Budget Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Budget Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Tuesday 21st January 2003 at 11am in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT: 

  • Barrett,
  • Barry,
  • Branley,
  • Bree,
  • Cawley,
  • Colleary,
  • L. Conlon,
  • M. Conlon,
  • Conmy,
  • Devins,
  • Fleming,
  • Fox,
  • Gormley,
  • Higgins,
  • Leonard,
  • MacManus,
  • McGarry,
  • McGuinn,
  • McLoughlin,
  • Murray,
  • Parke,
  • Perry,
  • Queenan,
  • B. Scanlon,
  • E. Scanlon.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: 

  • Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
  • Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
  • Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
  • Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
  • Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
  • Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer
  • Mr D. Tinney, County Librarian
  • Mr R. Lavin, Management Accountant
  • Ms M. Leydon, Project Accountant
  • Mr P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr K. Colreavy, Administrative Officer
  • Mr F. Mc Nabb, Administrative Officer
  • Ms E. Garvin, Administrative Officer
  • Mr T. Rooney, Administrative Officer
  • Ms S. Ryan, Heritage Officer
  • Ms M. Mc Auliffe, Arts Officer
  • Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
  • Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH: 

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. Branley presided.

REQUEST FOR DEPUTATION:

The Members were circulated with a reply from the Office of the Minister for Environment and Local Government, in response to their request for a deputation with the Minister for Environment and Local Government, advising them that it would be inappropriate for the Minister to meet at this time.

BUDGET 2003: 

The Cathaoirleach asked the Directors to outline the expenditure on the programme groups.

PROGRAMME GROUP NO. 1 - HOUSING AND BUILDING: 

Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services outlined the expenditure proposed in the housing and building programme

In response to Members queries Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services advised that €30,000 had been allocated in the draft Budget to the Social Economy Scheme for 2003.

In response to further queries Mr Caffrey advised members that the backlog of Disabled Persons Grants and Essential Repairs Grants applications had been cleared and that there were 18 applications for Disabled Persons Grants and 9 for Essential Repairs Grants on hand at present.  Mr Caffrey further advised the Members that contractors involved in Council housing works worked well in conjunction with Council officials.  He also advised that the Council had a land bank available but that we were continually looking for suitable lands for housing purposes.

In response to further queries, Director Caffrey indicated that a response is awaited from the Department of Environment and Local Government in relation to social housing proposals in Ballymote, Collooney, Coolaney and Bunninadden.  A response is also awaited in relation to the refurbishment works at Connolly Park, Tubbercurry.  He also confirmed that there are at present 700 applicants on Sligo County Council’s housing list, some of whom are also on the Borough Councils housing list.

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon

“That the expenditure for the maintenance and repair of council houses (item 1.1.1) be increased from €430,000 to €530,000”

In response to Councillor D. Bree the Cathaoirleach, P. Branley advised that he was not in a position to take this motion at this stage of the meeting but that all resolutions would be dealt with in order of receipt following the discussion of all programme groups.

FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS PASSED IN 2002:

Deputy J. Perry referred to a number of resolutions passed during the year 2002 in respect of financial commitments given to various different bodies and urged members to honour these commitments.

Due to continued disruption of the meeting by Councillor D. Bree the Cathaoirleach advised that he was adjourning the meeting for 15 minutes.

Proposed by Deputy J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn

“That the Council proceed to the next business and that the Council discuss all motions at the end of the 8 programmes”.

As agreement was not reached in relation to the motion, the Cathaoirleach asked that a poll be taken.

For the motion: Barrett, Barry, Branley, Cawley, Colleary, Conlon L., Conlon M., Conmy, Devins, Fleming, Fox, Gormley, Higgins, Leonard, MacManus, McGuinn, Murray, Parke, Perry, Scanlon E.

Abstainees: Bree, Scanlon B.

As the result was 20 for, 0 against and 2 abstainees, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

In response to Councillor D. Bree’s continued questioning the Cathaoirleach stated that Councillor D. Bree’s motion would be dealt with on completion of discussions on the 8 programme groups.

PROGRAMME GROUP NO. 2 - ROAD TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY:

Director Concannon outlined the expenditure proposed in the road, transportation and safety programme.

Councillor M. Gormley expressed her disappointment at the level of funding available for County roads.

In response to members queries, Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services advised that the N16 is cited in the National Roads Authority needs study for 2017, and that the route had been identified in an East /West study carried out recently for Sligo /Dundalk roadway.  There has not, however, Mr S. Concannon advised, been a commitment for funding to this route.

In response to members queries Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer advised that the provision in the budget for public lighting is for maintenance only and not for new lighting.  He advised that no response had yet been received to the Councils request for a deputation to the NRA regarding prioritising the N59.

In response to further members queries, Mr Carroll advised that the preferred routes for both the N4 and the N17 had been adopted but that funding was awaited to proceed with the next stage of land acquisition and detailed design.  He advised that funding for the embankment works at Tully /Strandhill is expected in the near future.

Councillors were advised that there is no allocation available this year for the taking in charge of roads.

A number of Councillors welcomed the increased allocation to the Local Improvement Scheme, the additional funding from the Clàr programme towards the class III roads, and also complimented the works of the outdoor roads staff.

A number of other queries in relation to this programme group were raised by members and these queries were responded to by the officials present.

PROGRAMME GROUP NO. 3 - WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE:

Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services outlined the proposed expenditure in the water supply and sewerage area.

In response to members queries Director S. Concannon advised that the facilities at the Foxes Den are owned by Sligo County Council and confirmed that a private company had been awarded the maintenance contract.  Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer further advised that as part of the contract, a monthly contribution is put into a plant replacement fund, available for the contractor as and when it is required for maintenance works.

Director Concannon further advised the Members that a scheme had been prepared for the new water treatment works at Kilsellagh, that it had gone through the compulsory purchase order process and that a decision is awaited from An Bord Pleanála.  He also outlined the current rates for water charges.

In response to members queries Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer advised that the preliminary report for the Carraroe Main Drainage Scheme is with the Department of the Environment and Local Government since April 2002 and a decision is still awaited.  He further advised that there is provision in the 2003 budget for servicing of the loan to provide the works on the Cloonacool /Aclare Sewerage Schemes.  It is also hoped to go ahead in 2003 with the upgrade of the Sewerage Treatment Works at Tubbercurry.

A number of other queries in relation to this programme group were raised by members and these queries were responded to by the officials present.

It was agreed to adjourn the meeting at 5.40pm and to reconvene at 6pm.

PROGRAMME GROUP NO. 4 - DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES AND CONTROL:

Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services outlined details of the proposed expenditure in the Community and Enterprise Directorate.

In response to members queries Ms Clarke, Director of Services advised that €50,000 was allocated towards the Community Grants Scheme which will amalgamate the Tidy Towns, Burial Grounds and Voluntary & Community Grants Schemes.  She further advised members that a contribution of €27,000 has been included for Sligo Airport Company and €19,000 for Sligo Marketing Forum.

Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services outlined the proposed expenditure in the Development Incentives and Control programme.

In response to Councillor D. Bree’s query, Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer advised that it was anticipated that the Council would take up to 40 prosecutions in 2003 together with a number of injunction proceedings.

PROGRAMME GROUP NO. 5 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT:

In response to members queries Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer advised that a privately operated pilot kerbside collection scheme will be put in place in the Cairns Hill area, but that the Council is not providing any funding for the scheme.  He advised that the amount included in the budget will ensure the servicing of existing bring banks and the installation of a small number of new facilities.

In response to Councillor I. Fox, Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services indicted that Sligo County Council has agreed the purchase of land for a burial ground at Calry and it is hoped to complete the purchase shortly and advance the development.

In response to Councillor B. Scanlon, Director P. Forkan advised that departmental approval for the refurbishment of the hydraulic platform has not yet been received.

PROGRAMME GROUP NO. 6 - RECREATION AND AMENITY: 

In response to Councillor B. Scanlon’s query regarding purchase of books, Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services confirmed that a sum of €300,000 is provided as part of the capital funding for the purchase of books in Tubbercurry library.

PROGRAMME GROUP NO’S 7, 8 AND 9 - AGRICULTURE /EDUCATION /MISCELLANEOUS AND SUPPORT SERVICES:

In response to Councillor L. Conlon’s query regarding recoupment of veterinary inspectors wages costs, Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services advised members that he is currently in discussion with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland regarding same.

In response to Cllr. B. Scanlon’s query Mr. J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer advised that no horses were impounded in 2002 in the Borough area.

RESOLUTIONS ARISING FROM BUDGET MEETING:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon

“That the expenditure for the maintenance and repair of council houses (item 1.1.1) be increased from €430,000 to €530,000”

As agreement was not reached in relation to this matter, the Cathaoirleach asked that a vote be taken.

For the motion:  Bree, Scanlon B.

Against the motion:  Barrett, Barry, Branley, Cawley, Colleary, Conlon L., Conmy, Devins, Fleming, Fox, Gormley, Higgins, Leonard, McGuinn. Murray, Perry, Queenan, Scanlon  E.

Abstainee:  Parke

As the result was 2 for, 18 against and one abstainee, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor A. Parke

“That Sligo County Council provides in its estimates 2003 an initial sum of €10,000 to assist the Samaritans to refurbish their new premises at the Mall, Sligo (This Council previously agreed allocation of €50,000).  This sum to be realised through an equivalent reduction in programme 4.1.3 ‘planning control’.

Following a discussion on the matter an amended Motion was submitted.

Proposed by Deputy Devins
Seconded by Deputy Perry

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council provides in its estimates 2003 an initial sum of €10,000 to assist the Samaritans to refurbish their new premises at the Mall, Sligo.  This sum is to be realised through and equivalent reduction in Programme 4.5 ‘Director of Community and Enterprise, Grants to Community & Voluntary Bodies’”.

Proposed by Councillor A. Parke
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council should be the only body to grant assistance toward house repairs”.

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor P. Conmy

“That the sum of €5,000 be provided towards the development of a car park at St. Josephs Cemetery, Templeboy”.

Following a discussion on the matter the Members agreed that this sum would be included in the Road Works Scheme 2003, in the Dromore West Area.  With this agreement Councillor M. Barrett withdrew the motion.

Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“That an additional sum of €150,000 be included as an item of expenditure in Programme 4.3 to allow for grant aid of €150,000 to be made to Sligo Harbour Commissioners to assist with the implementation of their development plan”.

As agreement was not reached in relation to this matter, the Cathaoirleach asked that a vote be taken.

For the motion:  Bree, Scanlon B.

Against the motion:  Barrett, Barry, Branley, Cawley, Colleary, Conlon L., Conmy, Devins, Fleming, Fox, Gormley, Higgins, Leonard, McGuinn, Murray, Parke, Queenan, Scanlon E.

Abstainee:  Perry

As the result was 2 for, 18 against and 1 abstainee, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“That an additional sum of €30,000 be included as an item of expenditure in Programme 4.3 to allow for grant aid of €30,000 to be made to Sligo Samaritans for the development of their new centre”.

As funding for the Samaritans had been dealt with under a previous motion, it was agreed that Councillor B. Scanlon withdraw this motion.

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon

“That an additional sum of €150,000 be included as an item of expenditure in Programme 5.1 so as to allow the Council provide a subsidy (similar to the 2002 Borough Council Scheme) to householders using private refuse collection services.

As agreement was not reached in relation to this matter, the Cathaoirleach asked that a vote be taken.

For the motion:  Bree, Perry, Scanlon B.

Against the motion:  Barrett, Barry, Branley, Cawley, Colleary, Conlon L., Conmy, Devins, Fleming, Fox, Gormley, Higgins, Leonard, McGuinn, Murray, Parke, Queenan, Scanlon E.

As the result was 3 for, 18 against, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon

“That an additional sum of €10,000 be included in Programme 6.4 so as to provide the agreed grant aid for the Yeats International Summer School”.

As agreement was not reached in relation to this matter, the Cathaoirleach asked that a vote be taken.

For the Motion:  Bree, Scanlon B.

Against the Motion:  Barrett, Barry, Branley, Cawley, Colleary, Conlon L., Conmy, Fleming, Fox, Gormley, Higgins, Leonard, McGuinn, Murray, Parke, Perry, Queenan, Scanlon E.

Abstainee:  Devins.

As the result was 2 for, 18 against and 1 abstainee, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

Proposed by Councillor I. Fox
Seconded by Councillor J. Perry

“To ask Sligo County Council at Estimates meeting to provide finance from roads programme for footpaths at Colgagh, Calry, from Church to New Central School”.

Following a discussion on the matter the Members agreed that provision would be made in the Road Works Scheme 2003 from the Sligo /Drumcliffe allocation.  With this agreement Councillor I. Fox withdrew the motion.

ADOPTION OF BUDGET 2003 : 

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor R Mc Guinn

“That Sligo County Council hereby adopts the Budget for the local financial year ending on 31st December, 2003 as submitted by the County Manager, as set out in Tables A, B and C of the said Budget”.

As agreement was not reached in relation to this matter, the Cathaoirleach asked that a vote be taken.

For the Motion: Barrett, Barry, Branley, Colleary, Conlon, Conmy, Devins, Higgins, Leonard, McGuinn, Murray, Queenan, Scanlon E.

Against the Motion:  Bree, Cawley, Fleming, Gormley, Parke, Perry, Scanlon B.

Abstainee:  Fox

As the result was 13 for the motion, 7 against the motion and 1 abstainee, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

RATEABLE VALUATION MULTIPLIER TO BE LEVIED :

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor A. Colleary

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council hereby determines in accordance with the Budget for the local financial year ending on 31st December 2003 as adopted at this meeting, the rateable valuation multiplier to be levied for the several purposes specified in such budgets as set out in tables B and C to be the rateable valuation multiplier to be levied for that year.  The rateable valuation multiplier as determined, being 54.32”.

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach be fixed at €31,200.00 per annum with effect from the 1st January 2003.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach within County Sligo”.

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“That an amount of up to €5,100.00 be allowed to the Cathaoirleach in respect of vouched expenses at official rates for reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach outside County Sligo”.

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for An Leas-Cathaoirleach be fixed at €7800 per annum with effect from 1st January 2003.  This allowance is to be paid in two instalments in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Leas-Cathaoirleach”.

Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“That an amount of up to €3,200 be allowed to the Cathaoirleach in respect of vouched expenses at official rates for reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach abroad”.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to David Black on the death of his uncle, Crofton”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Joe Mc Dermott on the death of his wife Bridie”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Maureen Leonard on the death of her sister in law, Lizzie”.

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Kivlehan on the death of her sister in law, Teresa Davey”.

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray
Seconded by Councillor J. Perry

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John O’ Grady on the death of his wife, Pauline”.

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Patsy Scanlon and family on the death of her husband, John”.

CONFERENCES: 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That Councillor P. Conmy and Councillor J. Perry be nominated to attend the Clonmel Borough Council conference on transportation in Ireland, from 7-8th March 2003”

ITEMS CIRCULATED: 

  • Letter dated 15 January 2003 from the Office of the Minister for Environment and Local Government in response to our letter seeking a meeting with the Minister.
  • Copy of letter dated 10th January 2003 from the Office of the Minister for Environment and Local Government, sent to Deputy J. Devins in response to our letter seeking a meeting with the Minister.

END OF MEETING: 

The meeting concluded at 7.50pm.

  


Meeting Date 21/11/2003