Minutes Meeting November 2009

 

IN ATTENDENCE:            Councillors :   Cllr. Eamon Barrett (Cathaoirleach)

Cllr. Philip Mc Glynn, Cllr. Sean Mc Eniff,

Cllr. Denise Connolly, Cllr. Florence Doherty, Cllr. Arthur Rafferty,Cllr. Michael Mc Mahon, Cllr. Dermot Doherty

                                                                                                                       

                                    Officials :         Mr. Sean Sheridan, Town Manager

                                                            Mr. Peadar Thomas, Area Manager Roads

Mr. Liam Murray, Town Engineer

                                                            Mr. Joe Mc Nulty, Town Clerk

                                                            Ms. Edel Carlin-Rosanio

                                                           

 

Apologies:   Mr. Paul Christie, Senior Planner.

 

110/09            Adoption of Minutes

 

                 Adoption of Minutes of Monthly Meeting 6^th October, 2009

            Proposed by Cllr. Mc Glynn, seconded by Cllr. Mc Eniff

 

            Adoption of Minutes of Special Meeting 19^th October, 2009

            Proposed by Cllr. Mc Mahon, seconded by Cllr. Rafferty.

 

Cllr. F. Doherty objected to the legality of this meeting and asked if the meeting had an official quorum to hold the meeting as two of the Councillors present had to withdraw from the meeting due to invested interests and that only left 3 remaining Councillors.

 

111/09            Managers Orders

 

            Managers Orders as circulated were noted by the members

 

112/09            Planning Applications

           

            Planning Applications as circulated were noted by the members.

 

113/09Fixing of date for Budget Meeting

 

Mr. Mc Nulty informed the members that the Council had not yet received the proposed time frame for the adoption of the Budget from the Department but envisaged that the Donegal County Councils would be around the second week in December and Bundoran would be the third week in December.

 

 

 

It was agreed that the Special Meeting be held on Thursday 26^th November at 10:00 a.m. and this to incorporate a Workshop Meeting (In Committee)

Proposed by Cllr. Connolly, seconded by Cllr. Mc Eniff

 

Budget Meeting to be held on Tuesday 15^th December @ 2:00 p.m.

Proposed by Cllr. Mc Glynn, seconded by Cllr. Mc Eniff.

 

114/09            Tourism Officer Report

 

            A Tourism Report was circulated to the members prior to the meeting.

 

Cllr. F. Doherty recommended that John O’ Connell be consulted with regarding the Tidy Towns as he always done great work other years on this Committee.  She also suggested asking Foroige to come on board with the Tidy Towns also as they were always looking for activities and it would be great to involve the youth of the town.

 

Cllr. D. Doherty asked for the details of the negative feedback at the Ploughing Championships.

 

Ms. Ferguson, Tourism Officer, confirmed that the negative feedback was in relation to persons who visited the town 40 years ago and hasn’t been back since.

 

In relation to Christmas lights the problem with the solar lights was they should all be south facing which were not now feasible but the estimated cost per business for the Christmas period would be €2.33 for LED lights.

 

Mr. Sheridan informed the members that Failte Ireland would be making an additional €10,000 available for Marketing if Bundoran Town Council would be in a position to match this whereby Mr. Sheridan recommended that we agree to match this funding and approve overfunding.  This was unanimously agreed.

 

115/09Traffic Calming Measures

 

A report from Liam Murray, Town Engineer was circulated to the members in relation to Traffic Calming to cover 5 roads in the urban area and his recommendation for speed cushion option as follows:-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·        Drumacrin Road:- This location to be considered for Traffic Calming after a 7 day speed survey to be carried out and a report sought from the gardai

·        Bayview Avenue: This location to be considered for Traffic Calming after a 7 day speed survey to be carried out and a report sought from the gardai

·        Bogtown Road:- Traffic calming at this location would have minimal effect.  7 day speed survey to be carried out and a report sought from the gardai

·        Mountain View:- Traffic Calming would have minimal benefit.  Traffic Calming not required.

·        Doran Park:- Traffic Calming not required.

 

Cllr. Mc Glynn could not understand why Bogtown and Mountain View were not being considered as there were 4 estates in this location and a lot of children.  It was an accident waiting to happen.  Cllr. Mc Glynn proposed that we proceed with ramps at this location, this was seconded by Cllr. Mc Eniff.

 

Mr. Mc Nulty informed the members that Bogtown Road was to be considered after a survey and garda report.

 

Cllr. Connolly asked that the signage at Doran Park be looked at and a number of families and a special needs unit is located there and felt it was a pedestrian danger as opposed to car.

 

Cllr. D. Doherty asked for the costing of a 7 day speed survey and would it cover cost of speed cushions and was in favour of having speed cushions in all estates.  Mr. Murray confirmed that each ramp will cost €1,000 per set of ramps and that 7 day survey would be minimal as Council doing it internally.

 

Cllr. F. Doherty asked what other forms of traffic calming other than ramps and proposed that the ramps go ahead at Gaelic Park Drive, this was seconded by Cllr. Connolly.  Cllr. F. Dohery was informed that there were ramps there aleady.

 

Cllr Barrett confirmed that he had put a motion forward at the Donegal Local Area Committee meeting that pedestrian crossing be put in place at the East End.  He also asked that the results of the speed survey would be required by the Council before the Budget for funding.

 

Mr. Murray confirmed that the speed survey would also record speeds at day and night and that traffic calming can only do so much and that it was an issue for Enforcement and that people can speed also between speed cushions.

 

 

 

Cllr. Connolly suggested that a Notice be put in local paper that if people in these areas have any specific problems with regards to Traffic Calming measures they can call to the office and speak with Liam Murray.

 

In conclusion Mr Peadar Thomas informed members that from experience with speed ramps in other towns they can be quite noisy and emergency services are not happy with ramps.

 

116/09Access to Tullan Strand

 

            There was no update on this matter.

 

117/09            Deputation from Ballyshannon/Bundoran Neighbourhood Youth Project

 

Maura Gallagher and Caroline Cooke on behalf of Neighbourhood Youth Project gave a presentation to the members in relation to the group and the lack of premises in Bundoran which was vital.  Up to recently they had been using St. Patricks Hall but because Fr. Munster increased the rent they could no longer afford it.  Fr. Munster then agreed to reduce rent and when Heath & Safety inspected the building they deemed it unsafe as the complete electrics would have to be replaced in the building.  They had also priced the usage of Magh Ene College but very expensive at €40 per hour and the group were not in favour as it would feel like going back to school.   Bundoran members now have to travel to Ballyshannon which is not practical. 

 

Cllr. Mc Eniff informed the group that the Council were in the process of purchasing St. Patricks Hall for the use of by Community/Youth Groups and the Council could agree a nominal rent for the use.  After further discussion Ms. Gallagher also informed the group that St. Patricks Hall as is would not be suitable as not only would the electrics need to be replaced but also wheel chair access within the building would be required, internet and computers and that in discussion with the local children involved they would prefer another building as they were not in favour of St. Patricks Hall.  After further discussion the Ms. Gallagher and Ms.Cooke thanked the members for their time and their generous offer of St. Patricks Hall.

 

In conclusion Mr. Sheridan informed the members that he was involved in the pilot of programme of the Childrens Services Committee and one of the avenues they look at is the developing of inter Agency.  He would be keen to use the facility at St. Patricks Hall and would be attending a meeting tomorrow morning and suggest this project as one they can develop as a model of Best Practice under the Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

118/09            Motions

 

            (a) Submitted by Cllr.  Mc Eniff

 

(i)                “That this Council make a presentation to Sgt. Mick Flynn to mark his Retirement after 30 years of service in the town”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Mc Eniff, seconded by Cllr. Mc Mahon

 

Cllr. Doherty asked that his son and friend be included in this presentation for their rescue as they were never recognised by the Council for their achievement.

 

Cllr. Connolly felt that some form of scroll prepared on the computer for the boys to add to their C.V. be presented at a meeting, as long as they were recognised and the presentation of a presentation scroll to Sgt. Mick Flynn similar to those presented in the past.  This was agreed.

 

(b)  Submitted by Cllr. D. Doherty

 

(i)                “That this Council repaints the Council Offices and Library to reflect a good image of the town”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. Connolly.

 

Cllr. F. Doherty asked that the maintenance man should paint the building to which Cllr. D. Doherty agreed as long as it was painted.

 

(ii)              “That this Council provides a double parking bay outside “The Good Foot Clinic” Main Street, Bundoran to accommodate the increase in the number of people with walking disabilities that attends “The Good Foot Clinic”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. Mc Mahon

 

Mr. Peadar Thomas reminded the members that if a person parks on a disabled parking bay they must have a disabled badge on display, and if they wanted a seconded disabled bay in place there only disabled driver could park there. 

 

Cllr. Connolly asked that the Council look at this area and come up with something. 

 

Cllr. Doherty felt that usually people with foot problems could not drive so maybe this parking bay could be a drop down space.

 

 

 

(iii)           “That this Council re examines any decision made at the Special Meeting of Bundoran Town Council held 10:00 a.m. Monday 19^th October, 2009.  As not all Council members were notified on time”

 

Cllr. Barrett asked that this be taken later

 

(iv)             “That this Council informs its members by telephone/text when meetings are being held at short notice”

 

Proposed by Cllr. D. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. F. Doherty

 

Mr. Mc Nulty informed the members that the procedure for Special Meetings was in accordance with the Standing Orders and in the Local Government Act that a telephone or text would not constitute official notice.

 

Cllr. Doherty asked if a back up of a text be sent or if members submit their email than an email.  It was agreed to send by email only and an onus on members to submit details.

 

(v)               “That this Council examines the possibility of taking their break in January instead of August in order to deal with the increase in issues that occur during the summer months”

 

Proposed by Cllr. D. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. F. Doherty.

 

Cllr. Mc Mahon said that the members have the power to call an emergency meeting if needed in the month of August and this was not an issue, this was agreed with by Cllrs Mc Eniff, Connolly and Mc Glynn

 

After further discussion Cllr. D. Doherty withdrew his motion.

 

(c)      Submitted by Cllr. F. Doherty

 

(i)                “That this Council call on Government and Brian Lenihan, Minister for Finance to means test the children allowance and not to cut the amount paid as some families depend on it.  (If passed circulate to all Councils)

 

Proposed by Cllr. F. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. Mc Mahon

 

(ii)              “That this Council do not purchase St. Patricks Hall as we have no need for it and the Parish already owns it, so therefore it can be used for the good of the people without this Council buying it”

 

Proposed by Cllr. F. Doherty, there was no seconder for this motion

 

 

(iii)           “That this Council support the abolishment of the National Seanad of Ireland as it is undemocratic and has no role in our Society” (If passed circulate to all councils)

 

Proposed by Cllr. F. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. Doherty

 

(iv)             “That this Council declare the meeting on Monday 19/10/09 illegal as I did not get notification and a second councillor did not get notification until the meeting was over”

 

It was agreed to also take Cllr. D. Doherty motion.

 

(vi)             “That this Council re examines any decision made at the Special Meeting of Bundoran Town Council held 10:00 a.m. Monday 19^th October, 2009.  As not all Council members were notified on time”

 

Proposed by Cllr. F. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. D.Doherty

 

The CathaoirleachCllr. Barrett stressed that there was no hidden agenda and that all 9 letters were sent out at the same time and that the matter should be taken up with An Post.  That both Cllr’s F. & D Doherty was more than welcome to know what went on at the meeting and if they wished we could take the vote again.

 

Cllr. D. Doherty felt that under the Local Government Act a quorum was not present.

 

Cllr. Barrett confirmed that 5 members were in attendance and 2 withdrew.

 

Cllr. Connolly voiced his annoyance at The Post newspaper stating that they must have nothing better to write when they have to give a full front page cover on this.

 

Cllr. F. Doherty felt that she had a genuine interest in the Gaming submission and called the meeting illegal as a quorum of 4 was not present for the vote only three and there was no Cathaoirleach or Leas Cathaoirleach present where one was excluded and the other one not invited.  She also stated that the meeting was to take place no more than 5 days from date of submission which was not adhered to either.

 

Cllr. Barrett in defence stated that due to unforeseen circumstances the Town Clerk was not available and date was not arranged.

 

Cllr. Barrett agreed to hold the Special Meeting again in conclusion of the Monthly Meeting.

 

 

(v)               “That this Council examine the Rates Book with a view to Broadening the base and including all businesses in the Urban Area to spread the burden of the rates”

 

Proposed by Cllr. F. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. D. Doherty

 

Mr. Mc Nulty confirmed that all the Commercial Properties are listed for Valuation by the Valuation Office.

 

(d)      Submitted by Cllr. Mc Mahon

 

(i)                “That this Council when considering planning applications only take into consideration all relevant information and disregard any irrelevant information”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Mc Mahon, seconded by Cllr. Connolly

 

(ii)              “That this Council makes a submission or get information regarding energy company to start to test at least 1000 homes for energy and energy efficient applications”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Mc Mahon, seconded by Cllr. Rafferty

 

Cllr. Connolly proposed that the Council write to the Department on behalf of the residents of Silverhill inviting them to come down and test these houses, seconded by Cllr. Mc Mahon.

 

(iii)           “That this Council writes to the Tanaiste regarding the closure of Community Development Projects”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Mc Mahon, seconded by Cllr. D. Doherty

 

(iv)             “That this Council cleans the river on the Sea Road”

 

Proposed by Cllr. Mc Mahon, seconded by Cllr. Mc Glynn.

 

Mr. Mc Nulty informed the members that this was all private property.

 

It was agreed that the Town Engineer write to all relevant landowners and ask them to clean up their section.

 

(e)      Submitted by Granard Town Council

“That this Council proposes that the recommendations to abolish Town Councils, contained in the Mc Carthy report be withdrawn”

 

As read

 

(f)       Submitted by South Tipperary County Council

 

“That this Council would appeal to the government to waive VAT on specialised items of medical equipment where the purchase is being funded through voluntary fundraising”

 

As Read

 

(g)      Submitted by Monaghan Town Council

 

(i)   “That this Council call on the ESB to resume the previous practice of Meter Readers leaving cards for absent householders to enter their meter reading and post same to the ESB”

 

Proposed by Cllr. F. Doherty, seconded by Cllr. D. Doherty

 

(ii)              “That this Council emphatically opposes the threat to the existence of Town Councils as proposed by An Bord Snip Nua (Mc Carthys Report) and the sentiments of Minister John Gormley on the same subject.  Any such proposals are an attack on the most basic democracy available in this State”

 

As Read

 

119/09            Correspondence

 

Correspondence received from Eamon Ryan Td., Department of  Communications, Energy and Natural Resources re. replacement of windows and doors in the Home Energy Saving Scheme was read a copy to be circulated to the members.       

 

Correspondence received from Tanaiste, Mary Coughlan, in relation to a letter from Mary Harney, TD. Minister for Health and Children re. Cancer Services in Sligo General Hospital was read a copy to be circulated to the members.

 

It was agreed to write to Minister Harney and say facts are totally incorrect and reinstate services in Sligo that were there last year and nothing less.

 

Cllr. Mc Mahon felt it was a total disgrace that the Minister wrote this letter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

120/09Special Meeting in relation to Gaming Laws.

 

            Cllr. Barrett withdrew from the meeting due to invested interest.

 

Cllr. F. Doherty objected to this meeting being held today as she had not received notification of this meeting and had no notes and she would not be staying.  She insisted that she receive 3 days notice of a Special Meeting.

 

Cllr. Mc Mahon proposed that we keep Special Meeting as is which was held on the 19^th October, 2009.

 

Cllr. Rafferty also voiced his annoyance that by holding this meeting again the Council are implying that something corrupt had taken place and should not entertain holding it again and leave it as is.

 

 

121/09Letter of Congratulations     

 

Cllr. Connolly asked that a letter of Congratulations be sent to Alan Frizzel, Bundoran Meats on the winning of 2 National Awards for Butchery.

 

 

 

 

This concluded the business of the meeting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                        ___________________________

                                                                                         Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                        ___________________________

                                                                                            Manager