RHU AND SHANDON COMMUNITY COUNCIL Minute of Ordinary Meeting Held at Rhu Community Hall - Wednesday 12TH April 2011 Present: Archie McColl (Convener) Jan Crawford (Secretary) Gordon King John Fenney Pat Pollok-Morris Billy Petrie Provost James Leatherby R.N. (Guest) Kevin Johnstone (Member of the Public) Apologies:- Jack Rudrum Martin Ritch Archie notified those present that he wanted to make an announcement regarding actions taken in previous meetings. He advised that he had made a mistake, in his role of Convener, in allowing the Committee to make a decision to change the frequency of the meetings. He quoted from the ‘Model Constitution’ and advised that it is our duty to represent the views of the local community and any deviation from the Model Constitution requires to be approved by Argyll & Bute Council. Jan advised that she had notified Lynn Smillie to advise that we had taken a vote and had agreed to have bi-monthly meetings, and no objection was received. Jan also pointed out that it actually states in the Best Practice Agreement that: Community Councils must hold at least 7 meetings per year (one of which being the AGM) Archie mentioned previous votes and said that our decision was still illegal. Agreement that Jan contacts Charles Repkie at Kilmory to clarify the situation, and hopefully bring this, finally, to a conclusion. Guest Speaker: James Leatherby R.N. No big issues to report – Chief Executive of Argyll & Bute – Mr Sneddon visited the Base. Made reference to the situation reported at the last meeting in regard to Woodlea Road. He confirmed that the Commodore had visited the site and had sent his response. Jan confirmed she had received the letter, which was available at the meeting. Astute – due to arrive 14/4/11 - Confirmed that there was neither an asbestos or water problem. This is under investigation and tests are being carried out. Churchill – again confirmed that on inspection, there was neither an asbestos or water problem – The situation was only brought to light by the newspaper article. Nothing else to report. Acceptance of minute of meeting held on Wednesday 9th February 2011 Gordon asked that it could be minuted that he had in fact said that the street light – R41 was still not working – not as noted. This has been a problem for over one year. Proposed by Gordon Seconded by Pat Matters arising: Jan gave a further update on Woodlea Road. Agreed that Jan would scan and forward a copy of the letter received from Commodore Mike Wareham to Committee members. Pat – Updated the committee on the question of possible poisoning at the Spit. She spoke to Dominic Swann who assured her that no poison had been used at the Spit or anywhere else to help eradicate rats. Treasurer’s Report In Colin’s absence this was not discussed John advised that he had a couple of invoices relating to the website. These total £30 and he would make arrangements to pass to Colin for payment. Correspondence: Pat provided a letter regarding – Scottish Government Consultation on the future of the Fire and Rescue Service in Scotland - Agreed that Jan would scan and forward a copy of the letter received to Committee members Member’s Reports: John – Advised that the website provider has now changed. He has an invoice for Colin, but will forward this to him Advised that there have been some teething problems but expects these to be ironed out. Kevin advised that he had checked the website prior to coming to the meeting. He asked if the members of the community are aware that the website exists. Jan explained that there had been a Community Engagement Team set up, and that all residents received notification of the website and asked them to contact us if they wanted to suggest/complain about anything – This was initially successful, but has fallen away. Pat – Nothing Gordon – Gave an update on the problems that heavy rain has added to the blocked drains and also problems with street lighting. Light at the bus stop is still not working. He has made contact with James Daly but to date no response. He had reported that on the main road, the water building up because of the blocked drain is causing people using the path to be soaked when vehicles pass. Kevin advised that he had attended the Helensburgh Community Council meeting and this seemed to be an issue with them as well. The update from that meeting is that they are having to remove Christmas lights as well as attend to current faults and that they will get round to them at some point. He advised that he had been told that problems occur as there is only one team within Argyll & Bute to deal with these issues. Gordon mentioned the pothole in Spys Lane had been repaired at 8 a.m. one morning and by 10 a.m. it did not look as though it had been done. Billy mentioned that nothing had been done about removing the phone box, but he would contact again. Pat made reference to the hole in the wall at the corner of Caldwell Place and Station Road. She pointed out that this is a serious hazard, as anyone could fall into the burn. Jan asked Billy if there is any further update with regards to Caldwell Place. Advised that, as we know funds which had been allocated had subsequently been used in Helensburgh, and Caldwell Place has still to be dealt with. Agreement made that Jan write to Director of Roads – Kilmory to ask for update Jan – Nothing Archie – He wanted to advise the Committee that it is his intention to stand down as Convener at the AGM. Billy – Wanted to pass his condolences on the death of Jean Kane who had been a pillar of the community. She had been involved in almost every committee in the village, including the very first Community Council Committee in 1998. Billy felt that as a committee we should have a trophy in her name and it could be presented at the Gala. Pat felt that our appreciation in the minutes would be sufficient but a trophy would not be suitable as this ‘would not be Jean’. Committee agreed. A.O.C.B:- John Fenney advised he wished to tender his resignation and would confirm this in writing to Archie. He confirmed that he would, if the Committee wished, continue to run the website. Archie advised that the Gala would be held on 11th June this year, to accommodate the Helensbugh Games. He felt however that the Helensburgh Games, being held in the field beside the Ardencaple, would in fact come under Rhu’s boundary Date of next meeting - to be confirmed once response from ----- re monthly/bi-monthly meetings.