Glenfarg Community Council
Draft minutes of meeting held on 28th Nov 2011
Present
CCllrs Armstrong, Arnold, Johnston, MacKenzie (Chairman), Macpherson, Ponton, Vaughan and Watson.
By Invitation
Cllr Robertson and PC Riches
Members of the public
There was 1 member of the public present
Apologies
Cllr Baird
Presentation to retiring Chairman
CCllr MacKenzie on behalf of the council and the community of Glenfarg thanked Colin Campbell for his work as Chairman and as a community councillor and presented him with a certificate and a gift.
Previous minutes
With the insertion of the name Johnston in paragraph “Flooding” after CCllr the minutes of 5th Sept 2011 were proposed by CCllr Johnston and seconded by CCllr Watson.
Matters arising (not covered elsewhere in agenda)
None
Police Report
PC Riches reported on launch of the Festive period campaign which will target drink/drug driving, mobile phone use whilst driving, non compliance with seat belt law and vehicle defects.
Reported crimes in the area during period since last meeting were attempted break in at Lochelbank, car vandalism in Hayfield Road and theft from Glenfarg garage forecourt. All remain unsolved.
The GCC raised the issue of complaints received from Glenfarg residents re agricultural vehicles speeding and the mud on roads particularly during potato harvesting. PC Riches was unfamiliar with regulations on this subject and had no information on the report of 10th Nov of mud issues between Duncrievie and Milnathort. She is to pursue.
The issue of vehicles in Wallace Park was also raised and PC Riches will ask that regular patrols pass this area.
She urged that use of the Police non-emergency number 0300 111 2222 be promoted to all residents.
Flooding
Cllr Robertson is to speak with Cllr Baird and P&KC re the ongoing problems of flooding at the Stables, at bottom of Duncrievie Road and on the road from Arngask to Paris Bridge.
Pressured Area Status Consultation
Cllr Robertson gave the GCC background information to this consultation, outlining the situation as exists in the Kinross-shire ward. The GCC then agreed with the proposed P&KC curtailment of the Right to Buy legislation for a period of 10 years.
Newsletter
Cara Chalmers has kindly agreed to complete the December issue. There have been no applications received from the latest editor vacancy advert and in the absence of any volunteers the GCC agreed that Kate Armstrong take on the role following agreed Terms of Reference signed. The Newsletter Sub Committee has thanked Deborah Widley who, for personal reasons, is unable to continue in the team. Cara and two members of the reporting team are also stepping down.
The GCC recorded its thanks to Cara.
Binn Farm
CCllr Arnold reported on the last meeting of the Binn Farm Forum. Date for next meeting, which will be held in Glenfarg, has not yet been set.
Scoping Report Phase 2 This report has been received and circulated. Concerns were expressed over traffic management (items 11 & 12). In its response GCC will call for traffic management to be a very robust part of the environmental assessment with consideration being given as to the obligations placed upon the developers to actively manage traffic movement and not to excuse breaches by suggesting that they have no control over independent contractors. GCC proposed that skid resistant surface been laid in area of entrance to site from A912. CCllr Watson is to request that Road Surveyor carry out a Road Safety Audit.
Neighbourhood Watch
There is currently no listing for Glenfarg. CCllrs Ponton & Arnold are to examine all aspects of introducing schemes throughout area and will report to GCC at next meeting.
Tractor Issues
It was agreed the GCC write to farmer(s) re villagers’ concerns over speed, mud on road, routes used and verge damage experienced this year. GCC will express an understanding of the problems caused by this year’s weather and a desire to assist the farmers wherever possible.
Treasurer’s Report
No change from last report.
Bank signatories have now been changed to current Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer i.e. CCllrs MacKenzie, Watson and Vaughan.
AOCB
Poor state of the Wicks o Baiglie Road – the community council believes that there was a condition set that Npower would make good the road after the Lochelbank wind farm work was complete. Cllr Robertson to investigate.
Grit Bins Survey carried out and recommendations for movement/replacement sent to P&KC
Fallen Tree in Wallace Park P&KC tree officer alerted and since no danger this tree is not high priority.
Dead elm tree a possible danger to vehicles passing on B996 – CCllr Vaughan to report this to P&K Council
Vehicles in Wallace Park CCllr Watson to request that P & KC repair the gatepost and replace the gate. Also gap in fence to be closed off. It is hoped this will stop the drivers who have caused damage to grass of park.
Drain in Greenbank Road Cleared
Stephen’s Site GCC heard of the current work being undertaken on the site in preparation for housing development in the future. This is concerned with drainage. New application will propose site access will incorporate the creation of a roundabout. This was looked on favourably by GCC as it was believed this would assist in slowing down vehicles before entering the village.
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee In view of the date being close to Fete, it was felt by GCC that a separate event is unlikely to be feasible. Secretary to approach Fete committee.
Data Protection GCC secretary CCllr Watson nominated Data Protection officer for GCC. This includes Glenfarg Newsletter.
Christmas Decorations A request was received from a member of the community for some form of Christmas decorations at the 2 main entrances to the village. Cllr Robertson reported on how Milnathort had established its displays. Since it is too late for this year to process it was agreed that this be looked at in spring/summer next year.
CCllrs e mail communications It was agreed that such communications should not be used as a substitute for proper discussion and decision-making at public CC meetings and that exchanges be limited to establishing background information that will better inform the discussion that then takes place in the public forum.
Community Benefit Fund Panel Nominations
After the member of the public had left the meeting the GCC members voted on the 4 applicants, whose names and written submissions had been forwarded by the Scottish Communities Foundation for comment and recommendation. The secretary will inform Scottish Community Foundation of the GCC’s recommended 2 applicants. In addition it was confirmed that CCllr Ponton will be the GCC representative on the panel.
Date of next meeting – January 9th 2012 at 7.30pm
