This levy has not been welcomed, and many business people are questioning what the benefits are. The Board discussed whether it was right to continue in this new scheme. They concluded that they preferred the existing PATAB scheme, and they voted not to continue with the new scheme.

Grey passports
The Board discussed the need for members to be in a position to travel abroad on Belediye business (for example to tourism fairs). Specifically, it was agreed that all Board members should obtain 'grey passports', which once obtained, provide them with a fast track way of obtaining visas for overseas travel. This was agreed by the Board.

Construction close to roads
On to construction matters, and the issue of developers building too close to boundaries, and in particular, right next to the road. It seems that whilst most builders adhere to the rules about not building the dwelling within a specified distance from the boundary, some have been building swimming pools right at the boundary edge.

This causes problems. For example, there is the possibility of water spilling over on to the road. Also, if any road works need to be carried out, there is a danger that the shock waves from heavy digging equipment may damage the pool structure - perhaps leading to cracks, and then leaks.

The Board passed a motion, making it a legal requirement to build pools at least 1 metre away from any boundary, adjacent to a road. This does not apply retrospectively.

Entertainment budget
There was a technical update to budget procedures, regarding entertainment spend. An officer from the Belediye read out the relevant regulations, and the Belediye agreed to changes which will mean any such spend comes out of the appropriate part of the budget.

This was the end of the formal agenda, but a few more interesting topics were then discussed.

Emergency housing area
We have reported before on the negotiations the Belediye were conducting with central government, about a piece of land just below the bus station, which is earmarked as an earthquake emergency zone. If there is a major disaster in the area, this piece of land is to be used as sanctuary.

In a nutshell, many years ago, the Belediye of the day agreed that this piece of land could be used by central government. At that time, Kalkan was a small village, and this piece of land was well outside the village.

But since then, Kalkan has spread out considerably, and the Belediye has argued that it is now inappropriate for this land to be used as a disaster recovery area, and it has offered alternative sites.

Central government has insisted however that the agreement must be honoured, and it is likely that the land will remain empty, or alternatively, the government may build emergency housing on it - possibly similar to the emergency housing built in Akbel.

The Mayor spoke with conviction about this, and he appeared visibly upset about the fact that his attempts to negotiate an alternative solution have not resulted in the outcome hoped for.

Control of Kaputaş
Kaputaş is currently under the administrative control of Kalkan Belediye. Our understanding is that it comes as part and parcel of Sarıbelen, which is also within the borders of the Kalkan municipality.

A member of the public attending the meeting, said that he was aware of moves by the authorities in Kaş to take over responsibility for running Kaputaş.

Patara - 23rd April 2011
Following extensive renovation work, there will be a grand opening of the ancient Patara Parliament building, on 23rd April 2011 - National Sovereignty & Children's Day. It's going to be a big occasion, with heads of state and other VIPs from all over the world jetting in.

A member of the public at the Board meeting asked if Kalkan could be on the front foot, and prepared for this event. People will need hotels, and other tourist services, and Patara does not have enough resources to cope with the expected influx on its own.

[Editor: You may wish to make a note, that this one off event coincides with Easter, and a Turkish national holiday. Expect Kalkan and the surrounding areas to be busy.]

Street dogs
The final topic for discussion was street dogs. A member of the public said that there is a serious problem with too many dogs in Kalkan.

A member of KAPSA was also present, and commented on what the organisation has been doing, in relation to its neutering programme.

There followed quite a long discussion, with contributions from various people, but ultimately there was no definite outcome.

There seemed to be a general acknowledgement that a problem exists, but despite lots of words, some spoken with passion, no solutions were forthcoming.