February Monthly Meeting held on Monday, 19th February 2007,
Kells Civic Offices, Headfort Place, Kells
Presiding: Cllr. O. Sweeney.
Present: Cllrs. P. Caffrey, B. Collins, B. Curran, S. Drew, C. Ferguson, T. Grimes, B. Reilly.
Also Present: Mr. B. McGrath, Town Manager, Mr. B. Sweeney, Town Clerk,
Mr. T. Traynor, Town Engineer, Ms. C. O’Reilly, A/Asst Staff Officer, Professor Gerry Boyle (item 9 only), Mr. John McGrath, Senior Executive Engineer, Mr. Andrew O’Sullivan, Project Engineer (item 8 only).
It was agreed on the proposal of Cllr. B. Collins, seconded by Cllr. B. Reilly, to suspend Standing Orders in order to take items 8 and 9 first.
A vote of sympathy was passed with Cllr. B. Curran on the recent death of his sister, Philomena Keating.
To receive presentation on submission to site new North East Regional Hospital in Kells
Professor Gerry Boyle of Farrell Grant Sparks gave a presentation, summarised as follows:
Factors determining locations of regional hospital
- Key demographic factors
- Population trends and forecasts
- Age distribution of population
- Accessibility
Professor Boyle stated that he would be focusing of demographics and accessibility.
Following a general discussion it was agreed to have a report prepared by Easter.
To receive presentation on the current status of M3 motorway
Mr. John McGrath gave a presentation on the current status of the M3 motorway, summarised as follows:
- One hundred and sixty one archaeological sites have been identified. Work on these sites to be complete in April 2007.
- Advance site clearance and fencing in progress.
- Four year construction period.
- Construction work to commence in second quarter of 2007.
Minutes
The minutes of January monthly meeting held on 15th January 2007 were confirmed on the proposal of Cllr. S. Drew, seconded by Cllr. P. Caffrey.
To approve revision in remuneration in accordance with Circular LG02/07
The revision in remuneration in accordance with Circular LG02/07 was approved on the proposal of Cllr. T. Grimes, seconded by Cllr. S. Drew.
To consider disposal of land in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001
“Land and dwellinghouse at 16 Blackthorn Close to Mr Patrick Browne and Mrs Catherine Browne of 16 Blackthorn Close Kells.”
Proposed by Cllr. T. Grimes.
Seconded by Cllr. B. Reilly.
“ Land and dwellinghouse at 41 Magdalene Court Kells to Mr Darren Smith and Mrs Lorraine Smith of 41 Magdalene Court Kells.”
Proposed by Cllr. T. Grimes.
Seconded by Cllr. B. Reilly.
Correspondence and matters raised by the Town Manager.
- Invitation from Meath Association for representative to attend New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
- Circular on Local Government (Business Improvement) Act 2006.
- Letter from Argylle & Bute Council re visit of Councillors over St. Patrick’s weekend.
- Letter from St. Patrick’s Festival Committee requesting sponsorship. It was agreed on the proposal of Cllr. B. Reilly, seconded by Cllr. B. Collins, to make a contribution of €2,000.
Monthly Reports
The following items were raised:
Cllr. S. Drew
Repair of signs at O’Growney Terrace / Ard na Greine.
Cllr. P. Caffrey
Stop signs at Cross Street / Newmarket Street.
The Town Engineer stated that an audit of signs was carried out before Christmas.
Cllr. B. Collins
Potholes after broadband works.
The Town Engineer stated that restoration works was being carried out in two stages – temporary basis and then permanent restoration.
Manager’s Orders
The Manager’s Orders, as circulated, were noted.
To receive notification of allocations for Block Grant & Special Block Grant 2007
Members were informed that the Council had been allocated €108k block grant and €179k special block grant. Fifty per cent of the works have to complete by mid July.
It was agreed to bring a programme of works to the next meeting.
Questions to the Town Manager
Submitted by Cllr B Collins:
Will the Manager outline the current status of Kells Waterworks, Lloyd and the Restoration Committees request for a licence. What timeframe does the Manager envisage for the current difficulties to be overcome?
The Town Clerk stated that the Committee had had discussions with the Council. A licence had initially being given to the Committee. A lease would be given to a Limited Company.
Submitted by Cllr T Grimes:
Will the Manager meet the residents of O’Growney Tce to discuss traffic arrangements prior to the opening of the Scout Hall?
The Town Manager agreed to meet with the residents.
Submitted by Cllr T Grimes:
Will the Manager contact the County Registrar to discuss the feasibility of using the scout hall as a polling booth for future elections?
The Town Manager agreed to contact the County Registrar on this matter.
Submitted by Cllr C Ferguson
When will the road be repaired at the bottom of Back Street?
The Town Engineer stated that the Contractors for the works on John Street would be coming back to complete works at the top of John Street and would be repairing the potholes at the bottom of Back Street at that stage.
Notice of Motion
Submitted by Cllr Brian Collins
Kells Town Council believes that the time is right for Kells to obtain Fair Trade Town status and calls upon all interested parties, businesses and committees to come together to achieve this.
Such a status would be beneficial to the town and would complement the good works and generosity of so many of the towns’ citizens.
Proposed by Cllr. B. Collins
Seconded by Cllr. T. Grimes.
Following a general discussion it was agreed to set up a committee and to pass on the motion to other local authorities.
Submitted by Cllr S Drew
That Kells Town Council remedy the problems that have occurred with dampness to the houses in Church Lane and Lord Edward St, whose owners have lodged complaints with the Council, subsequent to the upgrading and replacement of the footpaths with cobble-lock paving by the Council in recent years.
Proposed by Cllr. S. Drew
Seconded by Cllr. P. Caffrey
It was stated that three householders had made complaints to the Council over the past eighteen months.
The Town Engineer stated that a channel would be provided, but no internal works would be undertaken. The Council would carry out these works on a non prejudice basis.
Submitted by Cllr C Ferguson
That when taking out a bank loan in the future Kells Town Council will consider taking it out with Kells Credit Union.
Proposed by Cllr. C. Ferguson
Seconded by Cllr. S. Drew
Other Business
The Town Manager informed members that the Civic Amenity Site would be officially opened on 5th March 2007.
In Committee
The Town Manager informed members that pre planning discussions held with Developer phase 1 backlands development, proposals broadly complies with LAP Phase 1. The Town Manager stated that if Developers proceed with planning application based on access through cottages / swimming pool road he would have no option but to instruct Planners to refuse the application. The position as adopted was clearly outlined to Developers.
This concluded the business of the meeting.
Signed: ______
Cathaoirleach
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Kells Town Council, Kells Civic Offices, Headfort Place,, Kells, County Meath
Telephone: 046 9240076, Fax: 046 9249316, web: Email: