MINUTE OF THE 279th BUSINESS MEETING

OF THE

STONEHAVEN AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

HELD IN THE COWIE LOUNGE OF THE INVERCARRON RESOURCE CENTRE

At 7.30pm ON TUESDAY 13^th APRIL, 2004

PRESENT:

Community Councillors: Derek Stewart, Douglas Dykes, Doug Paton, Duncan Cursiter, Mary Mitchell, Margaret Ross, Pam Dobbie, Peter Bellarby, Raymond Christie, Nigel Parkes, Isabel Parkes, Alan Cairnduff. Tina Oakes.

Kincardine & Mearns Councillors: Mike Sullivan – Stonehaven North & Fetteresso; George Swapp – Mearns North

Minute Secretary: Laura Dykes

Members of the Press attended.

Chairman opened the meeting and asked if there were there any items of business that might be considered as conflict of interest. None were recorded.

Item	Description	Action/Date
1.	Apologies Apologies were received from Jane Davidson, Mary Jackson and Sarah Dickinson.
2.	Minutes of meeting held on 9^th March, 2004 It was noted that the heading in the previous Minute was dated February and not 9^th March, as it should have read. Item 8a – ‘John Duffy’ should read ‘John Duffus’. Item 8d – ‘Manger’ should read ‘Manager’. The Minute was proposed by Doug Paton and seconded by Duncan Cursiter.
3.	Matters arising from previous Minute None.
4.	Elections – Chair and Vice Chair In line with the Constitution, Peter Bellarby informed members that both the Chair and Vice Chair positions must be voted in at an AGM and as this was not carried out, he suggested it be done at this meeting. Therefore, Peter Bellarby proposed that Derek Stewart be Chairman of the Community Council and Pam Dobbie seconded this. Peter Bellarby also proposed that Doug Paton be Vice Chairman and Raymond Christie seconded this. Doug Paton added that the other office bearers be voted in to the Community Council also, and proposed that Douglas Dykes be Secretary which was seconded by Derek Stewart and Raymond Christie proposed that Mary Mitchell be Treasurer which was seconded by Margaret Ross. Each proposal was voted upon and in each case the votes in favour were unanimous.
5.	Proposal for Display Board at Town Hall Derek Stewart had previously circulated proposals for a new type of Display Board placed outside the Town Hall for use by the Community Council. Since there was no real support for this, it was agreed that the Secretary would write to the Area Manager at Aberdeenshire Council advising that this proposal was to be dropped.	Secretary 20/4/04
6.	Crime Prevention Sergeant Wallace from Grampian Police attended the meeting and introduced himself to Members. He suggested that in the future, he would e-mail an up-to-date crime bulletin, similar to the one sent to Neighbourhood Watch schemes, to all Members on a regular basis. This was thought to be a good idea, but the Secretary requested that perhaps the Police Emblem at the top of this bulletin be removed beforehand to reduce the file size. This was agreed. Sergeant Wallace informed those present of a recent Spring Initiative which was underway as figures had shown that April and May have more crimes that any other months of the year. He added that Stonehaven had less house break-ins than other areas of Aberdeenshire but vandalism and anti-social behaviour around the Market Square and Beach area continued to be an issue. Grampian Police have also taken receipt of two new bicycles and has identified two policemen who are keen to use them. The bikes were purchased at a store in Stonehaven, and specialist equipment was being purchased from other specialists. This new service will commence in a few weeks and it is hoped that they will be seen on a regular basis throughout the town. The bikes will also be able to patrol areas that police cars find difficult, including school grounds and parks. Bikes have been used in Portlethen for some time and have been a successful addition to the service there. Derek Stewart asked Sergeant Wallace about the broken lines which surround the new bus-bays throughout the town and queried whether or not it was an offence to park within these lines. Sergeant Wallace thought that it would be but agreed that once all the disabled access on the bus-bays had been completed, he would look into this matter more thoroughly. He advised that he would speak with the Roads Department, and perhaps involve the local press in publicising the issue to the public.	Sergeant Wallace 11/5/04
7.	Banners for Market Square At the Agenda meeting it was agreed that the Community Council could suggest events that could be added to the new banners being proposed for the Market Square. Derek Stewart asked Members for ideas and the following suggestions were put forward which will be passed on to Mindy Grewar by the Secretary: Open Air Pool; Feein’ Market; Horizon Project; Dunnottar Castle; Highland Games; Dunnottar Woods; Thomson Rally; Folk Festival; MRI Harbour Events and the Fossil Group. Doug Paton added that he was under the impression that Mindy Grewar would also like suggestions as to how the banners were laid out and after much discussion it was agreed that the Community Council would suggest that all the banners were designed in a similar way with Stonehaven Coat of Arms and the perhaps the Stonehaven Steeple as a type of Watermark running through the banner.	Secretary 20/4/04
8.	Revisions to Constitution Peter Bellarby distributed to all Members, Version 3 of the proposed revisions to the Constitution. These changes were agreed. Peter considered that thee were other areas of the Constitution that could be better clarified and it was agreed that he make a complete review of this and also to discuss any queries with Stephen Marshall at Aberdeenshire Council before submitting any further revisions for Members consideration. On completion of this exercise, the Secretary will formally submit the proposed revisions to Aberdeenshire Council for ratification. Secretary passed to Peter for review, a Template for Standing Orders recently received from Aberdeenshire Council.	Peter Bellarby 11/5/04
9.	Planning Committee Derek Stewart, Chairman of the Community Council Planning Committee proposed to Members that the Committee be given special powers of decision where a planning application requires to be dealt with quickly. The Chair would prepare the recommendation for e-mailing to all Members and receive consensus, before advising Aberdeenshire Council of our comments/objections. This proposal was seconded by Douglas Dykes and agreed by all Members preset.
10.	The Future for Stonehaven The Chairman felt that it was vitally important for the Community Council to give some thought as to the future of Stonehaven. He added that there were a large amount of houses planned for the town over the next 10 to 20 years and that it was important that there are plans in place to ensure adequate amenities such as schools, supermarkets, leisure facilities etc for our children in the future. He also suggested that the Community Council find areas where these houses might be located and commented on the Braehead Estate as an example of poor planning. Chairman also commented on the fact that Stonehaven is lacking a decent hotel to hold a large function such as a wedding for 150-200 persons and that the Town Hall is in danger of falling into disrepair because no-one can make a decision on its future. He requested that Members come forward with ideas over the coming months.	All Members
11.	Community Audit by SATRA The South Aberdeenshire Tenant Resident Association (SATRA) have proposed a new Community Building which might be located at the area known as Little Hampden. Pam Dobbie has received an audit with questionnaire requesting our views on this project that she completed on our behalf and give Members information on the salient matters. This she will pass on to SATRA on behalf of the Community Council. Pam asked Members for their views on this project and after much discussion it was considered the money would be better spent on existing facilities in the town, for example the Town Hall. Doug Paton has already seen the proposed plans for the Building and commented that it was of superb design and could easily be utilised as a hostel also. It was agreed that Pam would pass on our comments and query as to whether financial constraints mean that it has to be a new build or if there is scope for spending this on upgrade of existing premises. It was also understood by Members that this amenity could fill a need for the upper part of the Town, as it has no amenities at present.	Pam Dobbie 11/5/04
12.	Reports of Committee and other Meetings
(a)	Planning The Chairman had previously issued the Planning Report to all Members and advised that our Planning Committee recommended objections to the following applications. He would provide details to the Secretary who would write to Planning on the issues. · Application of External Ramp on pavement at Royal Bank of Scotland due to it being a hazard to pedestrians. · House alterations at 9 William Mackie Avenue as flat roofs are against planning policy.	Derek Stewart 17/4/04 Secretary 21/4/04
(b)	Stonehaven Fossil Group Doug Paton updated Members on the progress of the Stonehaven Fossil Group. He added that two meetings had already taken place and reports would be sent to Members by e-mail. Doug Paton had met with Finlay Bennet from the Scottish Natural Heritage Society who is an expert in this field and advised that they are willing to fund Information Boards. He was keen to establish a partnership with the Community Council Fossil Group Committee. Doug thought we should welcome his expertise as he could help the Fossil Group channel their ideas into realistic projects. This Group has also been in touch with Donald Stewart, Secretary of the Aberdeen Geological Society who has agreed to give a talk at the next Fossil Group meeting on 20th April as well as carry out a tour of the Cowie area. There may be an opportunity for Members of our Community Council Committee to be part of the Regional Sites of Geological and Geomorphologic Significance (RIGS) Group. Doug Paton has also received information from Jane Cruickshank with listed names of others persons who may be interested in the project. He concluded that due to the amount of interest in this project, he considers it important for our town that the Community Council be fully involved.
(c)	Town Sewage Treatment Works Nigel Parkes informed Members of a recent CRAG meeting that took place and added that CRAG are not sure when the Scottish Water planning application is to come up before the Area Planning Committee. It appears that the Scottish Executive is unlikely to agree to any application without it going through local planning first. Nigel also informed Members that a total of 350 letters of objection have been passed to the Planning Department regarding this project. Councillor Mike Sullivan added that Mike Rumbles is to discuss the matter with the Scottish Executive.
(d)	Stonehaven Horizon Project Pam Dobbie will e-mail an up to date report to all Members. She added that Office Bearers for this Project Committee had been appointed and bank accounts had been opened as they received £6000 from Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership, which was a fantastic start to this project. She concluded that the project hoped to start on Hanging Baskets for the town. They have already carried out a Beach Clean Up and hoped to attend the Dunnottar Woods clean-up to offer support. The next Horizon Project meeting will take place on 26^th April, in the County Hotel at 1900 hours.
(e)	Newsletter Raymond Christie circulated last months’ newsletter to all Members.
(f)	Disability Discrimination Act Derek Stewart had nothing to report apart from informing Members that work was underway in the provision of new bus shelters and bus bays in readiness for the new buses that have lowered doorways to ease disabled access.
(g)	Community Council Website In David Brays’ absence, the Chairman informed members that work was ongoing with this and the Secretary has sent previous Minutes of Meetings to David to load on to the website.	David Bray 11/5/04
(h)	NHS Community Forum Raymond Christie informed Members of a recent talk NHS 24 had given at the NHS Community Forum and added that it is hoped this service will be available for all by November 2004. At present NHS 24 takes 14,000 calls per week and the services is of benefit to both the public and the NHS. Roadshows are planned for the summer months to show how NHS 24 and the new GP Contracts will work together. The NHS 24 phone number is 08454 24 24 24.
(i)	Kincardine and Mearns Safety Committee Duncan Cursiter attended the last meeting on 10^th March and informed Members of proposed forthcoming projects that this Committee will undertake including Ambulance Service Initiative, Skateboard Project, Smoke Alarms and Jet Skier signs. He also added that funding was available for Community Wardens to be present in Peterhead and Fraserburgh to reduce anti-social behaviour from June 2004. Duncan Cursiter raised the issue of the Braehead Footpaths at this meeting and Aberdeenshire Council Area Manager informed him that this matter was in hand. The next meeting will take place on the 13^th May at MRI, which includes a tour of the premises.
(j)	Bus Forum Derek Stewart advised Members that the work on pavement kerbs and bus shelters was underway in time for the new disabled access buses to commence. He also informed those present that a bus service to Stonehaven Community Hospital is due to start shortly, and Peter Bellarby gave details of this route service times. Derek Stewart commented that he felt a designated place should be allocated within the town to allow tour coaches to load and unload safely and suggested special spaces be created within the Market Square. Peter Bellarby advised that the bus timetable on Farrochie Road is unreadable. Derek Stewart asked Members to pass on any other complaints to him to deal with.	Derek Stewart 20/4/04
13.	Correspondence IN requiring action:
(a)	Association of Scottish Community Councils Survey Request The Secretary had received a questionnaire regarding Community Planning and passed this on to the Planning Committee Chairman to complete.	Derek Stewart 20/4/04
(b)	Planning Aid for Scotland – Invitation to join ‘Friends’ scheme The Secretary passed copy of this Newsletter on to the Planning Committee Chairman to answer.	Derek Stewart 20/4/04
(c)	24/3 – Mackie Academy re Litter Problem It was agreed that the Secretary would invite Fiona Peters to the next meeting as she is currently on holiday. The Chairman asked that members prepare questions for her attendance.	All Members 3/5/04
(d)	26/3 – Street Naming Proposal – Brickfield Court The Community Council was asked to comment on the suggestion of Brickfield Court for the new flats at former site of Westfield House. It was agreed that Brickfield Court was a suitable name.	Secretary 20/4/04
(e)	29/3 – Mindy Grewar re Meeting on Litter on 23/4 Mindy Grewar has asked that a representative from the Community Council attend the above meeting to discuss the litter programme. Alan Cairnduff and Mary Mitchell agreed to attend and advise outcomes at next CC meeting.	Alan Cairnduff Mary Mitchell 11/5/04
(f)	29/3 – North East Costal Forum – invite to seminar on 20/4 The above meeting will take place on 20^th April at 0915-1600 hours. The Chairman agreed to attend and report at next CC meeting.	Derek Stewart 11/5/04
(g)	30/03 – Local Transport Strategy – offer to discuss at next CC meeting It was agreed that the Secretary would invite Diane Campion to our May meeting as observer and for her to give short presentation at the June meeting.	Secretary 20/4/04
(h)	01/04 – Volunteer Centre – offer of support The Secretary received a letter offering support and services of the Volunteer Centre. It was agreed that the Secretary would respond stating the Community Council might make use of their support with future projects.	Secretary 20/4/04
14.	AOCB 11/03 – Letter from Banchory resident to Planning re Ury House Development. This letter referred to the Elsick Mounth Long Range Footpath and Members agreed that the Secretary would respond to the writer and to others copied, to indicate our support on the issue.	Secretary 20/4/04

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 11^th May where this Minute will be formally approved.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9:45pm.

Addendum A:

	Correspondence/Brochures IN for Information Only The following letters, not included in the meeting Agenda, are available on file for information:
(a)	Three letters re Temporary Road Closures and Seven letters re Planning Matters
(b)
(c)	12/03 – Finalised Aberdeenshire Local Plan with Modifications – for review
(d)	14/3 – Mr. P Daniels re Objections to Carron Den Housing Proposal
(e)	16/3 – Scottish Executive re Planning Appeal for Bank of Scotland signage at 27 Market Square
(f)	16/3 – Receipt of our Complaint Letter to Somerfield re Saver Card Scheme
(g)	17/3 – Various letters from Planning in receipt of our recent letters of objection
(h)	19/3 – CC Forum rescheduled to 27^th May 2004
(i)	18/3 – Role of CC’s in the Housing Land Audit Process
(j)	18/3 – Calor Gas Community Award Scheme 2004
(k)	30/03 – Papers associated with CC Training Session 2 – Passed to Derek Stewart
(l)	01/04 – Standing Orders Template – Passed to Peter Bellarby for review
(m)	01/04 - Scottish Water re Backies Chlorination Unit Installation
(n)	01/04 - Mearns Area Project Scoping Study Report
(o)	08/04 – Somerfield re Saver Card Scheme
(p)	Minute of Invercarron Resource Centre Committee meeting 3/3
(q)	Scottish Outdoor Access Code Leaflet for Members

Addendum B:

	Correspondence/Brochures ‘signed’ OUT: As per those agreed at Meeting on 9^th March plus:
(a)	To Wendy Agnew re: Kingsgate area. Since no response as yet, a further e-mail would be sent on 14/4/04.