(Minute Secretary)

P Copland welcomed everyone.

Apologies: S Tarvit, V Bland

G declared an interest regarding a Planning Application [at (8.2)] for an alteration to a house which overlooks his garden.

3.1 (3.1)(2.2)(5) Miller Terrace

3.2 (3.2)(2.10) (13) Car Parking across Driveways

3.3 (3.3)(8.10) Speed Limit

P Copland said that there has been no movement on the above first 3 items.

G Brown said that regarding 3.1, if we want to apply for it, wait until the next financial year.

P Copland

G Brown

Cllr J Docherty said we had the walkabout.  The officer sent him the plans.  Cllr Docherty said he would forward them electronically to the Community Council (CC).

Cllr J Docherty

Cllr J Docherty said that he was waiting for costs.

Cllr J Docherty

Cllr J Docherty said 3 Miller Terrace was raised at the walkabout.  There was some solutions proposed and we are waiting to hear what happened.

Cllr J Docherty

V Salvage said that she had had no reply from the ‘phone number in the window.

V Salvage

Cllr J Docherty said that he got on to Rod Campbell’s PA, but that he was still waiting for any information back.

Cllr J Docherty

P Copland said that he had forwarded information to Councillors.  He had had an email back from Cllr E Riches.  He asked if Cllr Riches had heard back from Lyall Smith.  Cllr Riches said that she had not heard back from them.  She added that Lyall Smith usually goes out, and is very quick to do so.  V Salvage said that a member of the public had said they were trying to find out whose property it was.  The member of the public said that Robert had said it was in the hands of his lawyers; and said that they paid rent.  The member of the public brought photographs to show how the Dawsie had been changed by the fence.

A member of the public asked ifnthe CC were doing anything about this.  P Copland said – yes, we are.  The member of the public said that they had noticed that the road is narrower.  V Salvage said that the older photographs from a few years ago showed this.  She said that she thought she should send that to the Councillor, as well as one showing it now.  The member of the public said that he had moved the flower tub, the bin and the gritting bin.  The member of the public said that he cut the wall.  P Copland said that when he gave information to Cllr E Riches it was brought forward to Transportation because he has made a new entrance; and to Planning because of the wall situation – it is a heritage wall.  V Salvage said that he has changed the amount of road available, which could possibly be a safety issue.  A member of the public said that it could be a safety issue if you come down that hill and your brakes fail and she gave an instance where she had been in an accident where, if it had not been for the wall, a boy who was on a bike who crashed into her car, would have gone right down the cliff.

V Salvage asked if there was a way of finding out about ownership of the land.  Cllr J Docherty said that if the wall is that old it might be listed in Historic Scotland.  G Brown said that there is a concrete wall listed and it looks very similar to that one.

P Copland

V Salvage

G Brown said that the repair has been authorised.  A quote has been received and the work has been instructed to be done.  A member of the public said that it has been concreted.  G Brown said that if it has been concreted that is great.  He said his concern was if they just putting tar on the top there would be nothing to hold it if someone sat on the net.  G Brown said that he would have a look.

G Brown

P Copland asked a member of the public if he was at the meeting to discuss the development at 24 George Terrace.  He said that nothing has been happening because we are putting together a dossier.  The member of the public asked if the Minutes of the meeting (between affected residents and the planners) will be published.  G Brown said that he had a copy of the minutes with him; and after they have been approved, they will be published.

Cllr E Riches asked if the CC were going to put together any formal complaint.  G Brown said that the CC were going to do that – yes.

G Brown said that he personally would do that.  Cllr E Riches said that she had spoken to Pam Ewen (Planning Officer) today – she said she was still hoping the CC would put in what they said they would.  Cllr Riches said that she would say that it is coming.

Cllr E Riches said that she had tried to check the legality of it.

• If the Planning Application could be proved to have been filled out incorrectly, it is an offence to fill it out knowingly and recklessly, and that can result in a fine.
• The other question that was asked is – where does that place the decisions that have been made?  Cllr Riches said that she was still waiting for the rest of the answer.

G Brown

Cllr E Riches

Cllr E Riches

J Docherty said that we have been reviewing it.  He said he would let the CC know what the decisions are, but that he had to highlight the areas that had been mentioned.

Cllr J Docherty

St Monans

Cllr E Riches said that what she thought this says is there has been a different letting policy.  She said that people were very concerned to hear the views expressed at the last CC meeting, but she said that she thought they have to find a way of vetting people.

P Copland said that this seems to be an on-going problem in the village and it seems to be those who let their houses (who cause the problem).  He said we talked last month about having different coloured bags so we know which is which.  He asked if there was a way we could get together with Waste Aware.. Various examples were given of bins in the village overflowing and bags left for several days.  V Salvage said, if they want people to come to Fife, surely it has to look clean. Cllr J Doherty suggested to contact Environmental Health – because if the bags are lying there and it is rotting, it is an environmental issue.

Cllr Riches said that she thought we need to go to the root of the problem and find out who is doing this and get back to the people doing the letting.  She asked if the CC wanted the Councillors to try to do that.  V Salvage said – yes please.  Cllr Riches said most places have this problem – holidaymakers either leaving black bags outside their house or putting their rubbish in bins until they are overflowing.  A member of the public asked if (Fife Council) do know that we get tourists in summer.  He asked whether Fife Council are running a straight band line and not putting in extra resources when required.  Cllr Riches said that the opposite is happening – because of budget cuts.

A member of public said that there was a gale of wind last Sunday and Station Road has not been swept – and there is a mess.  V Salvage said she did think it was off-putting for visitors.

A member of the public said that in the West End there is a holiday let business and the people who rent the house put their rubbish out in a black bag.  They are not on Fife Council’s list because the holiday let is not registered as a business.  The Council workers do not pick it up because it is not in a Fife Council bag.  Sometimes the people in the house use the bin in the middle of the pier.  The people pay a rent, but the people in the house do not pay their Council dues.  A member of the public said that across at the Bricks the woman who cleans it puts out the wine bin every week.  Cllr E Riches said that that is the kind of information the Council have got to get.  G Brown suggested just Googling ‘Houses to Let in St Monans’.

P Copland

Councillors

G Brown gave some corrections to the previous Minutes:

• On page 4 – Item 8.2 – Fence at the Bottom of the Dawsie – “outside store” should be “outside stair”.
• Last page –  Item – 9.8  People taking Community Ground – “lady in the West End cleared” – “cleared” should be “claimed”.

Proposer: G Brown                       Seconder: V Salvage

• Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning Officers which, he said had gone to all CC members.

Proposer: G Brown                      Seconder: W Buchan

• Minutes of the meeting to discuss the harbour and the surrounding area which was held last Monday.  That, he said had been passed round to all CC members.

Proposer: P Peddie                       Seconder: V Salvage

We had a meeting last Monday to discuss the proposals for the harbour and its environs.  More than 70 people attended.   It was an interesting evening of discussion, with a lot of people getting stuff off their chests.  However, he said that he did not know if anything was achieved.

V Salvage said that we can make a CC comment, but people should definitely go on-line and make their views known to Fife Council, rather than just tell us.

P Copland said that, at the original presentation only 30 people turned up.  He asked why these 70 people could not have turned up at the previous meeting, then, he said the people who had drawn up the drawings would have more time to contemplate people’s views.

A member of the public said that they did not see erosion on the beach.

P Copland said time will tell if anything happens.  The chances of us getting it is unlikely as it will cost £5.6 m – and there will be less chance of getting funding since Brexit.

G Brown said that he had 2 items to report.

• An invitation from Planning for us to send a representative to a meeting on Monday 26 September – between 4-8 pm, to Fife House – for an event – ‘Review of the Scottish Planning System’.  There will be an opportunity of meeting members of various planning teams to learn more about the work they carry out.  They will also be offering practical support with the online planning system.  She will be in touch again, in early September to provide us with further details and times of presentations.
• The other one is to introduce us to Matrix Fife (part of Fife Council) which is a supported business based in Dalgety Bay.  All their workforce has some sort of disability.  They help them into mainstream employment.  Currently customer satisfaction is at 98%.  They do woodwork; upholstery; refurbishment; and soft furnishings.

G Brown said he thinks that a supported business for folk with a disability is a great idea, and if the work is of a sufficiently good standard, it should be applauded and supported.  He said that he was not sure if they are offering this to communities or to individuals.  If it is to individuals he said he would put it on the website.

The Cash Flow – no change

Management – no change

Heritage donations have come in amounting to about £130.  £11 is going out in expenses.

Floral Balance – We do have enough to pay the next watering bill, and we have enough for one more, as long as it is not an incredibly dry month.  Bill Porteous has brought in about £500+ since the last reporting of this.  Since the last reporting £1,020 has gone out.

G Brown said that he got a statement and it appeared that he had £1,000 more than he thought, but it was that Fife Council thought that the Sea Queen money should go to the Floral Display.  Unfortunately, he said, the Sea Queen Committee did not go along with that.  He said, if Bill Porteous can get a wee bit more we still have enough for the end of September because, by then we will get the Common Good money and can pay Pathhead.

A member of the public asked what Tony Chater gets for watering.

G Brown said that he did not have his bill with him, but it is about £80 a town.  They provide a van.  He said it is a fair bit of money and that he grudged spending money, but it is something we have to do.  A member of the public said that none of us can do it.  G Brown said we did not have the equipment.  None of us have time and probably not the fitness to do it.

8.1  Planning Application for 6, 10 and 12 Station Road

This is, as you probably are aware is the 3 stories of the Diving Gannet plus the ground floor and basement of the old café at 6 Station Road.  G Brown said that internally they are taking the wall down between the two properties and moving the door back.

Personally, he said he did not see any problem in anything they are proposing.  Paintwork: the colour scheme looks pretty good.  He invited anyone wants to look at the drawing to come and look at it.  The façade will not change, apart from painting.  V Salvage said – as long as they are not changing the Edwardian façade.

G Brown said that he should declare an interest regarding the other item, because it is the house that overlooks his garden, but, he said, he had no problem with what is intended.  It is a glass balustrade and a small balcony within the footprint of the actual roof, and French doors put in.    A member of the public asked if this had been refused previously.  G Brown said that it was refused by the Planners about 3 years ago.  The member of the public said that, as a neighbour she had no complaints.  A member of the public said that they have let one go along the road, so they will have to allow this one too.

9.1  Funds for the Floral Display

A member of the public asked how much they would need to raise for the gardening fund to help balance the books.  G Brown said, if we assume that the watering will be similar to last month – last month’s bill was £570.  Currently, he said he had about £692.  He said that he knew that Bill Porteous has been chasing me for a donation from the Arts Festival.  That, he said is coming, but, he said that he had not got this yet.

A member of the public asked about monies that have been coming from the wellies.  G Brown said that the last lot was about £50.  He added that they bring in a nice steady slow amount, but it does not go that far.  This year we had the expense of new linings for the baskets of over £600 – but, he said, again there is always going to be repairs and maintenance.

Bill Porteous said that he had had a brief meeting of the volunteers and we have been looking at various events to raise funds. Ideas:

• a pergola put up near to the Winch House and maybe see if we can sell some teas and coffees;
• a Safari Supper;
• a 70s disco – and dress up
• a coffee morning or coffee evening
• cakes with wellies on.

Bill Porteous said that he was looking for any suggestions that can raise some money.  Also, he said, it has been brought to his attention that there are several people that he had not caught up with for donations.

All

A member of the public said that there are a lot of rumours going around about Pittenweem dump saying you are going to have a pass to get in; you are only going to be allowed to use your pass 12 times a year.  Cllr E Riches said that there will be changes.  The people who are running it will be an “arm’s length” from the Council.  We have people from Edinburgh who come and dump in landfill in Dalgety Bay.  So they are trying to find a way so that people who do bring in landfill will be charged and pay properly.  There are going to be changes and they are going to start by giving information to all of the tradespeople.  Commercial Waste – still in Dunfermline and St Andrews.  Other recycling centres – only for household waste.  She said that there will be no new restrictions for ordinary householders.  The 12 visits per year are for householders who deliver in a van or large vehicle.  If you have a bigger vehicle, you will have to go online to make a booking.  You have to do it on a Friday, in advance.

M Ashworth said that the last time that the dump was closed for 3 days there was fly tipping. Cllr J Docherty said that he did raise that some people do not have access to a computer; however, you can ‘phone up.  A member of the public said – but you have to have someone at the end of the line to answer.

V Salvage said, for example if you have a death in the family and have to clear a house, what will happen.  Cllr E Riches said you have to phone on the Friday, so, she said, I think there will be a lot of problems. A member of the public said, if you are only allowed 12 visits a year, what happens to people like us who do not get a recycling uplift because we do not have bins.  She said we cannot keep stuff for a month – that is gruesome.  G Brown said that it is already happening.  He said that he took along 3 trailer loads of garden waste and was tackled by a person who said he had to ask.  It was the new scheme and it was just to stop folk from dumping, as you have been saying.

A member of the public spoke about road safety around Abercrombie.  On the main road, if you are coming from Abercrombie there is a warning triangle.  She said that no-one pays any attention to speed limits along that road.  You are taking your life in your hands turning right or left.  Another member of the public asked – did they not ask for 30 mph sign to be moved.  Marjory Ashworth said that a car came from the Colinsburgh direction at high speed.  An elderly man was driving out.  The speeding car put the brakes on, but skidded at high speed.  The elderly man was OK, but the driver of the car had to be taken to hospital.  An independent witness stopped and told the police how this young person had been driving.  There were marks from right at the top of the hill.  We do not go out that junction and turn right.  The verges are quite high.  It is very, very dangerous.  Someone suggested that we should have traffic lights.  If it had been someone in a smaller car it could have been a really, really nasty accident.

Cllr E Riches said that we have put extra signage at M Ashworth’s request.  We have put ‘Slow’ on the road and two further signs, but that is further down.  Cllr J Docherty said he was happy to pursue that issue.

A question was asked – whether the 20 mph speed limit was asked about.  The reply was that it still needs to be dealt with.

M Ashworth said – and the potholes do not help either.  They create a further hazard at that junction because people come in at the wrong side of the road to avoid them.

Cllr J Docherty

W Buchan said that the grass has been cut at the cemetery.  It has been chewed up.  It is a mess.  There are strips that are never cut.  A member of the public added that flower heads are also cut.  A member of the public said that also there are boards at the back which does not look good.  V Salvage said she would contact

Liz Murphy.

V Salvage

A member of the public said the house next to Pam and Gordon Bell is falling into disrepair.  She asked if there is not some sort of fine for not maintaining a building of historic value. A member of the public said that people at the other side have had some sort of infestation of vermin.   Cllr E Riches asked whether the property was dangerous, because there are officers who can do something.  A member of the public said that there is water ingress between the broken sill and water ingress from the downpipe.  There is herbage on the outside and on the inside in the form of mushroom and fungi, and the floor is rotting. It could be that that could come out then perhaps the lintel will also go.  Cllr Riches said the officers are very good at digging out ownership.  The member of the public said it is Jimmy Braid’s old house.  Cllr J Docherty suggested the neighbour contacts environmental health directly, and tell them about the mess.  They will take action. A member of the public said that the garden is not maintained.  Cllr Riches suggested it must be a listed building; and potentially it must be putting neighbouring property at risk too.  A member of the public said that the person who has a mouse infestation is here this week and could contact environmental health while he is here.

Neighbours of property

A member of the public said that we have a big job needing done inside our church and, she asked if there was any chance of getting money from the Common Good Fund.  G Brown said that he did not see why not.  He said that when they had worked out the amount of money required, he would help to fill out the application.  Cllr E Riches said that there is also a Settlement Trust.  She said it might be worth making applications to both funds.  P Copland said that the fund is for the good of the village.  The member of the public said that we cannot have a service in the church now.  V Salvage asked if it was unsafe.  The member of the public said that it is the roof inside the church – the insurance were there last week and they said that the church door had to be locked and ‘No Admittance’ put on the door.

G Brown

J Docherty

10.1 Burns Supper

P Peddie said that it is about time to talk about the Burns Supper and get something organised.  He said he had spoken to Ena Hughes about a date in February – 4^th or 11^th  February.  He said he would go ahead and get something organised for one of those dates and have a fun family evening.  P Copland said certainly, and to ask for anyone for help if required.

P Peddie

A member of the public asked what the current situation was.

G Brown said that nothing had changed.  We do not have an alternative any more.  He said that the landlord does not have to give us much notice.  We have come to the end of the lease, and it is now a one-year lease.

M Ashworth asked whether the verges were going to be cut again.  Cllr Riches said we were told there was only to be one cut.  Now we are told there will be a second cut at junctions.

M Ashworth said that it is a safety issue.  A member of the public said that they have never cut the braes for years, but they are cutting them this year.  A member of the public asked if members of the CC should be identifying these corners and junctions where there is a safety issue, and should be cut.  M Ashworth asked about a particular junction – where you turn to go to Arncroach – at the end of the Colinsburgh straight, where the wall is always knocked down, and if they will cut the inside of the corner.  She said it is a difficult junction between the hedge growing up and the roadside.  A member of the public said that it is the same coming out of Pathhead Nursery.

The meeting was closed.  The date of the next Ordinary Meeting is

19 September 2016 at 7.30 pm in the Mayview Hotel Function Suite.