November

KEMNAY COMMUNITY COUNCIL MINUTE OF THE MEETING ON THE 30th NOVEMBER 2006 AT 7.30PM IN KEMNAY VILLAGE HALL

Present:   Bill Blackwood, David Evans, Annie Ferries, Chris Hunneyball, Susan Milton, Janet Newberry,  Eric Pashley, Jim Piggins, Paul Smart, Mavis Wainman.
Attending:  D Fyffe, J Whittall, S Young, L McKinlay, P Gedge.
Apologies: Alexandra Burnett, Pat Findlater, Neil Johnson, Cllr Alister Leitch.

1. Fetternear Estate.
David Fyffe gave a brief presentation on the plans for the Fetternear Estate. They were keen to preserve and improve the facilities for visitors and residents. To raise capital thought was being given to some residential development and also turning the stable block into a course centre incorporating a fitness centre and swimming pool. They plan to hold an open meeting on 22nd January to sound out village opinion, and would also be distributing a questionnaire.

2. Minute of the Meeting held on 25th May 2006.
This was approved subject to A92 in Para 13 being amended to read A96, and the inclusion of the lists of those present and attending.

3. Question Time
Sean Young raised the problem of cars, and particularly vans, speeding in Milton Drive, where there were grassy areas used by children at play. He suggested that a 20 mph limit should be imposed, which would require speed cushions. This request will be put to Aberdeenshire Council.

4. Matters Arising from Minute
a. Postcom Consultation.  It was felt that the last post collection should be late afternoon with deliveries in the morning. Chris agreed to make a formal response making these and other points.

b. Bus Ticket Agent.  Action was in hand for the Post Office to become an agent for Stagecoach tickets.

c. Planning Applications.  The Newsletter had received a letter from a resident near the quarry who was unhappy that the Community Council had not commented on the application by Aggregate Industries to extract sand and gravel. The reply will point out that planning applications are posted on the village notice board, details of Community Council meetings are published in the Newsletter,  and anyone is welcome to come and attend them to express their views.

5. Planning Applications
An application to provide a disabled access to the Library was discussed as it was felt that the proposed solution was unnecessarily complicated and will be investigated further. Other proposals were not contentious. The possibility of having a footpath in front of the house opposite the village hall was agreed to be a separate issue. A modified plan for the development at Bridgend had been submitted, though not yet seen. It was agreed that David and Chris would look at the plan, keeping Community Councillors informed, and put in an objection if our original concerns had not been resolved.

6.  Garioch Area Community Council Forum
The main issue that came out of the meeting held on 2nd November was the relationship with and future of the ASCC.

At the Finance Briefing on 27th November. Alan Campbell (Chief Executive) spoke about the general problems facing Aberdeenshire which was one of the faster growing areas in Scotland, but it was predicted to have the highest rate of growth of elderly people (+58%), and the lowest of children (-15%), in Scotland over the next twenty years which will cause problems.

 Mavis made the point that house styles were becoming increasingly boring and inappropriate, and put in a plea for more vernacular styles.

A new "Customer Service Centre" had just been opened. Emergency numbers would be included in the new Yellow Book.

9.  New Business
a.  Young People's Meeting.  Chris had again spoken to the Rector who remained behind the initiative.

b.  Knackery Visit.  The knackery is to be reopened by the Oran Group. The Community Council had been invited to a discussion about the future of the plant on 24th January. Chris, Pat, Susan, Annie and Eric will attend.

10. Unfinished Business
a.  Place of Origin Opening. Chris reported that the opening had gone extremely well and he had had letters of thanks from the Palace and others. The cost to KCC came to just under £400. He thanked Aberdeenshire Council for their financial contribution, the Police for loaning a piper, the Church Centre for the catering, and the artists for the whole concept and execution.

b.  Christmas Lights.  Chris has been told that the Council will not approve ones with a voltage higher than 24v so these have now been bought. The trees would be erected  ten days or so before Christmas. Aberdeenshire Council was thanked for its contribution towards the cost and the stands.

11. AOCB
a. Jim reported that the recommendation of the Local Finance Review was that financing should be based on house values.

Date of Next Meeting - Thursday 25th January 2007.
Members of the public are welcome to attend