MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SPEY COAST TENTANTS' FORUM HELD ON THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2008 IN BUCKIE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL AT 7.30.P.M.

Present:
Gilbert Grant - (Retiring Chairperson.)

William Smith - Vice Chairperson

Annie Cowie   - Treasurer.

Harry Walton

Jean Walton

Pearl Mann

Patricia Beattie

David Wood

Ron Shepherd.

Alistair McQuaker  -  The Moray Council.

Jan Campbell - The Moray Council

Apolgies for Absence:
Apologies were received from Cllr George McIntyre and Stella Clark.

Item 1: Minutes of Meeting held on 27 February 2007.

It was noted that no attendance names were on the last minutes due to the attendance list being handed into reception before a note was taken.  Apologies were given for this. The Minutes were agreed as being correct.

Item 2: Matters arising from previous Minutes.

Nominations for chair-person and secretary were discussed at the meeting.  Harry and Jean Walton had showed interest in the roles and motioned that they would be happy to take on the roles. It was agreed by a show of hands that Harry Walton would take on the role of Chair-person and Jean Walton would take on the role of Secretary.

Rear fencing at Castlehill Road, Fochabers has now been completed excep the old gates and a small amount of fencing still remains at no's 7, 9 and 17. Patricia Beattie explained that she had asked the workmen why they were not included and had been told that this was not on the contract of works.  It was suggested that Gary Wiseman should look into this.

Rubbish at Castlehill Road, Fochaberts around No.66 was supposed to be sorted, however, Stella Clark (not present) had passed a message to the Forum to make sure it was done.  Sandy McKenzie to investigate to see what was happening there.

Item 3: Treasurer's report.

Annie Cowie verbally reported that £441.26 was left in the budget.  This year's allocation of money had not been requested as the balance was healthy.

Item 4: Projects Update

Gary Wiseman is to look at prices for Burns Square.  Gary was to be asked to attend the next meeting to provide prices for future proposals to be organised.

The steps at Richard Terrace and cracked and hand rails uneven.  Gary Wiseman to be asked to look into this area to see if it is the Council's responsibility or not.

Pathway at rear of Castlehill Road, Fochabers is an eyesore and local tenants would like this to be tidied up.

Item 5: Sub Committee.

David Wood attended is first sub-committee on the 19 March 2008 and is looking forward to the next meeting and will report all items discussed at the next Forum Meeting.

Item 6: Correspondence.

Alistair had a leaflet advising the forum of the "involving tenant, the road to success conference" , this is a 2 day conference and it was thought that some of the forum members might wish to attend.

Item 7: ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS.

It was mentioned that the rubbish in Wallace Avenue, despite being cleaned up seems to be recurring.   Sandy McKenzie to monitor this situation.  It was also noted hat a property in Lady Road seems to be gathering unsightly rubbish.  Also rubbish in Burns Square had not been uplifted again. Sandy McKenzie to minitor this.

It was advised hat the garden competition had been terminated due to a lack of individual interest.  There simply was not enough interest throughout Moray.   If the Forum wished to run a competition, then assistance would be given from the Buckie Housing Team.

It was mentioned that the Forum members have the opportunity to send 3 people to the Core Group for representation.   Alistair McQuaker asked if there was anyone present who was interested and to decide whom would like to go. It was agreed that Annie Cowie, David Wood and Jean Walton would

Attend.  Alistair agreed to write to Steven Christie to advise him of the changes, giving the names and addresses of those who would be attending, so that they could receive information relating to times/dates and agendas etc.

It was agreed that Gilbert Grant should do the official handover to Harry Walton and this would take place on 8 April at 4.p.m (Sarah to book Room 2 at the Town House).

Forum members suggested that the times of current meetings could be changed as when documents from the core group are distributed for discussion and comment, the forum meeting dates are outwith the deadline dates for comments.  The new time of meetings would allow the Spey Coat Tenants' Forum to become more involved in shaping the future service provided by the Moray Council Housing Service.   This will be an item for discussion at the next meeting.

Date and time of next meeting :  Thursday 24^th April 2008 at 7.30.p.m in Buckie Community School.