The Monthly Meeting was held on Wednesday 15th March 2006 at the Halley MacLiag. Present were Mrs Edds (Chairman), Mr Morgan, Mr Cringle and Mr Cowin. Apology for absence was received from Mr Rae.

The Minutes of the February Meeting were confirmed and signed.

The following on-going matters were discussed:-

Estimates for 2006/07

Formal approval for the Estimates and rate of 90 pence in the pound was received from DOLGE.

Friary Park Play Area

Prices for the supply and erection of play equipment were received from two companies but it was felt that the type of equipment suggested by the companies was not that envisaged or requested and was very expensive. It was decided to adopt a different approach and specify exactly which items of equipment were required and to request new quotes. It was agreed that the specification would be one double traditional swing with two flat seats, one double traditional swing with one of the seats of the cradle type, one “Ben Nevis” type climbing frame and a slide approximately 7 foot high.

Policing

It was agreed to invite the new Southern Police Inspector to the April or May Meeting to discuss matters of mutual interest.

Ballabeg Post Office/Shop

Mrs Edds reported that she had had a conversation with Mrs P Crowe, the Chairman of the IOM Postal Authority, who had made it clear that the postal authority would not be seeking to find a replacement facility either in Ballabeg or Colby. It was also reported that there was a petition at Colby Spar Shop to have the post office facilities moved to Colby. The Clerk advised that the three Rushen MHKs were meeting Mrs Crowe on Monday 20th March to discuss the matter.
It was agreed to contact the IOM Postal Authority and the MHKs, expressing the Commissioners strong support for a replacement post office in Colby if no alternative location in Ballabeg could be found.

Planning Matters

The following new applications were received and discussed:-

06/00347 – Ballabeg Stores – Demolish existing shop and erect two storey building consisting of retail shop and carport on ground floor & flat above. It was felt that, although the site was not ideal, there was a definite social need for a shop in the village. It was felt that any approval should include firm conditions that the proposed building could not be used solely for residential purposes.
06/00333 – Field 421159 Ballamaddrell – farmers retirement dwelling (in detail) – no comments.
06/00379 – 11 Ballacriy – vestibule – no comments.

The following decisions were received and noted:-

06/00061 – 56A Friary Park – French doors – Approved
06/00026 – 85 Friary Park – porch – Approved
04/02074 – Arbory School – play area – Approved on Appeal

Sundry Matters

Island in Bloom Competition

It was agreed to enter in the usual sections.

Arbory Pensioners Annual Tea and Concert

An invitation to attend the event on 1st April was received. Several members indicated that they would attend.

Recycling & Kerbside Collection in Partnership

It was reported that DOLGE had held a meeting of clerks to discuss this matter and that a meeting of members was to be arranged for early April.

Municipal Association Matters

Mrs Edds advised that the Executive Committee had requested views on various issues:-
Title of the Governor – Commissioners see no reason to change.
Votes for 16 to 18 year olds – Commissioners opposed.
Veto vote in Municipal Association matters – Commissioners in favour of retention of veto vote.
Re-naming of Municipal Association – Commissioners suggest the name Local Authority Forum, to better reflect the role of the body.
An invitation was received from the Municipal Association to attend a seminar in May on the role of local authorities in public emergencies.

Web Site

The Clerk advised that the website was now available to the public. It was agreed to hold a photographic competition for children and young people on the website, the subject to be Views of the Parish, with all entries to be published on the site and a small prizes for the winner of each section.
The Clerk was thanked for his work on the website.

Annual Newsletter

It was decided to produce a short newsletter. Mr Cowin advised that he had computer software for this purpose and agreed to assist the Clerk in the preparation.

Public Clock at Parish Hall

After perusing the Hawkins and Shire Clocks catalogues, it was agreed to obtain a price for a double sided pillar type clock.

Accounts

The following accounts were passed for payment:-

Jones Services Ltd - Refuse collection March £2,106 74
IOM Government - Loan interest & repayments £5,629.51
W I Lowey - Clerk's salary net £4,100.00
IOM Government - ITIP on Clerk's Salary £900.00
W I Lowey Reimbursements - £25.35
David Cregeen - Bush & branch trimming £50.00
IOM Government - Refuse disposal February £1,145.70
Manx Telecom - Telephone £99.87

Sundry Matters Raised by Members

Mr Morgan raised the ongoing matter of poorly maintained road surfaces through the villages and particularly mentioned a hole in the road at Colby Spar Shop. It was agreed to press the DOT for more patching work and to find out whether a more general re-surfacing was envisaged.
Mr Morgan also advised that dog fouling continued to be a problem on Ballacriy.

Mr Cringle passed on a request from the Ard Jiass Guides for a site to plant a tree or bush in memory of Elizabeth Hodgkinson, a former Guide leader. It was agreed to suggest a climbing rose on the south facing wall of the Millennium Wood. Mr Cringle also advised that the Guides were looking for community action jobs. It was agreed to suggest planting suitable bulbs or plants, for example bluebells, in the Millennium Wood and to contribute up to £50 towards the cost.
Mr Cringle also raised again the overgrown plot of land adjacent to Costains Close.