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Minutes
Minutes of a Meeting of the Council
14th January 2003
Minutes of a Meeting of the Council held in the Council Chamber, Council Offices, Derry Road, Strabane on Tuesday, 14th January 2003 at 7.30p.m.
Present – in the Chair: Councillor E McMenamin Other Members: Councillors I Barr, A Bell, A Bresland, D Breslin, J Donnell, J Emery, D Hussey, T McBride, E McGarvey, C McGill, C McHugh, B McMahon, B McNamee, J McNulty Total = 15 Apology:Councillor T Kerrigan In attendance: Clerk & Chief Executive Business Manager Administrative Assistant
Minutes
The Minutes of the Special Meeting of Council held on Wednesday, 27th November 2002 were adopted as a true record of the Meeting on the proposal of Councillor McBride, seconded by Councillor Bell.
Matters Arising
Roads Service Presentation Knockiniller Road – page 5
Councillor McGill said she wished to lobby Roads Service to examine the Ligford Road, below its junction with the Knockiniller Road, where there was a history of accidents. She said a barrier had been erected at Jefferson Court following a high profile media campaign. She requested that Mr Pat Doherty, Roads Service, be asked to explain the issues involved so that Councillors could better pursue the Knockiniller Road case.
The Clerk & Chief Executive confirmed that these Minutes would be forwarded to Roads Service following ratification. He added that both Roads Service and Water Service had been seeking copies of the Minutes that day.
Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting of Council held on Monday, 9th December 2002 were adopted as a true record of the Meeting on the proposal of Councillor Emery, seconded by Councillor Bell.
Matters Arising
St Patrick’s Day – page 4
The Clerk & Chief Executive said he would provide Councillors with the list of groups who had been advised about the forthcoming meeting in relation to St Patrick’s Day.
Minutes
The Minutes of the Economic Development Committee Meeting held on Tuesday, 10th December 2002 were adopted as a true record of the Meeting following the proposal of Councillor Breslin, seconded by Councillor McBride, subject to the following amendments:-
Attendance – page 1
Councillor McBride indicated he had attended this Meeting.
Strabane Lifford Development Commission – page 3
Councillor McNulty said it was himself and not Councillor McMahon who had indicated they would abstain.
Tyrone Donegal Partnership – page 4
Councillor McGill asked that, “Cllr McGill queried the involvement of Colleen Lowry in the TDP group”, be changed to “in response to a question from Cllr McGill the EDO explained that Colleen Lowry was . . . “ This was agreed.
Tyrone Donegal Partnership – page 5
Councillor McGill asked that, “Cllr McGill thanked the Chief Executive for having clarified the matter for her and queried the name of the Chairman” be amended to, “Cllr McGill thanked the Chief Executive for having clarified the matter for her and asked who the Chairman of the group was.” This was agreed.
Matters Arising
Asbestos Problem – page 8
Councillor Barr said a petition had been circulated regarding the asbestos problem. He then asked if there had been any update on the situation. The Clerk & Chief Executive said he would speak with Councillor Kerrigan regarding same.
Suffer the Little Children – page 8
The Chairperson asked if the various Churches could be approached regarding the Suffer the Little Children issue, or what the appropriate way forward might be. In response the Clerk & Chief Executive said he had passed the matter to Karen McFarland and Martin Bradley and a detailed response had been received from Mr Michael Harron.
Councillor Barr said this was a tragedy which had occurred at Hazelwood. He said the old Council owned cemetery had two sections – one for Catholics and one for Protestants. He said he believed both contained unmarked graves for paupers. He suggested that a small plaque be erected to mark these. He said that sometimes, if graves were unmarked, they could be re-opened for reuse.
Councillor Emery commented that he had given Philip McShane a copy of the Ballymoney brochure for his reference, and not Philip McNally as stated in the Minutes.
Housing & Settlements – page 9
The Clerk & Chief Executive confirmed that a presentation to Council by Mr B Morrison would cost in the region of £500, plus travel expenses.
Minutes
The Minutes of the Culture, Arts & Leisure Committee Meeting held on Tuesday, 10th December 2002 were adopted as a true record of the Meeting following the proposal of Councillor McBride, seconded by Councillor Breslin, subject to the following amendments:-
The Sperrins Countryside Recreation Strategy – page 3
Councillor McGill asked that the following be amended; “Councillor McGill made reference to the relevance of St Angelo’s airport, car and equestrian centres that did not fall within the Sperrins area” to read, “Councillor McGill questioned the relevance of St Angelo’s airport, Enniskillen, and equestrian centre at Irvinestown, which did not fall within the Sperrin area.”
The Sperrins Countryside Recreation Strategy – page 5
Councillor McBride pointed out that his surname had been incorrectly spelt at paragraph 6.
Holidayworld Shows – 2003 – page 6
Councillor Hussey pointed out that it should read “Members” of Sperrins Tourism and North West Passage and not “a Member”.
Recognitions – page 7
Councillor McHugh pointed out that “all star” should be with initial capitals with no apostrophe marks.
Matters Arising
Sculptures – page 5
In relation to the lights in Castlederg, Councillor Hussey asked that Members be advised what the problem had been.
Recognitions – page 7
Councillor Emery asked if a presentation had been made to Mrs Loughlin at Derg Valley Fold who was 100 years of age. The Chairperson confirmed he had presented a bouquet and a paperweight to Mrs Loughlin just before Christmas and had an enjoyable day.
Minutes
The Minutes of the Corporate & Regulatory Services Committee held on Tuesday, 17th December 2002 were adopted as a true record of the Meeting on the proposal of Councillor Bell, seconded by Councillor McBride.
Matters Arising
Councillor Barr said he wished to thank, once again, all those who had expressed get well wishes on his recent illness, including the Chairperson, fellow Councillors, the Clerk & Chief Executive, staff and members of the press.
Letter from Teach na Failte
Members considered correspondence received from Teach na Failte seeking planning permission to erect a memorial to 2 fallen volunteers on private land adjacent to 150 Carlton Drive, Strabane. The Clerk & Chief Executive said he had spoken with Mr Tony McIvor about the matter who had said it would depend upon the size of the memorial whether planning permission was needed. He had also advised that Teach na Failte get in touch with the landowner. Councillor Barr proposed, seconded by Councillor McBride that Council write to Teach na Failte stating that Council did not have a role as such and advising them to be in touch with the landowner. This was agreed by Members. Councillor Barr commented that in the past the Council had been legally advised not to get involved in these issues.
Letter from Ards Borough Council
Members considered correspondence received from Ards Borough Council asking Council to write to the Minister for Health, Social Services & Public Safety, requesting release of funds for the introduction of free personal care for older people, as had been recommended by a report on the findings of the Royal Commission for Care of the Elderly. Councillor McBride proposed that support be shown and this was agreed by Members. Letter from NILGA – Value for Money Studies: People Management in Local Government
Members considered correspondence received from NILGA in relation to the Value for Money Studies: People Management in Local Government. The letter stated that a meeting had been held with the Minister at which the issues had been discussed. Support was now requested for the approach, as outlined in the letter received. The Clerk & Chief Executive said NIGLA was more or less echoing the sentiments that a study was not needed while work was ongoing on the review process.
Letter from NILGA – Consultation on Local Government Conference Report, Building on the Best – Changing the Rest
The Clerk & Chief Executive said this document summarised the workshops and could be used as a reference tool by Councillors. He said the Corporate Policy Officer would be forwarding a response but Councillors could respond individually if they so wished.
Letter from NILGA – NILGA Business Plan 03-04 and Budget
Members considered correspondence received regarding the NILGA Business Plan 03-04 and Budget. The Clerk & Chief Executive advised that a meeting was to be held on Friday, 17th January for NIGLA representatives.
Burial Right Grants
Forms of Grant in respect of the following were signed and sealed on behalf of the Council:-
Castlederg Cemetery
Fennie Robinson - 1 plot 6 Killen Park Castlederg
Elizabeth Gillis - 1 plot 12 Hospital Road Castlederg
Mountcastle Cemetery
Miriam Neely - 1 plot 47 Strangford Park Londonderry
Library Items
1. WELB News; Volume 3; Issue 2. 2. “Focus” on the latest news in research. 3. Building on progress: Budget for 2003 – 2006. 4. Building on progress: Priorities and Plans for 2003 – 2006 5. Opportunity Now: News update 2002 6. Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland: Seventh Report 2001 – 2002. 7. NHSU – Putting learning for everyone at the heart of healthcare. 8. DETI – Northern Ireland Labour Market Statistics: 18 December 2002. 9. The Northern Ireland Housing Market – Review and Perspectives 2003 – 2006. 10. CIPFA – The account: Issue 30 December 2002. 11. DRD – The Northern Ireland Motorway Achievement. 12. What can the European Ombudsman do for you? The European Ombudsman a guide for citizens EN. 13. Summary of the report of the taskforce on employment and long-term unemployment – December 2002. 14. A report on clinical activity patterns and trends: 1998/99 – 2001/02. 15. Sixth annual report on public appointments 2001/2002. Central Appointments Unit. Volumes1 & 2. 16. Milestones BIBICs Newsletter – Winter 2002. 17. Women and Pensions – A research report. 18. Environmental Health News – Volume 17 No. 49. 19. DOE – Northern Ireland drinking water quality 2001 – A report by the Northern Ireland Drinking Water Inspectorate. 20. Draft Access to justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003. 21. WELB – West Side Scene: Issue 64. 22. A consultation document on: Partnership, Priorities and Professionalism. 23. Environmental Policy Division – Consultation Paper: Draft implementing regulation December 2002. 24. Race crime and sectarian crime legislation in Northern Ireland; A summary paper November 2002. 25. Age concern Northern Ireland – Membership Newsletter, December 2002.
Councillor Bell proposed, seconded by Councillor McBride that Members enter into committee and this was agreed.
Councillor Bresland proposed, seconded by Councillor McHugh, that the meeting go out of committee.
Strabane Sigersons GFC
Councillor McMahon said that Strabane Sigersons had recently won the Irish News Club of the Year. He asked that a letter of congratulations be forwarded to Mr Aidan Harkin. This was agreed.
William Keown Trust
Councillor McNamee said Linda Feathers had received a Carers Award 2002. She requested that a letter of congratulations be forwarded to Ms Feathers.
Waste Collections
Councillor McHugh said the way the bin collections were conducted over Christmas i.e. blue bins and double collections, and also the management of the skip sites, had been very well done. The Chairperson commented that the bins at his home had lasted 2 weeks because of waste separation.
Poster Sites
The Chairperson asked if designated sites had been identified for flyers. He said he had a contact number for the Clerk & Chief Executive.
Riversdale Leisure Centre
The Chairperson said he had been approached by a number of people who had asked if the swimming pool could be opened in the morning and if crèche facilities could be provided. In response the Clerk & Chief Executive said there was a significant reduction in income from Riversdale and Council realised they needed to be more proactive. He said the provision of a crèche facility would be quite difficult because of the ratio of adult supervision per child needed and the associated set-up costs. He added that he would look into the matter.
Mitchell Park
Councillor Hussey asked that an update on the progress on the second pitch at Mitchell Park be provided.
Notice of Appointment of Audit Day
The Clerk & Chief Executive drew Members’ attention to the Notice of Appointment of Audit Day.
Best Value Focus Group and Publicity/Media Session
The Clerk & Chief Executive reminded Members that there was a Best Value Focus Group meeting on Friday, 24th January at 2 p.m.
Use of the Council Chamber
Managing Difficult People Course The Clerk & Chief Executive said the Human Resource Officer had requested the use of the Council Chamber on Thursday, 23rd January for a ‘Difficult People’ course. He confirmed this course was geared towards learning various management techniques for use when dealing with difficult people.
Housing Council The Clerk & Chief Executive said the NI Housing Council was intending to hold a meeting on Thursday 16th January in the Council Chamber and permission was now requested. Councillor Barr proposed this and it was agreed by Members. Councillor Barr added that the group should be invoiced for hospitality.
Clady Cross Community Group
Councillor McHugh requested that at the next Culture, Arts & Leisure Committee meeting that the exact position of Clady Community Group be detailed before Council. The Clerk & Chief said that Officers were attempting to resolve the situation through a series of meetings with the group.
Unadopted Roads
Councillor Donnell suggested that a meeting be arranged re unadopted roads, to see how things were progressing. Councillor Barr said he had heard someone had been transferred so it might be an idea to meet with the new Officer.
Council Crest/Logo
Councillor Hussey said he believed it had been previously agreed that the Council Crest should be displayed behind the Chairperson in the Council Chamber. He said it would ‘lift’ the Chamber if it was there.
The meeting ended at 8.30 p.m.
DATED this 14th day of JANUARY, 2003
Signed _____________________________ Clerk & Chief Executive
DATED this 11th day of FEBRUARY, 2003
Signed _____________________________ Chairman of Council
