Meeting Board
Date - 27th October 2008
Presented By Brian McAleenan, Chief Executive
MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING OF THE LENNOXTOWN INITIATIVE
Date: 25 August 2008
Time: 7.00p.m
Venue: Lennoxtown Enterprise Centre, Railway Court, Station Road, Lennoxtown
Present: Brian McAleenan, Jim Gilmour, Councillor John Dempsey, Karen Murray, Alan Sim, David Carlin, Kathleen Haswell, Thomas Docherty and Georgina Brown
Also in attendance: John Simmons, Shona Baird
Apologies and Introduction
Apologies were received on behalf of Derek Miller, Alex Wingate, Simon MacGillivray and Robert O’Donnell.
The Board agreed to send a card to Simon asking after his welfare.
1. Minute of Board Meeting of 25th June 2008 at 6.00p.m.
Having been previously circulated for consideration, the minutes were adopted as an accurate reflection of proceedings. Proposed by Kathleen Haswell and seconded by Tom Docherty.
2. Matters Arising
Item 5 - Celtic SLA
The Chief Executive reported that following discussions with officers at East Dunbartonshire Council, this issue had been resolved in that Celtic can now deliver services within schools on the understanding that they do not actively market themselves. He further advised that Mark Grant was in the process of “working up” an appropriate programme for schools and the Chief Executive would give an update of progress at a later date.
Site 1B
At the request of the Board, The Chief Executive provided an update to the Board regarding the current position in relation to the disposal of Site 1b at the former Lennox Castle Hospital site.
The Chief Executive advised that, given the present very poor economic climate and the considerable downturn in the housing market, the acquisition of the site by the preferred bidder has still not been concluded. Given the current economic climate it was considered very doubtful whether the preferred bidder, or indeed any other developer, would acquire the site in the near future.
Other, potential, interested parties were being approached to gauge interest or otherwise and the Board concluded that more “creative” approaches were required to both sustain the organisation in the mid term and unlock the capital monies, generated from the sale of the land, for use in the regeneration of Lennoxtown. The Board also agreed that it was important to convey this disappointing position to the broader community in order that the current state of affairs was acknowledged.
It was agreed that the Chief Executive prepare a Press Release regarding the Cube Housing Association official opening of affordable housing at Station Court, Lennoxtown.
The Chief Executive further advised that he is in the process of compiling a lottery bid and consideration was also given to making an approach to the Scottish Government for financial support.
Item 7 – EDC Motion
This item of business had been deferred at the previous Board Meeting and had not been discussed. Councillor Dempsey wished it noted that he had declared an interest and therefore would not participate in any discussions on this matter.
3. Minute of Board Meeting of 25th June 2008 at 9.30p.m.
Having been previously circulated for consideration by the Board, the minutes were approved. Proposed by David Carlin and seconded by Kathleen Haswell.
4. Matters Arising - None
5. Draft Minute of Company Annual General Meeting of 25th June 2008
The Chief Executive advised that this minute was for noting purposes only at this time and he requested that the Board provide him with any comments they may have for incorporation in the final draft minute which would be presented at the 2009 AGM.
6. Minute of the Finance Committee Meeting of 13th August 2008
The Chief Executive advised that the main purpose of this meeting was to introduce Stephen Phillips from Burness, the company who was selected as the company’s legal advisers.
7. Matters Arising
Stephen Phillips, Burness, has indicated that he will attend the company’s next AGM and it was agreed to invite him to a future Board Meeting in order that Stephen may further familiarise himself with matters.
8. Financial Reports
a) Management Accounts for the period April – June 2008
The Management Accounts detailed that the next payment to Celtic FC, as part of the SLA, had not been paid within the quarter although the Chief Executive advised that this had subsequently been paid with the next payment due in July 2009. Our largest creditor is East Dunbartonshire Council with monies owed for CCTV and salaries.
b) Company Cashflow 2008/09
The Board discussed the company’s cashflow position for 2008/09.
Following a question raised in relation to the feasibility of generating income from companies using the website for advertising space etc, the Chief Executive was requested to ascertain how many visits had been made to the company website as well as looking at the possibility of employing a graduate to update and improve the existing website.
9. Scottish Enterprise – Company Membership and Representation
Paper No. 08/15 noted the withdrawal of Scottish Enterprise from both membership of the company and serving on the Board of Directors. This reduces current Board membership from 15 to 14. The Board continued consideration on how best to replace Scottish Enterprise.
10. Chief Executive’s Report
High Park
The Chief Executive reported that work in High Park has commenced and play equipment is currently being installed.
Kirkintilloch Herald Article
The Chief Executive reported that there was an article in the Kirkintilloch Herald from Councillor Ritchie asking for ideas as to how £50,000 capital monies could be spent in the Kirkintilloch North and Campsie Ward.
Following discussion, it was agreed that a request be made for replacement lights at the High Church, on the premise that we would use energy efficient lighting.
CCTV
The Chief Executive advised that he is scheduled to meet with Jim Neill in relation to vandalism of the CCTV equipment in High Park and the High Church and will report further on the outcome.
11. Review of Corporate Governance – Board Members Handbook
Following recommendations stemming from a Scottish Enterprise Review of Corporate Governance Audit, and consideration of Paper No. 08/16, the Board agreed to adopt the policies and procedures contained within the Handbook.
Tom Docherty requested that the Nominations Committee also include one member from the “community” directors. The Chief Executive agreed to amend the Handbook accordingly and thereafter post the document on the company’s website.
Alan Sim stated that the Matrix failed to reflect his responsibilities for urban regeneration and asset management. This was noted.
The Chief Executive agreed to take an excerpt from the Memorandum and Articles of Association for incorporation in the Handbook which determines that if a director is absent (without permission of the directors) from more than three consecutive meetings of the directors, then the directors may resolve to remove him/her from office.
The Board agreed that Tom Docherty would act as the nominated representative for the Whistleblowing Policy.
Following discussion it was agreed that the Handbook, in its current state, is proportionate to where the company is at present, but it would require to be re-visited to include tighter risk management and financial control procedures following the acquisition of the receipts from the former Lennox Castle Hospital site.
12. Board Membership – Motion by East Dunbartonshire Council
Councillor Dempsey, Alan Sim and John Simmons declared an interest in this item and withdrew from the Board Meeting.
Following discussion, it was agreed that the Chief Executive write to Sue Bruce advising that a formal decision could not be taken at this meeting as the withdrawal of two Directors rendered the meeting inquorate and therefore the matter would be continued until the next Board Meeting in October 2008.
13. AOCB
Travelling Persons Site
Kathleen Haswell advised that she had had discussions with Councillor Geekie who had intimated that information would be supplied to the Scottish Government in relation to the poor uptake of places at the travelling persons site, the recent occupancy by illegal occupants, the running costs involved etc with a view to questioning the site’s location in Lennoxtown.
Councillor Geekie agreed to report further on the outcome of the discussions and Kathleen agreed to update further at the next Board meeting.
Former Board Member
The Board agreed to send a get well card to Anne Unsworth, former Board Member, as she had recently been taken into hospital.
Greencore Mineral Water
The Chairman advised that there had been an article in the Kirkintilloch Herald in relation to employees being “paid off” at Greencore Mineral Water. He further advised that, it was his understanding, this related to seasonal staff and was normal practice at this time of year. The Chief Executive advised that Councillor Kennedy had been in contact with him regarding apparent redundancies at the Greencore Plant seeking the company’s intervention. After discussion the Board felt that it would not be appropriate for the company to intervene in what essentially was an internal matter involving a private, commercial organisation but that every assistance would be offered to any individual who had been made redundant and was seeking other employment.
14. Date of Next Meeting
Monday 27th October 2008 at 7.00p.m. on the basis that the Chief Executive has previously met with Douglas Griffin and is in a position to update the Board with proposals for Site 1b.
Meeting
- Board
Date - 25 August 2008
Presented By Brian
McAleenan, Chief Executive
MINUTES OF
THE BOARD MEETING OF THE LENNOXTOWN INITIATIVE
Date: 25 June 2008
Time: 6.00p.m
Venue: Lennoxtown Enterprise Centre, Railway Court, Station Road, Lennoxtown
Present: Brian McAleenan, Jim Gilmour, Councillor John Dempsey, Alex Wingate, Derek Miller, Karen Murray, Alan Sim, David Carlin, Jonathan Carlin, Kathleen Haswell, Robert O’Donnell and Thomas Docherty
Also in attendance: John Simmons, Shona Baird
Apologies and Introduction
Apologies were received on behalf of Georgina Brown who had intimated that although she would be unavailable to attend the Board meeting, she would be in attendance at the AGM, which would immediately follow the Board meeting.
1 Chairman’s Opening Remarks
The Chairman opened the meeting by welcoming those present.
2 Minutes of Board Meeting of 21st May 2008
Having been previously circulated for consideration, the minutes were adopted as an accurate reflection of proceedings. Proposed by David Carlin and seconded by Alan Sim.
3 Matters Arising
Page 3, Item 7 – Lennoxtown CCTV
The Chief Executive confirmed that he had invited the Community Council and residents of Service Street to an ‘open evening’ of a demonstration of the CCTV monitoring equipment at the Monitoring Unit at Broomhill. The evening had been excellent and well received, albeit no residents from Service Street had been in attendance.
The Chief Executive further advised that the CCTV Scheme was officially launched from Lennoxtown Primary School on 18th June 2008 by the Provost of East Dunbartonshire and local schoolchildren from both local Primary Schools.
Page 3, Item 8 – AOB
David Carlin confirmed that he had spoken to a contact from the Scottish Co-operative and agreement had been reached in relation to storage of the montages displayed on the external walls of the old Co-op building.
Alan Sim confirmed that the montages were originally in ownership of the Town Centre Management Company and since they were now defunct, ownership had reverted to East Dunbartonshire Council.
3 Financial Reports
- Cashflow projection for the period April 2008 – March 2009
The Chief Executive advised that East Dunbartonshire Council and NHSGCC had requested he produce a cashflow projection for this financial year which demonstrated that we would run into financial difficulty in July 2008. Subsequently the Chairman and Chief Executive had met with EDC and NHSGGC partners to look at the funding issues; each of them being fully supportive, offering financial assistance, by way of a loan, repayable on receipt of funds from the sale of Site 1b. These funds would assist with operational costs for the remainder of this financial year.
4. Draft Statutory Annual Accounts for 2007/08
Derek Miller raised a question in relation to whether it was still relevant that SED be mentioned as one of the Partner Directors within the report of the draft accounts. The Chief Executive advised that he had written to Jack Perry to clarify SE’s position and until such times as confirmation was received, it was still relevant that SED be mentioned as a partner. Thereafter the draft Statutory Annual Accounts, having been previously circulated, were approved by the Board and signed accordingly.
5 Chief Executive’s Report
Best Value and Community Planning Audit
The Chief Executive advised that he had assisted East Dunbartonshire Council with a Best Value and Community Planning Audit, conducted by Audit Scotland, which also involved EDC’s Corporate Management Team. The feedback had been that Lennoxtown had been very well received by the auditors and they may wish to return to conduct further in-depth interviews in September 2008, with their finalised report concluded some time next year.
Celtic SLA
The Chief Executive advised that following discussions with EDC it was proving difficult to implement the Celtic SLA within schools as he had been advised that only the SFA were allowed a presence in the schools, and not professional football clubs.
Councillor Dempsey suggested that it may be beneficial for the Chief Executive to contact Gerry Cornes to clarify the position in relation to Celtic gaining access to schools across East Dunbartonshire.
Potential VAT Reclaim
The Chief Executive also intimated that he had been advised by French Duncan’s VAT specialists, that the only way VAT could be recovered from the Celtic SLA would be if Celtic were asked to waive the VAT element of the agreement. The Board unanimously agreed that there would be little value in pursuing this with Celtic and that the matter was now closed.
Affordable Housing
The Chief Executive advised that Cube Housing were planning an official launch of their affordable housing site on 25th August 2008. Brian advised that a number of officials would be invited and he would liaise further with Cube Housing on their arrangements and report back further details to the Board in due course.
Site 1B
Following discussions with NHSGCC and East Dunbartonshire Council, NHSGGC had agreed to write to the preferred bidder giving them four weeks to determine whether they wish to proceed with the sale of the former Lennox Castle Hospital site. If they are not in a position to proceed, in order to be compliant with procurement procedures, NHSGCC will make an approach to the next preferred bidder on the tender list. The Board will be kept appraised of progress.
6 Review of Corporate Governance – Draft Action Plan
The Board considered the Draft Action Plan, following the earlier Review of Corporate Governance arrangements conducted by Scottish Enterprise, and endorsed the document. The Chief Executive agreed to bring a report back to the next Board meeting for implementation.
7 Board Membership – Motion from East Dunbartonshire Council
As time was limited due to the commencement of the Annual General Meeting, the Board agreed to defer this item of business to the next meeting in August 2008 as they felt it would be more appropriate to give this report further detailed consideration.
8 Annual Review 2007/08
A copy of the most recent Annual Review was circulated to the Board for their consideration.
9 AOCB
The Chief Executive intimated that there would be a Board meeting straight after the AGM to consider the re-appointment of Community, Partner Directors and Office Bearers.
Campsie Boys Club
Alex Wingate circulated a copy of a letter expressing appreciation from the Campsie Boys Club for the Initiative’s involvement in securing training facilities at the Celtic Training Facility.
10 Date of Next Meeting
As stated earlier, the next Board meeting will follow directly after the AGM and thereafter the following meeting will take place on Monday 25th August 2008 at 7.00p.m. within the offices at the Lennoxtown Enterprise Centre.
Meeting
- Board
Date - 21 May 2008
Presented By Brian
McAleenan, Chief Executive
MINUTES OF
THE BOARD MEETING OF THE LENNOXTOWN INITIATIVE
Date: 21 April 2008
Time: 7.00p.m
Venue: Lennoxtown Enterprise Centre, Railway Court, Station Road, Lennoxtown
Present: Brian McAleenan,
Jim Gilmour, Thomas Docherty, Alan Sim, David Carlin, Alex Wingate and
Robert O’Donnell
Also in attendance:
Shona Baird, Lynda Hamilton
Apologies and Introduction
Apologies were received
on behalf of Simon MacGillivray, Derek Miller, Georgina Brown, Councillor
Dempsey and Karen Murray.
1 Chairman’s Opening Remarks
The
Chairman opened the meeting by welcoming those present and, although there
were insufficient Directors present to deem the meeting quorate, it was
agreed to continue with the items of business on the basis that decisions
taken could be homologated at the next meeting.
2. Minutes of Meeting – 25 February 2008
Having been
previously circulated for consideration, the Board was subsequently advised
of two amendments, namely, the contact person for CHP should read Fiona
McGuire and the reference to “external improvement works at Lennoxtown
Clinic” should read internal improvement works.
The minutes were thereafter
proposed by Tom Docherty, seconded by Alan Sim.
3. Matters Arising
Legal
Services
The
Chief Executive advised that invitations to tender had been issued to
five selected firms of solicitors, with a return date scheduled for Tuesday
6th May 2008. Thereafter the tenders would be considered, and a selection
made, at the Finance Meeting scheduled for 19th May 2008.
Clachan
of Campsie
The
Chief Executive advised that he had met to discuss proposals for Clachan
of Campsie with the interested developer. Alan Sim intimated that further
discussions require to take place prior to developing any planning application
area concerning the sustainability of the village in terms of craft shops
etc.
4. Update on Site 1b
Following
consideration of the scenarios presented in Paper No. 08/05, the Board
agreed that it was imperative to progress this issue and therefore agreed
to concede, if necessary, to the figure requested by the selected developer
for removal of the “abnormals” highlighted from the Site Investigation
Report.
5. Chief Executive’s Report
Business
Plan Review
The
Chief Executive intimated that the Business Plan was due to be reviewed
in April 2008, however, as there had been slippage in the timeframe regarding
Site 1b, it was agreed that the review be deferred until the funding is
received.
New Funding
for Lennoxtown
East
Dunbartonshire Community Planning Partnership has been awarded funding
from the new Fairer Scotland Fund. Previously this funding was used to
tackle deprivation in Hillhead and Twechar, however, Lennoxtown is now
eligible for funding for targeted services, for instance to help promote
people into employment and training. The Board will be kept appraised
of further developments.
Greencore
The
Chief Executive and Chairman met with Hg-Consultants to iron out issues
associated with Greencore’s expansion plans, which Campsie Black
Watch FC felt had adversely impacted upon their football pitch. Following
discussions between the two parties, the issues have now been resolved
to a mutually satisfactory conclusion.
Kelvin
Valley LEADER bid
The
Scottish Government has awarded funding for the Kelvin Valley consortium,
a partnership between East Dunbartonshire Council and North Lanarkshire
Council, which aims to deliver innovative environmental improvements across
the Kelvin Valley area. Lennoxtown is eligible for a portion of this funding
to deliver a programme of potential improvements and the Chief Executive
agreed to keep the Board briefed of developments.
High Park
Regeneration
The
Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) has now been installed at High Park and the
new Play Area will follow once the CCTV Scheme is operational and High
Park is covered as part of the system.
Presentation
to EDC
The
Chief Executive advised that he received a favourable response in relation
to a joint presentation from Kirkintilloch and Lennoxtown Initiative which
was made to elected members of East Dunbartonshire Council on 17th April
2008. The Chief Executive felt that this offered an opportunity to both
further improve relationships with the local authority and promote the
company.
Newsletter
The
theme for the April 2008 issue of the company newsletter, Initiative Insight,
is the “Story so Far” illustrating those projects which have
been delivered to date. The newsletter will be issued to every household
and business in Lennoxtown during week commencing 21st April 2008.
Annual General
Meeting
The AGM is scheduled
for Wednesday 25th June at 7.30p.m. It was agreed that it may be beneficial
to hold the meeting in unlicensed premises, therefore, subject to availability,
it was suggested that the meeting be held in St Machan’s Primary
School Hall.
CRGP Architects
and Surveyors
CRGP have been
commissioned on an ‘at risk’ basis to carry out preliminary
works in relation to the Integrated Health and Community Centre. The works
will initially be to determine square footage etc and details will be
discussed at the forthcoming public meeting. Further more detailed consultation
requires to take place with those parties who will make use of the facility.
Public
Meeting
A public consultation
meeting has been scheduled to take place at Campsie Memorial Hall on Wednesday
21st May 2008 at 7.00p.m. to enable the Board to brief local people in
relation to the current position involving the funding from Site 1b as
well as presenting and consulting with local people in relation to the
draft outline proposals for the Integrated Health and Community facility
proposed for the village and general masterplan issues.
Main Street
Project Group
The Chief Executive
has reconvened the group for a meeting scheduled on Wednesday 30th April
2008.
Legacy
for Lennoxtown Event
The Legacy for
Lennoxtown Event, previously hosted by Careers Scotland, will be delivered
by Lennoxtown Initiative and partners for 58 primary school children from
Lennoxtown and St Machan’s Schools on Thursday 24th April 2008.
The event takes the form of ‘hands on’ workshops offering
the opportunity for the children to experience a range of vocational areas,
as well as offering ideas about potential areas of employment they may
consider in the future.
6. SED Internal Audit – Review of Corporate Governance at
Lennoxtown Initiative
Having
considered paper No. 08/07, the Board endorsed the proposals contained
therein and it was agreed that the Chief Executive bring forward an Action
Plan in relation to Scottish Enterprise’s suggested implementation
of the policies and procedures stemming from their recent audit, as detailed
within the report.
7. Board of Directors – Resignation of SED nominated representative
Scottish Enterprise
have not confirmed their position in relation to whether they will provide
a replacement representative or whether they will continue as a member
of the company following their recent restructuring arrangements. It was
agreed that any decision in relation to filling the potential Board Director
vacancy should be held in abeyance until confirmation is received.
8. Land at 132/134 Main Street, Lennoxtown – Proposals
The
Chief Executive advised that he had been in receipt of three expressions
of interest for this site involving residential, retail and a nursery
facility.
The Board considered that a
nursery would be an asset on this site and agreed that the Chief Executive
would request that the proposed developer be requested to draw up further
proposals, subject to attaining relevant planning consents.
The Board also requested
that as an energy company had previously expressed an interest in this
site, albeit the site subsequently proving not fit for purpose, that an
alternative site be identified tailored to their requirements as it may
bring potential employment opportunities for the area.
9. Celtic FC Service Level Agreement
The
Chief Executive advised that progress in this area had been slow in relation
to the training sessions for the two local Boys Clubs, as well as the
After School Club. A decision is still awaited in relation to whether
the facility will host a football tournament on 7th and 8th June 2008
organised by Campsie Boys Club. The Chief Executive intimated that he
was hopeful that decisions from Celtic would be concluded this week in
relation to these specific proposals.
Alan Sim agreed to speak to
a colleague whom he knew would be in talks with Celtic to help raise awareness
of our concerns in relation to the slow progress of the Service Level
Agreement.
10. Lennoxtown
CCTV Scheme
The
Chief Executive advised that the CCTV system will go “live”
during week commencing Monday 14th April 2008. Only eight out of the ten
cameras included in the system will be operational during this week, the
additional two cameras positioned at the High Church will be operational
once issues in relation to the power supply have been resolved.
The Chief Executive agreed
to organise an out of office hours Board visit to the Control Centre at
Broomhill. As parents had expressed concerns previously about children
using the High Park, it was deemed appropriate that primary school pupils
from each of the local primary schools be invited to play a part in promoting
the launch. The launch will be carried out in conjunction with Jim Neill,
Community Safety Manager, and East Dunbartonshire Council.
The Board also felt it would
be beneficial to have a launch of the affordable housing units located
within the Earls Seat development and managed by Cube Housing Association.
11. AOCB
Monthly
Board Meetings
The
Chairman suggested that the Board reconvene monthly Board meetings with
a proposal to have a recess over July/August and December/January. The
Board agreed to this proposal on the basis that the Chief Executive would
not be required, as a matter of course, to submit written reports to each
of the monthly meetings, and verbal reports would be acceptable where
appropriate.
Co-operative
Museum
David
Carlin advised that he had been in contact with Alan Dawson, Area Manager
for the Co-operative, in relation to the potential for the original Co-op
premises to be converted into a museum. David will update the Board at
a later date following their consideration of these proposals.
12. Date of Next Meeting
The
Board agreed to have a meeting at 6.00p.m. in advance of the public meeting
scheduled for Wednesday 21st May 2008.
The Annual General Meeting
is scheduled for Wednesday 25th June 2008 and it was agreed that the Board
would have a pre meeting at 6.00p.m. in advance of the commencement of
the AGM at 7.30p.m.
MINUTES
OF THE BOARD MEETING OF THE LENNOXTOWN INITIATIVE
Date: 10 December 2007
Time: 7.00p.m
Venue: Lennoxtown Enterprise Centre, Railway Court, Station Road, Lennoxtown
Present: Brian
McAleenan, Jim Gilmour, Derek Miller, Councillor John Dempsey, Alan Sim,
Alex Wingate, Karen Murray, David Carlin, David Allan
Apologies and Introduction
Apologies
were received on behalf of David Anderson, Simon MacGillivray, Robert
O’Donnell, Kathleen Haswell, Georgina Brown, Tom Docherty and Jonathan
Carlin.
1 Chairman’s Opening Remarks
In
the absence of the Chairman, who had been delayed at another engagement,
the meeting was opened by Derek Miller, Vice Chairman, who agreed to act
as Chairman of proceedings. The Chairman welcomed those Directors present.
2. Minutes of Meeting - 22 October 2007
Having
been previously circulated for consideration, the Board approved the content
of the minutes as being an accurate record of proceedings.
Proposed by
Councillor Dempsey, seconded by Alan Sim.
3. Matters
Arising - Big Lottery/Young People’s Fund Scotland
The
Chief Executive confirmed that an application had been received by the
Big Lottery Committee and will be assessed in January 2008, with the outcome
being decided in February 2008.
LEADER
Programme
The
Business Plan for the LEADER application was submitted to the Scottish
Government on 14 November 2007 and a decision is expected in January 2008.
Finance
Committee
The
Chief Executive confirmed that a quarterly cycle of Finance Sub Committee
meetings has been scheduled to commence in January 2008.
4. Chief Executive’s Report
Site
1b
The
Chief Executive advised that he had met with Peter Buchan’s successor,
Jason Hogg, Consultant for NHSGGC, from Jones Lang Lasalle. He advised
that the preferred developer’s Site Investigation Report had revealed
that the site contained “abnormals” and therefore there would
be associated costs for removal of the problem soil. Nevertheless, NHSGGC
were still confident that works would commence early next year and that
the receipts to the Initiative would be forthcoming shortly thereafter.
The Chief Executive
intimated that the Site Investigation Report would be made available to
him for perusal.
Newsletter
The
Chief Executive advised that the Newsletter had been well received by
the local community and there had been a general improvement in the distribution
in that it appeared to have reached every household in Lennoxtown. The
consensus of the Board was that the general content of the Newsletter
was greatly improved and the Chief Executive undertook to try and improve
the content further for the next edition.
CCTV
The
CCTV programme is on track for completion early next year. The Chief Executive
reported that both he and Jim Neill, EDC, Community Safety Manager, had
met with local residents to iron out their concerns regarding the placement
of cameras within Service Street and adjacent to Whitefield Lodge.
Following the
extensive consultation exercise which had preceded the installation of
the cameras, some local people felt that these cameras had been installed
at inappropriate locations. Following discussions with the Chief Executive
and the Community Safety Manager, EDC, remedial action has subsequently
been taken to re-site the cameras and resolve this issue to the satisfaction
of the residents.
Partners
Meeting
A
further partners meeting has been scheduled for 11 February 2008 and the
Chief Executive will update the Board thereafter.
Celtic
SLA
The
Chief Executive advised that he has now commenced formal discussions with
Celtic FC and sports development staff from East Dunbartonshire Council
in relation to the Celtic FC Service Level Agreement. He further advised
that he had also met with the two head teachers from the local primary
schools to discuss their requirements.
In effect the Chief Executive proposed that access to the Celtic training
facility should be primarily targeted at both local primary schools and
local boys’ football clubs. As both local head teachers had expressed
potential difficulties in transporting pupils to the facility there should
be discussion with Celtic regarding the delivery of programmes within
both local primary school premises. Broader programmes regarding health
and fitness, nutrition and lifestyle should be extended across all 32
primary schools in the East Dunbartonshire area, in addition to all secondary
schools within the area (including Kilsyth Academy which caters for placing
requests from the East Dunbartonshire area).
Mark Grant,
Commercial Manager – Leisure, East Dunbartonshire Council, had agreed
to discuss the proposals with the Active Schools Co-ordinators to include
the relevant activities within the schools curriculum, potentially commencing
February 2008.
Legal
Services
The Chief Executive suggested that there may be a conflict of interest
in relation to the continued use of our existing solicitors, who are also
solicitors for NHSGGC.
The Board agreed
the company issue tender documentation for our legal services requirements
and both Alex Wingate, Company Secretary, and the Chairman said that they
would be available to assist in this exercise, should this be required.
Whitefield
Lodge
The
Chief Executive met recently with the Manager of Whitefield Lodge Nursing
Home who had advised that an extension to their premises was proceeding
and this could mean the requirement for a further 30 staff. It had been
agreed that the Skills and Learning Manager would co-ordinate training
requirements with Whitefield Lodge on the basis of a guaranteed interview
at the conclusion of appropriate training.
St Machan’s
Parent Council
The
Chief Executive has been offered, and accepted, a place on the St Machan’s
Parent Council.
High
Park
Work
due to commence on the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) and play area following
implementation of the CCTV camera installation, hopefully January/February
2008.
The Board agreed
that publicity for the event could focus on a consultation exercise to
determine the wishes of young people and parents from the local primary
schools and play groups. It was also thought appropriate to create a dedicated
safe environment for very young children as well as a means of segregating
them from the older age group.
High Church
The
Chief Executive has written to local Elected Members to make them aware
of the CCTV works commencing within the High Church, to accommodate the
two additional CCTV cameras, and the obvious sensitivities which surround
this.
5. Integrated Health and Community Facility – Development
Proposal
The
Chairman, Jim Gilmour, joined the Board Meeting at this point. He intimated
that Derek Miller, Vice Chairman, remain in the chair to conclude proceedings.
This was agreed by the other Directors present.
Following consideration
of Paper No. 07/38, the Board agreed that, following confirmation of funding
arrangements to ensure appropriate resources will be applied to initial
start up costs, as well as on-going running costs, that this paper would
form the basis of future discussions with stakeholders/partners proposing
to use the facility.
6. Greencore Mineral Water – Expansion Proposals
The
Board was asked to note the contents of report No. 07/39. The Chief Executive
agreed to check the plans to clarify whether the amendment to Greencore’s
existing expansion proposals would encroach on a larger area of ground
to meet their needs, thereby generating a greater land value.
7. Lennoxtown Masterplan Brief – Draft
As
an early draft, Paper No. 07/40 will form the basis for discussion with
colleagues within East Dunbartonshire Council, with particular emphasis
on Main Street in Lennoxtown.
It was considered
beneficial that the Lennoxtown Masterplan has a close relationship with
the Local Plan. It was also considered prudent that the Chief Executive
enter into discussions with Keith Scrimgeour, Greenspace, EDC, in relation
to the extension plans for Campsie Cemetery, which may have an impact
on the long term masterplan proposals.
8. Dunbartonshire Economic Audit 2007
The
Board was asked to consider the contents of Paper No. 07/41 on the basis
that this was a summary of the full report which David Allan, SED, advised
was available to download from the SED website.
It was agreed
that the findings of the report should be built into the masterplan in
relation to potential demographic changes stemming from the new housing
developments in Lennoxtown.
9. Company
Health and Safety Policy and Guidance
The
Chief Executive intimated that although there is no legislative requirement
to have a Health and Safety Policy in place, for companies with less than
five employees, it was considered good practice to have an adopted procedure
for operational purposes.
David Allan requested that we take cognisance of health and safety requirements
in terms of the operation of the business when moving into a construction
phase. He intimated that SED are looking at all Special Purpose Vehicles
(SPVs) and their obligation to contractors in relation to health and safety.
David intimated
that this review information could be shared in due course.
It was agreed
that an amendment would be made to the policy to reflect the Chief Executive
as signatory rather than the Chairman.
10.
Forestry Commission Scotland – Forest Land for Urban Communities
Forestry
Commission Scotland is proposing to turn 1,200 hectares of property into
a new wooded landscape to the north of Campsie Glen. This exercise will
follow full consultation with local residents and stakeholders beginning
in Spring 2008. The Chief Executive will update the Board of details as
matters progress.
11. Draft Schedule of Board Meetings
The
Board agreed the draft schedule of two monthly cycle meetings as detailed
in Paper No. 07/44.
12. AOB
Following
a request from Councillor Ritchie, the Board unanimously agreed that minutes
of Lennoxtown Initiative Board Meetings should be made available for public
display within the local library.
It was also
agreed that as Annual Accounts detail commercially sensitive information,
that any requests for copies of Annual Accounts should be made via Companies
House or made accessible via a request to the Chief Executive.
13. Date of Next Meeting
The
next meeting is scheduled for Monday 25 February 2008 at 7.00p.m. within
Lennoxtown Enterprise Centre.
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