Community Council Minutes 13th November.

Freuchie Community Council Meeting

Minute of the Meeting held on 13^th November 2019

at Lumsden Memorial Hall, commencing at 7.30pm

1.     Present: B Stevenson (Chair), F Towns, I Tweedie, R Lindsay, C Tully, R Taylor, J Thomson, K Grieve

Attendance: Cllr D Lothian

Apologies:  C Waugh, M Ross, Cllr D MacDiarmid, Cllr A Heer 

2.     Police Report: No update – it was agreed at a previous meeting that an update every 3 months from the police is sufficient.

3.     Minute of the previous meeting, 9^th October 2019:

The minute of the last meeting was approved.

4.     Matters Arising:

a.     Trees at Telephone Box – The trees have been cut down; Fife Council will cut the stumps to ground level. Neighbours are delighted with the improvement in light and the Community Noticeboard is now in full view.

b.     Newsletter – The newsletter will list events that have taken place in the last year and those for the coming year.  The aim is to promote different gatherings, groups and organisations that take place in Freuchie and provide details on what happens at the groups and how often they meet.  Photos of Freuchie before and now will also be a feature.  Members of the Community Council or any residents can forward any details of gatherings they are aware of to R Taylor via the Community Council Facebook page.  It was agreed that distribution would be in January and called Freuchie Focus.

c.      Planters – The planters in the school playground are in need of repair or replaced.  K Grieve offered to assess the condition of the planters and has timber he can use.  F Towns and K Grieve will contact the Head Teacher to visit the school in order to complete repairs.  

d.     Playpark benches – K Grieve is working on making two benches & tables for the playpark.  It was noted that an additional bin may also be needed if they are to be used as picnic tables.

5.     Fife Council Matters – no update provided

6.     Treasurer’s Report/Financial Matters:

The current balance is £7,106.06, there is a further £35.00 to be deducted from the balance in payment of the Remembrance wreath.

7.     Planning:

a.     New Applications:

 Princess Crescent – the Community Council has lodged an objection to the sale of a large piece of ground on the open market.  Concerns were raised on what the land could be used for, options are being discussed with the Estates Service within Fife Council. 

 Lomond Road Right of Way – the Community Council raised their objection to this application as this could incur issues for other residents accessing their gardens.

b.     Applications determined by Fife Council – the Community Council had no objections to the lighting on the signpost for the new BP Garage.

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

8.     Incoming Correspondence:

The Community Council received a letter in regard to the recent fund raiser, Venison Charity Night, held in The Albert on 2^nd November.  In light of the event exceeding expectations, the organisers are yet to decide which local charities or organisations will benefit from this event.  The Community Council Facebook page will be updated to reflect this update from organisers.

9.     Sub Committees:

a.     Freuchie in Flower – Autumn and Winter planting is finished and a general tidy up of jobs completed.  It has been noticed that the boat is in need of some TLC, some repair is needed to the base of the boat.  Also, the den is in need of some maintenance but too big a job for the Freuchie in Flower group to undertake and may need a larger community involvement.  Previously there had been an offer of trees to the community of Freuchie from Cy Crane on behalf of CGI.  F Towns will contact Simon to advise him that 20 flowering Cherry trees would be welcomed and could be planted around Lomond Road at the side of the bridge, and the Freuchie residents could suggest any other areas that would benefit from these trees.  It was also agreed that the Telephone Kiosk is in need of painting, F Towns and B Stevenson will investigate further if there is anyone available to paint this.

b.     Freuchie Sports Court – there is a need for lights in the court.  Cllr MacDiarmid will be asked to check if Fife Council will provide this or if this is something the Community Council will have to arrange/fund.

10.  Freuchie Flood Action Group Matters:

J Thomson provided an update advising the Community Council that there have been a number of areas flooded specifically during the heavy rainfall on 4^th November.  A big impact is on drains overflowing and clearing blocked drains to avoid flooding helped.  Residents are reminded to check flood defences now rather than when its needed also any residents who would benefit from such measures should contact the Freuchie Flood Action Group, they have a Facebook page if they want to get in touch.  Scottish flood forum will be visiting Freuchie on 21^st November to review specific areas identified as problem areas.

11.  Any Other Competent Business:

·       Christmas Tree – the tree has been ordered and will be delivered the first Friday in December.  More clear lights will be purchased.  R Taylor has organised volunteers to help erect and dress the tree.

·       Temporary Road Closure – part of Muir Road will be closed from 9^th to 13^th Dec for Scottish Water to carry out work.

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