the lack of update on the outside area of Aura Leisure Centre, Cobh. The Town Clerk informed the Members that Aura had been contacted twice since the last meeting in relation to same and he had been told by the manager that planned works had fallen through as the contractor had pulled out. The town Clerk stated that he had been reassured by the manager that it was still a priority for the Leisure Centre to undertake these works.
o. Cllr. Whitty suggested that land beside Árd Aoibhinn could accommodate another 1 to 2 houses. It was agreed that the matter would be examined further.
p. Cllr. McCarthy asked how many single people were on the housing list. The Town Clerk replied that this figure was not available at the moment but announced that a Housing Assessment Officer was now employed by Cobh Town Council and a temporary Revenue Collector was engaged for 3 months.
q. 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. 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. She thanked the Members and Officials for all their hard work since she had come to Cobh. All the Members and Officials thanked and congratulated the Town Manager and wished her well in her new role. The Town Clerk thanked the Manager on behalf of all of the staff of the Council whom he said were sorry to see her leave. A presentation was made to the Town Manager both on behalf of the Members and the Officials.

This concluded the business of the meeting.  

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CATHAOIRLEACH

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TOWN CLERK

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