Minutes of meeting of 13th February 2007 in Council Chambers
Minutes of meeting of
9th January 2007 at Council Chambers
Minutes of meeting of 12th December 2006
at Council Chambers
Minutes of meeting of 14th November 2006 at Council Chambers
Minutes of meeting of 10th October 2006 at Council Chambers
Minutes of
meeting of 12th September 2006 at Council Chambers
Minutes of
meeting of 13th June 2006 at Council Chambers
Jan Wilson (Chair), John Golightly (Vice Chair), Emily Armatage (Treasurer), Irene Pow (Secretary), Norman Lawrie, Effie Renton, Janet Brent, Ruth Moncrieff, David McManus, Marianne Andrews, Graeme MacGregor, Colvin Denholm,
Councillor Ann McCarthy, Councillor Charles Ingle, PC Stuart Gunn, Insp D Gordon, Stewart Cooper (Courier),
Anna Faulkner (minute secretary)
Jan started the meeting with a one minute silence in remembrance of Bill Harkness who died very suddenly after a short illness. Although he had just recently been appointed onto the community council, he had given a lot of his time helping with the Information Centre and had been very supportive to the community council, before and during his short time as a member. Jan said he would be a great loss. Emily has already sent a card from the CC but it was agreed that some flowers be sent to his wife – Emily will arrange. Although his death now leaves a vacancy on the CC it was decided that we hold this place for a month out of respect to Bill. Action EA
3. Major Items for AOCB
3.1 George Hotel – defer to Festival meeting
4. Minutes of Tuesday 9h January
4.1 Charles pointed out that he had been omitted from the attendance list.
4.2 Item 5.5 Calders Lawn: Norman corrected the minute to say that he had on one occasion written to the manager of the store and copied Tesco Head Office.
4.3 Item 6.3 Flood prevention: ‘reportedly allocating’ should read ‘reporting the allocation’
Approval of the minutes was proposed by Effie and seconded by John.
5. Matters Arising
5.1 Item 5.5 Calders Lawn: Norman was in touch with Steve Mathewson at Tesco, thereafter the problem at Calders Lawn was rectified and the lights are now operational.
5.2 Item 5.7 Santa, Christmas Eve: Colvin asked if Jan had managed to track down the whereabouts of the sleigh. Jan hasn’t at this point but will chase it up. Action JW
5.3 Item 6.3 Flood Prevention: Irene had received a preliminary report from the Scottish Office regarding proposals for flood prevention in East Lothian. Two areas highlighted were The Tyne in Haddington and the River Esk at Musselburgh. Grants will be demand led with an 80% grant from the Scottish Office - local councils making up the additional 20%. Norman said that we should keep an eye on this and in the meantime it was agreed that we write to the company carrying out the survey on the rivers (Jacobs) to ask when their report can be expected and asking that we get a copy of it when ready. Action IP
5.4 River Tyne/clean up: this had been discussed at a previous meeting and the council had said that a clean up of the river would be undertaken. This, as far as we are aware, has not happened. Charles contacted Alan Forsyth, who had given an undertaking to do this last November. Charles will chase this up. Action CI
5.5 Item 6.1 Bank of Scotland: Water is still pouring out of the pipe below the bank. Ann said that she had taken this up with the ELC who have been in touch with the bank. Ann will chase this up. Action AMcC
5.6 Item 6.4 Public toilets: Although Ann said at the last meeting that this matter has been resolved it appears that no satisfactory solution (agreeable to both parties) has been found. Charles said that the council have decided that an audit trail is to be kept for the money coming in and that basically the opinions of the attendants have been disregarded.
5.7 Item 6.5 Gateside Park: Irene reported that she received a letter from Ryden’s who stated that they have written to both the occupiers to remind them that it is their responsibility to keep the site clear of rubbish.
5.8 Item 11 Christmas lights: Jan has received a letter from Hallidays regarding the problems we experienced with the lights this year. They have suggested they would be willing to reduce the bill by £800 (from the total of £9950) but Jan thinks that we should hold out for more. After some discussion it was proposed we pay the sum of £9,000. It was also suggested that we ask ELC to tender for the cost of the lights this year. Action EA/JW
5.9 Item 12 Craft Fair: Jan thanked all those who helped out at the Fair.
5.10 Litter bins – Athelstaneford: these have still not been provided. Jan will send an email. Action JW
5.11 Hole in wall at Golf Course: this has been fixed so item can be removed from matters outstanding.
5.12 Speed bumps at Briery Bank have been fixed.
5.13 Glebe Terrace: Ann will chase this. Action AMcC
6. Councillors Corner
6.1 Footbridge at Riverside Drive: Colvin reported that this is rotting in places and very slippery when it has been raining. Action CI
6.2 Lennox Road: A council employee is frequently taking up 3 parking spaces with his van. Charles said that the reason for this is the length of the van – if he were to park properly then it would stick out into the road. Action CI
6.3 Artillery Park: Ruth mentioned the black gates at the bottom of Artillery Park. Charles said that this was being dealt with. Action CI
6.4 Langriggs: residents in Langriggs and surrounding area have received a letter from ELC regarding the forthcoming meeting (20th Feb Conf Room 1 JMH) re proposals to install time lock gates on the Close’s off the High Street. Charles has requested this meeting so that any questions and worries can be raised by the residents. Charles said that there are a number of unresolved issues around this area – one being the objection by the residents in the Butts and the parking issues. All these issues will be raised and discussed at the forthcoming meeting. Action CI
6.5 Sidegate: Jan reported that the lights are on all day in Sidegate (both sides). Action AMcC
6.6 Light at Mackays: Jan also reported that the dual light outside Mackays is going on and off. Action AMcC
6.7 St Ann’s Place: Jan said that there is a huge puddle in St Ann’s Place and she is concerned about the elderly heading for the Day Centre. Charles will chase. Action CI
6.8 Town Taxis: an email has been received from Johnny’s Cabs regarding the lack of taxi ranks etc. Taxi’s are constantly double parking in Market Street or on the pavements. Charles said that we need to look at the way the space here is utilised. Is there any need for the large expanse of pavement at the bottom of Market Street? Action CI
6.9 Herdmanflat: Effie said that the roots of trees are lifting the slabs and causing a real mess. She also said that the cherry trees at the back of the houses have already caused gas pipes to rupture on a number of occasions. There is also an electricity sub station in this area. Ann will look into it. Action AMcC
7. Police Questions
7.1 Kilpair Street/Brown Street: Colvin reported that a couple of business’s are parking their vans on the pavement causing an obstruction here.
7.2 Police Surgery: an advert for this has been put in the local paper. Ann wondered why the surgery was held in the evening. It was felt that although perhaps some elderly people may not want to come out at night, there would be those who work during the day who would find it useful. It was thought that a Saturday morning may also be a good time to try. Insp Gordon said that it may be worth trying this and comparing it to the evening surgery. Action PC Gunn/Insp Gordon
7.3 Gateside (youths playing with balls): Jan said that last month this problem had been reported to PC Douglas. Jan said that she had spoken to the resident involved and the situation has been resolved for now. PC Gunn confirmed that he has spoken to the youths involved.
7.4 Phone calls to the Police Station: Marianne asked about the time taken to answer calls made to the station in the evening if an incident is happening. Insp Gordon confirmed that the station is manned between 8am-11pm and that if the call is not answered at this station it is automatically re-routed to Force Control. He did say thought that if an incident is ongoing then 999 should be dialled which would pass straight through to Incident Control for an immediate response.
7.5 Crime trends: things have been reasonably quiet lately. Work done over the past few months seems to be working with a reduction in the number of calls to the Station. As usual vandalism is an ongoing problem. A meeting is to be held soon between the police, the CC and locals businesses to see if trends or patterns can be spotted and addressed.
7.6 Craft Fair: Jan said they had a problem with a youth hanging about the Corn Exchange all day – can they put him out if they feel he is becoming a nuisance? PC Gunn said that as this was a private event then they are within their rights to ask him to leave. If he continues to be a problem then the police should be called. PC Gunn said he would have a word with the youth in question. Action PC Gunn
8. Treasurer’s Report
8.1 Emily handed out the current balance sheet:-
HADDINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL A/C as at 13th February 2006
Last month’s balance £1,292.27
Income Expenditure
Interest £1.05 Jan’s Phone exp (Dec) £28.00
Jan’s Phone exp (Jan) £28.00
Secretary’s fee £40.00
Emily’s phone exp £28.00
Total £1,293.32 £124.00
New balance £1,293.32- £124.00 = £1,169.32
HADDINGTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL FESTIVAL A/C as at 13th February 2006
Last months balance £8,220.59
Income Expenditure
Interest £11.55 Sweets (Santa run) £149.96
Shine a light £20.00 Tax £2.31
Handbook adverts £580.00 SportsPlus food £89.55*
Handbook advert £100.00*
Donation
(Jack Tully Jackson) £100.00*
9,032.14 £241.82
New balance should be £9,032.14 - £241.82 = £8,790.32 but because on the income side £200* has not been presented and on the expenditure side £89.55*, the bank statement reads £8,679.87
Income Expenditure
£9,032.14 £241.82
£200.00 £89.55
£8,832.14 £152.27
£8,679.87
An invoice came in from Real Rosettes for £74.40 for last years’ Festival. Have paid it and it will come through next month.
Craft Fair income on Sat 10th was £435.00, banked
Handbook adverts still to pay amounts to £420.00
Emily reported that all the books are now with the accountants.
This is the up to date report – an error was spotted by Norman at the meeting and is now corrected.
9. Correspondence
Received:
9.1 Minutes of East Lothian Council meetings
9.2 Notices of East Lothian Council meetings
9.3 Copy of Proposals for Amendment of Bye-laws Prohibiting Consumption of Alcoholic Drink in Designated places: whole town to be included
9.4 Request for Consultation on Draft Core Plan for East Lothian: Jennifer Lothian is giving a talk in Town House on 15th March (Jan will look at this) Action JW
9.5 Reply to letter re rubbish at Gateside Park
9.6 Notice of National Planning Framework Seminar Series (Feb 2007). Nearest venue Newton St Boswells 10-3.15pm: Norman took the letter – he will have a look at this.
9.7 Reply from Transportation re traffic in Alexandra Place
9.8 Reply to letter re Flood Prevention in East Lothian (from Mr Alex McCrorie)
9.9 Letter from Douglas Clark, Haddington Masonic Lodge requested that they take part in the Armistice Day Parade this year. After a short discussion this was voted in favour of with the proviso that they march in suits and not Masonic regalia.
9.10 Report on East Lothian Heritage Strategy: any comments requested by 27th April. Marianne took this to have a look at.
9.11 Police proposals on Drinking By-laws: comments welcomed by 22nd Feb (meeting scheduled for 13th March). Norman suggested we have a look at this and bring to the next Festival meeting. John will do this. Action JG 9.12 Jan has received annual report from Lilian which confirms that any uncommitted monies will not be carried forward. Jan will check it out and any not committed can be put into the Festival Account or we will lose it.
9.13 HADAS - minutes of meeting for information
Sent out:
9.14 Letter to PPG re rubbish at Gateside Park
9.15 Letter to Transportation re traffic in Alexandra Place: this area still to be considered due to Local Plan.
9.16 Letter to Alex McCrorie (copy to Chief Exec) re money from Scottish Executive to East Lothian Council for flood prevention.
10. Planning – Norman passed out copies of his report
10.1 The report covers the last five weeks and as time was running short at the meeting Norman suggested that members have a look at this and bring any matters for discussion to the Festival Meeting.
11. Christmas Lights – already discussed earlier
12. Festival Update
12.1 It was agreed to book the Early Dancing Group at this year’s festival and pay their fee of £250.
13. Tourism
13.1 Effie reported on a meeting held recently with Clare Dutton regarding the Doocot. It is hoped that we can be ready to open the centre on 1st April. A number of issues need to be addressed before the centre can open:
i) Computer - it seems that Visit Scotland is not going to be giving us a computer
ii) There are only 2 electrical points in the building
iii) Inadequate lighting at present
iv) No heating
v) Mobile phone needed as no phone point
vi) Accident book/first aid kit needed
vii) All additional sundry stationery items needed
13.2 It was also pointed out that the centre has to be open at the stated times and two people are to be in there at any time (ie no-one can be left on their own if the other has to go out). Effie therefore needs a list of names and a rota drawn up by the end of the month – if there are not enough volunteers then the centre cannot open. Effie has a few names already but we need more people to commit to helping at set times/days. Volunteers will be given a one-day training course by Visit Scotland at a time to be arranged. It was suggested we put an article in the Courier to try to recruit volunteers. Action ER
13.3 Opening Times: we need to decide which days and times we are going to be open.
14. Date of next Meeting: Tuesday 13th March 2007 in Council Chambers, Town House at 7.00pm.
15. Date of next Festival Meeting: Tuesday 27rd February 2007 in Town House at 7.00pm
16. 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.
Potholes at Florabank – Ann believed this to be sorted but Norman pointed out that further potholes are present just round in Templedean Action AMcC
Glebe Terrace – staggered barrier: Ann will chase (13/2)
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 39 Artillery Park
Lights out: skateboard ramps
2007
09/01 Bank of Scotland – water leak
Long Stay parking-disabled parking bays
Doocot-ready for use for tourism office
13/02 Footbridge at Riverside Drive
Lennox Road – parking
Lighting – Sidegate and Mackays
St Ann’s Place – large puddle
Town Taxis -parking
Herdmanflat – broken slabs/tree roots