Minutes 2009

Minutes of Budget Meeting held on 18th December, 2009 at 11 am in Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


MEMBERS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Barrett,
  • Councillor Barry,
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor Cawley,
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Collery,
  • Councillor Devins,
  • Councillor Fleming,
  • Councillor Gormley,
  • Councillor Healy-McGowan,
  • Councillor Henry,
  • Councillor Keaney,
  • Councillor Leonard,
  • Councillor Lundy,
  • Councillor Lyons,
  • Councillor MacManus,
  • Councillor McGarry,
  • Councillor McLoughlin,
  • Councillor McGrath,
  • Councillor Mullaney
  • Councillor Queenan.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE: 

  • Mr Hubert Kearns, County Manager
  • Ms Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms Marie Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Mr Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr Donal Harrison, A/Senior Engineer
  • Mr Fineen O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer
  • Ms. Katrina McDaniel, A/Senior Engineer
  • Mr Pat Doyle, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr Seamus O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr Gary Salter, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr Noel Haran, A/Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms. Deirdre Finnerty, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr Tony Parkinson, Executive Engineer
  • Mr Donal Tinney, County Librarian
  • Ms. Siobhan Ryan, Heritage Officer
  • Ms. Rhona McGrath, Assistant Arts Officer
  • Ms. Maura Hegarty, Administrative Officer
  • Ms. Kathleen McTiernan, Administrative Officer
  • Ms. Eithne Garvin, Administrative Officer
  • Ms. Dolores McDonagh, A/Administrative Officer
  • Mr Conal Collery, County Veterinary Inspector
  • Ms. Marian McGovern, Clerical Officer
  • Mr Fergus MacNabb, Meetings Administrator

CATHAOIRLEACH: 

  • The Leas - Cathaoirleach, Councillor V. Cawley presided.

It was –
 
Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED
 
“That the Ordinary January Meeting of Sligo County Council would take place at 11am on January 11th 2010.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“That any financial motions proposed will be decided by vote at the end of the Budget meeting.”

It was further agreed that all motions seeking an increase in expenditure under any heading must either show a corresponding decrease in expenditure from another programme or an increase in realisable income.

Proposed by Councillor T. McLoughlin
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on the Government to significantly increase Local Government Fund in order to maintain essential services.”

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“Concerned at the significant cut-back in the Local Government General Purpose Grant, and recognising that the Government has already spent €11billion bailing out the banks, this Council calls on the Government and the Minister for the Environment to, at a minimum, maintain the General Purpose Grant at its 2009 level.”

Mr. H. Kearns, County Manager gave an overview of the Budget for 2010 and a discussion took place on its general contents. 

PROGRAMME GROUP 1: HOUSING AND BUILDING:

The Members proceeded to consider Programme Group 1 – Housing and Building.

Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services outlined the Housing and Building programme for 2010. In response to queries Ms Clarke clarified a decrease under A01 in Estate Management – This is due to the fact that there is no longer an Estate Manager and the work has been divided up through the Housing Department.

It was agreed that the point of contact for Estate Management issues would be the SEO of Housing and Councillors would be formally notified of this.

Ms. Clarke also clarified the following in response to queries from the members:

  • There have been no rent increases in Local Authority Rents and the only instance where there would be a rent increase would be in the case of an increase in income.
  • Any review on rents will take into account the reduction in social welfare payments.
  • Connolly Park, Tubbercurry has been identified as a priority in the Council’s Housing Programme.
  • With regard to Part Vs there will be 7 units available in Enniscrone in 2010 and other units planned are on the basis of developments going ahead.
  • The increase in Service Support Costs in A0199 is due to salaries which had previously been charged to capital Schemes now being charged directly to the Housing Budget.
  • The Long Term Leasing Scheme has been emphasised by the DOEHLG as the main focus for Local Authority Housing in future years.

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

“That an application be made to the Department of Environment to increase the initial funding that this Council receives from the Department to €2million to reflect the demand that there is for the Housing Adaption grant Scheme. Plus, that the Department give two substantial supplementary allocations in 2008 and 2009.”

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Government and Minister Finneran to sanction the proposed Council Housing Schemes in Ballintogher (15), Easkey (6), Collooney (5) and Connolly Park Tubbercurry (11); details of which were submitted to the department of Environment in mid 2008.”

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council freeze all rents for local authority applicants for 2010, where household income has not increased.”

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To call on the Government to take immediate action regarding the amount of vacant houses in the County. By purchasing at a reduced rate and housing some of the 600 plus people on the Housing waiting list.”

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That this Council ensure the levels of rent reflect the reduced levels of the income of their tenants, particularly in light of the recent social welfare cuts introduced in Budget 2009.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Lyons
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council call on the government to bring forward a scheme to allow local authority tenants and first time house buyers to buy vacant houses in private estates, and that the rent paid in the first 5 years be deducted from the cost of the house and form part of the deposit to purchase the house.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to approve payment of funding for purchase of houses in Connolly Park that has already been agreed with this Council.”

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That all Housing Application Grants be reopened in January, 2010.”

PROGRAMME GROUP 2:  ROAD TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY:

The Members proceeded to consider Programme Group 2 – Road Transportation and Safety.

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services outlined the Road Transport and Safety Programme. In relation to the Western Distributor Road construction has commenced on Phase 1 and the CPO on the remainder of the scheme is due to be published in early 2010.

In relation to the R284 it is a priority scheme which should be completed in 2010.

Members praised the Foot Path Improvements Scheme carried out by the Roads Department during 2009.

Mr. Gary Salter outlined a list of bridges which will undergo repairs in 2010 under the Bridge Restoration Programme.

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the NRA to provide funding for construction of the N4 realignment, Collooney to Castlebaldwin immediately.”

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council request the NRA to meet with a deputation of members and officials of this Council to discuss and review the NRA’s plans for upgrading the National Routes in County Sligo.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“That this Council write to the NRA to prioritise the N59 as a matter of extreme urgency. The NRA have already acknowledged that the N59 is one of the most dangerous National Secondary Roads in the country, and seek a deputation with the NRA.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council requests the Minister for Transport and the NRA to provide additional funding to have Primary Route N17 upgraded and to have Regional Road R294 upgraded in the interests of safety and improving the infrastructure of South Sligo.”

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

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Minister for Transport, Mr. Noel Dempsey and the NRA to provide the funding for the N17 By-Pass of Tubbercurry in the current year.”

PROGRAMME GROUP 3: WATER SERVICES:

The Members proceeded to consider Programme Group 3, Water Services.

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services informed the meeting of the increasing costs of water and waste water delivery by the Water Services Department. In 2005 the cost of delivering water in County Sligo was €3.7million. In 2010 the estimated cost will be €6.5million. The cost of the Waste Water Programme has increased from €700,000 in 2005 to an estimated €4million in 2010.

These increasing costs are due to the delivery and operation of infrastructure to comply with EU Regulations.

It is proposed that the Waste Water Charge for 2010 will be €1.16/m3 and a decrease from €5.77 per 1,000/gal to €5.72 per 1,000/gal for non-domestic water charges.

In response to other queries from the members:

  • Mr. Kilfeather advised the meeting that a report would be circulated outlining water conservation savings accrued to date based on a presentation given by Acting Senior Executive Engineer, Mr. N. Haran.
  • In relation to the proposed Tubbercurry Treatment Plant if funding was forthcoming from the department the scheme would be started straight away.
  • Mr. D. Harrison, Senior Engineer informed the meeting that all schools have been notified of new water charges and of funding available for water conservation initiatives.

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

AND AGREED

“To call on Sligo County Council to prioritise Castle Heights, Easkey under the new scheme proposed – namely the replacement of lead pipes in Council housing estates.”

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor J. McGarry

AND AGREED

  • “Noting that due to recent budget cutbacks, all schools across Ireland are now increasingly underfunded and unable to make ends meet; 
  • Notes the Fianna Fáil – Green Party Government decision to introduce metered water charges for all schools from January 1st 2010;
  • Asks the County Manager to write to all school principals in the County informing them of the new metered water charges;
  • Asks the County Manager to inform all schools that they can apply to the Department of Education and Science’s Summer Works Scheme for funding to install water conservation measures in schools;
  • Asks the County Manager to advise all schools on how they can conserve water consumption and so reduce their water bills to save money.”

PROGRAMME GROUP 4:  DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT:

The Members proceeded to consider Programme Group 4, Development Management.

County Manager Mr. H. Kearns informed the meeting that as other areas in Planning and Development had slowed down work has been focused on Forward Planning with the completion of the Sligo and Environs development Plan and 2 Local Area Plans. All works are being carried in-house without the use of outside consultants.

PROGRAMME GROUP 5: ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES:

The Members proceeded to consider Programme Group 5, Environmental Services.

County Manager Mr. H. Kearns outlined the proposed expenditure in this programme. Mr. Kearns advised the meeting that an application to the department for a €2million loan for burial ground development had not been approved for 2010 therefore the works in this area will be in the form of maintenance.

The meeting was informed that works on the Fire Service upgrade will be completed in 2010 with the completion of a new fire station in Ballymote. Members queries in relation to waste collection were answered.

PROGRAMME GROUP 6:  RECREATION AND AMENITY:

The Members proceeded to consider Programme Group 6, Recreation and Amenity.

Ms. D. Clarke outlined the proposed expenditure in the Recreation and Amenity Programme. Members queries in relation to library funding were answered. Mr. Kearns asked the meeting that a discussion on library staff issues take place at a later date when some proposals could be put before the members.

The Members requested that a report be prepared outlining funding applications for the Arts Grants Programme.

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“The Public Arts programme should have a working group comprising of elected members and others over seeing its work.”

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That the reduction in funding in the ‘Contributions to other Bodies Arts Programme’ (F0502) be spread evenly and that the same percentage of reduction be applied to all organisations which receive grant aid from the Council.”

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“Any groups applying for funding to the Arts Programme furnish details of the previous years’ accounts and come back with a report to members.”

PROGRAMME GROUP 7 & 8:  AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH, WELFARE AND MISCELLANEOUS:

The members proceeded to consider Programme Group 7 and 8, Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare and Miscellaneous.

Members queries in relation to land drainage and costal protection were answered.  Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services clarified that the coastal works proposed for Strandhill are not dependent on the works proceeding on the Strandhill Treatment Plant.

RESOLUTIONS ARISING FROM BUDGET MEETING;

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“That the proposed reduction of €40,650 in Division F0401 and F0404 in the funding of Community Grants and Recreational Development be offset by a reduction of the same amount in the expenditure of Division J Central Management Charges.”

Following further discussion and as agreement could not be reached, the Leas-Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Baker, Barry, Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, MacManus, Queenan.
Against: Barrett, Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Henry, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey.

As the result was 9 For and 12 Against, the Leas- Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

“That the allocation for Marketing Sligo Forum, under Tourism Promotion, D0501, be increased by €2,300 from €9,200 to €11,500. This to be funded by a decrease in D0699, Service Support Costs.”

Following further discussion and as agreement could not be reached, the Leas-Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Baker, Barry, Clarke, Devins, Healy McGowan, MacManus, Queenan.
Against: Barrett, Bree, Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Gormley, Henry, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey.
As the result was 7 For and 15 Against, the Leas Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan
Seconded by Councillor J. Devins

“That Sligo County Council reduce rates by 3%. To be reduced from the following:

  • D0201 – Planning Control €30,000
  • E0301 – Waste to Energy €20,000
  • D1101 – Heritage Services €10,000
  • D0101 – Statutory Plans and Policy €30,000
  • C0101 – Operation, Maintenance and Repair Water Plants and Networks €30,000
  • 1 recoverable rates €18,000”

The motion was declared Out of Order by the Leas-Cathaoirleach.

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

AND AGREED

“That there be a reduction of 2.5% in the level of rates, taken from the provision of irrecoverable rates H0303.”

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

“That Sligo County Council hereby adopts the Budget for the local financial year ending 31st December, 2010 as submitted by the County manager, and as amended at this meeting, as set out in Tables A, B and C of the said Budget.”

As agreement could not be reached, the Leas-Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Baker, Barrett, Barry, Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Healy McGowan, Henry, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey.
Against: Bree, Clarke, Gormley.

As the result was 16 For and 3 Against, the Leas Cathaoirleach declared the motion passed.

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council hereby determines in accordance with the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31st December, 2010, as adopted at this meeting, the rateable valuation multiplier to be levied for the purposes specified in such budgets as set out in Tables B and C for the financial year 2010. The rateable valuation multiplier as determined, being €64.43.”

Councillors D. Bree, M. Clarke and M. Gormley dissented.

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“To note the County Manager’s report on the proposed three year Capital Programme 2010-2012.(pages 73-75 Budget Book)”

Proposed by Councillor  J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach be fixed at €37,500 per annum with effect from the 1st January, 2010. This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach within County Sligo.”

Proposed by Councillor  M. Lyons
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for An Leas-Cathaoirleach be fixed at €9,375 per annum with effect from the 1st January, 2010. This allowance is to be paid in two instalments in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Leas-Cathaoirleach.”

Proposed by Councillor  J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That an amount of up to €4,080 be allowed to the Cathaoirleach in respect of vouched expenses at official rates for reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach outside County Sligo, for the year 2010.”

Proposed by Councillor  J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor T. McLoughlin

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, for the year 2010.”

Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“To thank all the staff who have left the Council over the year and wish them well in the future.”

VOTES OF SYMPATHY;

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Brigie Perry on the death of her mother, Bridget Hannon.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Ann Cawley on the death of her mother, Eileen Cawley.”

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Tony Doherty on the death of his mother, Bridget Doherty.”

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Harry Gallagher on the death of his partner, Martin Scullion.”

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Ann Kilfeather and Family on the death of her husband, Joe Kilfeather.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to William Frizelle on the death of his mother, Eileen Frizzelle.”

Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Eugene Rooney on the death of his brother, Hugh Rooney.”

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 5.50pm


Meeting Date 18/12/2009