Minutes 2012

Minutes of April Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday 2nd April, 2012 at 11am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


MEMBERS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Barrett,
  • Councillor Barry,
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor D. Cawley,
  • Councillor V. Cawley,
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Collery,
  • Councillor Devins,
  • Councillor Fleming,
  • Councillor Gormley,
  • Councillor Healy McGowan,
  • Councillor Keaney,
  • Councillor Leonard,
  • Councillor Lundy,
  • Councillor Lyons,
  • Councillor MacManus,
  • Councillor McGarry,
  • Councillor McGrath,
  • Councillor McLoughlin,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor Murray,
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Queenan.
     

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr H. Kearns,County Manager
  • Mr T. Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
  • Ms P. R. Gallagher, A/ Director of Services
  • Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr D. Harrison, Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr F. O’Driscoll, Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr D. Cawley, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Ms D. Finnerty, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms M. McGovern, Clerical Officer
     

CATHAOIRLEACH:

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Fleming presided.

 

At the outset the Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that Councillor Lundy wished to express a vote of sympathy before proceeding with the headed items.

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the Fleming Family, J.J., Tommy, Patrick, Marie, Belinda and Cathy on the death of Annie and Paddy Fleming.”

The members asked to be associated with this expression of sympathy.

 

1.  MINUTES OF ORDINARY MARCH MEETING HELD ON 5TH MARCH, 2012:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan

Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary March Meeting held on 5th March, 2012.”

 

2.  MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING HELD ON 16TH SEPTEMBER, 2011:

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting held on 16th September, 2011.”

 

3.  MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING HELD ON 20TH MAY, 2011:

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Special Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting held on 20th May, 2011.”

 

4.  MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING HELD ON 23RD FEBRUARY, 2011:

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray

Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Special Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting held on 23rd February, 2011.”

 

5.  MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING HELD ON 13TH OCTOBER, 2011:

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Special Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting held on 13th October, 2010.”

 

6.  MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING HELD ON 10TH SEPTEMBER, 2010:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“To confirm the Minutes of the Tubbercurry Electoral Area Meeting held on 10th September, 2010.”

 

7.  MINUTES OF TUBBERCURRY AREA MEETING HELD ON 10TH SEPTEMBER, 2010:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“To approve in accordance with Part 8 (Article 81) of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 2001 (as amended), Upgrade Works to Corrick GWS Pump Station at Gortnalough, Ballinafad, Co. Sligo.”

 

8.  SECTION 183 - KEASH, BALLYMOTE:

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“To approve, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of a dwelling at Toomour, Keash, Ballymote, Co. Sligo to Mr. TJ Ryan.”

 

9.  AUTHORISE OVER EXPENDITURE:

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard

Seconded by Councillor D. Cawley

“To authorise over expenditure of €13,498,218 reported in the 2011 Annual Financial Statement in accordance with section 104(7) of the Local Government Act 2001, and to consider the Annual Financial Statement for 2011 in accordance with section 108(5) of the local Government Act 2001.”

Following a discussion by the members and as agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote

For: Baker, Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Devins, Fleming,  Healy McGowan, Keaney, Leonard, Lundy, Lyons,  McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey, Murray and Queenan.

Against: Bree, Clarke and MacManus.

Abstentions: Gormley.

As the result was 18 For, 3 Against and 1 Abstention the Cathaoirleach declared the motion passed.

Following lengthy discussion it was;

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins

Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

“The County Manager provide a comprehensive report on the cuts being proposed in the 2012 budget.”

and

 

10.  EXPENDITURE ADJUSTMENTS:

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins

Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

“Recognising the lack of information available in the report for Item 10 – Expenditure adjustments, Sligo County Council agree to hold a special meeting to discuss the adjustments.”

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That this Council rejects the proposed cutbacks as contained in the CountyManager’s Report of the 27th March, 2012 and further, the Council directs the County Manager to commence payment of the Housing Adaptation Grants to eligible applicants in accordance with the Department of the Environment’s Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability) Regulations 2007.”

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Fleming states that as he understands, the proposed cuts are the beginning of a process with the Department to sort out the Council’s finances.

The County Manager informed the members that the Council had asked the Department to provide 100% grant funding for the Housing Adaptation Grants and the Water Conservation project. This initial request for 100% funding had been rejected by the department but an appeal letter had been submitted and discussions were ongoing. Mr Kearns stated that the funding for the Housing Adaptation Grants had not been cut but the programme had not proceeded as the Council were in ongoing discussions over funding.

Following further discussion Mr. F. MacNabb, Meetings Administrator read out the resolutions on hand in relation to this item.

The members agreed to a recess for 10 minutes.

The meeting resumed at 12.35pm.

Mr. MacNabb reread the resolutions on hand and it was agreed to vote on these in the order they were received by the meetings administrator.

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That this Council rejects the proposed cutbacks as contained in the County Manager’s Report of the 27th March, 2012 and further, the Council directs the County Manager to commence payment of the Housing Adaptation Grants to eligible applicants in accordance with the Department of the Environment’s Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability) Regulations 2007.”

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

For: Baker, Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, MacManus, O’Grady and Queenan.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney and Mulvey.

Abstentions: McGarry

As the result was 9 For, 12 Against and 1 Abstention the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

“To accept the manager’s Report in relation to expenditure adjustments required for 2012.”

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

For: Barrett, D. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney and Mulvey.

Against: Baker, Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, MacManus, O’Grady and Queenan.

Abstentions: V. Cawley, Lyons and McGarry

As the result was 10 For, 9 Against and 3 Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion passed.

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins

Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

AND AGREED

“The County Manager provide a comprehensive report on the cuts being proposed in the 2012 budget.”

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins

Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

“Recognising the lack of information available in the report for Item 10 – Expenditure adjustments, Sligo County Council agree to hold a special meeting to discuss the adjustments.”

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

For: Baker, Bree, V. Cawley, Clarke, Devins, Fleming, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lyons, MacManus, McGarry, O’Grady and Queenan.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, Collery, Keaney, Leonard, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney and Mulvey.

Abstentions: None

As the result was 13 For, 9 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion passed.

The Cathaoirleach asks the members to agree a date for the special meeting. The members agreed to hold the Special Meeting on Monday 23rd April at 11am.

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1.10pm

The meeting resumed at 2.15pm

 

11.  WATER SECTOR REFORMS:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“To note the Update on Water Sector Reforms outlined in a letter dated 14th March, 2012 from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.”

The County Manager, Mr Kearns expressed concern over the transfer of liability as well as assets to Irish Water, highlighting paragraph 12 of the letter to the members.

Following a discussion by the members it was;

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley

Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“That this Council writes to the DOE to highlight our concerns relating to the draft Water Sector Reforms, Paragraph 12 and loans taken out by this Council to provide improvements and upgrading of water services should all be included in any proposed takeover.”

Councillors Bree, Clarke, Gormley and MacManus asked to be recorded as Abstaining from this motion.

 

12.  CHARLESTOWN-BELLAGHY LAP:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“To note the commencement of the amendment procedure for Charlestown-Bellaghy Local Area Plan.”

 

13.  MICRO-ENTERPRISE SUPPORTS:

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To note the proposals on the integration of Micro-Enterprise Supports into Local Government.”

In response to some queries from the members Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services stated that there was no date confirmed for this integration but that an announcement is expected in the near future.

 

14.  SOCIAL HOUSING PROGRAMME:

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“To note Social Housing Investment Programme 2012.”

Following a discussion by the members it was;

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Government and the Department of the Environment to reconsider its decision to cease funding the County Councils’ Housing Investment programme and further, we call on the Government to provide sufficient funding under the Social Housing Investment Programme to allow the Council to purchase at an economic price, suitable housing stock in the possession of NAMA.”

 

15.  REPORT ON HOUSING ADAPTATION GRANTS:

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

“To note report in relation to 2012 Capital Allocations for Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability.”

Following a discussion by the members it was;

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council request the Manager, with immediate effect, to draw down our allocation for 2012 for Capital Allocations for Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability; and furthermore to immediately approve funding to Sligo County Council’s applicants under the above programmes.”

In response to queries Ms Clarke, Director of Services, stated that there were currently 186 applications on hand amounting to approximately €1m and that these will be dealt with first. The Council were not intending to reopen applications at this time and Ms Clarke outlined some changes to the grant for the elderly under the following headings:

Qualifying Age

The qualifying age limit will increase from 60 to 65,applications may be considered for qualifying works from people over 60 if they are certifiable medical condition or extenuating housing needs.  To apply to any new applications received in 2012 and onwards.

Qualifying Works

The suite of works will include structural repairs and improvements but will not include works covered by other Agencies such as SEI and Sligo LEADER Partnership Board i.e. attic and cavity wall insulation, internal drylining, external wall insulation, heating upgrades. To apply to existing applications on hand and new applications.

Multiple Applications

Where a grant has been paid in the last 5 years a further a application will not be approved except only in very exceptional circumstances and where the applicants needs have changed substantially over this period.  To apply to existing applications on hand and new applications.

Max Grant

The max grant is to be reduced from €10,500 to €7,500. (Housing Aid for Older People).  To apply to existing applications on hand and new applications.

These changes had been agreed at the SPC meeting but as the minutes of this meeting had not been ratified at the Council meeting the members agreed to defer this item until the minutes were brought before the members.

 

16.  MEETING WITH COMMUNITY GROUP IN COLLOONEY:

Proposed by Councillor T. Collery

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“To note request for a meeting with a community group in Collooney regarding lease of lands for allotment purposes.”

At 3.30pm the Leas-Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Lyons took the Chair.

In response to queries from the members Ms Clarke states that the Council are in very early discussions with the Department over the construction of 3 dwellings on the site in question, but that any construction on the site would have to come before the members as a Part 8 for approval.

 

17.  CHANGES IN HOUSING AND FINANCE DEPARTMENT:

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To note changes in service delivery for both the Housing and Finance Departments in Sligo County Council.”

Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services and Ms M. Leydon, Head of Finance gave an overview of the report which was circulated with the agenda.

At 3.40pm the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Fleming resumed the Chair.

Members expressed concern over the proposed movement of the Housing and Finance Services.

The Manager, Mr Kearns refers to the Local Government Act, 2001 Section 71, Sub-Section 2, which states;

 

71.-(2) The relevant local authorities shall take steps as may be practicable –

(a) for the purpose of promoting the objective that the public, in their dealings with relevant local authorities, have a unified local government service provided to them, and

(b) to improve customer service to the public generally.

Ms Clarke added that all staff in the County Council offices had been briefed and the matter had been bought before the unions.

Following further discussion it was;

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley                           

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council asks the County Manager not to proceed with the proposals in relation to amalgamating the finance and housing functions of both Borough and County Council by transferring staff from both Councils.”

Councillors Leonard, Keaney, Mullaney and Fleming asked to be recorded as dissenting from this resolution.

 

18.  SIGNAGE IN STRANDHILL:

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

Seconded by Councillor A. McLoughlin

“To ask this Council to review the amount and the siting of signage on the beach front in Strandhill.”

In response Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;

The amount and siting of signage on the beach front at Strandhill will be reviewed, as requested, with a view to reducing the overall number present, if appropriate.

Following further discussion by the members it was;

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council liaise with the NRA with the view of erecting an amenity sign on the dual carriageway near the approach road for Strandhill.”

 

19.  REPAYMENTS ON €15M TERM LOAN:

With the agreement of the meeting Councillor Bree asked to defer this item.

 

20.  CARBON-MONOXIDE ALARMS IN HOUSING STOCK:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“To call on Sligo County Council to confirm that it will be;

  1. Fitting the entire housing stock with carbon-monoxide alarms
  2. All premises leased on long term lease and re-allocated to council tenants be included for fitting of carbon monoxide alarms.”

In response Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services stated the following;

  1. Sligo County Council Housing Section has applied to the Department for funding in 2012 to upgrade 71 houses under estate wide works which will incorporate the installation of carbon monoxide detectors. Further applications will be submitted to the Department in 2013 to fit housing stock with carbon monoxide detectors.
  2. In future it will be a requirement for the landlord to install a carbon monoxide detector in long term leasing houses prior to leasing. In future it is Housing Technical policy to install carbon monoxide detectors in all units being re-allocated.

 

21.  PEDESTRIAN CROSSING, BALLISODARE:

Proposed by Councillor M. Clarke

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

“To Call on Sligo County Council to provide an up to date report on the provision of pedestrian crossings at Main Street Ballysadare and Dromore West.”

In response Mr S. O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer stated the following;

No funding has been provided for the provision of any more pedestrian crossings anywhere, and NRA funding is likely to drop further next year.

 

22.  DROMORE WEST COMMUNITY COUNCIL LEASE:

This motion was withdrawn by Councillor Clarke.

 

23.  CONFIDENCE IN COUNTY MANAGER:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

“That Sligo County Council resolves that it has no confidence in the County Manager Mr Hubert Kearns.”

As this motion was not seconded, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion dropped.

 

24.  MONIES OWED ON HOUSING RENTS/LOANS:

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath

Seconded by Councillor A. McLoughlin

“What is the total amounts of money owed to Sligo County Council in respect of the following:

  1. Rent due on Local Authority Housing.
  2. Improvement works in Lieu.
  3. Shared ownership.
  4. What is the largest amount of money owed by an individual?
  5. What is the longest period of time for which this money is owed?”

In response Ms M. Leydon, Director of Services stated the following;

The total amount of housing rents owed to Sligo County Council at the 31st of December 2011 is €440,197. This figure includes:

  • €12,084 owed in respect of improvement works in lieu
  • €85,785 owed in respect of shared ownership rents

The largest amount of money due in housing rents by an individual is €12,700 and this rent is due for five years.

At this point the members agreed to adjourn the meeting.

Before the adjournment Mr. MacNabb asked the members to consider 2 requests for addressing the Council from Connect Ireland and The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. The members agreed to allow Connect Ireland make a 10 minute presentation at the May Ordinary meeting and the Alzheimer Society would be invited in at a later date.

 

37.  VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to The Fleming Family; J.J., Tommy, Patrick, Marie, Belinda and Cathy on the death of their parents, Annie and Paddy Fleming.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Belinda Henry on the death of her parents, Paddy and Annie Fleming.”

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray

Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Rory McDermot on the death of his aunt, Felicity McDermot.”

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray

Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to John Killean on the death of his brother, Michael Killean.”

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Joe Nealis on the death of his sister, Sandra Nealis.”

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to William Duignan on the death of his mother, Bernadette Duignan.’

 

END OF MEETING:

The meeting agreed to defer Items 25-40 to the Ordinary May meeting set for Monday 14th May, 2012.

 

The meeting ended at 5pm.

 

 

 

 


Meeting Date 02/04/2012