2025 Minutes

Attending: Cllrs G Armstrong (GA), R McLuckie (RM), R Pellew (RP),

L Phillipson (LP), B Lamyman (BL), G Armstrong (GA)

Action Points

Apologies: Cllrs A Craig and S Longmate

Declarations of interest wrt agenda items: None were received.

Public session: Nothing raised

25083

The new Village Hall Manager, Elizabeth Harding (EH), gave a report on behalf of the VH management committee.

The roof repair appeared to have been successful and the new sound and hearing loop system had been installed. Bookings were increasing and the finances were looking more promising for the future. Some minor issues around security were still being actively addressed.

It was planned to decorate the hall in good time before the Christmas season, probably before the end of November.

A Christmas event jointly with the churches and the parish council, similar to those held in previous years, would be considered at the next VHMC meeting.

Invoices for the sound system installation and the food at the summer event would be passed to the clerk.

EH, All

VHMC, RM

EH

Reports from District & County Councillors: None in attendance

Acceptance of previous minutes: Accepted without amendment

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25085

25086

Chairman’s Report:

Tree management

Three quotes had been received for safety work on the trees in the VH grounds. Subject to the requirements of the tree officer at NKDC it was resolved to accept the quote from T&T Tree Services as a matter of some urgency as debris was regularly being found in some of the car parking spaces adjacent to the Beck.

It was also agreed to request that T&T Tree Services survey all the other trees on PC land. Going forward it was suggested that a 2 yearly survey would probably be required by our insurers.

The Ransom Strip of land beside the playing field contained some mature trees which may require attention to maintain public safety – it was resolved to contact NKDC to ascertain whether or not it would be willing to take possession from the current owner.

Some instances of vandalism have occurred recently in the village – it was recommended that everyone should remain observant for anything unduly suspicious.

GA, TB

TB

All

25087

DPC Policy Documents: The current policies and procedures are to be published on the website.

TB

25088

Clerk’s Report: Extended warranty cover for the Elan City radar speed sign was revisited but it was thought too expensive to justify purchase.

TB

25089

25090

25091

Emergency Planning: The test of the emergency waste water pump had been carried out successfully although the second pump requires oil and fuel.

.

Blairgowrie Beckside: Still under active consideration.

Some Himalayan Balsam has been identified growing in the Beck. Volunteers from the village should be sought to help with its removal.

BL

RM

All

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25093

Playing Field: The ROSPA safety report had highlighted several issues with the play equipment. It was resolved to remove the tunnel completely and hold 2 maintenance days (27th Sep and 4th Oct) to address those issues that were within the capability of lay persons.

Contact with the manufacturer/installer should be made with a view to obtaining a quote to rectify the other safety issues raised.

A request for a tennis court had been received from a member of the public. Unfortunately, the cost involved would be beyond the financial ability of the PC to fund.

All Cllrs

TB

TB

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25095

The current financial position was discussed and thought acceptable but the cost and quantity of tree surgery required is as yet indeterminate.

It was proposed and accepted to increase the clerk’s remuneration to £13.75 per hour, backdated to 1st April 2025

TB

TB SM

Date of next meeting13 Oct 2025