MSCC - October 2019 Minutes

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Minutes of Marchmont & Sciennes Community Council

Meeting of Wed 23 October 2019 at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Halls, 

Beaufort Road

Present:  – Cllr Cameron Rose (Chair), Elinor O’Donovan (Minute Secretary), Karen Neilson (Police), Anthony Holmes (Thirlestane Lane Association), Anne Laing (MSCC), Brian Gilmore (MSCC), Shane Voss (MSCC), Alison Service (MSCC), Adam Stewart (MSCC), Nigel Ayton (Grange Association), Susie Agnew (MSCC), Stuart Tooley (University of Edinburgh), Cllr Mandy Watt (Edinburgh Council for Morningside).

Apologies: –  Ian Murray, Douglas Rogers.

Police Report:

Karen Neilson:

In terms of youth issues, the policing team have been quite busy. A youth, who was already known to the police, was charged at Cameron Toll for quite a serious crime involving knives. There have also been extensive patrols of the Morningside, Meadows, Bruntsfield, Southside areas.

The police conducted road checks on Grange Rd, with a result that 3 people were charged with speeding, and 6 warnings were issued.

This week is Autumn Awareness week, during which the police raise awareness about crime prevention. An advice session was held on the Meadows, and people who came to ask questions were mainly concerned with house break-ins.

Several youths at James Gillespies High School were charged for an incident involving knives. As they were pupils, the school is also involved with tackling the issue.

The police have identified the suspect from a robbery on West Richmond street.

Adam Stewart also mentions that over the summer he noticed by the University of Edinburgh halls near Warrender Park Rd, there were bins set on fire by youths. This has been reported to police.

Report of Election: 

Cllr Rose:

There are eight members of Marchmont Sciennes Community Council- (Susie Agnew, Brian Gilmore, Anthony Holmes, Anne Laing, Douglas Rogers, Alison Service, Adam Stewart, and Shane Voss) and the roles of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer are to be appointed by these eight. Cllr Rose asks everyone present to briefly introduce themselves.

As MSCC is a statutory body, it operates within Scottish government legislation, and must abide by the requirements of this legislation as it proceeds.

There are grants available to the Community Council, for example one grant of 2p per person on the electoral role within the Community Council area (Alison believes this last grant amount was circa £800), plus a grant to cover the cost of hiring a venue for meetings

Banking arrangements need to be made by the Community Council, and it is the Community Council’s responsibility to organise insurance.

Community Councils are required to hold 6 meetings per year, and there needs to be an AGM held in May or June (or other times when required). The Community Council may also organise sub-groups and assign additional responsibilities to its members.

Established groups approved by Edinburgh Council may have a representative on the Community Council (for example, from the Grange Association).

The time and location of the meetings must be decided by the Community Council, and it is required that the minutes and agenda are made publicly available and a copy sent to the Council.

There is a brief discussion on whether or not MSCC would like to consider offering office-holder positions on an interim appointment, or whether they should be offered as permanent positions. It is agreed that if someone wishes to accept a position on an interim basis, they may do so on request.

Appointments made:

Chair:

Alison Service proposes Brian Gilmore, which is seconded by Anne Laing. Brian is appointed Chair.

Secretary:

In the absence of any immediate proposals, Brian nominates himself on an interim basis, which is seconded by Alison. Brian is appointed Secretary.

Vice-Chair:

Alison nominates Susie Agnew, which is seconded by Brian. Susie is appointed Vice-Chair.

Treasurer:

Brian nominates Alison, which is seconded by Anne. Alison is appointed Treasurer.

Cllr Rose suggests that the appointment of any other posts (for example Transport, Planning) should be held off until the next meeting.

From this point on, Brian Gilmore chairs the meeting. Brian thanks MSCC members from last 3 years for their work.

Urgent Issues:

Draft Minutes from the last meeting, 25th September 2019, have been circulated. These are approved by Alison, seconded by Shane.

Brian suggests that we contact Sciennes PTA, and James Gillespies to be Community Liaisons on the Community Council.

Treasurer's report: 

Has been circulated. At the end of September, the balance in bank was £1077.25. Nigel points out a typo where the month mentioned in the report was August, will be amended to September for audit. Nigel approves the report subject to this amendment, which is seconded Shane.

Alison is still unable to contact the Meadows Festival Association in order to give them their cheque.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony:

A report was circulated, and Alison is looking for volunteers.

The plan will be to meet at the Christmas tree and sing carols with the brass band, and then the group will move to the hall for the children and senior choirs.

Dates of meetings:

As previous, Brian suggests that there will be no meeting in December, July, and August. Otherwise, meetings will be held on the 4^th Wednesday of every month.

AOCB:

Anne will liaise with Alison about circulating notices and agendas around the area in her absence. Anne also asks Brian to approve the copy on a notice about leaving posters in Marchmont Hardware, which Brian approves.

There is a brief discussion about the noticeboards mentioned in the last meeting. Alison has bought new Perspex windows for the noticeboard outside Margiotta, along with a spray-on, peel-off cover. She has also found a handyman, who will give a quote for the work to be done.

Anne is looking for volunteers to look after the upkeep of planters in the area and suggests that this upkeep should be done in springtime. Mike Shields has promised to re-do the planters. Adam mentions that the Gardening Club in James Gillespie’s school may also be happy to volunteer in the Spring.

Discussion about contributing some money towards erecting a Dorothy Ryle memorial bench in the Grange Cemetery. Brian proposes a contribution £50, and Alison will contact Nigel to arrange this.

Adam reminds MSCC that there is a City Plan 2030 meeting at the Edinburgh Council on November 19^th, and is attending if anyone else wishes to attend.

Date of next meeting: 27th November 2019.

DRAFT Agenda for the meeting on 27th November 2019

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wed 27^th November 2019 at 7:30pm

St Catherine's Argyle Church Halls, Beaufort Road

A G E N D A

 1             Sederunt and apologies

 2            Draft Minutes of last meeting, 23^rd October 2019, and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

 3             Police Report

 4             Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

 5             City Councillor report on topical local issues

 6             Election of Secretary (repeat)

Items for discussion

 7             Royal Hospital for Sick Children Redevelopment

                                – Current position

 8             Astley Ainslie Hospital Redevelopment: update

                                Report on consultation meetings

 9             Marchmont, Meadows and Bruntsfield Conservation Area Consultation

10           Review of Parks

11           Parking Charging changes

12           Planning (Applications & consultations)

·         Any others

Items for information

13           Treasurer's report
14           Meetings attended

                                City Plan 2030

                                EACC

15           AOCB

15           Date of next meeting: 22^nd January 2020 (No December Meeting)

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend.

MSCC is online at: https://www.facebook.com/MarchmontSciennesCommunityCouncil

MSCC Minutes for September 2019

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Minutes of Marchmont & Sciennes Community Council

Meeting of Wed 25 September 2019 at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Halls, 

Beaufort Road

Present:  – Brian Gilmore (Chair), Mike Shields (EDC Parks Officer), Sophia Coyne (Minutes Secretary), Shane Voss (MSCC), Alison Service (MSCC), Anne Laing (MSCC), Adam Stewart (local resident), Mandy Watt (Cllr Morningside), Nigel Ayton (Grange Association), Neil Mackay, Mark Phillips, Cameron Rose (Cllr Southside/Newington )

Apologies:– Stuart Tooley, Douglas Rogers, Susan Agnew (MSCC)

Matters arising:

Draft Minutes from last meeting, 26th June 2019, have been circulated and amended with a few minor corrections.  Brian will make 3 changes to the minutes.  Alison and Shane moved minutes as corrected. 

Police Report: 

Police reported on drug enforcement activity.  Numerous arrests have been made related to drug supply charges.  There has been continued issuance of drug warrants.  The target has been dealers to obstruct supply.  

Police continue programme to steer young people away from crime and drug abuse.  

In July there were incidents of garage thefts and break-ins.

A man has been extradited from Germany to face charges of sexual assault relating to an incident in Salisbury Place in October 2016.  

There was youth disorder reported on first week of school holidays with vandalism and misbehaviour in the Crags and Meadows.  CCTV inquiries identify the group.  

Currently, there is a graffiti task force underway.  There was discussion concerning incidence of bike theft in the area.  

Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

Mike shields reported on activity in the Meadows over the summer. There was a wet July but not a lot of flooding.  A ticketed Tennis event is to take place in May with a tennis court built and taken down after use.  It was proposed that another walk about in the Meadows occur in November.  

There was a query concerning maintenance of planters on Marchmont Road.  Discussion was had concerning use of barbecues in the Meadows and elevating the barbecues to avoid singe of grass.  Temporary signs have been effective in promoting proper use of barbecues in the Meadows.  

There was additional discussion concerning camping in the Meadows and status of the campers.

In terms of rough sleeping – festival sleepers who are not engaging with homeless services are not permitted to stay, they will be moved on. There have been attempts to help those who are rough sleeping.  A homeless task force has been meeting.

City Councillor report on topical local issues: 

In terms of the issues of refuse collection there are concerns about overflowing bins, street bins, and recycling bins. There was also discussion concerning recycling. A new reporting website system, accessible 9^th of October, available to anybody, will be a much better way of reporting any local issue such as street lights, overflowing bins, potholes etc. 

There was discussion concerning on-street cycle storage units on proposed streets for units.  

Adam Stewart, local resident, raised local concerns about seagull management.  It has been observed that seagulls are increasing in number.  Would like to see local residents grouping together and participating in the cost of removal, estimated at £150 per month in the breeding season (per block).

.  

Election of Secretary: (repeat)

Awaiting with the election of new CC members.  

Items for discussion: 

Royal Hospital for Sick Children Redevelopment:

There have been no further developments pending the move of NHS Lothian from the site which is now currently scheduled for Autumn 2020.  

Developers appear content with this timescale for access as their planning permission is valid for three years.  

Astley Ainslie Hospital Redevelopment: update 

Similarly drawn out situation with Astley Ainslie.  Meetings have been postponed.  

There have been four drop-in sessions, one nominally for each of the community council areas. The council sessions have had moderate attendance, with a couple of hundred people coming through.  People have expressed interest in lots of nature, green trees.  This has been a good exercise.  

Graffiti Issues

There has been contact from St. Catherine’s church about graffitti.  There was discussion concerning putting up CCTV to catch perpetrators.  

Planning (Applications & consultations): 

None of significance.  Discussion centred on electric vehicle charging, and short term lets, room rental/whole flat rentals, and planning enforcement.  

Items for Information: 

Treasurer's report: 

The Treasurer’s report had been circulated.  

The EDC grant has been received. No contact details have been found for the Meadows Festival so the MSCC donation cannot be paid.    The balance in the account to end Aug-19 is £1117.25

           

Meetings attended: 

None. 

Elections for the Community Council – deadline for nominations 30 September

Each elector may propose one nominee and second one nominee. 

For Marchmont Sciennes Community Council there are currently 6 nominations already received. 

Deadline is 4pm on the 30^th of September, Monday 

AOCB:

Discussion concerning potential replacement/refurbishment of Noticeboards. 

An error in the previous Minutes was corrected – Marchmont Hardware is NOT closed.  Lee-Ann continues to run it with her daughter.

.  

Also in the previous minutes the Treasurer’s report said that the new auditors had been appointed but the name was not noted, it is Jim Orr (ex Councillor and current convener of FOMBL).  

Date of next meeting: 23rd October 2019 (Provisional, depends on the elections)

MSCC - Agenda for 23rd October 2019

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wed 23^rd October 2019 at 7:30pm

St Catherine's Argyle Church Halls, Beaufort Road

This meeting is the first meeting of the Council after the Community Council elections, as a consequence the agenda is much briefer than normal

A G E N D A

1                   Sederunt and apologies

2                   Report of election  (Cllr Cameron Rose)

3                   Appointment of:

a.       Chair

b.       Vice Chair

c.       Secretary

d.       Treasurer

e.       Other posts

4                  Review and looking forward

5                   Urgent issues

a.       Draft Minutes of last meeting, 25^th September 2019

b.       Other

c.       Agreement of future meeting dates

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend.

MSCC is online at: https://www.facebook.com/MarchmontSciennesCommunityCouncil

MSCC Minutes June 2019

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wed 26^th June 2019 at 7:30pm

St Catherine's Argyle Church Halls, Beaufort Road

Minutes of Marchmont & Sciennes Community Council

Meeting of Wed 26 June 2019 at St Catherine’s Argyle Church Halls, 

Beaufort Road

Present:  – Stuart Irvin (St. Catherine’s Argyle), Sophia Coyne (Minutes Secretary), Brian Gilmore (Chair), Ann Laing (MSCC), Catherine Jenner, Shane Voss (MSCC), David Scott (Police Scotland), Euan Mackay (Police Scotland), Nigel Ayton (Grange Association), Cllr. Ian Berry, Alison Service (MSCC) 

Apologies:– Cllr. Mandy Watt, Ian Murray MP, Susie Agnew (MSCC)

Matters arising:

Draft minutes from May have been circulated and amended. Minutes approved. No outstanding actions from May. 

Police Report: 

Officers David Scott and Euan Mackay gave the report. 

Police officers have been conducting patrols of Nicholson Square and the surrounding areas.  There has been alcohol and drug misuse in these neighborhoods. Stair checks have been performed as there are certain tenancies linked to anti-social behavior.  There have been community meetings with residents who are concerned about antisocial behaviour from youth, some of who live in the area.  A former Nicholson Square resident is trying to work with the council on the issues.  House break-ins were reported in the  Southside of Edinburgh and local officers have been working with the University with regard to issues of rough sleeping and drink and drug misuse.  Surgeries are also addressing alcohol and drug abuse issues for this area, particularly with regard to young people, who tend to populate the area.  

Matters arising:

Mike Shields is on holiday. 

FOMBL (Friends of the Meadows & Bruntsfield Links) report see below.  

Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

City Councilor report on topical local issues: 

It is observed that the instances of antisocial behavior reported in Nicholson Square and the surrounding area pose no direct threat presently. There was concern expressed about displacement into the Meadows where substance abusers could congregate.   

It is a difficult issue to tackle.  Discussion concerning possible remedies with job placement for the individuals involved, assistance with rehabilitation from substance abuse, increased housing for those without shelter.  

Other issues discussed include fly-tipping or illegal dumping of rubbish, and the intrusion of hedges onto the pavement area. Private hedges need to be measured particularly and they cannot protrude onto the sidewalk beyond what the allowed measurement. However, overgrown hedges can be reported to the council and they will prune it for a small fee. Brian will pass this one to a resident who had an inquiry about this. 

Election of Secretary: (repeat)

Items for discussion: 

Royal Hospital for Sick Children Redevelopment:

Move set to commence between the 5th and the 15th of July. Developments to begin soon. 

Astley Ainslie Hospital Redevelopment: update 

There was a helpful note passed around to those in the engagement list. 

There was a meeting on the 27th of May, NHS Lothian, Community Council, and AA Community Trust.  The good news is that there was more engagement.  The council gave an undertaking.  A planning committee meeting is scheduled for 2nd October. 

The Grange Association will have another meeting with them in early July when the draft gets the seal of approval.  

Planning (Applications & consultations):
An email was circulated by the Grange Association. There were no applications discussed.  

Items for Information: 

Treasurer's report: 

£515 in the bank.  There has been very little activity.  

There will be a new auditor as of March next year - the name of the auditor is announced.  

There was discussion concerning the Meadow’s Festival Association donation. 

Meetings attended: 

City Vision – Focus Group Report: 

Nigel Ayton attended this meeting and reported. 

FOMBL: 

 There was discussion concerning rubbish collection, street development, need for housing law, and tourist taxes. Further discussion concerning funds raised at the Meadows Festival for the benefit of Edinburgh residents. 

AOCB:

South East Locality – Planning Partnership Representative and other Neighbourhood networks as mentioned in the prior meetings.  

Two items have been circulated with requests for involvement in upcoming elections/meetings – Tim Pogson (from Newington side), there have been no nominations for Morningside yet, Brian has been nominated to vote on behalf of the community council. 

Short term letting – so many in the tenement areas (does not affect the Grange and Marchmont).  Key safes outside demonstrate that short term letting is happening in the places nearby. There was discussion concerning an EU Court case involving the stipulation that the short-term lessor is merely an internet service provider and not a letting agency.    

There was discussion concerning the debate in Scottish Government on zoning policy, restriction/curtailment of the number of flats.  Also, the Scottish government is consulting a survey on short term letting. Alison will provide the link for the survey, and Brian will put the link on the full mailing list. 

With respect to Lee Ann who had operated Marchmont Hardware, sadly, her partner passed away.  Alison will send a card on behalf of the Community council.  

As concerns the planters on Marchmont crescent at the bottom, PTA (Gillespie’s) - everyone is keen to see something done with the planters.  Perhaps it is worth putting a notice up, some soil and some plants, planters are becoming full of rubbish, cigarettes, and beer containers etc.

Reminder that the election for the community council is coming up in September, the papers are not out to apply until the 9th of September. 

Date of next meeting: 

25 of September 2019.   

The meeting closes at 8:17 PM.

DRAFT Agenda for the September Meeting

Marchmont & Sciennes

Community Council

Meeting on Wed 25^th September 2019 at 7:30pm

St Catherine's Argyle Church Halls, Beaufort Road

A G E N D A

 1             Sederunt and apologies

 2            Draft Minutes of last meeting, 26th June 2019, and matters arising (not otherwise on Agenda)

 3             Police Report

 4             Meadows & Bruntsfield Links

 5             City Councillor report on topical local issues

 6             Election of Secretary (repeat)

Items for discussion

 7             Royal Hospital for Sick Children Redevelopment

                                – Current position

 8             Astley Ainslie Hospital Redevelopment: update

                                Report on consultation meetings

 9             Graffiti Issues

10           Planning (Applications & consultations)

·         Any others

Items for information

11           Treasurer's report
12           Meetings attended

                                Any?

13           Elections for the Community Council – deadline for nominations 30 September

14           AOCB

15           Date of next meeting: 23rd October 2019 (Provisional, depends on the elections)

All who live or work locally are welcome to attend.

MSCC is online at: https://www.facebook.com/MarchmontSciennesCommunityCouncil

Community Council Elections

The time for the Community Council elections for the next 4 years is now upon us.

This is a self-nomination process and the timescale for returning a nomination form opened on the 9th September and closes at 4pm on Monday the 30th September.

The process itself is a very easy one, the nomination form can be found on the Council website under 'Community Councils' but I have provided a direct link to Marchont & Sciennes here:

http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/12722/marchmont_and_sciennes

Basically you require two people to back you, a proposer and a seconder, and all 3 of you must live within the MSCC area.

The completed form can be scanned and returned to Councillor Rose who is our returning officer or the paper version can be returned to Councillor Rose at the Council.

I will bring spare copies to the normal meeting of MSCC on the 25th September.

We are allowed to have 14 members and an election would be held if the were more nominations than that but this has never happened in our history!

I really would encourage you to consider nominating yourself, the process is very easy and I would really expect you to find being a Community Councillor a rewarding and sometime challenging experience.

Brian Gilmore

(current chair of MSCC)