MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2011
In the Chair: Councillor P McShane
Members Present: Councillors J Baird, S Blaney, D F Cunningham, W Graham, S Hunter, D M McAllister, N McAllister, R D McDonnell, R A McIlroy, M A McKillop, S McKillop, C McShane, C C Thompson.
Also Present: Mr R G Lewis, Clerk and Chief Executive
Mrs M Quinn, Assistant Chief Executive and Head of Corporate Services
Mr P Mawdsley, Head of Environmental and Enforcement Services
Mr A McPeake, Head of Technical Services
Mr D Kelly, Head of Building Control
Ms L Mooney, Member Services/Clerical Officer
11/17:01 APOLOGIES AND CHAIRMAN’S BUSINESS
Apologies were received on behalf of Councillor McCambridge
Chairman’s Business
It was agreed that a suitable date for the Lammas Fair Working Group would be brought back to members. Possible suggestions were 25th, 27th or 28th October.
11/17:02 MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 12TH SEPTEMBER 2011
After discussion,
Councillor Cunningham proposed,
Seconded by Councillor C McShane and resolved,
“That the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 12th September be adopted.”
11/17:03 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 12TH SEPTEMBER 2011
Bushmills United Football Club (Councillor S McKillop)
It was clarified that Bushmills United Football Club was not in danger of folding and that the team remains vibrant but required appropriate fencing to further enhance the club and ensure that other visiting teams at intermediate level can play in Bushmills.
Recording of Council Meetings (Councillor S McKillop)
Councillor McKillop congratulated Belfast City Council for their decision to record Council meetings for constituents to view online.
Game of Thrones (Councillor Baird)
It was agreed that the HTS would contact the film manager for Game of Thrones to see what his intentions were with regard to the removal of boulders at Kate’s Rock, Ballintoy.
Capacity Building and Conference and Courses (Councillor Baird)
It was confirmed that the funds for Capacity Building and Conferences and Courses had been combined to allow members to avail of courses if they had used their budget for Conferences and Courses.
11/17:04 FUEL POVERTY COALITION PRESENTATION
A presentation was delivered by representatives of Fuel Poverty Coalition, followed by questions and answers.
Following discussion, in which the work of the Fuel Poverty Coalition was commended by members;
Councillor C McShane proposed,
Seconded by Councillor S McKillop and resolved,
“That Council would sign up to the Fuel Poverty Coalition, endorse their campaign and assist them move forward their agenda through lobbying and working in our district to promote affordable warmth plans.”
11/17:05 BALLYCASTLE ROTARY CLUB PRESENTATION
A presentation was delivered by representatives of the Ballycastle Rotary Club.
Following discussion, in which the work of the Rotary Club was commended by members it was confirmed that a reception would be held for the Club on Saturday 15th October at 5:30pm.
11/17:06 REPORT FOR TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Report for Technical Services Department having been circulated, was taken as read.
Councillor P McShane left the meeting at this point.
Proposed NWRWMG Workshop for Councillors
After discussion, it was agreed that the NWRWMG workshop for Councillors on 26th October would be an approved duty.
Councillor P McShane returned to the meeting.
Proposed Memorial for Robert Quigg
Reference was made to the decision made by Council to contact the Royal British Legion regarding a proposed memorial for Robert Quigg.
After discussion,
Councillor Graham proposed,
Seconded by Councillor S McKillop,
“That Council look into funding at the rates meeting in January.”
After further discussion, it was agreed that a site and plan of the memorial would be brought forward to the HTS from the group working on this project and that he could then investigate funding.
Councillor S McKillop left the meeting at this point.
It was agreed that item 16 on the agenda would be brought forward.
11/17:16 PROPOSE THAT TECHNICAL SERVICES RECONSIDER THE DECISION TO DEMOLISH THE TOILET BLOCK IN GLENARIFFE
(Requested by Councillor Thompson)
Reference was made to the decision taken by Council to demolish the toilet block in Glenariffe and discussion took place including the possibility of delaying this action, meeting with the Glenariffe Improvement Group and vandalism at the site.
After discussion, it was agreed that the toilet block would be secured until a meeting with the Glenariff Improvement Group to discuss the future of the toilets.
After discussion,
Councillor McIlroy proposed,
Seconded by Councillor Graham and resolved,
“That the report for the Technical Services Department be adopted.”
11/17:07 TOURISM & LEISURE SERVICE’S REPORT
The Tourism and Leisure Services report, having been circulated, was taken as read.
Request from Ulster Branch Tennis Ireland
After discussion, it was agreed to the request from the Ulster Branch of Tennis Ireland that trophies and shields donated over the years would be signed off and handed over to them unless any historical value to Ballycastle was attached to any.
Councillor McIlroy left the meeting at this point.
Quay Road Sports Complex
In reply to Councillors queries, it was agreed that the HTS would look into the installation of Gaelic posts at the Quay Road kick about area.
Blue Flag Beach Criteria
After discussion, it was agreed that Council would invite Ian Humphries, Chief Executive of Tidy NI, to make a presentation on the Tidy NI coastal programme packages.
Carrickmore Road to Fairhead Alleged Prow
Councillor McIlroy returned to the meeting.
After discussion,
Councillor N McAllister proposed,
Seconded by Councillor C McShane and resolved,
“That the meeting continue in committee.”
The Clerk referred to correspondence received from CMG Solicitor’s regarding a possible Grant of Easement at Carrickmore Road, Ballycastle, which had been circulated.
Following discussion, it was agreed that legal advice from Council’s solicitor would be followed regarding not accepting the offer of a Grant of Easement.
After discussion,
Councillor Cunningham proposed,
Seconded by Councillor Hunter and resolved,
“That negotiations would be commenced with the landowners listed in the report to try to create a public pathway from Carrickmore to Fairhead by agreement.”
The meeting continued out of committee.
After discussion,
Councillor Graham proposed,
Seconded by Councillor McIlroy and resolved,
“That the Tourism & Leisure Services Report be adopted.”
11/17:08 CORPORATE SERVICE’S REPORT
Revised Equality Scheme and Audit of Inequalities
After discussion it was agreed that Council would approve the revised Equality Scheme so that it can be issued for consultation in accordance with Council’s statutory requirements.
Long Term Sickness Reviews
After discussion,
Councillor Cunningham proposed,
Seconded by Councillor Graham and resolved,
“That the meeting continue in committee.”
After discussion, it was agreed that the Chief Executive would take advice from the Local Government Staff Commission to decide the way forward following the retirement of the HTLS and that this would be brought back to Council.
The meeting continued out of committee.
Further Education
The ACE referred to a request which had been made from an elected member to undertake further education and recommended that Council adopt a policy for further education and training in relation to elected members, similar to the staff policy.
After discussion, it was agreed that Council would adopt a policy for further education and training in relation to elected members, similar to the Staff Policy and that existing elected members Conference/Courses/Capacity building budgets could be used to finance the expenditure incurred as a result of this policy.
Lease – Former Amusement Arcade, Bayview Road, Ballycastle
After discussion,
Councillor C McShane proposed,
Seconded by Councillor Hunter and resolved,
“That the meeting continue in committee.”
After discussion, during which the ACE outlined the request from the lessee for a variation of the payment schedule,
Councillor McIlroy proposed,
Seconded by Councillor Baird and resolved,
“That Council approve the variation of the lease for the Former Amusement Arcade, Bayview Road, Ballycastle to permit payment of £750 per calendar month from November until the end of the first year 30th June 2012 thus making up the £6,000 sum that was agreed upon.”
It was agreed that the ACE would report back on progress.
The meeting continued out of committee.
Energy Management and Utilities Analysis
After discussion, it was agreed to obtain competitive quotes for the supply of electricity to all Council Buildings and that if possible quotes would be brought back to Council but if there was not time this would be agreed by the ACE.
After discussion,
Councillor M A McKillop proposed,
Seconded by Councillor Cunningham and resolved,
“That the Corporate Services Report be adopted.”
11/17:09 INTERIM REPORT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Dog Licensing and Identification – Review of Coloured Collar Identification for Dogs
Reference was made to correspondence from DARD regarding the above correspondence.
After discussion, it was agreed, with review to Dog Licensing and Identification, that council would propose option 3; to abolish the need for collar tags when microchipping is introduced.
11/17:10 APPOINTMENT OF POLITICAL MEMBERS AND CHAIR-ELECT TO MOYLE POLICING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP (DEFERRED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING)
After discussion,
Councillor M A McKillop proposed,
Seconded by Councillor C McShane and resolved,
“That the listed members would be appointed as Political Members to the Moyle Policing and Community Safety Partnership.”
UUP: Councillors Graham and Baird
SDLP: Councillors Cunningham and McCambridge
DUP: Councillor McIlroy
IND: Councillor P McShane
It was agreed that Sinn Fein would give their nominations at the end of the week.
11/17:11 PROPOSE THAT COUNCIL PROVIDE THREE THOUSAND POUNDS TO NORTH COAST COMMUNITY TRANSPORT AND ALSO WRITE TO BALLYMENA, LIMAVADY AND COLERAINE COUNCILS ASKING THEM TO DO THE SAME SO THAT NCCT CAN THEN PROVIDE A SERVICE TO TAKE PEOPLE TO MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS WHEN THEY ARE OUTSIDE THE OPERATIONAL AREA OF NCCT
(Requested by Councillor Thompson)
Following discussion, in which issues including remit of Council, role of DRD and NHB, the view of the Local Government Auditor, depletion of the Health Service and lobbying Local Government were raised; it was agreed that a letter be sent to the two Ministers involved in the funding for North Coast Community Transport to express Councils serious concerns in the reduction of this service and asking that this matter be rectified. It was also agreed to write to Ballymena, Limavady and Coleraine Councils to ask them to lobby on this subject too.
Councillor P McShane left the meeting at this point.
11/17:12 LIBRARY OPENING HOURS – PROPOSE THAT COUNCIL WRITE TO LIBRARIES NI VOICING OUR OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED REDUCTION IN OPENING HOURS FOR BALLYCASTLE LIBRARY AS OUTLINED IN THE CURRENT CONSULTATION DOCUMENT.
(Requested by Councillor Cunningham)
After discussion, during which reference was made to the impact of the proposal on the local community,
Councillor Cunningham proposed,
Seconded by Councillor C McShane and resolved,
“That a letter be sent to Libraries NI and the DCAL Minister to oppose the proposed reduction in hours for Ballycastle Library.”
Councillor P McShane returned to the meeting.
11/17:13 PROTECTION OF COASTAL HERITAGE SITES – THAT COUNCIL IDENTIFIES COASTAL SITES OF CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE WHICH ARE VULNERABLE TO EROSION AND LIAISES WITH THE RELEVANT AGENCIES TO DEVELOP A “SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PLAN.”
(Requested by Councillor Cunningham)
After discussion, in which issues were raised including the role of the Heritage Trust and interest of University of Ulster, it was agreed that Councillor Cunningham would forward details of the proposed Shoreline Management Plan to the Clerk and that this could then be investigated further.
11/17:14 KINTYRE TO IRELAND CHARITY SWIM – THAT COUNCIL SUPPORTS THE PROPOSED KINTYRE – IRELAND CHARITY SWIM (AUG/SEPT 2012)
(Requested by Councillor Cunningham)
After discussion, it was agreed that Council would support and publicise the Kintyre to Ireland Charity Swim.
11/17:15 REGARDING THE THREE RECENT DAMNING REPORTS WHICH HIGHLIGHT THE LOWERING OF OPERATIONAL INDEPENDENCE OF THE OMBUDSMAN’S OFFICE, THAT MOYLE COUNCIL CALLS FOR THE IMMENDIATE RESIGNATION OF THE OMBUDSMAN AL HUTCHINSON TO BEGIN THE RESTORATION OF PUBLIC CONFIDENCE WITHIN THIS OFFICE
(Requested by Councillor N McAllister)
After discussion,
Councillor N McAllister proposed,
Seconded by Councillor C McShane,
“Regarding the three recent damning reports which highlight the lowering of operational independence of the Ombudsman’s Office, that Moyle Council calls for the immediate resignation of the Ombudsman Al Hutchinsion to begin the restoration of public confidence within this office.”
Discussion took place on issues including the Policing Board opinion, the Justice Ministers remit and whether this was a role for the Council. A recorded vote was requested by Councillor Baird.
On a recorded vote being taken, Councillors Blaney, Cunningham, N McAllister, M A McKillop, C McShane, P McShane and C Thompson voted in favour of and Councillors Baird, Graham, Hunter, McDonnell and McIlroy voted against the proposal which was carried.
Councillor Baird left the meeting at this point.
11/17:17 PROPOSE THAT COUNCIL WRITE TO ROADS SERVICE HIGHLIGHTING OUR CONCERN AT THE STATE OF THE ROAD SURFACE IN ARDMOYLE PARK, CUSHENDALL
(Requested by Councillor Thompson)
This item was withdrawn.
11/17:18 CONFERENCES AND COURSES
Agenda NI – Planning and the Economy Seminar. To be held on Wednesday 17th November 2010 at W5 at the Odyssey, Belfast
There were no nominations.
Sustainable Tourism: Making Landscapes Work for you. To be held on 26th October 2011 at Galgorm Resort & Spa
There were no nominations.
11/17:19 Notices of Applications under the Licensing (NI) Order 1996 and Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (NI) Order 1985
The Clerk stated applications had been received under the Licensing (NI) Order 1996 and Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (NI) Order 1985 for the following;
Occasional Licence for Robert Gray, 22 Main Street, Ballintoy for Ballinlea LOL 1511 for a social evening on Saturday 15th October 2011.
There were no objections to the above applications.
11/17:20 SEALING OF DOCUMENTS
There were no documents for signing and sealing.
11/17:21 CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Nilga Key Information Bulletin
This letter was noted.
(b) Letter dated 14th September 2011 from Libraries NI regarding the review of opening hours
This letter was noted.
(c) Letter dated 17th September 2011 from the Ulster History Circle regarding a proposal for a Blue Plaque to be erected for Dr James McDonnell MD (1763 – 1845)