Community Council minutes and Maureen's report

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 28 Nov 2006, 21:15

I'm very conscious of the fact that we haven't been keeping the site updated with CC minutes or Maureen Child's monthly report. This is an area we need to work on. In the meantime, as a quick fix, I intend to post minutes/reports on this thread.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 28 Nov 2006, 21:23

CC draft minutes from October meeting*

Maureen's November 06 report

* It should be reported that there were two separate challenges to the CC minutes. Once I have the definitive approved version I will re-publish.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 22 Dec 2006, 18:06

Community Council doesn't meet in December, but here is Maureen's Xmas Newsletter:

Dear All

You will know by now that all Councillors, from across the Party Political spectrum, agreed to go ahead with planning for the rebuild of Portobello High School, with playing fields and facilities accessible to the community, on Portobello Park. There was no debate about it at full Council yesterday.

All Councillors decided that St John's Primary School be built on the site vacated by Portobello, and that there should be appropriate provision for alternative green space in the local area, which would be a condition of any possible planning consent in any case.

The Council is fairly well convinced there is no legal barrier to the use of this land for a school, but that will have to be tested in the courts and we are in the process of getting our own senior QC opinion on it. There are other hurdles to go through, but the Council can now go to the Scottish Executive for funding of these two very important new schools projects in the next round of national funding for school buildings.

This was not an easy process and not an easy Council decision, despite the unanimity. But I believe it is the right decision, or 'least worst', taking all the factors into account. I am not jumping with joy about it, knowing that some people are so unhappy, particularly close neighbours. But, on balance, I am content that it is the right thing to do for the common good of generations of our children and for our whole community.

I am, however, really overjoyed that the main political parties in the Council agreed to go ahead with the Edinburgh Trams project, which is very exciting indeed with great prospects. Contrary to what the siren voices will tell you - we are not 'aw doomed!' . On the contrary, the business case demonstrates the tram will be profitable within two years (as it was in Dublin) and there is every prospect of the Granton spur and Tramline 2 completing 'the loop', Tramline 3 to the Royal Infirmary is the best idea ever, and Tramline 4 through Portobello is a real prospect in the foreseeable future.

Anyone in their right mind who studied the draft business case in any detail, must welcome over Â£500 million for public transport in Edinburgh from the Scottish Executive transport budget which will reap us an ongoing annual surplus for Edinburgh. This is money that can be ploughed back into even more and better Edinburgh-wide public transport - or into keeping Council Tax down. I can assure you, this is very good news indeed! The Tram Time newsletter will give you more detail and signpost to even more information.

On a more mundane (but essential!) note, can I remind you that the next couple of weeks the refuse collection will be a day later than normal, although there may be some delays even so. The Christmas and New Year periods are staffed by people working voluntarily on their public holidays. If the refuse is not collected on the day you expect, please leave them out until they get round to you. Community recycling centres will be open every day between 10am and 4pm except for 25-26 December and 1-2 January.

I very much hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Best wishes

Maureen

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 22 Jan 2007, 20:17

Draft minutes from November meeting

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 30 Jan 2007, 19:44

Maureen's January 07 Report

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 22 Feb 2007, 18:55

Draft minutes from January meeting

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 27 Feb 2007, 18:13

Maureen's February 07 Report

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 24 Mar 2007, 19:40

Draft minutes from February meeting

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 27 Mar 2007, 18:23

Maureen's March 07 Report:

Milton Link Road Works
The traffic delays have reduced to 5 minutes, but there are still concerns about traffic levels in residential areas and on Portobello High Street. The Council, contractors, police and traffic wardens have gone to considerable lengths, in particular to ensure the safety of children crossing to and form Brunstane Primary School. It would have been very much simpler for them to close the crossing altogether and direct people to the underpass. The local community did not see this as a preferable option.

No 69 Shopping Bus from Milton Road to Portobello
The No 69 ‘shopping’ bus is now running through Milton Road East, along Harry lauder Road to Portobello during the day. Its long term future – as with all bus services – will depend on how well services are used. Bus routes are kept under constant review. So people must use it, or lose it! After the road works are finished, there will be a survey – probably in the autumn – to see how well the No 69 is patronised on the new route. The demand for the return of a better and more extended service, like the No 12, will also be kept under review.

HMO Application for Ardblair Guest House, 1 Duddingston CrescentThis application is on the agenda for the Regulatory Committee this coming Friday. I have been reassured by the Committee Clerk in consultation with the Council Solicitor, that, given the confusion over the notice, all letters of objection will be taken into account, even although residents have had letters saying they were out of time. The Regulatory Committee is likely to agree to a postponement of this item until a public meeting has been held with all interested parties to exchange information, as we did with 6 John Street. This will also include the Council’s homeless section.

Opposition to Ship to Ship Oil Transfer
The Leaders of all the Forth coastal Councils who are objecting to this madcap scheme in the Forth Estuary, have arranged to have a face-to-face meeting with the Chief Executive of Forth Ports, Charles Hammond, this coming Thursday. They will leave Forth Ports in no doubt of our communities’ outright opposition to their proposal.

The Facts About Meadowbank Replacement
It is unfortunate that misinformation has been put around about what is really being proposed. The Council is not selling the whole site for housing. Meadowbank was built 40 years ago and £250,000 is spent on it every year to keep it up to standard, but it was not built to last, and it now needs replacement. There is not enough room to build a good sports stadium at Meadowbank, so the Council plan to build a new stadium at Sighthill and this was agreed and reported in 2004. All the sports bodies were involved and agreed with the plan. The Council is planning to complete Sighthill and the new East Edinburgh local sports centre, before Meadowbank closes. The Council is consulting local people on what sports facilities they want at their new East Edinburgh Centre. The rest of the site will be re-developed with a new public square, shops, workplaces and homes – including affordable homes for rent. The Council is also consulting local people about this development. The proceeds from the new development will help pay for Sighthill Stadium and the Royal Commonwealth Pool. The Council has already set aside at least £4 million.to build the new East Edinburgh sports facility, which will obviously be very important to us.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 11 May 2007, 17:04

Draft minutes from March meeting

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 20 May 2007, 12:16

Draft minutes from April meeting

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 28 May 2007, 19:05

Quick reminder that the CC May meeting is tonight - 7.30 pm in the Baptist Church Hall.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 29 May 2007, 20:55

Maureen's May 07 report

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 19 Jun 2007, 22:42

Draft minutes from May meeting

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 19 Jun 2007, 23:10

AGM 2007

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 26 Jun 2007, 00:05

At this evening's CC meeting, a ballot was held among members to elect 3 members from 5 candidates. The successful candidates were Lawrence Marshall, Caroline Hosking and Maria Devoy.

Maria was forced to contest the election because I now represent Portobello Online in place of Maria at CC and my 'elected' postion was therefore up for grabs.

The unsuccessful candidates on this occasion were Mike Robb and Anne Ward.

This also marked the 250th meeting of Portobello Community Council and a number of past members were invited to mark the event and enjoy a glass of wine.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 26 Jun 2007, 19:02

Maureen's June 07 report

bellybabe · Post by **bellybabe** » 26 Jun 2007, 20:15

Bob Jefferson wrote:The successful candidates were Lawrence Marshall, Caroline Hosking and Maria Devoy.

Congratulations to all three - well done guys - but particularly to my partner in crime Maria.
BB

Libby · Post by **Libby** » 15 Jul 2007, 00:23

I find it very funny that when all the Councilors were all trying to get elected in the run up to the elections Stephen Hawkins was never away from the Craigmillar area touting for Business, strangely since he was elected no one has seen him in the area.

Sorry i have just told a porky, he attended a Craigmillar Partnership Board meeting as he was to be a stand in Chair as one had not yet been elected as Jack O'Donnell had stood down, don't think people at the meeting were very happy with him when he suggested the Partnership board perhaps should give CCS another 3 month funding, this was the LTD Company that had been running Insolently for the past 2 years and had Debts to the tune of £156,000 remember this is Public Money that could not, and has still not been accounted for.

Funny when he came to the next meeting he sat at the meeting and didn't utter a word.

Strange though i must admit he has never attended any of the CC meetings, maybe he is to busy.

Although he was not to busy to give the 50+ Group here in Craigmillar advice on how to ask a Disabled lady for proof of her age when she asked to join the Group and the Evening News had miss quoted her age wrong, yet bearing in mind No one else has ever been asked to prove that they are indeed 50, the lady Was so trumatised she has now taken Legal Advice on the matter and it seems she has a Case and is now considering whether to bring Legal Action against the 50+ group, the Council who are the groups main funders and Stephen Hawkins for giving out the wrong information.

See what happens when someone carries a grudge and you just happen not to look your age, these people should have been more than happy to accept this lady as the groups numbers are dwindling away so fast the Council are considering with drawing the funding from the project.

Been a bit busy lately but have been in a few times to read a few posts, must say i like the look of the board now keep up the good work.

Libby

seanie · Post by **seanie** » 15 Jul 2007, 12:10

Someone's going to sue the council because of the trauma caused by being asked for proof of age?

Are you serious?

Libby · Post by **Libby** » 16 Jul 2007, 22:46

It was not the fact that she was asked her age, she was actually discussed at a Management Committee Meeting where they had portrayed her as quite a nasty person. People are aware of this lady and it could not be further from the truth.

Also asking someone to prove there age when no other person in the group has had to prove there age is actually Discriminating

The wording was, In her opinion she was not suitable to join the Group and it would be Detrimental if she were allowed to join the Group.

I then went on to say she took Legal Advice, word came back from the Council Solicitors any group or Organization that is funded by the Council, have no right to refuse any one.

The lady is still thinking about what she will do, she has been told by members of the Community that it was Lies what was Discussed at the meeting and these Malicious Rumors were only started because she questioned the Co-Coordinator of the group about a few things that did not make sense.

The last time i heard about someone questioning someone about money, low and behold CCS were investigated and closed down.

Really hope things don't go the same way for the 50+, people have a right to ask where Public Money is being spent if they are not happy.

Libby

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 23 Jul 2007, 22:46

Libby wrote:It was not the fact that she was asked her age.....

....Also asking someone to prove there age when no other person in the group has had to prove there age is actually Discriminating.....

So it is about her age?

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 24 Jul 2007, 22:47

And did they ever find out what age she actually was?

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 24 Jul 2007, 23:03

Epykat wrote:And did they ever find out what age she actually was?

Yes, one of her pals at school dobbed her in.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 24 Jul 2007, 23:04

I'd be dead flattered if I tried to join a +36 group and they didn't believe I was old enough to join

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 24 Jul 2007, 23:20

Epykat wrote:I'd be dead flattered if I tried to join a +36 group and they didn't believe I was old enough to join

Don't expect to be dead flattered anytime soon.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 24 Jul 2007, 23:23

Is there a Portobello over 40s - under 55s Club?

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 25 Jul 2007, 10:10

We could start one. What would Bob do?

(Isn't TP a 40- 55's club already?)

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 25 Jul 2007, 19:18

Porty wrote:We could start one. What would Bob do?

Although I'm not quite old enough to qualify I would hope you would make me an honorary member.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 27 Aug 2007, 18:24

For general info. this month's CC meeting is tonight at 7.30 p.m. in the Portobello Baptist Church Hall, 185 Portobello High Street (behind the 'Portobello Bar').

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 02 Sep 2007, 20:22

Portobello Community Council minutes and Maureen's monthly reports can now be found at:

http://porty.org.uk/council

and

http://porty.org.uk/councillors

These pages are still in development and we will be adding more info soon.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 24 Sep 2007, 12:36

It's that time of the month again. CC meeting tonight at 7.30 pm.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 29 Oct 2007, 12:49

October's CC meeting is being held tonight in the Baptist Church Hall (behind the Portobello Bar) at 7.30 pm.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 28 Jan 2008, 19:30

January's meeting is tonight usual time and place. See you there?

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 25 Aug 2008, 09:11

Tonight's CC meeting has a change of venue. It'll be at the usual time of 7.30pm, but instead of the Baptist church Hall we'll be in The Beach House at the bottom of Bath Street.

Talk Porty ~ Portobello

Community Council minutes and Maureen's report

Community Council minutes and Maureen's report

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