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| Cobh Town Council, Town Hall, Cobh, Co. Cork. Phone: 021 481 1307 FAX: 021 481 1732 Contact Us |
Minutes of Council meetings- list.:MONTHLY MEETING MONDAY 12TH OCTOBER, 2009MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AT MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COBH TOWN COUNCIL, HELD AT CARRIG HOUSE, COBH, ON MONDAY 12th OCTOBER, 2009 Presiding - Cllr. P. Whitty, Mayor. Present - Cllrs. P. Histon, S. O’Connor, J. Mulvihill, M. Martin, S. Sheppard, J. Quinlan, F O’Driscoll and K. McCarthy Officials Present Ms. M. Ryan, Town Manager Mr. M O’Sullivan A/Town Clerk Mr. Robert O’Sullivan The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. 1. Attendance by Delegation from Cobh Community Allotment Scheme A presentation was made by Ed Mansworth on the suitability of the site at Newtown in Cobh. Mr Mansworth indicated to the council the most favourable and accessible site, which would require a 2 metre high secure fence. It was proposed to have plots measuring 10m by 10m. John Lalor also of Cobh Community Allotments read out their mission statement and outlined the benefits to the people of Cobh of the allotments scheme. Mr Lalor gave estimates for the fees for allotments, 40 of which were initially proposed on an acre during for the first phase and would gradually expand over 3-5 years. He estimated set up costs which would include fencing costs etc would be in the region of €10,000-€15,000. The Mayor Paddy Whitty and the Councillors thanked the delegation for their presentation while the mayor stated that the Council Architects would have to re-examine the site in advance of further discussions with the group. 2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES. Monthly Council Meeting Monday 14th September, 2009 – Adoption proposed by Cllr O’Connor and seconded by Cllr Mulvihill. 3. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES Cllr Quinlan stated that in relation to the request at the previous meeting for computers for new members that he would be declining the offer in light of the present economic situation. Cllr Quinlan felt discussion of such a proposal in the context of agreeing a new budget would be insensitive to the public. Cllrs Sheppard and O’Driscoll agreed with Cllr Quinlan. Cllr Martin stated that the proposal for new computers had cost-saving in mind and would be of benefit to the public indirectly. Cllr McCarthy questioned whether a reply had been received from the Personnel department with regard to the proposal that volunteers from the Cobh Family Resource Centre carry out repairs to vacant houses. The Acting Town Clerk replied that a response had not yet been received. Cllr Sheppard asked for an update regarding the housing officer position. The Town Clerk replied that a member of the existing staff would be assessing housing applications for rent supplement purposes while a Housing Officer from Cork County Council would come to Cobh to assess to applications for Cobh Town Council as required. Cllr Martin enquired about the draft Scheme of Letting priorities that had been prepared by the Council. The Manager responded that such a scheme would still require departmental approval. Cllr Quinlan asked the Town Engineer about the footpath near the entrance of The Spires who replied that the area in question may be in the area of Cork County Council and that he would be speaking to the Engineer for that area. Cllr Quinlan also asked about the steps at the Mall. The Town Engineer replied that they were listed in the programme of works. Cllr Sheppard queried how a proposal could be made regarding parking in the town. The Mayor replied that any person could make a submission to amend the parking Bye-Laws. Cllr McCarthy asked about the problem of speeding at Newtown Road. The Town Engineer replied that he would be approaching the problem from a traffic calming point of view rather than constructing a roundabout at the area. The Mayor also circulated the legal opinion on nomination procedures for Committees of the Council. 4. VOTES OF CONDOLENCE The Sympathy of the Council was extended to all those who had died since the previous meeting of the Council. 5. MANAGER’S ORDERS Cllrs noted Managers Orders copies of which had been circulated. Cllr O’Connor questioned whether a response had been received to a particular Section 151 letter. The Acting Town Clerk stated that a letter of authorization had been given to have the works in question completed by the end of the month. Their adoption was proposed by Cllr Mulvihill and seconded by Cllr McCarthy. 6. CORRESPONDENCE 1) Notice of Motion; Youghal Town Council. The Adoption of this motion was proposed by Cllr McCarthy and seconded by Cllr Mulvihill. 2) Notice of Motion; Kilrush Town Council – Adoption was proposed by Cllr Histon and seconded by Cllr o’Driscoll. 3) Notice of Motion; South Tipperary County Council – marked as read. 4) Notice of Motion; Clonmel Borough Council - adoption was proposed by Cllr O’Connor and seconded by Cllr McCarthy. 7. OFFICERS REPORTS 1) Sale of Sites; The Town Engineer reported that an alternative storage site at Whitepoint which would free up Council land at Bishop Roche Park was not suitable for purpose. Cllr O’Connor suggested that an alternative storage site at Bishop Roche Park might be used instead. The Town Engineer agreed to examine but was of the opinion that the site suggested was very steep. 2) Slipway at Whitepoint; The Town Engineer stated that the slipway had been cleared back. 3) Development at Kidney Strand; The Town Engineer stated that the bond applied to the development only and he would check again to ensure all conditions were complied with. 4) Skateboard Park – A costing was given for a skateboard park. The Engineer stated that a wood and steel structure would cost €180,000 while a concrete structure being the preferred option would cost €360,000. 5) Gullies at the Top of the Hill – The Town Engineer stated that some had been cleaned. They were midway through the survey at present and water jets may be needed to clear some of the gullies. 6) Bins at Bishop Street – letters were being sent to the households whose bins were being left on the street. 7) Speeding at Whitepoint Moorings – The Engineer stated that the only option was to increase signage as a 300m straight run was required for ramps. 8) Hawthorn Terrace overgrowth – some work being done. 9) Radon results in Cobh – the Town Engineer read out the results of the survey carried out for Cork County Council. There were 19 Council owned houses over the acceptable limits and a schedule for remedial works would have to be put in place. Cllr Mulvihill thanked the Council for their work and stated that there should be another information meeting by the RPII. Cllr O’Driscoll stated that he was worried about the disruption that any proposed remedial works would have at this time of the year. The Town Engineer stated however that the work would only require a day to complete approximately. 8. COMMITTEE REPORTS A.M.A.I. Conference – Cllr Mulvihill gave a report on the conference in particular discussion around proposals in the McCarthy report for abolishing Town Council’s. 9. To consider the following Notice of Motion standing in the name of Cllr. John Mulvihill “That Cobh Town council encourage the introduction of a voucher system in Cobh to encourage the people of Cobh to shop local this Christmas” This motion was seconded by Cllr O’Driscoll. Cllr Mulvihill outlined the proposed voucher system which he said would operate as a ‘one for all’ scheme dedicated to Cobh. Cllr McCarthy stated that the Great Island Business Association (GIBA). It was agreed to write to Philip Gray in this regard. 10. To consider the following Notice of Motion standing in the name of Cllr. John Mulvihill “That Cobh Town Council writes to the Port of Cork to investigate the possibility that temporary pontoons be put in place along the water front of Cobh for the summer period” This motion was seconded by Cllr O’Driscoll. The Mayor, Cllr Whitty stated that the Council had many issues to discuss with the Port of Cork and that such a proposal may impede the development of a permanent harbour. Cllrs O’Connor and McCarthy stated that they felt that the opposite would be case. It was agreed to write to the Port of Cork in this regard. 11. To consider the following Notice of Motion standing in the name of Cllr. Finbarr O’Driscoll. “With reference to the €200 charge for Non-Principal Private Residences (NPPR) as per the Local Government (Charges) Act, 2009, that all monies paid in respect of same and relating to properties in the Cobh Town Council area, be paid to Cobh Town Council and not to Cork County Council, in the interests of equity.” The Manager Mary Ryan stated that the Act in question provides for the money to go to the Local Authority that the property is located in. 12. To consider the following Notice of Motion standing in the name of Cllr. Finbarr O’Driscoll “That the area bounded by Cottrell’s Row, The Mall and Connolly Street be landscaped as a matter of urgency. This due to the fact that it is the first and last view of the town that sea-borne visitors get. This to be done in consultation with, and with the co-operation of, residents of the area.” This motion was seconded by Cllr O’Driscoll. The Town Engineer stated that housing repairs were the priority at the moment. Cllr O’Connor stated that much of the area would be private property so the work may not involve as much as anticipated. 13. To consider the following Notice of Motion standing in the name of Cllr. Kieran McCarthy “That this Council agreed to extend its playground area at Whitepoint and to further set aside a site close by for the future development of a Skateboard park. And that this Council starts a fund to carry out both projects by making a provision in its upcoming annual Budget and in future Budgets.” The motion was seconded by Cllr O’Connor. The Town Engineer provided the Council with estimates of the cost of providing a skateboard park. Cllr McCarthy stated that they could not wait for the next economic boom before money could be made available and a commitment needed to be made now for the youth. Cllr Sheppard agreed with the motion and stated that a number of 16-17 year olds had approached her about a skateboard park. Cllr O’Connor stated that money from the sale of sites could be offset against the costs of the skateboard park. It was agreed to discuss the matter at the upcoming budget meeting. 14. To consider the following Notice of Motion standing in the name of Cllr. Jim Quinlan “That Cobh Town Council would write to the Southern Health Board and the Department of Health to seek clarification as to the criteria for the designation of local ambulance services.” The motion was seconded by Cllr McCarthy. Cllr Quinlan stated that the motion in seeking clarification on the criteria for a local service was the appropriate starting point for seeking ambulance services. Cllr Quilan also stated that criteria based on the number of call-outs were flawed as people were being brought to hospital by car. Cllr McCarthy said most doctors agree with the need for the service as many people have to go to hospital by taxi or train. Cllr Martin suggested putting an advert in the local newsletter in an attempt to register the number of callouts etc. Cllr O’Driscoll stated that the use Helicpopter base in Haulbowline should sought. It was agreed to the write to the Department of Defence in this regard. 15. Any Other Business Cllr O’Connor 1. That a report be prepared on newly vacated properties and the works required before re-letting. Incoming tenants would then be offered the option to do the repairs themselves and have the tenancy rent free until the repairs would be completed. The Town Engineer stated that Health & Safety legislation would not allow such a proposal. 2. That the Town Council begin eviction proceedings against unruly tenants whose anti-social behaviour was upsetting other tenants. The Town Manager agreed to discuss the matter with the Town Clerk and bring it to the Joint Policing Committee. Cllr Mulvihill 1. Write to transition year students regarding a student council. 2. Litter Audit Committee. Cllr McCarthy 1. Proposed nomination for the Cobh Chamber person of the year award. Cllr O’Connor stated that it was agreed that the awards would be non-political. 2. Harbour Hill – leak in footpath/road – Town Engineer to examine. Cllr Martin 1. Correspondence to be sent out to Councillors as it is received – Agreed. Cllr Sheppard 1. Works at Assumption Place causing flooding and giving rise to access problems – Town Engineer to examine. 2. Noise at Haulbowline – correspondence received from Cork County Council but response was deemed unsatisfactory. 3. Green area damaged at Colman’s Square – Town Engineer to examine. Cllr Quinlan 1. Wall at back of house at Bond Street. Appointment to Director to Great Island Community Centre Cllr Martin was nominated by Cllr McCarthy and seconded by Cllr O’Connor. Cllr Whitty was nominated by Cllr Mulvihill and seconded by Cllr Sheppard. There being no other nominations, a poll was taken by means of a roll call, which resulted as follows. For Councillor Martin Councillors O’Connor, Martin and McCarthy (3) For Councillor Whitty Councillors Quinlan, Histon, Mulvihill, Sheppard, Whitty and O’Driscoll. (6) Councillor Whitty having received the greater number of votes was declared to be elected as the Director of the Great Island Community Centre. Appointment to the Spike Island Heritage Committee Cllr O’Driscoll was nominated by Cllr O’Connor and seconded by Cllr Quinlan. Cllr Histon was nominated by Cllr Whitty and seconded by Cllr Mulvihill. Cllr Martin was nominated by Cllr McCarthy but was not seconded. As there were no further nominations to the committee Cllrs O’Driscoll and Histon were both appointed. This concluded the business of the meeting. _______________________ CATHAOIRLEACH ___________________________ TOWN CLERK _____________________________ DATE.
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