MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SPEY COAST TENANTS' FORUM HELD ON THURSDAY 29^TH MAY, 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.
• Stella Clark.
• Gilbert Grant
• Angela Grant
• Vivian Smith
• Patricia Beattie
• Pearl Mann
• Robert Hay
• Helen Milne
• Joe Mackay, Councillor
• Alistair McQuaker, Moray Council
• Jan Campbell, Moray Council

Welcome

Harry Walton welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies for Absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Ron Shepherd, David Wood, George McIntyre and Gary Wiseman.

Minutes of Meeting held on 24 April 2008.

Page 2 - Project Update - should be Garden Lane nor Garden Street.

The Minutes were adopted as a correct record of the meeting.

Proposed : Helen Milne. Seconded : Annie Cowie.

Matters Arising.

Alistair McQuaker advised that the problems relating to unacceptable noise in Burns Square had been resolved and that Sandy Mackenzie and the Housing Officer were monitoring the situation. It was also confirmed that new keys had been received for the front door of the flats.

Secretary's Report/Correspondence.

Jean Walton referred to the Consultation Document relating to Local Area Committees which had been sent to the Forum and said that responses were required by the Council by the 29 August 2008.

Alistair McQuaker briefly outlined the background to the document in that each Committee would be involved in developing an area community plan which would bring together strategic issues and local priorities and provide a means of influencing public agencies and the Moray Community Planning services. The local committees would be chaired by Councillors. It was also noted that members of local forums would be eligible to become members of the new area committees. It was also clarified that the setting of the Local Forums had been by Government Legislation and the new Local Area Committee would be by Government Legislation.

After a brief discussion it was agreed that the document should be forwarded to members of the Forum and brief comments brought to the next Forum meeting so that these could be collated and forwarded to the Council by the required date.

Treasurer's Report.

Annie Cowie produced an up to date bank statement which showed a balance of £345.75, and advised the Forum that an increase in funding of £500 for 2008 had been applied for.

A new expenses form was produced and briefly discussed and agreed that the Treasurer should have a float to cover expense claims.

Purchase of computing equipment.

The possibility of purchasing a computer for Forum work was discussed and Harry Walton advised that it would be possible for purchase a laptop and printer for approximately £500.

Alistair McQuaker advised that the Milton Drive project was nearing completion and 6 laptops had been purchased for training purposes. Members of the Forum confirmed they were interested in computer training and it was agreed to contact Gillian Bailey, Community Learning and Development to ascertain if training could be arranged for Forum members. Alistair McQuaker stated of computers for the respective Forums had been purchased and it was agreed that Harry Walton should discuss this matter with Steven Christie to see if funds could be made available to the Spey Coast Forum for this purpose. Gilbert Grant queried the cost to the Forum and Alistair McQuaker confirmed it would be Administration funding not Forum funding.

Tenants Conference 17 September 2008.

A draft programme for the Conference to be held in Elgin Town Hall was circulated and discussed. One of the purposes of the Conference was to advertise the local Forums and it was agreed that photographs of projects undertaken by the Forum should be displayed and also information relating to the aims and objectives of the Spey Coast Forum. Suggestions for the content of the stand to be discussed at the next meeting.

Rescheduling of dates for future Forum Meeting.

It had been proposed that with effect from September 2008 Spey Coast Forum Meetings should take place on the second Thursday of each month in the Committee Room, Buckie High School. Annie Cowie confirmed that she had completed the application form and returned this to the High School and hoped to have confirmation back by the next meeting. Harry Walton said that the change was in order that the Forum could comment on consultation documents from the Council and other sources and meet the deadlines for comment.

Project Update

In the absence of Gary Wiseman, an update of project was read out.

Costs had been received for the Burns Square walls amount to between £14,000 and £16,000. The sum of £5,000 had been allocated for this work and Gary Wiseman had asked for the Forum's views as if this sum was to be spent the project would have to be held over until 2009. It was also noted that on inspection of the panel they are in reasonable condition and it was recommended that they be left for a few more years.

Other costs put forward are as follows:-

Fencing at 5/7 Bin View Cullen would be £650

Moss cleaning at 17-23 Tannachy Road Portgordon would be estimated at £1600 for the 4 properties.

It was noted that if the Burns Square work was omitted this would leave an estimated amount still to spend of £4,584.71 with a possible additional £12,000 to spend if the car parking at Garden Lane is cancelled, although no confirmation via Property Services on the decision by Scottish Water has been received.

After discussion it was agreed that the Burns Square work should be omitted. Fencing at 5/7 Bin View, Cullen could go forward and further quotes should be sought for the removal of moss on the Tannachy Road properties.

Jan Campbell referred to the back fencing in West Street, Buckpool and said that Gary Wiseman had visited the site and estimated that it would cost around £550 to install 1050mm high fencing with the option of putting in two single gates. It was agreed that this matter would be looked at in more detail when the Buckpool walkabout took place.

Bill Smith referred to the rubbish in Castlehill Lane, Fochabers and suggested that widening the path might be a solution. It was agreed Gary Wiseman should be asked to look into this and obtain an estimate.

Any Other Urgent Business

Jan Campbell said she was arranging a walkabout in Buckpool during June and asked if members of the Forum wished to attend.

It was noted that Annie Cowie and Patricia Beattie wished to attend. Dates to be confirmed.

Alistair McQuaker advised that Shirley Coull, Housing Officer was leaving on 12 June on maternity leave and she would be replaced by Sarah Cowie. The Forum extended best wishes to Shirley Coull.

Date and Time of next Meeting.

The next Meeting will be held on Thursday 26 June 2008 at 7.30.p.m in the Committee Room, Buckie Community High School.