BONNYRIGG AND LASSWADE COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of AGM held on 16th May 2013
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg at 19.30 hours
Present: Elaine Ferguson, Ian Scott, John Dowling, Jim Green, Brian Scott, Darius Namdaran, Ruth Scott
In Attendance: P.C. Ian Hutchison, Councillor Ian Baxter, Councillor Derek Milligan, Councillor Bob Constable
Apologies:
Jo Lee, Gibby Scott
The AGM began with Presiding officer, Ian Baxter, confirming applications were received for council members and that the applications were correct. Applications for Community Council Members were made and agreed from: Darius Namdaran; Jo Lee; Ruth Scott; Jim Green; Louie Milliken; Elaine Ferguson; Gilbert Scott.
Elections:
Chair of Community Council
Gibby Scott stood down as chair, Cameron Scott read out a statement from Gibby stating
that he hoped a new member of the council could take over. Darius Namdaran nominated as chair by Ruth Scott and this was seconded. Discussed responsibilities of chair. Darius questioned whether there would be conflicts with the campaign for Leisure centre and it was agreed that the campaign wouldn’t make adifference. Support for Darius as the new chair was expressed. Councillors were asked if there would be any objections. Ian Baxter emphasized the importance of clarifying in what capacity you are speaking and when speaking on behalf of the Community Council to express the agreed view of the Council.
Office Bearers: Chairman: Darius Namdaran Vice Chair: Jim Green Secretary: Jo Lee Treasurer: Elaine Planning Convenor: Brian Scott stepped down. No Planning coordinator was appointed.
ACTION: Bring it to the next meeting. Accounts: Checked by Bob Constable. Agreed.
AGM Closed (13.38)
BONNYRIGG AND LASSWADE COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting held on 16th May 2013
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg at 19.30 hours
Present: Darius Namdaran (chair), Elaine Ferguson (treasurer), John Dowling, Jim Green, Brian Scott, Ruth Scott, Cameron Scott
In attendance: P.C. Ian Hutchison, Councillor Ian Baxter, Councillor Derek Milligan. Councillor Bob Constable
Apologies: Jo Lee (secretary), Gibby Scott
MATTERS ARISING FROM AGM
John Dowling and Cameron Scott were co-opted as members.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Matters arising: It was reported in response to a previous query that the Police 101 emergency number has a 15p cost. It was noted that the vice chair was omitted from previous minutes. Brian Scott clarified that the mine air shaft causing concern in the previous minutes at Chesters Bogwood is 15ft in diameter, filled with water and unprotected. Issues with Cockpen Boundary wall will be put on the agenda for the following meeting.
ACTION: Make an agenda point for the boundary wall for the next meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were proposed and agreed by Ruth Scott and seconded by Elaine Ferguson.
POLICE REPORT
: Attached.
COUNCILLORS REPORTS Bob Constable: (27.40 - time on audio recording)
1. Neighbourhood Plan officer coming to next meeting to discuss forthcomingNeighbourhood Plan for Bonnyrigg, Lasswade and Poltonhall2.
Midlothian Development plan has its public consultation till August. The information package for the plan was given to the Community Council. There is a presentation in the Old Library on Tuesday 21st May. Community Council members agreed to go. Tuesday presentation in Old Library. It is important that the Community Council responds because it affects the next 10 years.
ACTION: Community Council members to attend public consultation and a meeting on Monday 10th June to discuss the Development Plan. Venue tbc
Bob Constable left following his report.
Derek Milligan: (41:20)
1. Raised concerns with council officers about the bus routes that serve the new Lasswade High School Centre. Currently there is only the number 49 which is not very frequent at night. Proposed alterations to number 31 bus route to help people to get to and from the centre.
2. Requested a traffic light filter at Bonnyrigg Toll turning right from the High Street. It was noted that the Community Council has been requesting this for years.
3. Pavements around the new High School Centre have been damaged by lorries around. Seeking assurances that they will be fixed.
4. Noted his disappointment that a high offer was made for Old Library rejected but Midlothian Council rejected it. With regard to public transport services to the new High School centre: Ruth Scott suggested that the red community bus could be used as a shuttle to Lasswade High School from the town centre. Councillor Milligan suggested stopping the Number 39 subsidy to Tesco and using it for a service that orbits Bonnyrigg. Ruth Scott raised concerns about parking in front of pedestrian dips to help disabled on the pavement at Waverley Scheme. GiGi’s traffic is also making the issue worse. Parking on kerb in this way is making people walk on dangerous road. Councillor Milligan agreed.
Ian Baxter report (101.58)
1. Councillor Baxter informed the Council that Scottish Coal are in liquidation. Charity funds in their account would be lost unless they were sent to the Garloch fund account. This could have a possible impact on the skate park.
2. The Broadband rollout is progressing but is still patchy.
3. The wind turbine proposal has been withdrawn.
4. The group whose offer was rejected for the Old Library are interested in renting the Scotmid building. The building’s owners will make it a condition of the let that the front is to be painted. Cameron Scott raised the issue of the potholes in the Bonnyrigg Leisure Centre car park entrance and the apparent policy of fixing one pothole but not a neighbouring one.
ACTION: Make potholes an agenda point for next meeting
FINANCIAL REPORT
Finances were discussed in the AGM. There was no change to the account balance this month
PLANNING
CALA homes have written to the council advising of a proposal of Application notice for a housing development at Broomieknowe Golf Club. The public consultation for this proposal is on 21st and 22nd June 2013 at Broomieknowe Golf Club clubhouse
TRANSPORT
It was noted with concern that the stone archway near Dalhousie Mains Farm has had the gaps in the masonry filled with expanding foam by Borders Railway.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Update on campaign to reuse Bonnyrigg Leisure Centre (118)
Darius reported back on the Petitions Committee decision. Councillor Baxter explained that he proposed a motion that Corporate Services co-operate in costings to keep the reception area open for a year and that the option of a one year pause in the potential demolition be put on the full Council meeting’s agenda on 25th June. The motion was denied. The Keep Bonnyrigg Leisure Centre Group will demonstrate in the park on 8th June 1pm.There was further discussion about whether the Council had provided accurate maintenance and upkeep figures when speaking to local groups about the Centre. Cameron Scott asked Councillor Milligan if his previous statement to the Community Council that “a contract was in place to demolish it” was accurate. Councillor Milligan answered that Officers had a price for demolition but not an obligation to use BAM.
Size of new library
Ruth Scott shared people’s concerns shared that the new library would actually be smaller than the current library. Councillor Milligan confirmed that the new library is going to be large.
DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING: Thursday 20th June 2013, 7.30pm
Minutes of AGM held on 16th May 2013
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg at 19.30 hours
Present: Elaine Ferguson, Ian Scott, John Dowling, Jim Green, Brian Scott, Darius Namdaran, Ruth Scott
In Attendance: P.C. Ian Hutchison, Councillor Ian Baxter, Councillor Derek Milligan, Councillor Bob Constable
Apologies:
Jo Lee, Gibby Scott
The AGM began with Presiding officer, Ian Baxter, confirming applications were received for council members and that the applications were correct. Applications for Community Council Members were made and agreed from: Darius Namdaran; Jo Lee; Ruth Scott; Jim Green; Louie Milliken; Elaine Ferguson; Gilbert Scott.
Elections:
Chair of Community Council
Gibby Scott stood down as chair, Cameron Scott read out a statement from Gibby stating
that he hoped a new member of the council could take over. Darius Namdaran nominated as chair by Ruth Scott and this was seconded. Discussed responsibilities of chair. Darius questioned whether there would be conflicts with the campaign for Leisure centre and it was agreed that the campaign wouldn’t make adifference. Support for Darius as the new chair was expressed. Councillors were asked if there would be any objections. Ian Baxter emphasized the importance of clarifying in what capacity you are speaking and when speaking on behalf of the Community Council to express the agreed view of the Council.
Office Bearers: Chairman: Darius Namdaran Vice Chair: Jim Green Secretary: Jo Lee Treasurer: Elaine Planning Convenor: Brian Scott stepped down. No Planning coordinator was appointed.
ACTION: Bring it to the next meeting. Accounts: Checked by Bob Constable. Agreed.
AGM Closed (13.38)
BONNYRIGG AND LASSWADE COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting held on 16th May 2013
Sports Pavilion, King George V Park, Bonnyrigg at 19.30 hours
Present: Darius Namdaran (chair), Elaine Ferguson (treasurer), John Dowling, Jim Green, Brian Scott, Ruth Scott, Cameron Scott
In attendance: P.C. Ian Hutchison, Councillor Ian Baxter, Councillor Derek Milligan. Councillor Bob Constable
Apologies: Jo Lee (secretary), Gibby Scott
MATTERS ARISING FROM AGM
John Dowling and Cameron Scott were co-opted as members.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Matters arising: It was reported in response to a previous query that the Police 101 emergency number has a 15p cost. It was noted that the vice chair was omitted from previous minutes. Brian Scott clarified that the mine air shaft causing concern in the previous minutes at Chesters Bogwood is 15ft in diameter, filled with water and unprotected. Issues with Cockpen Boundary wall will be put on the agenda for the following meeting.
ACTION: Make an agenda point for the boundary wall for the next meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were proposed and agreed by Ruth Scott and seconded by Elaine Ferguson.
POLICE REPORT
: Attached.
COUNCILLORS REPORTS Bob Constable: (27.40 - time on audio recording)
1. Neighbourhood Plan officer coming to next meeting to discuss forthcomingNeighbourhood Plan for Bonnyrigg, Lasswade and Poltonhall2.
Midlothian Development plan has its public consultation till August. The information package for the plan was given to the Community Council. There is a presentation in the Old Library on Tuesday 21st May. Community Council members agreed to go. Tuesday presentation in Old Library. It is important that the Community Council responds because it affects the next 10 years.
ACTION: Community Council members to attend public consultation and a meeting on Monday 10th June to discuss the Development Plan. Venue tbc
Bob Constable left following his report.
Derek Milligan: (41:20)
1. Raised concerns with council officers about the bus routes that serve the new Lasswade High School Centre. Currently there is only the number 49 which is not very frequent at night. Proposed alterations to number 31 bus route to help people to get to and from the centre.
2. Requested a traffic light filter at Bonnyrigg Toll turning right from the High Street. It was noted that the Community Council has been requesting this for years.
3. Pavements around the new High School Centre have been damaged by lorries around. Seeking assurances that they will be fixed.
4. Noted his disappointment that a high offer was made for Old Library rejected but Midlothian Council rejected it. With regard to public transport services to the new High School centre: Ruth Scott suggested that the red community bus could be used as a shuttle to Lasswade High School from the town centre. Councillor Milligan suggested stopping the Number 39 subsidy to Tesco and using it for a service that orbits Bonnyrigg. Ruth Scott raised concerns about parking in front of pedestrian dips to help disabled on the pavement at Waverley Scheme. GiGi’s traffic is also making the issue worse. Parking on kerb in this way is making people walk on dangerous road. Councillor Milligan agreed.
Ian Baxter report (101.58)
1. Councillor Baxter informed the Council that Scottish Coal are in liquidation. Charity funds in their account would be lost unless they were sent to the Garloch fund account. This could have a possible impact on the skate park.
2. The Broadband rollout is progressing but is still patchy.
3. The wind turbine proposal has been withdrawn.
4. The group whose offer was rejected for the Old Library are interested in renting the Scotmid building. The building’s owners will make it a condition of the let that the front is to be painted. Cameron Scott raised the issue of the potholes in the Bonnyrigg Leisure Centre car park entrance and the apparent policy of fixing one pothole but not a neighbouring one.
ACTION: Make potholes an agenda point for next meeting
FINANCIAL REPORT
Finances were discussed in the AGM. There was no change to the account balance this month
PLANNING
CALA homes have written to the council advising of a proposal of Application notice for a housing development at Broomieknowe Golf Club. The public consultation for this proposal is on 21st and 22nd June 2013 at Broomieknowe Golf Club clubhouse
TRANSPORT
It was noted with concern that the stone archway near Dalhousie Mains Farm has had the gaps in the masonry filled with expanding foam by Borders Railway.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Update on campaign to reuse Bonnyrigg Leisure Centre (118)
Darius reported back on the Petitions Committee decision. Councillor Baxter explained that he proposed a motion that Corporate Services co-operate in costings to keep the reception area open for a year and that the option of a one year pause in the potential demolition be put on the full Council meeting’s agenda on 25th June. The motion was denied. The Keep Bonnyrigg Leisure Centre Group will demonstrate in the park on 8th June 1pm.There was further discussion about whether the Council had provided accurate maintenance and upkeep figures when speaking to local groups about the Centre. Cameron Scott asked Councillor Milligan if his previous statement to the Community Council that “a contract was in place to demolish it” was accurate. Councillor Milligan answered that Officers had a price for demolition but not an obligation to use BAM.
Size of new library
Ruth Scott shared people’s concerns shared that the new library would actually be smaller than the current library. Councillor Milligan confirmed that the new library is going to be large.
DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING: Thursday 20th June 2013, 7.30pm
December 2013; no meeting