MAGHERAFELT DISTRICT COUNCIL
Minutes of Proceedings of a Meeting of Magherafelt District Council held in the Council Chamber, 50 Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt on Tuesday, 14 June 2011. The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm.
Presiding: I P Milne
Other Members Present: G C Shiels P J Bateson J Campbell T J Catherwood J Crawford Mrs C Elattar Mrs E A Forde J F Kerr Mrs K A McEldowney B McGuigan P McLean J J McPeake Mrs D Ní Shiadhail Miss C M Scullion
Apology: Miss K A Lagan
Officers Present: J A McLaughlin (Chief Executive) J J Tohill (Director of Finance and Administration) W J Glendinning (Director of Building Control) M Young (Director of Environmental Health) A Cassells (Director of Operations) Mrs Anne-Marie Campbell (Director of Policy and Development) Mrs Audrey Junkin (Chief Executive’s Secretary)
Representatives from Other Bodies in Attendance:
Bellaghy Primary School: Miss Charlotte Montgomery Mr & Mrs T Montgomery – Parents Mrs D Montgomery Mrs Richmond - Principal Mrs Torrens - Teacher
DoE Planning Service: Mr M Bowman – Planning Officer dpp – Planning: Mr Eamonn Loughrey
Roads Service – Western Division: Mr D McFarlane – Principal Network Planning Manager Mr G Quinn – Section Engineer
1 Minutes
1.1 It was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and
Resolved: that the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on Tuesday, 17 May 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member) be taken as read and signed as correct.
1.2 It was
Proposed by Councillor Mrs E A Forde Seconded by Councillor T J Catherwood, and
Resolved: that the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 17 May 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member) be taken as read and signed as correct.
2 Matters Arising Out of the Minutes
2.1 The Chief Executive reported that there were no matters arising out of the Minutes. However, the Chairperson had requested that a letter received earlier in the day from Autism NI should be considered by the Council (copy circulated to each Member).
Noted.
2.2 Autism NI – Termination of ASD Family Support Contract by WHSCT
2.2.1 The Chief Executive said that the purpose of the letter was to appeal for the Council’s intervention on the termination of the Autism NI ASD Family Support Contract with the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT).
2.2.2 The Chief Executive of Autism NI stressed in her letter that with the removal of this service it left only two Social Workers to meet the complex needs of an estimated 3,000 plus families across this Health Trust’s area. She outlined the funding background to this service and stated that the decision taken was in the face of evidence presented to the Trust of the effectiveness of the existing service.
2.2.3 The Chief Executive said that this was a matter which could legitimately be commented on by Council. He suggested that the Council should consider how it should react to the WHSCT’s action and also consider how it could ensure that the Northern Health and Social Care Trust did not follow the WHSCT’s lead and remove this front-line service from families in the Council area.
2.2.4 Following some discussion it was
Proposed by Councillor J J McPeake Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and unanimously
Resolved: that the Council would write to the Western and Northern Health and Social Care Trusts to encourage them to continue funding the Family Support Contract and also write to Edwin Poots MLA, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety to seek a meeting to discuss the WHSCT’s decision.
3 Civic Reception
3.1 It was
Proposed by Councillor B McGuigan Seconded by Councillor J F Ker, and
Resolved: that St Colm’s High School, Draperstown be congratulated on recently winning the ‘All Ireland Eco-Unesco Young Environmentalist Award - 2010 Junior Community Development Award, 2011 Junior Bio- Diversity Award and 2010 Junior Climate Changes Award’, and that the young peoples’ achievements be marked by a Council reception.
3.2 Councillor J F Kerr requested that Mr John Murtagh, the Council’s Recycling Officer be also congratulated on winning the Impact 2010 Awards – Leadership Award for Sustainability 2010.
Members agreed.
4.1 2011 Environmental Youth Speak Primary School Winner – Charolotte Montgomery (Bellaghy Primary School)
4.1.1 The Chairperson, Councillor I P Milne welcomed Miss Charlotte Montgomery, her parents and teachers to the meeting. He said that Charlotte was the winner of the primary schools’ district heat of the 2011 Environmental Youth Speak Competition and he invited her to deliver her talk to the Council.
4.1.2 Charlotte’s speech was entitled “Rethink your Rubbish – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”.
4.1.3 Councillor Milne made a presentation to Charlotte at the end of the speech and congratulated her, her parents and the school on Charlotte’s success.
4.2 Mr Murtagh reported that Miss Leone McErlaine from St Pius X College, Magherafelt the district heat secondary schools’ winner, although invited to attend the meeting to deliver her presentation, had been unable to attend.
Noted.
5 Planning 185/6/2011
5.1 New Planning Applications:
H/2010/0342/F – Glasdon Waste Approval. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval.
H/2010/0432/A – Media Matters (NI) Ltd The Planning Officer advised that this application had been withdrawn.
H/2010/0482/F – Rodney Fullerton Approval. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval.
H/2010/0525/O – C Heron Deferred for an Office Meeting on the request of Councillor J Campbell. A letter of submission was handed to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5.
H/2010/0538/O – Mr Vincent Conway Deferred for an Office Meeting on the request of Councillor B McGuigan. A letter of submission was handed to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5.
H/2010/0548/F – Brian and Patricia Ward Deferred for an office meeting on the request of Councillors J Campbell, G C Shiels, P J Bateson and Mrs K A McEldowney. Councillor Campbell handed a letter of submission to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5.
H/2011/0016/F – Eamon and Patrick Garvin Deferred for an office meeting on the request of Councillors P J Bateson and J J McPeake. A letter of submission was handed to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5. The Planning Officer advised that there were twelve letters of objection to this application.
H/2011/0028/F – Kilcronaghan Community Association Approval. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval.
H/2011/0064/F – Mr John H Leacock Deferred for an Office Meeting on the request of Councillor G C Shiels. A letter of submission was handed to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5.
H/2011/0078/F – Mr Patsy McPeake Deferred for an Office Meeting on the request of Councillor Miss C M Scullion. A letter of submission was handed to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5.
H/2011/0102/O – Mr Peter Bradley Deferred for an Office Meeting on the request of Councillor B McGuigan. A letter of submission was handed to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5.
H/2011/0130/F – Premier Electrics Approval. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval.
H/2011/0137/F – Paul Irvine Deferred fro an office meeting on the request of Councillor P McLean. A letter of submission was handed to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5.
H/2011/0158/F – Mr Gavin McMaster The Planning Officer advised that this application had been withdrawn.
5.1.1 Applications Deferred from Previous Meeting:
H/2007/0596/F – Tempus Investments Ltd Refusal. The Council agreed to issue the planning decision.
H/2008/0290/O – Glenone Properties Refusal. The Council agreed to issue the planning decision
H/2008/0599/F – Mr Robert Brown Approval. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval.
H/2008/0688/F – Jonathan Porter Approval. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval.
H/2010/0133/F – Mr D O’Kane Approval. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval.
H/2011/0004/F – Margaret Walker Approval. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval.
5.1.2 It was
Proposed by Councillor P McLean Seconded by Councillor J Campbell, and
Resolved: to adopt the Planning Schedule dated 14 June 2011 subject to the above conditions and amendments.
5.2 Submitted schedules of Streamlined Planning Application decisions issued from 1 April to 30 April 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member).
Noted.
5.3 Submitted letters in connection with an application for a development (demolition of existing filling station shop and retail units (with dental surgery above) to provide food superstore, replacement dental surgery and replacement filling station on an extended site to the rear and side, with associated parking, servicing, access, landscaping and general site works) at 40 Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt, advising that amended plans/additional information/and amended proposal for this development had been received and a Retail Impact Assessment (copies previously circulated to each Member).
Noted.
5.4 Submitted a letter from Planning Service Headquarters in connection with the development at 40 Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt advising that the Department had received further environmental information which constituted an addendum to the environmental statement which accompanied the planning application (copy previously circulated to each Member).
Noted.
5.5 Submitted request from the Department of the Environment Planning Service seeking comments on planning application H/2010/0009/F – amendment to proposed windfarm including a reduction from eleven to six wind turbines (details previously circulated to each Member).
5.5.1 Following discussion the Council unanimously decided to note the contents of the amended application and make no further comments at this point in time.
The Planning Officer retired from the meeting at 7.45 pm.
6 Planning Appeals Commission
Submitted further environmental information which the Commission had received in respect of an appeal for the extraction of sand and gravel, 100m South of 12 Tullybrick Road, Draperstown in the name of F P McCann Ltd (copy previously circulated to each Member).
Noted.
7 Presentations
7.1 Dpp – Regional Development Strategy Review –
7.1.1 The Chairperson, Councillor I P Milne welcomed Mr Eamonn Loughrey from DPP, an independent planning consultancy to the meeting and asked him to make his presentation and in particular any ideas he might have on the development of Magherafelt town centre.
7.1.2 Mr Loughrey stated that, although the closing date for responses to the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 10 Year Review had passed, the Council may wish to present some ideas/comments to the Minister for Regional Development, Danny Kennedy, when he visited the Council Offices on 6 July 2011. Mr Loughrey outlined the background to the review of the strategy which originated as the Shaping Our Future 2011 strategy for Northern Ireland. The Shaping Our Future strategy provided a framework and guidance for where development should happen. Mr Loughrey said that the key policies were:
• Balanced Regional Development • Housing and urban Renaissance • Supporting Economic Development • Developing a Regional Transportation System; and • Caring for the Environment.
The launch of the 10 Year Review was in January 2011. Mr Loughrey outlined the aims of the 2011 documents and the components of the spatial framework.
7.1.3 Mr Loughrey explained that until now the Shaping Our Future strategy identified a hierarchy of settlements based on the premise that Belfast and Derry/Londonderry are the main regional cities with Derry/Londonderry being promoted as the hub of the North West. A network of towns such as Ballymena, Omagh and Armagh, etc would provide local services to its population and the surrounding rural areas. The major towns are identified either as main or local hubs depending on its size and function but they were generally on a level-footing.
7.1.4 The draft amended RDS seeks to change this fundamentally. It included a proposal to identify nine ‘Sub-Regional Centres (SRCs) where new development “should be considered first in the decision making process”. The nine SRCs are Ballymena, Coleraine, Cookstown, Craigavon, Downpatrick, Enniskillen, Newry, Newtownards and Omagh.
7.1.5 Mr Loughrey informed the Members that ‘Settlement Clusters’ were linked to the designation of SRC’s with the idea being that neighbouring towns should cluster around SRC’s to provide a level of services and infrastructure that they could not provide on their own. Some towns could lose out on economic development proposals currently in the system as a result of the amended policy. Mr Loughrey explaned that the places outside the principle cities, the SRC’s and cluster towns were defined as the rural area and account for about 40% of the total regional population. Small towns, villages and hamlets have a key role in the amended RDS as they sustain infrastructure. Economic Corridors connected Belfast and Derry and main centres of economic activity with the external gateways at the airport, Larne, Newry and Enniskillen.
7.1.6 Mr Loughrey stated that the amended RDS did not take cognisance of Magherafelt’s strategic location and failed to acknowledge the town’s strengths such as its schools and construction sector. He suggested that the amended RDS had a number of flaws/dangers which included:
• The impact of the hierarchical structural changes on other aspects of policy, e.g. retailing; • The tension between the use of brownfield land and PPS 4 which seeks to prevent the loss of industrial land; • Failing to recognise that Councils have powers to designate simplified planning zones; • The implications that it created for investment decisions.
7.1.7 Mr Loughrey asked Members to consider if it made sense for potential investors to drive through Magherafelt to invest in Cookstown and suggested that the amended RDS promoted the stronger settlements at the expense of the weaker ones.
7.1.8 Members thanked Mr Loughrey for his presentation. They queried why Cookstown should be a main hub when people had to go through Magherafelt to get to Cookstown. Magherafelt was on the gateway from Belfast to Derry and to many tourist attractions. They felt that there was a need to make a strong presentation to the Minister on 6 July 2011 when he meets Magherafelt Town Centre Forum to launch the Town Centre Masterplan.
7.1.6 The Chairperson, Councillor I P Milne thanked Mr Loughrey for attending.
Mr Loughrey retired from the meeting at 8.20 pm .
7.2 Roads Service
The Chairperson welcomed Mr McFarlane and Mr Quinn to the meeting and asked them to present the Divisional Roads Manager’s report (copy previously circulated to each Member).
7.2.1 Mr McFarlane advised the Members that he was attending in lieu of Mr Pat Doherty, Divisional Roads Manager, who had been required to attend a meeting elsewhere that eveing and offered Mr Doherty’s apologies for being unable to attend. Mr McFarlane also informed the Members that Mr Quinn would shortly be replaced as Section Engineer as the Magherafelt workload was going to be reassigned to another engineer from the Omagh office. Mr Quinn would take up a position elsewhere within Roads Service.
7.2.2 Mr McFarlane on behalf of the Divisional Roads Manager presented the report. He said £3.1 million had been spent on structural maintenance during 2010/11. In total 15 Kilometres of carriageway had been resurfaced and the most significant schemes were the A31 Moneymore Road, Magherafelt; A29 Desertmartin Road, Tobermore; A54 Ballymacombs Road, Bellaghy; and A42 Mayogall Road, Portglenone. Other projects completed included the road widening of the B160/B181 Ballyronan/Ballymaguigan Road, Magherafelt; a pelican crossing at Main Street, Tobermore; traffic calming in Queens Avenue, Magherafelt and Grove Terrace/O’Hara Road, Maghera.
Mr McFarlane also reported that the Mill Engines Bridge at Upperlands had been replaced and that the street lighting in Park View and Riverside Gardens, Castledawson had been renewed.
7.2.2 Mr McFarlane then presented the programme for 2011/12 (copy previously circulated to each Member) which included local transport and safety measures, bridge strengthening and street lighting schemes in the Magherafelt area. The schemes included the realignment of the A29 Tobermore Road at Killytoney, improving sight lines and junction on the A42/C559 Mayogall/Eden Road junction; a new footbridge at Sixtowns Road, Straw; the replacement of Keenans’ Bridge, Moneysallin Road and a number of traffic calming and street lighting renewals within the District.
7.2.3 The Chairperson then requested Members to bring forward any comments or questions they wished to make on the report.
7.2.4 Individual Members thanked Roads Service for the completion of schemes and raised many questions on schemes scheduled for the future. The issues raised included the potential removal of crash barriers at the junction of Main Street and Kilrea Road, Swatragh which were perceived to be a health and safety risk due to their sharp edges, the disappearance of road markings at specific locations, the speed with which the Magherafelt By-pass could commence if funding became available, the surface dressing of various roads, snow clearance including the tendering of such works and insurance for farmers contracted to clear roads during inclement weather, delays with the adoption of streets, the spraying of weeds particularly on footpaths, grass cutting, the potential to reduce the speed limit in the vicinity of schools on the Shore Road, Ballymaguigan, Clady Road, Portglenone and at Garden Street, Magherafelt, problems with an undersized pipe at a culvert at Cahore Road, Draperstown, traffic calming on the Rocktown Road and entrances to the Holy Family Primary School.
7.2.5 Mr McFarlane and Mr Quinn responded to most of the Members’ questions and, in those instances where they felt unable to respond at that time, Mr McFarlane promised to follow-up on the issues after the meeting and undertook to reply to the relevant Members(s) in writing.
7.2.6 The Chairperson, Councillor I P Milne thanked Mr McFarlane and Mr Quinn for attending and answering Members’ questions. He also expressed his sense of loss on hearing that Mr Quinn was moving from his post as Section Engineer, and wished him all the best in the future.
7.7 Adjournment of Meeting
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting for a comforts break at 9.45 pm.
Councillor J Campbell retired from the meeting at 9.45 pm.
The meeting reconvened at 10.00 pm.
8 Building Control Department 210/6/2011
The Director of Building Control presented the Department’s report for the period 1 April to 31 May 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member).
8.1 During this period fifty-three applications had been recommended for approval. A total of one-hundred and thirty-nine applications required amendments by Architects or Agents before approval was granted.
8.2 Applications for Notices and Regularisations
During the period from 1 April to 31 May 2011 there was one Regularisation and two Notices issued.
8.3 Building Regulations – Inspections
During the period from 1 March 2011 and 30 April 2011 one-hundred and fifty applications commenced on site and ninety-seven applications were found to be complete in accordance with Building Regulations.
The department carried out six-hundred and ninety-one inspections during this period.
8.4 Granting of Extension of Time and Cancellation of time-lapsed Approvals
During this period from 1 April 2011 to 31 May 2011 eleven applications were cancelled having gone beyond the four year expiry date and not having commenced on site.
MA/2067/0132 – Stephen Savage for the conversion of a garage to a granny flat at 59 The Brambles, Magherafelt BT45 5RY
MA/2067/0315 – John O’Connor for the erection of a dwelling and double garage at Crocknamohil Road, Desertmartin BT45 7LB
MA/2067/0337 – Claire McGuckian for a roofspace conversion at 52 Gorteade Road, Upperlands, Swatragh
MA/2067/0490 – Brian Kearney for an extension and alterations to a dwelling at 2 Main Street, Swatragh BT46 5QB
MA/2067/0571 – John Mooney for a replacement dwelling at 110 Boveedy Road, Kilrea BT51 5TZ
MA/2078/0025 – Patrick Murphy for an extension to a dwelling at 111 Bancran Road, Draperstown BT45 7DA
MA/2078/0198 – Adrian & Joanne Mallon for an extension to a dwelling at 8 Princess Drive, Magherafelt BT45 6DF
MA/2078/0284 – Robert & Heather Stevenson for alterations and additions to a dwelling at 2 Thornhill Avenue, Magherafelt BT45 5JA
MA/2078/0303 – Clive Hamilton for an extension to a dwelling at 7 Rectory Road, Tobermore BT45 5QP
MA/2078/0304 – Trevor Bigger for alterations to a dwelling at 14 Glenburn Place, Magherafelt BT45 5BL
MA/2090/0055 – Olive Coulter for alterations to a dwelling at 8 Princess Terrace, Magherafelt BT45 6DD.
There were no extensions of time applied for during this period.
8.5 Petroleum Legislation
Annual Re-Licensing Applications
During the period of this report twenty-four re-licensing inspections were carried out.
8.6 Entertainment Licensing
Annual Re-Licensing Applications
During the period of this report twelve Entertainment Licence inspections were carried out.
8.7 Marriage Licensing
Annual Re-Licensing Applications
During the period of this report three Marriage Licence inspections were carried out. One application was for a new Marriage Licence and two were for renewal of an existing Marriage Licence. All the premises were found to be satisfactory under Marriage Licence legislation.
8.8 Naming and Numbering of Streets
During the period from 1 March 2011 to 30 April 2011, thirty-four new postal numbers and postcodes were issued for private dwellings.
8.9 Property Certificates
There were sixty-nine Property Certificates issued for this period.
8.10 It was
Proposed by Councillor P McLean Seconded by Councillor J Crawford, and
Resolved: that the report as submitted be adopted.
9 Naming and Numbering of Streets PN 184
9.1 Consideration was given to the naming and numbering of three dwellings at the rear of 12 High Street, Draperstown for John & Brenda McKenna. The names suggested were:
1 High Street Cottages 2 Top Row Cottages 3 Wine Merchant Lodges
9.1.1 Following discussion it was
Proposed by Councillor B McGuigan Seconded by Councillor Miss K A Lagan, and
Resolved: that the three dwellings at the rear of 12 High Street, Draperstown be named ‘High Street Cottages’.
10 Licences and Registrations
10.1 Entertainment Licences
Submitted the following application for an Entertainments Licence which was recommended for renewal:-
E.134 Brysons’, 24 – 28 Union Road, Magherafelt – Mr Peter Bryson
10.1.1 It was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and
Resolved: to grant the renewal of the Entertainment Licence application as submitted.
10.1.2 Submitted the following application for an Entertainments Licence which was recommended for renewal pending satisfactory reports before the Glasgowbury event on 23 July 2011 –
OE/1 The Pit, Feeney Road, Moneyneeney – Glasgowbury Music Group
10.1.3 Following discussion, it was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and
Resolved: to grant the renewal of the Entertainments Licence as submitted pending all satisfactory reports are received from the event on 23 July 2011.
10.2 Petroleum Licences
Submitted the following applications for Petroleum Licences which were in order and recommended for renewal:
P.37 Heron Bros, 2 St Patrick’s Street, Draperstown
P.74 Diamond Service Station, 14 The Square, Draperstown – Mr E McAuley
10.2.1 It was
PROPOSED by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and
Resolved: to grant the renewal of the Petroleum Licences as submitted.
10.3 Street Trading Licences
Submitted the following application for a Street Trading Licence which was in order and recommended for renewal
ST.22 Mr David Lechavicius, 84 Drummaul Park, Randalstown Grillagh Picnic Area, Moneysharvin Road, Maghera
10.3.1 It was
Proposed by Councillor J Crawford Seconded by Councillor J F Kerr, and
Resolved: to grant the renewal of the Street Trading Licence as submitted.
11 Environmental Health Department 196/6/2011
Mr M Young, Director of Environmental Health submitted the report for the month of May 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member).
11.1 Health and Safety Service Plan 2011/2012
It was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and
Resolved: that, the Health and Safety service plan for 2011/2012 as included in Appendix 1 to the report be adopted
11.2 Food Service Plan Review
It was
Proposed by Councillor P McLean Seconded by J Crawford, and
Resolved: that the Food Service plan review for 2010/2011as included in Appendix 2 to the report be adopted.
11.3 Food Service Plan 2011/2012
It was
Proposed by Councillor P J Bateson Seconded by Councillor P McLean, and
Resolved : that the Food Service plan for 2011/2012 as included in Appendix 3 to the report be adopted.
11.4 It was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and
Resolved: that Council adopt the remainder of the report which was for information.
12 Operational Services Department 322/6/2011
Submitted report by the Director of Operations for the month of May 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member)
12.1 Mr Cassells gave a detailed presentation of his report, and where appropriate sought the Council’s opinion/approval/permission regarding a number of specific proposals/recommendations contained in the report. In respect of these items the following resolutions were agreed by Council.
12.2 Operational Services: Items for Information
12.2.1 Adoption of the Report
Following the presentation of this section of the Director’s Report and a short discussion during which Councillor P McLean and Councillor J McPeake congratulated the Chief Executive and the Officers on the sterling work which had resulted in the Council’s excellent performance in terms of recycling and achieving the 2019/2020 NILAS targets. Members also expressed their appreciation of the contribution the Officers had made in recovering landfill tax monies from HMRC.
It was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and
Resolved : that, in addition to the above items, the section of the Director’s Report marked “Items for Information” was noted.
12.3 Technical Services: Items for Decision
12.3.1 “The Plantin” at Moykeeran
It was
Proposed by Councillor B McGuigan Seconded by Councillor J F Kerr, and
Resolved : to approve the submission of a matched funding application to ENTRUST for the rejuvenation of Moykeeran.
12.3.2 The River Moyola Access Project
It was
Proposed by Councillor Mrs E A Forde Seconded by Councillor J F Kerr, and
Resolved : to approve the submission of a matched funding application to ENTRUST for the River Moyola Assess Project.
12.3.3 Lough Fea and The Six Towns: Red Grouse Conservation Project
It was
Proposed by Councillor B McGuigan Seconded by Councillor T J Catherwood, and
Resolved : to approve the submission of a matched funding application to ENTRUST for the Lough Fea and The Six Towns Red Grouse Conservation Project.
12.4 The Director of Operations sought the permission of the Chair to introduce an additional item: namely two written requests for Bilingual Street/Road Nameplate Surveys which had only been received by the department on 10 June 2011.
Permission was granted.
12.3.4 Bilingual Street/Road Nameplates: Request for Surveys
It was
Proposed by Councillor P J Bateson Seconded by Councillor J F Kerr, and
Resolved : to approve the carrying out of surveys of the residents of Mullaghboy Lane and Ronan Court, Magherafelt with respect to the erection of bilingual road/street nameplates at these locations.
12.3.5 Pitch and Play Area at Glenone: Approach from Ballymena Borough Council
In relation to the above item, which had been deferred at the Meeting of 17 May 2011:
It was
Proposed by Councillor Miss C M Scullion Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and
Resolved: to approve, in principle, the leasing or selling the pitch and play area at Glenone to Ballymena Borough Council specifically for the continued use of the area for sporting activities. Any third party costs from arranging the lease to be borne by the Ballymena Borough Council.
12.3.6 Adoption of the Report
Following the presentation of this section of the Director’s Report, it was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor J Crawford, and
Resolved : that, in addition to the above items, this section of the Director’s Report marked “Items for Information” was noted.
12.4 Reception – St Colm’s High School, Draperstown
Members agreed that this reception should be held on Monday, 27 June 2011, before the school broke-up for the summer holidays.
It was further agreed that letters of congratulations be sent to St Brigid’s Primary School, Mayogall on winning the Best Kept Primary School in the North Eastern Education and Library Board area and also the SuperValu ‘Best of the Best’ – Best Kept School in Northern Ireland 2011; and Sperrin Integrated College, Magherafelt on be awarded Green Flag Status under the Eco Schools Programme.
Members noted that Sperrin Integrated College on achieving Green Flag Status would receive £500 from the District Council as previously agreed by Council.
12.5 A copy of Leisure Services ”Summer Fun & Sports 2011” programme which would take place at Meadowbank Sports Arena, Maghera Leisure Centre and Tobermore Golf Driving Range from 4 July to 31 August 2011 was circulated to each Member for information.
13 Policy and Development Department
Mrs Anne-Marie Campbell, Director of Policy and Development submitted the Policy and Development report for the month of May 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member).
13.1 Community Services
Councillor G C Shiels declared an interest in this item.
Following discussion it was
Proposed by Councillor Mrs E A Forde Seconded by Councillor T J Catherwood, and
Resolved: that Council agreed
• To award grants to the following groups at the amounts listed: • The applications as indicated are rejected; and • The Sporting Events grant programme is closed to further applications due to insufficient funds.
Community Festivals and Initiatives
Name of Group Details of Event/Purpose for Recommended Grant Award
Gaelscoil an A week long summer school for children aged 5-9 yrs old, delivered tSeanchaí £1,500 bilingually.
Funds requested to purchase equipment
Desertmartin This event is a Vintage Tractor Rally & Garden Fete hosting a Parish Church £1,386.07 range of activities.
Funds requested to purchase equipment.
Name of Group Details of Event/Purpose for Recommended Grant Award
Rejected applications King William III Maghera Community Event Rejected Community attracting people from both sides of Group the community.
Funds requested to hire Funland amusements, purchase a printer and scanner.
Mid Ulster Floral The group plans to have a Rejected Society demonstrator from Donegal who will end the pearl celebrations with
her demonstrator.
Funds requested to encourage more people to come along.
Magherafelt Magherafelt Youth Project. A week Rejected Methodist Youth long youth project inviting children Projects from estates with Magherafelt to participate in various activities.
Funds requested to purchase equipment.
Sporting Events
Name of Group Details of Event/Purpose for Recommended Grant Award Culbann Clay Home International and British Clay £4,400 Pigeon Shooting Competition. An Pigeon Club international event which will attract
1200 people . The event will last
three days
Funds requested to hire a marquee
and generator and contribute
towards purchase of clays.
Curragh H all Rural Ructions. A social event £5,000.00 Development attracting approximately 2000 Association people, hosting their 3 rd Annual Highland Games together with the 1st Novice Strongest Man.
Funds requested to purchase equipment.
Good Relations
Revenue Sports Grants
Following discussion it was-
Proposed by Councillor A Forde; and Seconded by Councillor T Catherwood
Resolved: that Council agree to award grants to the following groups at the amounts listed and that the applications as indicated are rejected.
Sports Event Grant
Name of Group Details of Event / Purpose for Re commended Grant award Tobermore To organise a 5 – a – side 875 Youth Football tournament at Tobermore Golf Academy Driving Range for 20-30 teams. Moyola Park To host the annual Mini World Cup 534 Football Club at Mill Meadow Castledawson in (youth) July 2011. Funding is required for the hire of the pitch, trophies, refreshments, hire of coaches etc Termoneey To host the annual 10k and 5k 334 Community road run starting at Erin’s Own Association GAC Lavey. Funding is required for printing, t-shirts for over 200 participants, first aid, refreshments and hire of digital timeclock. Moyola Park Under 14 & Under 16 teams to 1,000 Football Club take part in a tournament in (youth) Kilmarnock Scotland. Funding required for transport, accommodation etc Reject ed applications
Mid Ulster The “Sperrin Challenge” is a new Rejected Walking Club event for walkers and runners which will take place in 12 of the Sperrins highest peaks. It is expected 200 participants will take part. Funding required for transport, port-a-loos, refreshments, etc
Coaching Grant
Name of Group Details of Event / Purpose for Re commended Grant award Magherafelt Sky The qualification of a current IFA 375 Blues Football Level 1 coach with Magherafelt Club Sky Blues Football Club to Level 2 and Level 3 Mid-Ulster To train 8 parents to achieve their 678 Amateur level 1 coaching qualification in Swimming Club swimming, a total of 41 hours training per participant. Tobermore To coach 2 members at level 1 673 Youth Football and 1 member at level 2 coaching. Academy This training is necessary to take the academy to a higher level
Elite Coaching Grant
Name of Group Details of Event / Purpose for Recommended Grant award Derry GAA This is the 3 rd year of this project, £13,212 in which the Council part funds the salary of a GAA coach to train 3000 players from the various GAA organisations throughout the Magherafelt District Council Area. Reject ed applica tions Rainey Old Boys To provide a coach to train 620 Rejected Football Club young rugby players.
Sportsperson / Team Representative Grant
Name of Group Details of Event / Purpose for Re commended Grant award Athletics NI Adam McMullan, 76 Deerpark £1,000 Road Castledawson, is studying for a degree in Sports Studies at the university of Ulster. He has been selected for the Irish Team in the World Long Jump Competition in China in September 2011. He hopes to become an Olympian and represent Magherafelt, in the Long Jump Sport. Funding is required for accommodation and travel.
St Colms St Colms Ballinascreen Camogie £1,000 Ballinascreen Club have been selected to compete in the All Ireland Feile. This is a 3 day competition taking place in Sarfields, Co. Galway on the 24, 25, and 26 June 2011. Watty Grahams The Under 14 Team has been £1,000 GAC (Maghera) selected to compete in the Feile Pele Na Nog International Tournament in Cork from 29 June 2011 to 03 July 2011 St. Colm’s The Under 14 Hurling Team has £1,000 Ballinascreen been selected to represent Co. Under 14 Hurling Derry at the Feile Na Gael 2011 in Co. Galway from 24-26 June 2011
Rejected application
Name of Group Details of Event / Purpose for Requested Grant Bann Bonanza To bring fishermen from different Rejected (but not a countries to fish on the lower bann constituted river. group)
13.2.2 Capital Sports Grants
Councillor S McPeake and Councillor K McEldowney declared an interest in this item.
Following discussion it was-
Proposed by Councillor A Forde; and Seconded by Councillor T Catherwood
Resolved: that Council agree: • To proportionally reduce the Capital Sports Grants requests by 24% to reflect the available budget. • To award grants to the following groups at the amounts listed
Name of Group Details of Event / Purpose for Recommended Grant award (£) St. Malachy’s To upgrade the present indoor 7,602 GAC facilities e.g. replace existing floor Castledawson and finish with hard maple; re-direct underfloor pipes and upgrade radiators; replace lead flashings on balcony area to stop damp; replace ceilings in changing rooms.
Name of Group Details of Event / Purpose for Recommended Grant award (£) Greenlough To provide a disabled stair lift within 5,702 GAC,Clady the club house and to install an electric scoreboard in the grounds. Erin’s Own GAC, Improving the Health and Safety of 7,602 Lavey the septic tank and re-tiling 6 changing rooms O’Donovan To improve the strength and fitness 7,602 Rossa GAC, of players by building a weights room Magherafelt at the premises Magherafelt Sky Construction of new path; dugouts; 7,323 Blues Football rubbish bins; external toilet; Club portacabin for hospitality, storage container; painting; changing room; electric score board; P.A. system; football nets; security cameras; floor replacement. Desertmartin Extend existing hospitality room by 6,157 Football Club adding a separate kitchen area in order to provide hospitality for travelling teams and supporters Watty Grahams Provision of Terrace Safety Crush to 7,602 GAC, Maghera ensure the safety of over 4000 spectators along the roadside terrace Michael Davitt, The provision of a rebound wall to 7,602 GAC Swatragh sharpen the reflexes of players participating in hurling and camogie Wolfe Tones Provision of Ball Stop Nets at pitch 7,602 GAC, Bellaghy Sean O’Leary’s Replacement of roof of pavilion. 7,602 GAC Newbridge Robert Emmet’s Provision of ballstop nets at pitch. 7,602 GAC, Slaughtneill
13.2.3 Good Relations Grant Aid
Councillor G Shiels declared an interest in this item.
Following discussion it was-
Proposed by Councillor A Forde; and Seconded by Councillor T Catherwood
Resolved: that Council agree:
• In principle to award funding as detailed below subject to the Council receiving a Letter of Offer from the Community Relations Unit with a total budget that is sufficient to provide funding at the levels requested. No letters of Offer will be issued from Magherafelt District Council until a Letter of Offer has been received from the Community Relations Unit. • Should the available budget be less than the total funding requested, that the amount awarded to each organisation be proportionately reduced from the recommended award detailed below to reflect the available budget.
Name of Details of Event / Purpose for Recommended Group Grant award Naiscoil To hold a multi-cultural fun day for £829 Mhachaire the children of the playgroup and Ratha their parents. A similar project was very successful last year. Magherafelt To have a 20 week Programme of £1500 and Highland Dance tuition where catholic and Country protestant students will be taught dancing Group Scottish Highland and Scottish Country Dance St. Trea’s GAC To hold a 2 week summer scheme £810 Balymaguigan for children from both religions in July 2011 to keep children occupied and to reduce anti-social behaviour and recreational sectarianism. Maghera The Maghera Parish Caring £958 Parish Caring Association is managed by the Association Church of Ireland and aims to (MPCA) promote Good Relations in Maghera. The project is to build on the good work done by the children of the Protestant Primary School and the 2 Catholic Primary Schools and take them to the Belfast Opera House. Granaghan This is a shared identity project and £600 and District a group of women from Swatragh Women’s and Upperlands will visit the Navan Group Centre in Armagh to learn about the iron age and the early Christian period. They hope to be made aware that a shared history can also mean a shared future. Afterwards they will visit the Navan Fort and the Cathedrals.
Name of Details of Event / Purpose for Recommended Group Grant award Tobermore To host a Good Relations Event in £650 Community the McKinney Hall, Tobermore for Forum the older and disabled people in the town. Also to have workshops for the youth on drugs and alcohol.
Naiscoil Na This project is entitled “Developing £1500 Speirini Cultural Diversity”. This Irish (Moneyneena) speaking playgroup works in conjunction with the Tobertiny’s Playgroup in Tobermore. The project will incorporate a cross community sportsday, an Ulster Scots / Gaelic evening and a multi-cultural evening.
Swatragh To have a Good Relations Day for £945 Wednesday the older people of Swatragh, Club Upperlands and Magherafelt. Clergy from the Roman Catholic Church, Church of Ireland and Presbyterian Churches will speak about their churches.
Maghera Youth Maghera Youth Connect is a £868 Connect relatively new cross-community group born out of the successful PEACE III funded project managed by the Maghera Parish Caring Association. The project is to host an evening of events where the parents, family and friends of the 22 youth in the club can learn of the successes and Good Relations Outcomes of this club.
Bellaghy This mainly Catholic Group plan to £1500 Women’s have David Scott, education officer Group for the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland to visit their Management Committee in Bellaghy to make plans for David to address a public Meeting in Bellaghy. The plan is then for a group of Bellaghy residents to visit Schomberg House in Belfast, which is the Orange Order HQs. This group will then visit Dan Winters cottage in Loughgall.
L Name of Details of Event / Purpose for Recommended Group Grant award Killelagh and The Killelagh and St. John’s £1350 St. John’s Community Association has had 2 Community extremely successful PEACE III Association funded applications in the last year, (Swatragh) involving the Protestant and Catholic Primary Schools. This project is to continue with this Good Relations work by hosting a fun day for the children from these Protestant and Catholic Schools
Tobertinys Tobertiny’s Community Playgroup £755 Community (Protestant) and Naiscoil Na Speirini Project (Catholic) work in Partnership. The (Tobermore) project is for a fun day for the children of both playgroups, their parents and friends
King William III King William III Community Group £600 Community was established in October 2009 to Group improve the health and well being of (Maghera) the residents in this Protestant estate. There are 62 homes in this estate, with many young families. The aim is to create a better community spirit and hence this project is to host a family funday. Catholic Children from the catholic estates in Maghera will also be invited
Derganagh This is a community outreach project £475 Training and and the project is to have a Development workshop to plan future activities for Association the group, to include forming Partnerships with groups in the Republic of Ireland
Sperrin To host a family celebration for £900 Cultural children and adults prior to 11 July Awarenes 2011 bonfire in Tobermore. Catholic Group children from Draperstown will also be invited. If funding is approved for this project, it should be on condition, that tyres will not be burnt on the 11 July 2011 bonfire. (This clause will be in any letter of offer)
Name of Details of Event / Purpose for Recommended Group Grant award Beechland The proposed project is entitled £1440 Neighbourhood “Going Forward to-gether”. Group Beechland is a predominately (Magherafelt) Protestant estate, but has great respect for the Catholic residents. The project will have 3 parts: Visit to William Andersons Cottage, Toberhead for a historical talk for the older residents. A fun day for the children of Beechland, with Catholic children from Killowen drive being invited.
Maghera Sons This Flute Band is, once again, £650 of William Flute hosting a children’s fun day for Band Catholic and Protestant children in Maghera, prior to the annual band parade on 29 July 2011. Until 2005, this was one of the most contentious parades in the District, but the organisers turned things around by re-routing and having the fun day
Megargy and This conservation society works with £1070 District Game 60 local farmers to re-introduce the and almost extinct wild grey partridge on Conservation to farmland. Over 2000 acres of land Society are involved. The old Dublin coach road runs through this land and this proposed project is to bring Catholic and Protestants in to the Megargy Orange Hall to give them talks on shared history and the old Dublin Road.
Magherafelt To host an evening for all registered £950 Volunteer volunteers and having a speaker Centre from the Community Relations Council to speak on the topic of Good Relations. This speaker will talk on breaking down barriers and identifying prejudices.
The This project is to have a Good £650 Evergreens Relations evening for the members Magherafelt with clergy from 4 different religions and the Council’s Good Relations Officer delivering talks. Refreshments will be provided.
Name of Details of Event / Purpose for Recommended Group Grant award Tobermore This group is the catalyst for the £1050 Community Good Relations Partnership between Projects the 2 Catholic Primary Schools which are St. Patrick’s Glen PS Maghera and Straw PS and the 2 Protestant Primary Schools of Tobermore and Kilross. The project is to bring the children of these 4 primary schools together plus their parents to be entertained by the Curragh Silver Band and Irish Music and Dancers. Refreshments will be provided
Grand Dancers This group wants to build on the £600 (Swatragh) Good Relations work done in the Swatragh area by hosting Tea Dances in association with the “Open Doors Club” in Swatragh, which is a group offering support to those with disabilities. The congregations in the 3 churches will be involved e.g. Church of Ireland, Roman Catholic, and Presbyterian.
Cranny Pipe To host a “Building Bridges” event, £600 Band with Scottish and Irish dancers, Ceilah Band, pipers and drummers. Also there will be a local history talk to demonstrate how we should respect each other and all cultures and traditions.
Musical To promote Good Relations in £600 Appreciation Maghera by having an event in St. Society of Lurach’ Hall Maghera where the Maghera speaker will explain the story of brotherhood between Nationalist Major Willie Redmond and Unionist Private John Meeke in the First World War. There will also be cultural music from both Unionist and Nationalist traditions.
Desertmartin The project is to “build bridges” with £600 Accordion both communities by hosting a Good Band Relations Event where the speaker will concentrate in our shared history, leading to a shared future for all.
Name of Details of Event / Purpose for Recommended Group Grant award Lough Fea This project is to bring Catholic and £500 Grouse and Protestant school children together Conservation to discuss conservation and cultural Society issues.
Tobermore This project is to further to Good £580 Loyal Flute relations work conducted in Band Tobermore last year by hosting a good relations event for the residents of Tobermore and Draperstown to show those in attendance that they are all part of our shared history. A speaker from the Community Relations Council, in Belfast, will make the presentation.
Maghera The Women’s Institute was £945 Women’s traditionally perceived as an Institute organisation for Protestant Rural women. However, the Maghera Women’s Institute has, during the last 4 years, attracted 12 Catholic women, and so barriers are being broken down. The project is to have a range of cultural speakers at the monthly meetings, speaking about both cultures.
Megargy This project is to have the annual £600 Cultural and October cultural festival to Community acknowledge the Unionist and Group Nationalist culture, with artistes from both persuasions. Gig’n the bann This cultural festival is now in its 12 th £450 cultural festival year, and has received great reviews (Portglenone) in the National Press. Although the festival is on Portglenone, Catholic and Protestnt school children from adjacent schools within the Magherafelt District Council Area will be involved in workshops with musicians from the traditional Irish and Ulster Scots culture.
Dunamoney To organise a cultural concert with £600 Community music from both traditions. Also to Group have a Good Relations Speaker. It is recommended that funding is conditional; provided that tyres are not burnt on the 11 July 2011 bonfire in Leckagh Drive .
Name of Details of Event / Purpose for Recommended Group Grant award Eden The project is to have lectures on £900 Accordion the following 4 topics: Band The plantation of Ulster along the Bann Valley. The history of the United Irishmen The history of flute bands The origins of the Ulster Scots Music
Mid-Ulster This one week summer scheme for £600 Summer disabled children will have a multi- Scheme for cultural theme, and will take place at Disabled the Meadowbank Sports Arena, Children Magherafelt.
Mid-Ulster To have a musical summer £1500 School of extravaganza for a 4 week period for Music, the youth of Magherafelt, to keep Magherafelt them occupied and reduce recreational sectarianism. It is expected that 300 young people from the Magherafelt estates will participate.
Curran Flute This project is for Curran Flute Band £600 Band to continue its work with the Catholic St. Patricks Flute Band, Loup to stage a multi-cultural concert depicting music from both traditions
Three Spires The Three Spires Scout Troop, £1500 Scout Troop Magherafelt, works with youth aged (Magherafelt) 10-14 years old from both religions. The aim is to help them achieve their full potential physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually. The youth are helped to discover their similarities, differences, cultures and environments. This project is to help them do this by landscaping and developing waste ground behind the scout hall in Magherafelt.
Regimental The members of this group are all ex £1000 Association of UDR members, many of whom were the Ulster injured during the “troubles”. The Defence project is for a visit to the Regiment Inniskillings Museum to educate the 60 members on the history of the regiment.
Name of Details of Event / Purpose for Recommended Group Grant award Union Road This group operates from the Union £300 Mum and Tots Road Hall, Magherafelt. This group Groups is cross community with children from 10 migrant families e.g. Polish, Lithuaian and Czech Republic. The project is to take all to the childrens indoor play area at Junction One Antrim. This will help the migrant mothers to integrate, as well as being an enjoyable day for the children.
Dunamoney The Dunamoney Flute Band have £800 Flute Band made a dvd recording the history of the band during the last 80 years. This dvd will be shown to the adults on 09 July 2011, while the children enjoy a funday. A member of staff from the Community Relations Council, Belfast, will be in attendance. It is recommended that funding is conditional, provided that tyres are not burnt on the 11 July 2011 bonfire in Leckagh Drive
Curragh Young The Curragh Young Farmers Club £925 Farmers Club intend to repeat their keep fit and salsa classes to attract catholics into the orange hall. They attracted 14 Catholic women from Gulladuff last year. It was the first time that these Catholic women had been in an orange hall. Both religions mixed very well and have become good friends.
Curragh Silver To have a story telling evening to £950 Band challenge myths on both sides of the divide. The final part of the evening will be a workshop to draw out opinions from those present.
Down This group have organised soccer £1500 Syndrome for these young adults for a 2 hour South Derry session every fortnight. They now Group want to understand other sports and cultures and would like to have gaelic sessions as well. Finance is required to hire pitches and pay for transport costs.
13.3 Towns and Community Regeneration
Following discussion it was-
Proposed by Councillor J J McPeake Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and
Resolved: that Magherafelt District Council is to act as the lead agency for the delivery of the Magherafelt ReStore programme and that all Magherafelt Town Councillors sit on the Steering group to oversee the development of the programme.
13.3.1 Economic Development Strategy
Following discussion it was-
Proposed by Councillor P Bateson; and Seconded by Councillor S Kerr
Resolved: that an Economic Development Strategy is developed based on the themes of Town Centre Regeneration, Business Support and Tourism/Marketing.
13.3.2 Explore Magherafelt Marketing Plan
Following discussion it was-
Proposed by Councillor P J Bateson Seconded by Councillor J F Kerr, and
Resolved: that the Explore Magherafelt Marketing Plan is approved and an additional budget of £10,000 is approved towards the delivery of the plan.
13.4 Policy
13.4.1 Childcare Voucher Scheme
Following discussion it was-
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor B McGuigan, and
Resolved: that Council provide a childcare voucher scheme to its employees using Busy Bees Benefits.
13.4.2 Magherafelt Council’s Publication Scheme
Following discussion it was-
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and
Resolved: that Council approve the revised publication scheme as presented.
13.4.3 Ulster Scots Officer Following discussion it was-
Proposed by Councillor G C Shiels Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and
Resolved: that officers explore the possibility of employing a part-time Ulster Scots officer.
13.5 Adoption of the report
Following discussion, it was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and
Resolved: that the report for the Policy and Development Department is approved.
13.6 Extension of Time
The Chief Executive reminded the Chairperson of the lateness of the hour and that the meeting had lasted continuously for four hours and that the meeting would stand adjourned unless two-thirds of the Members present resolved to continue sitting.
It was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson
That the meeting continue.
On a vote being taken all the Members present voted unanimously in favour of the meeting continuing. The Chairperson declared that the meeting would continue.
14 Payment of Accounts 06/2011
14.1 Submitted Statement of Expenditure setting out payments to be made during the month of June 2011 (copy circulated to each Member). The statement made provision for £1138,428.30 out of the Revenue Account and £314,475.70 out of the Capital Account.
14.2 It was
Proposed by Councillor P McLean Seconded by Councillor T J Catherwood, and
Resolved : to approve the Statement of Accounts as submitted for May 2011.
15 Tender
15.1 Provision of Roller Brake Tester and Associated Equipment
It was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and
Resolved: to award the tender for the provision of Brake Rollers and Associated Equipment to Search Workshop Supplies of Altnagelvin Industrial Estate, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 2ED in the sum of thirty thousand one-hundred and forty five Pounds (£30,145.00) plus VAT.
16 Conferences and Courses
Consideration was given to the nomination of delegates to attend:
16.1 Revised Regional Transport Strategy Consultation Event To be held on Wednesday, 15 June 2011 in the Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown (details previously circulated to each Member).
16.1.1 After discussion it was agreed to leave nominations “open” for any Member who wished to attend.
16.2 National Association of Councillors Conference To be held in the Dalmeny Hotel, Lytham St Annes entitled ‘Working in Partnership’ from 1 to 3 July 2011 (details previously circulated to each Member).
16.2.1 After discussion it was agreed to mark the information “read”.
17 Consultation Documents
Submitted the following consultation documents:
17.1 Letter from the Department of the Environment seeking the Council’s views on the High Hedges Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 which received Royal Assent on 3 May 2011 seeking comments by the end of May 2011.
17.2 Letter and Housing Selection Scheme Preliminary Consultation Paper launched by the Housing Executive seeking views on four inter connected aspects of the Housing Selection Scheme seeking comments by 22 June 2011 (letter previously circulated to each Member).
17.3 Letter advising that the Department of Agriculture were seeking comments on Guidance on The Dogs (Amendment) Act for Council Enforcement Officers by 30 June 2011 (letter and guidance previously circulated to each Member).
17.4 It was agreed that if any Member or Party Grouping wished to comment on any of the documents they should forward their comments to the Chief Executive who would arrange to have them forwarded to the Government Department or body concerned.
18 Change of Service – Desertmartin Post Office
18.1 Submitted a letter from the Post Officer dated 31 May 2011 advising that it planned to change service provision in Desertmartin with a trail of a Post Office local service which will replace the current Hosted Service. The letter intimated that the proprietor of the Vivo Convenience Store had agreed to operate a Post Office local service from the current location. The existing service would cease on 23 June 2011, with the new Post office local service commencing on 30 June 2011 (copy of letter and details previously circulated to each Member).
Members noted the contents of the letter.
19 Appointments to Committees
The following nominations were made –
19.1 Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee
Members agreed not to nominate.
19.2 Forum for Local Government and the Arts (FLGA)
The Chief Executive advised that the Council at the Annual Meeting had elected a Member to serve on FLGA but failed to nominate an officer and an activist.
19.2.1 After discussion it was
Proposed by Councillor B McGuigan Seconded by Councillor J F Kerr, and
Resolved: that Mr Michael Browne, Head of Community Services be nominated as the officer; and Mr Paddy Glasgow, Draperstown as the Arts activist for the year 2011/12.
19.3 Lough Neagh Partnership
19.3.1 It was
Proposed by Councillor J J McPeake Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and
Resolved: that Councillor P J Bateson be re-elected to serve on the Lough Neagh Partnership for the year 2011/12.
19.3.2 It was further
Proposed by Councillor P J Bateson Seconded by Councillor B McGuigan, and
Resolved: that the Council would continue to support Lough Neagh Partnership with core funding of £7,000 for the nine month period ended 31 March 2012.
20 Dates and Times of Meetings
The following arrangements were made for forthcoming meetings –
20.1 It was agreed that there would be no monthly meeting in July and the next Council Meeting would be held on Tuesday, 9 August 2011.
20.2 There would be a visit from the Minister for the Department of Rural Development – Danny Kennedy MLA on Wednesday, 6 July 2011 at 2.30 pm. when the Magherafelt By-pass and other traffic issues affecting Magherafelt would be considered.
20.3 Establishment of a General Purpose, Finance and Policy Committee
Councillor J J McPeake suggested that the Council should establish a General Purpose, Finance and Policy Committee to enable Members to develop policy and examine expenditure including grants to third parties. He intimated that his party grouping would forward terms of reference for the new Committee to the Chief Executive for further consideration.
20.3.1 Accordingly, it was
Proposed by Councillor J J McPeake Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and
Resolved: that the Council consider setting up a General Purpose, Finance and Policy Committee, which would be considered at the next Party Group Leaders’ meeting.
20.4 Special Meetings
It was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor J J McPeake, and
Resolved: that presentations to Council should not be made at monthly meetings and that there should be two Special Meetings when presentations could be delivered to the Council; the third Tuesday in August and the third Tuesday in November 2011, this is, 16 August and 15 November 2011.
20.5 Audit Committee
The Chief Executive advised that, in keeping with normal practice and legislative requirements, the Council or, if approved by Members, the Audit Committee required to meet before the end of June 2011 to approve the Council’s Annual Governance Statement and its Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2011. The Council or Audit Committee would also, as part of its deliberations in relation to the Annual Governance Statement, consider the annual review of effectiveness of the system of internal control and the annual review of internal audit. He requested that Members consider whether they wished to delegate the consideration of these matters to the Audit Committee and the date on which the matters would be considered.
20.5.1 Following discussion, it was
Proposed by Councillor J J McPeake Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and
Resolved: that the Council would delegate the consideration of the matters to the Audit Committee which would meet on Tuesday, 28 June at 6.00 pm to approve the Annual Governance Statement and the Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2011.
20.5.2 The Chief Executive drew Members’ attention to the fact that, although the officers were working towards the Department’s deadline for the submission of the Statement of Accounts, the transition to IFRS accounts was extending the time taken to complete them. As such, it was possible that the accounts might not be finished in time to circulate them to Members the normal five days before the meeting. He asked the Members if they would authorise the officers to delay the circulation of the papers for the meeting until the finished accounts were finished even if this meant that the Members did not have at least five days notice of the papers.
20.5.3 Members agreed that the officers would be authorised to delay circulation of the papers until the accounts were finished.
20.6 Members’ Services Committee
It was
Proposed by Councillor Mrs C Elattar Seconded by Councillor J J McPeake, and
Resolved: that the Members’ Services Committee would meet prior to the Audit Committee on Tuesday, 28 June 2011 at 5.00 pm.
20.7 Party Group Leaders’ Meeting
It was further agreed that a meeting of the Party Group Leaders would be held after the Audit Committee on Tuesday, 28 June 2011.
21 Roads Service
Submitted the following –
21.1 A letter from the Divisional Roads Manager replying to the Council’s response to the snow and ice from town centre footpaths and pedestrian areas (copy previously circulated to each Member).
Members agreed to defer the contents of this letter pending a meeting with the Minister on 6 July 2011, until the August monthly meeting.
21.2 Private Streets (Northern Ireland) Order 1980
Adoption of Street Works at Mill View, Castledawson (details previously circulated to each Member).
Noted.
22 Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999
Consideration was given to an application in the name of Mr Gary Peoples, 30 Clooney Road, Tobermore and Mr Wilson Morrow, 32 Clooney Road, Tobermore for consent to discharge effluent to an underground stratum under the Water (NI) Order 1999 (details previously circulate to each Member).
It was agreed to make no comments on the application.
23 Resolution to Proceed “In Committee”
It was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor T J Catherwood, and
Resolved: that the Council proceeds “In Committee”.
Council “In Committee”
24 Staff Matters
This item was taken “In Committee”.
25 Legal Matters
This item was taken “In Committee”.
26 Resolution to Proceed in “Open Council”
It was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and
Resolved: that proceedings be resumed in “Open Council”
Proceedings in “Open Council”
It was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and
Resolved: that the foregoing proceedings of the Council “In Committee” be and they are hereby approved and adopted.
26 Sealing of Documents
The Chief Executive advised the Members that there were no items for Sealing.
27 Erection of a Memorial Stone
Mr Tohill advised that an application had been received from Mr Robert Condona (grantee and son of deceased), of 2 Hillhead Cottages, Castledawson BT45 8EX to erect a memorial stone at Plot K40 – Helen Condona (deceased).
27.1 Following discussion, it was
Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and
Resolved: that the Council authorise the erection of a memorial stone in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of Polepatrick Cemetery at Plot K40.
27 For the Information of Members
27.1 The following items were submitted for the information of Members:-
(a) Copy of letter and ‘Rural Voices Matters’ report from HSC Patient and Client Council (copy previously circulated to each Member). (b) Copy of letter and Construction Industry Group NI document ‘Building the Economy – construct the recovery’ (copy previously circulated to each Member). (c) Copy of the Traffic and Travel Information 2009 incorporting Annual Traffic Census and Vehicle Kilometres of Travel information report prepared by the Department of Regional Development Roads Service. (d) Copy of the final Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (e) Copy of letter from Autism Ni and copy of the Autism Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 which became law on 9 May 2011 (copies previously circulated to each Member)
(f) Copy of The Local Government Staff Commission for Northern Ireland’s Corporate Plan 2011/12 – 2013/14 and Business Plan 2011/12.
The meeting concluded at 12.10 am.
Chief Executive
The foregoing Minutes are hereby Confirmed.
______(Chairperson)
______(Date)