QUEENSFERRY AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL                        REPORTS       BACK  

                                                                                         MINUTES OF MEETING – MONDAY 26th OCTOBER 2009

Present:
Community Councillors:  Tom Martin (chair), Laura Sexton, Willie Hardie, Janet Finlayson, Diane Job, Martin Gallagher, Jimmy Brown, Fiona Christie, June Jansen, Doug Ross, Terry Airlie, Caitlin Airlie, David Wragg, Keith Giblett, Peter FitzGerald

Local Councillors:  Kate MacKenzie, Norman Work, George Grubb

Apologies:  Affroza Haider, Jim Ferguson, David Steel, John Beaton, PC Diane Brown

1.   CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME

Tom welcomed all present and declared the first meeting of the newly elected QDCC open.

2.   APOLOGIES

Noted as above.

3.   POLICE REPORT

The Police Report has still to be circulated. Tom has mailed issues raised last month with Inspector Duthie and dialogue is ongoing. A discussion on various aspects of local Community Policing followed, including attendance at QDCC meetings. Also see Matters Arising.

ACTION – TOM

4.   APPOINTMENT OF OFFICE BEARERS

At this point Tom handed over the meeting to Councillor Work, who as Returning Officer informed the meeting that 9 nominations for the 9 available places on QDCC had been received. The elected members were confirmed as:-

Tom Martin, Willie Hardie, Diane Job, Martin Gallagher, Jimmy Brown, June Jansen, Terry Airlie, Keith Giblett and David Steel.

The Interest Groups which had submitted an application to Eileen Hewitt were:-

Queensferry Churches Care in the Community (Peter FizGerald), Queensferry Business Association (Fiona Christie), Queensferry Boat Club (Janet Finlayson) and Port Edgar Yacht Club (Doug Ross)

Nominations were invited for the position of Chair.

Tom Martin was proposed by June Jansen and seconded by Diane Job. No other nominations, so Tom was duly elected.

Nominations were invited for the position of Vice-Chair.

Keith Giblet was proposed by Peter FitzGerald and seconded by Martin Gallagher. No other nominations, so Keith was duly elected.

Nominations were invited for the position of Secretary.

Martin Gallagher was proposed by Diane Job and seconded by Jimmy Brown. No other nominations, so Martin was duly elected.

Nominations were invited for the position of Treasurer.

Diane Job was proposed by Tom Martin and seconded by Martin Gallagher. No other nominations, so Diane was duly elected.

George Grubb proposed a vote of thanks to Norman for overseeing the election process. This was accepted, and at this point Norman handed back the meeting to the newly re-appointed Chair.

5.   MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

Proposed, accepted as a true record by Willie Hardie and seconded by Jimmy Brown.

6.  MATTERS ARISING

6.1 A follow up from Item 3 above on Police matters. Manning levels and increased presence of police were covered. Mention also of some recent issues involving vandalism against cars in Sommerville Gardens. Clarity as to whether incidents have been reported is required.
ACTION – DIANE

6.2 Queensferry Mural and potential locations:  June indicated a public display may be held
ACTION – JUNE

6.3 Budget Submission:  Laura and Martin updated the meeting on the submission. Good feedback received locally.

George indicated a negative response from CEC officials on both the content and the timing of the submission, given the current financial constraints placed on CEC and the budget process.

A discussion ensued on the content of the submission, and it was agreed that it was based on a question of need, and to ensure a fair share of the resources allocated to CEC were allocated to the area.

The idea of only focusing on one key priority moving forward, as well as the possibility of concentrating on low cost items in the short term was also covered.

George was again asked to describe the current budget process and all elected officials were consulted as to whether there would be any value in asking CEC officials to visit QDCC.

It was agreed that face to face dialogue should take place at the earliest opportunity.

Also a letter will be submitted on behalf of QDCC to the Head of Finance at CEC.
ACTION – TOM

6.3 Manor Estates and responsibility for footpath maintenance and lighting:  Norman continues to liaise with Manor Estates, while Norman pointed out that good progress had been achieved with the new street lights.
ACTION – NORMAN

6.4 Cycleway flooding:  Norman and Kate progressing this. June pointed out some issues at Bankhead Avenue area possibly related to some local building and or plumbing renovations that had been carried out.
ACTION – NORMAN/KATE

6.5 Toilet facilities at Hawes:  David Steel has written again to CEC requesting a copy of the previously mentioned report, a response is awaited.  David will monitor and chase if required. Item carried forward.
ACTION – DAVID

6.6 Parking/traffic problems:  David Wragg has produced and circulated a paper summarising the comments/suggestions put forward.  This is an ongoing issue for further discussion involving formation of a traffic/parking group.
ACTION- DW/TSC

6.7 Balfour Beatty Rail Engineering, noise and pollution:  A meeting has been held with representatives from Balfour Beatty, WLDC, Newton CC and others to discuss this issue.  A further meeting had been arranged for 30^th October to take this forward to an acceptable conclusion.  However this has subsequently been cancelled at the behest of Balfour Beatty. This is considered unacceptable, given the current situation regarding the adverse impact this is having on local residents.

Peter F brought to the attention of the meeting recent environmental awards made to Balfour Beatty whilst Doug R mentioned the visit of council noise officials.

Local residents are to be encouraged to keep event diaries, to ensure, amongst other things, that a record can be submitted to SEPA.
ACTION – KEITH

6.8 Signs at Ferrymuir roundabout:  Tom reported this is an on-going matter.
ACTION – TOM

6.9 Annual accounts:  Diane indicated that a grammatical error had been found in the accounts. However, this has no material effect on the reported figures. This will be corrected
ACTION – DIANE

6.10 Utilities and their community responsibilities:  Tom had written to CEC as agreed, and a response is awaited.

6.12 Timetables at bus stops: David W has written to CEC on this. A response is awaited. Mention was made of a meeting held last year with CEC and the commitment given to QDCC to update timetables. Clearly no progress made. Follow up and pressure required by elected representatives.

ACTION – TSC, GEORGE, KATE & NORMAN

6.13 BRIGS Funding: Tom has spoken to Neighbourhood Partnership and the position has been clarified in that QDCC cannot apply on behalf of BRIGS – the application must come from BRIGS themselves.

Martin informed the group of the various discussion points raised at the most recent BRIGS meeting and the urgency around getting a leaflet printed and circulated to all local residents prior to the FRB Bill being presented to Parliament, which is currently anticipated as being on or around 16^th November.

Keith suggested that BRIGS should consider consolidation of distribution area to a line west of The Loan/Kirkliston Road in the first instance due to cost and time restraints.

Diane outlined the situation regarding availability of funds from QDCC.

Concern was raised regarding the precedent of giving QDCC funds to other groups.

After some further discussion a motion was proposed (By Terry, seconded by Peter),  linked to the pending Parliamentary Bill, that BRIGS contribute available funds raised for the leaflet drop to QDCC,  who in turn will cover the full amount required, subject to cost and scrutiny of content by QDCC representatives on BRIGS, and Office Bearers.

The motion was accepted.

6.14 Echline Playpark swing: Tom informed the meeting that removal of the swing was sanctioned after the manufacturers highlighted a problem with bearings found in other parks. A replacement is pending.

6.15 BRIGS/QDCC relationship: QDCC now have representation on BRIGS and Martin outlined the current structure and make up of the group. A memo of understanding is to be drawn up between the two parties.
ACTION – LAURA

BRIGS had raised some concerns regarding the QDCC position paper submitted to MSP’s, but Tom reminded the meeting that BRIGS aims and objectives were not covered in the paper – and were never meant to be.

Tom also highlighted the need for QDCC to remain focused on the strategic issues and wider ramifications surrounding the FRB, whilst BRIGS primarily will deal with residents directly impacted by the new structure.

QDCC should help manage expectations

Tom and Laura reminded the group that 2 way communication between the groups is vital, as there are possible areas of conflict that will inevitably arise (like the site of the construction compound).

Regular feedback to QDCC in the form of a report is required
ACTION – MARTIN

6.16 Five-a –side pitches: Enquiry to QBA still required.
ACTION – FIONA

6.17 Forth Road Bridge Open Week: Tom asked QDCC participants to make any photographs taken on the bridge walk available for the website.

Martin offered to collate on behalf of group.
ACTION – MARTIN, DOUG, DIANE, JIMMY, JANET, TERRY & KEITH

7.   CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Already circulated. Representations from residents about the condition of Shore Road have been passed to Edinburgh Leisure in the first instance.

8.   COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Norman had circulated his report.

Discussion held on PlewlandCroft Appeal, and also that of Echline Grove application.

Keith highlighted the Reporter’s comments. There are clearly a number of issues with respect to open spaces in general.

Norman has requested another meeting with Planning officials. This is also an agenda item for Neighbourhood partnership

Kate gave a verbal summary of her activities, including her attendance at a recent Dalmeny Primary School Parents Council meeting.

The poor condition of the fabric of the school was raised again (including the toilets). An update is required as there had been a budget provision for an upgrade. This needs to be followed up.
ACTION – KATE/TOM

The possibility of a 5^oC temperature reduction in school heating was also highlighted.

 George delivered a verbal summary of his activities. The question of the level and consistency of Community Policing was discussed, including secondment of officers t other duties.

The possibility of re-activating the Bus Users Group was raised. David W felt that this was not needed, and matters arising should remain as the remit of QDCC.

Martin referred the meeting to a previously issued report (cf John Longstaff) on bus service provision.

Laura enquired as to whether there had been any representations to QDCC and/or elected representatives on bus fares. No indications were noted.

The One Ticket Zone 1/1A situation was raised again. An indication was given that the CEC Transport Committee had been in contact with Sestrans over this matter.

It was felt that the point had been reached whereby MSP’s should be writing to the Transport Minister. Follow up required.
ACTION – TSC

George also mentioned the forthcoming retirement of Sheila Jackson (Head Teacher at Queensferry Primary School)

The meeting agreed that a letter of thanks, on behalf of QDCC, expressing appreciation of her service to the community should be written
ACTION – TOM

9.   TREASURER’S REPORT

Diane had circulated her report which she summarised to the meeting. The imminent deposit of the Skateboard Park funding into the accounts was raised and moving it  to the Deposit account was agreed

10.   SECRETARY’S REPORT

Martin had circulated his report. Only other issue raised was that of QDCC/BRIGS liaison.

11. CONVENORS’ REPORTS

11.1 Environment:  June commented that an application to Action Earth had resulted in a £250 grant for GreenFerry. Also, due to bad weather, planting day had been rescheduled for 1^st November

11.2 QCCC: Peter indicated that discussions on future funding are still ongoing.

11.3 Planning: Keith commented briefly again on PlewlandCroft.

He also updated meeting on the current FerryMuir outline plan. Some clarification required on number of housing units.
ACTION – KEITH

Martin enquired as to whether Evans had been contacted by Transport Scotland on the updated road layout proposals. Keith indicated that discussions between TS and Evans had taken place, but believed not specifically about the proposed road layout.

11.4 Boat Club:  Janet mentioned boats are now out of the water. There was an indication that some rats had been observed in the Binks.

11.5 QBA:  No minutes from recent meeting available yet. AGM due on 19^th November.

11.6 Transport:  David Wragg had circulated his report.

A discussion on long term future of the Lorry Park ensued. This is an issue currently under consideration by FETA.

Martin indicated proposed plans can be viewed on the FETA website, and will also be on show at the Bridge Office during this weeks exhibition(s)

It is the view of QDCC that the lorry park should remain in place.

12. ADOPTION OF NEW CONSTITUTION AND STANDING ORDERS

Martin had circulated all relevant papers prior to the meeting, to enable members to review in advance.

The new constitution (Model Constitution for Community Councils) was proposed by Jimmy Brown and seconded by Martin Gallagher. Constitution adopted and signed off as required.

New standing orders (Model Standing Orders) were proposed by proposed by Jimmy Brown and seconded by Martin Gallagher. Standing Orders adopted.

Martin also reminded the group to ensure that Agenda and Minutes now reflect the requirements of the standing orders moving forward.

The CEC Scheme for Community councils and the contained Code of Practice was also highlighted.

13. VOTE ON ASCC NATIONAL BALLOT

Tom outlined the process and requirements to the meeting.

Again, all relevant papers had been circulated prior to the meeting, to enable members to review in advance.

Election of National Officers: As only one nomination for each position was indicated, QDCC  accept the recommendation, and vote yes for acceptance.

Approval of the Accounts: On the recommendation of the elected officials, QDCC vote yes to the acceptance of the accounts.

Motion 1 – Standardised Insurance re liabilities (Howwood CC) – QDCC vote yes for acceptance.

Motion 2 – Independent Appeals procedure (West End CC) – QDCC vote yes for acceptance

Motion 3 – ASCC Limited Company status. – QDCC vote yes for acceptance

 14. APPOINTMENT OF CONVENORS & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Jimmy Brown was nominated as QDCC representative to the Edinburgh Association of Community Councils.

Tom Martin will be the QDCC partner on the Almond Neighbourhood Partnership, with June Jansen as deputy (replacing Keith Giblett).

 Associate Members were elected as follows:

Laura Sexton – as proposed by June Jansen and seconded by Jimmy Brown

David Wragg – as proposed by Diane Job and seconded by Peter FitzGerald

 Keith Giblett was duly elected to continue as Planning Convenor.

David Wragg was duly elected to continue as Transport Convenor.

 15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

 15.1 Committee Convenors were asked to check position with existing members and seek out additional members as required.
ACTION – KEITH & DAVID W

15.2 Society Road playpark: Flaking paintwork brought to the attention of the meeting. Follow up required.
ACTION – JUNE

 16. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

Monday, 23rd November 2009, 7.30pm, CC office in the Burgh Chambers.

There being no further business to be discussed, Tom thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 10.40pm.

Terry Airlie (pp David Steel)
Minute Secretary
Queensferry and District Community Council
1st November 2009

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