SPEY COAST TENANTS FORUM.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SPEY COAST TENANTS FORUM HELD ON THURSDAY 10th SEPTEMBER 2009 IN ROOM 2, BUCKIE HIGH SCHOOL AT 7.30.P.M.

PRESENT ;              Harry Walton                         Chair person

                                    Bill Smith                               Vice Chair

                                    Helen Milne                          Treasurer

                                    Jean Walton                         Secretary

                                    Pearl Mann

                                    Vivian Smith

                                    Patricia Beattie

                                    David Woods.

Harry Walton welcomed everyone to the meeting and advised that Charles French, Vice chair of The Moray Tenants Core Group and Chairman of Lossiemouth Tenants Forum had passed away recently, and would be sadly missed by all involved with the work of the Tenants Forums.

Harry Walton then advised that the newly appointed Project Officer of the Community Development Programme was unable to attend the meeting due to some delay in collating the necessary paperwork but would meet with the Forum in the near future.

Apologies for Absence were received from Councillors Joe Mackay and Ron Shepherd.

Minutes of the Meeting held on the 11^th June 2009.

The Minutes of the Meeting were approved as a correct record of the Meeting.

Proposed Annie Cowie, Seconded Bill Smith.

Matters Arising.

(a)  The question of using the Buckie Advertiser as suggested by Councillor Mackay at a previous meeting was discussed and agreed that this should be looked into.   It was also noted that information regarding the Forum was already on the Spey Coast website.

(b)  Projects – noted that the work on the footpath behind Castlehill Road, Fochabers had been stopped by the Area Housing Officer due to chemicals having been sprayed onto the trees.  It was agreed this would be further discussed under Projects.

Secretary’s Report

Jean Walton gave details of two walkabouts which had been arranged for September – 15^th Earl Street, Portgordon commencing at 10.a.m and 22^nd Robert House, Buckpool, commencing at 10.a.m.

The report relating to the Research Findings relating to Housing regeneration and planning for available for members to read, and it was noted that the Tenants Conference would be held on Thursday 17^th September 2009.

Jean Walton also reported that the Forum’s application for a grant to purchase computer equipment had not been granted.

Treasurer’s Report

Helen Milne distributed copies of the 3 monthly accounts for the Forum and gave details regarding expenditure todate which had left a balance of £526.43p. It was also noted that the books were being audited in readiness for the Annual General Meeting.

Approval of the accounts was proposed by Annie Cowie and seconded by David Wood.

Project Update.

Harry Walton stated that the Forum had received a budget allocation of £43,143.00 for projects within the area and also said that the budget had to be allocated before the end of September, as requested by the Council.  All work is either underway or finance committed to the projects as per the attached sheet.

Amendment to Constitution of Forum.

The correct wording for this amendment had not been received at the time of the meeting but hopefully it will be with us for the Annual General Meeting.

Arrangements for the Annual General Meeting.

Notice of the Meeting and Nomination Forms were distributed to members of the Forum.  Nomination forms to be returned by the 30^th September to the Secretary.

Harry Walton advised that he would not be seeking re-election at the Annual General Meeting.

Date and Time of Next Meeting.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 8^th October 2009 at 7.30.p.m in Room 2 Buckie High School.