MINUTES OF MARCH MONTHLY MEETING OF NAVAN TOWN COUNCIL WHICH TOOK PLACE ON TUESDAY 4TH MARCH, 2008 AT 7.30PM IN THE TOWN HALL, WATERGATE STREET, NAVAN, CO. MEATH.
Cllr. C. Reilly presided
Apologies were received from Cllr. A. Brennan
Present:Cllrs. P. Fitzsimons, S. Cassells, T. Reilly, J. Reilly, J. Holloway, J. Duffy & P. Toibin
Officials present: Mr. Eugene Cummins, Town Manager
Mr. Shane Donnelly, Town Clerk
Ms. Fiona Fallon, Town Engineer
Mr. Jimmy Young, Senior Staff Officer
The members acknowledged the absence of Deputy Mayor Cllr. Andy Brennan due to ill health.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
It was proposed by Cllr. T. Reilly that the minutes of the February monthly meeting of Navan Town Council held on Tuesday 5th February, 2008 be adopted by the members.
Cllr. P. Toibin questioned the minute of his Notice of Motion concerning St. Patricks Day visits of the Maor and Leas Maor. Cllr. Toibin believed that the Motion had been passed by the members and not defeated.
After some discussion it was agreed by the members that the Notice of Motion be allowed go ahead and on the proposal of Cllr. T. Reilly seconded by Cllr. J. Reilly the amended minutes of the February monthly meeting were adopted by the members.
CORRESPONDENCE
CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE QBN IN RELATION TO THE SYNCHRONIZATION OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS
The members received and noted correspondence from the QBN in relation to the synchronisation of traffic lights.
After a discussion the Town Manager outlined:-
That he hoped that a lot of work will be carried out this year.
That there has been huge cooperation from the QBN office
QBN is separate from the DTO
QBN office charged with the design of QBN set down areas.
Transport 21 has allowed for funding for bus fleet.
Synchronisation is carried out on a scan system.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM COMUNE DI BROCCOSTELLA IN RELATION TO SCHOOLS EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
The members received and noted correspondence from Comune de Broccostella in relation to Schools Exchange Programme.
The members noted and welcomed the letter from the Mayor of Broccostella and requested that the signage for twinning with Bobbio and Broccostella be placed on the approach roads to the town.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM EDDIE WHO SMYTH SEEKING FUNDING
The members received and noted correspondence from Eddie Who Smyth seeking funding.
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Reilly seconded by Cllr. C. Reilly it was agreed by the members to donate €250 to Mr. Smyth.
CORRESPONDENCE IN RELATION TO THE ANNUAL SUICIDE PREVENTION CHARITY TRUCK RUN
The members received and noted correspondence in relation to the Annual Suicide Prevention Charity Truck Run.
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Reilly seconded by Cllr. T. Reilly it was agreed by the members to donate €100 to the Annual Suicide Prevention Charity Truck Run.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM SPECIAL OLYMPICS
The members received and noted correspondence from Special Olympics Ireland in relation to the celebration of 30 years of the Special Olympics.
TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE FROM HOUSING CONSTRUCTION SECTION IN RELATION TO THE COUNCIL’S HOUSING CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME (INCLUDING REFURBISHMENT SCHEMES) FOR NAVAN
The members received and noted an update from the Housing Construction Section in relation to the Council’s Housing Construction Programme (including Refurbishment Schemes) for Navan.
The Town Clerk indicated that a representative of the Housing Section would attend the April meeting of the Town Council.
TO COMMENCE THE STATUTORY PROCESS IN RELATION TO THE INTRODUCTION OF BYE-LAWS FOR THE PROHIBITION OF CONSUMPTION OF INTOXICATING SUBSTANCES ON ROADS AND IN PUBLIC PLACES WITHIN THE FUNCTIONAL AREA OF NAVAN TOWN COUNCIL
The Town Clerk presented the draft bye-laws for the Prohibition of Consumption of Intoxicating Substances on roads and in public places within the functional area of Navan Town Council.
On the proposal of Cllr. J. Holloway seconded by Cllr. P. Toibin the members agreed to commence the statutory process in relation to the introduction of the Bye-laws for the Prohibition of Consumption of Intoxicating Substances on roads and in public places within the functional area of Navan Town Council.
TO CONSIDER THE NAVAN TOWN COUNCIL ROADWORKS PROGRAMME
The members received and noted the Navan Town Council Roadworks Programme for 2008.
Each of the members welcomed the report as presented and on the proposal of Cllr. T. Reilly seconded by Cllr. J. Holloway the members adopted the Roadworks Programme as presented by the Town Engineer.
TO SET A DATE FOR THE HOLDING OF A CIVIC RECEPTION IN HONOUR OF THE WORK CARRIED OUT BY NAVAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION
The members agreed to hold the Civic Reception in honour of the work carried out by Navan Mental Health Association on Tuesday 8th April, 2008.
NOTICE OF QUESTIONS
Notice of Question – Cllr. J. Duffy
“In the light of a Special Policy Committee (Housing) report outlining Meath County Council’s housing finance budget could the Manager inform members of the current status of the proposed refurbishment of Townparks, the position of tenders, cost of project if yet established, and an approximate commencement date and time frame for works to be completed.”
The members received the following response from the Town Manager
- See attached report from Larry Whelan SEO Housing Construction Section. Officials from the Housing Construction Section of Meath Co Council will be attending the April Monthly Meeting of Navan Town Council in which this matter will be discussed further.
Notice of Question – Cllr. C. Reilly
“What is the position regarding access to the fresh water spring on Circular Rd. known locally as "The Spa". Generations of Navan people have drawn water from the spa and indeed continue to do so, however it is now virtually impossible for elderly or infirm people to use this historic amenity. Could a guide rail be installed to rectify this problem.”
The members received the following response from the Town Manager.
A guide rail will be installed at the location.
Notice of Question – Cllr. T. Reilly
“ When can this Council receive a full presentation from engineering and technical staff in housing on new housing start-ups, refurbishment and maintenance of our stock.”
The members received the following response from the Town Manager
- Officials from the Housing Construction Section of Meath Co Council will be attending the April Meeting of Navan Town Council to give a full presentation in relation to the above question.
Notice of Question – Cllr. J. Reilly
“Will the Manager provide a report:
(a)on the number of applications that have been received from the business community seeking access to the recently completed broadband scheme.
(b)The cost to an applicant to access the broadband system.”
The members received the following response from the Town Manager.
Meath County Council has no function in relation to dealing with applications from the business community seeking access to the broadband scheme. The Manager also outlined that he was aware of two queries from the business community seeking access and the cost of access is not known but that there is no prior fee required.
NOTICES OF MOTION
Notice of Motion – Cllr. P. Toibin
“That Navan Town Council erect a plaque at Poolboy Bridge to the memory of Thomas Hodgett, former Postmaster at Navan Post office who was murdered by the British authorities during the Black and Tan War at Poolboy Bridge, Navan in February 1921.”
This Notice of Motion was proposed by Cllr. P. Toibin and seconded by Cllr. J. Reilly.
It was agreed by the members to defer this motion until further information on the history of Mr. Thomas Hodgett is presented to the Council.
Cllr. P. Toibin agreed to furnish this information to the members.
Notice of Motion – Cllr. P. Toibin
“That Navan Town Council show leadership in the area of sustainable energy sourcing and energy conservation by undertaking a complete audit of its properties. On the back of this audit that Navan Town Council implement policies and practices ensuring the reduction of fossil fuel usage within its administrative buildings and by its motorised transport. “
This Notice of Motion was proposed by Cllr. P. Toibin and seconded by Cllr. J. Reilly.
Each of the members expressed the view that the area of sustainable energy sourcing and energy conservation was worthwhile.
Notice of Motion – Cllr. J. Duffy
“To facilitate better traffic management and reduce therefore the impact on business during the construction of proposed works on Market Square and Watergate St., that in advance of commencement, Meath County Council prioritises the completion of Phase 2B ( Kells-Athboy Road) and the construction of Dublin Rd – Trim rd link.”
This Notice of Motion was proposed by Cllr. J. Duffy and seconded by Cllr. J. Holloway.
The members raised the following issues:-
- What is traffic management plan for proposed works.
- Not possible to carry out proposed works until Dublin Road/Trim Road link road Phase 2B (Kells/Athboy Road) are completed. These roads to take traffic from the town.
- Can allowance be made for parking in Market Square.
- Cannot close street.
- Acknowledge residents of the street who are in attendance.
The Town Clerk indicated that the proposed works were subject to a statutory process and that the Council cannot prejudice this process. Report is prepared for the Manager. It is a decision for the members to adopt or amend the Part 8 presented to them.
The Town Manager outlined that the proposed works were a major project to upgrade the street, that the design will be built into the contract documents given, that the Dublin/Trim link road will not be completed before the commencement of the proposed works but he anticipated that Phase 2B would be completed.
Notice of Motion – Cllr. T. Reilly
“Calling on this Council to install collapsible bollards at the Boyne Road entrance to the Ramparts.”
The proposer of this motion Cllr. T. Reilly indicated he was prepared to work with the Town Engineer to deal with this matter.
Notice of Motion – Cllr. T. Reilly
“Could this Council seek an urgent meeting with the ESB to remove a transformer at St. Mary’s Park, Navan because of fears for peoples health.”
This motion was proposed by Cllr. T. Reilly and seconded by Cllr. P. Fitzsimons.
It was agreed by the members that the Town Clerk would write to the ESB requesting a meeting.
Notice of Motion – Cllr. J. Reilly
“That NTC notes the increase in agency employment throughout the economy.
This council is aware that many workers from home and abroad are offered agency employment when they are seeking direct and permanent employment
This council understands that trade unions, as part of the social partners, have raised concerns that many of these workers are retained on minimum condition and in some instances are not receiving all their employment entitlements.
Agency employment should not be used as unnecessary substitute for direct employment or as a mechanism for avoidance of or undermining of fair pay and conditions.
Noting that legislation will come before the Oireachtas on the issue of Agency Employment, this council believes and will recommend to the Minister that the principle of equal treatment should be included in any such legislation on the issue.”
This motion was proposed by Cllr. J. Reilly and seconded by Cllr. P. Toibin.
The members resolved that the Council would recommend to the Minister the sentiment of this Notice of Motion.
Notice of Motion – Cllr. P. Fitzsimons
“In light of the changing patterns of weather, especially with regard to flash flooding that Navan Town Council carry out a report/survey to check if the present drainage system is adequate to see what measures we can take to eliminate problem areas.”
This motion was proposed by Cllr. P. Fitzsimons and seconded by Cllr. S. Cassells.
MANAGERS ORDERS
The members received and noted the Managers Orders made since the last meeting.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There were no issues raised under any other business.
This concluded the business of the meeting.
Signed: ______
Signed: ______
Date: ______
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Navan Town Council, Town Hall, Watergate Street, Navan, County Meath
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