MINUTE OF THE 287^TH BUSINESS MEETING

OF THE

STONEHAVEN AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

HELD IN THE COWIE LOUNGE OF THE INVERCARRON RESOURCE CENTRE

At 7.30pm ON TUESDAY 14^th DECEMBER, 2004

PRESENT:

Community Councillors: Derek Stewart, Douglas Dykes, Duncan Cursiter, Raymond Christie, Allan Cairnduff, Peter Bellarby, Margaret Ross, Isabel Parkes, Nigel Parkes, Ian Hunter, Sarah Dickinson, Sean Fraser.

Kincardine & Mearns Councillors: Wendy Agnew – Stonehaven South; George Swapp – Mearns North; Mike Sullivan – Stonehaven North & Fetteresso.

Minute Secretary: Laura Dykes

Members of the Press also 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 reported.

Item	Description	Action/Date
1.	Apologies Apologies were received from Jane Davidson, Pamela Dobbie, David Bray, Mary Jackson and Sergeant Grant Wallace.
2.	Minutes of meeting held on 9^th November, 2004 and Matters Arising Raymond Christie suggested we amend the minute to read ‘In the absence of the Chairman, Pamela Dobbie opened the meeting………’ The Minute was accordingly amended. Councillor Wendy Agnew updated the meeting on the progress of the naming of the lane adjacent to the Mill Inn by informing those present that this area does not belong to Aberdeenshire Council and that she will try and arrange for a sign to be erected if there are no objections from local residents nearby. The Minute was proposed by Raymond Christie and seconded by Sarah Dickinson.
3.	Stonehaven Capacity Study A presentation was given by Andrew Carruthers of Aberdeenshire Council who checked that Members had all received and read the material on the Capacity Study. He informed Members that this study is not a blueprint or plan, but explores only what could happen in the future. Mr Carruthers gave details of subjects being researched such as housing, public transport and community requirements. He added that there will be a public meeting on 1^st February at 7.30pm in the Town Hall, and hoped that all Members would invite their family and friends to attend. He continued that the meeting was reliant on feedback and suggestions from various people and discussed how the meeting would take place with small tables with about 10 persons on each table to ensure everyone gets the chance to air their views. A Stakeholder meeting for professionals and the Business Community is also to take place on 26^th January. Mr. Carruthers asked for feedback from Members. Allan Cairnduff asked whether or not an Aberdeenshire Council representative would be at each table at the meeting to which Mr. Carruthers replied no – to ensure that people’s real views were raised. Ian Hunter asked whether or not the study was available for the public to read on the website and it was agreed that a reminder would go out to advertise that this was available. Ian Hunter asked whether or not feedback from the Stakeholder meeting will be available at the Public meeting and Mr. Carruthers replied that he hoped to have some of the information collated to give attendees at the Public Meeting a flavour of the issues that were raised. Sarah Dickinson asked that if the report requires to be altered, how long this would take. Mr. Carruthers could not give a definitive answer this, as it would depend on how many changes were required, but expected it would be completed within 2 to 3 weeks. The Chairman informed the meeting that the Community Council would put forward their own feedback on the document and that one or two of the Community Council Members would also attend the Stakeholders meeting in January. All Members agreed that the meetings were an excellent idea and would be invaluable in helping them to discuss issues for the Future of Stonehaven. Councillor George Swapp agreed, but felt that there should be some mention in the Study of a new hospital and secondary school, as the Academy level is expected to rise slightly in the future.
4.	Crime Prevention In the absence of Sergeant Wallace, the Chairman informed Members that the Toilets at the Beach had the windows broken once again. Ian Hunter suggested that vandalism as a whole be added to the Agenda of the next meeting and this was agreed.	Secretary 3/1/05
5.	Stonehaven Litter Problem Margaret Ross informed Members that the recent Clean-Up operation at Mineral Well Park was very successful with 24 volunteers in attendance. She wished to thank the Members of Stonehaven and District Angling Association for their help and the Secretary added that he had already done so. Margaret added that current litter ‘blackspot’s were Ury Viaduct/Slug Road and Glebe/Maxiburn, which are constantly littered with food related items such as bottles and packaging. These are both school routes. It was agreed that the Community Council would write to the Rector of Mackie Academy again and suggest the Mackie Eco-group along with Members of the Community Council could attend an Assembly or debate on the subject. Allan Cairnduff added that the area around the shops at Redcloak are a disgrace and needs a concentrated effort to clean up the litter. After much discussion, Duncan Cursiter suggested that the school pupils themselves assist in the Clean Up operations, but the Secretary felt that the Mackie might find many reasons why this was not practicable such as Health and Safety etc. It was agreed that the Secretary would write to Aberdeenshire Council requesting that they clean up in and around the shrubbery opposite the shops at Redcloak during the winter months as many are extremely dense and thorny. It was felt that this was the only way forward with this problem as it would be difficult to get the Shopkeepers to take responsibility for the litter problem in the vicinity of their shops, as there is already 3 bins there at present.	Secretary 22/12/04
6.	Promotion of Environmental Issues Sean Fraser gave a report on the Promotion of Environmental issues taking into account issues such as our changing climate, increase in electricity, use of landfill sites, increased use of personal transport, increase in fuel prices etc. and suggested the Community Council promote ‘Consideration Of The Environment’ when discussing planning and other matters. Sean suggested that the Community Council become Ambassadors on Environmental Issues by following the A5 Information Booklet and using environmentally friendly products, as well as promoting recycling, waste reduction, energy reduction and efficiencies. Duncan Cursiter asked whether or not Environmental Issues are included in the school curriculum and this in fact appears to be the case. The Chairman suggested that Sean liase with Margaret Ross with regards to these issues and suggested that Primary Schools may be easier to target and raise awareness. Alan Cairnduff felt that we should ensure the Aberdeenshire Council progress the Recycling Centre as previously promised. Councillor Mike Sullivan replied by informing Members that there was a problem in finding a suitable site for this but agreed to chase up this ongoing issue with the Council once again.	Sean Fraser 221/12/04 Councillor Mike Sullivan 22/12/04
7.	Recreation Grounds (Trustees) As part of the Future of Stonehaven project, the Chairman advised Members that the Community Council planned to contact as many different groups within the Town as possible to receive feedback. It was agreed that the Community Council should also speak to the Trustees of the Recreation Grounds, and Councillor Mike Sullivan informed Members that he was a Member of the Board and would e-mail the Chairman with the names of the Trustees. He went on to explain that the Board is made up of three Area Committee Members and six members that are elected from various groups who use the Recreation Grounds facilities	Derek Stewart 21/12/04 Councillor Mike Sullivan 21/12/04
8.	Reports and Projects Update
(a)	Planning – The Chairman updated Members of the various issues that had raised concerns: Lazio Pizza Shop – application to extend hours. This was not thought to be too much of a problem since the Nightclubs were still open at this time, but it was agreed that the licence would be looked into to find out if any mention is made on their responsibility to keep the environs clean and litter free. DE Shoe Shop – New shop floor design did not comply fully with the Disability Discrimination Act. East Newtonleys Development – developers are to advise what type of lighting will be used. The Chairman also advised that meaningful talks were supposedly underway between Aberdeenshire Council and the SYFC regarding the floodlighting in Mineral Well Park. Allan Cairnduff asked if there were any developments with regards to the Braehead Road Issue, and Councillor George Swapp advised that funding this project was still the problem. The Secretary agreed to mention this matter to Aberdeenshire Council Roads manager when he meets with him in January.	Secretary 5/1/05 Secretary 31/1/05
(b)	Town Sewage Treatment Works – Nigel Parkes advised Members of the recent meeting with Scottish Water where the finishes of the proposed buildings were discussed. He added that the Senior Planner did not seem to be aware of the objections the Community Council put forward to the Planning Department. A letter has also been received from Mike Rumbles stating that he hope to try and push for a Public Meeting but that this would require funding assistance for CRAG to employ the services of a QC or similar.
(c)	Newssheet and Communications Committee – Ian Hunter agreed to add the Stonehaven Community Guide written by Martin Sim to the CC website as it was very impressive. It was agreed that we would change the format to ‘hmtl’ so that the Stonehaven public can e-mail the CC directly. The Secretary suggested that we push forward with this idea and try to get more information available on our Website.	Ian Hunter 21/12/04
(d)	The Future of Stonehaven – Sean Fraser is to arrange meetings with various local groups and the Secretary will get him a list of the names and contacts from Aberdeenshire Council. The Chairman also stated that he felt it important to keep the public aware of what we are doing and what the Community Council is all about. He also requested that we get moving with these meetings and that two or three Community Council Members should attend each meeting.	Sean Fraser 11/1/05
(e)	Fossil Group – The Chairman announced that he is to put out a press release in January, and commented on how enthusiastic the members if this group had become. The budget and programme is currently being drafted to apply from funding from various groups such as the Scottish National Heritage Society and it is also planned to have an information board erected at Cowie.
(f)	Disability Discrimination Act – Nothing to discuss.
(g)	Community Council Forum – The Chairman attended this meeting and will pass details on to members by e-mail.	Chairman 21/12/04
(h)	Youth Award Scheme – Duncan Cursiter has received 4 nominations at present and will arrange a meeting with other members of this Committee to choose the winner.	Duncan Cursiter 21/12/04
(i)	Christmas Decoration Awards - The Secretary mentioned that all the Christmas Trophies had been polished and were ready to be distributed. He asked members to volunteer to judge between Christmas and New Year and Sarah, Allan and Sean agreed to do this. He also added that if any Member knew of any well decorated house they should pass this on to the team to look at. Winners will be invited along to the next meeting and will be announced in the local press.	Sarah Dickinson, Sean Fraser, Allan Cairnduff 31/12/04
9. (a)	Correspondence in requiring action Kincardine and Mearns Area Partnership Membership application to consider Secretary received the minutes of the last meeting and the Constitution. The Chairman thought this was just another layer of meetings and since it covers such a large area he found it hard to see how it can be viable. There are also 12 other Community Councils in our area to compete with. The Secretary read out the Objects of the Partnership and concluded that the general opinion was not to complete the Application at this time and for the Chairman to attend the next meeting to gain further insight. This meeting is planned for 27^th January at 1430 hours in Highfield Court. The Chairman added that normally 2 or 3 S&DCC Community Councillors have attended these Meetings.	Derek Stewart 27/01/05
(b)	7/11 – Philip Dean re: Elsick Mounth Footpath through Ury Estate It was agreed that the Secretary would write to FM Developments who are in charge of the Ury Estate Development and ask them to support the identification of this pathway. Also to write to the Area Manager for further guidance on this matter.	Secretary 21/12/04
(c)	8/11 – Adopt a Phone Box It was agreed that the Community Council would not take part in this initiative.
(d)	19/11 – Code of Conduct for Community Councillors This was copied to all Members and the Secretary requested that everyone read it, as it will be added to the Agenda of the next meeting for further discussion.	All members 11/1/05
(e)	29/11 – NHS24 Invite to Visit North Contact Centre on 28/01 or 11/02 It was agreed that Raymond Christie and Ian Hunter would attend this visit on 28^th January on behalf of the Community Council and advise Members at the following meeting.	Raymond Christie, Ian Hunter 8/2/05
(f)	8/12 – Grampian Fire and Rescue Services – Draft Safety Plan for Comment This document was passed to Duncan Cursiter to look at in more detail before the next Safety Committee meeting in March.
10.	AOCB Sarah Dickinson commented that she had to telephone Aberdeenshire Council to get the Market Square clock fixed after it had been out of order for some time. Ian Hunter requested that Road Transport Issues be added to the Agenda of the next meeting.
11.	Next Meeting The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 11^th January where this Minute will be formally approved. The Chairman wished all members a Merry Christmas. The meeting closed at 9:44 pm.

Addendum:

A. Correspondence/Brochures IN for information only & available on file:

a. Various letters relating to Planning Applications

b. 6/10 - Invercarron Resource Centre meeting minutes

c. 6/10 – NHS Grampian consultation process feedback notes

d. 8/11 – Local Roads Manager letter to Councillor Swapp

e. 11/11 – S&DAA re Beech Hedging Buffer at River Cowie

f. 17/11 – Aberdeenshire Council re Public Entertainment Licensing

g. 18/11 – NHS Grampian Newsletter Nov2004

h. 22/11 – Scottish Water re launch of Winter warmer campaign

i. 25/11 – Grampian fire Board re Action Plans 2005/06 + presentation on 9/12 at S/H F/Station

j. 1/12 – Stonehaven Town bus service timetable

k. 6/12 – Scottish Water advice on planned sewer works in Town streets

l. 6/12 - Aberdeenshire Council – Budget Briefing Papers 1, 2, 3, & 4

m. 7/12 – Christmas Card from Sir Robert Smith MP

B. Correspondence ‘signed’ OUT:

As per those agreed at meeting of 9/11 plus

a. 16/11 – Mr. Ian Hutchison - thank you for Memorial Bench Seat

b. 24/11 – Stonehaven Arts & Leisure Trust - thank you for £100 for Xmas Tree Fund

c. 3/12 – Application to Nortrail for Funding towards Fossil Project