MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2010
ATTENDING: –
Scott Baillie, Matt Halliday, Elly Baker, Mary Milroy, Malcolm Baker, Willie Scobie, Iain Dick, Cameron Ritchie, Kevin Wylie, Fiona Halliday, Janet McLeod, Margot Nicol, Andy Nicol.
APOLOGIES: –
Ros Surtees, Carrie White, Margaret Baillie, Eleanor Bishop
The Minutes of the last meeting were verified by Elly Baker and seconded by Mary Milroy.
POLICE BUSINESS
Other than the apprehension of a disqualified driver, it has been a quiet time.
Margot Nicol asked if anything could be done about the fly tipping near the slipway. Apparently the waste has been deposited by the owner of the land and is therefore not a police matter. Fears were expressed that the problem was being compounded by others following suit by abandoning their own waste at the site. These issues should be reported via the Council.
Janet McLeod asked if a second speed sign should be put up on the approach to the school from the Kirkcolm side. The problem included not only by speeding out of the village past the school, but the speed of traffic at the blind bend where children cross the road to the playground. It was said that the original consultation was for two signs, one either side of the school. Cllr Scobie said that the use of these signs had been successful in reducing the average speed in Sorbie from 39.5 mph to 31.5 mph, and there is a priority to fund more. Harry Hay should be contacted to clarify the situation regarding the second sign. Andy Nicol expressed concern that any additional speed signs should be permanent, not temporary, because of the costs incurred in re-calibrating them each time they are moved. PC Wyllie said that the police would perform random speed checks in the village.
MATTERS ARISING
Matt Halliday reported that despite two emails to the RAF with regards to the offer to hold a public presentation concerning low flying exercises he has had no response to date. Malcolm Baker to follow up with a letter.
There appears to be no progress with state of the road verges at Knockcoudie to Mahaar road end. Scott Baillie will look into this.
Cllr Scobie asked for cross party support to obtain funding for green energy solutions (biomass) for Kirkcolm School.
It was not possible for Elly and Malcolm Baker to attend the funding road show, but full details are being forwarded to Elly Baker.
There is a possible source of funding from the Countryside Alliance for signs to walks facilities and places of interest etc.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Scott Baillie asked that a letter be sent to Jennifer Miller to thank her for her contribution to the community, in particular the school and education department.
Matt Halliday proposed, and Scott Baillie seconded the co-option of Malcolm Baker, Mid Salchrie, as the new Secretary for Kirkcolm Community Council with voting rights.
Matt Halliday agreed to continue as a community councillor.
GALA DAY
All had a very good day, and the challenge arising as a result of the lifeboat being called out were responded to by Carrie White, John White and others to save the day. This was handled so well that it has been suggested that this should be carried forward to future events thanks to the extra income produced. Total profits are yet to be calculated, but are projected to be in the region of £400 despite some substantial one off costs. There were few if any photographs available for use in the free press, Scott Baillie has one or two options to follow up.
The football competition was a great success and will become an annual event. Cllr Scobie suggested the use of the 2.5 mile circular walk for a ‘fun run’; problems associated with using the road section could be resolved with a modified route using the old runway and the car park field.
It is hoped to resolve problems associated with the availability of community transport before the next gala.
WIND FARM
Scott Baillie and Carrie White attended the last meeting and are progressing proposals to utilise the £8000 available. Scott Baillie outlined some cost projections for the cinema proposal; 1st option would cost £1500 per year in licensing and 25 people paying £5 per showing to be viable, 2nd option would be for a film club which would reduce the basic costs to £750 per year and 20 members paying £35 per year. Submission dates are 8th Nov 2010 to be finalised by 19th. Matt Halliday suggested that there could be advantages in going multi media as part of the cinema proposals making the hall suitable for presentations etc. There was some debate concerning the viability of a Cinema or film club with Andy Nicol suggesting that other groups in the community could access the funds for their own projects, and this could produce more direct benefits to the community. Whatever projects are proposed, there would have to be three options estimated and Council backing would also be required. Funding provided for such projects should be placed in their own account to provide the required tracking and management. Scott Baillie proposed to call a meeting on Wed 20th Oct to discuss these issues and to invite participation of all the groups active in Kirkcolm, he will attempt to contact them and place a notification on the notice board.
RECYCLING
Margot Nicol said that many people are still committed to recycling and would like local facilities to do so. Cllr Scobie reiterated the history of the events leading to the removal of facilities and proposals to review the frequency of collections. Cllr Dick outlined the current activities that have been outsourced to reduce costs quoting the Swedish model that mechanically separates metals etc for recycling and converts the remainder into fuel pellets.
XMAS LIGHTS
The date for erecting the lights is to be 21st Nov, and the switching on will be the 4th Dec. The Blue Peter has kindly donated their external lights to the community.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Janet McLeod reported that two lights down Fisher Lane have been out of order for some months and would like them to be restored to working order. Scott Baillie will contact the Roads Department
The grit bin at the top of the hill needs to be refilled before the winter arrives. Cllr Scobie stated that this is a topic for tomorrows meeting. It would appear that there has been some debate about responsibility for this and for the gritting of roads and pavements. Accurate figures are not available, but there is anecdotal evidence of increased levels of injuries including broken bones on council estates. This and the knock on effect to the community in not keeping schools open can be devastating.
Margot Nicol reports that there are a number of problems getting children to school on time as a result of schedule changes. It has also led to aggravation between the transport providers and parents about the reasons for children getting to school on time. The new departure times do not allow sufficient time for parents to ensure that seat belts are fastened before the transport leaves the stop. To work successfully the timetable should be reviewed.
Andy Nicol proposed a vote of thanks to Dr Millar, Cllr Scobie and others in getting the large, dangerous diseased beech tree removed from its location by the school. Although scheduled for felling it was shown to be too hazardous to wait for the scheduled date, and the council, once informed, gave it the urgency it deserved.
Margot Nicol announced a PTA fund raising coffee morning (10am to 12 noon) on Sat 11th Dec.
MEETING CLOSES