Community Association Committee

Minutes of meeting - 5th March, 2003 at 7.30pm

Welcome
Caroline welcomed all present to the meeting.

Apologies
Apologies for non-attendance were accepted on behalf of Phyllis MacLeod, John Reid and Stephen Renton.

Acceptance of Previous Minutes
After a brief discussion, the minutes of the previous meeting were adopted on the motion of Ann Marie Cockburn and seconded by Kirsty Donnelly.

Community Centre Security
Caroline opened the discussion on this subject by mentioning the attack on the Centre three weeks previously, by a group of approximately 10 youths, who had severely damaged the treasurer's car and also kicked in the front door of the Centre. She went on to report that, further to this incident accompanied by the secretary and treasurer, she had arranged a meeting with the crime prevention department of the local police. Resulting from this meeting, the police had made various suggestions and recommendations regarding the security of the Community Centre.

Caroline gave the committee a full report on these points. Finlay said he had also at length, to spoken to Inspector Brownlee on this same subject. Caroline further stated that she had met with the Abel Alarm Company to get their views and advice on what security options were available and suitable for the needs of the premises. She then produced a variety of literature which had been forwarded to her from Abel. These included everything from a full CCTV system down to a personal 'panic button' which could be supplied to user group leaders.

A general discussion took place regarding the entire subject. The cost of the CCTV unit was discussed, and Caroline said that with George's assistance she would make enquiries regarding the possibilty of getting a grant to help with the financing of the project. One or two of the Committee felt as it was the Council's building we should also talk to the Council as they were responsible for the exterior of the building. Evelyn Ritchie suggested as it was a Health and Safety issue an approach should also be made to the Education Authorities.

Treasurer's Report
Finlay reported that financially everything was fine, he also reported that Robert Jamieson was happy with the new hours he had confirmed regarding the Nursery. The treasurer also said he had made the necessary application for the current council grant of £1,000, which was now due. However he stated that because of the disruption at the meeting of the Woodlands Group, this group would in future be meeting in the Inverkip Hotel as would the Community Council. He suggested that perhaps we too should be looking at a similar move for our monthly committee meeting. It would also give us another available let for a Wednesday night. Caroline said she was against this suggestion as she felt it would send out the wrong message to the many user groups. Most of the Committee appeared to agree with Caroline's opinion on this issue.

Secretary's Report
The secretary reported that he had, with Finlay's help, completed the grant application forms for a grant to help finance the Wemyss Bay Gala. We should know if this application is successful sometime in April. George also reported he had applied for a B&Q grant to renevate the kitchen, however it would be July before we knew whether this was successful. He also mentioned he had been contacted by Donald Gorman, Janitorial Supervisor, who was interested in providing a cupboard to house the cleaner's equipment. After discussion the Committee felt that the only suitable area for this was probably inside the front door where the bins were sited at present. This may require us to ask the Cleansing Department to furnish us with Commercial sized bins to be located outside the premises. The secretary further reported that he had received a call offering us a second hand electric cooker for £50.

Letting Report
Kirsty reported that she still had plenty of bookings coming in, however she was still a bit nervous about the disco equipment. Ian Buchan said he had been told that the lights should be renewed. Finlay said he would talk to his brother regarding this. Sian Burton said her husband was of the opinion that the plugs on the equipment should be replaced, perhaps with rubber ones. The letting secretary also mentioned that she had managed to squeeze in another user group, namely a drama class. This would meet on a Tuesday from 4.15 to 6.15p.m. She asked Laura and Stephanie if they could try out the disco equipment before the next disco party. Laura mentioned that they had not been paid for the last disco. Finlay agreed to pay them for two after the next disco.

Gala Update
Ann Marie gave an extensive report on the preparations for the Gala. She mentioned that she now had another brochure for hiring outside attractions which offered a wide variety of equipment for various age groups. If we hired three of the items in the brochure we would qualify for a discount. She also reported that most of the user groups were willing to take part on the Saturday. Evelyn Ritchie agreed to try to organise the Gala Queen again. Caroline agreed to meet with Ann Marie to try to finalise a programme. Laura and Stephanie were asked if they wanted to do the disco on the Saturday night. This could also incorporate a Karaoke; they both agreed.

Sian raised the question of the user groups' stalls. She enquired if the groups would be allowed to keep any profit that was made on the day? Finlay thought they had last year. Sian said they had only been reimbursed for their expenses. George proposed that all non-commercial groups be allowed to keep whatever profit they made, Caroline seconded this proposal and the Committee agreed in general.

Care for the Family - 'How to Drug Proof your Kids'
Caroline explained that this was a non-residential course, and would take place in Cumbernauld at the end of April. It took the form of a 'Presenter Training Course'. She felt that as an association this was a project that we should consider backing. Caroline read a leaflet outlining the proposed course to the Committee, who then discussed the subject. All agreed it was a worthwhile venture. It was agreed to ask Phyllis to appeal through her Wemyss Bay news column in the local press to try and find one or two people to attend the course to represent our area. Caroline proposed that the association would fund the cost of the course and Finlay seconded her motion. Evelyn said perhaps a letter to parents from the school might be beneficial.

Profitability of Wemyss Bay News
Finlay explained that the Wemyss Bay News was now going out to more people than ever before. He also highlighted, that thanks to Phyllis, the advertising had also substantially increased. This meant, more copies and more pages, therefore the printing costs increased. To this end the cost of a normal advertisement had been increased by £2. Finlay also appealed for anyone who could help in any way with the publication to contact him.

Any Other Business
Kirsty again raised the subject of the kitchen. George mentioned he was not happy with the gas cooker. Quality Gas had checked the cooker on a couple of occasions and said it was all right. However he was still getting complaints from parties about a smell of gas. Kirsty said if it was agreed, she would go ahead and get an estimate for what she thought was necessary to bring the kitchen up to an acceptable standard, this was agreed.

Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next committee meeting would be held on April 2nd at 7.30p.m.

George Anderson, Secretary