June 2006 Trim Town Council
Minutes of June 2006 Monthly Meeting of Trim Town Council held on Tuesday 20th June 2006 in the Council Chamber, Mornington House, immediately after the annual meeting.
Members Present: Cllr. D O’Brien (Cathaoirleach), Cllrs. Golden, Butler, Reilly Griffith, McHugh, Peppard, and Cantwell.
Apologies: Cllr. McGivern
Officials Present: Kevin Stewart, Town Manager
Mark Farrell, Town Engineer
Larry McEntee, Town Clerk
1. Confirmation of May 2006 Monthly meeting held on 9th May 2006.
The minutes were then adopted on the proposal of Cllr. Reilly, seconded by Cllr. McHugh.
2. Matters arising from the Minutes of May 2006 meeting.
Cllr. Golden asked about undergrounding of all wires and removing poles – Town Engineer confirmed that it was part of the programme for most of the streets
Following a discussion it was agreed that TTC/MCC would investigate imposing planning conditions in relation to apartment block developments whereby one satellite dish should serve the entire development.
Cllr. Butler stated the problem would be with enforcement.
Cllr. McHugh referred to the illegal mast at Mornington – has no planning permission – no retention – we should look to remove it. Manager stated that he will have report for next meeting.
Cllr Golden asked about pedestrian crossing at Community School. Discussion followed on this and Gael Scoil na Boinne crossing. It was hoped to have report for next meeting or September meeting.
Cllr Reilly asked for an update on the High Court case where Trim Town Council was a named defendant. The Manager stated that the plaintiff had dropped the case, primarily because he had no case in the first place. Costs were an issue and both Meath County Council and Trim Town Council agreed to carry its own costs. We could have followed Mr. Dunne for costs but that would have incurred more costs and we were never going to be able to recover them because Mr. Dunne had no means to pay them. The manager added that in his 28 years of service it was the most shameful episode he had encountered – a waste of rate payers money and a case fronted by Mr. Dunne but driven and promoted by a nameless person or persons.
Cllr. Reilly stated that he has no doubt that Cllr. Cantwell was involved – the same councillor that remarked at the Annual Budget Meeting about the increase in rates for the rate payers of the town.
The Manager updated the meeting on the case involving the Shell/Kavanaghs Site.
Cllr. Butler again raised the matter of “Pooper Scooper” vending machines – Town Engineer agreed to investigate.
Cllr. Griffith asked about a bus shelter on the Ring Road. The Town Engineer responded. 2
Cllr. O’Brien thanked the Town Clerk and Cllr. McHugh on their great efforts in trying to secure the Annual AMAI conference for Trim where they lost out by a single vote.
3. Correspondence and matters raised by the Manager
Unanimously agreed that Trim Town Council propose Sean Boylan for the people of the year award.
Town Clerk read letter of praise on the appearance and state of the town from Anne Brabazon-Cass.
Cllr. Reilly complimented Mentor on its positive reaction to receiving a litter fine.
Cllr. Butler proposed €200 payment to T.I.D.E. for community games- seconded by Cllr. Peppard – unanimously agreed.
Cllr. McHugh proposed €100 payment to Aisling Group to sponsor tee in forthcoming golf classic – seconded by Cllr. Griffith – unanimously agreed.
Cllrs. O’Brien and Cantwell voiced their opposition to the removal of walls and the demolition of house for the construction of a number of houses at the Maudlins.
Cllr. McHugh proposed that a letter of support of the motion of Boyle Town Council be sent to Bus Eireann.
It was agreed that Trim Town Council submit motions relation to Anti-Social Behaviour and Housing for the forthcoming AMAI Annual Conference. Closing date 30th June 2006. It was agreed that Cllrs. O’Brien, Reilly and McHugh meet with the Town Clerk to agree wording of motions and submit same.
4. Town Engineers Report
A discussion arose on whether the Bus Stop on the Ring Road, near the bridge should be permanent or not.
Cllr. Reilly stated that there are a lot of elderly people in the Trim hinterland that take the bus into Trim to do their shopping and that the bus stop should be restored to the town hall when the Castle Street work is completed.
Cllr. Butler stated that he would like to see it returned to the town hall area.
Cllr. Golden asked if it would be possible to meet with Bus Eireann to discuss and streamline the routes. It was agreed that the Town Clerk and Town Engineer arrange to meet Bus Eireann reps.
Cllr. Cantwell stated that the Tower View car park was working extremely well.
Cllr. Cantwell also raised the following
· Parking at Navan Gate
· “Children at Play” signs – will they have speed limits on them – Town Engineer confirmed “Yes”
· Reservoir – supply is very tight having only 1 days reserve.
Cllr. O’Brien stated that the lack of a footpath from the Motorpark back towards the Town has become an issue due to the number of people walking out to Supermacs and we should look to see what Roads and Footpaths levies were raised from development in the Motorpark and they should be used to provide footpaths in towards the Town.
5. Managers Orders.
No matters raised.
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6. To receive Draft Annual Financial Statement for year ended 31st December 2005 (as circulated) in accordance with S. 108 of Local Government Act 2001.
The Manager reported on the Draft AFS. He stated the need to streamline the water rates billing so as to allow for improved collections.
The draft AFS was accepted on the proposal of Cllr. O’Brien, seconded by Cllr. Cantwell
7. To receive updates on Traffic Management/Paid Parking.
The Town Engineer confirmed that due to delays by the contractors to carry out the civil works for the erection of the Parking Ticket Vending Machines we were looking at circa 24th July as being the date for the introduction of the paid parking.
The Town Clerk briefed the meeting on the new Paid Parking/Fines system and how it will accommodate the efficient operation of the paid parking in accordance with the wishes expressed by the Members i.e. Residential Permits, monitoring of parking and “grace time”.
Cllr. Golden raised the matter of Church Lane and closing it to through traffic. The Town Engineer and Town Clerk to move the matter forward.
As per standing orders the meeting closed at 10.30p.m. and item no. 8 on the agenda was deferred to the next meeting
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Signed: ______Date: ______