Thursday 5th September
Present: Debbie Doyle, Sarah Jane Ratcliffe, John Purdie, Jack Colquhoun, Stephen Scott, Anne Hay, Lisa Reid
Apologies: David Hynd, Charlotte Howe, Kathleen Donnachie, Cllr Linda Erskine.
Chair Welcome
With the chair not able to attend, Lisa Reid acting chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Declaration of interests
There were no declarations of interest.
Minutes of the June Meeting
The meeting of the previous meeting was read by everyone. They were proposed by Debbie Doyle and seconded by Jack Colquhoun.
Matters Arising
There was a question asked about if Bay travel had been in touch about the No. 13 service no longer serving the area. They have had no contact with us. Both Sarah Jane and Lisa had hoped to see the councillors to find out more information about the potential of playground funding for the schools. The place plan that has been being worked on was just waiting on a few tweaks before it is finalised.
Police Report
The police report had already been sent to members. A few points were discussed as there had been a heavy police presence at McGinley Terrace that week.
Reports
The financial document was circulated along with additional notes prepared by Charlotte.
St Kenneth’s had not had its AGM yet, however the South school had returned to Lochgelly wich led to St Kenneth’s being able to utilise the extra carpark to ease parking in residential streets.
The Nursery is being refurbished and there was a new appointment to senior leadership with a new deputy head.
Benarty have also not had their AGM. Their deputy had moved on to take up a Headteachers post in Lochgelly and it would be a huge loss to the school in the interim there are 2 Principal teachers in place to bridge the gap.
There are as always irresponsible car parking issues.
Secretary gave us notice that Forestry and Land Scotland were planning a review for their land management plan in the area. The consultation meeting would be held in Benarty Centre 10th September between 3pm and 7pm. The children’s panel are seeking new members with applications closing 30th September. There was also a webinar invite for 6th October which explores ways to engage with children and young people through place and placemaking.
It was discussed whether to continue with the current way the secretary tables the emails received. If she would continue as is or flag important ones to members then keep her own records of all received emails.
This will be revisited for opinions.
A report could be forwarded by John from the meetings he attends with all other fife community councils.
AOCB
The question was asked whether the new crossing at the Shank could be chased up to see when it will be functional. This will be chased up with traffic management.
A question was asked if anything could be done about the unkept land where the old petrol station once sat in Crosshill. This is private land, and the owner is not known.
We wondered if Mr Nardone had been in touch with regards to any preparations for Remembrance Day. Not as of yet, Debbie will chase up.
John asked if the secretary could chase up the settlement trust issue that had been ongoing from January. This will be looked into.
Two things flagged from the recent Cowdenbeath Area Committee was the potential decommissioning of Lochore Playpark for it to be green space, and the stark contrast of poverty numbers between Benarty and the rest of the Area Committee.
With some members unable to attend it was decided that ratification of office roles should be discussed at the next meeting.
Microgrants
Microgrants were discussed in private.
Date of next meeting Thursday 3rd October 2024, 1900hrs
