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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

  1. 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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Annual Review




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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