KTLN provides below a summary of the key points discussed and agreed at the Board meeting held on Tuesday 7th July 2009.

Subjects covered included the Çay Bahçe (tea house), taxis, dates when building can begin and must end, and planning permission matters.

Over 20 members of the public were in attendance to hear the discussions, and at times, contribute.

Taxis
The subject of Akbel taxis wanting to have a taxi rank in Kalkan was discussed at the June Board meeting, and the subject was raised again.  Views were expressed that Kalkan already has more than enough taxis (54 to be precise).  The Board decided that at this time, they will not allow another taxi rank in town.

During the debate it was also mentioned that some tourists and locals are unhappy with high fares.  See the KTLN article on taxi fares dated 12th June 2009 - click here.  You can see that taxi fares in Kalkan and Kaş are indeed high in comparison to places such as Fethiye and Bodrum.

Waste collection, sewage and mosquito spraying
Contracts for waste collection and mosquito spraying are due to be renewed.  The Board decided to invite bids for new contracts of 27 months. 

As far as the sewage system is concerned, the company which has been laying the pipes and is now operating the system is in discussion with the Belediye about the terms of the contract.  Clarification over the costs and how this is to be funded (i.e. charges to property owners) is required, and paperwork from earlier years will have to be reviewed, so that a clear way forward can be established.

Disaster refuge land
In Kalkan there is a piece of land designated as a refuge area in the case of natural disasters such as earthquakes or major fires.  This area is behind the bus station.  The land is provided by a central government department, and is there for emergencies only.

KTLN understands that there has been a long standing issue around a local disaster in an outlying village, many years ago, where a small number of families were allegedly given rights to occupy this land.  These people have been trying for some time to use this land, and they believe they have a right to build on the land.  Kalkan Belediye is trying to stop this happening as they believe there is no urgent need for these people to use the land, and it should remain available to Kalkan in case of an emergency situation arising.  The Belediye is in correspondence with the relevant government department in Ankara.

Planning permission - basements (depots)
People have raised concerns with the Belediye about the alleged violation of building regulations in relation to the number of levels of construction permitted.  The allegations concern the building of lower ground floor basements (or as they are called locally, depots), in order to get an extra level of construction - i.e. beyond the permitted limit.

The Belediye has set up a sub-committee of four Board members to investigate the alleged bending of the rules.  It will report back to the main Board in due course.

A number of individual applications or representations were also heard concerning local land or building issues.

Tourist season - when construction work can begin & when it must stop
The Belediye has agreed the following dates.

• Building work may begin on Thursday 5th November 2009. 
• Building work must stop on Tuesday 20th April 2010.
• Unless the Belediye agrees otherwise, it is understood that building work may begin again on Friday 5th November 2010.

Payments to the Belediye
The Board has agreed that in future people who need to pay the Belediye may do so using debit and credit cards, if they so choose.

Kalkan harbour fees
The Belediye discussed facilities for boats and yachts visiting Kalkan harbour.  New charging rates were agreed.  If you have a boat, please contact the Belediye for details.

Belediye Çay Bahçe (Belediye Tea Garden)
This has been on the agenda since the new Board took office.  The cafe was closed following the discovery of certain irregularities, and the Board have been trying to find a way of reopening the cafe, on a proper and sustainable basis.

It has now been agreed that the Kalkander Association will manage the cafe on behalf of the Belediye.  Any profit will be split 50:50.  And of course, as the Kalkander Association is for the benefit of people in Kalkan anyway, all profits will be applied locally.  Everyone concerned is aware of the need to open the cafe as soon as possible.

You can find KTLN reports from previous Board meetings here:

Kalkan Belediye Board Meeting 2nd June 2009

Kalkan Belediye Board Meeting 5th May 2009