MINUTE OF THE 281st BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE
STONEHAVEN AND DISTRICT
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
HELD IN THE COWIE LOUNGE OF
THE INVERCARRON RESOURCE CENTRE
At 7.30pm ON TUESDAY 8th
JUNE, 2004
PRESENT:
Community
Councillors:
Derek Stewart, Douglas Dykes, Duncan Cursiter, Isabel Parkes, Mary
Jackson,
Sarah Dickinson, Pam Dobbie, Margaret Ross,
Kincardine
& Mearns Councillors:
George Swapp – Mearns North; Wendy Agnew – Stonehaven
South; Jack
Morrison – Stonehaven Central; Mike Sullivan – Stonehaven
North and Fetteresso
Minute
Secretary:
Linzi Dykes
Two
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. Wendy Agnew advised that
there was
one item on the agenda where she would leave the meeting room (Item 5);
Margaret Ross advised she would leave for item 10(a); and Councillor
Swapp
would be asked to leave for Item 10(d).
At
this point, the Secretary read out the letter of resignation received
from Vice
Chairman Doug Paton.
Item
|
Description
|
Action/Date
|
|
1. |
Apologies
Apologies were received from Jane Davidson, Raymond Christie, Nigel Parkes, Tina Oakes, Allan Cairnduff, David Bray, and Peter Bellarby. |
|
|
2. |
Minutes of meeting held on 11th
May, 2004
The Minute was proposed by Sarah Dickinson and seconded by Margaret Ross. |
|
|
2.1 |
Matters arising from previous Minute None. |
|
|
3. |
Nominations for Vice Chair Following Doug Patons' resignation from the Community Council, the Chair requested that Members consider a replacement. It was suggested that each nominee ‘chair’ an agenda meeting to get an idea of what is involved in the post. No nominees were received on the night but Duncan Cursiter suggested that gender balance be taken into account, as at present, all office bearers were male. It was agreed that Derek Stewart would contact all Members absent from the meeting and ask them to consider a replacement, all nominations should be e-mailed to him and it would be discussed again at the next meeting. |
Derek Stewart 13/7/04 |
|
4. |
Crime Prevention
No Police representative was present at the meeting, however the Secretary confirmed that all Members of the Community Council were now receiving the Crime Prevention Bulletin by e-mail. It was noted that Inspector Swan was leaving Stonehaven office and a new Inspector would replace him. Concern was voiced over the level of vandalism reported in the Bulletin this month. |
|
|
5. |
Report of Residents Survey
Councillor Agnew left the meeting during
discussion of this item. The Secretary
confirmed that all Members had been notified of the residents survey
results for discussion. From the results,
it was noted that a large number of residents were keen to get another
Supermarket in the town. The Chairman
suggested a follow on survey be carried out in September to get a
better idea of residents’ wishes for the Town in a wider sense. At this stage, the Secretary advised that this
might prove difficult as his experience in canvassing found some
residents struggling to make a decision on the basic questions of our
last survey. However the Members were pleased overall with the level of
response received. It was agreed that if a
further survey were to be carried out, it would cover a larger
representative sample of residents. The Secretary expressed his disappointment in
the high number of those surveyed who had little or no concern over the
proposed Fetteresso Cemetery site. It was thought however that this
might be due to the lack of options presented on the survey form. Margaret Ross backed this up by saying that
those residents who said a definite ‘no’ to the site, felt
very strongly about it. The Secretary expressed his concern over the
fact that 283 residents had voted for ‘no development at
all’, which, in a growing community, was not an option. The Chairman agreed that the Town residents
required to be pro-active and state where they wanted houses and
schools placed. Pam Dobbie felt that
residents were voting against any development that was not controlled,
however feel that they would be happy with development that comes with
adequate amenities. Ideas for future surveys included using a
more detailed local layout map to show residents available sites and to
make the questions simple and easy to answer. |
|
|
6. |
Projects for Community Council The Secretary reiterated the importance of coming up with new projects for the Community Council. The Chairman suggested each Member talk to friends, family and colleagues about what they want for the Town and bring it back to the next meeting. 7. Committee Listing The Secretary advised that he had earlier circulated a List of Committees to each Member asking them to check and confirm the details of attendees etc. Disappointingly only one Member responded. Following discussion, a few amendments were made to the List and it was agreed that the Secretary would e-mail a final version to all Members. While discussing the Dunnottar Woodland park Committee, Councillor Swapp advised that the next meeting was 24th June at 7.15 upstairs in the Royal Hotel and Pam Dobbie agreed to attend. The meetings were scheduled for last Thursday of every month. Following discussions regarding the Fossil Group, The Chairman read out a letter from Doug Paton regarding his current position within the Group. The Chairman advised that due to other commitments, he was unable to Chair this group; Isabel Parkes agreed to be principal attendee. The Secretary advised that he had contacted Lyall Anderson at National Museum in Edinburgh about the fossil replica and advised him that we required it as soon as possible, as the tourist season had commenced. He confirmed that no further meeting date for the Fossil Group had been set as yet. |
All Members 13/07/04 Secretary 9/6/04 |
|
8. |
Burns Memorial Garden The Secretary confirmed that our CC were due to plant summer bedding plants at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday 12th June and several Members had agreed to assist with this project. The longer-term plan for the garden was discussed and following a lengthy discussion, it was agreed to continue with what they were doing, instead of creating a high maintenance flower area that may not be sustainable. Councillor Agnew suggested contacting Ground Force and Pam Dobbie advised that she had been on the Beechgrove Garden website and found information and an application for a community garden project, however it was felt this site was not large enough for such a project. Pam Dobbie also reported that when she had been down the seafront, she had noticed that half of the flowers planted had been pulled out by the roots and thrown into the roses. She advised that herself and her husband had gone down and re-planted what they could. The Chairman thanked her for this. Isabel Parkes gave praise to Margaret Ross and Pam Dobbie for the work carried out on the flower baskets at the public toilets on the Promenade. It was agreed that the Chairman would prepare a future plan for the Garden and contact Landscape Services and ask their advice on maintenance issues for this project. |
All available Members 12/6/04 Derek Stewart 5/7/04 |
|
9. |
Helen Rzechorzek Remembrance Project The Chairman advised that this had been spoken about for some time and was now becoming urgent. He suggested that the Community Council purchase a bench seat with suitable plaque and perhaps one or two large planters and place these beside her husband’s bench at Lay-by above Cowie. The Secretary confirmed that Landscape Services have reconstituted planters currently at the Depot for purchase and it was agreed to obtain prices from Doug Allan for two 3’x3’ planters and a bench seat plus cost of installing these. |
Secretary 11/4/04 |
|
10. (a) |
Reports and Projects Update Planning Report Pumping Station at Backies - The Chairman drew attention to this application and advised it might be too late, but he felt that the Planning Service were fobbing them off with a second class building and he wanted to bring this to their notice. It was agreed that a letter would be sent to Head of Planning. Proposed House near Dunnottar Church –
The Chairman advised that we should resend our original letter of
objection to this planning proposal. Councillor Swapp advised that
Dunnottar Woodlands Park had sent a letter of concern to Planning
Service regarding this. MRI Coffee Shop – The Chairman expressed his concern that there was no designated parking or indeed any disabled parking at the Backies Car Park. It was agreed that a letter be sent to Head of Planning. |
Secretary 15/6/04 Secretary 15/6/04 |
|
(b) |
Town Sewerage treatment Works - In Nigel Parkes absence, Isabel Parkes
advised that the Environment Minister, Ross Finnie was currently
investigating Scottish Water’s handling of the planning
application. Also that Mike Rumbles MSP has challenged the 11
councillors on the area Planning Committee to make themselves fully
aware of the Hyder/Gleeson report that they carried out for Scottish
Water which identified the most favourable solution, which is to pump
the unscreened waste water directly to Nigg for processing. |
|
|
(c) |
Fossil Group (Walk 10th June) The Secretary confirmed that the fossil walk
was due to take place on 10th June, meeting at the Car Park
above Cowie at 6.30 p.m. He confirmed he
had written to the Stonehaven Golf Club to request permission to be
close by the greens and had been advised that the ladies championship
was due to be held that evening, so consideration should be given. The Secretary agreed to provide the Chairman
with details of the route. |
|
|
(d) |
Community Council Website – In David Brays’ absence, it
was agreed to put this item to the next meeting. |
Secretary 5/6/04 |
|
(e) |
The Stonehaven Horizon Project – Pam Dobbie advised that they had
planted out 42 hanging baskets in total along with the flower boxes at
the public toilets that were discussed earlier in the meeting. She advised that the toilets at the seafront
were due to be opened this weekend. The
Horizon project were also planning on painting the north end pend at
the Market Square to match the pend at the other end and to follow up
with a plan to ask local youth groups/community groups to
design/produce a mural for the north pend. She was currently in
consultation with Mindy Grewar from the Council’s Recreation
Service regarding this proposal. The Chairman advised at this stage that a
quote had been received from the Council of between £2,300 and
£2,500 to paint the beach pavilion. This was gong to be
progressed by the Horizon Project Group. |
|
|
(f) |
Newssheet – Sarah Dickinson circulated copies of
the Newssheet. She advised that she would
be unable to produce the July issue due to being on holiday and it was
agreed that Mary Jackson would take this on. Derek
reiterated its importance and advised that photographs or clipart was
not necessary as it was the content that was of most importance. |
|
|
(g) |
Kincardine and Mearns Community Safety Group – Duncan Cursiter advised that he had
attended the last Community Safety group meeting on 13th May. Feedback was given on the Community Safety
Conference that had been held at Woodhill House in March.
Ally Birkett from Grampian Fire and Rescue Service had
spoken on wilful fire raising and had advised of the difficulty in the
retained fire service due to employers being unhappy to release staff
for training. He advised that Hazel Hall
had been involved in this discussion from the Education Service. |
|
|
(h) |
Disability Discrimination Act – The Chairman advised that the
Clydesdale Bank on Ann Street had put in a planning application for
amendments to be made to the frontage to allow for disabled access. |
|
|
(i) |
It was agreed that due to Peter Bellarbys'
absence, this item would be put to the next meeting. |
Secretary 5/7/04 |
|
(j) |
Christmas Tree Appeal – The Secretary advised that he had
sent out letters to 10 businesses regarding funding for this
year’s Christmas Tree. So far 5
replies have been received two of which offer a £100
contribution, these being the Lions Club and the Stonehaven Medical
Centre. The Chairman suggested going to
larger companies but following the Secretary’s experience with
Open Air in the Square fund appeal, it was decided this was not an
option. It was suggested that
Stonehaven…It’s Special be approached for funding. Further suggestions were pubs, hotels and
banks. The Chairman asked the press to
make an appeal on the basis that if people do not donate, there will be
no Christmas Tree this year. |
|
|
11. |
Correspondence IN requiring action |
|
|
(a) |
NHS Grampian Consultation Paper – Margaret Ross left the room during
discussion of this item. Mary Jackson
circulated brochures that she had picked up at the Community Centre
relating to NHS Grampian. The Members of
the Community Council discussed the concern that Stonehaven Medical
Centre had chosen to opt out of the service. She
advised that Laura Gray, Director of Corporate Communications and Dr.
George Crooks had offered to come to one of Community Council meetings
if we felt that this would be worthwhile. Mary agreed to draft a letter
for the Secretary to send to our local Medical Centre asking for more
information on the ‘opt out’ |
Mary Jackson 15/6/04 Secretary 16/6/04 |
|
(b) |
Portlethen & District Community
Council re Shortage of football pitches – The Secretary explained the
situation to the Members and reported he had spoken to William Munro,
Area Manager regarding this problem. The
Area Manager had confirmed that the Council were aware of the concerns
and it was agreed the Secretary would reply to the P&D Community
Council and suggest that they contact Aberdeenshire Council Leisure
& Recreation Service on the matter. |
Secretary 15/6/04 |
|
(c) |
Association of Scottish Community
Council’s Annual Report
– The Secretary had received a copy of the ASCC annual report
reiterating the fact that applications for the Calor Gas Scottish
Community of the Year awards were due to be in by 15th June. The Community Council had no proposals. |
|
|
(d) |
Nominations for Opening of new Scottish
Parliament Building –
Councillor Swapp was asked to leave the room to allow discussion of
this item. The Chairman advised that he
had received a letter from David Davidson MSP inviting nominations for
a suitable candidate to accompany the MSP on the procession as part of
the opening of the new building. He
proposed that Councillor George Swapp be put forward, upon his
agreement. Chairman also advised that
Ex-Councillor Harrison McClean had been another nominee and it was
agreed that he be made aware of this nomination. Councillor
Swapp was invited back in to the meeting and advised of the proposal
and unanimous vote, which he accepted with kind thanks. |
Secretary 15/6/04 |
|
(e) |
New development at Kirkton Road – The naming of the new development at
Kirkton Road was discussed. Planning
Service has proposed this new housing be called Glennies Close. There
was discussion around whether the lady (Mrs Glennie) who lives next to
this site was aware of this proposal. It was agreed that the Secretary
would visit Mrs Glennie and confirm she is happy with this proposal
before our response to the Planning Service. Other suggestions were
Glennies Court, Arduthie Court/Close/Place etc. |
Secretary 9/6/04 |
|
(f) |
PARCS
– proposals for the new adventure playpark at Mineralwell were
circulated. The Secretary advised that a
public meeting had been held at the Community Centre on 2nd
June to allow members of the public to view these plans and give
comments. Pam Dobbie advised that these
proposals could cost around £250,000, of which 10% needs to be
raised by PARCS to allow them to qualify for external funding. She
advised that they currently have approx. £12,000 from other
funding and fundraising so far. It was agreed the Secretary would write a
letter of support to PARCS and wish them well and also to provide
comments on the plans. It was suggested
that sand at the playpark might pose a potential health hazard due to
dog fouling etc. It was also felt that
there was a lack of seating in the plans. The
Members felt that a toilet facility would be beneficial and there was
currently a building in the lower park area that could potentially be
used for this purpose. |
Secretary 9/6/04 |
|
(g) |
Association of Scottish Community Councils
National Survey – The
Secretary advised that he had received this survey from the ASCC. All Members agreed that the Secretary should
complete and return the questionnaire. |
Secretary 21/6/04 |
|
12. |
AOCB |
|
|
|
Margaret Ross reported that she had had a letter of complaint
regarding the speed in which traffic travels past the front entrance to
the Open Air Pool. It was agreed that the
Secretary writes a letter to the Aberdeenshire Council Head of Roads
and ask for the original bollards to be reinstated. |
Secretary 9/6/04 |
|
13. |
Next Meeting |
|
|
|
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 13th
July where this Minute will be formally approved. There being
no further business, the meeting closed at 9:32pm. |
|
|
|
Addendum: A. Correspondence/Brochures IN
for information only & available on file:
|
|
|
|
B. Correspondence
‘signed’ OUT: As per those agreed at meeting
of 11/5 plus a.
24/5 – To Planning re Outline Planning for House at
Dunnottar Church b.
27/5 – To Planning re Site for Flats in Town. |
|