MINUTE OF THE 288^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 11^th JANUARY, 2005

PRESENT:

Community Councillors: Derek Stewart, Douglas Dykes, Duncan Cursiter, Raymond Christie, Allan Cairnduff, Peter Bellarby, Margaret Ross, Ian Hunter, Pam Dobbie, Jane Davidson.

Kincardine & Mearns Councillors: George Swapp – Mearns North; Mike Sullivan – Stonehaven North & Fetteresso; Jack Morrison – Stonehaven Central.

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. Raymond Christie agreed not to vote on Item 13, as he is a Member of Friends of the Outdoor Pool.

Item	Description	Action/Date
1.	Apologies Apologies were received from Sarah Dickinson, Sean Fraser, David Bray, Mary Jackson, Isabel Parkes, Nigel Parkes and Wendy Agnew.
2.	Minutes of meeting held on 4^th December, 2004 and Matters Arising Ian Hunter requested that Item 9e be amended, as he did not in fact say that he would attend the NHS 24 Meeting. The Minute was accordingly amended. Councillor Mike Sullivan added that the Recreation Ground Trustees meeting takes place next week and that he will request that Members of the Community Council could attend a future meeting to discuss the ‘Future of Stonehaven’. The Minute was proposed by Ian Hunter and seconded by Duncan Cursiter.	Councillor Mike Sullivan 8/2/05
3.	Christmas Decoration Awards The winners of the Christmas Decoration Awards were as follows: Best Domestic Garden - Mr. & Mrs. Black, 22 Martin Avenue. Best Shop Window – Purdies, 31 Allardice Street. Best Public Building – Market Square, Stonehaven Business Association. The Chairman congratulated all the winners and presented them with their awards. Photographs were taken for the local press. All the runners up would receive Certificates by post.	Secretary 14/1/05
4.	Youth Work and Community Development Presentation In the absence of Sandra Reid it was agreed that this presentation would take place at a later date.
5.	Crime Prevention Locally based Inspector Jim Gordon of Grampian Police introduced himself to the meeting and gave a very informative report on crimes that had taken place over the last month. There has been a reduction in crime figures from last year although the concern was that out of the 62 reported offences, 15 were vandalism related. One particular problem is that of the recurring vandalism at Forest View Centre where windows in the greenhouses were being repeatedly smashed. He added that special patrols had been taking place of this area and it is hoped that in the future there may be other preventative measures such as CCTV. Over the last month there had been many public order offences especially over the festive period but added that from the 62 reported offences only 3 were thefts; a bicycle, a mobile phone and a sum of money. Inverurie has less vandalism offences but more thefts from houses and car break-ins. The Chairman asked on Police policy when Licensed Premises apply for extended hours and Inspector Jim Gordon replied that the Police force determine whether or not they will put an objection in to the Licensing Board, based on historical information they have. In any case, the local police discuss the issue with the proprietors of the premises. The Inspector also informed Members that if they were to see a crime taking place they should immediately call 999, but if it is a historic event, then they should call the Police Service Centre on 0845 600-5-700. He added that a Retail Crime Seminar is to take place on 23^rd February at the St Leonard’s Hotel for anyone who wishes to attend. It will discuss issues such as cash handling, difficult customers, verbal abuse etc.
6.	Road and Local Transport Issues Ian Hunter described to Members recent problems he had encountered with the local transport including no adequate waiting area at the Train Station, no taxi or bus listings at the Train Station, inadequate bus service from National Express, appalling public transport service to Aberdeen Airport among others. He felt it was imperative that when we discuss changes to our town that we make our public transport system much more tourist/visitor friendly. Peter Bellarby felt that as a member of the Bus Forum that a lot of progress had already been made and that this should be commended. He asked that all Members check the bus service in their area and advise him of any concerns. He also said that improvements had been made with regards to the train service from Aberdeen to Edinburgh in the fact that it is now 30 minutes quicker and that plans were underway to improve the service to and from Inverness. Peter also felt that we should also commend the train service for the improvements they have made, but write to them about the punctuality and reliability problems that still exist. It was also agreed that a better infrastructure is required for transport to and from the airport and perhaps a shuttle service from Dyce Train Station to the airport is required. It was agreed that these specific transport issues were wide ranging and should be taken forward to the Community Council Forums in the future, but also that our own Community Council should concentrate on local issues first. It was agreed that this issue be discussed at the forthcoming ‘Imagine Stonehaven’ meeting next month and the Chairman asked both Ian and Peter to gather some points together in preparation for this.	Peter Bellarby / Ian Hunter 25/1/05
7.	Constitution – Proposed Changes Peter Bellarby stated that he is ready to put forward the number of proposed changes to the Constitution and will send this out to all Members as well as Stephen Marshall at Aberdeenshire Council for comment. Peter requested that we hold a Special General Meeting on same date at time immediately before our Business Meeting planned for 8th February. The Secretary would ensure this was announced in local press at least 14 days before such meeting.	Secretary 20/1/05
8.	Community Radio Ian Hunter distributed a document to all Members outlining the aims of the Stonehaven Community Radio Station. He also felt that an important issue was to ensure that the Radio Station was not operated by a clique and suggested that a Board of Governors be nominated by Community Groups and elected at an AGM to combat this problem. The Chairman replied that he considered the Radio Station to be an excellent idea and added that the Community Council would support this initiative. It was agreed that our Community Council would be willing to act as a vetting group when the Community Radio Station was ready to elect the Board of Governors. Ian Hunter would continue with this initiative outwith our Community Council.
9.	Stonehaven Capacity Study The Chairman informed members that the Public Meeting on this subject would take place on 1^st February at 1930 hours in Stonehaven Town Hall and that he would like as many Community Council Members to attend to show a unity and commitment with this project. A ‘Stakeholders’ meeting is due to take place on 26^th January.	All Members 1/2/05
10.	Transport Committee A new Member was required to be part of the Transport Committee and Margaret Ross agreed to take on this role. This was nominated by Peter Bellarby and seconded by Douglas Dykes. The List Of Committees would be duly amended.	Secretary 12/1/05
11.	Reports and Projects Update
(a)	Planning – Derek Stewart issued all Members with this months’ Planning Report and added that all applications could now be viewed via the Council website. There were only two issues to note and the Secretary has already sent out letters regarding these. Derek also informed Members that our Council had finally received formal notification of the decision to extend the time for building works to commence, as the original 5 years approval had now lapsed. He added that he felt that Planning Services could have handled the situation regarding this site more professionally. Councillor Jack Morrison added that the plans for 42 flats show an estimated cost of £1.3 million, which will mean that these flats will each be very expensive.
(b)	Finance Statement – Treasurer Duncan Cursiter provided verbal information on the Community Council Accounts. He commented that finances were much more solvent than of late. He also advised that the Financial Year was to be changed to run from January until December in line with the other proposed changes to our Constitution. Full details of the audited accounts will be presented at the AGM on 8^th March 2005.
(c)	Town Sewage Treatment Works – Scottish Water have provided us with notification of its submission of Appeal to the Scottish Executive against refusal of planning consent for the new Sewage Treatment Works at The Backies and at Cowie. As per previous correspondence with Scottish water, our Council will write to them regarding the proposed style and finishes of the planned buildings. Planning Committee to prepare a draft letter.	Derek Stewart 17/1/05
(d)	Newssheet and Communications Committee – Nothing to report.
(e)	The Future of Stonehaven – Nothing to report as Sean Fraser was absent from the meeting. The Secretary agreed to ask Sean for a copy of the Objects and Functions for this Committee from Sean.	Sean Fraser 18/1/05
(f)	Fossil Group – Derek Stewart had previously emailed a copy of the draft Press Release on this project for comment and Members agreed that it could now be released.	Derek Stewart 12/1/05
(g)	Disability Discrimination Act – Nothing to discuss.
(h)	Youth Award Scheme – Duncan Cursiter told Members that 4 nominations had been received from Mackie Academy and read out the Objects and Functions of this Committee for clarification on nominee eligibility. It was unanimously agreed that this year’s winner would be 5^th Year Student Hannah Dyson. Duncan read out details of Hannah’s nomination. It was agreed that Hannah would receive a Citation Scroll plus a cheque for £100 and that the presentation may be better to take place during an Assembly at Mackie Academy. Duncan to arrange	Duncan Cursiter 12/1/05
12. (a)	Correspondence in requiring action Imagine Stonehaven Questionnaire The Chairman is currently working on this questionnaire and will return it to Aberdeenshire Council.	Derek Stewart 24/1/05
(b)	7/01 – Draft Planning Guidance on Wind Energy in Aberdeenshire The Secretary informed Members that this is a critical document and that comments are required by 4^th February. It is imperative that any Wind Farm is not visible on the Skyline. The Secretary added that he felt it was not viable to be able to comment on this issue within a month and that he will write to the Planning and Environmental Services to request an extension. The Planning Committee will especially hold a meeting to review and provide comments before 12^th February.	Secretary 12/1/05 Planning Committee 12/2/05
(c)	Community Councillors Code of Conduct. The Secretary referred to the draft Code of Conduct that had been earlier circulated for comment. A few Members only had responded to date so it may be assumed that those who had failed to respond accepted the document. Detailed comment received from one Member would be passed to Aberdeenshire Council for consideration.	Secretary 14/1/04
13.	AOCB Bequest Investment Bond Renewal The Chairman read out an email that he had issued to all Members with the proposal to donate monies from the Bequest Bond to the Friends of the Pool towards the construction of the new Paddling Pool. He added that Miss Scatterty had left this money to the Community Council to use “in the interests of the Town of Stonehaven”. Councillor George Swapp added that he felt Miss Scatterty would have been very pleased with this idea that was proposed by Derek Stewart and seconded by Douglas Dykes. After much discussion it was further proposed that a sum of £5000 be donated towards the new Paddling Pool and that a vote be taken between all Members present. All members voted ‘for’ this proposal and the cash amount, with the exception of Raymond Christie who did not vote due to conflict of interest, as he is a member of the Friends of the Outdoor Pool. Chairman agreed to draft a letter and Treasurer to prepare a cheque for immediate issue to Mary Mitchell, the Chair of the Friends of the Outdoor Pool.	Derek Stewart & Duncan Cursiter 14/1/05
14.	Next Meeting The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 8^th February where this Minute will be formally approved. The meeting closed at 9:45 pm.

Addendum:

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

a. Various letters relating to Planning Applications

b. 23/12 – Donation of £500 from Common Good Fund for Fossil Project

c. 29/12 – S&DAA re lighting dispute at Mineral Well

d. Aberdeenshire Council Finance Briefing Papers No. 5, 6, 7 & 8.

B. Correspondence ‘signed’ OUT:

As per those agreed at meeting of 14/12 plus

a. 22/12 – Objection to Planning Applications - 15 Arduthie Street & 10 Urie Crescent

b. 29/12 – Sewage Treatment Planning Objections - Copies to Scottish Water

c. 7/1 - To Mackie Academy re litter problem

d. 7/1 - To Area Manager re litter problem at Redcloak Shops

e. 7/1 – To Head of Law & Administration re Licensing of Shop Premises & Responsibility for Litter.