February 2009

View/Print as PDF file

Monimail Community Council

Minutes of meeting, 9th February 2009

Present : A. Arbuckle; D. Dallas; K. Dodds; W. Fenton; B. Forrest; J. Gordon; D. Hamilton; P. Laidlaw; G. Mossman; N. Mossman; B. Robertson; J. Rotheram; B. Service; G. Smith; H. Van Koten; J. Vaughan; C. Gilbert (Fife Council)

Apologies : M. Grossert; L. Harvie; A. MacGilchrist; T. Nesbitt

Minutes of Previous Meeting : accepted

Matters Arising
BEAR Scotland : some patching work has been undertaken in the area recently, Cllr Arbuckle had spoken with Mel Edwards of BEAR today who enquired if the CC still want improvement work carried out at the junction. Those present agreed that no work should be done to stagger the junction, however the Toll Junction should be a kerbed area with entrance / exit as previously discussed. Weeding of the footpath between Letham and Ballantager is “in hand”
Bow of Fife Speed : an email contradicting previous information about the provision of “slow down” signs on the main road through Bow of Fife was passed to Cllr Arbuckle and C Gilbert who will follow up as they were under the impression that signs were indeed to be sited.
Whinney Park : water still flowing and icy in colder weather. Last weekend a couple of people came off their bikes whilst going round the corner due to the conditions. In one case the bike was damaged as well as clothes ripped so we understand the person in question will be submitting a claim to the Council. Mr A Green is due to come out tomorrow (Tues 10th Feb) to look at the problem. Work is planned for the new financial year however the recent accidents have possibly pushed this up the list. Another issue is there used to be a Grit Bin at the corner however this has been removed. Mr Green will be asked to ensure it is returned as the route is a school run!
Monimail Cemetry : Drain & gates are fine. Fencing panels still require replacing and the gap in the fencing needs sorted!
Phone Box – Being co-ordinated through Fife Council. Cllr Arbuckle to chase up .
School Parking (Well Tree Area) : Parents are not encouraged to drive up School Brae due to congestion and turning when collecting or dropping off pupils so they generally park up around the Well Tree. This area is slippy and dangerous as well as starting to get churned up. With a view to getting the area made safer, there is still a question over who actually owns this land (it is NOT Council land). The Well Tree belongs to the Village so could it be common ground? It was agreed that a Land Registry search be instigated to find out exactly who owns the area in question.
20mph Zone : Discussion took place about possible signage and traffic islands which may form part of “speed calming” proposals. The initial feeling was wait to see what the Council proposed then decide then. It was pointed out that if the Council spent time on drawing up proposals then it might be difficult to change them or decide totally against them.

On reflection, the parking up one side of The Row acts as a sort of calming measure and signs alone are unlikely to have an effect. It was agreed that Cllr Arbuckle contact Fife Council and inform them not to proceed with any further extension or work to the 20mph zone in Letham

5. Planning : application from 5 School Brae for single storey extension – no issues raised
Bakehouse Area – concerns were raised that the site where the two houses are being built is a mess. In wet weather, debris washes out of the site and into the drains which have just been cleared! A condition of Planning is surely that a site should be kept tidy and secure – Planning to be contacted about this.

6. Treasurer’s Report : The account balance stands at just over £1440. Money has been paid to cover the Community Website.

Village Hall Report :

The first five replacement windows are due to be fitted within the next couple of weeks (the south west elevation) and a second Grant has been applied for to cover the remaining windows in the back hall, kitchen, rear toilets and store-room. Quotes have been received and accepted for a replacement fife exit door from the back hall as well as replacement doors for the rotten doors at the south exit from the back. The “Letham Nights” Culture Grant is to be used to purchase new stage lighting which will be placed behind the current pelmet.

8. Playpark : Nothing to report / update.

Community Woodland : Project to be re-launched and funding looked into

10. Climate Challenge Fund : There is currently £11 million available to sponsor communities with regards to reducing fuel/energy bills and reducing carbon emissions. A “Notification of Interest” has been submitted under the banner of “North Howe Transition Toun carbon reduction programme”
The aim of this programme is to reduce carbon emissions for the North Howe area to be delivered through the Transition Toun group under the themes of Energy, Transport and Food. This has been developed through community consultation and community support demonstrated at public meetings, written feedback and ideas, along with informal discussion and networking.
Energy :
Undertake a door-to-door survey and community consultation to offer Carbon foot printing, Energy saving light bulbs and Smart meters (monitoring through smart metres and electricity bills) to residents within the community. Develop a Social Enterprise specialising in eco renovation of local buildings, homes and businesses, aimed at reducing residential and business fuel bills, consumption and ultimately carbon expenditure. (Monitored through smart metres and fuel bills). Deliver training workshops though the Social Enterprise to the local community on practical skills to create carbon reductions.
Transport :
TripshareFife.com a car sharing website already provided and promoted by the local authority will be promoted extensively throughout the local community through various awareness raising activities including the door knocking exercise and promotional materials. Provide bike parking at transport nodes as a pilot and possible upgrade of cycle tracks / core path network.
Food :
Aim to reduce food miles and the use of agrichemicals through encouraging growing own food and buying local seasonal food. Bulk garden supplies: Proposal to install storage bays in local communities to take delivery of bulk garden supplies such as leaf mulch and manure. This would then be available for individuals to uplift themselves, for a small charge, for use in their gardens or allotments, thus encouraging and supporting more local, individual food growing.
The above work will raise awareness on Climate Change and Fossil Fuel Depletion and Transition Initiative – films, visiting speakers and discussions will encourage people to get involved. It would also be a good idea to consult everyone in the area via face-to-face survey.

It was agreed that J Vaughan write a letter in support of this application

11. Questions :
- Council Tax due to be set this Thursday – to remain unchanged from last year
- St Andrews & NE Fife Local plan – now at the stage where Developers are likely to make proposals so Cllr Arbuckle will keep a look out for anything regarding Letham Area.
- the A91 into Cupar is due to be closed for two weeks at the start of March just after the Springfield junction along to the Wiseman Dairies.

12. Any Other Business :
- School Route from Monimail : there are now 12 children living in Monimail, 10 of whom attend Letham Primary (almost 1/3 pf the total school role). There is no bus service from Monimail as it is just under 1 mile from the School, however concerns have been raised over the lack of safe route to the school. There is no footpath or cycle path.
Cllr Arbuckle and Colin Gilbert will raise these issues with the appropriate bodies.
Discussion took place regarding this which raised some points/questions :
There used to be a path many years ago however it fell into disrepair before fencing was moved.
Does the school have a “Safe Travel to School Plan”?
It appears the school have been in contact with Transportation and there are issue with children from Monimail getting any spare or “concessionary” spaces on the bus. Colin Gilbert will contact Transportation and discuss.
The roadsides are basically a mess and need clearing up as the children generally have to walk down on one side of the road (being a narrow road this is almost in the middle of the road).
- Bow Road Water : There was a survey of the “pond” recently and the drainage/water level is apparently being looked at. The water is draining out into the roadside burn but the water is generally rising in this area.
Concern about the Telegraph Poles in the water, however this is not a problem according to Scottish Power
- Bus Shelter (Letham) : the shelter on Monimail Road was reversed into approximately 4 weeks ago – Transportation have been notified however it has not yet been sorted

13. Date of Next Meeting : Monday 13th April 2009, Letham Village Hall, 7.30pm

WHAT’S ON

APRIL 2009 ISSUE

** COFFEE MORNING
(IN AID OF HALL FUNDS)
SATURDAY 18th APRIL
LETHAM HALL
10AM – 12NOON
(RAFFLE DRAWN 11.30AM)

** LETHAM NIGHTS

LETHAM VILLAGE HALL

SATURDAY 2ND MAY 2009

Delta Blues / Country / Folk Band -

The Black Oil Brothers

with
The Black Cat Jook Band

        **
**   LETHAM SHOW
                           LETHAM VILLAGE HALL
                     SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST 2009
                                  2pm – 4pm

SCHEDULES AVAILABLE NOW FROM G.McDonald (810250)
Or Categories can be viewed online soon at
www.letham.org.uk
www.smartcommunityfife.org.uk