FINDHORN & KINLOSS
COMMUNITY COUNCIL .
Minutes
of the meeting of the Community Council held in The James Milne
Institute, Findhorn on Thursday 28th
May 2009
Present:
R Walker (Chairman), R. Shand, Cllr Hamilton, G. Verner, J. Willoner, H Morton,
L. Morgan, T. Negus (Sec).
In Attendance:
Inspector Craig Donald (Grampian Police), Tanya McLaren (Forres Gazette), Eva Ward (Findhorn Foundation).
Apologies were received from M. Thompson, A Skene, S MacGregor, J Innes.
2.1 There was no competent public business.
2.2 The Chairman welcomed Inspector Donald to the meeting. Inspector Donald told the meeting that the Forres Police section had been divided into 10 areas, each of which had been allocated 2 Officers. However, all Officers on duty are available for general response which takes priority, but they are expected to maintain a visible presence in their individual areas when not tasked elsewhere. It was acknowledged that WPC Page had done an excellent job in Findhorn & Kinloss and she has now been reassigned to Community Policing duties in Buckie. Inspector Donald is optimistic that expected improvement in staffing levels will allow a greater Police presence in Findhhorn & Kinloss. The Chairman stressed that it was important that the public had confidence in the local police and that they feel it worthwhile to report any adverse incidents. Inspector Donald agreed and said that all incidents reported to the Aberdeen call centre were recorded and reviewed daily. This applied whether an Officer had attended or not. Full reporting of all incidents by the Public helped build the bigger picture and allowed the analysis of trends and the allocation of Police resources as necessary. Cllr Hamilton felt that perhaps Grampian Police could do more to publicise this message perhaps using their presence at Public events such as Highland Games and theme days. R. Shand asked about Police support for Neighbourhood Watch schemes. He said that as organiser of the Fndhorn Neighbourhood Watch scheme he had received considerable Police support in the early stages but had received no input for the past 2 years. Kinloss members reported a similar experience. Inspector Donald said he would look into this. Finally Inspector Donald asked that he be included on the e-distribution list for minutes and agendas. The Chairman thanked Inspector Donald for his valuable contribution to the meeting.
Council Session
ITEM 3. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
3.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 30th
April 2009 were ratified. Proposed R Shand, seconded L Morgan.
ITEM 4. MATTERS ARISING
4.1 Grampian Police Liaison. See 2.2 above.
4.2 Kinloss noticeboard. The Chairman
reported that local management at the Spar shop were unwilling to
allow a noticeboard at the front of the shop. However,
the Chairman has persisted in pointing out the drawbacks
(including repeated vandalism) of the previous location and has
asked regional management to reconsider our request. Should this
be unsuccessful then we will reluctantly place the new board in
the earlier location. Action R Walker
4.3 Access Road to West Beach Car Park in Findhorn. Councillor Hamilton said that he had
requested that the road be repaired
and Moray Council are now investigating ownership and other
related issues. Continues.
4.4 Possible Community Service Projects.
Cllr Hamilton said that he had made further enquiries about the
types of eligible tasks and he had been given examples of earlier
completed projects. Those managing the Scheme would be happy to
come to a future meeting to provide further details. The meeting
agreed to invite a representative to a future meeting.
4.5 Repairs to Steps on North Shore. J Willoner reported that all but one set of steps have been repaired.
4.6. Freedom of Information Act. L Morgan reported that his enquiries with the Scottish Information Commissioner had revealed that Scottish Community Councils were not subject to the Freedom of Information Act despite misleading statements in both documentation and the ICO website. The confusion has arisen because of differing legal status between Parish Councils in England and Community Councils in Scotland. The Secretary said that he had written to the ICO to amend our earlier submission accordingly.
4.7 Details of new Forres Health Centre. H Morton reported on the recent public meeting that he had attended where details of the New Health Centre were made public. He highlighted some of the many questions asked and circulated a feedback summary.
4.8 New Community Council Scheme. L Morgan reported that following discussion with the Community Council Liaison Officer he felt that no further consultation input was appropriate. Secretary to inform relevant department at Moray Council.
4.9 Revised Community Council Boundary. The Secretary reported that following the last meeting he had passed on our recommendations for revision of the eastern boundary to the relevant authority at Moray Council.
4.10 Findhorn War Memorial. The Secretary reported that he had sent a letter of appreciation to Mr Morrison and his team as requested.
4.11 Road Markings in Findhorn. Cllr Hamilton said that the order had been placed for road marking to be carried out opposite the Kimberly Inn. The loss of markings near No7 Findhorn was a result of recent water mains work. Moray Council are taking up this issue with Scottish water.
4.12 Junction near Findhorn Church. Councillor Hamilton said that he had discussed this with Moray Council road engineers who felt that signage and markings at the junction are of the relevant standard. He also reminded the meeting that the changes were made in response to concerns expressed by the Community Council about traffic proceeding the wrong way along main street. It was suggested that enforcement of traffic priorities was key and Inspector Donald said that it might be possible to allocate a traffic warden intermittently to oversee traffic behaviour at the junction. He also suggested that adverse incidents be reported to Grampian Police.
ITEM 5.CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
5.1 Newsletter received from Crown Estates (Highlands and Islands).
5.2 Consultation received on revised opening hours for Registrars’ offices in Moray. After brief discussion the meeting agreed that the proposed reductions were reasonable. Chairman to respond.
Action R Walker
ITEM 6. SECRETARY’S REPORT
6.1 Correspondence. Letter from HQ 51 Scottish Brigade about exercise earlier this month. Cheque for Community Council running costs April – Sept. (passed to treasurer). Acknowledgement already sent. Information about learning support facilities for children (ENQUIRE). To be place in post offices.
Consultation papers on possible future
funding models for Community Councils. 3 main options available.
Proposals to be considered by sub – group ( JW, LM, HM.) who
will report to next meeting. LM will endeavour to circulate
details electronically. Action L Morgan, J
Willoner, H Morton.
Flyers & Newsletters.
Flyer for Scottish Women’s Convention in Elgin 25 June.
Newsletters: Paths to health, Right Track, SEPA view, Nature for Scotland.
ITEM 7. TREASURERS REPORT
7.1 Cheque for £346 received from Moray Council in respect of running costs and refund of Data Protection Act annual registration.
ITEM 8 ASCC REPORT
8.1 Community Councils in Moray remain potential candidates for the proposed trial of revised funding arrangements. An announcement is awaited in the near future.
8.2 At a recent JCCM meeting some other Community Councils also reported poor Grampian Police representation at their meetings. The next joint Community Council meeting is on 13 August when MSP Richard Lochead is expected to attend. L Morgan suggested increased representation from Findhorn & Kinloss. Names to be given at next month’s meeting. The JCCM meeting was made aware of a possible consequence of new planning procedures taking effect in August. Planning appeals may be considered at short notice that does not fit in with Community Council monthly meeting schedules. Community Council should be prepared to deploy a representative to these appeals at short notice if required.
ITEM 9. MORAY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
All items covered elsewhere.
ITEM 10. RAFLO REPORT.
10.1 The RAFLO had submitted a written report which included diversion of aircraft during runway resurfacing, University Air Squadron Summer camps and & RAF Kinloss 70th Anniversary events in Forres.
ITEM 11. FINDHORN FOUNDATION REPORT
11.1 Eva Ward reported on a ‘Renewables’ theme day to be held on 14 June. This will include an ‘open doors ‘ event at various locations within the Foundation.
11.2 The new edition of the Good Gig guide is out and includes a number of live events at the Universal Hall both contemporary and classical.
11.3 The Universal Hall is now equipped with state of the art big screen cinema facilities.
ITEM 12. PLANNING
12.1 Correspondence. Letter sent to Moray Council stating that we had no objection to proposed Camping chalets at East Grange Farm and pointing out that this should perhaps technically have been a retrospective application as the chalets appear to have been already built.
12.2 Update on previous applications. The Secretary reported that he had viewed the webcast of a recent Planning Committee meeting. The application to part demolish the Bunty and build a small house has been approved. The Piers workshop application was also considered at this meeting. This item appeared to cause some confusion at the meeting. Findhorn and Kinloss Community Council was wrongly listed as an objector and it was disappointing that no reference was made to the importance of the area in respect of village events such as the Fete or Songs of Praise despite the Planning Department being provided with details and photographs of these events. Planning Officials have recommended refusal but in view of the confusion about a number of issues, this application has been held over to the next meeting.
12.3 Applications registered since last meeting:
Kinloss - No applications
Findhorn Foundation – No applications.
Findhorn Village
7 May Application for chalet to rear of Wellside 159a Findhorn. Site has been visited by H Morton and R Shand. Minor concerns about vehicle access but overall no objection.
12.4 Future Arrangements. L. Morgan has agreed to be planning contact during absence of secretary 1-20 June.
ITEM 13. ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS
13.1 L Morgan said that he was interested to read in the Press & Journal, details of proposals for the Southside married quarters estate. The Chairman reminded the meeting that the Developers are expected to give a presentation at the next meeting. Cllr Hamilton said that he hoped to be able to pass on Moray Council’s position on the proposed development at the same meeting.
13.2 The Secretary reported that an individual had been fined £1000 at Elgin Sheriff Court for cockle picking in Findhorn Bay last summer. Warrants have been issued for two other men. Inspector Donald said that an Action Plan had been formulated to cover any future similar incidents.
13.3 The Chairman reported that additional surface markings have been placed at the 30mph sign on Findhorn Road, Kinloss. It remains to be seen if this will improve the situation and close monitoring will be required. Inspector Donald said that a number of Officers are being trained to operate speed detection equipment particularly on minor roads, leaving traffic specialist Officers to deal with trunk routes. Such trained Officers might be used in this location in the future.
ITEM 14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Thursday 25th
June 2009 at 7.30pm in Kinloss Primary School.
Chairman has agreed to prepare and
circulate agenda in absence of Secretary.