Community Association Committee

Minutes of meeting - 9th January, 2002 at 7.30pm

Welcome
Caroline opened the meeting by thanking all present for attending. Three committee members of the newly formed Ardgowan Football Development Club were also in attendance.

Apologies
Apologies were accepted for non-attendance from Jenny McGee, Sharon Black, Stephen Renton and Liz Canning.

Proposed re-surfacing of football park at Wemyss Bay
Ian Buchan of Ardgowan Football Development Club, addressed the committee regarding the above subject, he said he had been approached by the school's headmistress Mrs Ritchie who had outlined the plan by a local businessman, whom at this stage wished to remain anonymous.

The object of the plan was to replace the existing red blaes surface of the school football park to an Astroturf full size/triple five a side facility with floodlighting to allow evening use in the winter months.

There was also the possibility of changing rooms being added to the Community Centre. The indications were that the school was going ahead with the plan, but were seeking the views of and the support of the community. It was highlighted the facility, would be for the use of the school and also the community. The meeting discussed the intended plan at length, Caroline made the point that the Council would have to be involved as owners of the Community Centre.

On behalf of the Association, the Secretary was asked to write to Mrs Ritchie as co-ordinator of the project offering support of the plan, in principle, and asking to be kept informed of any developments - Action George!

Acceptance of Previous Minutes
The minutes of the previous committee meeting were adopted on the motion of Kirsty Donnelly and seconded by Sian Burton.

Treasurer's report
Finlay in his report brought up the subject of the builder's bond, and said in his opinion the cyber cafe project was a dead duck. Having spoken to the Council's lawyer Linda Brabender, it would appear that the only way we would get the money, would be for the purpose that was laid out on the bond, namely - play facilities or play equipment.

Caroline enquired when we were likely to get formal notification about the funding? Finlay said he didn't know. Caroline as chairperson of the Committee, volunteered to write to Willie Wilson, who had chaired the last joint meeting on the subject, asking him to update us on the funding. Finlay was of the opinion that Willie was not being kept informed about what was happening. Sian said, nevertheless he was our contact on the Council regarding the funding and it was his responsibility to find out what was going on and keep us informed - Action Caroline!

The Treasurer said he had written to Val Phillips regarding the bank account of the old 10-14 Club. Finlay made the point that at the moment, this money was not accessible to anyone, he had the bank book, however it was still in the original names on the book.

The 'Personal Liability Insurance' for the Centre was due for renewal and the Insurance Company was suggesting this should be increased from £2 million to £5 million a year - this extra cover would cost an extra £77 a year. After discussion the Committee agreed this quote be accepted.

Finlay finished his report by announcing he had received a cheque for £70 for the Davie Provan football coaching lets.

Secretary's Report - Maintenance - Correspondence
The Secretary said the only correspondence he had was the letter he had read earlier in the meeting regarding the football area behind the Centre.

George highlighted that the Constitution stated we were responsible for internal repairs - external repairs were the responsibility of the Council. He mentioned the bell on the outside door had been vandalised and he understood Evelyn Ritchie had ordered a vandal-proof bell to replace it. Kirsty said this was important, as every parent used the bell to gain entry to the nursery.

The Secretary said his brother had looked at the wash hand basin in the ladies toilet and had also screwed the hasp back on the guides locker however this would need further attention as it was a hollow door and would probably need to be bolted on.

Regarding the exterior lighting, George mentioned his brother Gordon had checked all the outside fittings and they all seemed fine, however these lights were on a timer and as there were three time clocks in the cupboard he couldn't be sure which clock worked the lights. Finlay agreed the position we were in at the moment was shocking, we were unaware of what the various functions of the clocks was. It was agreed we try to get someone to come and talk to us regarding this. It was suggested that Ian Dyer might be able to assist in this matter - Action George!

Letting report
In her report Kirsty said the party bookings were still coming in. The only slots available during the week were Monday and Friday mornings. She also reported the booking for the 'Battle of the Bands' in February was still going ahead - she understood there were now three bands involved and there would be definitely no alcohol involved.

Any other business
Caroline brought up the subject of new tables. She also produced brochures of tables of various designs and prices. After discussion, it was agreed that Finlay would cost the purchase of the smaller type tables and the racks for storing the same - Action Finlay!

Date of next meeting
It was agreed that the next committee meeting be held on Wednesday, 6th February, at 7.30p.m.

George Anderson,
Secretary.

(Minutes edited appropriately for publishing on web site)