DRAFT
(For amendments, please see the minutes of the next meeting when available.)
BURNTISLAND COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of Community Council Meeting held
in the Burgh Chambers on Friday 9th March 2012 at 7pm.
PRESENT
Alex MacDonald (Chair)
Bob Smith (Vice Chair)
Isabel Smith (Secretary)
John Russell (Treasurer)
Ed Pybus (Minutes Secretary)
John Bruce
Morag Douglas
Peter George
Tim Hailey
Neil Milsop
Paul Briscoe (Burgh Buzz)
Cllr Ron Edwards
Cllr George Kay
Cllr Susan Leslie
PS Scott Murray
ATTENDING
10 members of the public
APOLOGIES
Gary Cummins
Christine Dewar
Martin McDonald
Zoe Williamson
1 Chairman’s Opening Remarks
The chair opened the meeting and explained that, due to a prior commitment,
Cllr Susan Leslie would have to leave early. She would therefore report on
several outstanding actions under item 7.1 before departing.
2 Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were adopted, proposed by Bob Smith,
seconded by Peter George. It was agreed to circulate action points immediately
after each meeting with full minutes to be circulated at a later date.
Action: Ed Pybus/Zoe Williamson to circulate Action Points.
3 Notification of Community Concerns for A.O.B. Item 12 – none intimated.
4 Police Report – PS Scott Murray/PC Keith Gibb
PC Scott Murray noted that there had been no noticeable crime trends over
recent months. Thanks to combined work by the schools, social work and the
community policing team levels of youth disorder had reduced.
The next community engagement meeting was due to be held 14th March
in Kinghorn Community Centre.
As yet the mobile speed camera had not been in place on the Kinghorn Loch road
due to a lack of staff. It was hoped that it would be in place in the near
future as speeding was a problem on the road. They were looking for additional
volunteers for the community speed watch programme. They were looking for
around 12 volunteers. The question of insurance for the volunteers was raise.
PS Scott Murray would look into the issue.
A 3rd community safety officer was now stationed in
Kinghorn/Burntisland meaning there should usually be an officer on duty during
both the day and the back shift.
A traffic warden had been on duty in Burntisland and 9 tickets were issued in 4
hours. PS Scott Murray would support a full time traffic warden in Burntisland
but this wasn't currently an option.
After a discussion of traffic offences it was noted that a report from one
member of the public of a driving offence was not sufficient for police to
attend. This was policy across the force.
Action: PS Scott Murray to investigate insurance issues relating to the
community speed watch.
5 Presentation – Wind Turbines at Longloch Farm – Alan Hobbett
This was deferred to the April meeting.
6 Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports
6.1 Secretary's Report
Nothing to report
6.2 Treasurers Report
Full report attached [available on request]. The accounts currently showed a deficit due to the
additional cost of the Christmas lights.
Action: John Russell to chase up payment from Fife Council.
7 Environment
7.1 Susan Leslie noted that several issues from the previous meeting had
been followed up:
The hut on the links had been inspected by the area parks manager. A full
assessment would now be carried out and raised with the elected members.
The Shipyard Football Club and Fife Council were currently in discussion
regarding the lease of the pitch site including the provision for the community.
Fife Council had been having fruitful discussions with Burntisland Heritage
Trust regarding the Burntisland Museum currently housed in the library. No
final decision had been taken but it was hoped that the ship models would
remain displayed in the library.
7.2 Peter George reported that the telephone box on Aberdour road and the Handrail on the Palais steps had been repaired. Thanks were passed to Alex Macdonald and Susan Leslie for actioning these points.
7.3 The problem of seagulls was noted particular during the nesting and
hatching period. There were reports of several incidents of 'seagull attack' at
points in the town including Broomhill Avenue, Dick Crescent and Kirkbank Road.
Whilst it was agreed that something should be done it was pointed out that £14K
had been spent on flats in West Leven Street ensuring seagulls couldn't nest
there – this had merely moved the problem to Somerville Square. Fife Council
could apply for a license to destroy nests but this would only be granted of a
clear threat to public health was demonstrated. The most effective way of
dealing with gulls was not to feed them. Whilst they often feed on litter it
was noted that they were also being fed. This information was to be
disseminated. There would be a piece in the Burgh Buzz and Fife Council would
be approached to see if additional lamppost signs could be provided.
Actions:
George Kay to see if Fife Council can provide lamppost notices advising people
not to feed the gulls.
Paul Briscoe to include a piece in the Burgh Buzz.
8 Burgh Buzz
An editorial meeting was to be held next week. Deadline for the next issue was
12th April.
9 Ongoing Business Items
9.1 Review of Local Planning Applications
The only applications were for domestic alterations. There was no concern from
the community council.
9.2 Strategic Projects Group
It was noted that the Strategic Projects group meetings aren't open to the
public but are attended by members of the Community Council and the elected
members. No decisions are taken at these meetings they are a forum for
discussions that are then brought to the Community Council for decision.
9.2.1 War Memorial
A grant of £5000 had been made from the Common Good fund. This meant a third of
the total funding was now in place. A cheque from the Burntisland Development
Trust had now been received and Holland Rolland and Jim Murphy had now been
paid. There was concern about the amount of time it had taken to receive the
cheque, this was due to the fact that the Trust had now been dismantled and
cheques need to be sent to London to be signed by an Alcan representative. This
could cause a problem when paying contractors.
Fife Council Transportation had expressed concern about moving the bus shelter
as repairs to the pavement were due to be undertaken. It was agreed that
repairs would go ahead as planned and the shelter would be moved as part of the
development.
The tenders that had been received were now out of date and Jim Murphy would
ask the lowest two tenders to resubmit and extend the time scale. This may lead
to an increase in price.
Hurd Rolland reported that consents 'were going in the right direction'. There
had been a draft report submitted to Historic Scotland from Fife Council
Planning Department and they were awaiting responses. Planning was due to go to
the Area Committee. Due to the upcoming elections the next area committee
meeting had not yet been scheduled.
9.2.2 Haugh Road
Monitoring forms had been distributed to record any leaks/smells. It was agreed
to circulate the monitor forms via the website and facebook.
Action: Alex MacDonald to circulate monitoring forms. Ed Pybus/Zoe
Williamson to add to website etc.
9.3 New Primary School Public Meeting/Consultation
Morag Douglas and Neil Milsop attended the latest stakeholders group meeting. A
planning application in principle would be submitted in April. Full planning
would be applied for in the 2nd quarter of the year. At present work
was scheduled to start in January 2013 due for completion in August 2014. The
Community Council members had been invited to visit the new Carnegie school to
get an idea of the proposed design.
The building of the School would entail a transfer of land from the Common Good
Fund and Widows Land Trust. 40% of the land earmarked for the school was from
the Widows Trust and the remainder from the Common Good Fund. Lawyers had been
appointed to act for the Widowsland Trust and had instructed the independent
district valuer to value the Widowsland Trust Land. The Common Good fund land
had also been valued by the district valuer. The Widowsland Trust land had been
valued at £16000 and the Common Good land at £33000. The area committee had
agreed to the transfer of the land in principle but a final decision had been
deferred until after the planning application when a further valuation may be
made. This recommendation was being passed to Fife Council's PFAM committee who
are due meet 29th March. If
the transfer were to go ahead the agreed valuation would be paid into the
Common Good Fund/Windowsland Trust from the budget for the new school. BCC's
position on the transfer of land would depend on the final terms and conditions
offered. It was agreed that a letter would be written to Fife Council to seek
clarification on the terms and conditions for the transfer and BCC role in any
discussions re: the Common Good Fund.
It was noted that the Widowsland Trust currently had a balance of c£200. The
terms of the trust stated that it should be used only for the benefit of the
widows of two families in Burntisland. Fife Council had discussed the issue
with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and it may be
desirable to widen the scope of the trust in some way, possible to benefit all
the senior citizens of Burntisland.
It was questioned whether they would accept another bid for the land, if the
offer was in excess of the valuation. This was considered unlikely as the land
was being transferred for a specific reason rather than being offered for
general sale.
The valuation of the current school buildings was raised. Fife Council were
currently looking at various possible options
BCC had received detailed questions regarding the proposed new school and BCC's
role in the development. It was agreed that these points would be responded to
email which would be circulated to the council members. It was noted that the
BCC does, and always has, supported a new school in Burntisland. It was noted
that the site of the new school was of interest to both parents and carers and
the wider Burntisland community. It was noted the the Fife Council Education
committee had made a unanimous decision to build the new school on the Toll
Park. It was noted that this has become a divisive issue in the town and the
BCC has a duty to both represent all members of the community and to help bring
the community together.
Actions:
MD and NM to attend Carnegie School visit.
AM to draft a letter to Fife Council to confirm what the conditions of sale of
the Toll Park to the Council will be.
MD to draft an article for the Burgh Buzz on the BCC position on the new
school.
9.4 Christmas Lights/Christmas Lights Switch-On
Ed Pybus met with Ken Halley of Fife Council to seek clarification on the issue
of the Christmas Lights. The central Fife Council contract for the Christmas
Lights had been extended to June 2013. The elected members were unaware of this
and it had not been mentioned at the recent ward meeting when the lights were
discussed, It was agreed that this would be discussed at the next ward meeting.
The supplier would collect the current lights and assess any damage that had
been done due to the high winds. A quote for repairs would be given and then a
decision could be taken as the whether or not new lights should be purchased or
the existing lights repaired. It was noted that the current lights were
unsuitable for some parts of the high street.
Actions: George Kay to bring the issue of the extension of the central
lights contact to the next ward meeting.
9.5 Burntisland/Kinghorn Parish Churches Malawi Visit Funding.
A letter had been sent to Fife Council regarding the decision to award funding
to Burntisland and Kinghorn Parish Churches from the Common Good Fund. No
response had yet been received. Concern was expressed that not all Common Good
Fund applications were received in good time to be reviewed by the BCC. It was
noted that the decision of the area committee was unanimous in support of the
application as the members had been convinced of the community benefits.
10 Awaiting Update
10.1 Burntisland Sports Group
The project at the beacon has been split into two separate projects. One
project will be the construction of two 5-A-Side pitches, this will be taken
forward by Fife Council Community Services. The other project will be a MUGA
pitch, this will be taken forward by the Sports Group. Funding of £125K has so
far been secured. £10-£15K will go towards the MUGA the rest towards the
5-A-Side. Additional funding is being sought for both projects. The next step
is to make a planning application. The question as to whether or not there
would be a public display of the planning application. It was indicated that FC
would undertake community consultation.
10.2 Clock Chimes
10.3 Links Community Trust
The links accounts had still not been finalised.
Actions: George Kay to chase up Links Accounts.
10.4 Burgh Chambers Furniture
10.5 Draft Common Good Fund
Property Review Report
Actions: Alex MacDonald to chase up copy of the report from Fife Council
10.6 BCC Membership
An application to join the BCC had been received from Ian McKenzie. It was
agreed to co-opt him onto the council.
Actions: Isabel Smith to contact Ian McKenzie
10.7 Burntisland Floral
Enhancement
A coffee morning is due to be held 10th March to raise funds and
volunteers, and a meeting for anyone interested will be held 20th
March at 7pm at the Burntisland Heritage Centre. George Kay indicated that he
had received an email from Scott Clelland at Fife Council regarding the floral
enhancement.
Actions: George Kay to forward email from Scott Clelland to EP and MD.
10.8 Burgh Chambers Clock Tower
Repair
It was noted that there was no damage to the building it was a case of ongoing
wear and tear. A survey of the building had yet to be done. 104 High Street was
to be made wind and water tight. The property could potentially be disposed of
if there was no community use for it.
10.9 Community Clean-Ups
The community clean up was due to be held on the 22nd April. Gary
Cummins is coordinating the event with Fife Council.
11 New Business Items
11.1 High Street
11.1.1 Repair to buildings on High Street
Fife Council will be undertaking cosmetic repair work on Burntisland High
Street. They will be carrying out basic roof maintenance. They will be no cost
to the building owners.
11.1.2 Traders Initiative
A meeting was due to be held of High Street traders to discuss the formation of
a traders association. The meeting was only open to traders.
11.2 Toll Park Land Transfer
Proposal
See 9.3
11.3 Plans for Public Toilet
Closures
Concern was raised over the plans for Fife Council to close the public toilets
in Burntisland. The proposal was that toilets would be provided by local
businesses, however it seems that the scheme to provide money for this service
was very limited and only 1 business in Burntisland had signed up. It was noted
that despite the fact that the public toilets cost money to run the Links earns
considerable money for Fife Council. Concern was also raised as to what would
become of the public toilet building if they were closed.
Actions: John Bruce to draft letter to Fife Council regarding Public Toilet
closures
11.4 Burntisland Funfair 2012 –
Music
A request had been made for an extension to the music at the shows during the summer.
At present there is no music on a Sunday night, there was a request for music
from 6 – 9 pm on a Sunday this summer. It was agreed not to support this
request.
12 Any Other Business
12.1 Binn Path
Concern was raised regarding the closure of both the path and the track that
lead from the Cowdenbeath Road to the Binn. Both these were closed due to
problems with drainage. It was unclear if either path was an official right of
way but one at least should be opened again before April. Alison Irvine was
liaising with the land owners.
13 Date of Next Meeting
B.C.C. Meeting - Friday, 13 April 2012 at 7 p.m. in the Burgh Chambers