QUEENSFERRY AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL BACK
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
MONDAY 25th MAY 2009
Present:
Community Councillors: Keith Giblett (Acting Chair), Martin Gallagher, Willie Hardie, David Wragg, Janet Finlayson, Terry Airlie, Caitlin Airlie, Fiona Christie, June Jansen, Affroza Haider, Jim Ferguson
Local Councillors: Norman Work, Kate MacKenzie, George Grubb
Others: Evelyn Murithi (Head Teacher- Kiamoricki Mixed Day Secondary School, Nairobi-Kenya)
Apologies: PC Diane Brown, Tom Martin, David Steel, Diane Job, Laura Sexton, Peter FitzGerald, Kay Blair
1. CHAIR’S WELCOME
Keith welcomed those present and before referring the meeting to the agenda asked Jim Ferguson to introduce Evelyn Murithi, Head Teacher- Kiamoricki Mixed Day Secondary School, Nairobi-Kenya, who is currently on an exchange program at Queensferry High School.
Evelyn gave a brief summary of herself, her school, the exchange program itself, links with Scotland and what lessons and experiences she was looking to take back to Kenya.
George Grubb also welcomed Evelyn and discussed the possibility of Community Councillors visiting Kenya to further expand on the role of Community Councils
2. APOLOGIES
Noted as above.
3. MINUTES OF AGM 2008
Proposed, accepted as a true record by David Wragg and seconded by Martin Gallagher.
4. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
5. CHAIR’S AND CONVENORS’ ANNUAL REPORTS
In accordance with practice established for the 2007 AGM, the Chair’s and convenors’ reports had been combined into one Annual Report, a draft copy of which had been circulated by Martin.
Martin summarised the document for the meeting, but indicated some minor editorial changes were required in the light of the decision on the future of the Number 63 bus service to the Gyle.
Not withstanding, approval for the Annual Report was sought – and given.
However funding for printing remains an issue, with the availability of the Community Council Engagement Grant unclear.
Funding may be forthcoming through the Almond Neighbourhood Partnership.
The minutes record a note of appreciation for Martin.
As discussed last year we should keep our options open for future sponsorship in case funding from a commercial source may be required
Martin explained that volunteers may be needed to help with local distribution, but a number of other options, including the use of local Scouts, were touched upon.
6. COUNCILLORS’ ANNUAL REPORTS
Norman had previously circulated copies of his report, Kate delivered a verbal report, and George read out a statement recording his appreciation on the work of the Community Council, and offering his regrets that his role as Lord Provost limits his attendance at CC meetings.
There were no further questions or comments although it was noted again that our Councillors have a heavy workload.
Keith offered a vote of thanks to the 3 ward councillors for their attendance throughout the year.
7. TREASURER’S REPORT
Diane had previously circulated copies of her annual report which is currently being audited by local Accountant Peter McKinney Associates. Reference was also made to the Annual Report itself, in particular the pie chart on expenditure.
Keith spoke on income and expenditure, and NP funding.
It was noted that very little in the way of expenses was claimed by any Community Councillors.
Martin enquired as to the CC’s role in distribution of NP funding – essentially a facilitator for and on behalf of Queensferry itself.
A similar discussion on Echline Woodland Trust ensued.
8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There was no further business for discussion.
Keith formally closed the AGM for 2009.
The date and time for the AGM for 2010 will be agreed and confirmed in due course following the elections for QDCC in the autumn..
Terry Airlie
pp David M. Steel
Minute Secretary
Queensferry and District Community Council
31st May 2009 BACK