Langbank Community Council

Minutes of inaugural meeting held on Wednesday 12 December 2001 at 7.30pm in Langbank Parish Church Upper Hall, Main Street, Langbank.

Present: Mr N Barrington Mr E Bell Mr D Brunton Ms G Fleming Ms G Harkness Ms J Hunter Ms D MacLean Mr I Reid Mr F Simpson

Attending: Councillor Anderson Alex Hewetson, Renfrewshire Council

Apologies: Mr D Rodwell Mr B Southwood

1.	INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME. Alex Hewetson, acting as chairperson on behalf of the Director of Corporate Services, welcomed newly elected members to the inaugural meeting of Langbank community council under the terms of Renfrewshire Council's Scheme of Community Councils.
2..	ELECTION/MEMBERSHIP The chairperson named the undernoted newly elected members of Langbank community council: Mr N Barrington, 10 Seath Avenue, Langbank Mr E Bell, 7 Beechwood Avenue, Langbank Mr D Brunton, 19 Douglas Avenue, Langbank Ms G Fleming, 7 Seath Avenue, Langbank Ms G Harkness, 21 Douglas Avenue, Langbank Ms J Hunter, Rosebank, Main Road, Langbank Ms D MacLean, 10 Middlepenny Road, Langbank Mr I Reid, 15 Station Road, Langbank Mr D Rodwell, Spartleton, The Manse, Main Road, Langbank Mr F Simpson, 10 Douglas Avenue, Langbank Mr B Southwood, 58 Middlepenny Road, Langbank It was agreed to note the names of the newly elected members of the community council
3.	POLICE REPORT PC Tom Gemmell reported that two incidences of breaking and entering had been recorded in Langbank since the last meeting of the community council. A break in to a business premises was the subject of an ongoing investigation and a break in to a private dwellinghouse had resulted in the detainment of two persons and the recovery of the stolen goods. The police officer agreed to establish the position regarding an accident damaged motor vehicle which has been in situ for some considerable time.
4.	RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL'S SCHEME OF COMMUNITY COUNCILS The chairperson presented Renfrewshire Council's Scheme of Community Councils with associated appendices copies of which had been previously circulated. It was agreed: (i) to note the Scheme with associated appendices; and (ii) that any particular enquiries on the scheme should be directed to Alex Hewetson, Community Council Liaison Officer, Renfrewshire Council 1?10, North Building, Department of Cororate Services, Room 2.4, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1TR, telephone 0141 840 3147.
5.	CONSTITUTION AND STANDING ORDERS The chairperson presented the model constitution and standing orders for community councils, copies of which had been previously circulated, for consideration and adoption. It was agreed: (i) to adopt, in principle the model constitution and standing orders; (ii) that the community council members would consider the terms and content of the constitution for adoption at its next meeting; and (iii) that the secretary of the community council would inform Alex Hewetson accordingly, as soon as practicable thereafter
6.	TRANSFER OF ASSETS The chairperson reported that prior to inaugural meetings of the new community councils, existing community councils were requested to prepare an assets register. It was agreed: (i) to note the contents of the assets register; (ii) that the contents were the property of the newly formed Langbank community council; and (iii) that the assets register would be lodged with the new treasurer to the community council, upon appointment.
7.	FINANCIAL PROCEDURES - COMMUNITY COUNCIL CASHBOOK The chairperson reported on the background and development of the new community council cashbook, designed to standardise the recording of financial transactions, assist audit requirements and enable the Council and community councils to collate valuable information on the disbursement of community council funds. It was noted that the cashbook would be available on a computer spreadsheet, provided by the council, for those treasurers who wish to maintain records electronically. Training in cashbook procedures would be discussed under the next item. It was agreed to adopt the new community council cashbook as the standard for recording the financial transactions of the community council
8.	TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT The chairperson reported that a training and development programme for all members of community councils is under development. The methods of delivery of the programme would be the subject of discussion between community councils and Alex Hewetson, in due course. It was agreed: (i) to note that training and development programme was under development (ii) to note that Alex Hewetson would contact community council members on its delivery options.
9.	REPORTING/CONSULTATIVE PROTOCOLS The chairperson reported that Alex Hewetson was developing a protocol document for adoption by community councils on the method and technique which should be employed when engaging in dialogue with Council departments and external agencies, particularly in relation to substantive responses to others on behalf of the local community council area and the expectations of community councils when others report to them. It was agreed to note this matter.
10.	ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS The chairperson rehearsed the procedure for election of office bearers to Langbank community council. The chairperson requested nominations and seconders for each of the vacant office bearer positions: Ms G Fleming, seconded by Mr I Reid, moved that Mr N Barrington be appointed as chairperson of Langbank Community Council. There being no further nominations for the post of chairperson, it was agreed that Mr N Barrington be appointed as chairperson of Langbank Community Council. Mr E Bell, seconded by Ms D MacLean, moved that Mr I Reid be appointed as secretary of Langbank Community Council. There being no further nominations for the post of secretary, it was agreed that Mr I Reid be appointed as secretary of Langbank Community Council. Mr N Barrington, seconded by Mr D Brunton, moved that Ms G Harkness be appointed as treasurer of Langbank Community Council. There being no further nominations for the post of treasurer, it was agreed that Ms G Harkness be appointed as treasurer of Langbank Community Council.
11.	VACATION OF CHAIR TO NEWLY ELECTED CHAIRPERSON The chairperson informed the meeting that a minute, up to this point in the proceedings, would be forwarded to the new secretary as soon as practicable and provided a copy of the cashbook - financial procedures document to the new treasurer. The chairperson then congratulated the office bearers on their appointment and all the new members of the community council upon the establishment of Langbank community council under the new scheme. The chairperson vacated the chair to Mr N Barrington.
12	ANY OTHER BUSINESS
12.1	Planning Permission The plans submitted for a new house in Houston Road had been turned down by the Planning Committee on the basis that the area was covered by the Green Belt legislation.
12.2	Mr John Mitchell of Undercraig updated the council on his proposals for a replacement house at Old Greenock Road. It was agreed that the secretary would write to Renfrewshire Council presenting his views and particularly the improved amenity of the new proposals. The importance of the existing "Green Belt" would still be emphasised.
12.3	Registered Weed A further response was still awaited from Amey on the eradication of the Japanese Knotweed on the main road. Both Marion Anderson and Ian Reid to contact Amey and Ian will also write to SEPA.
12.4	Playingfield The undergrowth adjacent to Station Road has still to be cut back. The fence separating the pavement and the burn requires maintenance.
12.5	Village Hall Marion Anderson, Deirdre MacLean and Ian Reid attended the latest Village Hall meeting. Deirdre has agreed to join the committee.
12.6	Local Committee Grant The additional Doggy Bin for the top of Station Road has been ordered by Environmental Services.
12.7	Community Service The clearance at Marypark and the repair to the Station Road wall has still to be carried out.
12.8	Traffic Calming - Station Road Road humps and lighting still to be completed.
12.9	Litter Renfrewshire Council have still to finalise the funding for the litter warden scheme and also the legality of fining youths under 16 years of age.
12.10	The Scottish Rights of Ways and Access Society The annual subscription has now been paid.
12.11	Village Flood Prevention Councillor Anderson is involved in a meeting to discuss flood problems in the Village, particularly at the east end of the Main Road. Involved parties are Renfrewshire Council, Railtrack and West of Scotland Water.
12.12	Tree Preservation Orders There was a general discussion on this topic. Deirdre will investigate one specific case and advise.
13.	Date of Next Meeting Wednesday 9 January, 2002 at 7.30 p.m. in the Upper Church Hall, Main Road, Langbank

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