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Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting of Strabane District Council
14th September 2004
Minutes of the Meeting of Strabane District Council held in the Council Chamber, Council Offices, 47 Derry Road, Strabane on Tuesday 14 September 2004 at 7.30 p.m.
Present:- In the Chair: Councillor J McNulty
Other Members: Councillors I Barr, D Breslin, J Donnell, J Emery, D Hussey, T Kerrigan, T McBride, E McGarvey, C McGill, C McHugh, E McMenamin, B McNamee,
Total = 13
In Attendance: Chief Technical Officer, Business Manager, Administrative Assistant
Apologies: Councillors A Bell, A Bresland, B McMahon
Suspension of Standing Orders
The Chairman agreed to a suspension of standing orders to allow Councillor Hussey to introduce discussion on the effect of Hurricane Ivan on the Cayman Islands. Councillor Hussey noted that weather reports had said that the island had been badly hit by Hurricane Ivan. He acknowledged that the Council had hosted the Cayman Islands during the Special Olympics and was aware that some residents of the district had kept in touch with the athletes and queried the possibility of trying to make contact with the organisers or athletes to establish the situation on the island and to see if any assistance could be given in order for them to try and rebuild their lives.
Councillor Barr endorsed the aforementioned comments and said that he had been aware of residents who had kept in touch with the athletes. He believed that the Governor of the Cayman Islands had changed since the time of the Special Olympics.
Councillor McMenamin echoed the sentiments expressed by other Councillors and felt that perhaps a letter from the Chairman expressing sympathy in the first instance would suffice with the offer of financial assistance to be looked at in the future.
The Business Manager (BM) reported that a member of the Special Olympics organising committee had been in contact with the office on the issue and the Head of Culture, Arts & Leisure (HCAL) had agreed to ascertain initially what the situation was with any proposal for financial assistance to be brought back to Council.
It was therefore agreed to establish the current situation and level of damage to facilities used by the athletes on the island and, if there was a future need for financial assistance, Council, perhaps in conjunction with the Host Town Committee, could arrange some form of help.
Minutes
The Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Council held on Tuesday 6 July 2004 were adopted as a true record of the meeting on the proposal of Councillor Breslin seconded by Councillor McMenamin and signed by the Chairman.
Matters Arising from Minutes
Page 12 – ID for Housing Executive subcontractors
Councillor Breslin felt that Council should be encouraging the use of an ID card system given that elderly residents in the district had experienced burglaries. He felt that this issue should be highlighted whenever possible and that the Housing Executive should lead with such a scheme.
Councillor Kerrigan noted that he would be attending a meeting of the Housing Council later that week at which he would raise the matter.
Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 14 July 2004 were adopted as a true record of the meeting on the proposal of Councillor McBride seconded by Councillor McHugh and signed by the Chairman subject to the following amendment:-
Page 8, 2nd line – delete the second reference to Councillor Donnell and insert Councillor Bresland.
Matters Arising from Minutes
Agendas and Minutes
In response to a query from Councillor Breslin, the BM reported that 12 newspapers received copies of minutes and officers’ reports and, despite encouraging them to view the minutes on the website, the Administration department currently continued to circulate these in hard copy format. She hoped that this would eventually change given the move for paperless meetings.
Disabled Access at Car Theory Testing Centres
Councillor Hussey noted correspondence sent to Members on the matter and he understood that there were to be new facilities at the Omagh test centre, which was to be welcomed.
Minutes
The Minutes of the Economic Development Committee Meeting held on Monday 19 July 2004 were adopted as a true record of the meeting on the proposal of Councillor Barr seconded by Councillor Kerrigan.
Matters Arising from Minutes
Adria
Members expressed their delight at the recent announcement by the management team at Adria regarding the merger with an international company, which was likely to result in a modest increase to the workforce. It was felt that this positive news should be acknowledged and it was agreed that a letter be sent to the management team at Adria congratulating them on the efforts they had taken to secure jobs.
Bus Shelter at Strabane Community Library
Members expressed concerns about the inadequacy of the bus shelter. It was felt that it was too small and, given that it had no side panels, was ill equipped for changeable weather conditions.
The CTO noted that he had a meeting with Translink and Clear Channel concerning the provision of bus shelters along the A5 and he said he would raise the issue of this bus shelter again.
On the proposal of Councillor Barr, seconded by Councillor McMenamin, it was agreed to send a letter to Translink outlining Council’s concerns about the bus shelter at the Strabane Community Library and also asking them when they intended to provide a bus station for Strabane.
Minutes
The Minutes of the Corporate and Regulatory Services Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 20 July 2004 were adopted as a true record of the meeting on the proposal of Councillor Breslin seconded by Councillor McBride.
Minutes
The Minutes of the Corporate and Regulatory Services Sub Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 17 August 2004 were adopted as a true record of the meeting on the proposal of Councillor McHugh seconded by Councillor McMenamin.
Minutes
The Minutes of the Culture, Arts & Leisure Committee Meeting held on Monday 23 August 2004 were adopted as a true record of the meeting on the proposal of Councillor Breslin seconded by Councillor McMenamin subject to the following amendments:
Page 5, 4th paragraph, 1st line – after ‘project’ insert ‘within the Strabane District Council area’
Page 5, 4th paragraph, 2nd line – after ‘document’ insert ‘which had no reference to a signature project in the Strabane District Council area’
Page 5, 5th paragraph, 1st line - Delete ‘not’ and insert ‘hardly’
Minutes
The Minutes of the Environment Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 24 August 2004 were adopted as a true record of the meeting on the proposal of Councillor Barr seconded by Councillor McHugh.
Matters Arising from Minutes
Presentation by Kirk McClure & Morton - Waste Management Strategy
Page 5, 6th paragraph – disposal of green waste – In response to Councillor McMenamin, the CTO said that there was no proposed programme to provide specific bins for bottles. He added that Council would be operating a pilot scheme of 4,000 brown bins and it was also hoped to increase the number of recycling bins around the district.
Blue Bin (Dry Recyclable Waste Collection)
Councillor Donnell referred to contamination labels being placed on blue bins and said that Members had received many complaints from residents of the district. He asked if it would be possible for an official from Council to meet with the complainants.
The CTO advised Members that, as agreed by Council, 4 members of staff had been undertaking appropriate checks on the contents of blue bins and following contamination labels being placed on a number of bins, the department had been receiving and dealing with the calls. He noted that Council lifted 14,000 blue bins per week and he felt that the department would not have the level of resources necessary to involve staff in meeting complainants on an individual basis. He acknowledged that it was a difficult issue and noted the steps, including publicity, taken to educate the public on the issue of dry recyclable waste collection. He reported that the scheme had now been in operation for almost a year and noted that, through the North West Group, Strabane District Council (SDC) was lifting 17.5% of dry recyclables with no other Council reaching that percentage of collection. However, he added that SDC had the worst contamination statistics of the other Councils.
In response to a further query from Councillor Donnell, the CTO said that it was unlikely that bins were being rejected if there were only one or two small items of contaminated waste and he noted that most of the rejected bins were contaminated to a greater extent.
Councillor McMenamin appreciated that mistakes could sometimes be made but also acknowledged that there were repeat offenders who clearly used their blue bin for non-recyclable waste. He wished that residents of the district would understand that waste was the most costly issue for Council. He agreed with the policy of educating the public to what they could and could not put in blue bins and felt that the current checks on bins were making people more aware of their responsibilities.
Councillor Hussey felt that lessons had to be learned now and noted that if the situation was not resolved at an early stage that Council could face infraction charges at a later date, which would put extreme financial pressure on Council.
Minutes
The Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 25 August 2004 were adopted as a true record of the meeting on the proposal of Councillor McHugh seconded by Councillor Breslin and signed by the Chairman, subject to the following amendments:
Page 3, 5th paragraph, 12th line – delete ‘Castlefin’ and Insert ‘Churchtown’
Page 4, 1st line - delete ‘Castlefin’ and insert ‘Churchtown’
Page 5, penultimate line - delete ‘Glenloan’ and insert ‘Glenroan’
Page 6, 2nd line – delete ‘at Parkview Nursing Home in Castlederg’ and insert ‘on Main street as residents from Parkview Nursing Home experienced difficulties crossing the road’
Page 6, 3rd paragraph, 4th line - insert ‘Upper’ before ‘Seein Road’
Matters Arising from Minutes
Roads Service Capital Works Programme
Members welcomed the start of work at Dergvale and Killen, which had been long overdue. They also welcomed the start of work on the Kilclean Road, Castlederg.
It was agreed to check the possibility of a site meeting with Roads Service concerning the provision of a footpath at Killymore Road/Plumbridge Road.
Minutes
The Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Council held on Tuesday 31 August 2004 were adopted as a true record of the meeting on the proposal of Councillor Kerrigan seconded by Councillor Emery and signed by the Chairman subject to the following amendments:
Page 8, 2nd paragraph, 1st line - delete ‘was of the opinion that’ and insert ‘questioned whether’
Page 8, 2nd paragraph, 3rd line - delete ‘inaccurate’ and insert ‘accurate’
Page 8, 2nd paragraph, 6th line - insert ‘she believed’ after ‘ rural Councillors as’
Page 8, 2nd paragraph, last sentence – delete sentence
Matters Arising from Minutes
WHSSB – Out of Hours Service
It was agreed to write to WHBBS to follow up the issue regarding Mr Gallagher’s statement that 95% of patients lived within a 20 minute radius of Altnagelvin hospital. It was felt that this was not the case for very rural areas of the district.
It was agreed to write to Sperrin Lakeland Trust requesting their comments on Mr Gallagher’s statement that there was not an established A&E service available at present at the Tyrone County Hospital.
It was agreed to write to WHSSB requesting information on recent reports that the Strabane area had been recently left without ambulance cover and that emergency procedures had been put in place. Information was needed on when this situation had arisen, what areas were affected and what areas did ambulance personnel cover when they were removed from the Strabane district.
Ards Borough Council – Review of Public Administration
A letter from Ards Borough Council regarding Nilga’s stance on the Review of Public Administration had been previously circulated for Members’ attention.
Councillor McBride noted that he had felt at the time that the statement made by Heather Moorhead who had been speaking on behalf of NILGA had been inappropriate. He added that he did not believe that Council should consider withdrawing from NILGA.
Councillor Barr felt that, in principle, Council should support the views of Ards Borough Council however, he also agreed that withdrawing from NILGA should not be rushed into.
It was noted that this issue would probably be raised at the NIGLA AGM, which was taking place later that week. Councillor Kerrigan noted that the issue had been raised at a meeting of the NILGA Executive. He clarified that the intention of Ards Borough Council was to run with this term of Council and then to review the situation. He agreed to report back to Council with feedback from the AGM.
Help The Aged
A letter from Help the Aged seeking support for the ‘Scrap Age Discrimination for Equality Campaign’ had been previously circulated for Members’ attention. The BM clarified that the discrepancy with the dates in the letter was as a result of the initial correspondence not being received and she had requested a copy of the documentation. It was agreed to support the resolution.
Electoral Commission/Electoral Office for Northern Ireland
Letters from the Electoral Commission on addressing the decline in electoral registration in Northern Ireland and from the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland regarding electoral registration had been previously circulated for Members’ attention.
Members felt that the correspondence, particularly relating to urging young people to register was important and it was agreed to invite both organisations to make presentations to Council, preferably on the same evening.
NILGA – Local Democracy Week
A letter from NILGA regarding the forthcoming Local Democracy Week had been previously circulated for Members’ attention. The BM reported that the Local Government Association had run similar successful events in England in 2003 with the emphasis on trying to involve young people on local democracy issues. She advised that the Chairman had pre-empted the issue and an internal meeting with Officers had been held when it had been agreed to draw up a year plan to take this issue forward. It was hoped to have meetings within the next couple of weeks with schoolteachers to encourage the involvement from pupils from within their curriculum and to arrange an event to launch the Local Democracy Week.
Members felt that stimulating the interests of the youth would be beneficial as their views were important and it was agreed to proceed with arrangements and to use the Council Chamber as a debating forum.
West Tyrone Area Plan
Correspondence from Dr. Chris Boomer requesting approval for the recommended consultation programme and additional meetings with Council had been previously circulated for Members’ attention.
The BM noted that Special Meetings to receive presentations were booked up until December. Members felt that discussions on the West Tyrone Area Plan were very important and it was vital to allocate adequate time to receive information and debate the issue thoroughly. It was also noted that there would no doubt be a number of meetings on this matter. Following further discussion, it was agreed to arrange Special Meetings of Council to be held in the evening with this issue being the only item on the agenda.
In response to a query from Councillor McGill, the BM confirmed that members of the public could attend Special meetings although the public gallery was limited to the number it could seat. However, it was noted that there would be public consultation meetings held to discuss the issue.
Newtownstewart Development Association Ltd – Castle House Project
A letter from Newtownstewart Development Association Ltd concerning financial support for the Castle House Project had been previously circulated for Members’ attention.
The BM advised that she had discussed the issue with the Economic Development Officer (EDO) who confirmed that she would be raising an issue at the next Economic Development Committee concerning a form of funding which, if Council agreed, the group could perhaps apply for funding for the project.
In response to a request from Councillor McHugh, it was agreed to provide Members with a copy of the outline site plan.
Western Education & Library Board
A letter and corresponding details on the future provision of the library service had been previously circulated for Members’ attention.
It was agreed to invite Helen Osborn to give a presentation to Council on the current and future provision of the library service which it was felt was an important issue given that such a service contributed to the well being of a community.
University of the Third Age
A letter from the University of the Third Age (U.3.A.) requesting the use of Council facilities on 13 October 2004 had been previously circulated for Members’ attention. It was noted that Council had accommodated a similar request in the past. Therefore, it was agreed to provide catering and room hire for their forthcoming regional meeting.
Plantlife
A letter from Plantlife seeking Council support in the adoption of a county flower had been previously circulated for Members’ attention.
Members felt that they were unable to support the adoption of a county flower at this stage and felt that more information on the selection and decision procedures was needed.
Appointment of Independent Members to District Policing Partnerships
Details from the Northern Ireland Office concerning a draft code of practice on the appointment of independent members to District Policing Partnerships (DPP) had been previously circulated for Members’ attention.
The CTO reported that the District Policing Partnership Manager (DPPM), in liaison with the Chair and Vice Chair of the DPP had prepared a response to the document.
In response to a query from Councillor McHugh, the CTO confirmed that the comments had been prepared by the DPPM. Councillor McHugh felt that it should have been noted whose comments were contained within the papers. He added that there were several Councillors who were playing no role in the DPP and he believed that such detail should not have been omitted.
Councillor McBride said that the purpose behind this document was to consult on the code of practice and he felt that, as in any other exercise, the person who was closet to the relevant issues was asked to give comments on the paper.
Councillor Kerrigan felt that the DPPM had achieved, through her comments, the purpose of trying to simply the issue.
In response to a query from Councillor McHugh, the BM said that, to her knowledge, this was the first time these papers had been circulated to Council.
Councillor McBride clarified that the papers had been received in July and this had been the first Council meeting following the summer recess to raise the issue. He added that if there were Council elections next Spring the current DPP would come to an end as all independent members would cease to be members of the DPP on the same day as the elections were called.
On the proposal of Councillor McBride, seconded by Councillor Kerrigan the response as tabled was adopted with the following abstentions:
Councillors Barr, Breslin, McGarvey, McGill, McHugh, McNulty.
Strabane Chamber of Commerce & Industry
A letter from Strabane Chamber of Commerce & Industry concerning Council support for the use of the Convent of Mercy and Our Lady of Mercy School buildings for an educational programme had been previously circulated for Members’ attention.
Councillor McNamee left the meeting at this point.
Councillor Breslin declared an interest as a resident in the area of the schools.
Members felt that more information was needed on this issue and comments included:
·What research had been undertaken?
·Explore what impact such a development would have on the North West Institute of Further & Higher Education in Strabane
·Sites would be valuable sites for property developers
·Who legally owned the land?
·View that the land had been given free of charge to the church in order to build the schools and, if that was the case, the land should be used for the benefit of the community and perhaps given to Council
·Possible use as a park
·There was a need for private sector housing in the area
·All aspects should be considered
·Need to see a business plan
·Future of these sites could be controversial and Council would need to have a position
On the proposal of Councillor Barr, seconded by Councillor McMenamin it was agreed to set up an all-party sub committee to investigate the issue in its totality and to also meet with the Strabane Chamber of Commerce and Industry on their proposal. It was further agreed that all Members would be kept informed of discussions.
The following Members were nominated to sit on the sub committee: Councillors Bresland, Breslin, Emery, McMenamin.
NI Strategic Governmental Waste Management Partnership
A letter concerning the development of a best practical environmental option process together with an invitation to attend an event on 7 October had been previously circulated for Members’ attention. The CTO confirmed that the venue for the meeting would be the Royal Hotel in Cookstown. He felt that this was a very important workshop, which would decide the political way forward for waste management and that Council should take up the full quota of representatives.
It was agreed that one from each party and an Officer should attend and that, if a nominee was unable to attend nearer the date, that the number of delegates should be filled by any available Members.
The following Councillors were nominated to attend the meeting: Councillors Emery, Kerrigan, McBride, McNulty. The CTO confirmed that he would also be attending.
Tender – Supply of Schwinn Studio Cycling Equipment
Approval to open tenders for the supply of Schwinn Studio Cycling Equipment was agreed.
Conference
APSE Environmental Services Seminar & Exhibition 14-15 October 2004, Stoke on Trent. The CTO clarified that problems with access to the Internet had prevented the cost of flights being included but that flights would cost approximately £150, which should be added to the estimated costs that had been provided to Members.
Councillor Hussey said that he had attended a recent APSE conference and had the opportunity of looking closely at the details of the programme for this conference, which he felt, was very worthwhile. He said that the subject matter at this seminar would be extremely beneficial for Officers and Members.
On the proposal of Councillor Hussey, seconded by Councillor McBride it was agreed that the Chair and Vice Chair of the Environment Committee (or their nominees) together with 2 Officers to given the opportunity of attending the conference.
SDA Loan
On the proposal of Councillor McBride, seconded by Councillor McMenamin, a Deed of Release in respect of the following was signed and sealed on behalf of the Council:-
Mr Thomas Gerald Magee & Mrs Mary Magee, 382 Victoria Road, Strabane.
Burial Rights Grants
On the proposal of Councillor McBride, seconded by Councillor McMenamin, forms of grant in respect of the following were signed and sealed on behalf of Council:-
ARDSTRAW CEMETERY
Robert Farren
9 Methodist Lane
Newtownstewart - 2 Plots
CASTLEDERG CEMETERY
Margaret Letitia (Joy) Donnell
17 Breezemount Park
Castlederg
(transfer of grant) - 2 Plots
William Burke
21 Gamble Park
Spamount
Castlederg - 2 plots
James Catterson
10 Keats Way
Crowthorne
Berkshire
England - 1 plot
Robert Thomas Burke
14 Killen Park
Killen
Castlederg - 1 plot
Olive Waugh
51 Priestcessiagh Road
Castlederg - 1 plot
James Loughlin
2 Meetinghouse Lane
Castlederg - 2 plots
Kyra Cowan
7 Derg Vale
Castlederg - 1 plot
Gareth Waugh
47 Priestcessiagh Road
Castlederg - 1 plot
Eva Waugh
49 Priestcessiagh Road
Castlederg - 1 plot
MOUNTCASTLE CEMETERY
Christine Thompson
1 Killymallaght Road
Cullion
C. Londonderry - 3 plots
STRABANE CEMETERY
Tracy Hegarty
39 The Orchard
Strabane - 1 Plot
Ben Hegarty
39 The Orchard
Strabane - 1 Plot
Raymonde McDaid
3 Glen Road
Strabane - 2 plots
Lee McDaid
3 Hillhead
Urney
Strabane - 2 plots
Sheila McDaid
7 Melmount Park
Strabane - 1 plot
Hilda Moore
50 Meetinghouse Street
Strabane - 1 plot
Noel Parke
8 College Grove
Strabane - 2 plots
Gerard Stevenson
25 Greeves Park
Strabane - 1 plot
URNEY CEMETERY
Keith Given
13 Coronation Park
Sion Mills - 1 Plot
Any Other Business
Sympathy Wishes
It was agreed to send a letter of condolence to Council employee, Paul Bogle of the recent death of his mother.
It was agreed to send a letter of condolence to Council employee, Warren O’Hagan on the death of his brother in law.
Recruitment and Selection Course for Councillors
The CTO reported that a half-day seminar, designed for Councillors who wished to gain both an appreciation of good practice and an understanding of the legislation affecting the recruitment and selection process would be held on 9 November 2004 at Derry City Council offices and any Member wishing to attend should contact the BM.
Strule/Erne Local Health & Social Care Group
The CTO reported that all Members were invited to attend an open forum on 22 September 2004 in Irvinestown.
Diary Requirements
The CTO reported that Members had been issued with a form to be completed with their requirements for diaries for 2005.
Following a discussion, it was agreed to investigate, in preparation for 2006, having a diary specific to the Strabane area and one that reflected Irish dates of interests. It was also felt that local shops and community groups should be contacted to establish any demand for Council diaries in order to make any purchase economically viable by placing a larger order.
Water Reform
On the proposal of Councillor Barr, seconded by Councillor Breslin it was agreed to write to the leaders of the main political parties seeking a commitment that, in the event of the reinstatement of the Assembly’s Executive at Stormont, they would reverse any legislation made on water charges.
Ulsterbus
Following a discussion, it was agreed to write to John Murphy at Ulsterbus requesting a review of the number of seats and/or an additional bus being made available to cover the influx of pupils from the Melmount area attending the Holy Cross school.
On the proposal of Councillor McBride seconded by Councillor Emery the meeting went “into Committee”.
The meeting concluded at 10.05 p.m.
DATED this 14th day of SEPTEMBER 2004
SIGNED ___________________________
Chief Technical Officer
DATED this 12th day of OCTOBER 2004
SIGNED ___________________________
Chairman of the Council
