The Royal Burgh of Culross Community Council
Minute of the meeting held in the Town House
On Monday 7th June 2010 at 7.30pm

Attendees :- Derek Burns (Chair), Dilys Livingstone (Vice Chair), Ken Lamb (Correspondence Secretary), Liz Duff (Treasurer), Susan Bell (Minutes Secretary), Marion Lamb

Apologies :- Marilyn Dennison, Martin Jackson, Judy Jackson

In Attendance :- Cllr Willie Fergusson, Robert Nelson

1. Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 10th May 2010
[Secretary’s note of regret for omission: Marion had, in fact, sent ‘apologies’ to the last meeting]. Otherwise, proposed by Liz and seconded by Ken.

2. Matters Arising
Update on previous Actions.

3. Police Report
Nothing to report [no-one present had attended any Police Engagement meeting since last month’s CCC].

4. Correspondence Received
Attached is a list summarising correspondence received. Ken asked whether to reply to Thomas Docherty – it was decided to send an ‘in-hand’ email. He noted there has been no feedback about the ‘Review of Scheme for Community Councils. Finally he drew attention to the public ‘drop-in’ consultation on the SES Plan Main Issues Report; the nearest one is to be held in Dunfermline City Chamber on Wednesday 23rd June from 2pm – 8pm.

5. Councillor Ferguson’s Report
Nothing to add to the earlier updates (see Table of Actions), but he did remind the CCC of their (previously agreed) decision to keep a watching eye on Planning applications during the summer recess.

6. Treasurer’s Report
Nothing to report other than addition of 2p and 28p interest, respectively, to the two accounts.

7. Chairman’s Report
Derek advised that an NTrust form has been filled in to say no dealings have taken place. He noted, again, that there would have been funds available here for the pier, but that the village residents managing that project had not availed themselves of it.

8. A.O.B.
1. Susan asked about the process for election to the new CCC, and whether present members need to do anything. Answer was that Fife Council will issue papers in due course. If more than 8 people wish to become members, there will be an election, with all villagers eligible to vote. Traditionally, canvassing by candidates has not been necessary. Derek noted that, last time an election was needed, turnout had been high, at 67%.
2. Mr Nelson asked whether organisations – as opposed to individuals - could be represented directly on the CCC, by one person per organisation. Derek said this would be welcomed, and that ideally each village organisation would be so represented. He said that, in the past, we’ve suggested they become ex-officio members (would be especially good for those wishing to use CCC insurance cover). Mr Nelson pointed out that, in these financially-straitened times, joint action might further some of the common aims of these organisations. All agreed this would be a good thing, and would reflect, and enhance, the pulling together of the village residents. One example he gave was to obtain improved signage to the Abbey from the main road, which – it is hoped - would bring benefits to the wider Culross community by maximising visitor numbers. Derek replied this would be a good candidate for Environmental funding.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.

THE NEXT MEETING OF CULROSS COMMUNITY COUNCIL WILL TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY 6th SEPTEMBER 2010 AT 7.30PM IN THE TOWN HOUSE.

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The Royal Burgh of Culross Community Council
Minute of the Annual General Meeting held in the Town House
On Monday 7th June 2010 at 7.30pm

Attendees : Derek Burns (Chair), Dilys Livingston (Vice Chair), Ken Lamb (Correspondence Secretary) Liz Duff (Treasurer), Susan Bell (Minutes Secretary) Marion Lamb

Apologies : Marilyn Dennison, Martin Jackson, Judy Jackson

In Attendance : Cllr Willie Fergusson, Robert Nelson

Previous Minutes
The minute of the 2009 AGM held on Monday 29th June 2009 was proposed by Marion and seconded by Dilys .

Chairman’s Report
1. Further to last year’s remarks, there is still no progress to report on the Dundonald Arms. [Background: permission was given for planned building, and work did commence, but has since stopped. Legally, sole requirement is to maintain ‘safe & secure’: owners have a number of years left (on the permission) to complete the work].
2. Youth Forum: it is disappointing to note that there has been no discernible progress.
3. Feedback has been provided, from two residents, about the poor fabric of the village. Culross Community Council (CCC) has asked Fife Council to address shortcomings, and we await their proposals.
4. Derek passed on his thanks to Susan (for work as Minutes Secretary), Liz (ditto, Treasurer), Ken (ditto, Correspondence Secretary) and the remaining members of the CCC for their support throughout the year.
5. He then asked Willie to chair the meeting for the election of office bearers, reminding all that these could only be valid until October, when elections to the CCC are to be held. [Office holders who have already given notification of intention to stand down agreed to stay on until then].

Election of office bearers
Chair – Derek Burns will continue until October. [Willie then handed the meeting back to Derek to chair].
Vice Chair – Dilys Livingston: nominated by Marion and seconded by Ken.
Treasurer – Martin Jackson (who, previously, had indicated willingness to take on any role except Chair): nominated by Derek and seconded by Liz.

Minutes Secretary – Susan Bell: nominated by Dilys and seconded by Ken.
Correspondence Secretary – Ken Lamb [at least until October] : nominated by Dilys and seconded by Liz.

Treasurer’s Report
Income and Expenditure Accounts for year ending 31st March 2010 were distributed (see attached copy). Liz drew attention to the transfer of BBC donation from one fund to another (original attribution had been in error). She reminded CCC of need to use the available funds and of the risk, to future funding, of failure to do so. Chairman asked about a signed, audited copy of the accounts: Liz explained it was with auditor (who is on holiday), but agreed to provide this to the CCC.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.45 pm.

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The Royal Burgh of Culross Community Council

Minute of the meeting held in the Town House on Monday 10th May 2010 at 7.30pm

Attendees :- Derek Burns (Chair) Dilys Livingstone (Vice Chair) Ken Lamb (Correspondence Secretary) Susan Bell (Minutes Secretary) Marilyn Dennison Martin Jackson
Apologies :- Liz Duff

In Attendance :- Judy Jackson George Connelly Robin Mackenzie (for ‘AOB’ only)

Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 12th April
Proposed by Ken and seconded by Martin.

Matters Arising

Police Report
a). Marilyn reported that, at last week’s meeting with the police, of 20 people (from the 4 villages) only one was from Culross. She pointed out that, since police priorities were decided on the basis of one-man-one-vote ballots at these meetings, Culross would need more attendees if its residents wished to hold more sway. (She confirmed that a CCC member has no more voting power than any other individual).
b). Susan asked whether PCs McKnight & Davidson should be removed from CCC Minutes distribution list (now that they no longer attend), and this was agreed.

Action 1: Susan to delete police from CCC Minutes distribution list.

Correspondence Received
Ken provided the following brief:
Fife Council, in collaboration with Zero Waste Scotland and the Community Recycling Network for Scotland (CRNS), launched a Furniture Re-use Campaign. The aim of this is to encourage people to donate their unwanted furniture & other household goods to local community-based organisations who will re-use it & sell on at a low cost. Leaflets were distributed by post.
Andrew Ferguson’s reply – forwarded to Derek, for further action.
SESplan Development Plan Scheme No2. The DPS will be published on the SESplan website (www.sesplan.gov.uk) by 9 Apr. The Main Issues Report (MIR), Monitoring Statement, Environmental Report and associated documents are available to view online. The MIR package is going through ratification process with 6 partner Authorities. It is anticipate that formal consultation will start at the end of May 2010.
Fife Housing Partnership – Scenario Planning Day, Dean Park Hotel, Wed 16th June: an all-day visioning event which provides a single forum through which investors, planning agencies, housing providers, tenants and voluntary organisations participate in the planning & development of effective processes to meet housing & related needs. Invitations later.
e) Contact with Linda Purdie; requested any meeting be held after Parliamentary election.
f) BTCV volunteer group: offered its services. Derek added that he volunteered with them for 3 years, and can give more info to anyone who wishes.
g) Planning: Bordie Quarry caravan site: Marilyn reminded CCC that this is a 2nd Application. It was agreed that we should ask that conditions of 1st Permission are brought forward.
Action 2: Ken to write to Fife Council requesting that original conditions be applied to any new Permission awarded to current Bordie Quarry Planning application.
An application has also been submitted for erection of stone boundary wall & hard landscaping at The House at West Green.
h) Street parade application – Culross Fancy Dress Parade. Comments (if any) to be submitted before 21 May 2010. Derek noted that there are two (similar) requests – both have asked to use CCC insurance cover.
j) NHS Fife Health Board Elections Information Pack. Marilyn briefed that the aim is to increase lay membership; there will be 12 lay members – 60 candidates have applied (closing date was last week); it’s all postal voting – ballot papers will arrive shortly.
k) Fife Access Seminar – to be held 10 June; concerns biking, routes etc. Booking form was included.

Councillor Ferguson’s Report
Willie not able to attend this evening, but Marilyn had a few relevant notes from the West Fife Village forum:
- There are plans to chop down trees (Spruce & Pine) in Valleyfield Woods. Derek said he understands this to be routine woodland management, under which only non-native species will be thinned out.
- Lunchtime playground assistants have been made redundant.
- Lady who makes school lunches is to be made redundant.
Derek commented that cuts are inevitable (given financial situation) but that he would have preferred changes which resulted in a flatter management structure instead.
- Youth Club can no longer meet at Stables: they have to go to Stephen Memorial Hall. Derek raised the question of what they would do with the Stables, which are run by 3 Trustees: the terms of the arrangement are that if they are not used by the Youth Club, ownership reverts to Fife Council. The CCC expressed its concern, not least about the apparent conflict of interest.
Action 3: Ken to write to Cllr Bobby Clelland to ascertain whether any change of Youth Club venue has been imposed (copy to Lynn Hoey).

Treasurer’s Report
Liz had provided report to Derek, who briefed as follows:
Annual accounts are with Claire, for auditing. (Marilyn noted that from 2011 they have to be signed off by 2 people).
Liz has given formal notification of intention to retire at next AGM.
She suggested some ways in which CCC funds could be used:
Upgrading the public toilets;
Donation to the rebuilding of the pier;
Donation to the Community garden, for plants;
Donation to the Youth Club;
Donation to CDT for flowers for the tubs.
It was agreed these would be discussed at next meeting, as time was running short.
Action 4: All to discuss dispersal of CCC funds.

Chairman’s Report
Derek has received a letter of complaint about the state of the seating. It was noted this has already been a subject for action, and Ken advised that the CDT had agreed to take it on.
Action 5: George to remind CDT about agreed seating improvements.
Should we award £50 to West Fife Playscheme? – Agreed we should
Action 6: Liz to send £50 to West Fife Playscheme
Derek has been made aware that Culross Salmon Fishing has a rateable value of £50. However it is noted that the Royal Burgh owns salmon fishing rights, and no payment has been made (nor sought).
A guide to West Fife villages has been produced by the Planning Group.

A.O.B.

Derek introduced Robin Mackenzie, who wished to echo the points, made at April’s meeting, about the poor upkeep of aspects of the village. He also asked about lack of Councillor representation at CCC meetings, and Derek explained that it had been agreed that this issue would be pursued.
Action 7: Derek to ask Willie Ferguson about Councillor representation at future CCC meetings.
Robin specified some particular areas of concern, & each was discussed:
Litter: Marilyn asked if BCTV could be asked to help; Derek said not for litter, & Dilys said she thinks they’re more likely to help with ‘projects’ rather than ongoing maintenance. Marilyn agreed, and pointed out that such use could in fact be counter-productive, since it may reduce the case for Fife Council to carry out its responsibilities.
Broken cobbles at Mercat Cross: Derek noted that this was caused by the Council’s lorries.
State of Kirk St (pot-holes):
Robin reminded those present that Culross depends on tourists. There followed discussion about whether we could use ‘Community Service’ people (ie offenders) to help. Marilyn noted that it is also important that CCC be seen to be trying to get something done about these issues. A range of strategies were considered, including contacting MP, MSP, newspapers, the Chief Executive of Fife Council, & raising a petition. It was decided to start with a letter to the new MP, outlining the issues & pointing out that the concerns are widespread within the community.
Action 8: Derek to find name & address of new MP.
Action 9: Ken, Dilys & George to draft a letter to MP detailing outstanding problems with fabric of village & circulate to CCC members for comments (to be returned within 24 hrs).
Robin thanked the Community Council for their efforts and good works.

George raised the topic of the proposed Alloa-Rosyth/Dunfermline Railway service. He stressed that local residents’ views had not properly been represented by CCC, that local Councillors had made assumptions about their constituents views, & had relayed those assumptions upwards. He asked that actual opinions be canvassed as soon as possible, and formally passed to the relevant bodies. The ensuing discussion covered:
how to learn what the village’s view (as a whole) is;
whether we should ask someone to come & talk to us;
whether anyone is in a position to do this unless/until the options are clear;
the financial viability of the scheme (given the state of the breakwater over which it must pass);
the Scottish Govt’s new paper on Public Consultation;
the various adverse impacts on Culross should the scheme go ahead.
We concluded that we should start by asking Willie Ferguson and Bill Walker (the two local Councillors who had supported the project) to come to CCC to explain why they had done so, and the lack of consultation.
Action 10: Ken to invite Cllrs Ferguson & Walker to discuss the proposed railway line (copy to Bobby Clelland and Gerry McMullan).
Derek sought to confirm that CCC had decided not to apply to ASCC – agreed that was the case, since there were few (if any) benefits.
He advised that elections for new Community Councils are to be held in October and said that, because 4 or 5 current members had decided to stand down, it was hoped that new blood will come forward.
Finally, he said the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at the same time as the next CCC meeting.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.

THE NEXT MEETING OF CULROSS COMMUNITY COUNCIL WILL TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY 7th JUNE AT 7.30PM IN THE TOWN HOUSE.

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The Royal Burgh of Culross Community Council

Minute of the meeting held in the Town House
On Monday 1st March 2010 at 7.30pm

Attendees :- Derek Burns (Chair) Dilys Livingstone (Vice Chair) Ken Lamb (Correspondence Secretary) Susan Bell (Minutes Secretary) Marilyn Dennison, Marion Lamb, Martin Jackson

Apologies :- Cllr Willie Ferguson, Cllr Will Walker

In Attendance:- Judy Jackson

1. Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 1st February 2010
Marilyn suggested that, to avoid confusion, the record of ‘apologies’ from non-Members should indicate their status, and the Council agreed this will be done from now on.

2. Matters Arising
See Table (attached) for update on previous Actions.

3. Police Report

Marilyn brought the March 2010 ‘South West Fife Community Engagement Letter’ (attached). She also advised that the South West Fife Community Policing Partnership agree ‘Policing Priorities’ at their meetings and those agreed last time, for the respective ‘beats’, are shown on the attached table. The CCC agreed that any concerns about crime / disorder should be brought to the attention of the police at Culross’ meetings (in The Stables, schedule as previously published), so that they may be considered for priority action.

4. Correspondence Received
(Previous Correspondence (from Douglas Sinclair))
a) Common Good assets list: Some debate about whether this is extant and the fate of proceeds from any sales.

Action 1: Ken to send copy to Andrew Ferguson (Fife Council Legal Services), with request for further information.

(CCC Correspondence received January)
b) Trust reorganisation: Circulated before & discussed at last meeting. Queried apparent expenditure - attributable to revaluation of assets. Agreed no comment on original proposals, but Derek will (again) invite Andrew Ferguson to CCC meeting to discuss.
c) Fife structure Plan 2006-26: Same as earlier (May 09) version approved by the Scottish Government, but omitting ‘tracked changes’. Agreed no comments required.

(CCC Correspondence received February)
d) Common Good Applications: (Reply, if any, required by 5th March)
• CDT for Pier: £1838 sought for reconstruction materials. (Fife) Council in support but suggests from 2010/11 funds. CCC agreed to support.
• Culross Festival: Subsidy of £1500 sought to provide discounted tickets for Culross residents to attend 3 Festival events. Fife council queried need, given profit made at last year’s event. Derek explained that there are numerous advance costs – including artists’ fees – which have to be borne. CCC agreed to support.
Culross Community Council wishes to remind all Community groups (such as the Youth Club) that applications for Common Good funding are most welcome, and will be supported by CCC whenever a good case is made.
e) Jim Tolson MSP Surgery Timings: Have advised him of our schedule of meetings.
f) Fun Time Carnivals: Agreed that Ken would pass this to the Gala Committee.
g) Draft Dunfermline & West local Plan: This is available online. Derek (to whom hardcopy had been passed) noted there are a number of errors: eg Pier not shown in Conservation Area, and Orchard View shown as Blackadder Haven. Drop-in events have been scheduled, for discussion. Agreed error should be raised there.

Action 2: Derek to attend event ref Local Plan (Kincardine Community Centre on 15 Mar, 2 – 8pm).

h) Beautiful Fife Campaign 2010: Agreed this should be passed to Duncan, for CDT.
i) Culross Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (Reply required by 26th Mar): This aims to highlight Culross’s significance in terms of its townscape & architecture, and to identify any particular issues affecting the conservation area, along with potential solutions. The appraisal will be going to the West Fife Area Committee in April for approval, so feedback on this draft is now sought. A hardcopy will be available to view on Thursday 11 March, from 4-7pm in the Stephen Memorial Hall, and a member of staff from Development Services will be on hand to answer any questions. The document is also available online at www.fifedirect.org.uk/conservation on the service page “Conservation Areas in Fife”. No comments have been received to date, and the CCC agreed that any queries should be raised at the session on 11 March.

(Reminders from the past)
j) Review of Community Council Scheme (Response due 5 Mar): Noted requirement to hold ordinary elections in 2010, but we (CCC) are not responsible for calling / running that election. Notification should come from Fife Council.
k) Financial Guidelines for CCs: This letter says that [its] updated information should be held in the Information Pack, but we don’t have this.
• Community Grants Scheme: this is an alternative source of funding; is already used by some groups (eg CDT; Senior Citizens). Derek mentioned that there is a Fife ‘Cultural Strategy’ and that a representative would like to attend a CCC meeting. Will be invited.
• Public Liability Insurance: The Bonfire and Fireworks display is a community event and as such the Community Council's Insurance will be used to cover this event. The Gala is also a series of community events and so the CC's Insurance will be used to cover those. The Community Council will apply for a quote to cover these events.

5. Councillor Ferguson’s Report:
Willie not able to attend this evening.

6. Treasurer’s Report:
No income or outgoings to report

7. Chairman’s Report:
A few people have contacted Willie Rennie about the issue of parking in the village centre: cars left on the narrow main street cause difficulties for other users. This has been considered before; Fife Council has asked whether we would like to have ‘exclusion’ marking at bus stops; CCC did not believe this would address the issue. As CCC still would not advocate yellow lines in this conservation area, again it was decided to do nothing, at least for now.

8. A.O.B.
Marilyn said she had attended the Lagoons meeting but had nothing of interest to report from it.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9 pm.

THE NEXT MEETING OF CULROSS COMMUNITY COUNCIL WILL TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY 12th APRIL AT 7.30PM IN THE TOWN HOUSE.

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The Royal Burgh of Culross Community Council

Minute of the meeting held in the Town House on Monday 1st February 2010 at 7.30pm

Attendees :- Derek Burns (Chair)
Ken Lamb (Correspondence Secretary)
Susan Bell (Minutes Secretary)
Marion Lamb

Apologies :- George Connelly
Marilyn Dennison
Liz Duff
Martin Jackson
Dilys Livingston (Vice-Chairman)
Cllr William Walker

In Attendance :- Cllr Willie Fergusson (WF)
Ryan Nelson (RN)

1. Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 7th December 2009
Proposed by Derek and seconded by Marion.

2. Matters Arising
See Table (attached) for update on previous Actions.

3. Police Report
Although no police representation was possible this evening, Derek noted that the Dunfermline Press had reported that police are to hold bi-monthly meetings with the public, in Culross Youth Club (see separate table for schedule). Willie explained this will mean a minor reduction to Community Council attendance but that, if there is a burning issue, they will come. However, they are trying to engage more widely. In this area, it will mean 3 dedicated Community Officers (led by PC Alan Davidson). The meetings will be ‘open forum’ style, with questions channelled elsewhere if required. Culross was chosen for its central location, and the Youth Club for its parking facilities. The initiative has Willie’s full support, as it is the closest thing possible to having a ‘village bobby’ and because – if necessary - they can be called on to ‘blitz’ an area. The scheme will be evaluated later.

4. Correspondence Received
a. Ken said things had been fairly quiet over the Christmas holiday period. Fife Council had sent updated financial guidelines for Community Councils (soft-copy already circulated; hardcopies issued this evening for Liz & Susan).
b. Some correspondence was still being sent to Douglas who had kindly forwarded. Ken would advise the originator of the change in CC Correspondence Secretary.
c. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) were looking for patient/carer representatives to join a group reviewing pre-school dental decay. Not seen as core business for CC.
d. The Patient Partnership in Practice is the public involvement group of the Royal College of General Practitioners (Scotland). They were looking for three lay members, but the correspondence was received too late to put forward a name.
e. NHS Fife Pastoral and Spiritual Care Committee were seeking representatives to join their group. The next meeting was scheduled for 5 February. Derek advised Marilyn will not be back from holiday by then, so decline invitation.
f. Comments had been requested on a ‘Living and Dying Well’ consultative document. Again received too late for a reply to be made.
g. Electronic material was received and circulated on the ‘Draft Scheme of a Review of the Scheme for Community Councils in Fife’ (previously circulated for comment last year). This appeared to conform to what was accepted last year and no further comment was deemed necessary.
h. Emails had been received on ‘Fife Wide Trust Re-organisation’. Ken stated that this appeared to show expenditure from Culross resources of £400, from both vote headings in the last financial year, of which we knew nothing. Derek had spoken to Andrew Ferguson, who looked into it, and reported that no money had been spent from our Trusts & Legacies in the last 3 years, although he could see why it may appear so. Willie said any withdrawal would require two signatures. Derek passed on Andrew’s advice to expand the spreadsheet which would then show that there was no expenditure. Ken agreed to look into and, if still uncertain, to raise with Andrew when he attends CCC meeting.
Nb. This limited pool of money is available to help anyone in the village overcome a short-term problem. If they approach Derek or Willie, it will be referred (anonymously) to Fife Council & money will be sent via the Chair to maintain confidentiality.

Action 1. Ken to check Trusts & Legacies spreadsheet for withdrawals.

5. Counciller Ferguson’s Report
a. Willie said that the big issue was the village road closure (for repairs). Stagecoach has apologised for the very short notice of the reduction in services (although they note that there are few regular users between Kincardine & Culross). They wanted to terminate the service at the West car-park, and had posted flyers through residents’ doors. Had offered compromise: that if reduction causes real hardship, they would consider a taxi-bus service. Derek observed that this had not been publicised. He also noted that the diversion signs appeared to be inadequate, in number, location & timeliness. Marion commented that some, in Kincardine, had just appeared tonight and some hadn’t been moved since last time. Derek said consensus seems to be that it’s a pity that notice was so short, but noted that signs say bus service is to be 2-hourly. Willie acknowledged the shortcomings but drew focus to the goal, which is improvement to the road.
b. He reported an incident of the use of dogs for deer poaching on the ash lagoons, and asked that anyone who hears or sees anything relating to this most distressing activity should phone the police or the power station gatehouse.

6. Treasurer’s Report
[Nothing – Liz away for next 2 months]

7. Chairman’s Report
a. Derek relayed Marilyn’s feedback from the West Fife Villages Forum, including:
• Schedule of future Police meetings [copy to be posted on village notice-board];
• Head of Transportation to look into shortage of salt during cold spell;
• Local Plan shortly to go out for consultation;
• A report has been commissioned into the opening of the West Fife railway line between Kincardine & Dunfermline. Stations may be opened at Rosyth & Cairneyhill. (Not sure about Newmills & Culross). Trains may run between 6am and midnight;
• West Fife Villages forum to ask about possibility of repairs to Golanderston Toll Bridge at Cairneyhill;
• Wall falling down along by St Mungo’s chapel.
b. Derek raised the complaints he’s heard about owners not clearing up after their
dogs, particularly along the riverside pedestrian/cycle path. Willie agreed to relay this to the Dog Warden.
c. Barriers have been erected at The Dundonald Arms – it is not known whether this is an indication that work is to begin.
d. Derek has received a note from a resident, who lives close to a lime tree next to the (East) car-park entrance, advising that the tree has fungal infection. She has written to the Council about the risk of collateral damage (to gas & electrical services, sub-station, houses and cars) should the tree fall. Willie agreed to enquire.

Action 2: Willie to ask Fife Planning Committee about proposed action regarding diseased lime tree.

8. A.O.B.
a. RN relayed his family’s concerns about Tree Preservation Orders which have been requested following the felling of a single tree for safety reasons (At Erskine Brae). They are trying to reach an understanding with Fife’s Tree Protection Officers (TPOs) so that any future essential maintenance can be carried out without fear of prosecution or loss of vital harvesting time. Derek said that local residents had asked him to seek Preservation Orders to prevent future sudden and un-notified loss of this ‘amenity’, and he had done so. Willie said outcome was not yet known, but that he would enquire.

Action 3: Willie to ascertain status of requested Tree Preservation Orders at Erskine Brae.

Derek said that if the Community Council was asked if it supported the proposal for Preservation Orders, this would be put to a vote. Ken suggested that, if the Orders were granted, RN could seek an agreement with the TPO on a contingency plan which covered any urgent remedial action necessary to ensure machinery access in future.

b. Susan said that, from now on, electronic copies of Minutes would be forwarded to Carnegie Library as per their request.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.15pm.

THE NEXT MEETING OF CULROSS COMMUNITY COUNCIL WILL TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY 1st MARCH AT 7.30PM IN THE TOWN HOUSE.

The Royal Burgh of Culross Community Council

Minute of the meeting held in the Town House on Monday 7th December 2009 at 7.30pm

Attendees :- Derek Burns (Chair), Liz Duff (Treasurer), Susan Bell (Minutes Secretary)
Martin Jackson, Ken Lamb

Apologies :- Marion Lamb, Dilys Livingston, Marilyn Dennison, George Connelly

In Attendance :- Judy Jackson, Robert Nelson, PC Eddie McKnight

1. Minutes of the meeting held on 2 Nov 09
Proposed by Liz and seconded by Ken.


2. Matters Arising

a. Table for update on previous Actions.

3. PC McKnight’s Report

PC Eddie McKnight introduced himself: he took over (along with PC Davidson) from PC Colin Mason about 6 months ago. He has worked in the West Fife villages for years, and is very familiar with the communities.
A copy of his report is displayed alongside these minutes. Liz asked about the Tanhouse Brae incident – PC McKnight said it was still under investigation; he will obtain an update & feed that back.

Regarding the ‘distraction theft’, he gave the following advice:

• Perpetrators of these crimes are usually males who work in groups of 2 or more, and tend to commit these offences outwith their own areas;
• They tend to target the elderly who live alone;
• They can trick their way in by saying they are from the water board, or are meter readers etc;

He went on to say that the best way to prevent such offences is:

a. Never allow any stranger to have free access to your home;
b. Always ask for identification from anyone claiming to represent a company;
c. Check the identification by telephoning the company concerned;
d. Never allow into your home anyone about whom you have doubts;
e. Use the security chain when speaking to strangers at the door;
f. Lock your rear door;
g. Do not keep large amounts of cash or valuables on display – lock them away;
h. If you have a single elderly neighbour, look out for them.

4. Correspondence Received

All had been discussed under ‘Matter Arising’ Table of Actions.

5. Councillor Fergusson’s Report

Councillor Fergusson was unable to attend (so no report this time).

6. Treasurer’s Report

a. Current Account: After payment of poppy wreath (£20) there was balance of £348. Further payments (Donation to Over 60s group (£50), Renewal of Assoc of Scottish Community Councils membership (£15), Auditors gift (£20), Gala Insurance premium (£89)) leave balance of £174.
b. Environmental Account: Only activity has been receipt of interest (£0.58), leaving balance of £3351.30. There was some discussion about the very low rates of interest and the difficulty of getting better rates without tying up the cash for long.

Action 1: Liz to make enquiries about better interest rates.

Marilyn, on behalf of the Over 60s, sent thanks to the Community Council for its generous donation.

7. Chairman’s Report

a. Willie Rennie has written to the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) about the poor state of two of its properties. NTS are discussing with the ‘in-between’ occupant the possibility of renovating all three. When Derek asked what happened to Lady Erskine’s bequest (for small houses in Culross) he was told it had not been spent & was still there.
b. There is to be an inaugural conference of the Fife Green Space Strategy Development Group on 27 January 2010. Derek volunteered to attend.

Action 2: Derek to report back from the Fife Green Space Strategy conference.

c. The Scottish Health Council has produced a newsletter for patients – copy received.
d. The Association of Planning Aid for Scotland aims to increase people’s involvement in their areas’ futures. Leaflets are available.
e. Fife Scout Group did get the £500 for the BBQ, so it should now be made available – at no fee – to other community groups / activities.
f. The school’s Parents / Council meeting noted:

• there are leaks in the flat roof;
• wind turbine is not to be permitted.

(The school report is available)

8. A.O.B.

Derek:
Derek asked Robert about progress on the coastal path. Robert didn’t think it would be finished by Xmas but believed that if the current rate of work continued it would probably complete in January. When Derek said how useful a path from De Villa (woods) back to Culross would be, Robert replied that a right-of-way is there, but has fallen out of use and the signposting isn’t good.

Robert:
Asked about the proposed Tree Preservation order and as nothing had been heard recently, Derek agreed to contact Fife Council to get an up to date position. Derek would update Robert out-of-committee.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9 pm.

THE NEXT MEETING OF CULROSS COMMUNITY COUNCIL WILL TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY 1st FEBRUARY AT 7.30PM IN THE TOWN HOUSE.

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The Royal Burgh of Culross Community Council

Minute of the meeting held in the Town House held on Monday 2nd November 2009 at 7.30pm