Minutes Coummunity Council

Freuchie Community Council Meeting

Minute of the Meeting held on 14^thAugust 2019

at Lumsden Memorial Hall , commencing at 7.30pm

1.    Present: C Waugh, R Lindsay, B Stevenson, F Towns, K Grieve, Cllr D MacDiarmid, C Tully, J Thomson, Cllr A Heer, Cllr D Lothian

Attendance for item 11– Simon Crane

Apologies: M Ross, R Taylor, I Tweedie

2.    Police Report:

C Waugh provided an update from the police.  There have been 15 phone calls to the Police relating to Freuchie, of these calls:

            1 related to road traffic matters

            1 highlighted a concern for a person

            13 were of miscellaneous nature

The police have highlighted that traditionally over school summer holidays they see an increase in anti-social behaviour as well as an increase in youths cycling on local roads. Road Safety and keeping people safe is always a priority.  

There are now several Community Speedwatch Teams operating in our area.  Volunteers continue to deploy Pop up Bob in their respective areas.

The Community Team have been involved in a number of visits and initiatives, including:

-       Investigating recent Crimes of Dishonesties

-       Working with vulnerable persons within the community

-       Assisting with neighbourhood disputes

-       Assisting with major operational and local events

3.    Minute of the previous meeting, 12^thJune 2019:

The minute of the last meeting was approved.

4.    Matters Arising:

a.    Walkabout – Cllr MacDiarmid has offered 28^thor 29^thAug  to the members of the Community Council to identify any areas of concern eg pot holes, pavement repairs, over hanging trees etc.  C Waugh confirmed she would let Cllr MacDiarmid know as soon as possible the most suitable date.

b.    Overgrown Tree – Cllr Heer offered to contact Brian Taylor , Area Officer, in Fife Council to establish who owns the piece of land.  In a further update after the meeting it has been confirmed by Cllr Heer that the land is the responsibility of Transportation Services. Transportation Services have inspected the tree and have determined that it isn’t causing an obstruction  and there is no need for it to be removed.  However, Transportation Services have given permission for the Community Council to remove the tree if it so wishes, but it would be at the Community Council’s own expense.  Cllr Heer will continue to pursue this matter and prevail on the goodwill of Transportation Services to remove the tree.

5.    Fife Council Matters:

Updates from Cllr MacDiarmid:

·       One of the Safety Community Officers fom the Just Bin It Campaign will be coming to the Freuchie area in Aug/Sept.  Cllr MacDiarmid will ask if they can attend one of the next Community Council meetings.  The Community Council are still aware of the ongoing need to promote the need for residents to pick up dog poo especially around the park areas when out with their dogs, more posters, more bins will help.

·       Edges are to be cut around the Muirhead area.

·       Cllr MacDiarmid is meeting individuals from Fife Council re a number of issues, such as the sign at Christiegait, verges at Freuchie Mill around the A92 north bound bus stop area which are needing cut back.  On 30^thAugust C Waugh and Cllr MacDiarmid will meet re the East End area and flow of traffic and parking.  A request had also been received re a possible need for double yellow lines to be extended just before dykeside to deter parking, this will also be addressed at the 30^thAug meeting.

·       Cllr MacDiarmid advised the meeting that any residents with overgrown plants affecting visibility at junctions can be asked by Fife Council to cut them back.  If it isn’t carried out the Council will carry out the work but charge the resident.

·       C Waugh asked if a sign can be reinstated giving guidance to where the children’s play area is located, also if permission can be sought for K Grieve to build a picnic table and benches for the park.  Cllr MacDiarmid will confirm this with Fife Council.

·       F Towns asked if here is any possibility of obtaining an electronic speed sign within Freuchie, to ensure drivers are observing the speed limit within the village. Cllr MacDiarmid will enquire.

6.    Treasurer’s Report/Financial Matters:

No update on financial matters at this evening’s meeting.

7.    Planning:

a.    New Applications –none

b.    Applications determined by Fife Council – none

c.     Applications in process of determination by Fife Council – none

8.    Incoming Correspondence:

All matters of incoming mail had been distributed to Community Council Members prior to the meeting.  

It was highlighted at the meeting that there is North East Community Training taking place in the County buildings in Cupar. If any members wish to attend they should advise R Taylor.

9.    Sub Committees:

a.    Freuchie in Flower– 

·       F Towns had submitted a request from Freuchie in Flower for financial assistance.  It was agreed to provide £100 from the Community Council funds.

·       Cllr MacDiarmid also mentioned there is an opportunity to submit an application to the Locality Budget for a one off donation, applications are assessed by Councillors.  Cllr Lothian offered to forward the application form to F Towns to complete. 

·       Another suggestion for gaining funds for Freuchie in Flower is to contact the Howe of Fife Rotary Club.

·       Kettle Produce has continued sponsorship of the Freuchie Garden Awards by donating £200.

·       Graham Clark has also donated money to go towards a trailer for the Freuchie in Flower Group.

·       There will be a Coffee Morning event and plant sale on Saturday, 12^thOctober in Lumsden Hall.

·       There is a shortage of volunteers in the Freuchie in Flower group, all welcome, contact either the Community Council or Freuchie in Flower if interested.

·       The Chair of the Community Council acknowledged how good the planting has been in the village this year and thanked Freuchie in Flower for all of their efforts. 

b.    Freuchie Sports Court– no repairs or maintenance required at the present time.

10.  Freuchie Flood Action Group Matters:

J Thomson advised the Community Council that water levels are being closely monitored in light of the high rainfall over the last month and coming weeks.

11.  Any Other Competent Business:

·       Si Crane attended the meeting to ask if Freuchie Community Council/Freuchie in Flower would be interested in an initiative being promoted by his employer, CTI. The company is keen to work with communities and are providing trees to communities.  This offer was welcomed by all at the meeting.  Si would investigate further the type of trees available as the size and maturity of trees would determine where they could be planted. Si will arrange for an application to be submitted as soon as possible, and the Community Council will advise him by the end of the month the allocated area as this will determine the quantity.

·       It was brought to the attention of the meeting that some of the drains in North Street have been blocked, Cllr MacDiarmid will report this to Fife Council.  Reporting any other blocked drains or flooding concerns can be reported to Fife Council via their website.

Date of Next Meeting – Wednesday, 11^thSeptember 2019 at 7.30pm in Lumsden Memorial Hall