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Plenary members discuss special plan for La Savina port, protections for traditional sailing technique and home hospitalisation unit

foto 2022vii pleToday local decision-makers gathered for the July plenary session of the Consell de Formentera. In a briefing, plenary members learned of the Government Commission's decision to back initial approval of the Special Plan for the Port of La Savina. This document is prepared by the APB and processed and voted on by the Consell de Formentera, and has been drafted in consensus between both administrations. On 14 July it was published in the Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands (BOIB) and is currently in public consultation. The document is expected to receive plenary endorsement by year end.

The goal of the plan, according to Rafael González, councillor of territory, is to "reorganise and redefine land areas in the harbour and reorganise the maritime areas". The main actions included in this plan are:

- Integrating the port and town of La Savina.
- Enhancing pedestrian and cyclist mobility, in particular by adding new pedestrian areas and a new bike lane, and by creating a new bike lane linking the port with Camí des Brolls.
- Connecting arriving ferry passengers with nearby bus and cab services, rental car parking, general parking areas, the bike path and promenade.
- Renovating existing buildings in the western part of the port and installing underground parking areas.
- Relocating the fishermen's guild to its new location.
- Achieving a dry marina in the eastern part of the port.
- Creating an interpretation centre for Ses Salines cultural interest site and rehabilitating and opening Torre des Trituradors to visitors.
 
Intangible asset of cultural interest
Plenary members unanimously agreed to grant intangible cultural heritage status to the traditional sailing technique involving llaüt sailboats. Raquel Guasch, councillor of heritage, cast it as "the conclusion of the designation process", which she noted "did not receive any comments". "This is yet another step in the dynamic initiated during this legislature to safeguard our heritage, and lateen sailing is a part of that, not just in the Balearic Islands, but across the Mediterranean, and protecting that is crucial."

Social services regulation
The cabinet overcame opposition abstention to pass the underpinnings of authorisation and accreditation of social services for the elderly, people with disabilities and people diagnosed with mental health issues on Formentera. The regulations, as Rafael Ramírez, councillor of social welfare, pointed out, set the terms for authorisation and accreditation of basic community social services, early care services, day care services, residential services and multipurpose care centres. Councillor Ramírez described the document as "technical but essential", explaining that it "regulates how services are provided and will help to improve the administration's coordination and efficiency in managing social services on the island". The councillor pointed out that, for example, the document is "key to starting operations at the new residence for dependent people".

Honours for the local police chief
Assembly members also unanimously backed a proposal to celebrate the local police chief for 30 years of service. As Josep Marí, councillor of interior, explained, decision-makers voted to award to Félix Ramos Pérez the Balearic Government's "Merit Cross with white badge" – a distinction given to officers with decades-long service and an outstanding professional career. Josep Marí took the opportunity to praise Officer Ramos for his dedication, and to applaud the rest of the professional staff.

School canteen service
Councillors also tabled an urgent motion to approve the ordinance on fees for school canteen service in Formentera's public early learning and primary schools. At the start of the 2022-2023 school year, the Consell de Formentera will offer school meal service. No bids were received in response to an offer of tender, and the service will be provided by way of an agreement with the regional ministry of education. Susana Labrador, councillor of education, thanked "the school's administrative team and Sant Ferran parents' association for their help in securing this important service for Formentera families".

Canteen prices will be set each year according to guidelines from the regional office of early childhood, innovation and educational community. A fee may be added to cover the expenses of non-teaching staff and food transport costs in the event of travel. Pupils from low-income families may request a meals grant from the office of education. Labrador said the canteen service would likely start at CEIP Sant Ferran de ses Roques in September. The kitchen will be located there as well, she indicated, and during the school year meals will be delivered to CEIP Mestre Lluís Andreu and CEIP El Pilar with the collaboration of school administrative teams and the parents' association.

Home hospitalisation unit
Assembly members came together once again to endorse an opposition proposal brokered by the cabinet to urge the Balearic Government to take the necessary steps to create Formentera's home hospitalisation unit and to continue increasing health services and ensuring universal and quality public health as a basic fundamental right. Asserted Rafael Ramírez, councillor of social welfare, "we would do well to acknowledge the public administration's effort to ensure the quality of care at the hospital", and "it is time to resume this project to improve health services on the island".

Contract for waste collection and cleaning services
The GxF and PSOE cabinet and opposition councillors of Sa Unió presented a joint proposal concerning the waste collection and cleaning service contract. The proposal seeks to increase recycling on the island by ensuring compliance around pickup of paper, cardboard, light packaging, glass, waste and organic matter and encouraging islanders to use the civic amenities site and transfer plant to reduce the number of oversize items and items which do not fit in streetside containers. The Consell de Formentera will also look at enhancing street cleaning and beach upkeep services by temporarily increasing the budget allocation for the current contract until a new contract is approved and requiring service concessionaires to optimise human and material resources.

Report from Vanessa Parellada
Vanessa Parellada, councillor of youth, new technologies and citizen participation, appeared before the assembly today. She described a return to normal at the youth drop-in centre and said that participation, particularly among 10- to 11-year-olds, is up as well, with between 30 and 50 local youth visiting the Casal de Joves each afternoon. She also announced that the second floor of the Casal is being equipped with new spaces for young people and that the former Sant Ferran schools will also receive new facilities.

On citizen participation, the councillor said that new associations will continue to join the Consell d'Entitats, which currently has 119 member groups. In reference to the CdE, she highlighted the return of face-to-face meetings and participatory budgets after two years in which the money was diverted to COVID-19 aid. This year also came with a reactivation of the projects left pending in 2020 and associations have once again selected projects to support.

Parellada described two large groups of end users that the new technologies division serves: residents (both Formentera-born and transplants) and municipal employees, whose work the office's staff aim to facilitate. She underscored two parallel efforts: on one side, to make the municipal administration more accessible to people by maintaining services and infrastructure and offering e-administration options; and on the other, to put pressure on companies to maintain optimum coverage and make it easy for them to do so.

Finally, the councilor praised staff in her departments for their work to give the most accessible and best possible public service.


29 July 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

At Centre Antoni Tur 'Gabrielet', Silvina Taffuri presents 'El camino'

On Thursday 28 July, the Argentina-born Formentera-based artist Silvina Taffuri will pull the curtain back on 'El camino' at Centre Antoni Tur 'Gabrielet'. With a triad of engravings on linoleum as the keynote piece, Taffuri presents an collection of paintings and sculptures in varying formats oscillating from abstract to figurative.

'El Camino' opened Thursday at 8.00pm and will stay on view till 5 August from 10.00am to 1.00pm and 7.00pm to 10.00pm. The exhibition space is closed on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons.

26 July 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

cartell 2022 silvina taffuri

Formentera gives gold medal to experts and exponents of traditional craft techniques

foto 2022 fsj3- Teresa Matilla and Miquel Ángel Riera celebrated as island's honorary children
- Tur Ferrer Bookshop, Can Platé and Marià Castelló honoured with Sant Jaume Awards

Tonight, at Jardín de ses Eres, Formentera held the jewel in the crown of local patron saint festivities and celebrated recipients of the island's gold medal, Sant Jaume Awards and "Adoptive Children" distinction. Ana Juan, president of the Consell, gave the gold medal to the experts and exponents of Formentera's traditional craft techniques, represented by ten experts of fishing, esparto grass, charcoal, spinning, sewing and other traditional crafts. The Sant Jaume Awards were awarded to the Tur Ferrer Bookshop, Can Platé and the architect Marià Castelló. Teresa Matilla and Miquel Ángel Riera were named "Adoptive Children" (Fills Adoptius).

Fills Adoptius
The event was emceed by Andreu Ferrer, the acting local justice of the peace, and began with the celebration of Formentera's Fills Adoptius. Teresa Matilla was heralded as the island's honourary daughter in recognition of her years-long career on the island as a disseminator of painting. She has helped countless islanders develop their imagination and creativity and embodied a commitment to participation in local causes. For his part, Miquel Ángel Riera was recognised for over 14 years as priest of Sant Francesc Xavier and Pilar de la Mola parishes. The award also celebrates Riera's commitment to youth associations, needy families and social support.

Sant Jaume Awards
The Sant Jaume Award was awarded to Tur Ferrer Bookshop as the island's forerunning bookstore and stationery shop. After more than six decades, this unique family-run establishment in the heart of Sant Francesc is still about face-to-face and friendly service. Can Platé also received the Sant Jaume Award in recognition of the fact that, exactly one hundred years ago, Joan Ferrer Castelló began the family operation known today as Fonda Platé. The third and fourth generations remain at the helm as this touchstone of local tourism continues striving for excellence. The architect Marià Castelló Martínez received the Sant Jaume Award for the originality of his work; his unique architectural language; his remarkable respect for the island's cultural heritage, and his acclaimed and award-winning contribution to contemporary architecture.

Medalla d'Or
In 2022, Formentera's Gold Medal (Medalla d'Or) went to repositories and exponents of traditional craft techniques of the island. Ten representatives of varying techniques were present on stage and also received a diploma: Francisco Torres Costa, a veteran of mill operations; Esperanza Guasch and Catalina Tur Castelló, seamstresses; Maria Ferrer Verdera, a connoisseur of traditional fishing tackle; Vicent Verdera Juan and Rita Costa Ferrer, experts of techniques in esparto grass; Maria Mayans Juan, a spinner; Ramon Mayans Colomar and Francisco Torres Riera, master shipwrights; and Bartomeu Tur Escandell, an expert in silos.

Marià Castelló expressed his gratitude on behalf of all awardees.

Ana Juan congratulated award winners and described them as "dedicated and with a demonstrated commitment to improving our local society". The president added: "We want an open, supportive and welcoming Formentera that lives in balance and offers opportunities for everyone. We have the tools and –as today's honorees demonstrate– the people to achieve this".

The event also featured musical performances by pianist Mar Moreno and Pilar Mena, accompanied by Rosa Mouriño and Andreu Coll.

The celebration was attended by Francina Armengol, president of the Balearic Government; Vicenç Thomas, president of the Parliament of the Balearic Islands; Josep Marí and Mercedes Garrido, regional ministers; Vicent Ribas, bishop of Eivissa and Formentera; Enrique Sanchez, central government envoy on Eivissa and Formentera; Antonio J. Sanz, Formentera's representative in parliament; local councillors and more.


24 July 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

Special night bus service for late-night concerts of Festes de Sant Jaume

On 24 and 25 July, Sunday and Monday, special bus service will be available for the Festes de Sant Jaume late-night concerts. Please see timetables on the poster below.

Special fare: € 4 one-way, € 6 round trip

bus sant jaume general DIA 24 concertbus sant jaume general DIA 24

bus sant jaume general DIA 25 concertbus sant jaume general DIA 25

Unanimity around 16 proposals adopted in second session of Formentera debate

foto 2022vii debat estat IIToday the Consell de Formentera held the second session of discussion on the state of Formentera, which brought cross-party approval for the 12 proposals submitted by the Gent per Formentera (GxF) and Socialist (PSOE) cabinet. From the Sa Unió side, two proposals were presented jointly with cabinet proposals: one on expansion of Marc Ferrer Secondary School (IES Marc Ferrer) and another involving a plan to implement and promote renewable energies. Of the remaining ten proposals tabled by the opposition, five secured backing. All told, 17 of the 22 proposals submitted were adopted, 16 of them unanimously.

Proposals from the cabinet: GxF/PSIB-PSOE

Port of La Savina
Members of the plenary voted to "urge the Balearic Port Authority to reconfigure how maritime spaces are used in La Savina harbour and create 'social' mooring points, areas for rental boats and a dry marina to match local needs and the island's carrying capacity", as explained Rafael González, councillor of mobility. "The aim is to ensure that locals have guaranteed access to the sea from the port of La Savina and that companies can develop their activity", added the councillor.

Mollet des Caló
Councillors also called on the Balearic coastal authority, Demarcació de Costes, to "urgently rehabilitate the Mollet des Caló pier in Es Caló, preserving its structure and uses to ensure safety and safeguard the town's identity". Pointing out that related requests date back to 2016, Josep Marí, councillor of infrastructure, defended the proposal and asserted, "This is a fair request on the part of Es Caló residents, and it must be executed urgently".

Moorage points
The Consell will also ask the Balearic Government to develop regulatory and management schemes for moorage points along Formentera's coast, assessing Formentera's coastal carrying capacity and authorised areas under the new Natura 2000 management plan. Antoni Tur, councillor of environment, defended the proposal, underscoring importance of controlling "the proliferation of boats on our coastline and the negative effects on natural assets like posidonia".

Expansion of IES Marc Ferrer
Likewise, a joint proposal was presented by the cabinet and Sa Unió to "urge the Balearic Government to urgently complete and execute plans to expand IES Marc Ferrer, the only high school on Formentera, for which funding has been set aside in the general budget of the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands (CAIB)". Susana Labrador, councillor of education, pointed out that IES Marc Ferrer had yet to undergo expansion despite amendments to the CAIB budget in recent years that included money for just such a change. "We will therefore continue to insist on it. This is about fulfilling needs at the island's only secondary school", she said.

Museums
Councillors also called on the Balearic Government to retrofit the Sa Senieta building and turn it into a museum. According to Raquel Guasch, councillor of heritage, "after the steps taken by the Consell this legislature, and given we are about to formalise plans to retrofit Can Ramon and turn it into a museum, it is important today that we move forward and reactivate plans for Sa Senieta".

Regulating tourism
As part of a proposal which was defended by Alejandra Ferrer, vice president and councillor of tourism, plenary members called on the Consell de Formentera to work together with the tourism sector and business groups to tailor various tourism regulations to legislation on circularity and the specific characteristics of the island. Ferrer said regulations on sustainability and circularity adopted in recent years affect tourism companies and owners of tourist accommodations, and "this proposal aims to create a single final document containing distinct measures and instruments to help the sector adapt to the circularity that is so necessary and which colours the decision-making process of visitors as they select a destination", she explained.

Energy policy
With another joint proposal which garnered cross-party support, decision-makers urged the Consell to develop the Action Plan for Climate and Sustainable Energy (PACES) with funds from the Plan for Recovery, Transformation and Resilience as well as a plan to implement and promote renewable energy on Formentera. Bartomeu Escandell, councillor of finance, explained that "EU funding is a good tool to finance the various plans for sustainability, implementation of renewable energy and decarbonisation of mobility on our island and we must take advantage of it".

Third Plan for Children and Youth
Vanessa Parellada, councillor of youth, presented a proposal to urge the Consell de Formentera to develop the third Plan for Formentera Children and Youth. "The second plan ends in 2022, so we must develop a new local document with proposals to shape a present and future for children, who are themselves full-fledged citizens. This document will guide creation of comprehensive local policy which is driven by children's best interests, meets emerging challenges head on and focuses on 12- to 18-year-olds", she said.

Social Services regulations
Councillors also green-lighted a proposal presented by Rafael Ramírez, councillor of social welfare, to draft and endorse a regulation of the portfolio of social services. "This key document will help improve the coordination and efficiency of the administration and recognises citizens' subjective rights in terms of social services", he explained, "It is a complex document, but essential to manage social services on this island".

Primary sector
Plenary councillors came together once again to encourage continued work by the Consell de Formentera to find new ways to support the professional primary sector, maintain benefits for it, and improve how local produce is promoted and distributed. Josep Marí, councillor of rural affairs, described "continuing to strengthen and support the rural sector with aid" as a priority. "We give aid to the Cooperativa del Camp and groups in the sector because they are its backbone", he said, "We have also taken out grants for small farmers and ranchers, so that we can enhance Formentera's primary sector together. We intend to keep doing this and we will look for improvements so that local products reach consumers".

Council of Sports
Plenary representatives agreed to create a Council of Sports (Consell d'Esports), a space that, according to Paula Ferrer, councillor of sport, "will bring us closer to enhancing sports and physical activity on the island". The Consell d'Esports should be a "space for dynamic and proactive discussion which is open to clubs, associations and all those who want to participate in promoting sports and improving sports services and public facilities", added the councillor.

Council of the Elderly
Ana Juan, president of the Consell de Formentera and councillor for the elderly, tabled a proposal to create a participatory council for seniors (Consell de Participació de la Gent Major). The motion received the support of all political groups. "We need to open a forum, a space where our elders can participate and contribute, where their concerns and opinions are gathered. As I said on Monday, our elderly are a source of wisdom and the keepers of Formentera's true legacy, and we must listen to them", said the president.

Sa Unió de Formentera (PP-Compromís)

- Sa Unió's proposal regarding the Formentera Municipal Conservatory of Music and Dance was defeated and, overcoming opposition abstention, the cabinet adopted a compromise urging the Ministry of Education, University and Research and the Consell de Formentera to keep working together to find an integrated solution to the formal and informal supply of elementary and professional music and dance classes.

- Following modifications to the original proposal, councillors agreed to urge the regional and central administrations to continue improving administrative services in their remit by increasing on-site options on Formentera and helping residents avoid unnecessary travel to Eivissa.

- Under another unanimously endorsed Sa Unió proposal that ultimately included modifications to the original text, councillors urged the Consell de Formentera to continue increasing the amount of financial aid to compensate "double and triple insularity" for students who study off of Formentera whilst focusing particular attention on lower incomes. Councillors likewise reiterated calls on the regional and central government to ensure that grants reflect the triple insularity Formentera residents face, the opportunities enjoyed by everyone are equal and built-in extra costs can be offset.

- Under another Sa Unió proposal which earned unanimous approval following modifications, plenary members urged the Consell de Formentera to continue working with homeowners to develop infrastructure improvements in tourist and urban areas of Es Copinar, Es Ca Marí, Ses Bardetes, and Sa Roqueta.

- Finally, under another modified proposal from Sa Unió representatives which ultimately secured cross-party support, the Consell de Formentera is urged to modify Local Land Plan (Pla Territorial Insular, PTI) to make it easier for farmers and ranchers to develop projects linked to the primary sector.


14 July 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

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