Kelso Community Council Minute

MINUTE of the MEETING of Kelso Community Council held in Kelso Town Hall on Tuesday, 12th May, 2009, at 7.15 p.m.

PRESENT Councillors Brotherston, Scott, Bassett, Dawson and Tomczyk; Scottish Borders Councillors T Weatherston, Hutton and Nicol

IN ATTENDANCE George Young, Secretary

APOLOGIES Councillors King, McGrath and D Weatherston

The Secretary informed the meeting as Returning Officer he had received eight candidates validly nominated. As this represented more than 50% of the total possible number of Councillor, a Council could be formed. Notices stating the names of the validly nominated Councillors had been displayed at both the Town Hall and Kelso Library. Mr Young asked Provost Riddell if she would chair the meeting to elect a new Chairman of the Council.

Provost Riddell asked for nomination and Councillor Scott was proposed by Councillor Brotherston seconded by Councillor Bassett. As there was no further nominations Councillor Scott was elected Chairman.

Honorary Provost Scott then took the chair and asked for nominations for Vice Chairman. Councillor Bassett was proposed by Provost Scott seconded by Councillor Brotherston. There being no further nominations Councillor Bassett was appointed Vice Chairman.

G Young intimated his agreement to remain as Secretary/Treasurer of the Council and was duly appointed.

Police Matters

As there was no representative from the Police at the meeting no report was submitted.

Minute

The Minute of the Meeting held on Tuesday 14th April 2009, was approved on the proposal of Councillor Bassett, seconded by Councillor Brotherston subject to an adjustment to the third paragraph, second sentence on page 6 which Provost Scott said should read “she also felt that the Care Commission had been portrayed in the documentary as being inactive in dealing with the various issues.”

Matters Arising

Ace Centre
Provost Scott had been unable to go to represent the Council on the open day but she had made a subsequent visit. It was noted that a youth worker had been appointed on a part-time basis. She understood the service was being well used and could be considered a valuable resource for the community.

Consideration of Plans

The Secretary stated that the past Council had appointed a Planning Committee to meet to consider plans and then make recommendations to the Council. It was agreed that such a Planning Committee should be created and Provost Scott, Councillors Bassett, Brotherston and D Weatherston would serve on this.

The Council then considered the following plans:

a) From Joanne Gall for external re-decoration and change of use from office to retail coffee shop at 18 Bridge Street – the Council had no problems with the application as such although it had been noted that tables and chairs had been set out on the pavement which it was felt was impeding the entrance to the pend and causing problems on the Bridge Street pavement.
b) From Douglas Home & Co for new signage at 47/49 The Square, Kelso – the Council had no objections.
c) From Mr & Mrs C Simmons for the demolition of a boundary wall on land west of the off licence at 19 The Square, Kelso. The Council felt that there were no reasons given as to why the wall was being removed and it would be essential that the land which it exposed would have to be kept as tidy as possible. Councillor T Weatherston felt that the area may be used for car parking which may be the requirement for the construction of flats in that area.
d) From Monica Ellis and Raymond Turnbull for the erection of two dwellinghouses on land northeast of East Bowmont Street. The Council had no objections to the house plans as such although they had concerns about the access through the pend for cars. It was felt that vehicles would have a restricted view on exiting the pend onto a very busy street.

Correspondence

1. A letter had been received from Headquarters 51 (Scottish) Brigade regarding military flying activity which would occur in the area between 11th and 22nd May.

2. A letter had been received from Scottish Borders Council enclosing an Employers Liability Certificate for insurance covering Community Councils. Councillor Tomczyk asked what the situation was with regard to Public Liability Insurance. It was felt by Councillor Nicol that if any events were being organised by the Council, guidance should be taken about this aspect from Scottish Borders Council.

3. A letter had been received from Scottish Borders Council stating that the government had announced the criteria for the Scottish Town Centre Regeneration Fund. The criteria restricted the towns which were eligible to make application but it was determined that Kelso would be able to make application. Information and guidance on the regeneration fund was taken from the internet as was an application form. The Secretary did point out that the first deadline for applications is 5th June 2009 but there is a second and final deadline for application on 21st August. Councillor Nicol stated that Future Kelso was aware of this and would be considering it at its meeting later in the month. It was pointed out that Community Councils as well as other organisations within the town could make application. The Community Council will consider this further.

4. A copy of SEPA View, the magazine of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency had been received.

5. Correspondence had been received regarding the insurance of the Silver Punchbowl and Salver which had been gifted to the town. The secretary is awaiting guidance from SBC solicitor Anne Isles in this regard.

6. Notice had been received from Scottish Borders Community Council network regarding the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 13th May at 7pm.No member was available and apologies would be sent.

7. A letter had been received regarding the Scottish Women’s Convention – Roadshow which would be held on Friday 15th May 2009 at The Abbotsford Arms Hotel in Galashiels. The Secretary had further information should anyone wish to attend.

8. A communication had been received from the Association of Scottish Community Councils regarding the School Closures (Scotland) Bill. It was felt that closures would not directly affect Kelso and consequently the Community Council could not make comment.

9. A brochure entitled “The Nature of Scotland” had been sent from Scottish Natural Heritage. This was available for members.

10. The quarterly newsletter of Borders Voluntary Community Care Forum had been received. There was also advance notice of the AGM which would be held on Wednesday 24th June 2009 in Old Gala House.

11. A letter had been received from Waterwatch Scotland highlighting the work of this organisation. It also pointed out that the South East panel of Waterwatch is holding a “drop-in” session on Thursday 14th May between 10am and 12pm and 2pm and 4pm at Jedburgh Library, 15 Castlegate, Jedburgh. The letter went on to highlight the fact that if members of the public have any issues or complaints in respect of the water industry then they can be raised with Waterwatch.

12. Details had been received from ‘Awards For Bridging Culture’ regarding guidance for potential applications.

Secretary’s Report

As the Council had vacancies the Secretary highlighted the method of co-opting members. A proposal to co-opt a person requires a Notice of Motion to that effect to be included on the Agenda for a regular meeting of the Council and such Notice of Motion shall include the names and addresses of the persons proposed to be co-opted together with that person’s number on the Electoral Register and the names of the proposer and seconder who shall be elected members of the Council. It was also pointed out that the number of members co-opted could not at any time exceed three. It was pointed out that any Notices of Motion had to be with the Secretary more than one week before a scheduled Community Council meeting to enable the Motion to go with the Agenda.

Area Committee Report

No Area Committee Meeting had been held since the last Community Council meeting. The next area meeting will however be held at The Tait Hall as one of the principal matters to be discussed is the extension of the 30 mile per hour limit on the Coldstream Road past Riverside Drive. There had been strong representations by residents in that area.

Scottish Borders Council Report

a) Paddock Court Pavement
Councillor Hutton stated that he would report on this at the next meeting.

b) Grass Cutting – Highcroft and The Linn
The response to Waverley Housing’s offer to undertake the grass cutting if 80% of the householders agreed to making a contribution had been exceptionally poor. Discussion followed on who was responsible for maintenance of the ground in the open spaces in the housing area. The views were that it was the responsibility of all the owners. As Waverley Housing only own 8 of 108 houses in the area they were of the opinion that all other owners should participate in the grass cutting. Councillor Nicol felt that the best way forward was for the creation of a Residents Association but these are difficult to create. It is understood that SBHA undertake the grass cutting work around the houses that they currently or used to own but it is felt that it will be a matter of time before they feel that their responsibilities are too great.

The Council asked the Secretary to write to Waverley Housing asking that the offer to maintain this ground be kept open at the moment as there is a need to take the hard facts regarding the ownership back to the owners whose property had been initially purchased from Waverley Housing Association under the “Right to Buy” legislation.

c) Dog Bins
It was pointed out that there was currently no dog bin at Crown Point although there was a notice about dog fouling in the area. A similar situation has arisen in the Racecourse area. Councillor Weatherston stated that a survey of the location of dog bins was currently underway and after this it was hoped that bins could be relocated. Councillor T Weatherston will continue to pursue this matter with the appropriate department at Scottish Borders Council.

Chamber of Trade

There was no report regarding the Chamber of Trade activity.

Future Kelso

Councillor Nicol reported that the Annual General Meeting of Future Kelso will take place on 28th May. Robert Young from Scottish Borders Council will be in attendance to explain the Streetscape Changes and the proposed one-way system for Kelso. There will also be discussions regarding the potential plans for Shedden Park. A project is also being developed with a Youth Worker in the town which will focus on the provision of youth activities.

The Secretary of Future Kelso will also be publicising a leaflet regarding the Future Kelso activities.

Provost’s Report

Provost Scott paid tribute to the excellent work undertaken by her predecessor Provost Riddell over the last 11 years and the exceptionally high standard of service which she had provided to the town. She also thanked Councillors Robeson and Miller who had been members of the Community Council for many years and had shown great dedication. She stated that she hoped she would be able to call on them for their advice in the future.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of Kelso Community Council will be held in Kelso Town Hall on Tuesday, 9th June 2009 at 7.00 p.m.