MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SPEY COAST TENANTS' FORUM HELD ON THURSDAY 24 APRIL 2008 IN BUCKIE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL AT 7.30.P.M.

PRESENT;
Harry Walton : Chair-person

Bill Smith: Vice-chair

Annie Cowie: Treasurer

Jean Walton: Secretary

Pearl Mann

Helen Milne

Robert Hay

David Wood

Vivian Smith

Ron Shepherd: Councillor

Joe Mackay: Councillor

Alistair McQuaker: The Moray Council

Avril Cooper: The Moray Council

Gary Wiseman: The Moray Council

Welcome

Harry Walton as new Chair-person welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies for Absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Patricia Beattie, George McIntyre, Gilbert Grant, Jan Campbell and Stella Clark.

Minutes of Last Meeting.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 27 March 2008 were agreed as correct.   Proposed : Alistair McQuaker, Seconded : Annie Cowie.

Matters Arising from Previous Minutes.

David Wood advised that the next meeting of the Housing Sub Committee would be held on 15 May 2008, and passed over to Harry Walton the January and February Minutes of the Moray Core Group.

Alistair McQuaker advised that the steps behind the primary school in Portgordon were owned by The Crown Estates, but that the Roads Department had this matter in hand and the steps would be refurbished during the course of 2008.

Secretary's Report.

Jean Walton read out a letter received from Helen Milne regarding the possibility of the Forum funding fence painting for people who were disabled or unable to do this work.   Alistair McQuaker said that Moray Council did not paint new fences because of the cost and it was easier to replace fences than paint them, but tenants

Could paint their own fences if they wished.    Bill Smith asked when the new fences in Castlehill Road, Fochabers could be painted and was advised as soon as the concrete had dried.

Jean Walton advised that the Tenants' Conference was to be held on 17 September 2008 and said that the Forum would be allocated a stand.   It was agreed that this item should be put on the Agenda for the next meting; Alistair McQuaker suggested a sub group should possibly be established to work over the summer break to finalise arrangements for the Forum's contribution to the Conference.

Treasurer's Report.

Annie Cowie advised that the Forum had a bank balance of £432.74.  The only funds taken out of the account were for the hire of the room of £8.52.  Annie Cowie also agreed to query the invoices from the Council in case duplicate payments had been requested.  It was agreed that the 2008 allocation should be applied for.

Project Update.

Gary Wiseman gave a brief explanation of the water problems being encountered in Garden Street, Portgordon in connection with the car park being developed.   Funds had been allocated for the project, but it was unlikely these would be needed in the near future and some of these funds could be allocated elsewhere.

Quotations had been requested for the work in Burns Square,Buckie; feedback given at next meeting.

The subject of moss on roofs at numbers 17-23 Tannachy Road Portgordon was discussed; agreed that an estimate should be sought for the work.

Ron Shepherd raised the question of extending the fence at No.5 Reidhaven Street, Cullen as this tenant was having problems with people going through his garden.  Gary Wiseman agreed to obtain a price for this work.

Any Other Urgent Business.

Avril Cooper advised that the a Walkabout had been arranged for the Portknockie/Cullen area on the 16 May 2008 at 10.a.m, and asked if a representative from the Forum would be able to attend.

A Walkabout was also being arranged for the Buckpool, Portessie and Findochty areas  for the end of May.   Avril Cooper to advise dates in due course

David Wood referred to the problems being encountered with the tenant at 9 Burns Road with regard to unacceptable noise late at night and said he had telephoned the police.  Alistair McQuaker to arrange for Sandy Mackenzie to monitor the situation, but advised in instances like this if the police are called, then the Council should be notified.     Rubbish was still causing problems in Burns Road,:  Sandy Mackenzie to visit and report back.

David Wood also said a problem existed with the keys for the front door of the flats.   Alistair McQuaker said that new keys had been ordered from the manufacturers of the locks.

Robert Hay asked if the question of speeding in Crown Street, Portgordon could be addressed, possibly installing speed humps. Alistair McQuaker advised this would be a long process as the Road Department and Police had to be involved in monitoring the situation before any work could be undertaken.

Rescheduling of dates for Future Forum Meetings.

A brief discussion took place regarding changing the day from the last Thursday in the month to possibly the second or third Thursday to accommodate the Moray Core Group Meetings. However, it was agreed this would be discussed at the next meeting as no changes should be made until after the summer break.

Date and Time of next Meeting : Thursday 29 May 2008 at 7.30.p.m in Buckie Community High School.