MAGHERAFELT DISTRICT COUNCIL

Minutes of Proceedings of a Meeting of District Council held in the Council Chamber, 50 Road, Magherafelt on Tuesday, 13 September 2011. The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm.

Presiding: G C Shiels

Other Members Present: P J Bateson J Campbell T J Catherwood Mrs C Elattar Mrs E A Forde J F Kerr Miss K A Lagan Mrs K A McEldowney B McGuigan P McLean J J McPeake Mrs D Ní Shiadhail Miss C M Scullion

Apology: J Crawford I P Milne

Officers Present: J A McLaughlin (Chief Executive) J J Tohill (Director of Finance and Administration)

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:

DoE Planning Service: Mr M Bowman – Planning Officer

1 Minutes

1.1 It was

Proposed by Councillor T J Catherwood Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and

Resolved: that Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on Tuesday, 9 August 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member) be taken as read and signed as correct.

1.2 It was

Proposed by Councillor Miss K A Lagan Seconded by Councillor T J Catherwood, and

Resolved: that Minutes of a Special Meeting of the Council held on Tuesday, 16 August 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 advised that there were no items as such arising out of the Minutes. However, there some items of information for Members.

2.2 Submitted a letter for reply from the Private Secretary to the Minister for Regional Development, Danny Kennedy MLA thanking the Council for providing comments on the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) and seeking the completion of the By-pass as soon as resources became available (copy circulated to each Member).

The letter intimated that the RDS consultation responses were ongoing. It further noted that Minister Kennedy’s department, as stated at the meeting on 6 July 2011 when the Minister visited the Council Offices, did not dispute the need for the Magherafelt By-pass, but indicated that the current financial constraints made the By-pass unaffordable at this time.

Noted.

2.3 Submitted e-mail for the Department of Regional Development dated 13 September 2011 advising that the Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy had announced, earlier in the day, that he would not be proceeding with the plan to roll out on-street parking charges to 30 towns and cities across (copy circulated to each Member).

Members welcomed the news.

2.4 Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland

Submitted circular letter from the Boundary Commission enclosing a copy of the Provisional Proposals Report for Northern Ireland setting out for public consultation the boundaries and names of the proposed new Parliamentary Constituencies for Northern Ireland. The closing date for the receipt of representations was Friday, 2 December 2011. The Commission was also holding three public hearings as follows –

10 & 11 October – Ramada Plaza Hotel, Belfast 19 & 20 October – Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh

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24 & 25 October – Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena.

Noted.

3 Planning 185/9/2011

3.1 New Planning Applications:

H/2010/0592/F – John & Mairead McAllister Approval. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval.

H/2011/0131/F – Mr H Bradley Approval. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval. The Planning Officer advised that there were two letters of objection to this application.

H/2011/0132/F – Eric Barfoot Deferred for an Office Meeting on the request of Councillor G C Shiels. Councillor Shiels handed a letter of submission to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5.

H/2011/0161/F – Alister Ferguson Deferred for an Office Meeting on the request of Councillor Mrs E A Forde. A letter of submission was handed to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5.

H/2011/0177/F – Mr Frank Kelly Approval. The Planning Officer advised that the Planning Service had revised its opinion on this application. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval.

H/2011/0216/F – Mrs S Moore Deferred for an office meeting for the Chairperson, Councillor I P Milne on the request of Councillor Mrs K A McEldowney. A letter of submission was handed to the Planning officer – Criterion 5.

H/2011/0220/F – Mr L Bradley Deferred for an Office Meeting for the Chairperson, Councillor P Milne on the request of Councillor Mrs K A McEldowney. A letter of submission was handed to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5. The Planning Officer advised that there was one letter of objection to this application.

H/2011/0266/F – Mr Eamon McCloskey Approval. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval. The Planning Officer advised that there was one letter of objection to this application.

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H/2011/0268/F - Mr J Hancock Deferred for an Office Meeting on the request of Councillor J Campbell. Councillor Campbell handed a letter of submission to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5.

H/2011/0273/RM – Mr E Hegarty Approval. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval. The Planning Officer advised that there were two letters of objection to this application.

H/2011/0284/O – Mr Michael McPeake Deferred for an office meeting on the request of Councillors J Campbell, J J McPeake and P J Bateson. Councillor Campbell handed a letter of submission to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5.

H/2011/0295/O – Eugene Cassidy Deferred. Councillor Mrs K A McEldowney requested an Office Meeting on behalf of the Chairperson, Councillor I P Milne. She also handed a letter of submission to the Planning Officer.

H/2011/0315/F – Mr Dominic Crozier Deferred for an office meeting on the request of Councillor J Campbell. Councillor Campbell handed a letter of submission to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5. The Planning Officer advised that there were two letters of objection to this application.

H/2011/0332/F – Mr Brian McIvor Approval. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval.

H/2011/0346/O – Mr Liam Duggan Deferred for an Office Meeting on the request of Councillor J J McPeake. He said that a letter of submission would be forwarded to the Planning Officer.

H/2011/0347/F – Mr J McEldowney Deferred for an Office Meeting on the request Councillors Mrs K A McEldowney and the Chairperson, Councillor I P Milne. Councillor Mrs McEldowney handed a letter of submission to the Planning Officer – Criterion 5.

H/2011/0353/O – M Kelly Deferred. Councillor Miss K A Lagan requested and it was agreed that this application be deferred until the close of play on Friday 16 September 2011.

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3.1.1 Applications Deferred from Previous Meeting:

H/2008/0089/F – O’Kane Family Approval. Councillor P McLean requested an objector’s meeting. Councillors J Campbell, P J Bateson and J J McPeake objected to this request stating that the application had been submitted over three years ago and that “every stone had been turned” in an effort to delay this application. It was pointed out that whilst there were twelve objections, eight came from the one address.

Councillor McLean accused Members of changing policy when the occasion did not suit.

The Planning Officer outlined what had happened with this application since 9 June 2009, the meetings which followed, including one with the Minister and the amendments made to the application. He said that the Planning opinion was approval.

On a vote being taken, 10 Members voted for Planning Application H/2008/0089/F to be approved, 4 Members voted against, voting being by show of hands.

The Chairperson, Councillor G C Shiels declared the motion carried.

H/2008/0601/F – Slaughneil GAC Approval. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval.

H/2009/0378/F – Mr Samuel Hamilton Approval

H/2010/0451/F – Mr A Armstrong Deferred pending the outcome of an office meeting had been arranged with the Minister and the Area Planning Manager.

H/2010/0540/F – Mr Paul McCorry Deferred pending the outcome of an office meeting which had been arranged with Mr Martin McGuinness, MLA and the Planning Area Manager.

H/2011/0056/O – Hugh Griffin Approval

H/2011/0102/O – Peter Bradley Refusal. The Council agreed to issue the decision.

H/2011/0137/F – Paul Irvine Approval. The Planning Officer said that the Planning opinion had changed to approval on receiving an amended plan. The Council agreed to the issue of the approval.

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3.1.2 It was

Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and

Resolved: to adopt the Planning Schedule dated 13 September 2011 subject to the above conditions and amendments.

3.2 Submitted schedules of Streamlined Planning Application decisions issued from 1 July to 31 July 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member).

Noted.

3.3 Submitted a request from the Department of the Environment Strategic Planning Division seeking comments on planning application H/2007/0954/F submitted by Community Association for the erection of a single 500KW wind turbine at Mountain Road, Owenreagh approximately 800m South South-East of 144 Sixtowns Road, (copy previously circulated to each Member). A Habitat Management Plan prepared by Corvus Consulting had also been received and previously circulated to each Member.

3.3.1 The Planning Officer was asked about copies of PPS18 – Renewable Energy.

3.3.2 In reply the Planning Officer explained that he felt it would be better if PPS 18 was explained when someone from Planning Service headquarters attended, as previously requested by Council, to make a presentation to Council on the planning policy relating to wind farms.

3.3.3 The Chief Executive explained that he had arranged for Mr Michael Graham from White Young Green to be invited to make a presentation to Members on this topic on Tuesday, 11 October 2011 from 5.30 pm (i.e. just before the monthly Council meeting). He felt that this presentation from Mr Graham, whom the Council was familiar with, would give Councillors a wider view of planning for wind farms and would possibly be more appropriate than a presentation from the Planning Service at this point in time.

3.3.4 Members noted the contents of the Planning Service’s request for the Council’s comments on Planning application H/2007/0954/F but agreed to make no comment until the next Council meeting, which would follow the presentation from Mr Graham.

3.4 Submitted letter from the Area Planning Office advising that there had been an error on the decision notice in connection with an application fro a proposed site of a replacement dwelling and garage at 40m North East of 48 Waterfoot Road, Magherafelt (copy previously circulated to each Member). 6

3.4.1 Members noted the contents of the letter.

The Planning Officer retired from the meeting at 8.05 pm.

4 Building Control Department 210/09/2011

The Director of Building Control presented the Department’s report for the period 1 August to 31 August 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member).

4.1 During this period forty-nine applications have been recommended for approval.

A total of one hundred and forty-four applications required amending by Architects and Agents before granting approval.

4.2 Applications for Notices and Regularisations

During the period from 1 August to 31 August 2011 there were two Regularisation and one Notice issued.

4.3 Applications for Building Regulation Rejections

During the period from 1 August to 31 August 2011 there were fifteen applications recommended for rejection.

4.4 Building Regulations Inspections

During the period from 1 July 2011 to 31 July 2011 forty–four applications commenced on site and twenty-seven applications were found to be complete in accordance with Building Regulations.

The department carried out three hundred and ninety inspections this month.

4.5 Granting of Extension of Time and Cancellation of time lapsed Approvals

During the period from 1 August 2011 to 31 August 2011 – twenty-one applications were cancelled having gone beyond the 4 year expiry date and not having commenced on site.

There were no extensions of time applied for during this period.

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4.6 Petroleum Legislation

Annual Re-Licensing Applications

During the period of this report seventeen re-licensing inspections were carried out.

4.7 Naming and numbering of Streets

During the period from 1 July 2011 to 31 July 2011 nineteen new postal numbers and postcodes were issued for private dwellings.

4.8 Property Certificates

There were forty-seven Property Certificates issued for this period.

4.9 Dangerous Structure at 31-33 High Street, Draperstown

The Director of Building Control advised that his department had received a complaint about broken glass in the ground and first floor windows at 31-33 High Street, Draperstown.

He said that there had been some difficulty in locating the current owners which took approximately three weeks to determine. When contacted, the owner agreed to make the building safe by boarding up the windows facing onto High Street and removing the glass from the first floor windows.

The building is now safe for users of the public footpath.

Noted.

4.10 It was

Proposed by Councillor T J Catherwood Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and

Resolved: that the report as submitted be adopted.

6 Naming and Numbering of Streets PN 18

6.1 Consideration was given to the naming and numbering of nineteen dwellings at Tamandeese Road, for Mr William Garvin.

The names suggested were:

1 The Fir Trees 2 Tamnadeese Grove

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6.1.1 Following discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor T J Catherwood Seconded by Councillor P McLean and

Resolved: that the development of nineteen dwellings at Tamnadeese Road, Castledawson be named ‘Tamnadeese Grove’.

6.2 Consideration was given to the naming and numbering of twelve dwellings at 37-39 Road, Magherafelt for Mr John Donnelly.

The names suggested were:

1 College Gardens 2 College Mew 3 College View

6.2.1 Following discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor P McLean Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and

Resolved: that the development of twelve dwellings at 27-39 Moneymore Road, Magherafelt be named “ College Gardens’.

7 Licences and Registrations

7.1 Entertainment Licences

Submitted the following applications for Entertainments Licences which were recommended for renewal:-

E.8 The Old Clubhouse, Fortwilliam Park, Road, – Mr Tom Cassidy E.37 Ardtara Country House, 8 Gorteade Road, – Dr A Hanna E.72 Killygullib Orange Hall, 1 Tamlagh Road, – Mr Ross Bloomfield

7.1.1 It was

Proposed by Councillor Miss K A Lagan Seconded by Councillor J F Kerr, and

Resolved: to grant the renewal of the Entertainments Licence applications as submitted.

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7.2 Submitted the following application for an Entertainments Licence to hold a Barn Dance on 30 September 2011 which was recommended for approval pending favourable reports from Environmental Health, Fire Service and Police:-

O.E.3 The Barn, 137 Aughrim Road, Magherafelt – Mr Mervyn Gregg

7.2.1 It was

Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor J Campbell, and

Resolved: to grant the Entertainments Licence for the Barn Dance to be held on 30 September 2011, pending favourable reports from Environmental Health, Fire Service and Police.

7.3 Petroleum Licences

Submitted the following applications for Petroleum Licences which were in order and recommended for renewal:

P.1 S H Watterson (Engineering) Ltd 80 Aughrim Road, Magherafelt – Ms Joanne Donnelly

P.11 Bradley’s Filling Station, 57 Tobermore Road, – Mr F P Bradley

P.28 O’Kane Cars Ltd, 150 Hillhead Road, Castledawson – Mr J O’Kane

P.30 Hillside Filling Station, 16-18 William Street, – Mr Dermot O’Kane

P.34 Caldwell’s Filling Station, 191 Hillhead Road, Castledawson – R & J Caldwell

P.90 Newbridge Stores, 37 Blackpark Road, Toomebridge – Mr Paul Martin

P.92 Gregg’s Filling Station, 137 Aughrim Road, Magherafelt - Mr Mervyn Gregg

7.3.1 It was

PROPOSED by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor Miss K A Lagan, and

Resolved: to grant the renewal of the Petroleum Licences as submitted. 10

8 Environmental Health Department 196/09/2011

Mr M Young, Director of Environmental Health submitted the report for the month of August 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member).

8.1 Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

Mr Young reported on progress with the launch of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme and explained to Members the benefits of the scheme and resource implications, including the potential availability of grant aid from the Food Standards Agency. After due consideration, it was

Proposed by Councillor Miss K A Lagan Seconded by Councillor J F Kerr, and

Resolved: that a grant application be submitted to the Food Standards Agency relative to the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme with a view to preparing for the launch of the scheme.

8.2 Mutual Aid Protocols

It was

Proposed by Councillor Miss K A Lagan Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and

Resolved: that Council adopt the District Council Mutual Aid protocol and the Emergency Call-Off contracts joint protocol - Northern Ireland Housing Executive / District Councils as detailed in the report.

8.3 Planning Policy Statement 12 – Partnership on Traveller Issues

It was

Proposed by Councillor P J Bateson Seconded by Councillor J F Kerr, and

Resolved: that Council endorse the response of the Local Government Partnership on traveller issues with regard to the consultation on Planning Policy Statement 12: Housing in settlements Draft Policy HS3

8.4 It was

Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor P McLean, and

Resolved: that Council adopt the remainder of the report which was for information.

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8.5 Members congratulated Mrs Catriona Davis, Senior Environmental Health Officer (Food and Consumer Protection) on graduating with an Advanced Diploma in Management Practice (with distinction) from the University of Ulster.

9 Operational Services Department 322/09/2011

Submitted report by the Director of Operations for the month of August 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member)

9.1 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.

9.2 Operational Services: Items for Information

9.2.1 Polepatrick Park and Cemetery

Following a brief discussion regarding the on-going propensity for the ‘Viewing Tower’ at Polepatrick Park to act as a focus for persons intent on anti-social behaviour

It was

Proposed by Councillor J Campbell Seconded by Councillor Miss K A Lagan, and

Resolved : that the Director of Operations should move to have the roof removed from the Viewing Tower in order to dissuade such activities in the future.

9.3 Adoption of the Report

It was

Proposed by Councillor T J Catherwood Seconded by Councillor J J McPeake, and

Resolved : that, in addition to the above items, the section of the Director’s Report marked “Items for Information” was noted.

12 9.4 Technical Services: Items for Decision

9.4.1 Bi-Lingual Street/Road Nameplates: Survey Results

It was

Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor B McGuigan, and

Resolved : to approve the erection of bi-lingual street/road nameplates at Mullaghboy Glen and Garden Terrace, Magherafelt.

9.4.2 Additional Item

The Director of Operations sought the permission of the Chair to introduce an additional item: namely two additional written requests for Bilingual Street/Road Nameplate Surveys which had only been received by the department on 13 September 2011.

The Chair granted the permission sought.

9.4.3 Bilingual Street/Road Nameplates: Request for Surveys

It was

Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor B McGuigan, and

Resolved : to approve the carrying out of surveys of the residents of Forgetown Road, Lisnamuck Hill, Kirley Road (all of Maghera), Nutgrove Road, Desertmartin, Milltown Road, and Cloane Road (both of Draperstown)with respect to the erection of bilingual road/street nameplates at these locations.

9.4.4 Townland Names

The Vice Chairman introduced the matter of Townland Names, and in particular their meanings and origins. He sought to explore ways in which the translations of Townland Names, a unit of area unique to Ireland, could be promoted for example through the addition of information to street and road nameplates. Following a discussion during which the origin, translation, historical significance and potential interpretation of Townland Names was discussed. It was

Proposed by Councillor Mrs E A Forde Seconded by Councillor P McLean, and

Resolved : to request the Director of Operations to bring forward an ‘Options Report’ to a future meeting of Council with respect to the potential options for promoting the profile, interpretation and understanding of Townland Names within the District. 13

9.4.5 European Week for Waste Reduction

It was

Proposed by Councillor Miss K A Lagan Seconded by Councillor B McGuigan, and

Resolved : that the Council supports the promotion of the European Week for Waste Reduction as outlined in the Directors report.

9.4.6 Megary Grey Partridge and Old Dublin Road Projects

It was

PROPOSED by Councillor Miss K Lagan, and Seconded by Councillor P Mclean, and

Resolved : that the Council supports the application for support to the Landfill Communities Fund for the Megary Grey Partridge and Old Dublin Road Projects.

9.4.7 Dogs (NI) Order 1983 as amended by the Dogs (Amendment) Act 2011

It was

Proposed by Councillor P McLean Seconded by Councillor P J Bateson, and

Resolved : that Council approves the setting of the Fixed Penalty for offences under the Dogs (NI) Order 1982, as amended, at £80 with an early payment (within 14 days of the notice) figure of £50: both to be effective from 3 October 2011

10 Policy and Development Department

Mrs Anne-Marie Campbell, Director of Policy and Development submitted the Policy and Development report for the month of August 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member).

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10.1 Community Services

10.1.1 Policy and Development Department

Mrs Anne-Marie Campbell, Director of Policy and development submitted the Policy and Development report for the month of September 2011 (copy previously circulated to each member).

10.2 Community services

10.2.1 Schools fishing competition

Following discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor P McLean, and

Resolved: that Council provide funding for light refreshments for 60 – 80 competitors, prepare the fishing stretch venue and the Chair to attend the prize giving.

10.2.2 Magherafelt Arts Trust

Following discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and

Resolved: that Council send a get well card to Mr Archie Thompson.

10.3 Good Relations

10.3.1 Revenue Sports Grants

Following discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor J J McPeake Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and

Resolved: that Council • Award £1,000 of grant funding to Moyola Park Golf Club and Australian Rules Football League of Ireland. • Reject the application from Rainey Rugby Football Club.

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10.3.2 Proposed changes to the Council’s Good Relations Action Plan 2011/2012

Following discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor Miss K A Lagan Seconded by Councillor J Campbell, and

Resolved: that Council revise the Good Relations Action Plan so that community representatives from Tobermore, Desertmartin/Longfield and Bellaghy undertake a shared history programme which will include a visit to the Somme Heritage Centre, The Tower Museum and Messines, Belgium.

10.3.3 Cooperation Ireland’s Pride of Place Competition

Following discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor J Campbell Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and

Resolved: that Council approve the attendance of six delegates to the Pride of Place Awards event. Councillors Lagan, Milne and Kerr were nominated to attend. It was noted that this will require Council to ask for additional tickets. It was agreed that should tickets not be available this would be brought back to Council.

10.4 Towns and Community Regeneration

10.4.1 Magherafelt Business Awards

Following discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr, Seconded by Councillor P McLean, and

Resolved: that Council award the contract for the Magherafelt Business Awards to Lestas Consulting at a cost of £31,280.

10.4.2 CCTV Cameras

Following discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor Miss K A Lagan, Seconded by Councillor J F Kerr, and

Resolved: that Council upgrade the CCTV system and make it wireless.

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10.5 Policy

10.5.1 Revised equality scheme

Following discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor Miss K A Lagan Seconded by Councillor J Campbell, and

Resolved: that Council approve the revised equality scheme and action plan and that a 12 week consultation period is undertaken on these.

10.5.2 Young enterprise

Following discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor J J McPeake Seconded by Councillor J F Kerr, and

Resolved: that Council host the event on behalf of Young Enterprise as part of Enterprise week.

10.6 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.

10.7 Adjournment of Meeting

The Chairperson, Councillor G C Shiels adjourned the meeting for a comforts break at 9.25 pm.

The meeting resumed at 9.30 pm.

11 Payment of Accounts 09/2011

11.1 Submitted Statement of Expenditure setting out payments to be made during the month of September 2011 (copy circulated to each Member). The statement made provision for £958,342.39 out of the Revenue Account and £338,188.80 out of the Capital Account.

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11.2 It was

Proposed by Councillor Miss K A Lagan Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and

Resolved: to approve the Statement of Accounts as submitted for September 2011.

12 Financial Contributions

Submitted the following letters of application for financial assistance from:

12.1 Lough Neagh Rescue

Letter received from the Patron of Lough Neagh Rescue seeking continued financial support for the work of Lough Neagh Rescue in providing rescue cover for all the users of Lough Neagh in responding to all call-out s without regard to the state of the weather and the personal safety of the Crews (copy previously circulated to each Member).

12.1.2 Following discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor Miss K A Lagan Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and

Resolved: that the Council make a contribution of £1,000 to Lough Neagh Rescue.

12.2 Cookstown & Western Shores Area Network (CWSAN)

Letter received from the Projects and Development Managers of CWSAN requesting the Council along with Cookstown District Council to contribute £5,000 each of match funding which would be used in conjunction with the total received from OFMDFM for Ethnic Minority Support programme over the period August 2011 to March 2012. At least 50% of the match funding received from Magherafelt District Council would be paid to Magherafelt Advice Services for their specialist support.

12.2.1 The letter further intimated that CWSAN’s request for match funding was to maintain the mechanism for migrant workers in the interim until PEACE III delivered its support programmes later in the year (letter previously circulated to each Member).

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12.2.2 The Chief Executive advised Members that currently the Council’s policy was not to grant match funding. The matter had been raised at a recent Party Group Leaders’ meeting. He reminded the Council that earlier in the year the Council had considered becoming involved with funding under PEACE III with a view to developing a strategy for the development of local villages. It was noted that the Council would probably have had to provide the match funding of approximately £250,000 in order for these strategies to progress. Due to the size of the match funding the Council had decided not to become involved.. He suggested that consideration of this matter be deferred until the new General Purposes, Finance and Policy Committee met and discussed charity funding.

Members agreed.

13 Conferences and Courses

Consideration was given to the nomination of delegates to attend:

13.1 Tidy Northern Ireland - Clean Neighbourhood Conference To be held in the Lagan Island Centre, Lisburn on 14 September 2011 (details previously circulated to each Member).

13.1.1 Members agreed not to nominate.

13.2 Local Authority Members Association – Autumn Seminar 2011 The seminar entitled ‘The Role of Tourism in Economic Recovery’ to be held in the Clonea Strand Hotel, Dungarvan on Friday, 23 September and Saturday, 24 September 2011 (details previously circulated to each Member).

13.2.1 Members agreed not to nominate.

13.3 Department of Education – Consultation on its Revised Equality Scheme and Audit of Inequalities/Action Plan Public meetings to be held at the following venues –

Millennium Forum - Wednesday, 28 September 11.00 am – 1 pm Grosvenor House, Belfast – Friday, 30 September 11.00 am – 1 pm South West College, Dungannon Campus – Wednesday, 5 October 11.00 am to 1 pm

13.3.1 Members agreed to leave nominations to any of these public meetings open.

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13.4 National Association of Councillors – Northern Ireland Region – AGM The Annual General Meeting to be held at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor on Wednesday, 28 September 2011 (details previously circulated to each Member).

13.4.1 Members agreed to leave nominations open to Members of the Council who served on the National Association of Councillors.

13.5 Sharing Experiences Across Borders – Seminar A seminar funded by Co-operation Ireland, International Centre for Local and Regional Development and the European Regional Development Fund in association with Queen’s University Belfast to be held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk on Friday, 30 September 2011 (details previously circulated to each Member).

13.5.1 It was

Proposed by Councillor J J McPeake Seconded by Councillor Mrs C Elattar

That Councillor J F Kerr attends.

13.5.2 It was

Proposed by Councillor P J Bateson Seconded by Councillor B McGuigan

That Councillor J J McPeake attends.

13.5.3 There being no further nominations, the Chairperson declared that Councillors J F Kerr and J J McPeake attend the seminar “Sharing Experiences Across Borders”.

13.6 “Local Democracy – A Vision for the Future” Seminar 2011 Autumn Seminar organised by Greystones Town Council in association with Ards Borough Council and the LA Touche Legacy Committee to be held on Friday, 30 September to Sunday, 2 October 2011 in the Charlesland Golf and Country Club Hotel, Greystones, Co Wicklow (details previously circulated to each Member).

13.6.1 Members agreed not to nominate.

13.7 Community Foundation for Northern Ireland Observatory Seminar To be held on Thursday, 6 October 2011 at Farset International, Springfield Road, Belfast (details previously circulated to each Member).

13.7.1 Members agreed not to nominate.

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14 Community Pharmacy – Proposed Cuts

Submitted letter from Community Pharmacy NI setting out the impact of £38 million proposed cuts to funding for community pharmacy provision across Northern Ireland (copy previously circulated to each Member).

14.1 Councillor Miss K A Lagan said that the Council supported the deep concerns of Northern Ireland Community Pharmacists at these proposed Government cuts and the effect it would have on patient services. It was also very important that it responded. Councillor Miss Lagan referred to the many services provided by community pharmacists particularly to senior citizens.

14.2 It was

Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor Miss K A Lagan, and

Resolved: that the Council resolved to support the concerns of Northern Ireland Community Pharmacists at the proposed Government cuts and the effect it would have on patient services.

14.3 Councillor J F Kerr referred to the last paragraph of the letter from the Chief Executive to Community Pharmacy NI stating that a presentation to Council could be arranged. He so proposed that this be organised to take place at the Special Meeting organised for presentations on Tuesday, 15 November 2011.

14.4 Members agreed that Community Pharmacy NI be invited to make a presentation on this evening.

15 Appointments to Board of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Submitted Notice from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment inviting applications for membership to the Board of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. The Department was seeking to appoint two new members with effect from 1 February 2012. The closing date for nominations was 30 September 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member).

15.1 It was agreed that if any Member wished to be nominated for consideration to the Board of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board they should contact the Chief Executive.

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16 Councillors’ Training

The Chief Executive confirmed arrangements regarding the number of Members attending “Members’ Code of Conduct” training on Wednesday, 14 September 2011 from 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm and Tuesday, 20 September 2011 from 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm. He said that the training would be undertaken by Mr Wavell Moore of PSM Consulting and that refreshments would be available half an hour before the training.

Noted.

17 Appointments to the Drainage Council for Northern Ireland

Submitted letter from the Drainage Council explaining that the office of the current Drainage Council expired on 30 September 2011, following which a new Council would be appointed for a term of four years. The letter sought to invite a nomination for the Council for appointment for the next Drainage Council.

17.1 The letter further sought the name of one representative whom the Council would be satisfied would represent the District Council and would be willing to serve on the Drainage Council by 5.00 pm on Friday, 14 October 2011 (copy previously circulated to each Member).

17.2 Following discussion it was

Proposed by Councillor Mrs K A McEldowney Seconded by Councillor J F Kerr, and

Resolved: that Councillor I P Milne be nominated as the Council’s representative for appointment to the Drainage Council for Northern Ireland.

18 Consultation Documents

Submitted the following consultation documents:

18.1 Letter and Consultation Paper on Noise and Statutory Nuisances Guidance prepared by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland seeking comments by 25 November 2011.

18.2 Consultation from The Commission for Victims and Survivors for Northern Ireland is seeking the Council’s views by Friday, 28 October 2011on the following:

1 Equality Scheme 22 2 Publication Scheme

3 Work Programme 2011/12 4 Corporate Plan 2011/14

18.3 Consultation published by the Department of Justice on proposals to amend the Carriage of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and seeking a response by 30 September 2011.

18.4 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. .

19 Resolution to Proceed “In Committee”

It was

Proposed by Councillor T J Catherwood Seconded by Councillor Mrs E A Forde, and

Resolved: that the Council proceeds “In Committee”.

Council “In Committee”

20 Tenders

This item was taken “In Committee”.

21 Staff Matters

This item was taken “In Committee”.

22 Legal Matters

This item was taken “In Committee”.

23 Resolution to Proceed in “Open Council”

It was

Proposed by Councillor Miss K A Lagan Seconded by Councillor J F Kerr, and

23 Resolved: that proceedings be resumed in “Open Council”

Proceedings in “Open Council”

It was

Proposed by Councillor J F Kerr Seconded by Councillor Miss K A Lagan, and

Resolved: that the foregoing proceedings of the Council “In Committee” be and they are hereby approved and adopted.

24 Sealing of Documents

The seal of the Council is hereby affixed to the following document:

24.1 Grant of Right of Burial to Miss Roberta Margaret Ritchie of 43 Glenburn Park, Magherafelt BT45 5BG - Plot A124 & A125, daughter of Mrs Margaretta Ritchie (deceased).

24.2 Grant of Right of Burial to Mr Joseph Graham of 8 Rainey Street, Magherafelt BT45 5AG – Plot K45, friend of Mr Alexander George Wright (deceased).

24.3 Lease between Magherafelt District Council and the Northern Ireland Library Authority for the library premises at High Street, Draperstown for the term of two years from 1 September 2009 at the yearly rent of eight thousand, five hundred pounds (£8,500) plus VAT, if applicable.

25 For the Information of Members

25.1 The following items were submitted for the information of Members:-

(a) Minutes of Meeting of the North Health and Social Care Trust held on Thursday, 23 June 2011 (b) Copy of the Department of Social Development’s New Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland “Warmer Healthier Homes”. (c) Annual Reports:

1 Clanmil Housing 2010/11 2 Translink 2010/11 3 Planning Appeals Commission 2010/11

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The meeting concluded at 11.00 pm.

Chief Executive

The foregoing Minutes are hereby Confirmed.

______(Chairperson)

______(Date)

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