West Lothian Association of
Minutes of General Meeting
Thursday 21st April 2011 at 7pm,
West Lothian Civic Centre,
Howden South Road, Livingston
Present: Chairman: John Richardson, Vice Chair: Jim Wilkie, Secretary: Tommy Davidson, Jonathan Moore Treasurer, Robin Lever, Derek Moore, Christine Hay, Alan Wright,
Brian Johnstone, Nick Killane, Alison Kerr, Ian Buchannan, Alexander Heggie, Nick Davis,
Guests speakers: Ron Skirving / Smair Habb from Delta Design
Apologies submitted: Jack Thomson, Bruce McCullom, Anne Walsh, Evelyn Woollen.
Welcome: Chairman John Richardson welcomed all CC’s to the meeting and noted that any declarations of interest could be declared at any point during in the meeting. He also welcomed new members Christine Hay, Alan Wright & Brian Johnstone.
The Chairman welcomed the guest speakers from Delta Design.
Minutes of the previous General Meeting :- Proposed by: Jim Wilkie and Seconded by: A Heggie
Matters arising:
Tommy Davidson asked for an update on proposed “Windfarms” Chairman intimated consultation was finished as far as he was aware and that planning approval was to be confirmed. Tree planting had started.
Robin Lever stated that there was to be an open meeting to be held 10th May, West Lothian College.
Treasurer Report: Current Bank balance = £3,143.98
Funds are now available for training
Any suggestions for projects which requires funding for the benefit of WLACC
General Business:
Guest:
Ron Skirving introduced Smair Habb who will be assisting WLACC to steadily improve the website etc. Initial feedback is that all CC’s as well as WLACC are not using the site to raise profile of themselves or WLACC.
Jim Wilkie suggested an idiots guide on how to use/navigate the WLACC website as a tool for all CC’s.
Ron Skirving suggested training support for all CC’s interested. Ron also offered IT support.
Alan Wright shared his own personal experiences and suggested someone from WLACC to upload website with info/dates etc.
Jim Wilkie commented that more links to other CC’s and also “What’s going on in West Lothian?”
Tommy Davidson suggested meeting up with Smair Habb prior to WLACC’s next meeting and understand how tooperate the website. This was welcomed by all CC’s. Action: TD
Chairman suggested possible use of West Lothian College as a training venu.
Robin Lever asked if there was compatibility issues with Microsoft? Ron Skirving explained we could set up a questions page to answer any technical questions.
Nick Killane asked if all current information would be transferred over, Smair Habb confirmed it would and Delta Design were currently uploading a newer version of WordPress.
Nick Killane asked if “Sports Assist” were still a sponsor? Ron Skirving said No and that there are other sponsors willing to support WLACC going forward.
John Richardson intimated that Delta Design have received a donation of £1,000 pounds, from a Lothian based organization to enable WLACC website to proceed and develop.
All sponsors will be confirmed and agreed by a WLACC committee, then added to the website if agreed.
Ron Skirving & Smair Habb were thanked for their support & attendance at tonight’s meeting.
Inspector Steven Elliot: sent his apologies for not attending as his diary commitments had been duplicated. He will give his presentation at our next meeting in May. – a copy of agenda and minutes to be emailed to him by the Secretary. Action TD
Community Councils visitations:
Chairman John Richardson & Vice Chair Jim Wilkie gave reports on their visits to CC’s across West Lothian.
Actions:
Presentation on:
Introduction information about the West Lothian Association of Community Councils
Nick Davis stated we should be promoting WLACC as a professional body.
No real decisions will be made till after the May elections.
Raise Recruitment levels.
Leaflet/promote via local gala days
Brian Johnston commented: Difficult to foster community support for Community Councils.
Can WLACC are willing to help / support? Chairman stated WLACC is not a statuary body, however we can raise community concerns with the West Lothian Council. Christine sated that WLC have already try to help
Robin Lever stated SEPA should be addressing this issue.
Nick Davis stated / suggested:
Alison Kerr – asked if the regeneration officer had been involved? Christine Hay – stated she wasn’t sure but would check. Nick Killane said that maybe the polluter should be held accountable?
John Richardson was asked to ask on behalf of John Clarkson to gage the views of WLACC on the proposed changes to Livingston Town Centre Parking Charges,
Main concerns are:
Jim Wilkie stated “Land Securities” buy land from WLC and they can do what they want and charge what the want, WLC don’t seem to think about these consequences’ when selling land.
Ian Buchannan said WLACC should publicly oppose this and so should all Community Councils, all agreed.
Nick Davis suggested a letter sent from Chair and Vice Chair to the WL Chief Executive and others plus the Snr’s People Forum. Points raised, To send letter to Jennifer Bruce, Land Securities & WLC highlighting all points, mentioning real concerns around disability.
Drink & Drug DVD’s – Alison Kerr updated WLACC on launch dates:
There being no further business the, Chairman then thanked everyone for their attendance the meeting closed at 2100hrs.
Date of the Next meeting: confirmed as 19th May 2011
Guest Speaker: Inspector Steven Elliot
Tommy Davidson
WLACC Secretary