Community Councils

Minutes of General Meeting on 16^th June 2011

at 7pm in the West Lothian Civic Centre,

Howden Road South, Livingston

Present: Chairman J.Richardson, Vice Chair J.Wilkie, T.Davidson, J. Moore, R.Lever & D Moore, S Heggie, A.Walsh, N. Killane, A. Kerr, J. Thompson, N. Davis, D. McInness, B. Johnston

Guests speakers: – None arranged.

Apologies:  J Clarkson (Stoneyburn CC)

Welcome: Chairman J. 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.

The Chairman then read out a statement, due to the various concerns raised at the previous meeting surrounding the following;

1. The possible WLACC Grant Suspension.
2. The Gift / donation to support the WLACC Website.
3. The Cost’s of the Design & Production of a Website Guidebook.

CHAIRS STATEMNT

1. The possible WLACC Grant Suspension. The Chairman stated he had written to the Chief Executive of West Lothian Council and also the Council Leader Clr Peter Johnston.  A reply from G. Hope had been received and it was read out, It explained that the WLACC Office bearers & trustee’s did not claim expenses other than the Associations Secretary plus the Savings made in not employing a paid Secretary had meant an accrual of funds. This accrual was intended to be used for the benefit of the Associations Membership by providing extra website facilities and also Website Training for all CC’s.

Mr Hope indicated that the Councils actions on this matter were routine and that no decision had been given by the Councils Executive to cancel the funding grant, should this be made, the Association would be informed. (To date no reply had been received from Clr Johnston).

The Chairman stated both J. Wilkie & he had travelled around West Lothian visiting Community Councils and gave of their time and money and taken nothing, however in the future they would take out of pocket expenses from the WLACC as requested.

Mr D. Moore (Dedridge CC) stated that on the expenses issues, “I think you should claim full expenses and you should never be out of pocket”. It was agreed that this would be looked into and an expenses claim form would be designed

1. The Gift / donation to support the WLACC Website; INVICTA is a consultancy firm who’s office are based in Edinburgh, the Managing Director is a friend of the Chair, and during a conversation they spoke about the WLACC ‘s activities, he expressed a desire to assist the association but said that it would not be appropriate for his Edinburgh based company to support a West Lothian organization to which I agreed. However, he informed me that his company were contracted to a company called EFR Scotland Ltd (a Wind farm Development Company) operating in West Lothian.  Also that he had spoken to EFR’s management and they were willing to support the website development, by making a gift payment of £1,000. They did express a desire to remain anonymous. I said that under the circumstances’ it would not be appropriate for the payment to be made directly to the WLACC and that it should go directly to Delta Design our website developer / manager, however EFR Scotland Ltd should not be identified as a sponsor because, in the future they may require to apply for planning approval and this gift could be construed as an inducement. To this they agreed and the gift was sent to Delta Design who thanked them and the WLACC for their support in encouraging the continuance of the website and its development.

Nick. Killane stated that the £1000 given to Delta Design means WLACC benefited and he felt this was wrong and should concern WLACC. Nick said to the Chair he was not questioning the chairman’s good faith or intention, however he felt the Chairman had been miss-advised and that WLACC should have full transparency in everything we do as an Association. Local Community Councils have to declare interests, we should do the same.

Mr N. Davis also stated that the Local Cllr’s have to declare interests and are held accountable, that’s why this is law is in place.

1. The Cost’s of the Design & Production of a Website Guidebook.

THE SPENDING of £500 of WLACC Funds to produce a WEBSITE Guide to assist users of the WLACC’s Website;-

Criticisms have been levied by some association members about the spending of this sum of money on a publication. Our justification for recommending this expenditure is as follows:-

• Feed back regarding the development and expansion of the WLACC’s Website from Delta Design and its Statistics show that not as many Community Councils are interacting with the website as we would hope or expect. One of the reasons are that some members are unsure of how to interact with the site and therefore don’t use it. 
• Over the past months, the Vice Chair and I have been visiting a number of Community Councils throughout West Lothian and giving presentations to inform them about the WLACC and of it’s New Website.
• From these presentations the indications are that guidance on the functioning of the WLACC website is required. It was therefore considered (and suggested by some CC’s) that the best course of action would be to ask Delta Design to look-into the production of a Guide and produce costs.            
• Delta Design has provided the framework for the guide and to complete and publish will require the agreement of the association’s members at a general meeting. THE WLACC Officers do not take actions without the approval of its membership.

The Chairman clarified that the gift donation was made to Delta Design to support the work in the development of WLACC website.  The Chairman also stated that he personally had not benefitted in any way.

Mrs Alison Kerr said that Blackburn Community Council wanted the sponsor named and that they opposed the sponsor not being named in the minutes. The Chair said that he would contact the company who had given the £1,000 to ensure that they agreed to their name being made public. This was done and for clarity has been named in this Statement.

End of Statement

The Chairman stated that due to unwarranted emails from the Chair of Armadale Community Council, that he would be standing down from his post as Chairman and that a new Chairman would need to be elected.

He then handed the meeting over to Mr J Wilkie vice Chair.

N. Killane asked for a vote of “no confidence” to the Chairman supported by A. Kerr, a vote was taken and the majority opposed the proposal.

A. Kerr asked why the Chairman resigned and then was willing to be re-elected, why the big drama?

Mr Richardson said that the emails he had received from the Chair of the Armadale Community Council concerned him, and that the contents placed a question as to the suitability of the associations office bearers also on how the Association was been managed. (He said that he will not be replying to anymore of her emails).  N. Killane stated “we have not seen the emails and therefore we should not be discussing this issue”. To this the Chair said “that as the content of the e-mail mentioned the Chair of Blackburn CC by name he felt it only appropriate to include her in his initial response”.  After that only answered the question raised by Mrs A. Kerr, (emails were not read out) were answered.

Election of New Chairperson:

Mr J. Richardson was Proposed by J Thompson That Mr John Richardson be re-elected. This was Seconded by D. Moore.

Mr Jim Wilkie was asked by A. Kerr if he would take the post, however J. Wilkie declined.

Mr John Richardson was re-elected. Voting was 9 for 2 against and 1 abstention.  He then thanked the majority for their support and he said he would continue with his hard work on behalf of WLACC and support all Community Councils as usual.

Minutes of the previous General Meeting: -   Approved and Proposed by R Lever and Seconded by J Wilkie

Amendments to previous minutes:

A Walsh stated she had contacted the secretary in relation to Addiewell Planning Application.  Secretary T Davidson had taken the feedback and would amend the minute.

A Kerr stated the £2,000 wasn’t to produce a newsletter, it was funding for a project, she wanted this point clarified. She also added that there would be a post coming up as an Officer working with all Community Groups / People of Blackburn & Blackburn Community Council, a steering group had been formed. This would also be amended by the Secretary.

Chairman J Richardson complimented Blackburn in their project success.

Matter Arising:

Land Securities – Centre Car parking charges, Chairman stated that he had received a response from them and that disability charges were being reviewed, a suggested action may be – disabled entitled to 3hr free parking. They were to contact Shop Mobility for a token. Chairman stated he would try and find out what areas are for disabled parking. WLACC would be notified when they full systems is up and running.

Chairman stated that the Chief Executive of West Lothian Council had written to WLACC and the Council were supportive of our stance / views / concerns raised around car parking charges.

J Thompson stated that he had heard West Lothian Council were currently looking at car parking charges across West Lothian.

N Davis stated that he heard West Lothian Council were currently tendering car park charges.

Chairman asked if this had been discussed at any PDSP meetings. A Walsh stated only in certain towns, concerns raised that if charging was introduced in West Calder for example it will kill local business and no one will shop.

J Thompson stated we thought the same in Linlithgow, but it didn’t impact us greatly.

A Walsh suggested that Linlithgow was viewed as a tourist attraction so each town maybe viewed differently.

D Moore stated he had attended a meeting with R.Lever and 80 people attended.

Chairman asked all members to continue bringing all community concerns to WLACC so that we can support all CC’s.

Treasurer Report:  Current balance = £3,114.30  with £29.99 still to be deducted for ink toner. J Moore stated he would continue highlighting all costs / receipts to WLACC business as usual, this way everything is transparent.

T Davidson stated the treasurer has done a great job; his books are audited each year, we all know to keep receipts, to safeguard WLACC.

Mr D Moore again stated that members should not be out of pocket when carrying out Association duties.

Mr Douglas McInnis shared that his members claim mileage/stamps/paper etc and members receive 50pence per mile if travelling due to work of CC.

A Walsh stated in Addiewell its .45p if travelling on CC business.

J Richardson stated if we are entitled to .45p then we would also claim mileage, as we have been visiting all CC’s in West Lothian and its costly. In the past we have not claimed mileage however we would claim expenses in the future, commencing from today.

N Killane said agreed with what J Moore had stated.

J Moore stated he wants everyone to view Treasurers Accounts at anytime.

J Thompson said that if 45p was the rate and auditors may ask questions if you take more than that, just to make all members aware.

D Moore suggested we ring fence money as other CC’s do.

Chairman stated he is happy to show the letter sent to Chief Executive Mr G Hope explaining what we have agreed to spend our available funds on for the year ahead.

Correspondence:  None received

General Business:
 

1. Chairman asked for website update from the Secretary T Davidson; He stated that he had concerns with support of the website / maintenance / contract / costs and that he had attended 2 sessions now with Delta Design. There were bugs and ongoing issues with the website that needed work from Delta, however all agendas and minutes were now uploaded regularly.

T Davidson stated that WLACC were now at the position that they either sign up an agreement with all conditions clarified or we opt out if we are unhappy with Delta Design.

He had been informed that the user guide was not completed as yet.

He intimated Delta Design were now looking at charging for future maintenance or training and wanting to proceed with invoicing the sponsor which has been directed to the Chairman for response.

T Davidson suggested taking technical support from Newton Secretary who had greater knowledge within this area to ensure WLACC website is safe / secure for the future.

Chairman stated he had met with Mrs Evelyn Woollen and asked for assistance for WLACC to support this process.

A Walsh asked of Delta Design would have issues with this? Mr J Richardson said he would be honest with Delta to ensure that the WLACC website or costs are not compromised.

N Davis asked if we have a contract.  Chairman said we had not as yet.

N Killane said Blackburn & Armadale had been removed for a second time? Secretary asked Mr Killane if he was suggesting that this was intentional, after the secretary explained there were bugs and adjustments to be made on the website which Delta were working on.

N Killane also asked who the Editor of the website was? The Secretary Mr T Davidson confirmed that he was?

N Killane asked who decided who the editor was?

Mr J Moore said it was agreed by WLACC that T Davidson would be trained on the website maintenance and maintain it and this was part of the secretary’s duties. The chairman confirmed that this was in his remit as Association secretary and that the previous secretary was engaged in this way also.

2.  D Moore asked if there was an update on the Mech-A-Tech sponsorship.

A Walsh asked if Mech-A-Tech could be investigated as she was still concerned from a previous experience from a company called Mech-A-Tech.

J Moore asked if we could take a vote on whether we allow Mech-A-Tech to become sponsors.

Chairman said that the proprietor of Mec-A-Tech was a personal friend and therefore he would declare an interest in this application. However he suggested that he suspected that this was not the same company as intimated by A Walsh. He said that he would speak to Mrs Walsh after the meeting.

Chairman stated that we cannot ask a potential sponsor to come along and present to WLACC why they wish to be a sponsor.  If anyone wants to investigate a company, they can log onto their website.  Chairman said he would like to generate a form consisting of 4-5 questions; this would be distributed around the membership. To make a decision at this time would be unfair on all concerned. All agreed to leave until next meeting in September. Agreed sponsors for the future would be unified.

Website training guide, the chairman suggested that we suspend any payment until we have reviewed user guide/agreement for the future just encase we want to upgrade etc in the future.

N Killane agreed we need to review the contract.

N Davis suggested the secretary looks at Scottish Community Councils and others websites to see what their standard look like, if the secretary could look into this?

3. WLACC Presentations; Chairman asked J Wilkie if he would like to give an update on the CC visits?

All CC’s visits so far were welcomed by those that had shown interest.  Planned future visits to Polbeth, Longridge, Seafield, Addiewell, a report will be provided after.

A.O.C.B.

N Davis asked if there was list of nominations to the PDSP’s for Community Councils?  We need to show all Clr’s that we are a statuary body.

West Lothian tourist had been disbanded and replaced by Visit West Lothian, WLACC were not informed, why? Our communities should have been made aware.

Regional meeting (SOES) cancelled due to Council Officers not supplying enough information. Planned meeting for 24^th July to approve SOE plans.  N Davis stated this will have serious implications for all of Scotland; it’s worrying we don’t have a rep.

The National Association for Community Councils represents us to the Scottish Government.

J Thompson asked if we could get a copy of their constitution.

N Killane asked if could go back to the postponed discussion around the £1,000? Chairman stated again that he wanted to ask the sponsor firstly, if they wish their name to be made public. A Kerr stated that N Killane had asked a simple question

A Walsh felt the Chairman made a decision which was unwise

J Moore suggested we could return the money back?

J Thompson felt “that individual members were being trivial, WLACC had not received any money, therefore there is no issue”.

Mr J Richardson said he would speak to sponsor and update WLACC at next meeting.

Blackburn Community Council asked for it to be recorded that they left the meeting dissatisfied.

Future speakers: Chris Hayward September 2011 and First Bus October 2011.
Chairman then thanked everyone for their attendance, vote of confidence in the officers, support & feedback and that he looked forward to the next meeting. There being no further business the meeting closed at 2100hrs.

 Next meeting: confirmed as Thursday 15^th September 2011
Tommy Davidson  WLACC Secretary

19th – 25th September 20 1 1

Just 30 minutes walking a day can make a dramatic difference to your health and wellbeing. 

Being physically active can help you sleep better, reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety, and help with weight management. It’s also proven to reduce the risk of many health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, dementia, diabetes and some types of cancer. 

The local, natural environment is a great place to get your daily dose of physical activity. What better way to get out and about than by exploring the beautiful scenery which West Lothian has to offer.

Whether you are an experienced walker or a total beginner, West Lothian Walking Week offers you the chance to enjoy a variety of walks from country parks to the woodlands, along canals and into nature reserves, exploring the beautiful landscape. Best of all, most of the guided walks and activities are absolutely free! 

Booking is ESSENTIAL and you can register onto a walk or ask for a programme by contacting:

Health Improvement Team
tel: 01506 775626 

email: HIT@westlothian.gov.uk

of Community Councils

General Meeting on 15th September 2011 at 7pm

at

West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston

AGENDA

1) Welcome / Opening Statement: ……………………….… Mr John Richardson Chairman

2) Present: As per Attendance Sheet (Please ensure that you complete prior to leaving).

3) Declaration of Interest (Must be declared throughout the meeting as need arises) ……..…… ALL

4) Apologies Received: ………………………………………….….………………..………….. ALL

5) Speaker ; Mrs Chris Haywood WLC Risk & Insurance Manager

6) Minutes of previous general meeting held on 16th June 2011 ……………….…….…. Chairman

Proposed by: …………………..……… Seconded by: ……………………..……

7) Matters arising from Previous Minutes: ………………………………….…………. Chairman

 WLACC Grant.

 Website Sponsor Mec-A-Tech.

 Website Guide Book.

 Centre Car parking Charges ? Reply letter from Land Securities.`

8) Treasurers Report ……………………………………………………………..….…… Treasurer

9) Correspondence Received: ……………………………………………..…………….… Secretary

10) Any Other Competent Business ………………………………………………….. ……. All

 WLACC Website Updating by Secretary ……………………………………………. Secretary

 PDSP Nominations; – From WLACC …………………………………………….. Chairman

 Reports; – Community Councils Presentations (by Chair & Vice Chair) ………. Vice Chairman

11) Questions from Community Council members …………………………….…………… All

12) Date of next meeting: 20th October 2011 at 7pm in the West Lothian Civic Centre . Secretary

13) List of Future Speakers:- Dates to be Arranged –

 Speakers: Representative from First Bus – Public Transport Services in West Lothian.

14) Thanks & Closing Statement: ………………………………………………………….. Chairman

WLACC Agenda No13 – 2011

Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005

of Community Councils

General Meeting on 16th June 2011 at 7pm

at

West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston

AGENDA

1) Welcome / Opening Statement: ………………………… Mr John Richardson Chairman

2) Present: As per Attendance Sheet (Please ensure that you have completed prior to leaving).

3) Declaration of Interest (Must be declared throughout the meeting as need arises) ……..…… ALL

4) Apologies Received: ………………………………………….….………………..………….. ALL

5) Minutes of previous general meeting held on 19th May 2011 ……………….…….…. Chairman

Proposed by: …………………..……… Seconded by: ……………………..……

6) Matters arising from Previous Minutes: ………………………………….…………. Chairman

 Centre Car parking Charges ? Letter from Provost T Kerr

7) Treasurers Report ……………………………………………………………..….…… Treasurer

8) Correspondence Received: ……………………………………………..…………….… Secretary

9) Any Other Competent Business ………………………………………………….. ……. All

 WLACC Website Updating by Secretary ………………………………………………. Secretary

 WLACC Website Training Guide – Production (Format & Cost Approval) ….. Secretary/Chair

 Reports; – Community Councils Presentations (by Chair & Vice Chair) ………. Vice Chairman

10) Questions from Community Council members …………………………….…………… All

11) Date of next meeting: 15th August 2011 at 7pm in the West Lothian Civic Centre .…… Secretary

12) List of Future Speakers:- Dates to be Arranged -

 Speakers: Mrs Chris Haywood WLC Risk & Insurance Manager.

 Representative from First Bus – Public Transport Services in West Lothian.

13) Thanks & Closing Statement: ………………………………………………………….. Chairman

WLACC Agenda No12 -

West Lothian Association of

Community Councils

Minutes of General Meeting

Thursday 21^st 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 10^th 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:

• Written personally to most CC’s
• Meetings have been welcomed overall by attendees.
• Main concern new website not updated and difficulty in operation.
• 37 Community Councils in West Lothian.
• Average of 10-12 attending WLACC meetings and reporting back to CC’s.

Presentation on:

Introduction information about the West Lothian Association of Community Councils

• What’s it about?
• Collective body of All Community Councils
• Website update to provide an Holistic Website.
• Everyone’s co-operation
• Possible forum? To air concerns.

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.

Bellsquarry Community Council raised concerns

Christine Hay commented on the following:

• Large pond polluted in recent times
• Diesel and paint
• Leading to Dedridge burn
• Polluting river Almond
• SEPA tested
• Experts have tested
• MP G Morrice and MSP A Constance both informed.

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:

1. Contact Fire Brigade for a report
2. Water Watch Scotland
3. Scottish Natural Heritage
4. Letter to Secretary of State
5. Letter to Lothian & Borders Police
6. Contact Legal team at West Lothian Council, this should be covered under Councils insurance?

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?

Town Centre Parking Charges

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:

1. Impact to local business
2. Impact on disabled/equality issues a real concern for disabled
3. People will re-think about shopping in Livingston
4. People cant afford car park charges
5. Contract signed 3 years ago

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:

1. 18^th May Club Earth 12-2pm
2. 1^st June Regal Theatre

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

Minutes of General Meeting

Held 17^th February 2011 at 7pm

the West Lothian Civic Centre,

Howden Road South, Livingston

Present: Chairman: John Richardson, Vice Chair: Jim Wilkie, Secretary:Tommy Davidson,

Mr  Robin Lever & Mr Derek Moore, Mr Alex Heggie, Mrs Anne Walsh, Mr Douglas McInnes,

Mrs Margaret Brown

Guests speakers:- Ms Kirstaine McDowall, Mr Colin Innes representing EFR(Sustainable Energy Project). And Mr Paul Streaker Manager WLC (Criminal Justice Team).

Apologies submitted: Armadale CC, Blackburn CC, Mr Ronnie Mcleod (Bathgate CC), Mr J Clarkson (Stonneyburn CC).

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.

The Chairman welcomed the guest speakers and intimated that we may have a member of Lothian & Borders Police attending our meeting moving forward.  Also Jim Gallacher of Business Gateway may attend future meetings.

Minutes of the previous General Meeting :- Proposed by; Robin Lever and Seconded by; Jim Wilkie

Amendment to previous AGM minutes: Mr R Lever noted – Dechmont as his CC, typing error, should have read Dedridge CC.

Treasurer Report: Current Bank balance = £3,170.76

Members discussed possible options of better bank product/service.  Mr Moore Treasurer explained he had looked into all options and that our current bank was the best option.

It was proposed and seconded by Mr J Wilkie and Mr T Davidson that we do not bring copies of the treasurer’s report for each CC. Currently the treasurer brings a copy and the balance is recorded in the minutes.  A breakdown of income and expenditure is to be made available at each meeting for transparency & for all to view if required.  The only meeting where everyone attending will receive Treasurers Report copy would be at the AGM, to discuss WLACC bank balance etc.

Correspondence:

• Have your say with Lothian & Borders Police (publications distributed to members present).
• CC insurance policy
• Jim Gallacher – CC possible access to funding.
• Cutting Edge – circulated to all CC’s.
• West Lothian Plan First Booklet – available to view from the Chairman.

General Business:

Guest: Mr Colin Innes (Solicitor acting on behalf of EFR) gave overview of the proposed Fauch Hill (Wind Farm) Sustainable Energy Ltd Development Project and discussed the following points in a question and answer session.

• Applied to Scottish Government for authorization to investigate the practicalities of the project.
• Permission sought to carry out environmental, risk & impact assessments’ for consideration during the development stages, to ensure that the community have full knowledge of the project.
• Investigations are on-going
• On-going consultations with CC’s & Communities
• Met with some CC’s impacted
• Holding public exhibitions during the month of March 2011
• Project to review possible visual effects to landscape
• Community being encouraged to raise concerns by the implementation of a community forum and dedicated EFR staff support.
• Local residents may be concerned about noise/visual effects/heavy loads to roads and transporting to site/traffic on roads
• Suggestions are welcome on how else EFR can engage with Communities, they are also engaging with West Lothian Council.
• Client (EFR) willing to discuss contributions/giving back to local Communities & West Lothian’s wider area.

He also supplied the following information to members present.

• Booklet with all info given to all CC’s (additional Leaflet’s were available for CC’s not present).

Guest: Ms Kirstanne McDowall (from the EFR Consultants) explained the company’s proposed future contact with the West Lothian Community:-

• Set up liaison forum
• 9^th March meeting with West Calder Community, West Calder Community Centre
• Followed by an Information Exhibition / Display throughout the WLC Area.

Questions asked:

1. Would the electric cables be laid over or under ground?

Answer = Unsure at this stage however he will ask, but he did clarify that an electrical  sub station was within ½ mile of the proposed site boundary.

1. Will you inform the wider community via local press?

Answer = Yes, we plan to keep the community informed at all stages of the project development, through the Forum and also the all local press

Comment made by Mr C Innes; – As this was a large scale/strategic project costing approximately £100 million, and was anticipated to have a 25 yr plan. At the end of the projects period, EFR would have to reinstate the development back to it’s original condition. If further development were to take place on the same land, EFR would then have to go through a full consultation process again.

Further questions asked:

1. How many turbines are we talking about?

Answer = Though the site could accommodate 43 Turbines, the proposal is for

33 Turbines to be installed, ensuring the natural landscape is respected.

1. What about re-planting of trees and access road?

Answer = This would be approved and discussed as part of the development process.

5.  Mr Lever asked question about – loads – access roads from A70 and after 25 years do you remove everything and re-store back to as it was previous?

Answer = Mr Innes explained that this must all be considered and approved prior to the commencement of the development, it’s usual that the Mast’s are removed and the base stays. The life expectancy is 25 years, offshore technologies are expensive, On shore are less expensive.

6.  Mr Davidson asked if WLACC as well as all other CC’s impacted could be part of the on-going process. Ms K McDowall agreed this was the intention of EFR Scotland Ltd.

The Chair thanked the EFR representatives for providing an excellent and informative presentation and wished them all the best with their project, and requested that the association be kept fully informed of the next steps as part of the on-going consultation and thanked the EFR representatives for providing an excellent and informative presentation and wished them all the best with their project.

Guest: Mr Paul Streaker West Lothian Criminal Justice Social Work Services

• Gave an overview of the history of the CJSWS was given by Paul.
• Leaflet given with all information to all members present.

Paul explained that his departments were currently consulting with West Lothian’s Communities to understand what suggestions / improvements could be made, Paul was asked if Facebook was being used to gather feedback, social network sites are becoming very popular, ideas may come from it.

Questions from Community Councils:

Points made by Newton CC representatives – relating to the New Forth Road Bridge Crossing – Just to share example from Transport Scotland and the newly planned Forth Road Bridge.

• We were informed as to what would happen and it did.
• This was feedback from Newton CC, they were stating that there is a code of practise for Construction and that Communities impacted by the proposed Windfarms should be aware of their rights.

Newton CC feedback – What communities want to know is:

• When will the work start and end
• What’s the full disruption
• How will you raise awareness
• Who listens and manages community concerns after the work starts.

Any Other Competent Business:

Visit to Community Council’s - Chair & Vice Chair intends to arrange visits all CC’s where possible and give an overview / presentation of WLACC and it’s Web site facility. No objections were raised to this suggestion, and the Vice Chair agreed to write and arrange appointments.  Newton CC agreed 19^th April and welcomed Chair & Vice Chair to attend their meeting.

Dedridge CC also hopes to invite Chair & Vice Chair to meeting on 30^th March.

Broxburn CC – Chair hopes to meet Tom Roy before our next meeting to discuss disabled parking issues in Broxburn.

Winter Maintenance – Communication sent via email awaiting responses from CC’s

Addiewell CC’s representative Mrs Anne Walsh  – Mentioned that a local Pharmacy bid was rejected recently. Chair offered support and will bring up at next WLCPP board meeting, and will also take note to see if it is raised at the next PPF HC & CHCP Board meetings which he attends.  WLACC to be kept informed of any progress.

Chairman then thanked everyone for their attendance, support & feedback.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 2110hrs.

Agenda TBC –

Date of the Next meeting: confirmed as 21st April 2011

Tommy Davidson

WLACC Secretary

email:tommydavidson@hotmail.co.uk

of Community Councils

General Meeting on 19th May 2011 at 7pm

at

West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston

AGENDA

1) Welcome / Opening Statement: ………………………………… Mr Jim Wilkie Vice Chairman

2) Present: As per Attendance Sheet (Please ensure that you have completed prior to leaving).

3) Declaration of Interest (Must be declared throughout the meeting as need arises) ……..…… ALL

4) Apologies Received: ………………………………………….….………………..………….. ALL

5) Minutes of previous general meeting held on 21st April 2011 ……………….…….…. Chairman

Proposed by: …………………..……… Seconded by: ……………………..……

6) Matters arising from Previous Minutes: ………………………………….…………. Chairman

 Centre Car parking Charges ? Letter from Provost T Kerr

7) Presentation’s by: Inspector Steven Elliot – Head of The Lothian & Borders Police Community Safety Unit West Lothian

8) Treasurers Report ……………………………………………………………..….…… Treasurer

9) Correspondence Received: ……………………………………………..…………….… Secretary

10) Any Other Competent Business ………………………………………………….. ……. All

 WLACC – Suspension to Grant Funding of the WLACC.

 West Lothian Councils introduction of Employee Car Sharing and its effect on the Communities.

 WLACC Website Updating by Secretary ………………………………………………. Secretary

 WLACC Website Training Guide – Production (Format & Cost Approval) ….. Secretary/Chair

 Reports; – Community Councils Presentations (by Chair & Vice Chair) ………. Vice Chairman

11) Questions from Community Council members …………………………….…………… All

12) Date of next meeting: 16th June 2011 at 7pm in the West Lothian Civic Centre .…… Secretary

13) List of Future Speakers:- Dates to be Arranged -

 Speakers: Mrs Chris Haywood WLC Risk & Insurance Manager.

 Representative from First Bus – Public Transport Services in West Lothian.

14) Thanks & Closing Statement: ………………………………………………………….. Chairman

WLACC Agenda No 11 – 2011