The first Board meeting of 2010 took place yesterday.

The meeting was not as well attended as last month's, but there were still over a dozen members of the public present.

Here are the main points we picked up.

Building height
Last month, we reported how the Board voted to increase the permitted height of roofs.  You can read the details by clicking on the following link, taking you to last month's KTLN report.  December 2009 Board meeting report

It was a close vote, that required the Mayors casting vote.  At yesterday's meeting, some Board members wanted to revisit this decision.  There was a lengthy debate, where the technical details were clarified.  One Board member, who was not in favour of the change, apparently became frustrated that last month's decision would not be changed, and he left the meeting.

Personnel matters
The Board discussed issues relating to the employment costs of members of staff at the Belediye.

Town centre property issue
A complicated issue was discussed, relating to a potential problem with a piece of land in the centre of Kalkan old town.  This is how we understand the situation.

The story starts decades ago, when a local land owner left a piece of land to the Belediye, on condition that it was kept as green land.  The property in question is where the Doy Doy restaurant and Black Sea Silver shop are now located.  So evidently, at some stage in the distant past a decision was taken to permit the property to be used for business purposes, with the Belediye collecting a rent.

Given that the terms of the original bequest were not adhered to, somone has contested ownership and the matter went to court.  The outcome is that this property is now privately owned.  So why is this now a potential problem?

As we understand it, many years ago, a building once stood at this location (more than the current place occupied by Black Sea Silver).  It is believed that a grainy old photograph exists somewhere, showing the building.  The concern is that the owner may wish to rebuild the property.  Whilst the town centre is a protected area, as far as construction is concerned, the owner could simply say that he is restoring the property to how it used to be.

From what was said in the meeting yesterday, the Belediye would not be keen to see such a development.  Whilst we don't know for sure that this is what the owner wishes to do, the very fact that it was being discussed by the Belediye suggests to us that there is some concern in this regard.

If we hear more, we will let you know.

Belediye rents at the bus station
The Belediye rents out shop units at the bus station.  Every year, rents are increased: recently, rises in the region of 10% per annum have been implemented.  A number of businesses in the bus station have asked if their rents can be reduced.  KTLN does not know the basis of this request, however, at yesterday's Board meeting, the request was turned down.

Fethiye/Kaş road (D400)
The Belediye have been approached by some local people who wish to see an additional junction on the widened D400 road, to serve their villas.  At this late stage, it is technically too difficult for this to be incorporated into the plans, due to the local topography.  Instead they will have to gain access to their properties through local service roads that will link up to the D400, as shown in recently published plans, (and brought to you in an earlier KTLN article).

Rubbish collections
The Belediye has been approached by residents who are concerned that a number of rubbish collections have been missed.  The Mayor explained that this was due to one of the two lorries being out of service.  However, the vehicle has been repaired and we are informed that normal service has been resumed.

Local roads
The local road plan was discussed.  It is intended to improve a number of local roads over the coming months.  Due consideration will be given to ensuring that where possible, pipes and cables are laid before the final road surface is laid.  There was an interesting comment about the width of some of the local roads.  Anecdotally, it would appear that there are some properties in Kalkan, (hopefully, not many), with boundary walls , or garden areas, that have encroached on to the road. 

As roadworks are being undertaken, where any such encroachments are identified, the offending walls (or whatever) will be broken down and removed.  It is not clear who will bear the cost of any additional work caused by these infringements.

Local library
Underneath the Belediye office is a library, (as recently advised on KTLN).  This library is run and funded by central government rather than the Belediye.  Kalkan Belediye was approached to see if it would like to take over responsibility for running the library.  The Board has declined to take this on.

Kalkan beach facilities
The Belediye is keen to improve facilities behind Kalkan town beach.  In Turkey, the coastline is owned and managed by central government rather than any individual local authority, and permission is needed to make changes or improvements. The Board discussed how they would like to add more toilet and showering facilities, and more terracing for sunbeds - making use of land that currently pretty much appears to be waste land.

They would also like to have a lifeguard in the main season, on a high platform providing a clear view of the swimming area.  Again, permission would be required to erect such a platform.  What a great summer job that would be!  Baywatch comes to Kalkan!

The Board will persue these matters to try to bring the improvements to Kalkan in time for the 2010 season.

Below: The Kalkan Belediye Board, chaired by Mayor Saim Karakurt.