MINUTE OF THE 280th BUSINESS MEETING

OF THE

STONEHAVEN AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

HELD IN THE COWIE LOUNGE OF THE INVERCARRON RESOURCE CENTRE

At 7.30pm ON TUESDAY 11^th MAY, 2004

PRESENT:

Community Councillors: Derek Stewart, Douglas Dykes, Doug Paton, Duncan Cursiter, Peter Bellarby, Isabel Parkes, Alan Cairnduff, Mary Jackson, David Bray, Tina Oakes, Sarah Dickinson

Kincardine & Mearns Councillors: George Swapp – Mearns North; Wendy Agnew – Stonehaven South; Jack Morrison – Stonehaven Central

Minute Secretary: Laura Dykes

Two Members of the Press attended. A Member of the public also attended.

Chairman opened the meeting and asked if there were there any items of business that might be considered as conflict of interest. Wendy Agnew advised that there were two items on the agenda, where she would leave the meeting room.

Item	Description	Action/Date
1.	Apologies Apologies were received from Councillor Mike Sullivan, Jane Davidson, Margaret Ross, Raymond Christie, Nigel Parkes, Pam Dobbie and Sergeant Wallace of Grampian Police.
2.	Minutes of meeting held on 13^th April, 2004 It was noted that the apologies in the previous Minute should have included David Bray. Item 4 – Second line should have read “…. voted in at the first meeting after the elections and as this was not carried out, “ The Minute was proposed by Douglas Dykes and seconded by Duncan Cursiter.
3.	Matters arising from previous Minute None.
4.	Nominations for Treasurer Since Mary Mitchell has resigned from the Community Council for health reasons, the Secretary proposed that Duncan Cursiter take on the post of Treasurer. Doug Paton seconded this and Duncan agreed to stand. All Members were unanimous in favour of appointment.
5.	Mackie Academy – Litter Problem Deputy Rector Fiona Peters and Sixth Year Pupil Hanna-Liza Strachan attended the meeting and gave a presentation on how Mackie Academy was dealing with the litter problem particularly in Mackie and its surrounds. Fiona Peters informed Members that Mackie Academy fully recognises there is a litter problem and that an Eco-Group had been formed which involves both staff and pupils at the Academy. Questionnaires had been issued to staff and pupils to complete and give their views on how the problem could be managed. A total of 89% of those questionnaires completed, expressed their wishes to tackle the litter issue and pupils have designed posters which are displayed around the school. Hanna-Liza told of recent assemblies that had taken place in which pupils were ‘named and shamed’ and also of a recent competition that was sponsored by BP. Fiona Peters felt that a huge difference has been recognised over recent months and that they had been awarded the Bronze Award from the BP competition that enabled them to receive a £250 donation for the Eco-Group to use during the next session. Stonehaven Towns Partnership has also agreed to match this donation for the Eco-Groups next project. A total of 20 new bins have been positioned within the school grounds. Allan Cairnduff commented that since the recent meeting that took place at Viewmount with regards to the litter problem at Redcloak, he had already seen a reduction in the amount of litter and also recognised a change in attitude from the Mackie Academy pupils. He also added that seating might be erected in close vicinity of the shops at Redcloak for the benefit of pupils. Councillor George Swapp asked the Deputy Rector whether or not pupils would be interested in taking responsibility for the area from the Glebe down as far as Maxiburn and Fiona Peters agreed to take this suggestion to the Eco-Group for discussion. Duncan Cursiter added that he felt the efforts by this Eco-Group were commendable, and he informed Members that he could officially state that a 7” pizza box does in fact fit into the litterbins provided at Redcloak. The Chairman thanked both Fiona Peters and Hanna-Liza for their presentation.
6.	Crime Prevention The Secretary had received a letter from Grampian Police prior to the meeting, as it was known that no representative would be able to attend. The Chairman read out some recent statistics with regards to domestic break-ins, theft and vandalism throughout the Stonehaven area. With regards to the last meetings’ query about parking within the new bus bay areas, the Chairman advised that Grampian Police had written to the Roads Department and were awaiting a reply to their letter.
7.	Standing Committee Members Revision Due to recent changes, the Secretary read through the Standing Committees Members listing and updated each one as required This document would be updated by the Secretary and distributed to all Members.	Secretary 18/5/04
8.	Report on Special Meeting to discuss outline plans for Supermarket Due to conflict of interest, Councillor Wendy Agnew left the meeting room at 2009 hours. A special meeting had taken place by Members where it was agreed to carry out a survey to get as many opinions as possible from the public. It was agreed that the Community Council would remain completely unbiased on this issue. The Chairman produced a letter that had * reportedly been posted around homes in Stonehaven expressing objections to the Supermarket Plans and hoped that Members of the press who were present would ensure the general public were informed that this letter has nothing to do with the Community Council. Peter Bellarby added that he felt it very naughty that an anonymous letter be distributed in this way. The Secretary continued by informing Members that last Saturday’s surveying in the Market Square by Members had produced some good feedback and hoped that the next two Saturdays would be as successful. He added that blank survey forms were available from him if anyone required more copies. Councillor Wendy Agnew returned to the meeting at 2015 hours.
9.	Projects for our Community Council The Chairman reminded Members that he had requested some projects for the Community Council to work on, and that he had not recently received any further suggestions. Doug Paton added that perhaps the Community Council should concentrate on existing projects in greater detail and gave the Town Hall refurbishment as an example.
10.	Constitution and Standing Orders Revised proposals Peter Bellarby has discussed the Constitution and Standing Orders with Stephen Marshall of Aberdeenshire Council and agreed that the changes have to be in line with Aberdeenshire Councils guidelines. Peter agreed that he would deal with this issue and that as no urgent matters required changing this was more of a tidy-up operation. Peter also outlined the fact that an Extra Ordinary General Meeting would require to be held where Members of the public have the opportunity to vote on the changes proposed. Such an EOGM could be held immediately before the first meeting after the AGM when the Office Bearers are elected and this would also allow new Members of the Community Council to be involved in this process.	Peter Bellarby
11.	S&DCC Newssheet – The Future? Since the resignation of Mary Mitchell from the Community Council and the fact that Raymond Christie has taken leave of absence for the next 3 months, it was considered that the future of the Community Council newsletter be discussed. The Chairman considered it would be a great pity not to continue with this Newssheet as it has proved to be of real value. After a discussion, Sarah Dickinson agreed that she would work to issue the next one, and the Chair added that he was sure Mary Mitchell would be happy to assist Sarah with this. The Chairman and Secretary offered to proof read the newssheet before issue and Duncan offered to help Sarah obtain an A3 colour copy for posting in the Town Hall.	Sarah Dickinson Chairman/ Secretary/ Duncan Cursiter
12.	Reports & Projects Update
(a)	Planning The Chairman had previously issued the Planning Report to all Members and advised that the Planning Committee recommended objections to the following applications. The Secretary was advised which letters to write. · New House at Upper Wyndings – Contrary to policy as an agricultural worker will not be living in it. Also the access, being on a corner, is potentially dangerous. · New House at 10 Hunter Place - Over development and has a shared access. · Unit 2 at 30 Allardice Street - Windows out of character for the area and internally illuminated box signs are unsuitable for a Conservation Area. · Removal of occupancy condition at Grains of Fetteresso for agricultural worker – Against the principle, however objection may be withdrawn if a satisfactory explanation is given. · Installation of Lifts at Mackie Academy – agreed to comment on lack of disabled toilets for staff and students. · Site at Loop Road for Supermarket – a letter will be sent following the results from Community Council survey on this application.	Secretary 18/5/04
(b)	Town Sewage Treatment Works Nigel Parkes was absent from the meeting through sickness, but had sent e-mail to the Secretary prior to the event advising that 450 letters of objection have now been submitted to Aberdeenshire Planning department.
(c)	Fossil Group The last Fossil Group meeting was held on 20^th April, where Donald Stewart gave a presentation on the Rigs Concept. If the Community Council was interested in joining this group then we could have local brochures produced for distribution via Tourist Information Centres, which in turn could boost tourism in the town. Doug Paton advised that Donald Stewart would establish plans on how we can move forward on this issue. The walk/tour for Members will take place on Thursday 10^th June at 1830 hrs, meeting in the lay-by above Cowie. The Secretary advised that he has already written to Stonehaven Golf Club about the event. Doug Paton offered to give details of the planned tour to those that are interested in attending. The Secretary asked Doug Paton about plans for a replica of the ‘beastie’ and Doug replied that it was in the process of being made. He added that it is probably going to be displayed at the Tollbooth.	All Members 10/6/04
(d)	Community Council Website David Bray advised that meeting Minutes for the past year were now available on the Website and that the website address was as follows: www.stonehavencommunitycouncil.co.uk/home.html. David agreed to produce a Users Manual in the event that someone else had to take over the responsibility of the website. The Chairman asked that all Members have a look at the website and if they have any suggestions as to what else could be added then it would be discussed at the next meeting.	David Bray 8/6/04 All Members 8/6/04
(e)	Horizon Project In the absence of Nigel Parkes there was no report this month.
(f)	Kincardine and Mearns Safety Committee Duncan Cursiter advised that the next meeting would take place at the MRI on Thursday 13^th May.
(g)	Disability Discrimination Act Nothing to report.
(h)	Local Roads Issues The Secretary had received a reply from Willie Munro, Area Manager and a report from Mark Skilling at the Roads Department and read it out to all Members. Among the issuers were: signs for Cameron Street had now been ordered, the Glasslaw junction is to be made safer, the Edinview Speed Limits will be looked into and that there is still no capital funding for the A957 Road.
(i)	Open Air in Square / Hogmanay Festival Doug Paton informed Members that he had received a letter from the Organisation Committee stating that further guest houses had been found in the area to assist with the accommodation requirements at the Hogmanay Festival. Doug added that the funds are on target for this year and that the organisers hope to make the event more weather friendly. He also wished to thank Helen Rzechorzek and Raymond Christie for their original foresight on this excellent project and also to Douglas Dykes for his efforts over the last two years. He reiterated the fact the Community Council deserve a lot of credit for the organisation of such a successful event for the town.
13.	Correspondence IN requiring action:
(a)	8/4 – Aberdeenshire Council re Public Consultation on Legal System Reform The Secretary received an invitation to participate in this event and is currently waiting dates.
(b)	13/4 – Area Manager re Christmas Tree for 2004 The Community Council has paid for both the 2002 and 2003 Christmas Tree along with some donations and funding from Aberdeenshire Council, who advised they could no longer fund this. The Secretary had discussions with the Area Manager and it was suggested that we try to receive funding from other organisations within our town that may wish to provide support this years Christmas Tree. It was agreed that the Secretary would write to at least nine organisations to check interest.	Secretary 18/5/04
(c)	Various e-mails from Dr Keith Stewart of Fetteresso re Application for Supermarket (Councillor Wendy Agnew left the meeting during the discussions on this item.) Dr. Keith Stewart had sent various e-mails to the Secretary stating that the people of the Fetteresso Hamlet were against the planning application for the new Supermarket and that he wished this fact to be known to the Community Council.
(d)	28/4 – Invite for applications to join SEPA Regional Board The Secretary circulated this invite to all Members.
(e)	29/4 – Mary Mitchell re State of Leisure Centre Car Park The Secretary had received a letter from Mary Mitchell stating that Friends of the Outdoor Pool had raised concerns about the state of the Leisure Centre Car Park as it was in a terrible condition and was full of potholes. Councillor George Swapp advised that he too had received complaints regarding this issue and added that it was hoped that there would be funding available during this year to resurface the complete area. It was agreed that the Secretary would write to the Area Manager and Head of Roads on this matter to impress upon him the urgency of the matter, especially for the opening of the Open Air Pool.	Secretary 18/5/04
(f)	4/5 – NHS Grampian Out of Hours Consultation Process (Feedback Form) Raymond Christie issued the Secretary with a feedback form, which has to be completed before the Public Meeting, which takes place on 8^th June from 3pm until 7pm at the Community Centre in Bath Street. Mary Jackson agreed to attend this meeting and the Secretary will issue her with the necessary paperwork.	Mary Jackson / Secretary
(g)	6/5 – Note from Emma Matheson The Secretary had received a letter from Emma Matheson from Fourdon who is a pupil at Mearns Academy in Laurencekirk. She is hoping to travel to Honduras to teach English and was writing to request advice and possible financial assistance for her trip. It was agreed that we would reply to her and suggest she contact her own Community Council in Fourdon regarding funding.	Secretary 18/5/04
14.	AOCB None.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 8^th June where this Minute will be formally approved.

The Minute Secretary for this meeting will be Miss Linzi Dykes.

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)	Various letters from Planning Department re our objections/comments
(b)	22/4 – Consultation Paper – The Waste Water Regulations
(c)	23/4 – Minute of Litter Meeting at Viewmount (Copied to Members)
(d)	28/4 – Scottish Executive re Dismissal of Appeal to Grant 25 Houses at Carron Den
(e)	1/5 – Invercarron Resource Centre Minutes of 7^th April
(f)	6/5 – Advice on One Way Road Restriction on Arduthie Road

Addendum B:

	Correspondence/Brochures ‘signed’ OUT: As per those agreed at Meeting on 13^th April plus:
(a)	26/4 - To Wendy Agnew re: Lack of Litter and Dog Bins in Old Town
(b)	27/4 – Roads Dept re Signage for Three Local Streets
(c)	29/4 – To Craig Stewart of Aberdeenshire Council re Nortrail Interpretation Boards
(d)	6/5 – To Jack Morrison re Attendance at CC Meetings
(e)	10/5 – To Stonehaven Golf Club re Fossil Walk