MINUTES OF COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING

9th September 2008 at 7.00 pm, Dumyat Centre Library

1. Approval of Minutes of 10th June 2008

Approved: Beth Cook
Seconded: Stan Paterson

2. Matters Arising from Minutes

Metal Stakes by the Burn

Mr. Cook has investigated the metal stakes but unfortunately they are partially underwater and it is not possible to remove them.

3. Community Policeman's Report

The crime figures over the summer period have been very low in comparison to other areas. 70% of reported crime had been detected.

Concern was voiced that the new road markings at the school for parking had not been carried out over the summer period. P.C. Currie will contact the Council regarding when the work will commence. CC will also make contact with Alan Murray.

ACTION - SC, CC

Concern was also voiced regarding children crossing the road via the park etc. on their bicycles and not stopping to look before they cross. P.C. Currie will contact the school and raise the matter with them with a view to doing some safety education.

ACTION - SC

4. Menstrie Mains and Greenbelt

Mike, a resident of Menstrie Mains, gave an update on the ongoing campaign to terminate the contract with Greenbelt Group Ltd. for the maintenance of the site.

251 out of 300 residents have signed the petition and Mike went down to Westminster to speak to the Committee regarding the problems they were having which are country-wide and not specific to Menstrie.

Mike will keep us updated on progress.

ACTION - Mike

5. Dumyat Centre Extension

Sheila Bulloch updated us on the progress of the proposed extension to the Centre. The planning application, with a small amendment, is now before the Council and awaits approval.

It is hoped that work will start as soon as possible after approval is given and will hopefully, weather permitting, be completed by the Spring of 2009.

It was suggested that the Community Council may wish to consider applying for Awards for All funding for soft play equipment.

6. Treasurer's Report

Wood Account - £5,477.31
• Includes invoice due to BTCV: Net amount in bank - £900.19
General Account - £1,771.96
• Includes ring-fenced IT Budget - £358.09
Gala Account - £3,837.64
• (accounts still to be paid)

7. Councillors' Reports

There were no reports to hand.

8. Correspondence

All correspondence since the last meeting was read and actioned as necessary.

9. Public Art, Midtown Gardens

It is hoped that the public art will be completed by October. Liaison will take place with Cathy Knox before it is erected.

A visit has been organised to visit Andy Scott's studio in Glasgow.

• Link to report of visit - ed.

10. Park Road South

Upgrading of this road was high on the agenda put before the Council for consideration. However, there is no money in this year's budget and will be carried forward to next year's budget.

11. Community Woodland

An application will be made to the new Community Chest Fund for a leaf blower and weed killer equipment.

12. Village Improvements

LS, CC walked round Midtown and the Park with Cathy Knox and she updated them on the plans for both of these areas:

• A new fence will be erected round the park in the next two weeks and an additional gate will be put in to access the play park area.
• In Midtown gardens the hedge will be removed from behind the flower bed and the area redesigned to incorporate the new piece of public art.
• The shrubbery at the top of the park and the hedging will also be removed and the area will be grassed over.
• Spring bulbs will be planted on the raised banking area and two trees (one past its best and one at a dangerous angle) will also be removed.
• The area around the War Memorial will be edged and new gravel put down.
• The Community Council will try and source funding to upgrade the two remaining paths and the Council will erect three new lamp standards on the main path.

13. Community Council Elections

Two new members have been elected to the Council:

• Ann Roberts
• Derek Hughes

We still have a further vacancy which can be filled by co-option.

14. Calendar

In view of Kenny McKaig's resignation the calendar will not now be done.

15. Any Other Business

Data Protection

It looks likely that the Community Council, to comply with regulations, will now have to register for Data Protection. This will cost approx. £37/year to be part of the scheme.

The Joint Community Council Forum will ask the Council if they will fund the registration costs. Every Community Council will have to appoint a Data Protection Officer.

Newsletter

The September Newsletter was collated and distributed to each member for delivery.

16. Date and Time of Next Meeting

Tuesday 14th October 2008 at 7.00 pm.