Minutes of meeting of 10th April
2007 in Council Chambers
Jan Wilson (Chair), John Golightly (Vice Chair), Emily Armatage (Treasurer), Norman Lawrie, Effie Renton,
Dave Brunton, David McManus, Marianne Andrews, Colvin Denholm,
Cllr Ann McCarthy, Cllr Sheena Richardson, Stewart Cooper (Courier), Craig Finlay East Lothian News,
Anna Faulkner (minute secretary)
3. Major Items for
AOCB
3.1 Resignation of Marion Smith: Due to work commitments Marion has had to resign from the Community Council. Jan thanked her for all her help. Marion said that she will still help out as and when she can.
3.2 Tourism
4.
Minutes of Tuesday 13h March
4.1 Item 6.10
Young Scot Card:
the word ‘allows’ was removed from this item.
The Card does now ‘allow’ youngsters to purchase alcohol as such. Ann explained that an old law means that
young people, whilst accompanied by an adult and having a meal, can consume a
small beer or cider.
4.2 Item 8.2: Emily corrected the
minute as the accounts, at that time, were not with the Accountant - Emily had
reported that the accounts had been audited.
Approval of the
minutes was proposed by Effie and seconded by Emily.
5. Matters Arising
5.1 Item 5.2 Golf Course Wall: Colvin said that the rubble has now been removed.
5.2 Item 5.3 Artillery Park:
Dave
Brunton told the meeting that the resident at no 39 has now passed away.
5.3 Item 10.10 O/S matters –
Beechwood Road: John said that the hole in
the wall has still not been seen to.
Action
SR
5.4 Item 10.2 Looks Hair
Design: Colvin said that despite
having some reservations in the beginning, this sign has now grown on him. Norman corrected the previous minute to say
that he had brought the drawings to the meeting on 13th March and
written to ELC with our comments on 16th March.
5.5 Item 09/06 O/S matters –
Glebe Terr: Ann said that the staggered barrier has been
installed.
5.6 Item 09/01 O/S matters –
Bank of Scotland: It would appear that the water
leak has now been resolved.
5.7 Item 12/04 O/S matters –
Old BowlingGreen: John said that someone had complained to him about the naming of this
area. Norman raised this about a year
ago with the Bowling Club and they had never got back to him about it. It had been suggested that the name plaque
should make reference to the fact that it is originally a bowling green and not
solely the Normandy Garden. Jan pointed
out that the Bowling Club will be celebrating 300 years in 2009 and that it
would be nice to have the plaque sorted out by then. Norman will look into it. Action NL
5.8 Item 8.3 Outstanding
Cheques: Jan has not been in touch as
yet. She will chase. Action JW
6. Councillors Corner
6.1 Nungate Bridge: the lights at the Doocot end are out. Also, the lights in Sidegate and the
Churchyard are still on all day. Norman
said that he has spoken to Colin Baird about the lights and Scottish Power is
aware of the situation. Jan said she
believed Scottish Power would wait until the lights fail before they would come
to re-wire and correct the problem. It
was thought that this was a waste of power and that we should write to Scottish
Power for an explanation. Action IP
6.2 Estate Agents Signs: Colvin pointed out that
Estate Agents are putting up their signs at road ends and junctions, not just directly
outside the property for sale. This is
happening all over the town, with Wellside, Artillery Park, Gateside and
Abbotsview to name a few. Action
AMcC
6.3 Abbostsview/Riverside Dv: Colvin reported the residents here are concerned
about a wall that has systematically been broken down by kids – they are
worried that the bricks may be thrown around. Action AMcC
6.4 Athelstaneford - toilets: Emily said that this matter had been brought up some time ago and
the toilets were meant to be sorted before the summer season started. Nothing has been done so far. Action
AMcC
6.5 Proposed charging for
use of beaches: it was thought that this proposal would deter tourists from coming to
the area. Ann pointed out that it was a
nominal charge and that all monies raised will go to Landscape &
Countryside Department and had to be used for the upkeep of the beaches
etc. Jan read out an email she had
received from a local resident saying that the charges were unacceptable and
that apparently the charges were there to raise money as there was a shortfall
in funding by ELC – a point that Ann refuted.
She also pointed out that this proposal had been in the pipeline since
last year – Jan said that she had no recollection of this having been raised
before. Sheena confirmed also that
coastal car parking had come up over a year ago – to which she was quite
sceptical but no-one seemed to pick up on it.
Norman wondered what it was going to cost to install machines to collect
charges and also man-power to empty and service these machines.
6.6 Newton Port/Market
Street junction: Colvin said that there was
part of an old sign-post sticking up out of the ground on the pavement at this
junction (chemist side). Action
AMcC
6.7 Guttering: the
metal guttering on the pavement outside the chip shop in High Street needs some
attention. Action
AMcC
6.8 Courier Office:
Effie said that a drainage
pipe in the pavement outside the Courier Office is too near the surface and
could be a danger to pedestrians. Action
AMcC
6.9 45-47 Artillery Park: Dave Brunton said that
a concrete manhole cover is worn away and will give way if it isn’t
replaced. Action
AMcC
6.10 Lighting: Two areas where lights are not working are
Riverside Place and the pathway from riverside leading to Whittinghame Drive. Action AMcC
6.11 Peter Potters:
Emily reported that there
appears to be a blocked drain at the side of the building. Action AMcC
7. Police Questions
7.1 Incident in Boots, High Street: Dave
Brunton knows of someone who was witness to an incident in Boots which was
reported to the police. He said that it
seemed to take a long time for the police to respond, in which time the culprit
had disappeared. PC Gunn confirmed that
if that person can be identified by the witness they can apprehend them later
and they will be dealt with. It was
asked whether the CCTV cameras can be used to pinpoint a suspect in cases like
this. PC Gunn said that the police do
not control the cameras but if an incident is happening they can ask the
controllers to point the cameras in that direction. Footage can also be used as evidence and to identify the culprit.
7.2 Riverside Drive:
Norman said that there have
been a number if incidents of vandalism around the block at no.13. Apparently the mechanism that closes and
locks the door is faulty and kids have been causing bother because of this.
PC Gunn was not aware of any
problem here but will mark it as an area of concern. Action
PC Gunn
7.3 Boy Racers: The offenders have been using the area at
the football pitch at Whittinghame Drive.
PC Gunn said that the ASBO’s they are now able to serve seem to be
working to deter the offenders. At
least 2 of the youngsters have had their cars taken off them and they have to
pay a considerable sum to get them back.
It was reported that they are apparently keeping one step ahead of the
police by using walkie talkies. PC Gunn
said that they can deal with that now that they are aware of it. The traffic division are currently arranging
for a noise monitor for the town so that those driving with altered exhausts
can be dealt with if the noise is deemed above acceptable levels. Action
PC Gunn
7.4 Doocot: John asked if more patrols could be carried
out around the doocot in the evenings.
PC Gunn said this could be arranged. Action PC Gunn
7.5 Princess Mary Road: David McManus said that
he had been made aware recently of an incident involving a speeding car coming
into Princess Mary Road. PC Gunn said
he wasn’t aware of a problem in this particular area but would look into it. Action PC Gunn
7.6 Crime Trends: An initiative
to provide a more visible police presence on the streets using Special Constables is currently ongoing which
seems to be proving successful.
8. Treasurer’s Report
8.1 Emily handed out the current balance sheet:-
HADDINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL A/C as at 10th
April 2006
Last months balance £1,075.31
Income Expenditure
Jan’s Phone exp £28.00 **
Emily’s Phone exp £28.00
Secretary’s fee £40.00
ASCC £15.00 **
Total £1,075.31 £111.00
New balance £1,975.31-
£111.00 = £964.31
**Jan £28.00
** ASCC £15.00
£43.00 not cashed Bank Statement reads £1,007.31
HADDINGTON
COMMUNITY COUNCIL FESTIVAL A/C as at 10th April 2006
Last months balance £9,217.01
Income Expenditure
Local priorities Items for Tourism Office £117.63
transfer £3,500.00 Fishy Music (Festival) £291.00
Handbook adverts £45.00 Hopscotch
Holidays £70.00 **
£100.00 EL Tourism Forum £25.00
Effie Tourism Exp £50.00
**
£12,862.01 £553.63
New
balance £12,862.01 - £553.63 = £12,308.38
Hopscotch
Holidays £70.00
Effie
Tourism £50.00
£120.00 cheques not cashed Bank
Statement reads £12,428.38
Action JW
8.2 Tourism leaflet:
Jan said that £800 of the
Local Priorities transfer will go towards the leaflet. This is due to be ready for proof reading
this week.
9. Honorariums
9.1 It was agreed to pay the
following honorariums:
Community
Council Account - £100 to
Jan Prop: Effie Sec:
Colvin
£200
to Emily Prop: Marianne
Sec: John G
£200
to Irene Prop: John G
Sec: Dave B
£100
to Norman Prop: Colvin
Sec: Emily
Festival
Account - £200 to Jan Prop:
Effie Sec: Colvin
Irene has left a note to say
that she does not want to accept the honorarium this year. It was decided that we offer it to her and
it is her decision whether or not she accepts it.
9.2 Minute Secretary: Emily proposed that
the Minute Secretary fee be increased (no increase has been made since the
start of the position in November 2001).
Norman proposed a £10/month increase as of next month. This was seconded by Colvin.
9.3 Tourism Expenses:
It was proposed that we pay an
honorarium of £50 each financial year. Effie has just been paid for last year’s
expenses so it was decided to pay it after the tourist season ends in September
of each year. Prop: Colvin Sec:
John.
10. Correspondence
Received:
10.1 Reminder
of Core Paths Plan Document – reply required before 15th June (David M has the brochure at present so it
was thought best that he be given the comments form) Norman asked if David could say something about this at the May
meeting. Action DM
10.2 Friends
of the Earth Scotland – Free training on the new planning bill. 5 training sessions in 5 geographical areas
(not specified). Application enclosed.
10.3 Reply
from J Halliday re lights at Town House: they
are saying that we need to take up the matter with the manufacturers.
10.4 Letter from
Town House Fish Bar: Jan received a
letter from Simon about their current electricity upgrading. He has been told by Scottish Power that
their original estimate will increase as, due to the location, the work will
have to be carried out on a Sunday. After
some discussion it was decided that Simon needs to take this up with Scottish
Power as they should have known that the work would involve Sundays and their
estimate should have reflected this.
Colvin will report back to Simon. Action
CD
Sent out:
10.5 Letter to Rev. Mackenzie re our £1000 donation towards Youth Project in Haddington.
11. Planning – Norman passed out copies of his report
11.1 Traffic Order 07/02: Norman had sent out emails to CC members with a copy of his letter of 6th April detailing our grave concerns regarding the order and the discrepancies between the text and the map of the proposals (Norman brought a copy of the map to the meeting). Retrospective approval was given to Norman’s letter of 6th April.
11.2 George Hotel: Norman had information regarding a marketing initivative carried out by ELC regarding the George Hotel. Ann was not aware of such an initiative but did say that if it became unviable to run as a hotel then other uses may be considered. Rather this than the building sitting empty and neglected.
11.3 Jacksons’ Jewellers building: this was also a case study in neglect. This was discussed briefly but given the time, it was decided to defer this and the George Hotel topic for discussion at the next Festival meeting.
12. Local Priorities Budget 2007
12.1 Jan has
already sent out copies of the proposed budget to CC members. Jan pointed out that the budget has been cut
drastically (2006/07 £18,850: 2007/08
£13,290) therefore there will be constraints to our spending this year. There is a fund of £100,000 which is
available to the CC on a first come first served basis but Jan wasn’t sure what
types of projects this covered. This
was also subject to matched funding.
Emily and Effie had attended an ELC budget meeting where Emily had
suggested the Christmas Lights be put on the agenda for their next meeting –
this did not get a positive response. The majority of cc members felt that
responsibility for the lights should now lie with ELC and not the CC.
13. Handbook
13.1 Jan needs help in checking the directory. The following was decided:
Pg 30 Dave B
Pgs 31/32 Emily
Pgs 33/34 Marianne
Pg 35 Dave B
Pgs 36/37 John G
14. Festival Minutes
14.1 Nungate Gala: concern was raised regarding whether we can now afford to contribute to the hiring of the coach. After some discussion it was decided that we write to their committee explaining our financial difficulties and say that we will contribute this year as promised but that we cannot sustain this unless our circumstances improve. Irene to write to Tonia Shirley. Action IP
15. John Lockhart Trophy
15.1 Emily has given the details to Stuart for an article in the Courier. There will also be posters put up around the town. Closing date is 19th May with the presentation on 27th May.
16. AOCB –
Tourism
16.1 Effie has received a letter from Clare Dutton to say that the Doocot is now ready for use, although the signs are still to be put up and the windows require a coat of varnish. The letter also states that ELC sees this as a pilot and as such will review next year with a view to a more formal lease arrangement. Effie said that it was the first time this had been mentioned and was rather worrying.
16.2 Effie
has been told that nothing can be put on the walls (as listed building) and
therefore Visit Scotland are sourcing some free-standing display boards.
16.3 Keys: Effie has only been given one set of keys. She will therefore get a further 4 sets cut. Also, the supplies for the doocot need to be collected from the lock-up – Effie Jan and John will meet on Friday to do this. Action ER
16.4 Rota: Effie has pencilled in the rota for the
first 2 weeks (starting 25th April). Jan to do a briefing letter to be sent out with the rotas. Action JW
17. Date of next Meeting: Tuesday 8th May 2007 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm.
18. Date of next Festival Meeting: Tuesday 24th April 2007 in Town House at 7.00pm
19. Outstanding
Matters Arising from previous minutes
14/03 Litter Bins – this still outstanding so Jan will send an email (13/2)
Athelstaneford (Lighting at
hall)
Burleigh’s Wa’s
Newton Port surgery car park
12/04 Old Bowling Green – name plaque
09/06 Town House Clock tower lighting – Jan has contacted Halliday’s on numerous occasions and the lighting has still to be sorted. 13/2 Jan has had no reply to her email and Irene had no reply to a letter she sent to them last Autumn. It was decided that Irene should write again. Action IP
Potholes at Florabank – Ann believed this to be sorted but Norman pointed out that further potholes are present just round in Templedean Action AMcC
Fencing at Oak Tree Café
13/06 Hopetoun Drive – speed bumps: a request has been made to have a speed
check carried out here
12/09 Broken kerb at Coop
10/10 Potholes outside hall – Athelstaneford
Uneven slabs at Graeme McGraths
Beechwood Road – hole in wall
14/11 Mill Wynd/Millfield - fencing
Mill Wynd/West Mills – pathway
Dunbar Road – pavement a mess
12/12 Lights out: skateboard ramps
2007
09/01 Long Stay parking-disabled parking bays
Doocot-ready for use for tourism office
13/02 Footbridge at Riverside Drive
Lighting – Sidegate and Mackays
St Ann’s Place – large puddle
Town Taxis -parking
Herdmanflat – broken slabs/tree roots
13/03 Nungate Bridge – light filters
Abbey Bridge – broken mirror
Ball Alley – lights
10/04 Estate Agents signs
Abbotsview/Riverside Pl – wall
Athelstaneford – toilets
Newton Port/Market St junction – broken sign in pavement
Guttering – High Street
Courier Office – exposed pipe in pavement
Riverside Place – broken lighting
Peter Potters – broken drain