Minutes of Council meetings- list.:

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AT MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COBH TOWN COUNCIL, HELD AT CARRIG HOUSE, COBH, ON MONDAY 12^thNOVEMBER 2007

Presiding -Cllr. P. Whitty, Mayor.

Present -Cllrs. M. Keating, N. Doyle, S. Meade, S. O'Connor, K. McCarthy, P. Histon, J. Mulvihill and D. Crowley

Officials Present

Mr. P. Crowley, A/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 the Town Manager, Ms. Mary Ryan.

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

1.Attendance by Mr. Michael Lavelle, Senior Engineer, Cork County Council.

Mr. Michael Lavelle, Senior Engineer, Cork County Council attended the meeting to update the Members in relation to the status of the Cobh Landslide Programme. He stated that under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1964 concerning Dangerous Places, responsibility of dangerous structures lies with the local authority where they exist. Cork County Council has agreed to look at the cash flow issues that might present themselves for Cobh Town Council whilst waiting for approved funding from the Department of the Environment. He also stated that the Department has also expended €4.5million since the start of the programme. The current status of the programme was as follows:a Review is taking place to assess all the works done to date. The Consultants for this review have been advertised through the appropriate channels. It is expected that this review will take 10-12 months to complete.The last review took place approximately 25 years ago. A schedule of emergency works has been submitted to the Department for approximately €3.5 million. The Department has also requested funding from the Department of Finance for these emergency works. The Department of Finance has not yet approved this request.

Cllrs. O'Connor, Whitty and McCarthy all spoke of their disappointment with this update. Cllr. Crowley mentioned the urgency surrounding this programme. Cllr. Mulvihill queried the escalating cost of the works should there be a delay in its approval. Michael Lavelle clarified that the works would be in the region of €12 million and possibly more. The terms of reference for the review were currently being devised. This Review was necessary in order to carry out a value for money audit on previous works before any more works could take place. Cllr. Meade spoke of her support for Cllr. O'Connor's views on this programme. She also spoke of the history of this project and the previous surveys which were carried out. The Acting Town Manager also expressed his concern over the update and the fact that a local authority of this size would be expected to fund these works. The Town Clerk clarified that the Town Council has also funded works in private areas where the owner would be unable to meet the expenditure themselves. He also clarified that all the monies spent to date had been approved in advance by the Department. Queries in relation to the legal responsibility of the Council for any landslide issues arose. Cllr. McCarthy proposed a meeting with the Minister of Finance to discuss the funding issues. The Town Clerk agreed to write to both the Department of Finance and the Environment in relation to arranging a meeting.It was agreed by all Members that a special meeting should be convened to deal with the Landslide Programme update. Michael Lavelle offered his input into this meeting and then withdrew from the meeting.

Cllrs. Whitty and McCarthy proposed and seconded the suspension of standing orders to discuss the civic reception for Cobh Ramblers.

A Civic Reception was proposed for Cobh Ramblers by Cllr. Crowley and seconded by Cllr. McCarthy for the 17^th of November at 3pm at the Town Hall after all Members offered their congratulations on their recent achievements.

2.CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

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

Monthly Meeting8^th October 2007

Proposed – Cllr Crowley, seconded – Cllr Doyle

In Committee Meeting 8^th October 2007

Proposed – Cllr Crowley, seconded – Cllr Doyle

Matters arising from Minutes

Children at Play Signs in Council Housing Estates

The Town Engineer stated that this work was ongoing.

Local Bus Service

Cllr. Whitty stated that the school bus service was now operational. Cllr. Mulvihill expressed his disappointment at the fact that this service was only seasonal.

Old Church Cemetery Lodge

The Town Engineer stated that he was compiling a report in relation to the costings for this work.

Parking at Assumption Place

The Members were informed that this issue was referred to Cork County Council. The Town Engineer will consult with Derry O'Sullivan, Cork County Council in relation to same.

Sewer Blockage in Elton Estate

The Members were informed that this issue was referred to the Sanitary Engineer of Cork County Council and was still ongoing.

Entrance to the Rock

The Town Engineer stated that the ownership of this area needs to be established. He also stated that he had issued a report to the Town Clerk who would revert at a later date in relation to same.

Spraying of Overgrowth in all areas.

The Town Clerk informed the Members that the spraying of any overgrowth had already started in the Town. The High Road overgrowth would be addressed as soon as possible.

Miscellaneous

Members had previously expressed concern over the condition of the Camber with sewerage and litter. The issue was referred to the Sanitary Authority for investigation. The Town Clerk informed the Members that he had spoken to the new Deputy Harbourmaster who had agreed to meet with the occupiers of the area. It was agreed that Cobh Town Council would give assistance should it be required.

Cllr. O'Connor asked if there was any update on the entrance to the Cathedral. The Agents for the Trustees had responded to previous queries and stated that they would inform the Trustees of the concerns. He also stated that there appeared to be new regulations in relation to places of worship that might have an impact on future planning applications for same. The Town Clerk agreed to investigate and revert.

In relation to the previous Notice of Motion at the October meeting by Cllr. Michael Keating, to address the traffic management problems in Harbour Row, both the Town Engineer and Derry O'Sullivan, Cork County Council, would meet with the Mayor and the Town Clerk when a date was agreed, to examine this issue.

In relation to the previous Notice of Motion at the October meeting by Cllr. John Mulvihill, that "Cobh Town Council call on the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamonn Ryan T.D. to appoint a native of Cobh to the Board of Directors of the Port of Cork". Cllr. Mulvihill asked for an update on this motion. The Town Clerk stated that correspondence had been received from the Department of the Marine to say that they had referred the query to the Department of Transport as the Port of Cork was within their area of responsibility.

After a query from Cllr. Crowley, the Town Clerk responded by saying that a reply had been received from Cork County Council, Water Services Dept. to state that the matter of waivers for non-commercial ventures such as the Sea Scouts etc. in Cobh was referred to Kevin O'Neill, Finance Department, Cork County Council. The Town Clerk agreed to follow up with Cork County Council in relation to same as Cllr. Crowley stressed the implications of the financial burden that water charges would put on these non-commercial groups.

The Town Clerk also agreed to follow on the matter of Cork Dockyard being sold which was raised at the last meeting.

The Mayor thanked everyone for their participation in the presentation on 9^th November to the late Cllr. Pat O'Mahony's family in the Promenade. Cllrs. Keating and McCarthy thanked the Mayor and the Town Clerk and staff for their work in this presentation. Cllr. Whitty also clarified that the original date of the 3^rd November for this presentation was changed to the 9^th November at the request of the family.

Cllr. Whitty clarified that after discussions with the Midleton Area Roads Committee, it was confirmed that the road works in Ballynoe would be ongoing until the 24^th November 2007. It was also clarified in connection with these road works in Ballynoe, that the new sewer being installed there would not be operational for a number of years.

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

3.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. Special mention was made for Cllr. Crowley's cousin, Elaine Crowley, who passed away the previous week.

The votes were passed in silence all standing.

4.MANAGERS ORDERS

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

5.CORRESPONDENCE

1.Cobh-Ploermel Twinning Association -Annual Statement of Accounts. It was also agreed to look at the funding for this Association.

2.Community College – Letter of thanks.

3.Acknowledgement of correspondence from the Dept. of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

4.Cove Sailing Club – requesting assistance, Cllr. Whitty stated that he contacted John Quirke and currently the Whitepoint area is being proposed as a possible location.

5.Notice of Motion – Monaghan Town Council. Acknowledged.

6.AMAI Estimates 2008

7.Notice of Motion – Kildare County Council. Acknowledged.

8.Acknowledgement of correspondence from Cork County Council re: water waivering charges for non commercial ventures.

9.ECAD Meeting on 16^th November in the Silversprings Hotel.

10.East Cork Tourism, funding request and 2006 company accounts attached.

11.Letter from Irish Red Cross requesting funding. Cllr. Whitty informed the Members that he had met with this group and he proposed a meeting with them to first discuss the issue of maintenance. The Town Clerk stated that any funding could be looked at in the context of the 2008 budget estimates.

All correspondence acknowledged and marked as read.

6.OFFICER'SREPORTS

a.)Derelict Sites Report

The Town Clerk circulated a report on the current status of the Derelict Sites Register. It stated that work appears to have been started on 1&2 Casement Square.

4 Wolfe Tone Street and 19 Harbour Row had been removed from the Register. Valuations were also sought on a number of properties for levy purposes. Cllr. Meade queried the works that were ongoing in relation to their timeframe for completion. The Town Clerk clarified that a time limit is given when a Schedule of Works is issued to the owner of the derelict property. Cllr. Mulvihill spoke of the derelict sites levy which was charged on 1&2 Casement Square and whether the monies from levies could be included in future budgets. Cllr. Doyle queried these levies as being a potential debt for the Council. The Town Clerk stated that this would be a decision for the Town Manager as to whether it would be included in the 2008 estimates. The Town Clerk spoke of the achievements of the Register since its implementation. Cllr. Crowley stressed the importance of derelict properties around key areas such as Casement Square to be prioritised in terms of enforcement and asked the Town Clerk if there had been any correspondence with the owner of the derelict properties in this area. The Town Clerk stated that there was contact made with a consultant appointed by the owner of the property and they had clarified that there were intentions to develop the site.

b.)Funding for Residents Associations.

The Town Clerk spoke of the decision of the Manager to allocate €1000 to Russell Heights Residents Association for its ongoing maintenance of the estate. Cllr. Keating queried as to whether residents were contributing to the upkeep of their area. Cllr. McCarthy stated that a scheme was originally in place to collect monies from all the residents, however, this arrangement had stopped. Cllr. Histon mentioned that not all of the estate is being maintained. Cllr. Whitty suggested a meeting should take place to discuss all of the issues surrounding Russell Heights including the funding of the Residents Association, the Multi Use Games Area, housing for the elderly etc. Cllr.Meade and Doyle proposed and seconded a meeting to be held between the Mayor and the Residents Association of this estate.

Cllr. Crowley and Mulvihill proposed and seconded the suspension of standing orders to allow the business of the meeting to carry on.

c.)Report on the Letter Regarding the Scheme of Letting Priorities to the Department of the Environment.

The Members suggested amending the wording at the end of the correspondence to also request a speedy response to the staffing issue which will arise in the operation of this scheme. The Town Clerk agreed to append this wording to the correspondence.

d.)Land at Russell Heights.

The Town Clerk informed the Members that the ESB has requested that a piece of land beside 71 Russell Heights be disposed of to the ESB in order to maintain an ESB substation. The Town Engineer had agreed to this request. The Town Clerk stated that the Council normally request that the legal costs be covered by the proposed beneficiary of the land. It was agreed to place this item on the agenda for December.

e.)Rushbrooke Tennis Club.

The Town Engineer stated that the works were complete and that Rushbrooke Tennis Club would like the land to be returned to them. The Town Clerk again stated that the Council normally request that the legal costs be covered by the proposed beneficiary of the land. It was also agreed to place this item on the agenda for December.

7.COMMITTEE REPORTS

a.)Aura Leisure Centre Meeting.

Cllr Crowley advised the members that the AGM for the above is on the 28^th November and a Directors meeting would be held after the AGM.

8.BUDGET MEETING 2008.

It was agreed to hold the above meeting on the 17^th December 2007 at 6pm. The Town Clerk stated that a number of in committee meetings in relation to same should also take place prior to this date.

9. TO CONSIDER THE NOTICE OF MOTION STANDING IN THE NAME OF CLLR. KIERAN MCCARTHY.

Cllr. McCarthy proposed that "That this Council agrees to delegate or hire a person to deal exclusively with cleaning and disposing of dog litter in the town. And that such a person would also, in conjunction with the existing Litter Warden, police the town and issue offending dog owners with the appropriate litter fines. That the revenue from such fines would be used towards the cost of hiring such a person". Cllr. Doyle seconded this proposal.

The Town Clerk and A/Town Manager both stated that this position, if created, would not be self financing. After a query from Cllr. Keating, the Town Clerk stated that there was 1 litter fine issued in the last six years for this offence due to difficulties involved in issuing fines to the relevant owner.The A/Town Manager stated that this proposal could be piloted for one month and assess the outcome after this date. He also clarified that the person who was allocated for this task should also police litter offences in general.

10. TO CONSIDER THE NOTICE OF MOTION STANDING IN THE

NAME OF CLLR. KIERAN MCCARTHY

To consider the following Notice of Motion standing in the name of Cllr. Kieran McCarthy: "That this council take immediate steps to carry out repair works on the three vacant houses at Russell Heights, and reallocate them in accordance with an earlier notice of motion that was passed by the members of the Council". Cllr. Mulvihill seconded this proposal. Cllr. McCarthy expressed his disappointment that the 6 week turnaround timeframe was not being adhered to. Cllr. Mulvihill spoke about the current housing list figures and the number of allocations in 2007. The Town Clerk clarified that there were currently 4 houses unoccupied. Of these four houses, one was due for allocation immediately, another is fire damaged and Council are awaiting insurance report. Another is boarded up and the Manager has to make her decision as to what steps to take next and the last house is not in the possession of the Council, a report for the Manager has been devised outlining the legal steps required to regain possession of this house. Cllr. Whitty outlined the progress to date in the houses in Belmont.

11.ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1. Cllr. Mulvilhill mentioned the sweeper in the Crescent. The Town Foreman is to examine and revert. Cllr. Mulvihill also requested a clean up of the Burma Steps.
2. Cllr. McCarthy queried the gates at Lee view. Town Engineer to examine.
3. Cllr. Histon thanked the Town Engineer in relation to the implementation of speed limits in the Rushbrooke area.
4. Cllrs. Doyle and Meade queried the payment of the funding to East Cork Tourism. Cllr. Whitty clarified that the County Manager was reviewing this payment and that any issues could be addressed at the proposed meeting in the Silversprings Hotel on the 16^th November.
5. Cllr. Whitty expressed concern about the wooden windows on the Mauritania. The Town Engineer agreed to investigate and revert.Cllr. Whitty thanked Mr. Pat Crowley for attending the meeting as Acting Town Manager. He also stated that the Christmas lights would be turned on at 4pm on 1^st December 2007.

This concluded the business of the meeting.

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CATHAOIRLEACH

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TOWN CLERK

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