This will be held 7pm, Monday 6th July 1998 in St Andrews' Town Hall Burgh Chamber.
Mr Sangster (Mr Sproson to attend as Merch Assoc rep instead), Mr Peterson, Mr Macgregor, Mr Fraser.
Chairman's Report May 1997 - April 1998
D. F. Macgregor Chairman
The Community Council in its final year pre-election continued to progress on most fronts, thanks to the good ideas and hard work of members and supporters, and I would like to begin by again thanking the former office-bearers for their co-operation and forbearance, and to associate in my thanks all members, Fife Councillors, press representatives and others who came to the Council's monthly meetings for their patience, tolerance and helpfulness.
The Council continues to be represented on selection panels (such as for the Ohtawara City Exchange), ad hoc committees (such as that on Harbour Renewal and (imminently) on the Green Belt Forum) as well as on public bodies such as the Crime Prevention Panel, Tourism Management Plan Group, St Andrew's Week Committee, on official occasions like Remembrance Day, or at functions such as Fife Council's St Andrew's Day Reception, RAF Freedom ceremony or at the Kate Kennedy parade. This representational role is still increasing, and so it should.
During 'St Andrew's Week' the Council mounted an interesting exhibition of Charters of the Town in the Town Hall. Plans are afoot for a larger exhibition in November 1998 in conjunction with the rest of St Andrews.
Much of the Community Council's work is done in committee, and I would like to mention some of that work at this point:
The Planning Committee met with considerable frequently to deal with the numerous applications and reports that were forward; its biggest remits were to respond to the Strategic Study and this response emerged as 'Option 4' which appears to enjoy a lot of public sympathy except among those committed to the rather idealistic Option 1 (No change), and no doubt, among those developers keen to profit from a mega-St Andrews. Like the Preservation Trust, the Committee made vigorous and in the end successful interventions in the Public Inquiry concerning St Leonard's Fields, where our position was of course to resist the application for development. The Community Council believes that the site is the best one for an enlarged hospital and that this view enjoys public support.
The Recreation Committee organises several competitions: Gardens, Photography, Library, St Andrews Week, Local History and Odd One Out all fall into its remit, and I would like to thank all the organisers and congratulate the participants. The 200 Club over the past year disbursed 29 separate grants to local projects, and I shall repeat my call for councillors to encourage even more friends and acquaintances to sign up as 200 Club members. A second series of bandstand concerts was made possible by generous sponsorship from Reel Services Inc., and for the present season from the St Andrews Common Good Fund. A Youth Committee of the Council has now been set up, thanks to the support of the Rector (who came to address us) and staff of Madras College; its chairman is now a co-opted member of the Council. Recreation Committee members attend meetings of the Street Fairs and other tourism-related committees.
St Andrews Common Good Fund applications continue to be discussed by a joint committee with Fife Councillors and this has proved a successful arrangement. The new local office is now in a position to offer certain meeting and other facilities to the Council (as well as to other groups). The offer of the Locality Manager, Mrs Veronica Henderson, to stage a pre-election display of candidates' photographs and curricula vitae was very welcome, as is the fulfilment of the Fife Council's commitment to provide polling cards for the election to be held between lOam to 7pm in the Local Office, St Mary's Place. The Finance and General Purpose Committee agreed to take out a quarter-page advertisement in the St Andrews Citizen which resulted in an increased turn-out, though many felt more publicity could have been afforded to individual candidates, especially in the local newspaper whose base is just round the corner from the Fife Council offices where information about all candidates was on display. A better way of informing voters about those standing needs to be found next time round.
The Welfare Committee, apart from organising the Senior Citizens' Party (with help from the Students' Association, the Round Table and others, was involved in various activities, and at intervals expressed concern over the year on relevant matters such as health provision and the cynical replacement of the CAB by CARF - another service to the public, like paper collection, replacement of waste bins, advertisement of Fife Councillors' consulting hours, the failure to meet long-standing commitments to a recycling centre, a new library and to replace the Petheram bridge to take but some of the main items in the cycle of increasing taxation and diminishing service.
The monthly free newssheet, EVENT: St Andrews, instigated and run by Mr Pete Lindsay, has been improved over the year and attracts a regular readership. The provision of advertising space in the Mercat Centre, thanks to Mr Dennis MacDonald, has doubled our public presence in that regard.
At various moments in the past the Council has been held to be overly 'political'. It is pleasing to me at least to note that there was to my knowledge no evidence of party cliquishness during the past Council - all strove together (in the main) to foster the common good. Many may agree with me that political parties at local level are of no relevance, and that it is independence of judgement and common sense that local people cherish. If they see that they get that from us - and I hope they do - that should be a matter of some satisfaction.
I will end this list of (only some of) the year's achievements by mentioning the Cultural Links programme, which continues to develop relations with Upper Arlington and, under the chairmanship of Mrs Mary Freeborn and with Community Council representation, with Loches en Touraine.
Thank you all again for your help and support during the past year.
The accounts require very little general comment. This year again they show a deficit of £1,600.52 which is a distortion due to the large expenditure out of the donation received two years ago for the Bandstand Concerts.
It is hoped that further funds will be obtained to feed this account and allow the excellent programmes of bands organised by Mr Strachan to continue.
The Administration Grant at the level at present enjoyed makes this aspect of the accounts more comfortable. I still have little doubt that many members are not putting through expenses and I do know that some are not catered for in the accounts prepared.
This will eventually show itself when those concerned provide details of their expenses.
Our position has been improved this year by the opening of the One Stop Office. Assuming that we continue to enjoy these Offices free for meetings and the Council continue to have a blanket Insurance Policy for Community Councils the Grant will remain sufficient.
I believe that we owe it to the public in St Andrews to provide some sort of bi-monthly or quarterly newsletter regarding activities within the Community Council and feel sure this is the proper way to use some of the Grant received.
There are several of the small accounts that we hold that are sitting dormant. None of these cause me undue concern except for the Coat of Arms Account. I do not know what the present position is concerning this account but feel we must be losing income which would make other aspects of our operation easier. This is a matter for serious consideration by the incoming Community Council in May 1998.
The 200 Club Account and Trust Account are not included in the attached as separate accounts are produced for them.
Once again can I finish by asking any member of the Council to be fair to the Treasurer and keep him/her aware of any large expenditure intended. Invoices received without prior knowledge are a problem.
Funds at 31st March 1998
Brought Forward at 1st April 1997 £ 5440.45
Deficit for Year 1997/98 £ 1600.52
---------
Balance Carried Forward £ 3839.93
(Represented by Bank Account at 31/3/98 £ 4801.65)
(Cheques still to be cleared £ 961.72)
Income Expenditure
Administration Account £ 2983.00 £ 1432.48
General Account £ 501.34 £ 330.50
Coat of Arms Account £ 160.35 £ NIL
Quiz Book Account £ 55.14 £ NIL
Anniversary Account £ 700.00 £ NIL
Bandstand Account £ 2757.28 £ 2092.09
Tree Planting Account £ 204.89 £ NIL
Youth Committee Account £ 50.00 £ NIL
Upper Arlington Account £ 300.00 £ 65.00
Newsletter Account £ 48.00 £ NIL
--------- ---------
£ 7760.00 £ 3920.07
Administration Account
Brought Forward at 1st April 1997 £ 960.00
Income:
Grant £ 2023.00
---------
£ 2983.00
Expenditure
Committee Expenses/Telephone/Postages etc £ 206.17
Hire of Halls as required £ 386.30
Memberships to Appropriate Associations £ 47.00
Secretarial Payments £ 150.00
Appropriate Adverts for Elections
and other issues of Importance £ 410.32
Stationery £ 232.69
---------
£ 1432.48
(Surplus for the year £590.52)
Surplus Carried Forward £1550.52
General Account
Brought Forward at 1st April 1997 £ 316.82
Income:
Odd One Out Competition £ 51.50
Interest on Account £ 133.02
---------
£ 501.34
Expenditure
Various Competition Costs £ 189.50
Flag for Town Hall £ 141.00
---------
£ 330.50
(Deficit for the year £145.98)
Surplus Carried Forward £170.84
Coat of Arms Account
Due to no income or expenditure within this account.
Surplus Carried Forward remains at £160.35
Quiz Book Account
Due to no income or expenditure within this account.
Surplus Carried Forward remains at £55.14
Anniversary Account
Due to no income or expenditure within this account.
Surplus Carried Forward remains at £700.00
Bandstand Account
Carried forward from 1st April 1997 £ 2757.28
Income:
during year £ NIL
---------
£ 2757.28
Expenditure
Payments to Bands £ 1860.00
Administration Expenses and Advertising £ 232.09
---------
£ 2092.09
(Deficit for Year £2092.09)
Surplus Carried Forward £665.19
Tree Planting Account
Due to no income or expenditure within this account.
Surplus carried forward remains £204.89
Youth Committee Account (New Account)
Income:
Donation from 200 Club £ 50.00
Expenditure: £ NIL
Surplus Carried Forward £50.00
Upper Arlington Cultural Links (New Account)
Income:
Donation £ 300.00
Expenditure:
Return of Photographs £ 65.00
Surplus Carried Forward £235.00
Newsletter Account
Due to no income or expenditure within this account.
Surplus Carried Forward Remains £48.00
ROYAL BURGH OF ST ANDREWS COMMUNITY COUNCIL TRUST FUND
Statement of Account 1st April 1927 to 31st March 1998
Balance at 31st March, 1997 £2738.42
Income Sale of Souvenirs left over
from 1995 "Open" Championship 3 April £ 36.00
28 April 27.00
21 May 60.00
14 July 27.00
17 July 54.00
23 July 27.00
17 Oct. 27.00
13 Nov. 27.00
Gross Interest 1 Sept. 91.46
Return of Advance to St. Andrews
Day Committee 18 April £400.00
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£776.46
Expenditure Entertainment cost for
visitorsfrom Loches 30 April £185.00
Donation to "St. Andrews in Bloom" 17 Oct. 250.00
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£435.00
Surplus for year £341.46 £ 341.46
Bank Balance at 31 March, 1998 £3079.88
This will follow on immediately from the AGM.
(Anyone who would like to address the meeting please contact the Secretary or Chair beforehand if at all possible)
On: Health Care Strategy in the St Andrews Area
Problems between golf buggies and pedestrians on the links paths.
St Andrews history
(read for any corrections of substance - harangue the Secretary for minor spelling mistakes before or after the meeting.)
(Action taken or other news relating to previous month's meeting)
(Would anyone representing the Comunity Council on other bodies let the Secretary know so that the list of Community Councillors can be completed.)
Mrs Tero having done her stint in this position.
(June 4.3) Secretary wrote to Fife Council acknowledgement received.
(June 4.4) More pictures passed to Fife Council of growths of this noxious weed, as yet untreated. It is now in full flower and must be treated before it seeds.
(June 4.5). Mr Macgregor was unable to attend.
Secretary has written to Fife Council officers involved in May election (June 5.12).
(June 8.2) Secretary has written to Mr Inch, Secretary of the Merchant's Association.
Fife Constabulary have replied. They are aware of the problem and “a more determined emphasis” has been placed on resolving them. This has involved a more coordinated approach by the agencies involved (Police, Fife Council Housing & Social Work, residents and Community Council). Mr Macgregor is being kept informed of current and proposed police action.
(June 7.2.1.) Hearing put back until August
(see attached sheet for full list - update will be circulated at the meeting if necessary)
Freedom of the Burgh Thu 9th July - representatives needed.
(Reports - note that under the new Scheme of Administration all committee meetings must be minuted).
• Mr Young and Mrs Murray attended an APRS Planning Workshop 23 Jun
(For Community Councillors to raise anything they haven't fitted in elsewhere)
Report of the Planning Committee Meetings of 8.6.98 and 29.6.98 for the Community Council Meeting of 6th July 1998.
An objection was submitted to the revised plans for this site, reiterating in particular our arguments on the proposed density and on the safety implications of the shared use of the school access road. Some questionable aspects of the Reporter's findings on the previous application, which remain relevant to the current application, were also noted. It is understood that the application was subsequently withdrawn due to a failure to meet the neighbour-notification requirements.
It was agreed to object to some aspects of this application to extend the hotel on its north-western end. In particular we noted the loss of approximate symmetry and judged that some feature to break up the unexciting and rather lengthy flat roofline of the extension would be useful. We would also wish to see some modifications to the proposed fenestration to avoid the full height glass panels on the north-western end and the southwest side. It was felt that the two-storey high lion emblem did not add to the appearance of the extension. We would also wish to see details of the proposed entrance, which were not included with the plans.
Mr Lindsay submitted an objection to this revised application, reiterating our general objections to infill developments of this type and our concerns regarding emergency access and the absence of off-street parking.
Mrs Murray agreed to object to this application for an outside dining area. The use of the cobbled area by the pedestrian crossing for this purpose obscures the crossing and could prove to be dangerous.
It was agreed to object to the proposed security lighting on the rear of the building. The proposed height of the lighting columns looks excessive, and it appears that its effect on North Street may not have been adequately considered.
We had objected to this workshop being held during the school holidays. It has now been postponed due to inadequate support.
Mrs Murray and Mr Young had attended their workshop. Mr Young will produce a report on it.
The proposed internally-illuminated projecting sign was not approved. The Council are seeking a traditional externally-illuminated timber sign.
The proposed projecting lettering was not approved. Matt vinyl lettering will be applied to the stonework.
The application for internally illuminated fascia and projecting signs was refused.
The application for non-illuminated fascia and projecting signs was refused to avoid proliferation of signage.
Chris Young and Lindsay Murray represented the St Andrews CC at this workshop organised by the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland aimed at helping Community Councils and Preservation Trusts get to grips with the planning system and more effectively safeguard the Scottish countryside.
The participants were given folders containing an information pack (and various other materials) which can be shown / copied to any interested parties. This pack formed the basis of much of the two more formal discussion sessions.
We discussed both structure and local plans in general terms and were encouraged at all times to provide positive input. This translated into making plenty of positive suggestions at the consultation stage and, at the consultation on the first draft, concentrating on commenting on any omissions (e.g. renewable energy, facilities etc.) rather than merely criticising what has been included.
Getting replies in promptly is the key to success here, as is being genned up. We should push developers to make copies of their plans (including the detailed reports) available for consultation - and if necessary get the Local Authority Planning Officers to push for their availablity. We might also get these Officers to verify some of the more contentious claims made in these reports.
We had wide-ranging discussions on a number of related issues and local cases, with particular concerns being raised about the overwhelming argument the provision of employment seems to be for approving developments, when often it is not locals who would benefit from these new jobs.
Various publications about the planning system were recommended during these discussions and the pack included a list of those from the Scottish Office. I have arranged for copies of many of these to be sent and we are to be on the mailing list for any future circulars etc. I have also contacted Fife Council for copies of their leaflets.
Community Council membership of the APRS costs £12 per year. I suggest that we join and keep informed, particularly as the planning system will be changing in the near future (as Scotland gears up for devolution) and we need all the help we can get to stop St. Andrews getting concreted over.
Chris Young
Report 06.07.98
Posters, 3 have been circulated for your information. Gardening, we want nominations so if you do not know of any then please find some. You may have noticed a radical departure in that we asked the St. Andrews Horticultural Society if they would like to assist us . They were very pleased to get involved. This gives us more credibility and a greater coverage. Presentation of prizes will be held on Thursday 24 September in the Council Chambers. Art, first reactions appear very favourable. The 3 special schools in the area were delighted to be asked when I phoned them. The Art Club have a summer competition which ties in with our exhibition. Glenrothes College are keen and may possibly use it as a project.
Spot the Odd One Out Dennis McDonald is running this or I should say walking it as it takes 4 hours to go round all 45 shops. It takes 3 visits say 12 hrs walking plus other visits to the sale points and checking that items are kept in the windows. This is to be held over 2 months and revenue generated will be held to cover the costs of the other projects we have.
Photographic agreed with Mr Smith the Manager at Boots that the title for this years Photographic competition will be Nooks and Crannies in St. Andrews the location to be stated in the title. Closing date will be 31.10.98 and prizes will be awarded at a date to be agreed with Boots. Posters will be designed and distributed as soon as possible. We have been asked to sponsor a photo exhibition at the Crawford Centre and possibly incorporate our competition. This will be discussed at our meeting tomorrow but if anyone has any views on this we will consider them. Dates could clash with our Art Exhibition.
Library Competition it was agreed that I would see the Head Librarian next month and agree dates, possible titles will be discussed tomorrow
Beautiful Scotland in Bloom sponsored by the Bank of Scotland Judging will be at l200hrs on Tuesday. At a special meeting with St. Andrews
Horticultural Society we agreed a route with a visit past the War Memorial and calling into the Preservation Trust , Old Course Hotel , and Kinburn Park etc. There will be myself, Cynthia Tero, Hamish Matheson, and the 2 judges this will take about 2 hours.
Best Kept Town ( Fife Council ) judging will take place this week with the short list places being judged again in the week of 27.07.98
St. Andrews Week the co-ordinating committee will be meeting on Wed 8 July at 14.O0hrs which I hope to attend.
200 Club Report by Archie Strachan.
Next meeting of the Recreation and Leisure Committee will be held in the local Council Offices at 19.O0hrs followed by the 200 club meeting