Welcome to Edinburgh's
Southside Community Council





Minutes of Annual General Meeting, meeting, held on Wednesday 14 May 2008, from 7.00pm until 7.15pm, in the Nelson Hall, 5 Spittalfield Crescent, Edinburgh.

PRESENT:

Chairperson: Robert Beaton;
Elected Members: Linda Hendry (Vice-Chairperson), Robert Hodgart, Hilary McDowell (Environmental Spokesperson), Jo Scott (Acting Secretary and Planning & Licensing Convenor), and Justine Stansfield (Treasurer);
Local Interest Groups’ Nominated Members: Margaret Bagan, Mary Devine, Kathleen Newis, and Julia Wilding; Co-opted Members: Carol McHugh;
City of Edinburgh Council: Councillor Ian Perry and Councillor Cameron Rose;
Lothian & Borders Police: PC Ben Merrick.

1. Welcome, and apologies for Absence

Robert Beaton welcomed those present to the meeting. Apologies for absence were received from Colin Christison, Liz Mulligan, Keith Smith, Liz Walker, and Sarah Boyack MSP.

2. Chairperson’s Report

Robert Beaton thanked the members for their attendance at meetings and their hard work during the year.

3. Secretary’s Report

Colin Christison had sent the following written report:

“The Southside Community Council continues to meet on the second Wednesday of the month (from September until June) at the Nelson Hall. There is more interest in local matters, especially when controversial planning applications are submitted to the City Council, and this is reflected in the increased attendance at meetings. We make members of the public very welcome, and strive to reflect local views. Minutes are distributed to an ever growing list of people and organisations.

There have been nine guest speakers on various subjects, usually of a local nature, and seven reports have been presented from Lothian & Borders Police.

The Community Council has commented on about 30 planning and licensing applications. These comments have not necessarily been objections, and we feel it is important to submit positive suggestions as appropriate. We have also responded to a few consultations from the City Council.

We have been able to secure numerous environmental improvements, including street lighting. There seems to be real movement to tackle fly-posting, with co-operation between night club owners, and the city council. Thanks to Hilary McDowell for her work as our environmental spokesperson.

Now that the multi-member City Council wards have been established, it is pleasing to note that our four councillors attend our meetings on a rota basis. The city-wide Neighbourhood Partnerships have also been established; we are represented on the South Central one by Jo Scott.

The Planning and Licensing sub-committee meets when required to examine new applications, and to submit representations to the respective departments. We await with interest the decision about the planning application for the former Odeon site.

The website goes from strength to strength, and Philip McDowell deserves all our thanks for establishing it, and for keeping it up to date, as well as for adding new features and links. Visitor numbers to the site are rising all the time. Minutes and items of local interest are available on the site.

I would like to thank the other office bearers, and the community council members, for their interest and hard work over the past year; thanks also to Eileen Hewitt, the City Council’s community council liaison officer for her assistance.

Finally I would like to thank everyone for their good wishes during my recent time in hospital and subsequent convalescence. “

4. Treasurer’s Report & Presentation of Annual Accounts

Justine Stansfield made the following report:

“The accounts are not yet back from the auditor, so will need to be approved at a future meeting.

The main purchase this year was the computer and accessories, but this was covered by a grant from the old LDC. This year, donations to local causes include the Causey Project and the Meadows Festival, and the Christmas community event. Memberships paid include the Association of Scottish Community Councils, Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links and the Cockburn Association. Stationery costs were significantly lower than last year, as it was not necessary to produce more headed paper. Postage was also lower, with stamps bought before the increase in costs, and represents 200 items of mail sent this year. Petty cash includes a minimal amount of stationery, and transport.

The end of year bank balance is £895.47, which is higher than last year, and the petty cash balance is £44.27. The annual grant from the City of Edinburgh Council amounted to £652.00, consisting of a lump sum (£522) and a per capita component of 2p per elector living in the Community Council’s area, and the figure for Southside (£185) is slightly lower than last year. £55 was deducted from the grant to pay for insurance.

In summary, spending has been low this year, and our reserves are good.”

5. Any other business

None.

6. Date of next Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 13 May 2009.

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