FINDHORN &
KINLOSS COMMUNITY COUNCIL .
Minutes
of the meeting of the Community Council held in The James Milne
Institute Findhorn on Thursday 31st
January 2008
Present:
R Walker (Chairman), R. Shand, H. Morton, L.
Morgan, M. Thompson, A. Skene, Cllr Hamilton,T. Negus (Sec).
In Attendance:
J. Innes (RAFLO), Eva Ward (Findhorn Foundation), Tanya McLaren (Forres Gazette).
Also in attendance: 1 Member of the public.
ITEM 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were
received from J.Willoner,
Public Session
ITEM
2.REPLACEMENT OF FINDHORN WATER MAIN.
2.1 The Chairman welcomed Mr Francis Williams from Scottish Water and Mr Dave Gibson, works site manager. Mr Williams told the meeting that the aim of the project is to replace the obsolete asbestos water main which has suffered repeated failures in recent years. The old pipe would be left in situ and the new pipe run alongside. The estimated cost of the work is in the region of £600,000 and it is expected to take around 5 months. Inevitably there is likely to be associated noise and traffic interruption but this will be kept to a minimum. It is intended to concentrate on the narrower streets and the one-way system in the village first, in an effort to have these areas completed before the holiday season. Interruptions to the water supply will be necessary at times when connections are made from the new pipe to existing outlets. At least 48 hours notice will be given of any interruptions to supply. Mr Williams stressed that should the public have any issues or concerns during the project they should not hesitate to either approach one of the workforce or alternatively telephone the Scottish Water Helpline on 08456018855. Mr Williams and Mr Gibson then answered a number of questions. The Chairman thanked them for their comprehensive presentation to the meeting.
ITEM 3. ANY
OTHER COMPETENT PUBLIC BUSINESS.
None
Council
Session
ITEM 4. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
3.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 29th November 2007 were ratified subject to the addition of Mr Alistair Kennedy (Chairman of JCCM) to the list of those in attendance. Proposed L. Morgan, seconded M. Thompson.
ITEM 5. MATTERS ARISING
5.1 Low Flying over Kinloss school.
The RAFLO reported that Mr Parsons had now received a response
from RAF Kinloss. He informed the meeting that local circuit
flying regulations were reviewed regularly in order to minimise
disturbance to local inhabitants and to protect flight and public
safety. Visiting aircrew who may be unfamiliar with the area were
also briefed on arrival.
5.2 Reflective bollards on Findhorn-
Kinloss Road. M. Thompson said that he had received a reply
from Moray Council to his correspondence on the matter. The
bollards which had originally been placed to discourage parking
on the verge were insufficiently robust for long term use and it
was proposed to use white lining to delineate the road edges
instead. This will be carried out during the summer and is
expected to be a satisfactory and more durable alternative.
5.3 Disposal of Southside Married
Quarters. The Secretary has been in contact with Graham and
Sibbald, the agents who are selling the site on behalf of Defence
Estates and had received sale details. He was pleased to note
that the ‘special conditions of sale’ emphasised the
importance of creating a sustainable community and the
implication that priority might be given to bidders who satisfied
this requirement. The selling agents reported reasonable interest
and anticipated a closing date at the end of March. (see also
Chairman’s report)
5.4 Liaison with Grampian Police. The meeting noted with
regret the absence of Grampian Police representation again for
the third consecutive meeting. The Secretary said that whilst
police representation at meetings was highly desirable perhaps of
greater importance was a reliable channel of communication
between the Community Council and a named Grampian Police
Contact. This had worked well with Sgt MacDonald but the link
appears to have broken down since he was deployed away from the
area. The Chairman said that Inspector Dora had now retired and
he had been replaced by Inspector Craig Donald. The Chairman
proposed to speak with Inspector Donald in the near future in an
effort to improve liaison between the Community Council and
Grampian Police. Concerns were also voiced about the perceived
lack of support by Grampian Police for neighbourhood Watch
Schemes both in Kinloss and Findhorn. Action R Walker
5.5 Submission of Annual Accounts to Moray Council. The outgoing
Treasurer produced copies of the Community Council’s 06-07
accounts which had been independently checked by Mrs Horn,
secretary of the Findhorn Residents’ Association. The
Secretary will Copy them for forwarding to Moray Council.
Action T Negus
5.6 Community Council Vacancy. The Secretary reported that he had received a letter from Moray Council confirming ratification of Anne Skene’s co-option onto the Community Council.
5.7 New Ward Boundaries. In response to concerns expressed at the last meeting regarding apparent reduced attendance and lack of continuity by Moray Councillors at our Community Council meetings following ward boundary changes, Cllr Hamilton apologised that he had been prevented from coming to meetings recently. He pledged to attend future meetings wherever possible and should he be unable to attend he would hope to arrange for Cllr Young be present. It was agreed that Cllr Hamilton would remain on the circulation list for minutes and agenda etc and he would pass these on to other Councillors as necessary.
5.8 Fly-Tipping on Waterford Road.
M. Thompson reported that he had been in correspondence with
Moray Council about this. After a rather unsatisfactory initial
response the Council had provided details of a number of
campaigns that are being promoted to help with litter management.
However, many of these are directed at children and do not really
address the problem of the dumping of bulk rubbish such as
household appliances along the road in question. However, Moray
Council Environmental Protection Services will respond to
requests from members of the public to clear away large
aggregations of rubbish or fly tipped large items. Mr Thompson
reported a prompt response by environmental services to a request
he had recently made. The relevant telephone number is 01343 557045.
5.9 Traffic Speeds on Findhorn Road
Kinloss. M Thompson reported that some of the Kinloss
Community Council members had held a site meeting in early
December. He had also visited Auldearn and Ardesier to inspect
and photograph various different traffic calming measures in use.
He had also written to Stagecoach bus company in Perth seeking
their views on possible traffic calming options in Kinloss but
had not yet received an appropriate reply. The Chairman stressed
the importance of full public consultation and support and said
he would like to arrange a public meeting in Kinloss to gauge
local support. L. Morgan felt that a graduated response would be
preferable with less intrusive traffic calming measures being
tried in the first instance. It was also felt that clarification
was required regarding exactly what is permitted under the Road
Traffic Act. After further discussion it was agreed that M.
Thompson would open dialogue (via the Community Council Liaison
Officer) with Moray Council Roads Department to explore possible
solutions to the problem of speeding at that location. Once
possible options have been identified then local public
consultation would take place to identify a preferred course of
action. M. Thompson will also draw the Road department’s
attention to the large puddles in the roadway near KinlossChurch.
Action M Thompson
ITEM 6. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
6.1 The Chairman reported that he had been contacted by ‘The Northern Scot’ for the Community Council’s reaction to changes to Moray Council’s programme of public toilet closures. Moray Council have reviewed their earlier decision to permanently close some public toilet facilities in Moray. As a result the toilet in the west dunes carpark in Findhorn will open this summer. Moray Council are also exploring a scheme, currently operated in Perth & Kinross, whereby selected pubs and cafes are paid an allowance by the Council in return for making their toilet facilities available to the public. The Chairman said that he very much welcomed the reprieve for the Findhorn dunes car park facility but felt that the alternative scheme was not suitable for that location as there were no alternative facilities nearby. Cllr Hamilton confirmed the information and said that he had proposed the retention of the dunes toilet at a recent full Council meeting. The alternative ‘comfort scheme’ will be limited to Elgin for a trial period in the near future.
6.2 The Chairman said that he had followed up on an e-mail to the Forres Gazette from a prospective purchaser of the Southside married quarters. The development company concerned is Marketing Management Services International and the Chairman has spoken at some length with their managing director Mr Gerald Michaluk. It would appear that these developers are keen to develop a sustainable community and are anxious to sound out local opinion as to how best to achieve this. Mr Michaluk has arranged to come up to Kinloss and to give a presentation at the Community Council meeting on 28th February at Kinloss Primary School.
6.3 The Chairman reported that he had received a letter from the Station Commander at RAF Kinloss about a Tactical Leadership Programme flying exercise between 14th January and 8th February involving fast jet aircraft from various countries.
ITEM 7. SECRETARY’S REPORT
7.1 Meetings. 9 Jan with Scottish water representatives regarding works programme for Findhorn.
7.2 Correspondence. Replies to Post Office Closure consultation questionnaire delivered to Moray Council well before deadline. (Cllr Hamilton indicated that it is expected that likely closures will be announced on 28th May) Receipts for Scotways subscription and for Leiths repairs to dunes road passed to treasurer. Copies of new Community Council Handbook received and passed to each Community Councillor. Invitation to apply for landfill tax grant (deadline 25 Jan). Invitation for representative to join ENTRUST focus group. Letter from Mr Ripley enclosing a courtesy copy of a letter to Moray Council requesting the extension of the 30mph speed limit southwards past the entrance to Findhorn Foundation.
Letter from Moray Council confirming Anne Skene’s co-option on to the Community Council. Letter about proposed LEADER funding workshop to be held in Forres in February. Letter from David Willing, treasurer of Findhorn Bay Local Nature Reserve seeking assistance in obtaining a grant for creating a disabled viewing/car park area near the end of the dunes road. Papers for JCCM meeting 14 Feb (passed to L Morgan). SEPA bathing waters report 2007. (Findhorn family beach sampled on 10 occasions. Water quality assessed as ‘GOOD’).
7.3 E-Correspondence with Douglas Mowat of Graham & Sibbald about disposal of Southside quarters. From Tracey Rae about impending requirement for the Community Council to register under the Data Protection Act. (We will await further instructions/advice from ASCC). From Tracey Rae with local licensing forum meeting minutes. From Tracey Rae forwarding details about a child poverty charity campaign ‘Dare to Care’. From L. Morgan providing links to various Rural Community Gateway sites. From L. Morgan advertising a public seminar in Perth on Community Development. Community Planning January e-newsletter. (Forwarded to C Council members).
7.4 Newsletters and Flyers. Crown Estate Highlands and Islands update, Tenant’s Voice, Right Track, Paths to Health.
ITEM 8. TREASURERS REPORT
8.1 R Shand reported that the necessary forms were being processed to hand over the accounts to the new treasurer J Willoner. The annual accounts for 06/07 had been independently checked by Mrs Susan Horn, secretary of the Findhorn Residents’ association.
ITEM 9. MORAY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
9.1 Cllr Hamilton said that most of the topics in his report had already been covered. In addition he was delighted to announce that a contract had been let and work will start very soon on consolidation of Kinloss Abbey.
ITEM 10. RAFLO REPORT
10.1 J. Innes reported that night flying is scheduled to take place between 11th and 22nd February. Activity will take place between 8 and 11pm on weekdays. Apart from take offs and landings it is expected that flying activity will be away from the immediate area using various target ranges.
10.2 J.Innes drew the meeting’s attention to a sports charity run along the main runway at Kinloss on Sunday 16th March.
10.3 M. Thompson asked whether it is possible to inform the Community Council in advance about exercises involving visiting aircraft. J. Innes said that the Station Commander had written to the Chairman of the Community Council on 18th December with details of the current exercise. There had also been comprehensive coverage in the local press. Furthermore under current conventions it is not always permissible to publicise the arrival of Foreign Nation aircraft in advance without special permission.
ITEM 11. FINDHORN FOUNDATION REPORT.
11.1 Nothing to Report.
ITEM 12. PLANNING
12.1 Applications registered since last meeting.
KINLOSS – None.
FINDHORN FOUNDATION - None
FINDHORN VILLAGE
28 Nov Sun Tunnels and Solar Panels at 40 Findhorn. – No objection
03 Dec Alterations and extension at Sandbank Findhorn.
18 Dec Alter balustrade on roof terrace 139 Findhorn.
23 Jan Extend (as yet unbuilt) chalets on North shore. Application discussed – some reservations and concerns about access. However, it was felt that in view of precedents set by large extensions on a few of the other chalets which had already been permitted by Moray Council there are no valid grounds for objection.
25 Jan Install wood pellet boiler and Flue at 40 Findhorn. H Morton and the Secretary had visited the site. There are grounds for concern at the close proximity of the flue outlet to a bedroom window of an adjacent property and the possibility of smoke inhalation by the occupants. This might be made worse if the Bunty site is developed. Secretary to write advising a competent risk assessment as part of the planning application assessment.
12.2 In the absence of the Secretary for the next few weeks it was agreed that L.Morgan would be the Community Council’s nominated point of contact with the Planning department at Moray Council.
13. ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS
13.1 The Chairman said that the continuing existence of the old Community Council page with its out of date information on the Findhorn & Kinloss Community website was embarrassing and gave a very poor public impression of the Community Council and possibly diverted attention from the new FK&CC website. He urged Cllr Hamilton as Chairman of the Community Web group to do everything possible to remove the obsolete page. Cllr Hamilton said that he had repeatedly asked the webmaster to take the necessary action but without success. Nevertheless he would persevere with his efforts to get the redundant sections removed.Action Cllr Hamilton
13.2 The Chairman asked Cllr Hamilton about the Kinloss Residents’ Association which had been formed a few years ago. Cllr Hamilton said that this organisation was no longer active and would be wound up shortly.
13.3 The Chairman reported that one of the
panes of glass in the Kinloss Community Noticeboard had been
broken again. He would endeavour to replace it in the near
future. Action R Walker
13.4 L. Morgan informed the meeting that
he was scheduled to attend a meeting of the Joint Community
Councils of Moray on Feb 14th . The Secretary
suggested that enquiries could be made at the meeting into
Grampian Police attendance at meetings of other Community
Councils in Moray. Action L Morgan
13.6 R.Shand said that there had been large numbers of plane spotters congregating on the edge of the carriageway near the end of the runway. The Chairman asked the RAFLO to see if it would be possible for air traffic control to contact Grampian Police if they saw people under the approach path who would undoubtedly be in danger in the event of an undershoot. Doubts were expressed whether people on foot could be seen from the Tower and whether Grampian police would attend if called. The RAFLO agreed to visit Air Traffic Control to assess the degree of visibility of the area in question. Action J Innes
13.7 The Secretary informed the meeting
that he would be away for the next month. R. Shand kindly agreed
to act as secretary for the next meeting and to deal with agenda
and minutes etc. Action R Shand
13.8 The Secretary said that the railings around the Findhorn War Memorial were very dilapidated and in one place were actually broken. He had spoken with the relevant Officer at Moray Council who had confirmed that upkeep of this monument was a Council responsibility. The Officer concerned had recently made a site visit and had agreed that replacement of the railings was long overdue. He proposed that the railings should be replaced by a low sandstone wall and said that he would be happy to visit Findhorn to clarify his proposals. Whilst there was no funding available within the current financial year, he hoped to complete the work during the next financial year commencing 1 April 2008.
ITEM 14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Thursday 28th February 2008 at 7.30pm in KinlossPrimary School.