Community Council Minutes
Auchencairn Community Council - minutes PDF Print E-mail
The minutes of the Auchencairn Community Council meeting held on the 3rd April 2012 can be viewed here. . .
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DRAFT- Community Council minutes for 4th October 2011 PDF Print E-mail

AUCHENCAIRN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 04 OCTOBER 2011

IN THE MURRAY HALL ANNEXE AT 7.30 PM.

1. PRESENT

    Guy Pounder (Chairman)

    Brian Jones (Treasurer)

    Carole Ashton

    John Simpson

    Fiona Anderson (Secretary)

2. VISITORS

    Cllr Thomas Jacques, Mr and Mrs Norris..

3. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

   Councillors Patsy Gilroy, Jane Maitland.

4. POLICE MATTERS

    No Representative present.

5. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING – 06 SEPTEMBER 2011

    Accepted as a true record.  Proposed by Carole Ashton

                                               Seconded by John Simpson

6.  MATTERS ARISING from previous minutes

    6.1  D & G Fire & Rescue Authority – request for a representative to attend one of our

    Meetings re Action Plan.  As the ACC needs advice on Community Resilience rather than fire   

    and rescue Cllr Maitland suggested Anne Sweetin be contacted .  Cllr Anderson  attended to this  

    matter – await reply.

    6.2  Ante Room Door – new door will be painted and fitted by Contractor in the near future,   

    also, door of Murray Hall – difficult to close - ongoing.  Used wood in Main Hall – to be

    disposed of - Cllr Jones attending to these matters.

    6.3  Down-pipe outside Hall – new pipe required.  Cllr Jones to attend to this matter.

    6.4  Hedge to the rear of the Hall – fencing?  Robert Duncan to be contacted re “listing” of

    the building and possibility of being in a conservation area. Cllr Pounder to attend to this

    matter – ongoing.

    11.3 Fountain – colour of paint?  Cllr Pounder to investigate through the History Society.  Cllr    

    Simpson to contact villagers.

    11.6 Crocket Road – Scottish Water – Scottish Water has been contacted.  Apparently there is a

    Work Plan for Auchencairn. – await further reply.  Cllr Jacques suggested Ms Judy Wakker be

    Contacted as a way forward.  Cllr Pounder attending to this matter.

    11.10 Lorry parked outside village – Cllr Pounder has attended to this matter – Await reply from

    VOSA.

7.  FINANCE

    Amounts held in accounts are as follows:

    General account    £ 11,126.99 (Robin Rigg Money Ring-Fenced)

    Heughan Fund      £   5,348.15 (Civic Pride Grant £4,000)

    Car Care Scheme £       466.39 + approx £115.00 (Firework & Car Care Scheme Funds) from

    Smugglers Inn (Coffee Mornings and bottle).

    Cllr Jones reported as follows:

1.      Fireworks have been paid and been delivered.    

2.      Cllr Anderson enquired if the £10.00 Annual Subscription had been paid to the Stewartry Convention of Community Councils. As the answer was no, Cllr Jones will attend to this matter.

8.  AUCHENCAIRN INITIATIVE REPORT

     Cllr Pounder reported as follows:

a.       The Auchencairn Initiative is investigating possible part time employment of a secretary –   

ongoing.

b.      Field on Crocket Road – The first half of the field has now been mown and certainly looks a

lot better.

c.       Mini Hydro System – this project is still under study with the intention of undertaking a feasibility study in the future.

d.      Heughan House – Issue re high electricity bills is ongoing.  The Energy Saving Trust are

investigating at present.  The shrub beds have been tidied up.  Low maintenance plants will be installed at the front of the shop.

e.       Play Area – Goal Posts still to be moved – ongoing.  Mrs Norris raised issue of weeds

coming through the sand in the sandpit. Maintenance Agreement to be looked into.  Cllr Pounder to attend to this matter with the Initiative.  With regard to the bark chippings, perhaps they just need “fluffed-up”.  Initiative to be approached – ongoing.

f.       Auchencairn Mugs – selling well.   Tea towels still to be produced.

g.      New Initiative Directors – ongoing.

h.      Website through the Initiative – request for article re Youth Club to be placed on website. 

i.        Calendar for 2012 of the village old and new now on sale.  See website for full details.

j.        Bird Hide – latch to be replaced with a “bar” type.

k.      Cllr Jones stated the tree (not on Initiative ground) across the BT cable in Crocket Road has been reported to both the Council and BT.  Issue need to be resolved as a matter of urgency.  Cllr Pounder will follow this up. (PMN most of the tree has been removed by someone and DGC will send team to remove remainder)

9.  COUNCIL MATTERS

 Cllr Jacques reported as follows:

 a.  Gave overview of Council budget.  Initial total was £12m but now possibly only £8.1m.

 b.  Local Transport Strategy – Draft proposals now ready for distribution.

 c.  Stewartry Area Committee Meeting – A windfall of £98,000 for the Discretionary Budget. 

 This will be used to top-up the economic generation fund.

 d.  Scallop Fishing – Irish Sea is closed due to the threat of over-fishing.  Await further

 development. 

 e.  Some CC’s are having difficulty with their Constitution.  A review will be undertaken by the Scottish Government in 2012.

 f.  Cllr Jones raised article in The Galloway News re affordable housing  in various areas

 which included Auchencairn.  Scottish Government is offering about 31.8m but DGC has to      

 borrow £9m to make plan work. This is an idea in the early stages of development. Discussion

 ensued re short-term rent and right to buy.  Cllr Jacques observed that there is one large housing

 application (DGHP) proposed in Kirkcudbright on the redundant creamery site.

10. CORRESPONDENCE

1.      Planning Applications ––Standing Stone Farm - No objection to the application. 

2.      Form re Administrative Grant. (Cllr Jones)

3.      Stewartry Area Committee – 21 Sept 11.

4.      Stewartry Convention of CC’s Minutes of last Meeting.  (Cllr Jones)

5.      Leaflet – WRVS Good Neighbours in D & G. Cllr Pounder to request more leaflets. 

(To be placed in the Post Office).  Cllr Ashton stated the WI already delivers meals to the village.  To be investigated.

6.      Unconfirmed Minutes and Agenda for next Meeting of RES – Barcloy Hill CLG.  Cllr Pounder gave overview of the proposed wind farm and stated that these meetings simply satisfy the requirement for the public consultation the developer must undertake.

7.      ASCC Magazines

8.      Email from Mr R Wilson.  Art Exhibition now proposed for Spring 2012.

9.      Email from Mr B Maxwell re painting of fountain.  See 11.3.  Cllr Pounder to contact Mr Maxwell. 

In the absence of a volunteer to maintain the flowers in te Square and in the fountain, Cllr Simpson suggested the tubs in the square be removed but continue with the flowers in the fountain.  This was agreed by all present.

Cllr Anderson enquired if pruning, etc in the Millennium Garden was still carried out bi-annually.  There is a great team of volunteers who work in the garden all year round.

10.  Email re Training Dates for CC’s.

11.  ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS

1.  Hall Usage/Charges:  Cllr Jones to collate usage figures for all users in the past year and also to produce a booking form.  Cllr Pounder to draft letter and also terms & conditions for the next                 

      meeting – ongoing.

2.      Ante Room /Main Hall Heating System - Delta has been contacted re installation of heating

 in the Main Hall and also the removal of the condenser to the rear wall of the hall with ducting  to Ante Room. 

      3.  Hall windows – this was discussed at the AGM.  These are to be modified as soon as possible    

      to allow them to be opened safely when required – ongoing.  In the meantime, Cllr Simpson

      has stated that he will open and close windows as and when required to do so.  Telephone

      Number on Notice Board – ongoing.

4.      Bonfire Night – Discussion ensued re food, refreshments and specific “jobs” which have to

be done.  Volunteers are still needed.  Any volunteers should contact a Cllr. as soon as possible.  Any help would be very much appreciated.

      5.  Village Hall Improvement Scheme Grant – ACC have been awarded a grant of

£8,304.  Along with the Robin Rigg monies, this will allow us to install the heating system in the Main Hall.  Cllr Jones to contact Contractor re commencement date.  Cllr Anderson suggested that a standard letter be sent out to all users a few weeks prior to the works commencing.

6.  Balliol Court Housing:  Resident to write to Loreburn and Mr McCrae to draft letter to Loreburn.  Cllr Pounder to contact Mr McCrae.

7.  Solar Panels:  Cllr Jones to contact representative from Aspatria for further information.

8.  Future Projects:  Cllr Pounder stated that we need to start thinking of other projects for the future.  Mrs Norris suggested a Community Bus.  Anyone with ideas, please contact the Secretary or any of your Community Councillors.

9. Hall Usage:  (Please note this issue is separate from para.11.1 above.)  Cllr Ashton raised issue of users access to the Hall. She stated that she had opened the Hall on numerous occasions in the past few weeks and that as there are five Cllrs, perhaps a rota could be made-up.  She had also had a resident at her door asking for the key when she was unaware of any booking.  As the debate continued Cllr Ashton felt the need to withdraw and, it being almost the end of the meeting, did not return. Discussion continued and it was agreed the Bookings Diary would be brought to every meeting when it would be agreed who would open the Hall for every booking.  Councillors are responsible for organising a substitute if required.

10.  Youth Club:  Cllr Anderson enquired if anyone had been informed re Youth Club.  This is expected to start after the October school holidays organised by Mrs Catriona Graham.

12.  DATE OF NEXT MEETING

       The next meeting will be held in the Ante Room of the Murray Hall on Tuesday 01 November

       2011 at 7.30 pm.  

 

There being no other competent business, the meeting closed at 9.40pm.

 
 
DRAFT- Community Council minutes for 10th January 2012 PDF Print E-mail

AUCHENCAIRN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 10 JANUARY 2012

IN THE MURRAY HALL ANNEXE AT 7.30 PM.

1. PRESENT

    Guy Pounder (Chairman)

    Brian Jones (Treasurer)

    John Simpson

    Fiona Anderson (Secretary)

2. VISITORS

    Mr and Mrs Norris, Mr K Kerrison, Mr J McCrae, PC Jim Drysdale and Sgt Ian McKie.

3. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

   Councillors Patsy Gilroy, Jane Maitland and Tommy Jacques.

4. POLICE MATTERS

    PC Drysdale reported as follows:

1.       Drink Driving – One incident relevant to Auchencairn.

2.      Adverse Weather – many trees down over the region with wide disruption.  Nothing relevant to Auchencairn.

3.      Adverse weather – Icy roads.  Discussion re A711, especially at Auchencairn side of Palnackie, on the smooth “black-top” part where accidents took place.  Discussion followed about Council surface dressing works which is usually carried out after 2 – 3 years following such repairs.  Mr J McCrae suggested the Police should carry out a survey as “black-top” surfacing appears to be a problem as accidents have happened in other areas within the region.

4.      Bogus Callers – There were several reports about these which in some cases defrauded unsuspecting elderly people of several thousands of £s. The suspects (from the Falkirk area) have been apprehended and are banned from entering Dumfries and Galloway.  Police advice is to  BE VIGILANT and phone them immediately with any relevant information, e.g. car registration number, description of caller, etc.

5.      The Auchencairn Initiative raised the issue of possible vandalism once the pedestrian bridge from Crocket Road to Main Street which will be partially lit is built.  Also the allotments are hoped to be in use by April/May. This will be discussed directly between the Initiative and the Police. 

5. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING – 06 DECEMBER 2011

    Accepted as a true record.  Proposed by Brian Jones

                                               Seconded by John Simpson 

6.  MATTERS ARISING from previous minutes

    7.3  Crocket Road – Scottish Water – A Water Purity Test was to be carried out when there was a  

    “burst”.  Cllr Pounder will contact Scottish Water to clarify if this test was carried out – ongoing.

7.  FINANCE

    Amounts held in accounts are as follows:

    General account    £ 20,027.95 (Robin Rigg Money Ring-Fenced)

    Heughan Fund      £   7,331.41 (Civic Pride Grant £4,000)

    Car Care Scheme £       417.39 (Less £150.00 to Mrs McCubbin)

     Cllr Jones reported as follows:

1.      Village Hall Improvement Scheme – Confirmation letter has been received.  This will enable works to be carried out as soon as possible.  50% of grant upfront with two further instalments during works.     

2.      Wed 18 January 12:  Scottish Power replacing meter in Hall.  Discussion re extortionate “bill”.  Local representative to be invited to visit and discuss.

3.      Wed 18 Jan 12:  Delta representative to discuss Hall heating.

4.      Wed 19 Jan 12:  Contractors re Hall improvements.

5.      After all meetings above, planning of Hall works will be discussed and agreed.

6.      Annual Bond Interest has been put into the Heughan Account.

9.  AUCHENCAIRN INITIATIVE REPORT

     Cllr Pounder reported as follows:

a.       Funding decision for bridge, etc have been delayed by LEADER to 12 Jan 12.  Have been accepted by SNH.

b.      Field behind shop – Clearing of Japanese Knotweed continuing.  Field continuing to be cleaned-up.  Drains being investigated.

c.       Allotments – progressing quite well.  Mr Stuart Ditchburn, (new Director) is in overall charge.  Initially they will be ½ size (50 sq m) with an annual charge of £20.00.  Keen to get this up and running this season.  A ruling on huts is in place.  Planning application to be put forward through the CC.  

d.      Mini Hydro System –surveys continuing.  Tests have been sent to SEPA. 

e.       Heughan House – Issue re high electricity bills is ongoing.  Talks with The Energy Saving Trust, Contractors and Suppliers took place.  Suggestion that there is a basic design flaw.  Await reply.  A quote is being obtained for the decking proposal outside the Shop ongoing.

f.       Play Area – Goal Posts still to be moved – still ongoing. 

g.      Auchencairn Mugs continuing to sell.  The Auchencairn Tea Towel with map is now on sale in the Post Office.

h.      Calendar for 2012 of the village old and new – SOLD OUT.

i.        Bird Hide – latch to be replaced with a “bar” type – ongoing.

j.        BT cable in Crocket Road - Cllr Pounder to follow this up.

k.      Millennium Garden Bridge – “Chicken wire” will be replaced in the near future.

10.  COUNCIL MATTERS

  No Representative Present.  Apologies sent in.

1.      Cllr Simpson reported he had received an email from Cllr Maitland re Wind Turbine   

excessive costs.  See 11.7.

11. CORRESPONDENCE

1.      Planning Applications –– None relevant to Auchencairn

2.      Email re Co-option of CC Members.  Cllr Pounder stated 2 persons are interested. Mr J McCrae raised issue of quorum and explained the implications re funding if ACC was to disband.  Something needs to be done now.  Cllr Pounder stated the above people will be contacted ASAP and thanked Mr McCrae for raising this issue.

3.      Email re Interim Planning Policy Wind Energy – Update.  Cllr Pounder stated that there had been a very good response to this. 

4.      Email re I Howie re Federation of Halls Meeting

5.      Local Development Plan Poster – Post Office

6.      Email Local Development Plan – Further Consultation on Sites and Policies – See AOCB

7.      Email re Wind Turbine Costs

8.      Email re the “Guttery” lane.  Cllr Pounder contacted the Council.  Reply received stating road will be checked and a decision over cleaning to be made.

9.      Stewartry Area Committee Meeting – 16 Nov 11

10.  Stewartry Area Committee Meeting – 21 Dec 11

11.  Email re Amendment to December Minutes – name change only

12.  Email re Non-attendance of Regional Councillors at January Meeting

13.  Email re Agenda for January Meeting – “Local Development Plan” to be added to AOCB

14.  NHS Newsletter

15.  Local Government Elections – Thursday 03 May 2012

16.  Loreburn Newsletter

17.  Letter from Mrs M McCrae – Cllr Simpson attending to this.

12.  ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS

1.  Hall Usage/Charges:  Cllr Jones to collate usage figures for all users in the past year and also to produce a booking form.  Cllr Pounder to draft letter and also terms & conditions – ongoing.

2.      Ante Room /Main Hall Heating System - Delta attending meeting with Cllr Jones on Wed 18 

Jan 12.

3.      Balliol Court Housing:  Resident to write to Loreburn and Mr McCrae to draft letter to

Loreburn.  Mr McCrae awaiting power usage details – ongoing.  Mrs R Norris reported other Loreburn Housing Developments are having insulation problems.

4.  Future Projects:  Suggestions so far have been:  Community Bus, Digital piano for the Hall with the possibility of a sound system.  Cllr Pounder asked who was now “in charge” of the Robin Rigg Money since there was a Management change. Cllr Jones to contact Cllr Pounder with relevant person details.

      5.  Village Drains – During the recent wet weather, water has been running down Main Street,

      crossing-over the road and heading down Shore Road.  Discussion ensued and decision taken

      that Cllr Pounder will contact Scottish Water.

      6.  Mr K Kerrison, on behalf of the Thursday Club, asked if the CC had Insurance if any

member were to have an accident whilst in the Hall.  Cllrs Pounder and Jones ensured him that the Public Liability Insurance held by the CC would suffice.

 7.  Main Hall Cleaning – Cllrs Jones and Simpson have agreed to carry out this duty but would appreciate some assistance.

8.  Christmas Tree Lights – Electrician to check them when in the hall carrying out works.

9.  Fire Extinguishers – These have been checked and Certificate will be sent in due course. 

   10.  Cllr Simpson handed out list of Hall Usage for the month of February 2012. 

   11.  Possibility of hosting a Tribute to Mr Davy Gordon.  Cllr Simpson to contact Mrs Mary

    Gordon – ongoing.

   12.  Local Development Plan – Cllr Pounder stated that Community Councillors and

   individuals have the opportunity to make comments.  After discussion, it was agreed that the next

   CC Meeting will be held to discuss the ACC response.  A Notice is to be put in the Post Office

   and Notice Board to invite all to attend.  Cllr Anderson to attend to this matter.

12.  DATE OF NEXT MEETING

       The next meeting will be held in the Murray Hall on Tuesday 07 February 2012 at 7.30 pm.  

There being no other competent business, the meeting closed at 8.55pm.
 
DRAFT- Community Council minutes for 6th December 2011 PDF Print E-mail

AUCHENCAIRN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 06 DECEMBER 2011

IN THE MURRAY HALL ANNEXE AT 7.30 PM.

1. PRESENT

    Guy Pounder (Chairman)

    Brian Jones (Treasurer)

    John Simpson

    Fiona Anderson (Secretary)

2. VISITORS

    Cllr Jane Maitland, Mr and Mrs Norris, Mr K Kerrison and Mr I Howie.

3. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

   Councillors Patsy Gilroy and Tommy Jacques.

4. POLICE MATTERS

    No Representative present.  Mr Howie stated that if there were any issues, he was prepared to

    pass them on to the Police on the CC behalf.  No issues raised.

5.  PRESENTION RE SCVS BY MR I HOWIE

     Mr Howie gave overview of the work the SCVS carry out and give advice on, e.g.  Training,

     Governance, Funding, Project Identification, to name but a few.  He then gave details on the

     following Projects List which may be of use in our village, (if volunteers could be found) and

     some which are already in place in other communities: 

     Skills Swap – this has been used here in Auchencairn in relation to planning and building issues.

     First Responders/Heart Start – with volunteers carrying out this service, the survival rate       

     increases dramatically.  In the main, this is to recognise symptoms and to report immediately    

     to the Emergency Services and therefore it is a “Campaign of Awareness”.  First Aid is similar.  

     Procurement of a defibrillator and volunteers to use it is also an option.

     Car Share, not to be mistaken with the Car Care Scheme already running in Auchencairn.  This is

     more in line with sharing a vehicle when going shopping.  Another “sharing” project is the

     Community Purchase Scheme.  This could possibly be used for heating oil or gas. 

     Allotments – this is an ongoing project through the Initiative. 

     Other projects include:  Car Checks, Community Guardians and Tools Share.  The Community

     Council is always looking for volunteers to help with such schemes or others that the

     Community may wish to pursue.  Mr Howie stated that if the CC wished to hold a community

     event, he would be keen to co-host.  This was discussed and Cllr Simpson stated that holding an

     event would be the way forward to get the views of the residents.  At this point, Cllr Pounder

     stated a suggestion of a “community bus” had been put forward.  He stated that we need

     someone with corporate  knowledge and Mr Howie was able to supply this information.  Cllr

     Jones pointed out that the application for the next grant of the Robin Rigg money will need to be

     submitted by April 2012 so an early meeting would be desirable.

6. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING – 01 NOVEMBER 2011

    Accepted as a true record.  Proposed by John Simpson

                                               Seconded by Brian Jones

7.  MATTERS ARISING from previous minutes

      6.1  Advice on Community Resilience -  See AOCB

    11.3  Fountain – colour of paint?  Letter received from Mrs Smith and reply sent.

    11.6 Crocket Road – Scottish Water – A Water Purity Test was to be carried out when there was a  

    “burst”.  Cllr Pounder will contact Scottish Water to clarify if this test was carried out after

    “burst” last week.

8.  FINANCE

    Amounts held in accounts are as follows:

    General account    £ 20,120.43 (Robin Rigg Money Ring-Fenced)

    Heughan Fund      £   6,277.52 (Civic Pride Grant £4,000)

    Car Care Scheme £       592.39 (Less £150.00 to Mrs McCubbin)

    Cllr Jones reported as follows:

1.      Bonfire Night – Once all expenses were deducted from income, we are pleased to report that we made a profit of £98.54.  This is due to all the hard work and donations by many and the Councillors would like to thank everyone who volunteered to help out.  Without this support, this traditional, annual event just would not take place.  Please bear this in mind for future events.

9.  AUCHENCAIRN INITIATIVE REPORT

     Cllr Pounder reported as follows:

a.       The Auchencairn Initiative has interviewed a possible candidate for the post of  part time

secretary –    ongoing.

b.      Field on Crocket Road – Spraying of Japanese Knotweed continuing.  There will be a limited number of allotments (6), one of which will be allocated to the school. There is a poster in the Post Office asking people to register their interest in being allocated an allotment.

c.        Link Park - Bridge – funding ongoing. Planning Application has been held-up at present for further information. 

d.      Link Park Survey - Cllr Jones raised issue of survey not being issued to everyone.  Cllr Pounder stated that everyone should have got one but that overall it was a reasonable supportive view that returned.  Survey results have been posted in the “What’s On” newsletter. Cllr Pounder reminded everyone that should they wish to object to the Bridge, this can be done through the normal Planning process.

e.       Mini Hydro System –surveys continuing. 

f.       Heughan House – Issue re high electricity bills is ongoing.  Talks with The Energy Saving Trust, Contractors and Suppliers took place.  Suggestion that there is a basic design flaw.  Await reply.  A quote is being obtained for the decking proposal outside the Shop.

g.      Play Area – Goal Posts still to be moved – ongoing.  Weeds through the sand in the sandpit has been attended to. 

h.      Auchencairn Mugs (blue on white background) are continuing to sell.  The Auchencairn Teatowel order (same design as the blue map mugs) has been placed but it may be too late for Christmas.

i.        New Initiative Directors – ongoing.

j.        Calendar for 2012 of the village old and new continue to be sold in the Post Office. 

See website for full details.(Not an Initiative project)

k.      Bird Hide – latch to be replaced with a “bar” type – ongoing.

l.        BT cable in Crocket Road - Cllr Pounder to follow this up.

m.    Rascarrel Forest – to be sold-off in three “lots” with Plot 3 at the asking price of £150,000.

n.      Millennium Garden Bridge –The “chicken wire” is in need of replacement. Cllr Pounder stated that this would be replaced.

10.  COUNCIL MATTERS

  Cllr Maitland reported as follows:

1.       Stewartry Area Committee a “model” for discretionary funding. 

2.      Windfarm Community Benefit Review -  Too many responses for the Council website so  these are to be put on a CD which should be sent to CC’s by end February 2012 for consideration. The results of the Review will be published on the planning website over the next 2 – 3 weeks.  Cllr Simpson asked if Cllr Maitland could clarify if it is correct that there is to be 71 wind turbines installed in Ae Forest at a cost of £220m.  She will look into this matter and report back.

3.      Council in early stages of investing in Solar Panels for Council Buildings.  A “suitable” building is in Abercromby Road.

4.      Budget – ongoing.  Funding for Libraries and Garden Maintenance is to be discussed at Council Meeting in February.

5.      Emergency Planning and Resilience. Cllr Pounder, who had already contacted Cllrs Maitland, Gilroy and Jacques, raised issue of  Emergency advice to Community Councils after flooding in Whitesands, Dumfries and across the Stewartry on 29 Nov.  The idea of advising members of the Community Councils was a laudable aim but needed to be better managed as neither the Secretary nor he had received any message until late in the evening and any action had by then been overtaken by events. The comprehensive sitrep email received at that time would have been better published on the DGC Home page.  Cllr Maitland suggested he contact Steve Herriot direct to raise these issues.

6.      Cllr Anderson asked re Administrative Grant Documentation, if the “Attendance Record” of the Stewartry Convention of CC’s would suffice due to two of the four meetings not having recorded minutes.  She expects this will be fine. 

11. CORRESPONDENCE

1.      Planning Applications –– None relevant to Auchencairn.

2.      Loreburn Newsletter

3.      SAC – Community Meeting Local Bus Network

4.      Adult Protection Committee – Leaflets in Post Office

5.      Email re e.om Review Meeting

6.      E.on Quantans Hill Wind Farm Proposal

7.       Email re Postal Scam – Post Office and A/cairn Website

8.      Letter to Mrs C Ashton

9.      Letter to Council re Secretary computer problem

10.  Letter re postponement of Training – Community Engagement and Effective Tools on 28 Nov 11.

11.  Letter of reply to Mr and Mrs Smith

12.  SAC Meetings – 16, 21 and 8 Nov 11.

13.  NHS – Plans for Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary

14.  Email re Rural D & G LEADER – Timber Haulage concerns

15.  Lust for Life Magazine – D & G Senior Forum – Post Office

16.  Email re CC information on Council website.

17.  Email re visit by Solway Heritage re e.on

18.  Email re Interim Planning Policy Wind Energy – Update

19.  SCVS  re rejuvenation of the Stewartry Village Halls

12.  ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS

1.  Hall Usage/Charges:  Cllr Jones to collate usage figures for all users in the past year and also to produce a booking form.  Cllr Pounder to draft letter and also terms & conditions for the next                 

      meeting – ongoing.

2.      Ante Room /Main Hall Heating System - Delta has been contacted re installation of heating

 in the Main Hall and also the removal of the condenser to the rear wall of the hall with ducting    

 to Ante Room.  The intention is for these works to be carried out early 2012. Also, hopefully

 kitchen will be included.  Hall Users will be advised by letter of unavailable dates as soon as commencement date has been confirmed.

3.  Balliol Court Housing:  Resident to write to Loreburn and Mr McCrae to draft letter to Loreburn.  Mr McCrae awaiting power usage details – ongoing.

4.  Future Projects:  The Treasurer advised that the next Robin Rigg application is due to be submitted in April 2012 for which, at the moment there is no defined project. Without a project (or projects) no business plan can be produced and without a business plan no funds can be obtained. (See item 5 above).

      5.  Cllr Pounder attended the Emergency Planning meeting on 21 November in Dalbeattie and   

      reported that salt bins (of which Auchencairn has 4) are filled 3 times over the winter and that a

      Village mechanical salt spreader and 2 shovels and gloves are being provided to the village.

      These will be kept in the school grounds and arrangements are being made to ensure access

      outside school hours. 

6.  Federation of Village Halls – Meeting will be held in Ringford Village Hall at 7.30pm on Thu 15 Dec 2011.  Unfortunately, no Cllrs are able to attend.  Secretary to inform SCVS.

7.  Cllr Simpson handed out list of Hall Usage for the month of December.  Discussion about

turning-off the hall water over holiday period as there had been a serious burst in winter 2010-

11.  Cllr Anderson to clarify last night of both Line Dancing and Zumba and inform Cllrs Simpson and Jones.

8.  Mr K Kerrison, on behalf of the “Thursday Club” asked if it was the intention of the CC to install a “Loop System” for those with hearing aids in the main hall as part of the refurbishment.  At present, Tesco is accepting applications for a portable system.  Cllr Jones stated this was not included in the Business Plan for the next year and therefore perhaps the application to Tesco should go ahead.  Mr Kerrison has also been asked to seek information and advice for Cllr Jones about the various systems

9.  Main Hall Cleaning – Cllrs Jones and Simpson have agreed to carry out this duty but would appreciate some assistance. 

10.  Scottish Power – They have advised that one meter in the hall is to be changed as it is out of date. 

   11.  Possibility of hosting a Tribute to Mr Davy Gordon.  Cllr Simpson to contact Mrs Mary

    Gordon.  Entry to be included in the January “What’s On”.

12.  DATE OF NEXT MEETING

       The next meeting will be held in the Ante Room of the Murray Hall on Tuesday 10 January

       2012 at 7.30 pm.  

There being no other competent business, the meeting closed at 9.25pm.

Post Meeting Note:  Letter of resignation by Cllr Anderson, as both Councillor and Secretary to date 01 March 2012 was handed to the Chairman.
 
DRAFT- Community Council minutes for 1st November 2011 PDF Print E-mail

AUCHENCAIRN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 01 NOVEMBER 2011

IN THE MURRAY HALL ANNEXE AT 7.30 PM.

1. PRESENT

    Guy Pounder (Chairman)

    Brian Jones (Treasurer)

    John Simpson

    Fiona Anderson (Secretary)

2. VISITORS

    Cllr Patsy Gilroy, PC Jim Drysdale, Sgt Ian McKie, Mr K Kerrison

3. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

   Councillors Jane Maitland and Tommy Jacques.

   At this point the Chairman read out a letter of resignation from Mrs Carole Ashton.  Her 

   resignation was reluctantly accepted.  As the numbers are now reduced to four, Cllr Gilroy

  suggested we may co-opt  a member before the election next year.  This will be discussed.

4. POLICE MATTERS

    PC Drysdale gave the following report:

1.       As the dark nights are now with us, please be extra vigilant.  Lock all equipment away.  If any suspicious vehicles are seen, note registration number and make of vehicle and report to the Police immediately.

2.      SCAM – apparently BT stating that they are contacting you due to an unpaid telephone bill.  PLEASE BE AWARE.  Cllr Pounder to contact The Galloway News.

3.      Bonfire Night – Sunday 06 November 2011. Cllr Anderson reported this event to Dumfries and Galloway Fire & Rescue and advised the Police representatives present.

5. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING – 04 OCTOBER 2011

    Accepted as a true record.  Proposed by Brian Jones

                                               Seconded by John Simpson

6.  MATTERS ARISING from previous minutes

     6.1  Advice on Community Resilience -  Meeting to be held in Dalbeattie Town Hall on

     Monday 21 November 2011 will cover this subject.  Cllr Pounder to attend this meeting.

     6.2  Ante Room Door – new door will be painted and fitted by Contractor in the near future.   

     6.3  Down-pipe outside Hall – new pipe required.  Cllr Jones to attend to this matter – ongoing.

     6.4  Hedge to the rear of the Hall – fencing?  DGC Planning has reported that the Hall is NOT

     listed.  Action completed..

     11.3 Fountain – colour of paint?  Letter received from Mrs Smith objecting to proposal to paint

     the fountain. Since this has never been suggested Cllr Pounder will write and explain the

     situation.

     11.6 Crocket Road – Scottish Water – Scottish Water has been contacted.  Apparently there is a

     Work Plan for Auchencairn for the next five years – await further reply.  Water Purity Test will

      be carried out when there is a “burst”.  Remedial works ongoing. 

     11.10 Lorry parked outside village – Cllr Pounder has attended to this matter – Await reply from

     VOSA . As the ex-lay by has been damaged Mr Kerrison also reported the matter to the Council

     Roads Dept.  Action complete for the time being.

7.  FINANCE

    Amounts held in accounts are as follows:

    General account    £ 19,781.09 (Robin Rigg Money Ring-Fenced)

    Heughan Fund      £   5,602.95 (Civic Pride Grant £4,000)

    Car Care Scheme £       592.90

    Cllr Jones reported as follows:

1.      Stewartry Convention of Community Councils Subscription has now been paid.

2.      Scottish Power – meters have been read by both ourselves and Scottish Power.  Still await reply.

3.      Funding is now secured – Robin Rigg and Village Hall Improvement Scheme.  Intention is heating works in main hall will be carried out at the beginning of 2012 followed by the kitchen refurbishment and Main Hall floor sanding.

8.  AUCHENCAIRN INITIATIVE REPORT

     Cllr Pounder reported as follows:

a.       The Auchencairn Initiative has interviewed a possible candidate for the post of  part time secretary –    ongoing.

b.      Field on Crocket Road – With regard to funding, there are time constraints and this is being

dealt with.  Spraying has now started on the Japanese Knotweed.  Cllr Jones enquired as to the wet area where the proposed allotments are to be.  Cllr Pounder stated drainage is to be carried out which hopefully will rectify this issue.

c.        Link Park -  Bridge - A good number of people have replied regarding the survey for the link

between Crocket Road and the rear of Heughan House.  The majority are positive although there are a few negative. Positive support has also been received from Scottish Natural Heritage.  Planning Permission will be sought shortly.

d.      Mini Hydro System – investigations continuing.  Fish and water flow surveys are being

carried out.

e.       Heughan House – Issue re high electricity bills is ongoing.  The Energy Saving Trust are

investigating at present.  Proposal for installation of decking at top side outside the Shop.

f.       Play Area – Goal Posts still to be moved – ongoing.  Mrs Norris raised issue of weeds

coming through the sand in the sandpit. Maintenance Agreement to be looked into.  Cllr Pounder to attend to this matter with the Initiative.  With regard to the bark chippings, perhaps they just need “fluffed-up”.  Initiative to be approached – ongoing.

g.      Auchencairn Mugs – selling well.   Tea towels still to be produced.

h.      New Initiative Directors – ongoing.

i.        Website through the Initiative – request for article re Youth Club to be placed on website. 

j.        Calendar for 2012 of the village old and new now on sale.  See website for full details.(Not an Initiative project)

k.      Bird Hide – latch to be replaced with a “bar” type – ongoing.

l.        Cllr Jones stated the tree (not on Initiative ground) across the BT cable in Crocket Road has been reported to both the Council and BT.  Although some works have been carried out, a portion of the tree is still across the cable. Cllr Pounder to follow this up.

m.    Rascarrel Forest – apparently this is going to be sold-off in “lots”.  Primary School interested.

9.  COUNCIL MATTERS

 Cllr Gilroy reported as follows:

1.       Stewartry Area Committee Themed Meetings:

Mon 21 Nov 11 in Dalbeattie Town Hall at 6.30pm.  Subject: Floods, Frost, etc. – Cllr Pounder

Mon 28 Nov 11 in Kirkcudbright Primary School at 6.30pm.  Subject: Consultation SWTrans (to inform people of public transport) – Cllr Anderson.

2.       Admin Grant paperwork is to be received by the Council on or before 28 Nov11.  Cllr Jones to attend to this matter.

3.      Full Council discussed Scottish Government proposal for one single Fire and Rescue and Police.  A long debate ensued and agreed a proper business case with accountability be drawn-up.

4.       Boundary Commission – for info only.  Not relevant to Auchencairn.  Proposal Galloway & Carrick and Dumfries.  Reduction in MP’s.  Public responses are to be in by 04 Jan 12. See Council website for details.

5.      Map detailing “Winter service routes”. Copy will be put in the Post Office. Cllr Anderson will attend to this. Also on DGC website.

6.      Budget meetings continuing.  Still to make saving of £6million. Next full Council Meeting will be held in ‘December and hopefully some savings will be made then.

7.      Windfall of £98,000.  Council looking for ideas.

10. CORRESPONDENCE

1.      Planning Applications ––Standing Stone Farm - No objection to the application. 

2.      D & G Local Transport Strategy 2011 -2016 Consultation.

3.      Email re D & GC Development Plan Scheme – Third Edition September 2011.

4.      Email to D & GC re Community Resilience.

5.      Email to Mr K Kerrison re Bonfire Night.

6.      Stewartry Area Committee –19 and 24 October 11.

7.      Email from Cllr Pounder re Scottish Water.

8.      Email re Equality Outcomes Questionnaire

9.      Notification of forthcoming Military Exercise.

10.  Letter from Mrs J Smith – Cllr Pounder to reply.

11.  Email re Admin Grant.

11.  ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS

1.  Hall Usage/Charges:  Cllr Jones to collate usage figures for all users in the past year and also to produce a booking form.  Cllr Pounder to draft letter and also terms & conditions for the next                 

      meeting – ongoing.

2.      Ante Room /Main Hall Heating System - Delta has been contacted re installation of heating

 in the Main Hall and also the removal of the condenser to the rear wall of the hall with ducting    

 to Ante Room.  The intention is for these works to be carried out early 2012. Also, hopefully

 kitchen will be included.  Hall Users will be advised by letter of unavailable dates as soon as commencement date has been confirmed.

3.      Bonfire Night – Discussion confirmed plan.  Although one additional volunteer had

comeforward, due to his recent flu jab he had been too unwell to help on the night. Unfortunately, the ACC will have to press-gang residents of Auchencairn to help.

4.  Balliol Court Housing:  Resident to write to Loreburn and Mr McCrae to draft letter to Loreburn.  Cllr Pounder to contact Mr McCrae – ongoing. (PMN Mr McCrae is awaiting power useage details.)

5.  Solar Panels:  Cllr Jones to contact representative from Aspatria for further information – ongoing.

6.  Future Projects:  Cllr Pounder stated that we need to start thinking of other projects for the future.  Mrs Norris suggested a Community Bus.  Anyone with ideas, please contact the Secretary or any of your Community Councillors – ongoing.

7.  Discussion re possibility of co-opting members onto CC.

8.  Discussion re transport – Community Bus.

9.  Cllr Simpson handed out list of Hall Usage for the next month. 

    10.  Cllr Anderson stated the main hall is badly in need of cleaning.  Cllrs to agree time suited to

    all to carry out this task after Bonfire Night.

12.  DATE OF NEXT MEETING

       The next meeting will be held in the Ante Room of the Murray Hall on Tuesday 06 December

       2011 at 7.30 pm.  

There being no other competent business, the meeting closed at 9.05pm.
 
DRAFT- Community Council minutes for 6th September 2011 PDF Print E-mail

AUCHENCAIRN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 06 SEPTEMBER 2011

IN THE MURRAY HALL ANNEXE AT 7.30 PM.

1. PRESENT

    Guy Pounder (Chairman)

    Brian Jones (Treasurer)

    Carole Ashton

    John Simpson

    Fiona Anderson (Secretary)

2. VISITORS

    Cllr Jane Maitland, PC Bruton, PC Campbell, Mr S King, Mr and Mrs Norris and Mr K Kerrison.

3. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

   Councillors Patsy Gilroy, Thomas Jacques and PC Jim Drysdale.

4. POLICE MATTERS

    PC Bruton gave the following report:

1.       Vandalism:  Bus Shelter at foot of village – this issue has now been resolved.

                     Auchencairn Sign (at entrance to village) – ongoing.  Possible compensation to

                     Auchencairn Initiative.  To be investigated.

Both of the above incidents had been reported to the Police.

At this point, Chairman, Guy Pounder stated that he was slightly concerned with regard to the non-attendance of the Police at our Council Meetings.  PC Bruton stated that this was due to PC Drysdale being on Training Courses and other Police business and hopefully this is now resolved.  Guy Pounder then stated that when there was the regular passing through of Police vehicles in the village, this was a deterrent.

2.       Balliol Court:  Mr S King raised issue of the increased police presence at certain residences.  

 PC Bruton assured Mr King that there was no real concern and that there is always small

 issues in “new build” estates.

5. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING –05 JULY 2011

    Accepted as a true record.  Proposed by Brian Jones

                                               Seconded by Carole Ashton

6.  MATTERS ARISING from previous minutes

    10.4  D & G Fire & Rescue Authority – request for a representative to attend one of our

    Meetings re Action Plan.  As the ACC needs advice on Community Resilience rather than fire    

    and rescue Cllr Maitland suggested Anne Sweetin be contacted .  Cllr Anderson to

    attend to this matter.

    11.3  Ante Room Door – new door will be painted and fitted by Contractor in the near future.   

    Also, door of Murray Hall – difficult to close.

    11.4  Down-pipe outside Hall – new pipe required.  To be attended to.

    11.7  Hedge to the rear of the Hall – fencing?  Robert Duncan to be contacted re “listing” of

             the building and possibility of being in a conservation area. Cllr Pounder to attend to this

             matter.

7.  FINANCE

    Amounts held in accounts are as follows:

    General account    £ 11,282.85 (Robin Rigg Money Ring-Fenced)

    Heughan Fund      £   5,376.12 (Civic Pride Grant £4,000)

    Car Care Scheme £       466.35

    Cllr Jones reported as follows:

1.      Previous Minutes should have read Return to OSCR not Payment to OSCR

2.      Scottish Power –Statement re under charge for electricity to be investigated and resolved.  Contract for another year but will re-negotiate with Scottish Power or possibly move to another supplier.  At present the ACC is in credit by a significant amount.

3.      Barclay Bonds – these will be left for a further year.

8.  AUCHENCAIRN INITIATIVE REPORT

          Cllr Pounder reported as follows:

a.        The Auchencairn Initiative is investigating possible part time employment of a secretary – ongoing.

b.       Field on Crocket Road – This is now owned by the Initiative.  Cllr Pounder stated that he hopes the residents of Auchencairn will feel the benefit of it in the future.

c.       Mini Hydro System – this project is ongoing with the possibility of the “system” extending either up or down stream to increase flow rates and thus electricity output.

d.      Heughan House – Initiative entered a late “Right to Buy” notice for the small section of the car park presently owned by 5 Main St. This was knocked back on this occasion so the Initiative will re-apply so that the Right to Buy is in place for the next sale.

e.       Play Area – Goal Posts still to be moved – ongoing.  Mrs Norris raised issue of weeds coming through the sand in the sandpit. Maintenance Agreement to be looked into.  Cllr Pounder to attend to this matter.  With regard to the bark chippings, perhaps they just need “fluffed-up”.  Initiative to be approached.

f.       Auchencairn Mugs (new) – selling well.  

g.      Website – If you require information to be put on the website, please contact Mr K Kerrison.

h.      New Initiative Directors – ongoing.

i.        Records Storage – Filing cabinet is now in place.  ACC Minutes to be stored.

j.        Calendar for 2012 of the village old and new now on sale.  See website for full details.

9.  COUNCIL MATTERS

     Cllr Maitland reported as follows:

     a. Winter Weather Emergency Fund – the Council has set aside £½million.

     b. There has been a presentation on buses.  Buses are to be re-tendered.  Routes have been re-

     assessed taking into account, social, education, business and medical issues.  At present, there

     is no change to Auchencairn but this may not always be the case.

     c.  Training for Councillors – Cllr Maitland expressed her wish that as many Councillors as

     possible attend the trainings laid on by the Council.  The dates are:  Mon 26 Sept 11, Mon 28

     Nov 11 and Mon 23 Jan 12.  Also, CC Seminar on Tue 15 Nov 11.

10. CORRESPONDENCE

1.      Planning Applications –– Auchenleck Farm, Church Road and Barcloy Hill, South Lodge - No objection to any application. 

Barcloy Hill - Cllr Pounder gave overview re Auchencairn Boundary in particular the residents of Nether Linkens and the proposed windfarm (5 windmills).  Until the planning application is submitted the ACC will watch the progress and will support residents if required to do so. 

South Lodge – Fence – Original conditions have not been applied.  Works were meant to be complete within a 2-year period.  A DGC Enforcement Officer is dealing with this matter.

2.       Final Council Report of Windfarm Community Benefits.

3.      Agenda for First Meeting of Barcloy Hill Windfarm Community Liaison Group.

4.      Email re white-lining in The Square, Auchencairn.

5.      Email re Various CC Matters – ASCC, Seminar, 4th Periodic Review, etc.

6.      SCVS – Funding and Information Roadshow – 22 September 2011.

7.      Email re confirmation of contact address for the Council re road closures.

8.      Stewartry Area Committee Meeting – Wed 17 Aug 11

9.      Notification of Military Exercise – 03 - 18 September 2011.

10.  Email re August non-quorum meeting – See below.

11.  Email re Training Dates for CC’s.

12.  Email re Police attendance at CC Meeting 06 Sept 11.

13.  Notification of Military Exercise – 25 Sept – 17 Oct 11.

14.  Email re Fireworks and certificates.

11.  ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS

      1.  Hall Usage/Charges:  B Jones to collate usage figures for all users in the past year and also to

      produce a booking form.  G Pounder to draft letter and also terms & conditions for the next                 

      meeting – ongoing.

      2.  Ante Room Heating System - Delta to be contacted with a view to the removal of

      the condenser to the rear wall of the hall with ducting to Ante Room – ongoing.

      3.  Fountain – discussion re painting as it is looking a bit sad.  Suggestion that it be painted red,

      white and blue for the Jubilee next year.  Apparently this had been suggested before but was

      agreed it had to be green and yellow.  Cllr Pounder to approach Mr R Wilson for

      clarification – ongoing.

      4.  Hall windows – this was discussed at the AGM.  These are to be modified as soon as possible    

      to  allow them to be opened safely when required – ongoing.  In the meantime, Cllr Simpson

      has stated that he will open and close windows as and when required to do so.  Telephone

      Number on Notice Board.

5.      Old Wood Panelling – this is to be disposed off as soon as possible as Health and

Safety hazard – ongoing.

6.       Crocket Road – Scottish Water - Works being carried out are unknown to residents. 

One resident has requested that ACC get involved.  Letter to be written to Scottish Water enquiring re works and also requesting a water quality test be carried out.  Cllr Pounder attending to this matter.  Mrs R Norris asked if the Reed Bed was in full working order.  This is to be investigated – ongoing.

7.       Bonfire Night – after discussion, it was agreed this would be held on Sunday 06 November 2011.  Further information will be detailed nearer the time.  Please Note:  Volunteers are desperately needed.  Please contact Cllr Anderson ASAP to enable a list to be compiled. Mr S King volunteered to help and Cllr Ashton stated Mrs B Norcross will also help.

8.      Village Hall Improvement Scheme Grant – ACC have been recommended for a grant of

£8,300.  This is still to be confirmed.

9.      Art Exhibition:  Discussion ensued re hall charges.  In the interests of fairness a charge for

two days will be made. Email to be sent to Mr Wilson.

    10.  Lorry parked outside village – discussion ensued and due to a heath and safety aspect, the

          Transport Manager of the company to be contacted.  Cllr Pounder dealing with this matter.

On Tue 02 August 2011, a non-quorum meeting was held in the Murray Hall Annexe at 7.30pm. 

Issue raised: 

1.       Balliol Court Housing:  A resident attended this meeting and gave the following details: 

House has never been lagged, although vents are now in place.  He has already had three meters.  He asked why it has taken nearly three years for an upgrade to be completed when it should have been done in the original build.  He stated that Ashleigh and Hardie had visited the estate last year re issue of sewage (being on an incline).  At present, toilet required to be flushed by user.  It was suggested that perhaps this was a building warrant issue.  At this point the Chairman, Cllr Guy Pounder stated that this is not an ACC issue although we will support residents but it is up to the residents to contact Loreburn.  Mr J McCrae had also been at this meeting and offered to draft a letter to CEO Loreburn for ACC signature. This was agreed. 

ACTION:  Resident to write to Loreburn and Mr McCrae to draft letter to Loreburn.  Cllr Pounder to contact Mr McCrae.

12.  DATE OF NEXT MEETING

       The next meeting will be held in the Ante Room of the Murray Hall on Tuesday 04 October

       2011 at 7.30 pm.  

 

There being no other competent business, the meeting closed at 9.55pm.
 
DRAFT- Community Council minutes for 5th July 2011 PDF Print E-mail

AUCHENCAIRN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 05 JULY 2011

IN THE MURRAY HALL ANNEXE AT 7.30 PM.

1. PRESENT

    Guy Pounder (Chairman)

    Brian Jones (Treasurer)

    Carole Ashton

    John Simpson

    Fiona Anderson (Secretary)

2. VISITORS

    Cllr Patsy Gilroy, Mr and Mrs Norris and Mr K Kerrison.

3. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

   Councillors Jane Maitland, Thomas Jacques and PC Jim Drysdale.

4. POLICE MATTERS – No representative present.

5. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING –07 JUNE 2011

    Accepted as a true record.  Proposed by Brian Jones

                                               Seconded by John Simpson

6.  MATTERS ARISING

    6.1  Tap in disabled toilet – Supplier has been found.  Hopefully be able to get replacement –

    ongoing.

    10.4  D & G Fire & Rescue Authority – reply sent requesting a representative attend one of our

    Meetings re Action Plan.  Await reply. J Simpson to contact relevant person.

    11.1  Fire Extinguisher Certificates – Cllr Pounder to contact Mr D Beresford re lamination of

    certificates.

    11.3  Ante Room Door – new door will be painted and fitted by Contractor in the near future.

    11.4  Down-pipe outside Hall – Cllr Simpson attending to this matter.

    11.6  Railing/handrail outside Hall – this will be attended to by the Council as soon as possible.

    11.7  Church closure – Police have been informed and have inspected the area.  Police vehicles  

     will be passing through the village on a more regular basis.  With regard to the hedge behind the

     Murray Hall, after investigation, it was agreed that fencing should be put in place to cover the

     gaps.  This will be carried out as soon as possible.

.

7.  FINANCE

    Amounts held in accounts are as follows:

    General account    £ 11,116.66 (Robin Rigg Money Ring-Fenced)

    Heughan Fund      £   6,226.11 (Civic Pride Grant £4,000)

    Car Care Scheme £       388.32 (Coffee Morning donation to be added in).

    Cllr Jones reported as follows:

1.      The Accounts were adopted and accepted at the AGM in June.

2.      Payment to OSCR will be made when Accounts are returned from Accountants.

3.      Cllr Ashton raised issue of no invoices being received by a Hall User.  Cllr Jones replied that he will attend to this as a matter of urgency. Names and contact details for Hall users must be supplied in future.

8.  AUCHENCAIRN INITIATIVE REPORT

          Cllr Pounder reported as follows:

a.        The Auchencairn Initiative is investigating possible part time employment of a secretary.

b.       Field on Crocket Road - Grant received from the Council.  Match funding being arranged.

c.       Mini Hydro System – flow rate has been measured and has been low but measurements continue.  It would be a great shame if this project did not come to fruition. Also, a fish survey is being carried out. 

d.      Heughan House – small area of damp – this is being investigated.  Initiative is entering a late “Right to Buy” notice for the small section of the car park presently owned by 5 Main St.

e.       Play Area – all repairs are now complete.  Goal Posts still to be moved – ongoing.

f.       Auchencairn Mugs (new) – selling well, although one Spring Fling host noted that he had not had as many visitors this year compared to last year, therefore his mug sales had reduced.  Perhaps visitors attended other areas of D & G.

g.      Website - new website editor, Mr K Kerrison was in attendance.  His work in keeping it updated is very much appreciated.

h.      New Initiative Directors are needed though there are a couple of people who may be interested, both ladies, fortunately.

i.        Records Storage – this issue has been raised previously.  Perhaps this could be incorporated into the refurbishment of the Murray Hall.  This will be taken into consideration. This also affects the ACC records.

9.  COUNCIL MATTERS

     Cllr Gilroy reported as follows:

     a.  There will be no Stewartry Area Committee Meeting in July due to recess.

         b.  Budget Discretionary Group –Relevant Meetings are expected to continue through to

              October.

c. Grants - Some grants have been available with Auchencairn Initiative receiving one as help toward the eradication of weeds and field clearance at Crocket Road.

d.      DGFirst – a new Director has been appointed.  This position was advertised both internally and externally with the internal applicant being successful.

e. Stewartry Road Works – this is continuing over the summer months.

f.  Cllr Pounder raised the matter of the proposed landmark sculpture, the Star of Caledonia, to be constructed at Gretna next to the M74 and how much the Council had spent so far in this time of budget cuts.  Initial reports show that £140,000 has been spent so far, some of this by the Council. Discussion ensued with Cllr Gilroy stating that we will await outcome with regard to funding but it will cost £3m and will possibly be fully funded by a combination of the Scottish Government and private investors.

g. Cllr Pounder asked that Cllr Gilroy pass on our thanks to Cllr Jacques for the action on the loose handrail outside Murray Hall.

h. Cllr Ashton raised issue of “white-lining” at the square to stop it being used like a roundabout.  Cllr Gilroy will report this to the Roads Department.

10. CORRESPONDENCE

1.      Planning Applications –– Auchenleck Farm, Culnaightrie Farm x 2 and Bluehill Farm - No objection to any application.

2.      Letter to Mr Osbourne, Jnr. – re Hall heat pump condenser.

3.      Poster – NHS Board – Put in Post Office 13/06/11.

4.      Poster –Nomination for Stewartry Celebration of Achievement – Put in Post Office 14/06/11.

5.      Poster - IT Centre, Castle Douglas – Free Places for Beginners – Put in Post Office 25/06/11. (Treasurer stated that there will be more courses in September)

6.      Stewartry Area Committee Minutes – 15 June 2011.

7.      NHS Out of Hours Annual Performance Report.

8.      Letter re Discretionary Budget.

9.      The Stewartry Link Magazine

    10.   Loreburn Newsletter.  Discussion about Loreburn letting policy and selection of non local 

            tenants.  This is out-with ACC control.

    11.   Cllr Pounder stated that a letter has been received from Mr Osbourne Jnr.  To be put on file.     

      Cllr Pounder in discussion with Solicitor at present re Hall Boundary.  Await reply.

12.   Talk Talk Free Notice Board offer  – this is to be handed over to the Initiative.

13.   Letter from Council about loose Handrail works outside Murray Hall. Will be fixed.

 11.  ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS

      1.  Hall Usage/Charges:  B Jones to collate usage figures for all users in the past year and also to

      produce a booking form.  G Pounder to draft letter and also terms & conditions for the next                 

      meeting in August – ongoing.

      2.  Ante Room Heating System - Delta to be contacted with a view to the removal of

      the condenser to the rear wall of the hall with ducting to Ante Room – ongoing.

      3.  Fountain – discussion re painting as it is looking a bit sad.  Suggestion that it be painted red,

      white and blue for the Jubilee next year.  Apparently this had been suggested before but was

      agreed it had to be green and yellow.  Cllr Pounder to approach Mr R Wilson for

      clarification.

      4.  Hall windows – this was discussed at the AGM.  These are to be modified as soon as possible    

      to  allow them to be opened safely when required – ongoing.  In the meantime, Cllr Simpson

      has  stated that he will open and close windows as and when required to do so.  Telephone

      Number on Notice Board.

5.      Old Wood Panelling – this is to be disposed off as soon as possible as Health and

Safety hazard.

6.       Crocket Road – Scottish Water - Works being carried out are unknown to residents. 

One resident has requested that ACC get involved.  Letter to be written to Scottish Water enquiring re works and also requesting a water quality test be carried out.  Cllr Pounder attending to this matter.  Mrs R Norris asked if the Reed Bed was in full working order.  This is to be investigated.

7.       Bonfire Night – discussion ensued.  Cllr Pounder to approach Mr Beresford with a view of

assistance on the night.

8.      Cllr Jones raised issue of Business Plan for Solway Heritage which is to be completed and

returned by 15 July 2011.  At present, Murray Hall is still the main issue.

9.      Hall refurbishment – this will be done as and when funding becomes available to us.

Despite having funds in the General Account, unfortunately this only covers approximately 50% of the works required.  Users will be given as much notice and as little disruption as possible during these works.

12.  DATE OF NEXT MEETING

       The next meeting will be held in the Ante Room of the Murray Hall on Tuesday 02 August  

       2011 at 7.30 pm.  

 

There being no other competent business, the meeting closed at 9.10pm.

 
 
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