Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 6th October 2008 at 7.30 pm, Boarhills Village Hall

Present – D Macgregor, R Simpson, L Roger, M Craig, V Kilgour, J Kilgour, H Mann, N Russell, P Duncan, L Matthews
1) Apologies – E Riches, M Scott Hayward
2) Matters arising not covered in the agenda items listed below
Flooding at Cardean – no recent reoccurrence.
Neighbourhood Watch. The next meeting is in November, which M Craig plans to attend. A Business Watch has been instigated, a new full time Community Safety Officer has been appointed and the recent fund raising coffee morning was successful. L Roger to forward Police Newsletter to M Craig.
3) Hall lighting
It is hoped that this will be installed this autumn.
4) Dunino foot bridge
L Matthews has heard back from A Irvine (Core Paths) and as this is on a designated route, there may be money for its repair from this budget. Transportation Services will contact L Matthews to discuss. Meanwhile, P Duncan to follow up TA contact.
5) University wind farm proposal
Following the letter from the University (previously circulated) it was agreed to ask Roddy Yarr to attend our meeting on 1 December. It was further agreed that individuals would submit areas of concern/specific questions in advance, through the Community Council. We would also try to get as many people to the meeting as possible, and Community Councillors will be asked to circulate a flier to this end in their immediate neighbourhood.
6) Fairmont planning application.
The public enquiry will be held from 9-12 December, and the Community Council has informed the Reporters’ Unit that they wish to make representation. D Macgregor said that the Council has appointed a planning consultant to represent them. We may need a meeting to formulate our response.
7) New water main. We have been unable to find out estimated completion date, and the shuttle bus timetable during the road closure is also awaited. LR will circulate when it becomes available.
8) Street lights. There was discussion as to the possibility of turning off the street lights for a few hours in the middle of the night as an energy conservation measure. Comments from the wider community to be sought, and the Secretary to speak to the Council.
9) Green belt boundary. It is thought that Cameron CC has proposed a somewhat tighter boundary around the town for their section of the Greenbelt.
10) AOCB
D Macgregor said that the Council is hoping to appoint energy consultants to advise the elderly and those on benefits how they can better insulate their homes, with grants available for the actual work.
H Mann proposed a Village Garden Open day for 2009. Secretary to investigate possible free dates. It is planned to form a committee in the new year to progress this item.
Finance. P Duncan informed the Council that we have £885 in the Millennium Account, and £347 in the current account. Suggestions for spending this money are welcome. One proposal would be the re-varnishing of Mrs Wilson’s bench. R Simpson to get quote.