Minutes of meeting held in Townhouse, Wednesday 11^th April 2012

PRESENT

Lesley Rodgers, Chair, Laura Findlay, Secretary, Tom Millar, Treasurer, Jacki Bennett, Jane Lamont, William Sweeney

IN ATTENDANCE

Donald Reid, Councillor Jean Highgate, Councillor Anthea Dickson, Councillor John Bell, Kenneth Gibson MSP plus around 6 members of the community.

APOLOGIES: - Jean Gilbert, Campbell Brown, Ted Neville, Allan Richardson, Rose Brown, PC Boyle

Councillor Jean Highgate noted that although it was stated in the last Minutes that John Smith had agreed to steer the spring clean, it was a misunderstanding and in actual fact John Smith was arranging this on his own.   She also noted that she was very disappointed with the attendance at the clean.  It was mentioned that the CC should try and hold a meeting to invite all local groups along to see if we can get any ideas/interest that way, it was suggested we do this in our June meeting.

Minutes were accepted by JB & WS

POLICE REPORT

No police were in attendance but a late apology arrived as officers were called to attend a missing child investigation.

The Community Council Discussed the following:-

1. 1.                   PLANNING: -We had received an application to look at.  This was for the erection of an 18 meter high Wind Turbine at Broadstonehall Farm, Gateside. We could not see any reason for complaint on this matter.
2. 2.                   OLYMPIC TORCH UPDATES: - Jacki noted that we had applied for three grants from three different organizations and that so far she had heard that one had been successful for £526.  She also noted that CC would get a banner printed to hang on the railings outside the Chip shop and that if the applications were successful we would be able to supply the children with a small draw-sting bag,  a whistle, sport bottle and flag. There was also a discussion re the bunting, it was not sure where the actually bunting was going and Laura agreed to contact Sandra Bale to see if we could get some clarification on this. Also discussed was whether or not the council would be arranging some sort of clear up of the town.  Donald Reid gave a quick run through of some other activities that are going on: - Competitions in the library, Jolly Beggars Dinner in the Masonic Hall. Norrie Brown noted that he has been trying to get a small brochure together for the big event and was hoping to get local business involved.   He is hoping it will be ready early May.
3. 3.                   JUST A MINUTE: Chair Lesley Rodgers introduced this concept to the meeting to allow people to have their say. Those in attendance have a minute to ask a question and CC have a minute to answer.  It was also suggested that people might not feel comfortable with this and that a suggestion box would also be good.  It was agreed that it would be trial and error with different ideas.  
   1. CC congratulated Jean Gilbert in receiving North Ayrshire Citizen of the Year award. 
   2. It was suggested that every couple of meetings we would have some sort of speaker for the local community such as someone from CAB or Credit Union.
   3. There was a short discussion re the closure of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau and it was agreed that this is a very worthy cause and that the local community really needs this service.  It was agreed that CC would letter in support of this and a petition would be arranged. Lesley Rodgers will action this point.
   4. Norrie Brown from Orr Park Neighbourhood Watch was in attendance and noted that they were holding a meeting in the Beith Community Centre Lounge at 7 to 9 and that all neighbourhood watches in Garnock Valley have been invited. Inspector Andy Clark would also be there to give an update on the task fore involvement in local towns. 

1. AOB: -

Next Meeting arranged for Thursday 10 May Townhouse, 7:30pm.

The Chair thanked everyone for their input and attendance.

The meeting closed at 9:00pm.